

### SEVEN SPINS YOU WIN

### By

Raymond Arthur

Copyright Raymond Arthur 2011

Published at Smashwords

Cover by Joleene Naylor

This ebook is for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be sold or given away. If you would like to recommend this book, please show that person how to purchase their own copy from smashwords. Thank you for respecting the hard work the Author has put in.

******

### INTRODUCTION

As an ex casino Croupier (Dealer), long term Supervisor and one time Pit Boss, with experience in nine casinos, in the northern and southern hemisphere and going back to 1975, I can safely say, I've seen a lot of questionable hand and chip moves, played out on American Roulette and Blackjack tables. Some minor casino games can also be included.

The following pages contain a range of these moves - and their variations, that cheats (some accidental) from all walks of life, including Staff, have attempted at the tables - purely for your reading pleasure. I also explain in plain English just what Management, gaming Staff and Punters (Bettors) have to do, to cope with rules, regulations and security procedures, which play a major part in the attempted stings.

What I have written is an informative collection of memorable incidents; facts, figures and honest details about (often flawed) casino gaming, that few outside the industry realize exists or have noticed. Anyone can browse through the pages and pick up on general information attempted by clever, daring and dumb would be cheats alike.

This is not a 'How To' book, or a guide for would be hustlers, so copying any of the methods explained and using them at the tables could end up in ejection, prosecution, life bans or whatever. Some of the methods used are elaborate and deceptive, but most are in fact quite simple. Subtle and deliberate moves are explained at length, for you to digest and sometimes words speak louder than actions, as you will discover. Most of the dishonest methods I trace back to the seventies, while many will probably be as old as the hills.

No names (except one VIP at the end), places, except loose regions of countries and dates are mentioned, in this largely autobiographical gaze back at casino improprieties, showdowns, anomalies, wrongdoings and funny moments from down the years. Casino Staff can play a main role and I explain how easily some Dealers and their accomplices, have taken their employers for fools and how the casino might sting back, in these remarkable and addictive games, that millions play worldwide, but few actually get to win at, in the long run.

You will discover how honest Staff accidentally give Punters a second chance and then win. You are also given general gaming tips and good advice to keep you in the hunt legally. I include anecdotes and add humor throughout and I also lace it with plausible spice and appropriate cynicism, wherever I felt the need.

You will also find out just why the Number Of The Beast (666), is astonishingly relevant to Roulette and to a lesser extent on blackjack, later in the book.

This information book is not bogged down with slick in house jargon, terminology, or difficult technical breakdowns, as some (related by topic) books can be. However, I hope that the reader will already be familiar with the layout of roulette and blackjack, as well as some knowledge of how the games are played, plus the winning odds. In addition to Roulette and Blackjack in the later pages, I touch on a couple of minor casino games near the end, which are worth mentioning. I hope you enjoy reading this book, as much as I enjoyed writing it.

### THE CASINO GAME

Casinos make vast amount of money all over the planet, simply because we walk in and play games designed to make money for the casino - not for you and me. Many of the numerous casinos worldwide offer incentives like complimentary or cheap drinks, meals, accommodation, entertainment, bonus points, loyalty membership incentives, prize draws, etc, to lure and keep you tied to their establishment.

These activities are applied carefully. Gaining some of these incentives can sometimes depends on your 'in for' figures (although basic membership systems are usually free). These 'in for' cash figures are what you 'drop' in a given night, week, month or year. The more money you drop, the merrier. You may become a rated or loyal Player if you wish to.

Casinos actual table winning margins are not high. It's well below five percent on European style tables, but more for American, which of course has a single and a double zero bet, whereas the Euro only has the original single zero to bet on. This means huge turnovers are required to make an establishment a highly profitable concern. People do provide astonishing amounts of cash, through irregular or routine visits and then there is the gambling addict who can be seen daily. The cash drop figures can vary wildly.

Casinos are by nature hungry for increasing profits. Punters get hungry too, which often turns into greed.

Don't get greedy in a casino.

Slot machines (also known as Pokies) account for huge profits as we all know and I, like anybody who has half a brain, should never put a brass razoo into these things, but we do. Machines do not respond like Dealers who have flaws, weaknesses and character. The casino cheat knows this and might never be seen playing slot machines. Win figures on these slot machines are often staggering. We cannot compete against them; it's beyond our capacity. We're people; they're not - no contest.

The real contest is against the system. The system is made up of people and the equipment they use, which in this case, is Blackjack and Roulette, the two most popular casino games on the planet, as far as I am aware.

This business that manufactures absolutely nothing, yet turns over billions worldwide is so cleverly set up. Anybody can be easily sucked in. Over many years I have seen many sucked in and blown out, one way or another and they say the house always wins - but so do some cheats I dare say, until they are deservedly caught.

Casino Staff sometimes act like machines. Cheaters recognize these people and are aware that machine like Dealers (Croupiers) of both sexes, can be very useful at times, as you will discover. However, they are often trained by dour yes people, who can sniff a rotten chip at twenty paces. Those particular types are quite funny to watch and some are almost theatrical at times, however, many can also be recognized by their shifty eyes, hunched shoulders, sometimes invisible statue like demeanor, monotone voice, poor hair styles, grubby ill fitting clothes, over use of cliches, sour face, a false or no smile and maybe bad breath.

I say those things without fear because I have just described myself - an ex casino supervisor, although some might disagree. The bad breath may be due to alcohol, garlic or even a bad attitude. But of course I'm mostly jesting, except maybe for the breath.

Let's get one thing straight, casino gambling is not that much fun (unless winning), even if it's professed or advertised that way. It's hard work (fun for some maybe) to stay focused and most definitely if you have been drinking and want fun at the same time.

Do not mix heavy drinking and gambling, this is a major rule.

I have devised some other loose rules, to be taken with a pinch of salt, which I will mention from time to time. The fun can begin in the entertainment and bar sections, after you walk away with lots of recycled money - If you win.

If you read my INTRODUCTION you would have read that my descriptions are purely for your reading pleasure only. Almost all methods revealed are not allowed in casinos and could result in prosecution and you possibly being barred for a long stretch, or even life.

This is not a guide.

I have gathered this information after having worked in the business between 1975 until the new millennium. I was trained in the U.K. when it was largely run by ex Army Officer types. This very strict standard generally still applies, but is still flawed and contains many gray areas, which I touch on. I worked in small (private) and large Australian casino's, for many years also, so most info is from those two regions, but relates worldwide.

As well as giving general tips here and there, I will also give general advice, operational procedures, methods and rules, plus other linked information.

The only sure fire way to win in a casino is to cheat, or have outrageous luck, but if you get caught cheating you will suffer the consequences, unless you are a 'card counter' extraordinaire. These people are over rated in my opinion, NOT cheats, extremely rare and are likely to be banned anyway. More about them later.

No casino runs smooth as silk.

Sometimes - the wheels fall off. This causes some rules, policies and procedures to go out the window because a 'this has never happened before' situation arises now and again. This might be caused by a clever form of cheating, which we will also look at.

I would like to suggest, after observing thousands upon thousands of Punters, from all corners of the globe, incalculable wheel spins, mammoth sums of cash and frequent disputes, problems, mishaps, misdeals etc, that you understand the following a little more.

DEALING the game.

SUPERVISING the game.

These obvious straightforward but different roles, can hide a myriad of opportunities (legal), hassles and headaches, so I suggest you take in as much as possible from their perspective. You can be friendly, maybe sympathize at times. You should always respect the gaming Staff, they could help you in the long run.

### THE DEALERS

We all have different characters and work ethics. Dealers are no different. Mostly of average intelligence they are usually ordinary folk, who just deal the games. Some of the girls are ex Models (plenty of wannabes) still seeking glamor, some guys too! They don't find it in casinos. Staff are often younger people, often eager to travel abroad once they get a couple of games under their belt. They will discover that working in a casino is actually unglamorous shift work, which doesn't take too long to figure out. In time they will be promoted ( if good enough, or are in with the bosses) and settle into shift patterns.

BOREDOM sets in. Cheats like and recognize bored Staff.

Gaming Management are almost exclusively drawn from the ladder system (one or two sneak in via associated gambling careers) and are the same ordinary people, but light years ahead in casino life's geography over inexperienced Dealers, junior Supervisors and yourself, especially if you are new to this type of gambling. They can run rings around most people with casino psychology and bullshit, believe me. Cheats will already know this.

New and inexperienced Dealers are known in many countries as 'Lumpies'. They keep this - put down tag - until the next training school comes along. Lumpies are very vulnerable. They can be easily spotted by their slow, fumbling and nervous style.

Gaming Supervisors (also Inspector or Floor-person), Pit Bosses etc, are usually highly experienced Dealers. But sometimes because of Staffing problems, table Supervisors can be first or second year Dealer's filling in, or just real bright sparks. These new ones are often much more alert than experienced ones, they can be spotted by being super attentive to everything and tend to really get involved. They may talk too much and expect Punters to listen to everything they say. They might not be as flexible regarding marginal disputed decisions, as the more experienced types.

The two roles, Dealer and Gaming Supervisor are very different jobs. It will pay you to watch and understand these people. Talk to them, ask question and make them feel as if they know you. They soon will anyway, if you become a regular, so best to stay on the right side of all Staff members, including the waitresses, who can make you a decent sandwich or not, if in place.

Some Cheats get to know Staff socially, often by way of nearby pubs, clubs or cafes. These friendships can sometimes cause serious complications, as some interesting associations have developed and ultimately failed. Certain casinos frown heavily if their Staff fraternize with Punters, mostly in the smaller casino's, where it's easier to get to know regular Punters on a personal level. Long serving Staff, can and have been instantly fired for it (more later), so friendships are often covert and have to be continued that way, to avoid any hassles.

Casino cheats naturally have limited scruples and many a young Dealer has been conned by these types and ended up corrupted and eventually axed. It is hard for vulnerable Dealers to escape clever con men and women, especially when they talk themselves up and impress the often struggling young Dealers, who will be suckered in.

### THE FRIENDLY WAY

Here are some mixed reasons in no particular order, why cheats and regular Punters (or Bettors), and Staff become friendly with each other, not always for the right reasons.

They trust you.

They get to like you.

They ignore you.

They don't get any hassles from you.

You become part of the furniture.

You fill a space.

You help pay the wages.

You help Staff stay awake.

You might be visually or mentally appealing.

Punters may well be GIVEN the benefit of the doubt in a dispute over ownership of a cash-winning chip, over a stranger - if the Dealer likes you. Also you might have a badly placed chip that pays odds of eleven to one, over a five to one bet on Roulette, or if a chip of yours is marginally resting on a split, where the difference could mean an extra eighteen pieces (I assume at this point that you are familiar with the layout of a Roulette table, its odds, etc), then the Dealer could pay highest odds without batting an eyelid.

Staff will be on your side if you are friendly without becoming a nuisance. Conversely they can make you feel uncomfortable, unwelcome and invisible. They may also become less friendly and cynical towards you like any friendship can with time. Personality clashes can easily occur across the table, any table - sometimes very quickly.

Arrangements to pay any minor disputed bets (chip ownership) are made on the spare of the moment, usually by the Supervisor, or the Dealer, if experienced. He or she will make a quick decision on who owns what and verify payouts etc, unless it's a major dispute, where a Pit Boss is called and makes a different decision, or seeks assistance from video surveillance, which can over rule Supervisors, Pit Bosses and Dealer's decisions, in a flash.

It may be worth noting here that if you feel a genuine travesty of justice has occurred, then the local overseeing Gaming Authority/Commission/Board etc, should investigate for you, following any failure from Management. However, some Countries may not have such authorities in place. Check that you have.

Serial cheats come in all shapes, sizes, nationalities and ages.

Cheats that operate alone are often simply opportunists. There are pairs of cheats (and more) who operate. They will most likely dress plainly, be quiet, secretive and move from table to tale looking for an opportunity to take advantage of a situation, like seeing a favorite Dealer/Supervisor, a Chipper (later pages) or a lumpy Dealer.

### OPPORTUNISTS

A favorite and bold method Cheats often use which is difficult to detect and unexpected, is during a game where the action is fast, busy and for reasonable stakes. They will play with a number of lowest value color chips, in what appears a normal fashion. But what they are doing, is actually PICKING UP the show off Punters twenty five dollar cash chips (or any cash value), that are being placed all over the layout, in possibly a drunken couldn't care less way.

During heavy gaming the Supervisors can be very hard pressed staying in control and have little chance of tracking big player action accurately (a necessary duty). Big games sometimes cause confusion, which cheats can take advantage of, perhaps by watching the Punter who is throwing (sometimes literally but not for long) his cash chips everywhere. The following method explains how this took place.

Cheat has at least ten of the lowest value table chips in both hands (most people can hold about twenty chips - a stack - in each hand, comfortably face down). He appears to be placing chips randomly but he's often re-picking them up again, along with some selected twenty-five dollar cash chips, that are NOT his.

He will place one of his own low value chips, on top of roughly ten to fifteen, of the many twenty-five dollar cash chips scattered over the roulette layout. The Player then might place more cash chips on top the cheats low value chips, so the Cheat places another chip on top of those. Further chip action takes place, but the Cheat then takes the top few off, which reveals the original twenty five cash chip. So with thrifty 'masking', he might steal a few twenty fives, per spin. But Supervisors and Surveillance are there to catch these cheats and they do.

This might work for him only in a very busy game where hands and chips are flying everywhere and every number is covered by many chips. He is careful not to pick up anybody else' s colored chips by mistake, doubling his risk of detection.

This form of chip stealing takes place _in split seconds_ and happens when the ball is spinning. There may be a panic as the ball slows further and the Punters scramble to get final bets on, before 'no more bets' is called out, which is another opportunity for the cheat to strike in the following ways.

Clever 'late bets' are a form of cheating that was common everywhere. Very difficult nowadays with the much earlier calls of 'no more bets' and a sweeping arm movement to cease chip action, but some Dealers still call it late, which is when cheats strike. There are late bets and there are extremely late bets, that can only be described as bets that are a little too early for the next spin. Let me explain this next move.

They say the camera cannot lie, but sometimes it cannot pick up clever use of _late hidden chips_. The Cheat knows that using this method is risky, but it has probably fooled many people.

In this particular case scenario, the cheating Punter was positioned at the end of the table. When the ball has just stopped (and the Dealer was seriously inattentive) in one of the lower numbers, then he would swiftly place five, or more chips on top of particular winning chips, in the winning 'Column Bet' area at the foot of the table, near to hand. The five chips might be arranged in the following order and value.

The bottom of the five would be the same color chip as the top of the stack that the late bet is put onto. The next two might be high value cash chips and the other chips will also be the same as the bottom one. The top chip (and others below) of the legal bet is often the cheat's (or accomplices) actual legitimate winning chips, possibly surrounded by other Punters winning chips.

