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 creation, some players have tried to outsmart the rules and cheat to increase their chances of winning. The methods of cheating in casinos are numerous and varied, ranging from dice manipulation to collusion and even 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 casino cheating methods are those that have been practised for decades, even centuries, and do not require the use of modern technology. These techniques rely on the skill, cunning and deception 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 they land on a specific combination. Cheats use their skill and knowledge of the physics of dice to control the outcome of the throw. This cheating method is mainly used in craps, where players bet on the outcome of the roll of two dice.
To succeed in manipulating 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 train for hours to perfect their technique and fool the vigilance of dealers and surveillance cameras.
Card Marking
Card marking is a cheating method that involves subtly altering the appearance of playing cards to recognise their value or colour. 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 cards are dealt face down, such as poker or Blackjack.
Collusion
Collusion is a cheating method involving several players working together to deceive the casino. The accomplices exchange information about their cards or bets, which allows them to increase their chances of winning. This practice is particularly common in poker games, where players can discreetly communicate using pre-established signals.
Cheaters can also use more sophisticated collusion techniques, such as "card counting" in Blackjack. In this case, the accomplices divide roles: some play at the table and count cards, while others observe and wait for the opportune moment to join the game and bet big.
False Shuffling
False shuffling 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 fake 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 adjust their play accordingly.
Pastposting
Pastposting is a cheating method that involves adding, changing or removing bets after a game's outcome has been determined. Cheats take advantage of a dealer's momentary distraction or confusion around the table to make these modifications discreetly.
For example, in a game of roulette, a cheat 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 deal of daring, but it can pay off handsomely if executed correctly.
Technological Cheating Methods
Electronic Devices
With the advent of modern technologies, 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 glasses or hidden cameras to observe cards and dice.
Online Cheating
Online casinos are not spared by cheating. Cheaters can use malicious software to hack into casino computer systems and manipulate game results. 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 cheat, developed a roulette cheating technique called "Savon Move". This method involved placing high-value chips on the table after the ball had landed on a winning number, while skilfully concealing this action from 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 roamed casinos worldwide using this technique and other cheating strategies. It is estimated that Marcus' team diverted several million dollars before finally being uncovered and banned from casinos.
Phil Ivey's Baccarat Cheating (2012)
Phil Ivey, one of the world's most famous and talented poker players, 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 some casinos to identify high-value cards. This technique, called "edge sorting", allowed them to win more than 20 million dollars in several casinos.
However, the casinos challenged these winnings, arguing that Ivey and Sun had used a cheating method to gain an unfair advantage. After a long legal battle, the courts ultimately ruled in favour of the casinos, forcing Ivey to repay the sums won.
Dennis Nikrasch's Craps Cheating (1970s-1990s)
Dennis Nikrasch, dubbed "the king of cheaters", spent more than two decades defrauding casinos using various cheating methods, particularly in craps. Nikrasch and his team developed a technique called "late bet", which involved placing bets after the dice had been rolled and the result known.
To achieve this feat, Nikrasch and his accomplices used distractions, such as fights or false fire alarms, to divert the attention of dealers and security officers. It is estimated that Nikrasch and his team diverted more than 15 million dollars before being arrested and sentenced to prison terms.
Willing to Do Anything to Hit the Jackpot
Casinos have always been fertile ground for cheating, with methods ranging from traditional techniques to cutting-edge technologies. Cheats show ingenuity and daring in their attempts 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 cheats, such as those of Richard Marcus, Phil Ivey or Dennis Nikrasch, show that casino cheating can sometimes pay off big, but also lead to severe consequences. Thus, it is essential for players to respect the rules and enjoy games of chance responsibly and ethically, to preserve the integrity and fairness of casinos for all participants.
