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
If they win a hand of blackjack, their original $10 bet is magically transformed into a $100 bet right before the dealer pays them out.
Often, a confederate (an accomplice) will intentionally spill a drink or loudly argue with a waitress at the exact moment the cheater makes the move.
Past posting involves adding chips to a bet after the player already knows they have wonIt is also called "late betting" and is most common on the crowded, chaotic roulette tablesCheaters use palm-palming techniques to hide the extra chips in their hands
Card Marking and Edge Sorting
Historically, this involved utilizing invisible ink readable only with special contact lenses, or using a fingernail to create a tiny, microscopic dent in the cardboard.
A more sophisticated, highly controversial method popularized by poker legend Phil Ivey is known as "edge sorting."
How Cheaters Manipulate the Dice
Instead of throwing the dice into the air, the cheater expertly slides one of the dice completely flat across the felt, preventing it from ever tumbling.
This mathematically alters the probability of hitting a 7, giving the cheater a massive, incredibly illegal advantage over the house.
Cheating MethodTarget GameHow it WorksPast PostingRoulette / BlackjackAdding chips to a winning bet lateEdge SortingBaccaratExploiting asymmetrical card patterns
If you suspect a player at your table is manipulating the game, simply walk away and let the eye in the sky do its job.
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How to Spot Cheaters at the Casino
Gertie Gearhart edited this page 2026-08-04 08:00:52 +00:00