The Cheats other low limit color bets might also be on the other two column bets.

Timing was important to the Cheat when he placed his late bet, AFTER seeing the ball drop. He expects the late bets to be handed back, but hopes that it might have been missed. The observant Cheat will have watched the Dealers body/eye movements very closely. He will also strike when the attention of the Supervisor is on another nearby table.

Supervisors often 'inspect' two roulette tables at the same time and of course, that is impossible to do properly.

The Dealer should have seen the late bet being placed and given them back straight away. But what chips? The cheat having placed the five or more masked chips on top of the others, has cast doubt over the true amount placed too late. The Dealer may hand the five chips back (or more). He may only hand the top matching color chips back and leave the cash chips, which is what the Cheat(s) wants.

The Dealer has to make a quick accurate decision, or the game stops awkwardly because genuine bets could have been removed. The late cash chips could be up to table limit.

If the Dealer takes all the chips off, it is then that an accomplice might strongly query why 'his' cash chips have just been removed. This confuses the Dealer who will then have to seek help, from a Supervisor to keep the integrity of the game flowing. Surveillance may be phoned and asked to review it, if the value is in the thousands. Multiple chips will be hard to get a clear fix on from only one angle, especially the back ones, which are hidden by the Punters and direct overhead camera would be of no help.

This form of cheating I have observed from time to time and with clever masking it was hard to detect, especially when there are multiple column bets and an accomplice is involved and the Supervisor is absent.

If this move is clearly detected, the cheat usually doesn't argue, especially if the Supervisor has seen it first and called it loudly as a late bet and knows what went down. The cheat has to accept their correct decision and may smile, shrug his shoulders, apologize, look shocked, appear innocent, etc. Either way he lost nothing and maybe even wins, or break even with his small legitimate bets, on the column boxes.

If the Supervisor and Dealer are in on it, then detection is probably down to video surveillance, or an unobserved security floor walker to pick it up and nab them, but that could take a very long time, maybe never.

Let's now look at this simple strategy again only with a different slant. We know the cheat made clever use of masking, to hide the type of chips he is illegally placing late. It is known as 'past posting' in some circles. He knows that it works best with color connected table chips, which he would have to have bought in for, stolen or borrowed earlier, but those same color chips are now being used by a genuine Punter, not an accomplice. So this tactic - can causes confusion to the genuine Punter, who is playing innocently with those same chips as the cheat. This can slow down the game, possibly cause an argument and make the cheat appear innocent.

This may need lengthy surveillance investigation (two separate winning claimants). The cheat would need to be very self-assured to try and get away with this outrageous move.

It seems that cheats sometimes deliberately keep a few colored chips, that belong to certain tables, then use the above method, as if totally ignorant to the fact that somebody has already bought in for that color before him and placing them normally.

The usual excuses are, 'I bought these chips earlier on', or simply, 'they're my chips, it's not my mistake'. They both might be paid out and one of them given a fresh color, gaming can continue as it should without any hassles.

Supervisors appear to be doing very little at times and some people like to point this out quite vocally, like when some drunk once cheerfully said.

'That's a fucking easy job you've got there pal.'

'Yeah, but...' He didn't notice I was dealing with a nasty dispute over a winning cash chip ownership, a twenty thousand dollar float fill, while timing two Dealers, tracking three big Punters win/loss action figures and handling another drunk Punter, as well as working out two complex payouts, an alcohol spillage and coping with a headache at that moment. Not to mention I only had four hours sleep during the day and my favorite football team lost only hours earlier. Real easy hey.

Gaming Staff actually hardly lift a finger, physically speaking, except in smaller casino's where all cash chips are taken back to the 'cash cage,' in large purpose built trays, when the last Punter has gone and 'the count' has taken place. A full tray of chips is hardly weight training though, which is just as well, because the brain is given lots of mental activity. It can get very taxing for a Supervisor, during busy gaming. It doesn't take a cheat long to recognize this and eventually take some kind of advantage.

Some Punters dash from table to table, placing even money bets on as the ball spins. They become known for this and genuine confusion takes place as to who owns which bet at times. It might also be a cover for placing late bets. They are nuisances.

Cheats don't care how or where they scam the chips off. Basic low life cheats have been observed and caught simply taking unprotected cash, cash chips, color chips and other items (cigarettes and lighters years ago), belonging to Punters playing alongside. Watch out for this blatant move because it really happens.

I recall reading some years ago about a time in France, when a number of Staff and Punter friends were caught, after fleecing their particular casino over a long period, of huge sums, before wild spending, envy and avarice, finally lead them all to court. The fine details of how they did their cheating were not publicized. It was a major scandal at the time, but largely forgotten now. I'm not sure how much effort went into it though and I'm not sure if it was ever made into a B grade movie or something.

There are some casino related television shows and movies out there. Some are quite interesting and entertaining, but don't forget to take lots of artistic license on board.

Did you know that Supervisors have been known to actually fall asleep when on duty. Certain casinos have them sit in high chairs, usually between two roulette or blackjack tables. I freely admit to almost nodding off on a chair and I've seen one or two others, just catch themselves before crashing to the floor.

Shift Managers are not exempt. I recall one falling asleep for a few minutes on a closed Blackjack table. This is a dream that rarely comes true for the cheat. But honestly folks, it happens on rare occasions. The floor Staff enjoyed seeing the 'sleeping shifty.'

I cannot recall any Punters falling asleep but I have seen one or two fall off chairs. I can't speak for surveillance, but it's a possibility.

******

### THE CHIPPER

A Chipper is usually a Dealer, a Supervisor, or sometimes a busy body Pit Boss and occasionally a shift Manager. A Chipper might be needed to help re-stack the losing chips, which can get to over two thousand or so, that are gambled on every spin, in huge games. Chippers should only be needed where there is no automatic chipping machine (situated right next to the Dealer) to do this job, or when it has broken down. Sometimes the game is so big, that the Dealer cannot cope with the volume the overworked machine is re-assembling, so someone is needed to empty it.

Chippers are usually only seen at weekends. Chippers are 'chipping up,' they are paid to pick up and replace the losing chips and place them back into their neatly stacked positions. Great job really. Dealers become expert at picking up stacks of twenty in a few seconds. It keeps the fingers nimble and more often than not - the tongue wagging, with the closely located Dealer and/or the Supervisor.

The Chipper is probably highly valued by the cheat. Cheats must love the above scenario. Management hates it, except maybe if the Manager chooses to be there, for any number of reasons, you care to think up.

Having a Chipper in place can often mean the Dealer's attention span will be affected. All procedures are broken to some degree, mostly unseen or disregarded. Chattering Chippers, Dealers and Supervisors _compromise game protection._ Having been in that position on numerous occasions I shall elaborate on this particular pitfall.

Incidentally, did you know that the area which contains the Gaming Staff and which Punters are not allowed entry to, is officially called 'the pit,' in just about every casino.

Certain Chippers can be a major distraction to both the Dealer and the Supervisor, because young male Dealer is dealing away and getting on with his job in splendid isolation. His nearest Staff member is a conscientious boring male Supervisor, at about a body length away. His chipping machine breaks down and a Chipper is sent for. Along comes young female Dealer, who happens to be a stunning part time model and starts chipping up for young male Dealer.

He's dealing a big game and needs the help, but testosterone kicks in; He's soon beside himself with interest for this beauty, who is right next to him, in an abnormally close situation. They might already know each other just a little. They both want to know each other a lot more. There is body and hand contact, as he helps with chip stacking. He makes a little comment about the weird Punters that are in tonight, which she finds amusing and giggles. He's encouraged so he jokes about one of the old shift Managers with the bald spot, who tripped over an unseen handbag earlier that night. She laughs and makes body contact, as their chatting continues and the ball is spun absentmindedly.

Male Dealer is paying her more attention, than the Punters. He goes thru table checking motions on auto pilot and manages to get thru low payouts okay. Supervisor might be taking the 'cozy scenario' on board (or be totally absent) and could actually be annoyed, jealous, her secret lover, her ex, his enemy, her enemy, her brother, a family friend, or a complete asshole, that could perform a hatchet job on them both, for not following the strict rules and procedures (like no idle chit chat) as required.

Next spin the Dealer misses the ball drop in a slot, as nearby voices fail to be heard, because he's on cloud lust and not functioning, as they chat away. A fast hand drops a chip on the winning number, even chance and column bet, which he misses. Game protection has plummeted as a wad of cash sitting on the layout, is suddenly spotted by the Dealer and quickly placed on the block, as he realizes where he's at.

'NO BET' shouts the Dealer. The owner of the cash is soon pissed off and spouts off, because he couldn't get testosterone Dealer to listen to his cash call bet in time, as the pill has stopped in a number, which was his missed call bet.

The male Dealer's head is in a spin as he tries rescuing the situation. Supervisor appears (he was busy at the other nearby table) and handles the cash Punters complaint and another who had chips totally ignored. The late bets that were ignored are paid out much to the amusement of the late Punters, as the annoyed Supervisor's body language and choice words, sends signals to testosterone Dealer to wake up.

The Chipper sheepishly slips away to another table after realizing what went down and wants no involvement. She might cool it from then on but will return within two minutes or so as expected. She returns, they swap a glance, grin and make gentle hand contact again.

Five years later they have three kids already, only joking, they only have one!

Mistakes in casinos cost money. Lost concentration equals mistakes. A Dealer who suddenly has someone to talk to on his side of the table is a danger to his employers. Cheat knows that Dealers lose focus in these cases, it's guaranteed and many other young Dealers are most likely doing the same in casino land, as you read these words and form images.

This scenario is not always a green light for cheats of course, because just as Dealers of the opposite sex are often pleased to see each other; it is sometimes the case that a Chipper is not welcome at all. Some Dealers don't even like the idea of any Chippers in their space. They just want to get on with it by themselves, usually until they find they're completely bogged down by hundreds of assorted chips, that really need serious sorting out.

One particular procedure that the Chipper must do, in every casino I have worked in, is that they must brush their hands together, or lightly clap before moving off a table, to chip up at another table, which is often a mere step or two away in many cases (check local rules). The hand motion is to prove that they are NOT holding onto chips. Trusted huh.

A Chipper is _often_ in a position to pick up ANY value chip they like and drop it to the floor, hide it on their person, transfer it to the next table, or place it in any color stack of the chip bank. They could also place chips amongst discarded paper tissues and roulette cards, which are sometimes left in the back area of the wheel. That rubbish will be disposed of, by the 'thoughtful' Supervisor, Chipper, or a Cleaner. Tissues can hide any value cash chips in.

The Chipper becomes part of the furniture. She is able to keep an eye on the roaming Pit Boss, or a known Plain clothes surveillance person. She can see where the Supervisors are and anyone else she fancies looking at. Chippers have it pretty easy.

### MARK UPS

The shrewd cheat might appear at a table, if he or she, had noticed that certain color chips have been _marked up_ (to a higher value). This procedure usually starts at five dollars and upwards to any amount agreed upon. This _marking_ _up,_ or _coloring up,_ is carried out when a Punter does not want to play in cash chips, so he plays in a table color he chooses, or whatever is available and the table color chip is then valued upwards in dollar value, as requested and paid for. The mark up goes from two dollars to five, twenty five, fifty and so on.

The procedure is usually done by placing two markers (usually small various dollar valued discs) on top of the relative stacks on the table and the other marker, up on a nearby isolated chip bank, next to relative copies of the chosen color (check your local casino).

This method is commonly used during heavy play and is normal. The procedure for approving this 'transition in value' is by way of Punter/Dealer/Supervisor/Pit Boss. The Pit Boss gives the final nod (literally) or verbal approval. Some Punters prefer marked up chips in preference to playing in cash chips, others hate it.

Incredibly in one Australian casino I once worked in, this approval was not necessary and the Dealer would only need the Supervisors say so, to mark chips up at any given time. How many Punter/Dealer/Supervisor arrangements were made during the years before it was changed in the mid nineteen nineties, shall remain a mystery for all time. That casino was big, newish and had fairly gullible management.

The procedure at that casino and many others, currently (check) requires that the Dealer holds up the colored chip, like somebody receiving a yellow caution card, for all to see, before they can be used on the table at a higher value, and for the Pit Boss and Supervisor to see and verify it. Surveillance can be included of course.

The cheat takes all this in. They might also notice that some Pit Bosses pay more attention than others, simply because they may have known the Dealer and Inspector for years and (largely) trust them, or they have all just slid back into old tired habits and the Dealer does not hold up the chip, as they should.

Cheat watches for these lapses in procedures. Slack Dealers, Supervisors and Pit Bosses exist and will be a cheats unwitting friend.

During a very busy game, it is quite normal for these higher valued color chips and marker discs to become _forgotten_ , especially late into a shift. Cheats have taken advantage by handing over say one hundred dollars cash, on a two dollar (the lowest color chip value in this case scenario) roulette table and asks for the marked up color, when he's noticed that the Punter playing in the marked up chips, has up and left after losing.

Cheat should get it, marked up or not. He just throws the cash onto the first twelve numbers and says - Blue, or Yellow or whatever the marked up color is. The cunning cheat has noticed (hopes) that the Dealer or Supervisor has not bothered, or forgotten to remove the marker at that moment (or an arrangement has taken place between them).

The Dealer should do a check, but the cheat hopes to be given fifty marked up chips now valued at (say) five dollars each for just a hundred bucks, turning it into two hundred and fifty dollars instantly. If they were marked up to twenty fives, it would bring the cheat twelve hundred and fifty dollars straight away. He might bet a few which lose and then exchange the remainder, for cash chips to be changed into real cash soon after.

This situation mostly happens when a fresh Dealer has just replaced another and may not have been alerted to the state of play, so the opportunity to get the marked up value chips, for a marked down price is open. Cheat probably picked the Supervisor as busy doing paperwork or involved in the adjacent game, or fresh to the table.

In the bigger casino's, late into a weekend night shift, there are multiple Staff replacements as casual and part timers are signed off work, so there can be several Dealer and Supervisor changes in minutes, at nearby tables. Game protection suffers, is abused or overlooked when late into a shift and disinterest often sets in, at all staffing levels.

Cheats have been caught red handed attempting this move, But having said that, the casino might have difficulty proving that the cheat, is in fact cheating, because of excuses like - the previous player was a friend of mine and left me some chips, or perhaps, 'I didn't know they had a higher value, it's not my bloody fault.' Can't really argue with that one, can we folks.

Practically all Dealers and Supervisors check that every chip that have been marked up, are recounted after their return and the markers removed. It is tighter these days than ever. But as I say, it can be overlooked, especially by senior older Dealers, many of whom just go through the motions with little interest in anything, except how close it is to closing time and how much pay they have earned that week.

Just moving a little sideways on this case scenario.

