Ken Uston

Kenneth Senzo Uston was born in New York City in 1935 and led a remarkable double life. He earned degrees from Yale University and Harvard Business School and rose to become a senior vice president at the Pacific Stock Exchange. But his passion was blackjack, and he eventually abandoned his corporate career to become a professional gambler.

Uston learned card counting from Al Francesco and quickly became a key member of Francesco's pioneering teams. He excelled at the "Big Player" role, betting thousands while appearing to be a reckless high roller. When he broke from Francesco to run his own teams, he reportedly won over $4 million from casinos worldwide.

Uston was known for his aggressive style and willingness to push limits. He used elaborate disguises to continue playing after being banned and reveled in the cat-and-mouse game with casino security. His books, including "The Big Player" and "Million Dollar Blackjack," revealed team play techniques to the public.

Uston's most lasting contribution came through the courts. In 1982, he successfully sued Atlantic City casinos for banning him, resulting in a New Jersey Supreme Court ruling that casinos could not exclude skilled players. This decision still protects card counters in Atlantic City today.

Ken Uston died mysteriously in 1987, but his legal victories and publicity brought card counting into mainstream awareness. His fight for players' rights established important legal precedents. He was inducted into the Blackjack Hall of Fame in its inaugural class of 2002, recognized for both his playing success and his legal contributions.