How to Spot Cheaters at the Casino

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.

Past Posting: The Art of the Late Bet

The most common and arguably the most difficult-to-detect method of table game cheating is a sleight-of-hand maneuver known universally as "past posting."

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.

• The scam almost always involves a loud, intentional distraction created by an accomplice
• Cheaters also use "pinching," which is removing chips from a bet after losing the hand
• If a player is constantly hovering their hands near their chips after the deal, pit bosses become highly suspicious

Card Marking and Edge Sorting

Cheaters attempt to destroy this mystery by physically marking the high-value cards (like Aces and Faces) so they can be identified from the back.

A more sophisticated, highly controversial method popularized by poker legend Phil Ivey is known as "edge sorting."

Dice Sliding at the Craps Table

However, highly skilled mechanics attempt a scam known as "dice sliding," which completely removes the random tumble of the dice.

This mathematically alters the probability of hitting a 7, giving the cheater a massive, incredibly illegal advantage over the house.

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.