Hard Rock Cafe in Los Vegas has banned actor Ben Affleck for life from playing blackjack after security officers accused him of “being too good”, a source told The New York Post Friday.
Some reports said that Affleck allegedly was counting cards, which involves remembering which cards have already been played to determine the odds of whether or not to place a high bet. Counting cards isn’t illegal but many casinos forbid it, and it’s apparently grounds for getting banned for life.
“Card counting is perfectly legal,” said Colin James of BlackjackApprenticeship.com. “You’re just using your brain. But the casinos don’t like it because they know if you play long enough you’ll take their money.”
The Batman star and his wife, actress Jennifer Garner, were on a little couple getaway when the incident took place.
“Ben was told that he cannot ever play blackjack at the Hard Rock again,’’ the source said. “He was there with Jen on Tuesday night for a romantic break before he headed off to Detroit to shoot Batman vs. Superman.”
“He was playing blackjack at a high-rollers table on Tuesday and was doing pretty well. He is really smart and a great blackjack player.
“Suddenly, managers approached Ben and told him. ‘You are playing too well. You are going to have to stop playing blackjack. You can play any other game at the Hard Rock, but you are banned from playing blackjack in our casino.’’’
“What he was doing isn’t illegal. He’s basically an ‘advantaged player’ because he knows what he’s doing,” said the source.
BUSTED: Ben Affleck banned from Vegas blackjack for life for 'counting cards'
http://t.co/dLmNOgZuS5 pic.twitter.com/5P5fcP4hYe
— 3am (@3am) May 3, 2014
Ben Affleck banned from casino, card counting. countinghttp://dailyfirstpages.com/?p=62147 #HardrockHotel #blackjack pic.twitter.com/16GGfBVu6K
— dailyFIRSTPAGES (@entDFP) May 3, 2014
“Card counting is perfectly legal,” said Colin James of BlackjackApprenticeship.com.
“You’re just using your brain. But the casinos don’t like it because they know if you play long enough you’ll take their money,” said James. “He and Jen decided to leave, and security arranged for a car service to take them back to their hotel.”
Hard Rock Cafe told Affleck he can visit the casino in the future but just not anywhere near the blackjack tables.
Apparently Affleck may have tried this gambling tactic before and is an extremely talented card player.
In 2001, he won $800,000 at the Hard Rock’ blackjack tables by playing three $20,000 hands in one night.
Actor Ben Affleck 'banned' from blackjack at Las Vegas casino for 'being too good' http://t.co/9RmqBQIyIG pic.twitter.com/SQxEGukByd
— ITV News (@itvnews) May 3, 2014
A spokesman for Affleck declined comment.
Image via Wikimedia Commons
