How GOAT Tommy Hyland Made Millions Counting Cards, Built the Most Successful Team & Beat Vegas!

Tommy Hyland, one of the greatest blackjack players of all time and a 2002 inductee into the Blackjack Hall of Fame, returns for his second appearance on Personable.

From decades of professional card counting to a 9–0 legal record defending players’ rights, Tommy has spent over 40 years beating casinos with skill, math, and grit. Known for running one of the longest-standing blackjack teams in history, he shares how he turned card counting from a side hustle into a full-time career — and why he believes professional play is “fighting the good fight.”

In this episode, Tommy reveals what it takes to survive and thrive as a professional blackjack player.
He explains the math behind card counting, how to manage risk using the Kelly Criterion, and what separates hobbyists from pros. From casino surveillance and legal battles to emotional control and bankroll discipline, Tommy breaks down how to stay ahead of both the cards — and the house.

In this episode, Tommy Hyland discusses:
◽️ Card counting vs. casino countermeasures — legal, ethical, and tactical realities
◽️ Building a blackjack network — teams, mentorship, and trust in the industry
◽️ The “brotherhood” of professional players and how new players can break in
◽️ The Kelly Criterion — how much to bet and when to walk away
◽️ How to manage risk, emotion, and long-term swings

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⏱ Timestamps

00:00 Intro / Welcome to Personable
00:33 Life update — golf, blackjack, and staying sharp
02:20 Casino restrictions and playing smart under pressure
07:30 Why most casinos don’t use continuous shufflers
09:30 The blackjack brotherhood — community and shared intel
11:00 How to find mentors, teams, and investors
13:30 The Blackjack Ball and the legends who attend
15:00 Comparing blackjack, poker, and sports betting
26:00 Fighting back: 9–0 legal record against casino bans
31:00 The Kelly Criterion explained — how much to bet per hand
35:00 Emotional control and bankroll management
40:00 Building a team, finding investors, scaling your play
45:00 Handling swings, losses, and staying rational
55:00 Influences, mentors, and the evolution of advantage play
1:00:00 Legal battles, lawsuits, and false arrests
1:11:00 Believing the math — advice for new players
1:14:00 Legacy, life beyond blackjack, and what’s next

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📌 Resources
Tommy Hyland:
◽️ Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Hyland

Harvey Bracken-Smith:
◽️ LinkedIn:  https://linkedin.com/in/harveybracken-smith
◽️ Instagram:  https://instagram.com/harveybsmith
◽️ X (Twitter):  https://x.com/harveybsmith_
◽️ Newsletter:  https://personable.substack.com/

Personable Podcast:
◽️ Instagram:  https://instagram.com/personable.podcast
◽️ LinkedIn:  https://linkedin.com/company/personablepodcast
◽️ TikTok:  https://tiktok.com/@personableclips
◽️ Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/7JOTYDER6m2FDrlhop4api
◽️ Apple Podcasts:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/personable/id1671640111

Additional:
◽️ The Draft (Sign up):  https://thedraft.io
◽️ Fundraising:  https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/LouLouRacefoiundation?utm_term=PvByaxmdn

Personable is a podcast dedicated to helping listeners become the best they can be by learning from the world’s best in their respective fields. This mission is inspired by my mother, Louise, who encouraged me to become the best version of myself before she passed away from cancer in 2023.

This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not financial advice. Always consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. Investing involves risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results.