Cheating at casinos is a topic that often goes undiscussed in gambling articles, but it is important to understand the difference between cheating and legitimate strategies, such as card counting. In this article, we will explore various ways that people cheat at casinos, as well as the consequences of these actions.
Card Counting: Strategy or Cheating?
Card counting is a controversial topic in the gambling world. Although casinos often disapprove of card counting, it is not considered cheating. This strategy involves using one’s brain to track the cards that have been dealt and making betting and playing decisions based on the remaining cards. Since card counting does not involve any artificial manipulation of the game, it is not considered cheating.
However, casinos have the right to dictate what a player can bet or how many hands they can play at once. They can also limit the amount wagered or the number of hands played. This is because the casino’s goal is to make money, while players are there to have fun and hope to get lucky. The casino can ban players who are disruptive or unpleasant to other customers.
Manipulating the Game: Cheating at Casinos
Cheating involves changing the nature of the game in an artificial way. For example, slipping cards into the game to get a blackjack or paying out wins on losing hands to confederates would be considered cheating. Cheating can result in arrest and prosecution.
Betting with or against another player is not considered cheating. Mimicking the betting of other players is a common practice. However, changing the nature of the game in an artificial way would be an indication of cheating.
Stealing Chips: Railbirds and Rail Bandits
One example of cheating at casinos is the railbird or rail bandit who steals chips from another player’s rail. This illegal act can result in severe consequences for the perpetrator, including arrest and prosecution.
Pai Gow Joker: Manipulating the Automatic Shuffler
Another form of cheating at casinos involves the Pai Gow Joker, who manipulates the automatic shuffler to get a better hand than the dealer. This type of cheating is also illegal and can lead to arrest and prosecution.
Craps: Fixing the Pips and Throwing the Dice Too Hard
Some actions in craps may seem like cheating, such as fixing the pips or throwing the dice too hard. However, these actions are not considered cheating unless they involve an artificial manipulation of the game.
Roulette: Biased Wheels, Dealer Signature, and Visual Wheel Tracking
In roulette, some players have won big by discovering biased wheels, where certain numbers come up more often than others. However, finding such wheels is rare today. Other methods to beat roulette include dealer signature and visual wheel tracking, but their effectiveness is debatable.
It’s important to note that cheating at casinos is illegal and can result in severe consequences. Players should always play fair and within the rules to avoid getting into trouble.
Conclusion: Play Fair and Avoid Cheating at Casinos
In conclusion, card counting is not cheating, but casinos do not like it because some players can get a small edge over the house. Cheating at casinos, on the other hand, involves changing the nature of the game in an artificial way and can result in arrest and prosecution.
To avoid getting into trouble, it is essential for players to play within the rules and not engage in any form of cheating at casinos. By playing fair and respecting the rules of the game, players can enjoy a fun and exciting gambling experience without the risk of severe consequences.