There are many methods of cheating at land-based casinos. As technology improves, the casino systems for spotting cheaters are upgraded but the method of cheating also becomes more complicated and difficult to spot. Signals between colluding players used to be a popular cheating method. However, that has been replaced by electronic devices and more advanced techniques.
There are many tells for which to spot different types of cheaters. This article is going to focus on some of the most common ways to spot a patron cheater. Keep in mind, none of the following are definite evidence of cheating, instead, they indicate something may be wrong. If a player is looking to cheat a slot game, they may exhibit the following motions:
- Rubbernecking
- Blocking the front of the machine
- Collecting a crowd around them
- Constantly looking at the cameras
- Leg jumping
- The indicator on the machine covered
Generally, when a player is cheating, they will become nervous and paranoid. As a result, they will rubberneck, look at the cameras often and have uncontrolled muscle spasms such as constant leg movements. Also, they will want to fix the machine or input counterfeit money in secrecy. Therefore, they will find every method in the book to block the cameras or the machine using innocent bystanders.
When a player is attempting to cheat at a table game, the following may be traits that are important to look for:
- Rubbernecking
- Name refusal/only provides name when losing
- Accessories to conceal the face
- Brings large amounts of checks
- Little play, large buy-in
At table games as well as slots, the cheater will be nervous and paranoid. Also, they will refuse to provide their name if winning since they do not want it on record. If losing, then they have no problem doing so since cheaters do not play to lose.
Furthermore, the perpetrator will wear sunglasses, hats, and other accessories to conceal their face. Additionally, they will bring a large number of checks and buy-in large with little play which indicates a potential for using counterfeit money.
As cheating methods evolve and become more advanced, casino surveillance and other observatory departments need to be more vigilant and constantly training. Modern technology plays a big role as well so it is important to be up-to-date with surveillance equipment. Despite these tools, human nature is human nature so when an individual is doing something wrong, they usually exhibit some type of indicator that should be caught.