When a fresh Dealer comes onto a table that is _already_ a five, ten, twenty five or higher value table (not marked up), as opposed to a regular two dollar table. The alert Cheat pounces and hopes the Dealer does not realize that he or she, is about to deal on a higher valued table.

So the cheat will hand over a hundred cash and boldly ask for' fifty yellow chips thanks.' I have stopped a few fresh Dealers from handing over fifty, twenty five dollar chips (valued color chips), for a hundred bucks cash, to a quick thinking cheat... Easy money eh. Even easier if it's a Staff co-conspirator arrangement.

Supervisors also have these moments when they are still thinking lower value, on a higher value table. The moment might only last for a jiffy before reality sets in, with a sharp reminder from a switched on Dealer or Punter, that wakes him up.

Nobody is perfect in any casino.

If cheats or honest Punters alike are accidentally overpaid at any time - which surprisingly happens for one reason or another - then you may find them being _asked_ to return the difference, if noticed by the Supervisor and to my knowledge nobody is forced to hand over chips, that were mistakenly overpaid.

Cheating is cheating and this is up to the individual. I have known honest Punters to be politely asked to hand back chips, in these and similar cases and TOTALLY IGNORE the request, as if deaf.

Casinos do not like embarrassing Punters on the floor, if possible. Casinos do not like bad publicity either. They don't know who they're dealing to a lot of the time, except in members only clubs. On the other hand, public casinos DO know a lot of the regular players, through possible involvement via promotions, tournaments, bonus points, loyalty schemes, etc and then through tracking their win/loss figures, carried out by the gaming Supervisors and Pit Bosses through the shift.

Cheats wouldn't want to be tracked by anybody.

Punters should always watch the Dealers for obvious signs of tiredness, boredom and lack of integrity, also their interaction with Supervisors, especially male-female and the presence of a Chipper, as well as marked up chips, all these are all critical considerations when gambling honestly - period.

You never know when a Dealer is going to make a mistake, which could cost you lost winnings. Dealers never (ahem!) deliberately rip anybody off. Having just said that, I shall point out a one off contradiction to this fact, later in the book.

Fast Dealers are not always accurate. They look good; they deal fast, but they are human and prone to fast mistakes, like paying out too much, or little and often to the wrong Punter, or the wrong amount of chips, to the wrong box on Blackjack (later pages) and so on.

The Dealer who really flies through a game usually has no short term memory, so after paying a few 'outside bets' and a couple of 'straight up and street bets', the cheat suddenly complains to the Supervisor (who was of course watching another busy table nearby), that he was just paid 'only' seventeen pieces. He might say something like. 'My chip was ON the number, the Dealer moved it sideways and this isn't the first time either, blah blah.'

The busy Supervisor weighs up the forthright communication and after consulting with the memory-less Dealer; he makes a judgment to pay the cheat (or genuine gambler) an extra eighteen pieces (maybe after a short delay), making it a 35/1 payout, on the spot.

Some fast Dealers are so keen to impress their captive audience, that when they're suddenly pulled for a mistake, they are so shocked they can barely believe it. So unless the Supervisor or Surveillance is very alert, then the faster Dealers could well be making errors frequently, like underpaying you for instance. Cheat might be watching more closely than Supervisors I dare say.

I have observed fast Dealers make numerous mistakes. Things like leaving a column bet behind, or chips on high numbers, when a low number has come in, as well as missing even money payouts and making simple overpayment and underpayments.

Super fast Dealers can walk, eat, talk, read, write, run and have great sex (for themselves) in thirty seconds flat. I recall being slowed down, when I was a young fast Dealer and keen to impress anybody watching, or so I thought. I eventually learned to slow my dealing down. Now everything has slowed down - naturally.

### CASINO TACTICS

Casino Management can sting back. They can make use of dubious tactics to prevent the good, bad and the ugly Punter from achieving their goals. The details which soon follow, are totally legal (I believe) and usually go unnoticed or ignored. Morality is another issue altogether, which you can decide on.

Firstly I would like to point out, that there is no such thing as _team work_ , as we know it, in casino life. You might have picked up on this already? I recall the word _team_ perhaps standing for - Together Everybody Achieves More.

Maybe there's a connection taking a line through accomplices. Or maybe it stands for one of the following, which I had a bit of fun creating.

Think earnestly about money.

Terrific evening at mums

Time everybody accepted morals.

Think elusive and mull.

Total eclipse at moon

Taxpayers earn a make.

Today everybody acts mad.

Television evenings are massive.

Maybe you want to think up a few of your own. No prizes for the cutest though.

### FAST/SLOW WHEEL SPINNING

On several occasions when I was supervising and also when I dealt, I received a complaint in my ear, which went something like - 'The wheel is spinning too fast, can you slow it down...' So I would just ask the Dealer to slow the wheel down, to pacify the aggrieved Punter, which they did, sometimes reluctantly. This instruction can piss a Dealer off (it's a bit like you asking the lawnmower man next door, to slow down), but they usually get over it, after being reminded that none of us wrote the rules, or own the table.

Pit Bosses also have a habit of turning up and re-ordering a fast or even slower wheel, thereby undermining the Supervisors decision and thus pissing him off. This might also piss the Dealer off again. This is a side game some of the Staff relishes and makes a mockery of any integrity, or respect they have for each others abilities and to pace a game cleverly. It's a power thing in most cases, so the Punter's wishes can be disregarded.

The stress on many a Dealers face can be seen in a heavy game, or one in which the table is 'losing'. She might be overly supervised when asked to pick the pace of the wheel up (or slow it down) and can possibly hurl the ball around the wheel, at an alarming pace in protest, which will be noted. Black clouds descend...

Managers, Supervisors and Pit Bosses can simply just put their hand into the wheel and adjust it as they wish. But the annoyed Dealer will most likely adjust it back to their pace, soon after the nasty Pit Boss and Supervisor move on. But is any of this fair to the Punters, of course it isn't.

Can you imagine a racehorse owner altering the saddle weight on a horse, that was not officially approved before a race. Impossible. How about a professional golfer deciding to kick his ball out of the deep rough and onto clearer ground.

Almost impossible, did I hear someone say.

Some casino Management policies insist, that Pit Bosses, instruct Supervisors to instruct Dealers, to alter the pace of the wheel, without ANY announcement to inform the Punters. This is mostly done if the table is losing and some actually do - on the night. Punters are largely unaware of wheel pace, so it appears acceptable in most cases. Check the pace of your local wheel. Is it too fast for comfort? Get it slowed down.

Sometimes a Pit Boss or Manager changes an unlucky Dealer, whose hapless spinning is favoring all, but the Casino. This can be as embarrassing as having your shirt poke out of your pants zip in public (older generation), but at least the Dealer gets given a break, or put on a quiet table, which is what many actually prefer. Not having to cope with the public for those moments can be a welcome bonus. But is it fair on the Punters to have a lucky Dealer removed, because they're actually bringing up numbers the Punters are hitting on.

### FAST/SLOW BALL SPINNING

Being told to spin the ball for too long can raise questions, especially if it's a slow quiet game and regular 'twenty five' plus spins are common, which is not necessary. Conversely neither is a 'six spin' in a heavy game to a Punter who is hitting the layout hard. Could it be that the casino doesn't want the lucky Punter to continue to 'batter the layout', that may continue his winning streak, by putting in these really short spins. Answer is YES.

It might be difficult to tell if it's the Dealer carrying out instructions or acting alone, on these rather short or lengthy spins. Serious Punters can complain about this to whomever they like. Whether corrective action in the players favor is given, might depend on the 'action.' Perhaps you could query your local casino about wheel spin rotations.

I like to think that if a Dealer puts in consistent twelve to eighteen spins, then he's not trying anything on. I also like to think that if the Dealer can match revs of the wheel, relative to ball spins, then - Seven Spins You Win.

### SMALL BALLS - BIG BALLS

Changing the lighter smaller ball for a bigger heavier one during play, can happen at any time and may never be noticed. As far as I know nobody has complained about the size of the ball, (also known as the pill or marble) and I have no idea if there is a standard size, used in legal casinos the world over. Ask a Manager or Pit Boss if the casino has a standard size ball and if you can inspect one. Not likely I imagine.

Did you know that Roulette balls were once made of Ivory and many are probably still spinning around as these words are being read. They are heavier than plastic ones and this may help predict a likely slot or 'section', a rev or two before it drops, but alas, it would be too late to lay your chips then wouldn't it. Smaller balls are more erratic as they bobble.

I recall a time when I spun the ball right out of the wheel and straight into the female Managers office, some fifteen feet away. The door was open slightly and apparently it deflected off it and hit her big toe, so she told me later. The understanding female now with her shoes back on, brought it to the table with a knowing grin on her face and without explanation, she held it up for me to look at, before placing it back in the wheel.

My rosy-cheeked face will probably be in her casino memory file forever and perhaps surveillance also, if they were onto it.

Some Dealers often hit the nearest Punter in the face or body with a shocker of a spin and this can be a tension breaking funny moment, if the Punter isn't hurt. I have never seen a serious eye injury yet, only watery ones. The Staff usually have a giggle about these things over a coffee break and most Punters find it amusing, after the shock has passed by.

### ALTERNATE FORWARD/BACKWARD BALL SPINNING

Fair? I recall spinning the ball just one way all night long. That was the procedure of the day back then. Incidentally some Dealers are pretty useless at spinning the ball backwards, or using the opposite hand. See if you can spot one of them, it won't be difficult. The Supervisor usually calls them for a 'no spin' as it fails to make a few revs, or if it flies right off the table, or dribbles onto a number.

A few balls that fly off the table, can go completely missing. If they're not handed back straight away, a replacement will be found very quickly. There are usually spare ones on the roulette table, or in the Pit Stand, also known as a Bureau in some places. Some Managers and Pit Bosses carry them in their pockets. They are worth very little...

### ROULETTE WHEELS

Various Wheels can offer steeper or shallower drop down angles (bias), as well as pointier, smaller, larger, or re-angled chrome hazards that line the inner wheel. These are in place to deflect the ball as it slows. These variations can make ball tracking methods impossible, but some Punters record each result like demons, in a futile attempt to forecast the 'next result.'

So is that fair play. It would appear to be, because nobody complains about the make, width, height, or angle of roulette wheels and the placement of the chrome hazards, in relation to height, width or separation. I don't know if any government or international standards apply to them but I guess so.

Modern wheels are low profile with shallower pockets, so the ball can bobble about in a more unpredictable manner, making it very difficult for everyone to predict 'a pattern.'

I do know that most casinos and overseeing Authorities, do check the width of the slot (from memory) that the ball drops into and make sure they are firmly in place. I'm not so sure they pick out any fluff that often gathers inside, that may change the course of the pill.

They also check other stuff, but that's their business. Maybe your local gaming authority people can tell you, if you would like to know. But do people really care. I guess people just see a great looking flashy wheel, that they feel is going to win for them and leave it at that, hoping for the best.

Computer generated screen roulette wheels, just leave me cold. I cannot believe people gamble on those monstrosities. I guess they are a sign of the times. The Dealer operating these things must struggle to keep awake. How fair are they. I have no idea.

### HOUSE PLAYERS

Once employed in casinos long ago (don't tell me they still operate...), they would be attractive, well-dressed young women, who played with house chips and lured Punters into drinking and gambling more, than they had really planned. Spinning well rehearsed lines, along with the right body language, gave them a head start over gullible men. This practice is probably redundant in legitimate casinos nowadays, but who really knows except a stitched up Punter. Those house players are now probably sitting in rest homes, playing bingo or perhaps some suitable card game.

As for hookers operating in casino's, I have no idea really...

I do recall being instantly distracted by an attractive girl - profession unknown - during a decent payout some years ago, my focus was lost and I hastily approved - without checking for once - the assembled chips, containing eight Blacks ($100 chips) and some color stacks to the happy Punter. A short time later, I was pulled aside by a Manager and was told that I had approved that payout incorrectly, and could I explain. I told him my concentration was probably lost and didn't even realize it happened, as I was distracted by a Punter query right at that busy time. He knew that anyway and I was not suspected of any funny business. I asked him how much was it out and he said, 'It was two hundred dollars - in the houses favor, spoken with a grin. He walked away. The Punter was not informed as far as I was aware, and I have no idea if the Dealer was spoken to. The attractive girl was never spotted again, after that night.

### SLEEPERS

Bettors sometimes forget to pick up winning even money bets and walk away. That sounds weird but it really happens. The stake stays for the next spin and wins again. It wins yet again, on the next spin (Fifty becomes a hundred and then two hundred and then four hundred). This is known as a sleeper.

Sleepers are usually picked up and brought in by the Dealer (if spotted) after three winning spins, then left on the table block, or wheel rim until the owner is found.

I know for a fact that those empowered to look for the owner of the sleeper, do so as they please. It depends on that person's interest and honesty. Most of these winning sleepers just end up back in the float after three spins. My guess is that these amounts could well pay a Staff members salary for months, but then again, there's a hell of a lot of guesswork in casino's.

Of course the reverse side to this is the observant cheat, who might spot these easy pickings after the second spin and before the Dealer. He walks away with the spoils.

### CASHING UP

Some casinos insist that when cashing up color chips, into cash chips - if its in the hundreds - then they get twenty five dollar chips. If its five hundred or more, then they get one hundred dollar chips and so on. This is to encourage continuous play, with the lower amounts How easy to play a few more spins with those loose chips, rather than pocket a single five hundred dollar chip and go cash it out for real money and mosey on out.

Those 'casino tactics' just explained are probably quite tame compared to bygone eras, when electromagnetic devices, loaded dice, marked cards, spiked drinks, heavy handed bouncers and firearms were normal. Some of that stuff may still happen in obscure places, that you and I should never venture into.

Stick to the majors.

Just adding a little more about security surveillance operations here. These important Staff members are often former Dealers, possibly with Police or Security work experience. They have the advantage of zoom action replay video equipment, which covers the open betting area and other places known only to those people. They also appear incognito on the floor as mentioned. They have well hidden gantries, that overlook gaming tables, in some places and they look like anybody else in the crowd, to the unsuspecting.

The small casino in which I trained in the mid seventies had no security cameras or hidden surveillance people in place (apart from the secretive, often invisible Manager), except for CCTV on the main reception door at that time.

Even as late as 1990, in another small club I worked at in the north west of England, it's security technology was still in the dark ages (although we never realized it then of course). It only had one camera (apart from the entrance), positioned over a certain table, that was used to count and record the nightly takings, which is known as 'the count.' Management could check if anybody had stolen any of the thousands of notes or coins, from the overhead camera recording, the next day.

It's fair to say that surveillance technology in this new millennium is light years ahead of the late twentieth century.

