What is a “Cheater”?
A cheater is an individual who uses dishonest methods to gain an unfair advantage over the house or other players. Cheating undermines the integrity of games designed to rely on chance or skill.
A cheater intentionally breaks rules to increase winnings or reduce losses. This differs from legal strategies like card counting in blackjack, which casinos dislike but don’t classify as cheating. Cheaters exploit vulnerabilities for profit, risking severe consequences.
Some of the more common cheating methods are outlined below:
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Card Marking: Secretly altering cards to identify them later.
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Collusion: Teaming up with dealers or players to rig outcomes (e.g., signaling in poker).
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Device Use: Employing hidden tools like cameras or computers to predict results, banned in regulated settings.
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Past Posting: Placing bets after the outcome is known, often in roulette or table games.
How do Casinos spot a Cheater?
Casinos use surveillance cameras, trained staff, and technology (e.g., RFID chips) to spot cheaters. Patterns like unusual wins or suspicious behavior trigger investigations. Transparency in rules helps players understand what’s fair versus fraudulent.
Cheating is illegal in most jurisdictions. Caught cheaters face bans, fines, or jail time. Casinos may also seize winnings. High-profile cases, like the 2010s poker chip-switching scandals, highlight the risks and repercussions.