Card counting iPhone application lands Australian developer in hot water

An Australian iPhone application developer is in the middle of an international controversy over his Blackjack card-counting program, which has been banned from casinos in Las Vegas.

Australian casinos are also being warned about the application, which can be used in a “stealth mode” where users can switch the iPhone’s screen off but still access the device.

Developer Travis Yates, who owns Webtopia, created the Blackjack Card Counter application, which can be bought for $2.49 on the iTunes App Store. The application allows the user to count cards, a tactic used by Blackjack players to pick the moments when the probability of winning is highest.

The stealth mode of the application means the phone can be placed in a user’s pocket – seemingly switched off – and will then vibrate when a bet needs to be made.

While many casinos will expel players who are suspected of counting cards, it is not actually illegal. However, using an electronic device to do so is completely forbidden.

Randall Sayre, board member of the State of Nevada Gaming Control Board, issued a warning saying the application counted cards “significantly more accurately”.

“Just as a reminder, use of this type of program or possession of a device with this type of program on it (with the intent to use it) in a licensed gaming establishment, is a violation…”

Yates says that he usually sells about 10 copies of the application a day, but sold 500 yesterday after international news organisations picked up on the warning. But despite the application’s popularity, he didn’t know he had created such a stir.

“First I heard of it was when I got an email from CNN, and they asked me if I knew their report had gone out. I looked online and there was a video, which I assumed aired on CNN. This woman was showing my application and how it worked, which was a bit surreal.”

But Yates says while the application has been banned, he only created the application for “personal use”.

“I was surprised people were trying to use it in a casino. It’s not something I would try,” he says.

Yates says he got into the application developing business after hearing about its popularity from a friend.

“I’ve got an internet marketing business and a friend of mine suggested that I get into applications. He heard there was going to be some money involved. I didn’t know the language that’s used to develop it; I had to teach myself that,” Yates says.

“When I first started in late September, things were fairly slow. But since doing the apps I’ve doubled my income, and it’s even increased further.”

He declined to disclose revenue figures.

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