### CALL BETS

As mentioned earlier, the cheat probably watches the Staff, other Punters and still has one eye on the wheel as the ball spins. He is waiting for the Dealer to be so lost in a dream, a conversation, picking chips out of the machine, or to just catch the slow, inefficient movements, of a Lumpy or older Dealer, so he can strike.

I remember calling no more bets very late one specific time. I still had 'call bets' to place, which are Punters calling out bets to be placed they cannot reach. This can happen plenty of times, in a busy casino. A cheat pounced with late chip placings, as I struggled to place call bets. He was alert and ready as the ball stopped in number twenty-nine. He hit the layout with $25 chips, before I realized the ball had stopped. I reckon he hit at least four other numbers elsewhere, in a very deliberate and messy way, before I woke up and remembered where I was. I never actually seen the ball settle in number twenty nine.

This fast cheat move with several chips, was carried out for the following reasons (if you haven't already figured it). The cheat knows that late bets are given back straight away and quite aggressively by some Dealers who can take it personally, which can get them into trouble. The cheat kept on clumsily placing his other twenty fives, well after the winning twenty five dollar chip was placed. He knew they would be handed back, once I had woken up with cries of 'TOO LATE, TOO LATE.' He was hoping I would only pick up the _really late bets_ and overlook the winning number twenty-nine, which I sure did. I reckon (in hindsight) it was the first of his really late bets, but it got paid anyway.

He had placed a few other twenty fives early, as legitimate bets, to appear like a genuine Player. With so many late bets thrust on very quickly, a Dealer has to stop handing back 'too many,' for fear of looking foolish, incompetent, over zealous etc, but there's a fine line when the action is actually to make the cheat look foolish, incompetent or plain dumb.

Cheat soon moved on after receiving thirty five green chips, which was eight hundred and seventy five pounds. A very nice pick up way back then, although with his few legitimate bets, it would have netted him well over seven hundred anyway.

Dealers are not supposed to look into the wheel until after they hear the ball slowing, and only after calling, 'no more bets.' This is for game protection, or to stop clever cheats from carrying out moves like the previous one on naive, slow, drug or alcohol affected Dealers. When this scenario breaks down, because the ball is not heard slowing, then it's another example of procedures that can go wrong and is a part of common problems with game protection.

As far as I am aware, when _failure_ to call, or signal no more bets occurs and the ball is sitting in a wheel slot, then anybody can still continue placing bets.... I don't know if any law exists to prevent this. A Boxer never stops punching, until he hears the bell and nobody stops at a green traffic light, to wait for the bloody red to appear, do they.

Check your local rules.

If any chips placed on the winning number just before the call, are removed, after the call, because of confusion over which chips are actually late, then a legitimate complaint will cause embarrassing time wasting, to examine (via surveillance) to check if the placement of those chips was fair. This might cause a Dealer to lose confidence when proven wrong and make him, or her, reluctant to remove real late bets, from then on.

A cheat might have unknown allies, who may have quite innocently placed late bets on also. These should be removed in a flash. Some may get left behind, if enough were placed late and they could end up on the winning number.

When a Dealer makes a few basic (uncommon) errors of not returning late bets, because of failure to call 'no more bets', with a sweeping arm movement, or ringing a bell, then that Dealer may be called to the Manager's office for the Spanish inquisition This might be a simple dressing down, or a written warning, depending on the severity, number of times and value. Some shift Managers relish in handing out verbal warnings, or worse, for the pettiest reasons. But that's another story.

The Punter who (probably) cheated on my table many years ago, made about four weeks pay in one spin. His diversionary chips, which were placed sloppily on other numbers, were clever decoys.

There were many other similar attempts down the years.

All casinos I believe, now have their Dealers positively sweep their arms over a table, as a highly visual sign that betting must cease, eliminating most late bet scenarios mentioned. Except of course, when the Dealer is in his, or her own space and time frame, or Punters pressurize the (weak) Dealer into letting late bets slip on. This can be taken as cheap bullying, or perhaps a clever conman has talked his way into being 'pals' with the gullible Dealer, who might feel obliged to 'let things go.' It can get like that in any casino.

Another move I recall when dealing Roulette is when the cheat notices once again, that the Dealer (myself) was not paying much attention. Cheat was at the bottom of the table ready to place late bets on the winning 'column area'. He gave me an assortment of chips to place (call bets) as the ball is spinning. This is normal and acceptable. The Punter couldn't reach the first six numbers, so he places the chips in the empty part, on the inside of the table, for me to place for him.

This guy was just part of the furniture until he suddenly hit us with something like, zero two three by two, four seven by three, six eight corner by five, eleven straight up by two etc, as the ball was slowing. Chips were everywhere and it was well into a busy night, this equaled maximum STRESS.

Similar call bets had to be placed in this heavy and demanding game by another Punter. This new one was a cheat taking advantage of the other. These newer bets given to me were becoming complicated and unclear. The ball is slowing more; I shout no more bets, I'm still attempting to place the muddled assembly of chips correctly, to try and look efficient. The Supervisor was just letting it all play out.

Somebody puts a late bet on as the ball bobbles off the chrome hazards. A small wad of cash also appears on the layout, I hear 'cash fives thanks' I reply 'cash change only' (no bet accepted). I throw the cash onto the stacks held in the table chip float. I grab the late bet and shout 'too late sir' and I toss it back, he shouts back 'No way pal,' but it stays off. The ball has now stopped in number eleven slot. I still have several chips to give back or place, but no time to complete the mish mash of complicated call bets.

I say 'Sorry, these are all too late' and hand them all back in a flash to the outside of the table, not necessarily in front of the correct Punters.

This has all panned out in three seconds or so. I call out the winning number 'eleven black,' place the dolly on it and start clearing the layout as required, but I noticed a five hundred Pound chip had appeared on the middle column bet, as I clear chips from that area. I'm not sure who placed it, when, or if it was late. I never noticed it as I checked the cash chips with one eye, as is mostly necessary. I leave it to be paid. The Supervisor said nothing, but someone is now raving on, that he should have had chips placed on number eleven and is pressing the point angrily, along with another complainant. The Inspector is just watching and will have noticed the five hundred pound chip, but stays quiet. He is experienced and will let the Punters rave on until one of the following happens.

A) They run out of steam and drop it.

B) Press the point until he has to respond to him.

C) They get very angry and start throwing things.

D) They involve the Pit Boss or Manager

The noisy assholes quieten down and I look at the Supervisor as I pick up two five hundred pound chips to pay out, and he nods approval for this large payout.

I'm sure somebody had placed the chip on the column as I had turned to look at the wheel, for a brief moment, or as I was handing back late call bets, amid roaming hands, pointing fingers and active tongues. It could have been the noisiest complainant, because these types of people that draw attention to themselves, may well be using that as a clever ploy, to in fact draw attention away from themselves. It's a debatable point but one that I believe happens, in these rare situations.

I couldn't point the finger at anybody, because I never seen the big bet placed. I was fairly sure it wasn't there, during the ball spinning period even though it was a busy game. I'd been stitched by letting the Punters give me complicated bets, way too close to the no more bets call. The cheat had taken advantage of my limited experience, which would have been somewhat obvious, as it was way back and I thought I was a great Dealer already and could handle a heaving game.

The Supervisor also had me pay out a Punter who claimed long and loud, about wanting a chip on number eleven. It meant nothing to give an extra thirty five pieces out.

Most of the Punters at the table were much older than me and seasoned players, who knew very well who to take advantage of. There was probably support for the cheat, from the 'late bettors.' Sharing the spoils of one thousand pounds back then, was similar to many thousand these days. The man who placed the five hundred, must have been very patient and stayed focused and confident throughout, and I never seen who picked the winning chips up, as there was a few men gathered together at the end of the table.

In those early days (1970's), we did not use the 'arm sweeping movement' to stop chip action, just our tonsils and the small bell that didn't work at times. I wonder how many times the 'noisy punters' had pulled this fast one, before and after me. They were asked to shout call bets earlier next time, or they would not be accepted. They eased off in the following spins, with less call bets and the Inspector stayed very quiet.

Table chips started at only fifty pence back then and I recall dudes opening small brown pay packets, full of notes and coins to gamble with. Do you remember them?

That particular casino only had five roulette tables and was in pr-video surveillance days, so the cheat might have caned every table for all I know. He also could have been in with the Supervisor, Pit Boss, or even the Manager. I didn't see much of of the late call Punters again, and I left that casino within a few months and have never been back.

I passed by that place many years later and it had changed ownership, sporting a brand new name. That casino had an old stone church right across the road, but had been demolished when I revisited and it had become a car park. Can't see any moral there.

Incidentally, sometimes Player A might pick up Player B's genuine winning chips in an arrangement, that is acceptable in most casinos. Providing the bets is fairly placed and they are normal, honest Punters playing together. More often than not, they are husband and wife teams and it is usually the wife who picks up. He gets the stony look, if they lose.

It is worth noting that as I moved around in the casino game, certain amounts of attitude is taken on board and given by some members of Staff and Punters alike.

I recall supervising a game (in an Australian casino), that was being handled well by an experienced female Dealer, when a Punter subtly placed a chip in nineteen street, as I was attending to a float update. I just saw him withdraw his hand as the Dealer was blowing her nose and called no more bets, too late, as well as NOT looking at the layout, at that precise moment. She never saw the late bet go on, just as number nineteen had come in.

The cheat was paid eleven twenty-five dollar chips. I let it go, because once again I wasn't entirely sure it was a late bet, but I now had my suspicions (all Supervisors are suspicious of Punters to various degrees). He pulled the same move about ten spins later when the Dealer was once again on cloud blow nose again, I think she was having some kind of relationship problem, as watery eyes were also noted.

Her concentration was lacking and her handkerchief filling. This time I called out 'late bet on thirty street'. The Dealer returned it straight away and proceeded to clear the layout as was expected.

The Punter blew up at being spotted and tried to cover up by these words.

'IT wasn't LATE,' he bellowed.

I replied, 'It was a late bet sir.' 'BOLLICKS', I don't put late bets on, it wasn't late, alright.' He was winding me up, with his sharp tongue and body language. I ignored him until he came out with these words. 'Who do you think you are. Are you calling me a fucking liar.' I responded, 'No'.

He continued. 'Are you fucking blind mate (I was wearing glasses).' 'No. Are you.' It was becoming a slanging match. 'Hey I'm not having this, who do you people think you are, blah blah', He shook his head and looked around the room. 'Well I suggest that you go and play on another table.' He left soon after a few mutterings.

The confrontation was something of a personality clash and in those days, we never had specific conflict resolution training, to deal with these types of low life idiots. Anyway, he soon filed a complaint about me. The Manager pulled me aside and asked me, if I had told him to 'get fucked.' I told him the truth, but was left with the feeling that he never really believed me, or appreciated the fact, that I had been alert to a cheat move.

The Dealer was asked about the incident and had sudden memory loss. The incident was recorded on my file as a complaint. Moral of the story: Some cheats will say anything to save themselves from being caught. And me - zip it.

That young Dealer left the casino game a few months later, after meeting a 'nice punter' who owned a shop and as far as I know, they still run the business together. She actually wasn't 'hard school' enough to continue, as was kind of necessary back then.

Now there are cheat moves that are actually part of the legitimate call bet itself, and the following examples will explain in detail what I mean. This applies only to the European table layouts.

A cheat passes over eight pieces (chips) from the column bet area and says. 'The first four numbers thanks,' (not the 'first five' as on U.S. Wheels), as the ball is spinning. The Dealer confirms the call bet and places the eight pieces on zero corner, (some Dealers might query the bet to be placed, but the cheat will probably ignore it, by acting deaf). Number four wins, the Dealer clears the layout and starts paying out.

The zero corner call bet (first four numbers) has lost, but the Punter wants to know why two of his chips are not on number four. The Dealer points out that his bet was a loser. The Punter complains to the Supervisor who listens to his explanation. He asks the Dealer who tells him he wanted 'the first four numbers.' This means zero, one, two and three (also known as 'the first four'). Cheat claims he wanted eight chips on the first four numbers (now meaning), numbers one, two, three and four. The cheat has attempted to hoodwink the Dealer.

If the Dealer had placed two on zero, two on one, two on two and two on three and had any of those numbers come in, then the cheat would NOT have complained about that, especially the zero 'number.' Some Supervisors will allow for these problem bets , in order to maintain the integrity of the game and then point this difficulty out, to the unsuspecting (lumpy) Dealer later on, if they have forgotten, or never knew.

Incidentally, two chips on each individual number, actually pays the same as would eight pieces on the Zero corner bet.

If any other number besides those first numbers comes in then the cheat loses anyway. The first four numbers in all casinos that I have worked in are always Zero, One, Two and Three, even though zero is not a number, it still pays 35/1. I don't know about your local casino; better check it out to save any confusion.

Another play on words is when a Dealer receives a similar call bet, when passed two lots of two chips (four chips in total) and hears the call without commas or full stops. - zero one two three. The Dealer would place two chips on the split of zero/one and the other two on the split of two/three, OR reconfirm the call to get it right.

The cheat might be vague and deliberately try and ignore him, like in the previous case. So the cheat might just nod. The Dealer doesn't have time to stuff around with one Punter in a busy action game, so will place it as he heard it called. Zero/One, Two/Three, or give it back as an ''I don't understand the bet sir.'

If zero comes up, the Punter might then complain that he wanted a chip on zero and zero one and zero two and zero three. If he argues long and loud he might get them replaced in that fashion, especially if the Dealer is a Lumpy, relatively new, a daydreamer, on drugs, not on drugs and should be, or couldn't give a damn. If it gets replaced with Supervisory permission, then he gets paid eighty six pieces instead of thirty four for the zero/one split by two bet and nothing for two/three split by two which would have lost of course. Remember a piece, (casino speak for a chip), is at two dollars in these examples and the table is of the single zero, European style wheel only.

If number One comes up then he accepts the thirty four pieces from the two pieces on zero/one. Nothing else can be claimed.

If number Two comes up he might argue for two chips on zero/one/two AND two on two/three. This gives him a return of fifty six pieces instead of thirty four for the chips that should have been placed correctly on the two/three split. If this bet is reviewed after verbal complaints go unresolved, then camera surveillance will at least see the four pieces given to the Dealer were in pairs. It is then more believable these bets were intended to be placed that way.

If four chips are tossed lightly (acceptable) to the Dealer in an individual way then this could be taken as straight up, but not absolutely, if you see what I mean. Nothing is that straight forward in casino land.

Further to this interesting 'zero confusion' is when the ball stops in the number three slot, then the cheat might plead for two on three (instead of the similar sounding two/three) and pointing out that the other two, were correctly placed on zero/one as seemingly called. He would receive seventy pieces instead of thirty four, if the Supervisor or Pit Boss agrees to pay out in this case.

