At the beginning of this month, the Nevada Gaming Control Board warned casinos about the use of iPhones in casinos.

It seems that players who own iPhones can buy an application for their phone called “The Blackjack Card Counter”. This application is cause for concern for casino operators as it can help players card count.

Whilst card counting as such is not ilegal in Nevada, using a device to help you card count is. Ilegally card counting in casinos carries a custodial sentence of 1-6 years. First time offenders may be let off a prison sentence and be made to pay a fine of no more than $10,000.

Randall Sayre, who is on the Nevada Gaming Control Board, said “Once this program is installed on the phone through the iTunes Web site, it can make counting cards easy.”

Casino operators were also warned about a function on the iPhone that makes it look as though the screen is off, but it is actually a dark screen saver and the phone is very much on.

“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 of NRS 465.075,”(Sayre).