Hello.
I use the Hi-Opt 1 count only for single-deck games because it treats the Ace as a neutral card, thus it's more accurate when telling you how to play your hand, but less accurate than counts like the Hi/Lo when telling you how much to bet. If you use a side count of Aces, the Hi-Opt 1 accuracy in betting is very similar to Hi/Lo, but from a practical point of view, it's hard to do in a six-deck game for long periods of time.
Most online casinos shuffle the cards after every round of play, so counting is of little value. That said, there are some exceptions. For example, by playing all 5 spots at a single-deck game, you'd have some valuable information when it comes time to play the last hand if you're counting. This technique was dubbed "depth charging" by Arnold Snyder and he covered how to do it in his book, "Blackbelt in Blackjack", at least in the first edition.
The multi-player games at online casinos that use Cryptologic software, such as InterCasino, deal about 2 of the 8 decks in play and it's easy to "wong" in and out. The profit potential is very small, but it's still fun and they deal an honest game.
Probably the best games for counters are the multi-deck games at Global Player Casino, where they deal out, on average, 55% of the cards before a shuffle. (A disclaimer here: Global Player Casino is an advertiser on my site and I co-sponsor a BJ tournament with them every month.) While the penetration is shallow, which makes it difficult to get any kind of long-tern edge, it's a great way to practice, because you can download their software and use "play" money. They, too, shuffle the cards after every round of play at their single-deck games, but you can play more than one spot there.
All that's fine, but bonuses are - or at least were - the way to go, just as you've heard. Depending upon the wagering requirements - which are often 25 times the deposit + bonus - one can realize a profit from accurate play. For example, if you deposit $100 and get a $100 matching bonus, you may be required to wager a total of $5000 before the bonus can be withdrawn. If perfect Basic Strategy gives the casino a 0.40% edge, your expectation is to lose $20, so theoretically, a profit of $80 will accrue. The problem, of course is variance (what most call "luck"), which could easily see you losing the entire $200 while trying to meet the wagering requirements. However, if you were to do this 20 or 30 times, variance will be less of a factor.
The problem these days is finding enough opportunities like this at well-run, honest casinos. It's not impossible, mind you, but it sure isn't the "good old days" of a few years ago.
GM