If there is a collaboration going on between the Supervisor and Punter only, then the Supervisor could listen to the Cheats plea and accept it, as if he is doing him a big favor to cover his own back. If not, then the cheat would have selected the Dealer carefully, to carry out his dodgy operation. Not forgetting that this could be a three way arrangement and even include a corrupt Pit Boss, like any others could also.

When you consider that the value of these chips could rise up to table maximums for the 'first four' bet, then it could be serious money.

Constant maximum bets are rare in most casinos, except in the sparsely populated V.I.P. Lounges and in more upmarket joints, were the 'maximum bet,' will most likely be accepted and 'marked', rather than have chips physically placed everywhere. So we've talking up to fifty, or a hundred dollars a chip, from two in an average casino. But let's not forget that when cheats attempt these type of moves (like most), it's always a gamble that one of those low numbers will show up, even if the accomplice Dealer is a dedicated section spinner, determined to hit on the zero and in on the scam or not.

I would also like to mention that certain types of Supervisors and Pit Bosses might gleefully agree to a cheats zero corner plea, in order to seriously piss a selected disliked Dealer off, or they kind of like the line of attack, that the cheat has. Maybe they simply don't like their Employers one iota.

Nobody checks the mentality of the Staff, that I know of. I guess some are probably suitable cases for mental assessment. Same goes for Punters, as mentioned.

******

### STAFF CHEATING

I'll give you some general information before hitting you with further questionable gaming methods, some of which may, or may not have been demonstrated on TV (early millennium years). Some are very simple but others not so.

Casino Dealers are paid average semi skilled wages in most countries (although I'm told conditions have not improved much in recent times). Supervisors (Inspectors) may get twenty to twenty five percent more and Pit Boss's (Pit Managers or Floor persons) considerably more. There are places in the world that pay excellent money and have very good working conditions.

Many casinos provide free meals, desserts, hot and cold drinks. Uniforms are generally supplied and cleaned free. Parking was free when I last worked in the industry, but I hear some places actually charge Staff, which reflects the decline in conditions these days.

I know of Dealers who rarely bought general groceries because they would just turn up at work even when off duty - to eat. The bigger casinos seem to absorb this quite easily. I'm not sure they realize it, or still give free meals anymore.

Management can live comfortable suburban lives on up to three or more times the average Dealers wage, plus bonuses and other nice perks, but they can be given a minutes notice after many years of so called dedicated service and soon be in financial difficulties.

I have seen four Managers axed in my time, a couple with only two minutes notice to clear their desks, for reasons never revealed, but rumors were a plenty. Multiply that by numerous casinos worldwide and you can see that some may live with constant fear. They are natural yes people, but can soon become wasted people.

Most Staff members are reliant on casino pay, but no matter what casino shift workers might earn, the highest earners, still make a pittance relative to what flows through Dealers, Cashiers and the 'cash count' teams hands, on a daily basis.

We all know fortunes are gambled, on the tables every day in the casinos of the world. It is a staggering amount of cash and that's exactly what most Punters really like by the way, real cash in the hand. But of course, they mostly lose.

Security is paramount in all casinos. You might have seen an unlikely movie or two exposing their impassable systems? Having said that, some are way more secure than others. They all have high tech video surveillance of one kind or another, as well as plain and uniformed security Staff. Their safe deposit systems are what one would expect in this day and age.

Dealers in many places are trained to watch out for basic cheating. But they're not trained how to actually do it - if you can understand that - as far as I am aware. Regular Dealers reading this may learn a thing or two as they read on, some may know more then me, I'm not betting either way.

Casino Staff at any level, are always watching each other in an elaborate but mostly open security operation, that encourages and rewards those that might be better amateur sleuths than others. Any Staff member who catches a thief could be rewarded with cash, dinner for two, a promotion, or maybe a big handshake from the Boss and a gold star on your file, depending on the casino. You might even get 'Employer of the month' with your photo up on the wall for all to sneer at. They might even get zilch.

Some Staff watch each other like hawks, which can lead to disharmony very quickly as some folk just look suspicious or guilty. This is true in other walks of life, as I'm sure you are familiar with. But I've actually found that it's sometimes the friendly, open and innocent looking Dealers (Punters too), that are not to be trusted at times.

In my experience I have found the over friendly type of Dealer to be the trickiest, but not the smartest. Some try to butter you up (brown nosing, kiss arsing etc) when you are supervising them. They can get a quick reputation as brown noses par excellence. They may think they are lulling the brown nosed, into a false sense of security. Females can do it to males perfectly well I must say, in muted admiration, generally speaking of course.

Conversely some Dealers like to test senior Staff, by working out an elaborate bet well before them, or let out some words of wisdom regarding a particular procedure, rule, or regulation and then gloat about it. It does not occur to those Dealers that they were allowed, to call out an elaborate bet first (to check against the Supervisor's calculation), or boast of in house knowledge.

Supervisor let the newer Dealer get away with sort this of thing, but can easily put the foot down with a swift 'JUST DEAL KID', if the smart ass bullshit, gets out of hand. Even if that is not the case, it's never a good career move to try and out psyche a 'senior' at any time, is it folks.

Backstabbing, at all levels, is real and knows no bounds in casino land, but I won't go to deeply in these recollections.

There have been many words written or tales told about gambling and its inherent obstacles, from ancient oriental times to the Middle Ages and through the Wild West poker showdowns and onto the elegant period of nineteenth and early twentieth century places, such as Monte Carlo. Also from the gun toting prohibition era before WW2 and onto the relatively modern problems the U.S.A. has had, with Mafia connections, as well as some casinos experiencing high-level management and executives skimming off profits, through their own elaborate plots and devices.

I cannot add much more than these pages, to the interesting history the industry has had down the years. I have never researched its history in depth but have witnessed plenty.

Okay, let's get onto Staff details. We know already that corrupt Staff often involve another Punter (or several) as an accomplice, or they can simply also act alone. Some of their simple and elaborate moves observed by me, or passed on, can be read about in the following sentences.

This cheat move carried out by a Dealer on Roulette happens after a Punter (accomplice) buys in for a stack of chips. The twenty chips will be at the lowest value of color available. The game will be busy with a lot of cash chips crossing back and forth each spin.

It will be difficult for the Supervisor to keep track of these cash chips, but he will be trying to do so, as part of his duties. His head might be in the paperwork, talking to a Pit Boss or an inquisitive Player. He might be keying in details on a computer and not looking at the layout, as much as necessary, to properly observe all the action.

The Dealer has the accomplice's small amount of cash ($50) on his chip bank, which will be exchanged for color chips at the appropriate moment chosen by the Dealer. The Dealer places the cash in the right position to be inspected. The Dealer and Punter know that this small amount does not need specific clearance from a Supervisor (check). It is a quick repetitive common exchange. The Dealer simply (slyly) places a color coordinated (probably a black hundred dollar) cash chip at the bottom of the dark color stack and whips it out in a flash, drops the cash into the box and continues dealing as normal.

The Punter is then careful not to pick the cash chip off the bottom straight away. He might go into an elaborate routine of mixing cash chips in hand and then re-arrange them, along with the newly acquired cash chip, to bemuse any eye in the sky surveillance from spotting the cash chip, intermingled with his lower valued color chips.

The Dealer had picked the moment and masked the hidden chip with his thumb and as many fingers as possible, without making the procedure look exaggerated, as he passes it out. Getting the cash chip onto the bottom of the stack was probably accessed by the flow of cash chips at that time. They were most likely left in the salad area (color chip bank) with other colored chips, in an untidy fashion, which might be against procedures, but happens regularly especially in big games.

So a cash chip, joined onto a couple of the accomplices color chips and then joined to a stack that is about to be passed out, isn't noticed.

If it is noticed, then it is called by the (non crooked) Supervisor 'Dirty stack.' The embarrassed Dealer might apologies and then exchanges the cash chip (or chips) for color chips and it will be forgotten about very quickly, unless the Dealer makes up too many dirty stacks, in a given time frame, that is acceptable. If so, then further investigation by video surveillance will be undertaken. Some Dealers have been caught out this way to their deserved demise.

If this method is carried out at regular intervals during a shift then it could soon add up over time, into serious money. A cheating Dealer might know which Supervisor pays more attention than another and act accordingly.

A similar move to the above is when an accomplice buys in for exactly a hundred and sixty chips. This is eight stacks. The Dealer can conceal several cash chips inside the middle stack, PRIOR to assembling the stacks, by way of nimble fingers inside the chipping machine. They may be unseen by the average Player, Supervisor, or Surveillance when brought out very fast - even as a genuine mistake. They are then mixed in with the accomplices other assembled color stacks and shown for inspection.

The Dealer would have placed the cash correctly and clearly called out loudly, 'Three hundred and twenty cash, or whatever the local call might be (assuming the chips are valued at two dollars each) and passed them out to the accomplice instantly.

Dirty stacks indeed!

Many Punters often take their cash chips home and bring them back the next day, weekend or whenever, no problems. I wonder if they practice on those little toy roulette wheels that some people have...

It is a sad fact that long established Gaming Staff of any casino, may be rude, abrupt and furtive to a 'new face' Staff member, who could have transferred from another club, or from a foreign country. They have their own reasons for this. It could be that they encroach on the comfort zone of those well entrenched, especially if cozy little arrangements are in place, with a regular Supervisor/Punter. It can be fraught with danger in a new casino. One soon learns who to listen to, whom to avoid and be weary of.

Some of the more experienced Dealers and Supervisors may try to take advantage of them, by way of an arrogance that might be openly displayed to the new Staff member, who has to be very guarded. Their local knowledge of regular players, length of service, internal friendships and other aspects of in-house gaming, often underline a general air of 'I know more than you buddy, so watch it'. Games within games.

Staff is rotated around different tables and into different pits throughout their shift, usually after a coffee break, or as tables are closed. This is a security measure, which bears out the theory that is expressed from time to time, amongst the Dealers - Nobody is trusted **.**

Consider the thousands upon thousands of cash notes and chips that pass through their hands daily and you can see how the temptation of a neat little table arrangement, could develop over a period of time. The following words will explain further.

During a busy game with relatively high value cash chips present, lets say forty - one hundred dollar cash chips and ten five hundred dollar chips (on even bets), along with hundreds of assorted color and lower value cash chips placed all over the layout, it is possible for the Dealer to watchfully _remove_ some of these chips, simply by brushing them right OFF the edge of the table, as losing bets are cleared away from the layout, into the chipping machine.

Experienced Dealers could easily ensure that the large value losing cash chips, are swept in on top of the first, second or third pile of table chips to be discarded. When these losing chips are at the table edge nearest to the Dealer, they should be spread out, to avoid any spilling out over the small (two/three inch) table edging and onto the floor. The Dealers pelvis/stomach area should be pressed against the table, to act as a secondary defense against this 'spilling' happening and most Dealers do this, as part of the procedure, except those that make a deliberate action or are very careless.

Cheating Dealers can brush many of these losing chips onto the floor and then simply kick them under the table, at a chosen moment, or straight away if they are as nifty in their footwork, as with their hands. They might go straight off the instep to an accomplice watching and waiting, on the other side of the table, ready to pick them up from under the table area. This move seems rather blatant and obvious, but I can assure you it's happened and probably still does, on the numerous casino floors worldwide.

I have seen Dealers accidentally spill six or seven chips in one go and several times in a shift. I myself have been guilty of it, back when I used to deal.

Fallen chips are not allowed to be picked up by the Dealer. Consequently many disinterested Dealers don't give a monkeys if they fall left, right, or center. Management knows how easy it is for a Dealer or Supervisor, to simply kick a couple of fallen cash chips from the floor, over to the feet of an accomplice on the other side of the table. If they didn't, then hello guys - there's a new one.

Supervisors usually have empowerment to go and pick fallen chips up straight away and simply flip the chips back onto the table. Some casinos do not allow Supervisors to pick up fallen chips at all, yet those same casinos expect Supervisors to chip up at times. Gray huh!

Supervisors who can pick up these fallen chips, are in a vulnerable position as far as game protection goes, just for those brief moments and in one small casino I worked at, an eccentric (somewhat paranoid) shift Manager, would not allow anybody to pick up fallen chips until gaming ceased in the early hours. There would be plenty of chips scattered about in the Pit area, that had come off the Roulette tables at busy times. They were mostly color chips but some decent sized cash chips also. How many were deliberately dropped and not kicked on far enough, is anybody's guess.

Maybe that Manager was trying to catch somebody out.

It took some time for me to discover this 'brushing chips off' action, when I glanced across the Pit for a quick look at a big game and a peek at the attractive new Dealer running it, when I spotted her apparently kick a chip under the table and no attempt was made to tell the Supervisor it happened. A Punter dived under the table, I assumed to retrieve it, but my attention was quickly drawn back to my table and I never had time to follow it up. I guess the boot could have been unintentional and she just pretended nothing happened, to save any embarrassment.

There are some unconventional and sad Dealers, who might intentionally spill chips, as a Pit Boss or Manager is watching nearby, knowing full well they will pick them up as a matter of course, even if the Supervisor is looking at their table. This might be a nasty, bitchy, immature little move, purely designed to make those people bend over, at the feet of the Dealer. I did mention the personality clashes and mentalities earlier I believe.

Dealers have been known to leave losing bets on the layout (similar to an earlier description). This is a common error. I use the word error because it is mostly that. Some parts of the table are genuine blind spots, so some chips are often left, instead of being cleared away. Cheats are alert to Dealers making this not too uncommon error. But there may be Dealers who actually use this method, as a way of letting an accomplice have another free go. Once again it's hard to prove.

It usually happens on the 'dozen and even money chances' during a busy game. It also happens on the higher numbers. It goes down as a minor oversight most times, if spotted by the Supervisor. Maybe you could do your own investigation in this regard at your local Casino. Have a little look for neglected chips, often around the last six numbers.

Along similar lines to the above is when a Dealer pays the wrong (losing) even money, or a two to one shot, in total error, because the chips have not been cleared away.

I have seen Red paid when Black has come up, same with high and low numbers, odd or even and even the wrong dozen bets paid out. Some of these payouts might be genuine mistakes and the embarrassed Dealer usually offers an excuse, which Supervisors have heard plenty of times. They look the same as deliberate cheat moves but may be excusable, what more does a cheating Dealer want, except to not get caught, sacked and prosecuted.

Not all Dealers are adept.

Another interesting Dealer cheat move is when they 'place their own chips' (the casinos), mostly on column and even money bets, as they pay legitimate bets in those areas. What can happen is the Dealer simply drops a cash chip(s) behind, or besides a stack of winning chips and cuts into it, before he pays the genuine winners.

