It seems like AI has touched almost everything over the last two years—whether we wanted it to or not. Customer service.

Basically, every application ever. Google.

Sometimes the results are enjoyable. Other times, they cost us valuable time while we try to figure out how to do things the good old-fashioned manual way.

Here’s what AI is great at: analyzing large sets of data. Drawing reasonable conclusions from that information.

Does artificial intelligence deserve a seat at the blackjack table?

Why Blackjack and AI are a Good Match:

One of the main reasons that AI and blackjack pair well together is simply that this game is most influenced by strategy and systems. Actually, it’s these strategies and systems that play a fairly big part in giving the house its built-in edge. Despite the fact that there is usually a real person representing the casino—the only exception of course being some virtual casinos—the house is not dependent on their skill at the game. They have pre written responses that guide their behavior.

Dealers must follow strict rules that remove all decision-making from their play. They must hit on any hand totaling 16 or less and stand on any hand of 17 or higher.

Unlike players, they cannot double down or split pairs. Some variations require dealers to hit on “soft 17” (a hand with an Ace counted as 11). These inflexible rules create mathematical certainty about how the dealer will act in any situation, allowing casinos to calculate their edge precisely.

Good players will develop their own systems—sometimes to great effect. While no strategy completely erases the house edge—this thanks to the dealer’s hidden card—thinking systematically about the way you play makes all the difference.

To that end, AI can be a great help. An artificial intelligence training software can help players refine their processes and better understand what strategies work the best. It might even help them identify spots to bet heavier or put their foot off the gas.

AI excels at analyzing the massive datasets needed to optimize blackjack strategy. It can simulate millions of hands in minutes, testing various approaches against different dealer scenarios. This level of analysis helps players develop more nuanced strategies than traditional basic strategy charts provide.

For card counters, AI can identify subtle patterns and correlations that humans might miss. It can calculate optimal betting spreads based on the true count and remaining deck composition. Some advanced AI systems even incorporate shuffle tracking and ace sequencing techniques that give players additional edges beyond basic counting.

Even casual players benefit from AI training tools that provide immediate feedback on suboptimal plays. These systems help internalize correct decisions until they become second nature, significantly improving win rates over time without requiring advanced mathematical knowledge.

Limitations

While all of this is nice to think about, there are limitations. The biggest of these is that obviously no casino in the world would ever let someone use an AI app to make playing decisions for them during a staked game.

In the best-case scenario, players would only be using this as a practice tool. The other thing? It’s not so different from what we already have available to us. Sure, the AI might recommend systems and strategies, but it probably won’t come up with new ones. These moves are already out there. You can find them with a quick Google search. Once you arrive at a paid game though, you’ll be on your own.

Casinos have strict policies against electronic devices at gaming tables. Security teams constantly monitor for suspicious behavior or phone use during play. Getting caught using an AI assistant would likely result in immediate removal and possible blacklisting from the establishment.

Even online casinos employ sophisticated anti-cheating software that can detect patterns suggesting automated play. Most platforms explicitly prohibit the use of decision-making software in their terms of service. Violating these terms could lead to account closure and forfeiture of any funds.

Ironically, it’s in this capacity that AI integrations may be most influential. It is very possible that casinos will use AI tools as a way to monitor player behavior.

Is that person counting cards? AI might have the answer. Beyond that, integrations will be in some ways limited.

Keep in mind that blackjack has been around for a long time. Mathematically speaking, there probably aren’t many breakthroughs left to be made.

Other Casino Breakthroughs to Look Out For

Perhaps more interesting is the development of blockchain-powered crypto casinos. The ability to play blackjack with Bitcoin isn’t just trendy. It adds security and speed to online experiences that used to be sluggish and frustrating.

It’s important to remember that casinos have been around for hundreds of years. Even slots, which have every appearance of being incredibly modern, have been around for 130 years. And while the early machines weren’t themed after the Walking Dead, the mechanics were basically the same.

New technology can improve the way we experience casino games. Then again, as the poets once said: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.