Counting cards while playing blackjack can be lucrative...if you don't get caught. Ben Affleck...
Ben Affleck and wife Jennifer Garner decided to take a relaxing, adults-only vacation to Las Vegas prior to Ben filming the new Batman movie. Considering Ben’s relationship with gambling, Jennifer had to be at least slightly concerned of what would unfold in Sin City. The thrill of the casino roped in Ben again and he fell back into to his reckless gambling habit.
In 2011, Ben’s involvement in an underground poker ring became public knowledge. The ring also involved A-List actors such as: Tobey McGuire, Matt Damon, and Leonardo DiCaprio. This wasn’t your average boys’ poker night, as at one point Ben lost over $400,000. Despite some slumps, Ben has had some great gambling wins. In 2003 he played in the World Poker Tour. He scored his place at the famous poker tournament’s table by winning the California State Poker Tournament.
During his Vegas trip, Ben was nabbed counting cards at the high-roller blackjack tables. Although counting cards is not illegal, casinos frown upon it, as it puts the favor in the player’s hands and shrinks the casino’s chance of taking the player’s money. Many professional blackjack players believe the casinos’ efforts to curb card counting is not fair. They believe if they are smart enough to put the odds in their favor, then they should be rewarded with winnings.
Ben is no stranger to counting cards, this time he was reportedly reckless with his betting patterns. These patterns caught the eye of the Hard Rock Casino’s pit boss. Ben was blatantly betting with the rise and fall of the deck. He reportedly would bet big when the deck was in his favor, up to $10,000 per hand, but bet absolutely nothing when the deck was cold. Ben was approached by casino personnel and politely told he was too good at blackjack, but was welcome to play any of their other games.
Hard Rock Casino released statements declaring Affleck a valued guest who is welcome on their property whenever he would like. Hopefully Ben will learn a few stealthy moves while portraying Batman and be able to keep his card counting under wraps next time.