The Dealer would have been paying out to cash chips in this case, so the chips are in their hands already. They might appear to lose control of the chips and fumble with them, at the pay out point, which helps disguise the move. This can happen during a heavy game and with an accomplice ready to snatch them up. Some casino's have the Dealer try to estimate the exact amount to be paid, but this is fraught with danger, if the amount is too short. This means a trip back to the cash/chip bank area, rather than taking an over supply to ensure just the one trip to the end of the table.

Catching a Dealer dropping chips then cutting into them, would be quite difficult to observe and prove. It will most likely only occur on a mad busy night, especially when Punters are crowded at the end of the layout, with heavy bets in place.

Overworked Supervisor might be side tracked by paperwork, a query, a float update, or other things. Cheating Dealers would probably watch Supervisors very closely before making a risky move like the one above. Payout procedures are in place to prevent Dealers even thinking about that move (and all others), but as the old saying goes, rules are made to be broken.

Cash used for a buy in should be plunged immediately after the chips are given out. But sometimes that cash finds its way into the chip bank area to be scrunched up, folded and hidden amongst those chips for later collection. Cash could be dropped onto the floor ready for the accomplice to pick it up soon after. It would also be very easy to drop cash inside the chipping machine, but then again so is detection.

Used Cash may also be used for another buy in straight away, to the same accomplice or a second one standing alongside, who is ready to accept the free chips and then cash them back in soon after. A very risky move indeed but possible.

Many cash chips actually fall into the back, down the sides and find their ways into nooks and crannies of those chipping machines. Sometimes they fall down the side of the roulette wheel, which is usually checked after gaming ceases.

Cash chips could simply be placed into a shoe when they are on bended knees, or on all fours, as they check the chipping machine after closing time. A Dealer could simply flick chips outside the pit, from that low position.

Here are a few little known details that you probably never gave a thought to, but you might find interesting.

Dealers can hide cash chips inside such places as shirt or blouse cuffs and collars. A measured rip in one of those spots, could accommodate and hide a five thousand dollar chip as easily as a five.

There are no pockets in trousers, shirts or blouses (Supervisors and more senior Staff still do have in some places) for Dealers to place chips into.

Trousers have no turn ups so chips aren't dropped into them by Dealers.

Watches are not allowed for obvious reasons.

Female Dealers once wore elegant sleeveless low cut dresses, Some would keep their well used tissues in bras, or in the top part of the high sleeve area, for more reasons than one. Over use of tissue would be normal in winter. The motion would be overlooked after numerous nose-blowing attempts. Who knows how many cash chips found their way into this space via a tissue, or indeed how many could be held therein, except for those girls.

I heard that a chip worked its way loose, from within a uniform and fell at a females feet, much to her surprise.

'How did that get there' she cried. The Female Manager took her to the office and the Dealer was soon dismissed on the spot, for stashing several cash chips under her long skirt, at the waist area apparently.

I also knew a female Dealer who was also strip-searched by a female shift Manager, after a tip off. She was actually clean and naturally very pissed off. She resigned soon after that. The Manager gained a few more frown lines. I'm not so sure they are allowed to strip search Dealers like they used to (check).

I recall a strange event during a 'cash count' I was part of, in a small U.K. Casino, back in the early nineteen nineties. One of the cash notes recovered from a table drop box, was somehow folded up, into the size of an average postage stamp. How on earth the Dealer (I presume) found the time, or dexterity to do this, shall remain a mystery to me. The shift Manager was not amused and made no comment, unlike one or two of the other grinning count team members.

Cheats probably observe Staff interchanges closely.

Organized teams of Staff ripping off their Employer are nothing new and I think it would be fair to say that there would be numerous cases that have NOT come to light, because it would embarrass the casino business, especially the smaller clubs in the U.K.

I know of one such casino, where a mass sacking took place in the early nineties. It involved about seven Staff members who had various arrangements to 'feed' a Pub Manager over several weekends. His abnormal winning streaks were monitored and it soon became clear that he was fed cash chips, by various methods mentioned already (and further on in Blackjack section), from certain Dealers, approved by two Supervisors in on the scam also.

Apparently some of the Dealers thought they had an exclusive arrangement, but the pub Manager probably just made more from them (for a short while), but he ended up losing big time. It was said that he even ripped the Dealers off by cutting back their fifty percent to much less. The idiots that were conned were young, impressionable and always going to be caught, because casino management will naturally investigate anybody's abnormal consistent winning streak, especially in a small club. Once again, greed overcame sense.

The sackings never made any local or national newspaper.

In the really bad old days, genuine big winners might be barred and most likely shown the door (or far worse). It might still happen in some obscure places.

Don't go to seedy places.

I also recall hearing about a time in France many years ago, when a number of Staff and Punter friends were caught, after fleecing their particular casino over a long period, of huge sums, before wild spending, envy and avarice finally lead them all to court. The fine details of how they did their cheating were not publicized. It was a major scandal at the time, but largely forgotten now. I heard it was way more serious money than my last example.

Various forms of cheating happen in all manner of casino's worldwide, by Staff and their accomplices. But it must be argued that the best forms of cheating haven't been uncovered yet and may take years to do so, just like the eye opening revelations of Magicians and their deceptive but often simple methods to trick the observer, that have been revealed on T.V.

I still get a kick out of one the very basic Harry Houdini methods of escape, that was revealed late in the nineties, or maybe earlier.

Please DO NOT READ the next paragraph if you don't want to know, or be reminded, of how the escapologist escaped from his chain locked and sheathed body, that was regularly lowered into deep water, for up to three minutes and often performed in front of thousands of spellbound onlookers, over a hundred years ago.

Apparently many of his 'magic escapes' from locks and chains was simply performed by keeping keys in his mouth, to open the locks, BEFORE entering the water and then kicking out the flimsy base of the full length mail sack - once in the water - he was supposedly trapped in. Clever hey. Was he cheating or just a clever entertainer?

Dealers who COPY his key method with cash chips, are definitely not entertainers.

Cheating Dealers can also quite unashamedly cheat their paymaster, by altering the chips on the roulette layout. One cheeky non-magical example is as follows.

During a busy game, the Dealer will have an accomplice as a betting Punter and possibly the Supervisor in on it too. The Dealer spins (say) number 5. The dolly (winning chip marker) gets placed on the number. The accomplice has a chip on number eight, but placed very close to the split with five. The Dealer clears around the winning number correctly except for the accomplices chip on number eight, which he promotes onto the nearby split with five, with a deceptively simple move, involving his little finger or the side of the hand, quickly sliding the chip over to the winning number.

I have seen this sly move done a few times on various numbers on roulette, including six lines, streets and corners. Ninety nine times out of a hundred, it's a mistake, according to the offending Dealer.

One time I pulled a Dealer for seemingly promoting a chip like this, as she little fingered a chip onto the number from the split. She pleaded with me that it was actually on the number and the Punter whose chip it was naturally agreed. I didn't feel like an argument and was only about seventy percent sure anyway, as was often the case.

It was a five-pound chip and the large Punter started giving me daggers and matching verbals, which helped sway my opinion. I gave the nod of approval and he picked up a couple of days pay. It could have been her boyfriend.

That Dealer and her friend might still be operating this simple, but highly effective swindle nightly for all I know and she could be on her second B.M.W. Dealers rarely have such (new) luxuries of course, unless they've never married, (well, it's a theory) or maybe have rich folks, or great investments and the like.

Basic training from my diminishing memory, is designed to totally discourage Staff from any form of cheating. All transactions are open and checked, but like any procedure, things can go wrong, especially where there is plenty of cash activity.

Punters also place late bets by the following methods. These were carried out during busy games when I was supervising two other tables and just happened to look over and catch this next move.

No more bets had been called, the ball had just stopped on an even number, in a busy game, but a Punter shouts out 'give us some color there pal', in a drunken way, while placing a loose amount of real cash on the even money square, along with two, one hundred dollar chips, hidden under the cash. The cash was lifted by the Dealer in a flash and placed on the chip bank. The Dealer called 'cash change only.'

The cheat's cash chips remained on the even money bet and the Dealer didn't suspect a sting (or was part of the rip off). The cheat had cleverly masked the two chips with cash in a blatant move, as an even number came in, or so I suspected.

I reported it to the Pit Boss soon after and he might have informed Surveillance, who may have seen the illegal move on replay, and confronted him soon afterward. I don't know if this happened, because my shift finished soon after that, followed by three days off, which was plenty of time to forget about it for a long time.

A similar type of plot is sometimes observed at the end of the table, where the Punter places a timely late bet, in the winning column as described earlier. He might be wearing loose clothing that is just resting on his shoulders, his arms free. In this case the cheat lines himself up to the appropriate column, so that when one of his preferred numbers appears, then he knows exactly when and where, to push his chips into place (masked), without even looking at the table.

He might try a diversion by leaning way over the table to place or call a bet, even as far away as number one (tall people only), while his other unseen hand is measuring and placing the cheating chips onto a column bet, as the ball is observed stopping in a certain number. The cheat would know where most numbers are in relation to their column bets and the move would be way easier, if an arrangement was in place with a Dealer.

Another variation of this, is the chip cleverly and accurately thrown onto an even money chance just as the ball drops. The cheat might have an accomplice to pick up the winnings in case he is challenged by the Dealer, or some Punter he may have leaned on, or pushed into. A fast mouth might cover the sting by saying. 'It's not mine' to try and confuse the Dealer, but if the Dealer is in on it, then she never seen any flying chip did she.

Flying late chips are usually given back straight away, along with a warning that it is not acceptable. Some Punters still do it regardless.

This particular move and most others, is unlikely to be seen these days, as already written. But Dealers do sometimes still call it too late as you are well aware of by now. Don't forget that some types of Cheats, are bold and brash as they come.

******

### SECTION BETS

There are legitimate series of section bets (basically blocks of adjacent numbers, or opposite numbers grouped on the wheel), that may increase your chances of winning. They may have French, English, German and other nations names. These section bets are sometimes printed on some fancy roulette tables around the world. Other casinos don't even recognize them and give chips back straight away, if called out to be placed.

Section betting was (and still is) accepted as normal and Punters were allowed to shout out things like, 'tier by two' and 'orphans by three', and so on. The Dealer was expected to physically place all the bets into position. Multiply that by three or four Players wanting their own combinations and you can see why many casinos stopped this practice. It took up too much time and effort and was often difficult to decipher, just what some Punters wanted, because of his, or her, strong ethnic accent.

It also hid a form of masked cheating, that became an art form in some cases.

Cheats took advantage of weak or slow Dealers, by giving them unclear call bets, close to the drop of the ball. Supervisors would need to shout constantly things like, 'no bet, or too late, unclear call, give the chips back', and so on. This often caused friction, especially if their unclear call bet, magically became a winner.

Arguments would erupt and the Dealer/Supervisor might cop some abuse. It became a game within a game for many. Personality traits and various mentalities came to the fore during these often frenetic call games, that would attracted the more aggressive types. Stress was at a max long before it became a trendy word. These were not part of the good old days, that never really happened in casinos I worked in but after hours were good...

Section bets are just more work for the Dealer, although they might not be a bad thing in some casinos, where the action is so poor that they're bored to death and need a decent game, to handle their shift. Having said that, many poor Lumpies often dream of number configurations and spinning wheels for weeks, months and even years once they're started in the business. Lets say it's a hazard of the job.

It was once procedure to place the call chips onto the flat edge of the wheel rim, if there was no time to physically place them, before the no more bets call. Some casinos still use this method and do not need to place the chips, as long as the bet is repeated out loud and accepted by the Supervisor. The winning split or number will have a chip placed on it, which will then be paid out.

When I was a young Lumpy Dealer in the last century, I can remember placing many clear call bets, on the wheel rim as instructed by Supervisors, in no uncertain terms, via particular Punters, even though I had plenty of time to actually place them.

One older Supervisor, who was a bully, would instruct me to place some of the wheel rim bets off certain Punters, onto winning numbers or column bets, even though I was sure they were 'losing chips'. I queried the placement of the chips once or twice and was told sharply, 'Don't argue with me kid'. I took his advice.

That casino was my first of the nine I worked in, on and off for over twenty five years. I wonder how many other young Dealers were bullied by that Supervisor and just how many accomplices he had. He went on to become a Manager within a few years, but was eventually sacked for over fraternizing with a heavy local gambler. They were seen together out on the town, so the story goes. He broke the local rules and paid the ultimate price. Last I heard, he was driving a cab - still on nights of course.

It might interest you to know that some Managers are expected to socialize to some extent in many countries. But that is a gray area I shall not get into.

Speaking of interest, I shall just divert a little from gaming to give you this little snippet from the memory files. Before I started working in casinos, I worked for the N.A.A.F.I. as a trainee Manager in southern England. The letters stand for Navy, Army and Air Force Institute, and was essentially a catering company supplying the armed force, but the navy lads in Portsmouth, where I was based with the Royal Navy at the time, assured me the letters actually stood for - No Ambition And Fucking Interest... Truly.

The NAAFI is still in business, although I really do have _no interest,_ in what they do nowadays. Anyway, now that I've got that off my chest, I shall continue, except to say that if you are ex Armed Forces, you probably already knew that word play.

There have been cases where Supervisors and Pit Bosses have been caught out after writing up high figures, on certain Punters comp or loyalty cards, so that they can receive more benefits than they ought to. Things like free drinks or meals, accommodation, free gaming chips or even serious cash back in some cases. This can be easily done by any Staff member with the authority (and could even be reversed so the Punter receives LESS than he ought to) and is probably happening as you read these words.

Having just said that, it might be the case that comps are now limited or even eliminated altogether, for general Punters. Newer systems come into play as seen fit. Nothing is set in concrete in casino-land, except maybe the building itself.

A certain casino I know of, used to hand over numerous free drink vouchers to the Supervisors and Pit Bosses to pass on to the Punters at will. God knows how many the Managers had to give away. This system was completely abandoned after many years of abuse,. apart from the Managers allocation The drunken friends and relatives that gained nightly or weekend free liquor sorely missed it.

Cheats are cunning. Management has been striving to combat them for as long as you like. There are so many Punters looking for an angle, it's not worth thinking on. The use of computers has been well tried and largely failed, although I read of laser tracking devices having some success. Hollywood takes this on and is pure artistic license, in my opinion.

I doubt there would be one ex Dealer, that believes in computer generated predictions.

House players, fast spins, slow spins, short spins, small diameter balls to larger ones, a steeper incline on the wheel, sharper, or more rounded metal wheel hazards, to deflect the ball wildly, etc, have been part of casino life since year dot. This makes roulette a lottery.

### SECTION SPINNING

Dealers who have been in the industry for many years can become very mechanical, almost robotic. The following words explain more about what I mean.

They use the same motion to pull and push the wheel with regular monotony.

They spin the ball exactly the same amount of revolutions, except in very busy games but that may well be relative.

They usually spin a slow wheel that cheats and honest Punters alike, might be drawn to.

