Since the very first casino opened its doors, an endless war has raged between the operators trying to protect their money and the criminals trying to steal it.
The casino’s “Eye in the Sky” catches most of them eventually, but recognizing the signs of a scam unfolding right next to you is a fascinating skill.
How Cheaters Manipulate Casino Chips
Past posting occurs when a cheater incredibly quickly and silently adds additional chips to their winning bet exactly a split second after the winning outcome is determined.
While the dealer’s eyes are momentarily distracted by the sudden commotion, the extra high-denomination chips are seamlessly slid onto the winning betting circle.
- Past posting involves adding chips to a bet after the player already knows they have won
- It is also called “late betting” and is most common on the crowded, chaotic roulette tables
- Cheaters use palm-palming techniques to hide the extra chips in their hands
Card Marking and Edge Sorting
In card games like Blackjack and Baccarat, the entire house edge relies entirely on the fact that the next card in the shoe is a complete mystery.
A more sophisticated, highly controversial method popularized by poker legend Phil Ivey is known as “edge sorting.”
Dice Sliding at the Craps Table
The craps table is extremely difficult to cheat due to the massive size of the table, the required wall-bounce, and the presence of four highly trained dealers.
To combat this, casinos mandate that both dice must physically bounce off the chaotic, rubber pyramid “alligator” siding at the far end of the table.
| Scam Name | Required Skill Level | Detection Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| Dice Sliding | Extremely High (Physical skill) | Low (Dealers watch the throw closely) |
| Invisible Ink | Low (Requires tainted deck) | High (Requires UV light to detect) |
The glamorous era of casino cheating has largely been eradicated by incredibly advanced facial recognition, RFID-chipped betting tokens, and relentless surveillance.