Counting cards in blackjack?

Alright so my friends have been practicing counting cards for the past 2 years as like a hobby of thiers, they just enjoy it. i started practicing with them 3 months ago and its like second nature to me, like im really good at keeping the count and knowing what to do and when to do it. ive always been exxcellent at mathematics, when im counting cards i never lose the count, and i do meen that. my friends have been practicing longer than i have yet they admit that i am better than them at it. anyway so down to my question, me and my friends are thinking about going to a casino and playing some blackjack for some cash, however i heard that if you are caught counting cards it can be dangerous... is it just a rumor that they bring you to a back room and break your finger, etc.? and also does anybody have tips on how to help not getting caught? and also which area of the continient is safer to do it in.. i live in alaska so going to canada is no problem.... should i try the canada casinos? or go to the gambling boats? or head on down to las vegas? etc? any to all input is greatly apprieciated.