They might have a routine, which can include not checking the layout, as the ball is spinning and even when it lands in a number. Their repetitive actions can allow for some serious section spinning, that will be noticed by observant Punters.

These types of Dealers are not cheating as such. But neither are they performing to the best if their abilities. They are perfunctory and often just bored stiff with their lot. They outgrow the game and need to travel, or maybe try a new career or something. Just like professional footballers, they grow too old to perform to acceptable standards, this also applies to other levels of casino employees, as some hang on for too long.

A positive point about legal section betting, is that you might want to, ALWAYS double up on the last winning number, or at least always leave a winning chip on it, for the next spin. This is for the simple reason that even if it takes twenty or thirty spins for the 'last number spun' to come in again, then there is still a winning margin. The average Punter might find it hard to keep up the concentration though and it's still a gamble.

You can invent your own 'section betting' by this simple method. As soon as the ball stops in any number, look at the four or five numbers either side of it and bet as you want to on them. Not forgetting to always put (or leave) a chip on that winning number, once its been paid and the Dealer has called 'place your bets.' This takes concentration but might pay off.

There is an acceptable (check) bet called 'the neighbors,' that I like. It's simply the two numbers either side of the winning number.

Here are some facts that you may find interesting.

I recall spinning nine consecutive section spins (grouped numbers) in a row, just the once. Eight a few times and lower plenty of times. I and many others could well have done many more, but didn't notice or care.

I have seen the same number hit four times in a row on two occasions.

I have spun the same number, three times in a row, also on two occasions.

Hitting two consecutive numbers in a row, just too many times to recall. Other Dealers have done much better no doubt. Especially one I shall mention very soon.

Recalling the time when I spun nine or so, section spins in a row, this was achieved on a slow wheel with regulated spins. They were in the commonly named 'tier' section, which is basically a third of the whole wheel. I was able to manage this by using the central point number of _twenty three_ , as the starting guide. I just spun methodically to a slow wheel ( seven spins) during quiet play. I'm not so sure if it was luck or skill on my part at the end of the day, but it worked. This slow and regular wheel motion also works a treat, on the big Money Wheel, which I cover near the end.

In an Australian Casino I was at during the late nineteen nineties, a Dealer spun a world record equaling (so I believe) SEVEN consecutive hits, on a certain number and it was not hit hard, even after four spins. Some of the Staff didn't realize it had even happened for days, weeks or months afterward. Maybe some never knew.

The casino offered the late twenties female Dealer no prize. It was disregarded and I never did find out the odds of that happening, but it would be astronomical. Apparently she wasn't trying, although she was on the mechanical side, it just happened straight out of the blue one Saturday night. Fellow workers congratulated her, as they heard about it that night and for the next few days, until the interest gradually faded. It was remarkable nevertheless and she enjoyed the attention.

The wheel was the newer shallow variety. The number was thirty five, black.

Not many people can enter a casino and resist playing anything. I take my hat off to those who can resist the temptation. I know you're out there.

Any Dealers that may be drug or alcohol affected are targets for the cheat. In a small sized casino I worked at many years ago, it had a long-standing drug and alcohol abuse problem, amongst certain Staff. That casino still made huge profits as it still does today. It seems any form of cheating there wasn't felt, or was disregarded. I recall a few Dealers being on the wobbly side occasionally and some of them running off the floor after complaining, or finishing their shifts early through 'not feeling well.'

It is difficult to be partly drunk or drug affected and get away with it in gaming. But some manage it. I cannot speak for any level of senior Management in similar situations.

Myself, I have only drunk alcohol very lightly on very few occasions before starting work, over many years. Total concentration is required in the relentless money go round. Blink and you might miss something important and cheats prey on slack work methods. Fortunately for the cheat, some Supervisors and Dealers have fallen into that easy trap and have been taken advantage of.

In one 'private club' I worked at in the nineteen eighties, the owner was also often drugged off his face. Fortunately for him, he was good at delegating, but his operation was closed down overnight for not having a relative license. He soon converted a corner of a four story car park, into a five table operation and business continued for a while, until EVERYONE got closed down by the law, forcing private games into houses, garages, closed restaurants, offices etc.

I have no idea if any private still gaming exists there, as Casino Gaming is now legal in that big city, at a large casino and I have not lived there for many years.

### OPPORTUNISTS

Cheats can turn up any time day or night, so casinos really have no idea when they are present. Fortunately for casinos, outright cheats are NOT very common and foolproof methods may not exist, or possibly never been uncovered. But every casino has resident 'opportunists', of that I have no doubt. However, there are many opportunist cheats that simply take advantage of cracks in procedures, or laziness that offer them another life. Punters that never intended to cheat can soon find themselves presented with a gift, which they find impossible to pass up on, as shall be explained.

Cheating can occur during dead play spins because of the stupidity of some casinos, which dictate Dealers should have to spin the ball constantly, regardless of whether a Player is at the table or not (check). Dealers can totally lose concentration by spinning to an empty table and miss a very late bet, that a cheat might sneak on after the ball has stopped, but before the Dolly has been placed on the winning number, by the sluggish Dealer. This has happened, as mentioned earlier and unless surveillance can disprove it, then it gets paid.

Also touched on, is a simple opportunist situation that might encourage a normal Punter to cheat, is when a Dealer simply overlooks a losing bet and fails to clear it. Often it's an even money shot, but it can occur anywhere on the layout. What happens is that the bet has a second chance of winning, because it rides on the next spin, usually to the amazement of the Punter. It wins on the new spin. The Punter takes the winnings and sheepishly continues betting with extra ammunition.

Real cheats watch for this slip up (a sleeper) and if the Punter moves away without realizing his cash chip had been paid out, cheat will pick up the payout. Easy money eh!

Punters are often given more chips than they are entitled to because of a miscalculation. This is similar to earlier remarks on marked up chips. I cannot recall anybody voluntarily giving back those extra chips. The same applies when an even money bet is accidentally paid out twice, because the Punter removes the winning chips in a flash, then watches a vacant Dealer pay it back out again.

Another variation of that is when a Dealer simply clears the wrong number; this is NECTA FROM CHEATSVILLE and known like others, to be a simple 'fuck up.' Clearing away the wrong number can happen nightly. If it wasn't for diligent Supervisors and Punters, there might be several of these, on any given table day and night, even more when Lumpies are let loose. If you haven't experienced one of these situations taking place, then I will explain what can happen.

It's busy with lots of chip action. The ball has landed in (say) number twenty three. But the Dealer places the dolly on number thirty two and clears away losing chips, according to the procedure but on this _wrong number._ If the Supervisor is watching another table at that moment, then there is a big problem, because the Dealer will carry on, until possibly stopped by a startled Punter who would have chips on, or relative to number twenty three. He might quickly speak up and catch the Dealers before he wrecks the moment.

If the Supervisor looks into the wheel, and instantly notices the mistake, he shouts 'STOP.' The shocked Dealer will know exactly why the stop word went up, before looking back into the wheel, which confirms one of their worst fears - clearing the wrong number.

It might be too late to salvage anything, or it might be only partially cleared. If it has been partially cleared, then the Supervisor might be able to sort it out straight away without too much of a problem.

If there is total clearance of the wrong number then a Pit Boss would be called to do the same (check your local rules). Asking the Punters what chips they had wrongfully removed is normal. I repeat. The Pit Boss ASKS the Punters what chips they had removed. The conversation might go like this.

'And you say you had three orange chips on twenty three straight up?

'Yeah and two on the split with twenty six.'

'Two on the split...' The Pit Boss might confer briefly with the Dealer or Supervisor, as if either of them knew what was there in the first place, just to make it look as if the Punters are not getting something for nothing. The orange chips are placed and paid as claimed.

The next Punter might speak out before being asked.

'I had one yellow chip on the number and two on the split with twenty two and that's about it,' Pit Boss gives the nod.

'And you sir'? 'Oh, I had two on the number and two on a split with twenty four, as well as four chips on the corner bet too.

'Right - one on the straight up was it?

"No, there were two on the number. I often do that bet'.

"Pit Boss motions the placing of the chips, which the flustered Dealer carries out. He then asks the next two Punters who do not claim at all, to everyone's surprise.

The final Punter is asked if he had chips on the layout.

"Yes I certainly did. I had two twenty five dollar chips under the chips, she cleared off the winning number'

"TWO twenty fives'

"Yes it was two. That is within the table limits isn't it?

"Yes sir, just a moment'

Pit Boss asks the Dealer if he remembers clearing two twenty fives off a number. He remembers clearing away some greens ($25s), but can't recall off which part of the layout. He looks into the chipping machine, to see if there any $25 chips in it. There are quite a few in amongst lower value chips, indicating they were just cleared from the table, he also notices the cheat is toying with some twenty fives as a sign. The payout is to high to just 'give away' seventy $25 chips, so he rings surveillance.

Gaming continues and the 'cheat' plays about six $25 chips, mostly on splits and corners without incidence. He doesn't win but remains calm and composed. The winners are paid and the ball spins again. The cheat bets another six $25 bets again, this time he places three on 'straight ups,' which lose and two on street bets. Pit Boss is watching the action. One of the $25 street bets wins, which means the cheat has now broke near even, since the wrong number was cleared.

Pit Boss gets a call from surveillance, as betting continues. They could not clearly see what chips were on the straight up. They say there were about ten losing twenty five dollar chips on outside bets, which the cheat had largely placed and he had placed one or two on the layout, but chips had been re-arranged around number twenty three, before the ball had dropped. So no clear indication is available. The Pit Boss's decision is his alone. He could involve the duty Manager but decides to make the call himself. The seventy greens (seventeen hundred and fifty dollars) get paid out.

The main Cheat then played a few more twenty five dollar bets that lost, before moving on to a different table. He would have been watched from then on, for the rest of the shift, because the $25 chips claimed, could easily have been cleared away from a losing even money bet and simply claimed as his.

The Supervisor could even have been involved in that scenario for all we know. If so, then the Dealer would also be in on it too and the cheat(s) could have been any one of the claimants, at the 'clearing of the wrong number' disaster.

Nine times out of ten, even if the Pit Boss is present, surveillance will not be asked to review a wrong clearance on playback, largely because they cannot see bottom chips that are surrounded by other stacked chips in a big game (so I'm told), or the Pit boss does not want to waste their time with small amounts. If it's a quiet game on a quiet night, then surveillance might be used (check).

So as I said, the Pit Boss or the Supervisor will pay out to the _SATISFACTION_ of the Punters in most cases, but not always, especially if they already have 'suspect Punters' playing at the table.

Clearing the wrong number can be dangerous if there is serious money being wagered. Only experienced Dealers deal the higher stake games, where thousands upon thousands can ride on each spin, so clearing the wrong number is one big no no, but even experienced Dealers can make the not so common mistake.

I can recall clearing the wrong number on a few occasions and two of those were rescued before they were totaled. A fast word by my Inspector (STOP) had the situation quickly under control and only one Punter made an unlikely claim, which he got. Different casinos have varying house rules for when these situations arise. It's a bit of a gray area.

I remember watching a young female Dealer, clear the wrong number one time, in almost slow motion, I was daydreaming right then, so my reaction was slow. The mistake was fixed easily enough and on reflection I think she had an accomplice at the table, because she did it within half an hour again, to my amazement. Her main break was due so maybe she slotted the second one in, before she ran out of time.

That casino was one of the bigger places I worked in and I never supervised her again for some days. She was a great Dealer and never made any mistakes I can remember. Who knows if she had me sussed as an easy target. She moved on some weeks later to another city, never to be seen by me again.

Numbers that confuse many Dealers are often 8/11, 16/19, 26/29 and 27/30. But Dealers can also misread the wheel and place the dolly on 35 instead of 25, as well as 6 onto number 9. and of course 23/32. Most mistakes occur when chips cover all the numbers.

Training school for Dealers have the layout covering all numbers with chips. The Trainer then calls out a number for the Trainee to place the dolly on instantly. Using the dozen bets and column bets as guides helps, but unless they have already largely memorized key numbers, then it becomes a bit of a tough exercise, which can last for years.

I once saw a man take a twenty-five dollar chip off the top of a small stack of twenty fives that belonged to the woman gambling alongside him. They looked like they were together. She had bent down to pick up her fallen cigarette lighter, when the thief swiftly pocketed her top chip. I thought it was a joke at first until he soon departed and I never seen them together after that. It seemed he was just trying to chat her up with evil intent.

This is at the lower end of casino life where scumbags mingle with normal people. Stealing unprotected chips is a reality. Some people seem to think they can trust the nicely dressed man, who plays quietly and makes a few polite comments, but he might be Jack the Rippers great great great grandson looking for his next victim. Who knows? They don't introduce themselves with much do they.

Stealing from ones own family to feed a gambling habit is at the lowest end of the same set of scales. I've heard it happens but that's outside the casino and I think we all might realize, that pickpockets can operate in these places. It isn't widely publicized but it's been going on for a long time, I dare say.

Cheating may have started from these opportunities and simply spiraled out of control along with a growing gambling addiction, which is recognized as a disease apparently and is a global problem, according to some reports. Not so sure how to cure it - besides not walking thru the frigging casino doors.

Gray areas abound within the procedures and rules of all casinos, as I have already said. This has become apparent if you have read most of the words so far and picked up on important tips and those to follow.

Most casino's have similar 'control measures', which can at times appear quite amateur to a trained eye, but not many Punters will notice, except the people that understand the systems associated with this extraordinary business, that in simple terms is this: A large room full of strangers playing Machiavellian games on tables that they cannot walk around, eat at, sit at (possibly) and have no control over.

Everybody watches everybody else for his or her own reasons. But the eye in the sky (surveillance) continues to peer down constantly. It may be treated with disdain or totally neglected by Staff, Punters and cheats alike, but it does not go away.

Dealers are not trusted, which I guess you figured out ages ago, without me telling it once more, even though they are at the front line so to speak. They cope with the multitude of rules, regulations and procedures that are designed to keep them honest and would hardly be noticed by Mr. and Mrs. Punter.

There is unseen pressure to keep on the straight and narrow. This control can become very stressful and as a consequence, there is often big turnovers in Staffing levels because of this. I'm told that Management methods have improved in recent years. Different generations make vast changes as we all know, so I guess the improvement is true.

Old school is best confined to the history books, as far as casino stuff is concerned.

I do know that windows and clocks are (or were) rare as hens teeth, in just about every casino you can name, except for some of the modern purpose built casinos, here and there. I think the mentality was to confuse the Punters about what time of day or night it was. What do you think!

******

### GENERAL INTEREST

In the last few years of my time in the casino game I only ever supervised (a few hours of 'chipping up' could be included) and being a keen observer of human traits and foibles, I observed many an attractive female Dealer take advantage of man's inherent weaknesses - me included folks.

