Methods of Cheating at the Casino

The casinos, these temples of gambling and chance, have always been places where one can win a lot of money, but also lose just as much. Since their creation, some players have tried to outsmart the rules and cheat to increase their chances of winning. The cheating methods in casinos are numerous and varied, ranging from dice manipulation to collusion, not to mention the use of cutting-edge technologies. This article aims to explore these different methods and understand how casinos fight against these illegal practices.

Traditional cheating methods

Traditional cheating methods in casinos are those that have been practiced for decades, if not centuries, and do not require modern technologies. These techniques rely on skill, cunning, and the 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 the physics of dice to control the outcome of the toss. This cheating method is primarily used in craps games, where players bet on the outcome of the toss 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 dealers and surveillance cameras.

Card marking

Card marking is a cheating method that involves discreetly altering the appearance of playing cards to recognize their value or color. Cheaters can use various techniques to mark cards, such as using invisible ink, small notches, special folds, or light scratches.

Once the cards are marked, cheaters can identify their value and adjust their play accordingly. This cheating method is particularly effective in games where the cards are dealt face down, such as poker or blackjack.

Collusion

Collusion is a cheating method that involves multiple players working together to deceive the casino. Accomplices exchange information about their cards or bets, which allows them to increase their chances of winning. This practice is particularly prevalent 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 divide 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 "false shuffle," is a cheating technique used by dishonest dealers to manipulate the order of cards in a deck. Instead of actually shuffling the cards, the dealer performs a false shuffle that leaves some cards in their original position. This method allows the dealer and their accomplices to know the position of certain key cards and adjust 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 the confusion around the table to make these modifications discreetly.

For example, in a game of roulette, a cheater may 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 dose of audacity, but it can yield significant rewards if executed correctly.

Technological cheating methods

Electronic devices

With the advent of modern technologies, new means 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 glasses or hidden cameras to observe cards and dice.

Online cheating

Online casinos are not spared from cheating. Cheaters can use malware to hack into the computer systems of casinos and manipulate game outcomes. They may also create multiple accounts to take advantage of bonuses and promotional offers reserved for new players.

The most legendary casino cheating stories

Richard Marcus's roulette cheating team (1970s-1990s)

Richard Marcus, a former professional cheat, developed a roulette cheating technique called "the soap bet." This method involved placing high-value chips on the table after the ball had landed on a winning number while skillfully concealing this action from the dealers and surveillance cameras. Marcus used a hollow chip containing a piece of soap to perform this maneuver.

Over the years, Marcus formed a team of cheaters who scoured casinos around the world using this technique and other cheating strategies. It is estimated that Marcus's team diverted several million dollars before being ultimately exposed and banned from casinos.

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 scandal in 2012. Ivey and an accomplice, Cheng Yin Sun, took advantage of a printing defect on the cards used in some casinos to identify high-value cards. This technique, called "edge sorting," allowed them to win over 20 million dollars in several casinos.

However, casinos contested these winnings, arguing that Ivey and Sun had used a cheating method to gain an unfair advantage. After a lengthy legal battle, the courts ultimately ruled in favor of the casinos, forcing Ivey to repay the winnings.

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, particularly 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 known.

To succeed in this feat, Nikrasch and his accomplices used distractions, such as fights or false fire alarms, to divert the attention of dealers and security personnel. It is estimated that Nikrasch and his team diverted over 15 million dollars before they were arrested and sentenced to prison.

Ready to do anything to win the jackpot

Casinos have always been fertile ground for cheating, with methods ranging from traditional techniques to cutting-edge technologies. Cheaters exhibit ingenuity and audacity to try to outsmart the rules and increase their chances of winning. However, casinos do not remain passive in the face of these illegal practices and implement various measures to combat cheating, both in their physical establishments and online casinos.

The stories of legendary cheaters, such as those of Richard Marcus, Phil Ivey, or Dennis Nikrasch, show that cheating in casinos can sometimes yield significant rewards but also lead to severe consequences. Thus, it is essential for players to adhere to the rules and enjoy games of chance responsibly and ethically, in order to preserve the integrity and fairness of casinos for all participants.