Casinos, those temples of gambling and chance, have always been places where you can win a lot of money, but also lose just as much. Since their inception, some players have tried to bypass the rules and cheat to increase their chances of winning. Methods of cheating in casinos are numerous and varied, ranging from dice manipulation to collusion and the use of cutting-edge technology. This article aims to explore these different methods and understand how casinos fight against these illegal practices.
Traditional Cheating Methods
Traditional casino cheating methods are those that have been practiced for decades, or even centuries, and do not require the use of modern technology. These techniques rely on the skill, cunning, and concealment of the cheaters. Among the most common traditional cheating methods are dice manipulation, card marking, collusion, false shuffling, and pastposting.
Dice Manipulation
Dice manipulation, also known as "dice sliding" or "dice setting", is a technique that involves throwing the dice in a particular way so that they land on a specific combination. Cheaters use their skill and knowledge of dice physics to control the outcome of the throw. This cheating method is mainly used in craps games, where players bet on the outcome of the roll of two dice.
To successfully manipulate the dice, cheaters must master several elements: the grip of the dice, the angle of the throw, the force applied, and the bounce on the table. They often practice for hours to perfect their technique and deceive the vigilance of croupiers and surveillance cameras.
Card Marking
Card marking is a cheating method that involves discreetly altering the appearance of playing cards to recognise their value or suit. Cheaters can use various techniques to mark cards, such as using invisible ink, small nicks, particular folds, or light scratches.
Once the cards are marked, cheaters can identify their value and adapt their play accordingly. This cheating method is particularly effective in games where cards are dealt face down, such as poker or blackjack.
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Collusion
Collusion is a cheating method that involves multiple players working together to deceive the casino. Accomplices exchange information about their cards or bets, allowing them to increase their chances of winning. This practice is particularly widespread in poker games, where players can communicate discreetly using pre-established signals.
Cheaters can also use more sophisticated collusion techniques, such as "card counting" in blackjack. In this case, accomplices split the roles: some play at the table and count the cards, while others observe and wait for the right moment to join the game and bet big.
False Shuffling
False shuffling, or a "false shuffle", is a cheating technique used by dishonest dealers to manipulate the order of the cards in a deck. Instead of actually shuffling the cards, the dealer performs a false shuffle that leaves certain cards in their original position. This method allows the dealer and their accomplices to know the position of certain key cards and adapt their play accordingly.
Pastposting
Pastposting is a cheating method that involves adding, modifying, or removing bets after the outcome of a game has been determined. Cheaters take advantage of a moment of inattention from the dealer or confusion around the table to make these changes discreetly.
For example, in a game of roulette, a cheater might add chips to the winning number after the ball has stopped, or remove chips from a losing bet. This cheating method requires great skill and a good deal of audacity, but it can pay off big if executed correctly.
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Technological Cheating Methods
Electronic Devices
With the advent of modern technology, new ways of cheating have emerged. Some cheaters use electronic devices, such as mobile phones equipped with special software, to predict the outcomes of games of chance. Others use night vision goggles or hidden cameras to observe cards and dice.
Online Cheating
Online casinos are not spared from cheating. Cheaters can use malware to hack into casino computer systems and manipulate game outcomes. They can also create multiple accounts to take advantage of bonuses and promotional offers reserved for new players.
The Most Legendary Casino Cheating Stories
Richard Marcus' Roulette Cheating Team (1970s-1990s)
Richard Marcus, a former professional cheater, developed a roulette cheating technique known as "the Savannah". This method involved placing high-value chips on the table after the ball had landed on a winning number, while cleverly concealing this action from the eyes of the dealers and surveillance cameras. Marcus used a hollow chip containing a piece of soap to perform this manoeuvre.
Over the years, Marcus formed a team of cheaters who scoured casinos worldwide using this technique and other cheating strategies. It is estimated that Marcus' team diverted several million dollars before finally being unmasked and banned from casinos.
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Phil Ivey's Baccarat Cheating (2012)
Phil Ivey, one of the most famous and talented poker players in the world, was involved in a baccarat cheating case in 2012. Ivey and an accomplice, Cheng Yin Sun, took advantage of a printing defect on the cards used in certain casinos to identify high-value cards. This technique, called "edge sorting", allowed them to win more than 20 million dollars across several casinos.
However, the casinos disputed these winnings, arguing that Ivey and Sun had used a cheating method to gain an unfair advantage. After a long legal battle, the courts finally ruled in favour of the casinos, forcing Ivey to repay the won sums.
Dennis Nikrasch's Craps Cheating (1970s-1990s)
Dennis Nikrasch, dubbed "the king of cheaters", spent more than two decades scamming casinos using various cheating methods, notably in craps. Nikrasch and his team developed a technique called "the late bet", which involved placing bets after the dice had been thrown and the outcome was known.
To pull off this feat, Nikrasch and his accomplices used distractions, such as fights or false fire alarms, to divert the attention of dealers and security guards. It is estimated that Nikrasch and his team diverted more than 15 million dollars before being arrested and sentenced to prison terms.
Ready for Anything to Win the Jackpot
Casinos have always been fertile ground for cheating, with methods ranging from traditional techniques to cutting-edge technologies. Cheaters show ingenuity and audacity in their attempts to bypass the rules and increase their chances of winning. However, casinos do not remain passive in the face of these illegal practices and put in place various measures to combat cheating, both in their physical establishments and in online casinos.
The stories of legendary cheaters, such as Richard Marcus, Phil Ivey, or Dennis Nikrasch, show that casino cheating can sometimes pay off big, but can also lead to heavy consequences. Thus, it is essential for players to respect the rules and enjoy games of chance in a responsible and ethical manner, in order to preserve the integrity and fairness of casinos for all participants.