I have heard that the (so called) stronger sex, is really the weaker sex, because of the weakness the stronger sex has, for the weaker sex. Got that?

Feminine beauty and wiles can bring any dumb male down in the right atmosphere and in casinos, it can spell disaster in more ways than one. I won't go to deeply into this interesting subject, except to point out it's relevance to some cheating methods mentioned and how easily weak kneed Managers, Pit Bosses and Supervisors can be conned by a false smiling cutie, about to take serious advantage.

It's fair to say that if a male makes the same amount of those _little_ _mistakes,_ when supervised by males, as would a stunning twenty five year old single female, then he will eventually be dragged to the Managers office, well before it even registers in the male brain, that the babe has MADE ANY MISTAKE AT ALL.

Smiling, batting eyelashes, giggling and slowly brushing up against a senior males arm, with an ample pair of breasts, does wonders for their little mistakes. Saying something cute and clever helps too, even if it was stolen from someone else just minutes earlier, when another dumb male was being stitched, by another over ambitious female.

Female Managers, Supervisors and Pit Bosses will take a totally different approach with a female Dealer, then we might get to see what 'bitch' really means, unless they are friends with each other, then any 'mistake' may never have happened, it's that sort of game folks.

On the other hand, male Dealers can crawl around most senior female Staff as necessary, as some men may have to do in normal day-to-day life situations. It might never have occurred to any of these Staff of both sexes, that they have been used.

Brown nosing is non-procedural, but it blends with the gray and will always remain so. Cheats prefer gray but can also use brown when required.

Staff Members take well earned (busy shifts) coffee breaks, usually every hour and a half or so; it varies from place to place. I worked in a joint where you spent three to four hours at a table without a break and once worked a whole shift, with just a short break to eat, because of Staff taking sick days off. Work breaks always depends on Staffing levels, balanced with Punter attendance and how nasty the shifty (Shift Manager) or Pit Boss is.

Tired inattentive Dealers work indirect magic for them. They will be alert to yawning, bored, or inattentive looking Dealers, they're not hard to detect.

Most gaming Staff just wants to get away as their busy shift draws to an end. Their level of concentration is often shot. Miscalculations occur and the last thing they really want is to be dealing to a bunch of hyper gamblers, at three thirty in the morning. Sometimes drunk and obnoxious, they do not impress the Staff.

Dealers minds are elsewhere, so mistakes will always take place, especially late at night. 'You just made a fuck up', usually gets the attention of the Dealer and Supervisor straight away. Some shift Managers really enjoy saying those words.

Drunk Punters (not drunk enough to be ejected) are a nuisance to everybody, they might spill drinks, knock chips off winning numbers, they put sloppy bets on, as well as place bets under, or over table limits. Some drunks can be funny and provide a laugh at times. They become friendly with other Punters who don't really want to be their friends. They can also be clever cheats and con men that are great actors.

Not all casino drunks are drunk.

As touched on earlier, I believe many individual cheats are actually just making the most of cracks in procedures and rarely cheat at all. This is certainly observational and may well be statistically sound also. I'm not a statistician, I am only reporting on what I have seen, or have been told.

There has been serious Staff clashes that have resulted in marriage, jobs and health break downs over the years. The casino game can do strange things to Punters and Staff alike. Bullying combined with a superior attitude has been noticed in most of the casinos I have worked in. It can be a rude awakening to a glitzy eyed romantic seeking fun and excitement, in a serious cash flow business, but as I said, Management mentalities have improved lately, so I'm told.

The real world of dealing boring monotonous games, to seriously addicted hyper-gamblers, in a late night drunken and once smoke ruined environment - often with inadequate air conditioning (there wasn't any in the first three casinos I worked in) and on average pay, is not good for the body, mind or spirit by any stretch of the imagination.

Consequently there is a lot of natural wastage, through burn out and working nights, or 'week about' shifts patterns. But I guess it's better than walking the streets, at least you keep dry. It's a bit like pro sports, generally speaking, in as much as one needs to be young and alert to keep up! At least the cigarette smoke has long been eliminated, unless you gamble in a private home, or a weird place that still allows smoking.

So working in a casino is just regular shift work, on average pay, but that takes years for some people to figure out and Dealers are not the entertainers, some think they might be. They learn to keep relatively mute, usually after saying something obtuse to the wrong person, in a more senior position. Once you get on the wrong side of somebody in higher authority, then it might be very difficult to rescue that situation.

Harsh lessons can be learned in any business and the casino industry can be one of the hardest. It might have something to do with _hard_ cash and control freaks, which the business attracts like moths to light.

This may seem mocking, disrespectful and bitter but It isn't. It's always noted with a humorous edge. They say you're got to have a laugh in life and this seriously applies to casino life. The following people have provided some over the years.

### WIERD PUNTERS/DEALERS

Punters (mostly men) the world over, do strange things in their lengthy and consuming gambling lives. I'm not just talking about making strange decisions at the tables, especially blackjack, I mean things like pawning the family jewels or selling the car, wife, boat, or house, to fuel their gaming habits. All of which many actually do anyway. Nah, maybe not the wife - in civilized societies anyway.

During intense gaming there are Punters in this category who have been known to deliberately knock the best part of a mixed stack of chips over a busy layout, exactly as the ball has landed in a wheel slot and then attempt to retrieve their chips straight away, this might result in a sharp 'keep your hands back, thank you' or far worse, after a grab for the fallen chips has failed.

When this unusual type of situation arises, it could be opportune for cheats to claim what they think they can get away with, if the chips fall all over the winning number (this is a little different from the accidentally 'knocked over stack', during the last three spins, which I cover later on).

It still takes a lot of sorting out but gladly happens only rarely. It slows the game down and several Punters will be caught up in the aftermath of sorting out their placed chips. The nerds who carry out this caper might get away with this strange form of cheating (if intended) and also offer a chance for an opportunist cheat, to take serious advantage.

False claims might be lodged and the idiot who knocked his stack over, might claim many more chips than he actually gambled on the winning number.

Surveillance cameras should expose most of the truth if the Pit Boss cares to use them. Gaming eventually continues after some disruptive negotiating.

This type of idiot not only knocks the chips over with his hand, but can do it by sharply crashing into the table. I have also seen this done by a couple of fools having a brawl and is most effective from the bottom end of the table. That is apart from serious drunks, who sometimes actually flop onto a table as well as stagger into them and slam chips down in a fit of temper. They are usually shown the nearest exit door.

Another strange form of behavior occurs, when a Punter actually bites a larger denomination chip, when they get a big win. Why do they bite them? Did they see this on an old Hollywood movie, that was set in the Wild West days perhaps.

I have seen them stick them on their tongues as well, maybe to show off to the long suffering wife or girlfriend. Or maybe they're trying to impress the other Punters sitting at the table or a friend. Some think they impress the Staff. Not so.

I've heard Dealers do this as well. But in their case they stick the whole chip in their mouths to steal them, to be later spat out, or maybe even accidentally swallowed, this could also bring a whole new meaning to 'pass betting.'

Incidentally, the game of craps (pass bets and stuff) never drew me in, so I will not go there at all.

A Dealer can hide a five thousand dollar chip in his mouth as easy as a five dollar chip. Some chips are many years old and NEVER get washed, so the bacteria are just about visible. Maybe that's why some Staff takes regular sick days off with diarrhea, which can also be put down to the low efficiency of the air conditioning and possibly the in house food, of some gaming establishments around the world.

Incidentally, I have only been involved in and ever seen, one 'chip cleaning day.' It was on a day shift and was so quiet, the Manager decided to gather all the cash chips into two buckets and most of the Staff (about eight) available got stuck in, washing or drying with towels. Just one blackjack was left open, as the cleaning went on for about half an hour or so. This was in a very small casino years ago.

Another rather strange form of behavior which I have only seen once, was when a female Dealer deliberately removed the only winning chip from a winning number on Roulette. When I asked her to replace the cleared chip, she muttered 'Must I' Naturally I was bemused by this comment, until I realized half a second later, that the Punter whose chip it was, was a known pain in the butt, disliked by most Dealers.

She replaced it on my instruction and the pain grumbled about the standard of the Croupiers, which only made their distance more distant. You could have cut the atmosphere with a knife. She probably did it again when I was absent and may still do.

Fortunately for that Dealer, I knew her quite well and just let the matter pass over. Others in that situation could have been dragged to the Managers office for a please explain. Black clouds would descend...

Some years ago in an Australian casino, a female gambler 'lost it.' She gambled away far more than she could afford, she snapped and stormed around to the Dealers side of the table, grabbed handfuls of cash chips and threw them in all directions, in a rage, before being stopped. Punters snaffled many off the floor and a few were caught by surveillance cameras. Some of the people who grabbed those thrown chips were taken to court and prosecuted I believe, but the fines were nominal.

I believe the woman who initiated the chip scramble, was also only fined a token amount after the magistrate took into account the circumstances. I wouldn't be surprised if that magistrate was a gambler. I believe the casino was not too happy with the courts decision but gaming continued as usual and she was barred for a year. Not sure about the others.

There are some female types out there working in casino land who try to score themselves a lonely millionaire through stealth, maybe guys too. I know of only one major capture and that was a female Dealer out of Sydney, who worked in a private club back in the 1980's. That was when all casino gambling in New South Wales was illegal.

Incidentally Staff inter-relationships are fairly common in most casinos and I know of a few marriages through the casino connection, but apparently they were true love and might still be. I think maybe the airline business offers more scope to meet a millionaire; one will certainly find the high fliers anyway.

In casino land it's the unusual rather than the mundane, that sticks in the memory (like Punters ACTUALLY WINNING - ahem!). Spilled drinks happen occasionally and might be part of a cheat move, that could include the Dealer and a Supervisor. Wet and messy chips have to be dried, often with paper towels and hair dryers, which are used by the cleaners, to spot dry the wet gaming cloth and chips as best as possible. If the drink is spilled just as the ball stops in a number, then this out of the ordinary situation is handled very differently by various Staff members. Some panic, others remain calm and just fix it.

A cheat might take advantage of a flustered slow Dealer and place chips in amongst the spillage (winning bet) as he gallantly attempts to clear it up. Others might reach out in the confusion and take advantage of a possible missed, or slow, 'no more bets' opportunity.

Spilled drinks compromise game protection, it's time wasting and ultimately costly for the casino. It is worse on Blackjack tables. Spilled drinks can also be a cover for a sneak thief to steal some nearby cash chips, or maybe a purse, that are not protected at that moment, so be careful at these times.

One can tell the desperate from the greedy after years in the game. Desperation needs some measure of common sense, when enforcing rules. Most rules, procedures and regulations are broken in one form or another, by everybody that has ever worked in a casino and those still working in that industry. Of that I have no doubt.

Desperate also equals stupid at the tables and these Punters can be seen in every gaming house the world over. There are some sad Punters that hang around the wheel and strain to see where the ball will land, while they continually press the Dealer into accepting later and later high number bets, in the hope that he can somehow catch the Dealer out, when a low number comes in and is able to seize a chip upon it, without being detected. We are talking dumb cheats here, but having said that a pushy type got probably one over on me and a Dealer one night, as I shall now explain.

This friendly thirty something guy (I was early twenty something) was up by the wheel and kept giving me high number combinations, like 32 and the corners by two and 27 and the street by three, plus various splits (lines dividing two numbers). He became a voice almost in the background and was part of the furniture, as his calls became monotonous, sometimes difficult, and often close to the no more bets calls.

He would test us out with every spin. Mostly he wouldn't look into the wheel as the ball spun, making me and the Supervisor think that he's NOT about to do so very soon.

It wasn't until my concentration was lost picking out chips from the chipping machine, that he struck while giving late instructions and tossing the chips into the work space, for me to sort out, just as the ball had stopped in number twelve. I quickly called no more bets as he swiftly placed a twenty five Dollar chip on twelve and then fumbled more chips onto number five and eleven, in a bid to confuse, annoy and frustrate me, just as I turned and realized my late mistake.

Another Punter (an accomplice perhaps) was also still placing chips which were given back in a flash, as was the twenty five dollar chip on number five and eleven. I looked at the Inspector, but he kept a straight face and never told me to remove anything.

He was possibly enjoying my stressful dealing (aforementioned mentalities). So the late chip on number twelve, which I overlooked as a late bet, was given the benefit of the doubt and paid out at thirty five to one, after some serious eye-balling by me, which was a waste of time and ineffective anyway.

I wasn't a hundred percent sure that he looked into the wheel as the ball dropped and that he'd placed the chip deliberately late, but it was highly likely. The Punter sheepishly moved to another table soon after and didn't test us any further that night. He calculated my tolerance limit as over and was never as friendly (mutual suspicion), or as bold after that sly deliberate move. The Supervisor didn't seem too concerned when giving the nod and could have been a relative of his, for all I knew.

Women with long hair have tried the cheating 'column push move' with an accomplice maybe helping, by throwing late low value chips up near the wheel, which should be refused of course. What they do is push chips onto one of the columns with a players score card, or their hand sliding along, while at the same time pretending to be 'absent,' which can fool some Dealers, some of the time.

Silly Cheats have also used Chinese hand fans, cigarette boxes, ash trays etc, to promote their chips onto winning column bets. These methods are also used on 19-36, Odd or Red.

I have to laugh at the little old woman, who used to try it on by way of a player's card. That was years ago, so she'd be about one hundred and five at the time of writing this. These cards are usually on every roulette table so Players can record winning numbers and check for any spin patterns. She would use the card to push chips onto even money bets, after the ball had stopped. She was on the deaf side (selective hearing perhaps) and hoping nobody would notice, but it was very noticeable.

Every casino knows that this players card is basically of no real concern, except in this case of course.

An even dumber move is when a Punter physically lifts the Dolly/Marker and puts chips on top of winning chips and then places the dolly back on top. This happened on a table I was supervising in a U.K. casino, in the early nineteen nineties. The young Punter was bold as brass. The Dealer was preparing a big payout and not watching the layout, when the dolly lifter struck.

The number that had won was Thirty Six, which is on the periphery. The Punter had worked that out easily enough, but the move was so blatant, I couldn't believe my eyes when I caught him lifting it and placing a five pound chip, on top of the winning chips.

I suppose if I had my head in paperwork at that moment, then he might have got away with it. However, surveillance might have picked it up (once again) if they were watching that particular table at that moment, or on playback, but I don't think overhead surveillance was in place, at that small northern English club back then.

Anyway the Manager barred the dolly lifter for a lengthy spell. He was part of a group of guys that were no problem regulars. He wins the Audacity Cup.

Some Punters have literally put their fingers in the wheel and been hit by the ball, this often shocks them in a big way. They stay well back after that first hit. It might also have been a deliberate action by them. Placing ones hand in the wheel, is actually hardly a problem these days, with the plastic two foot high (or so) wheel protection barrier, placed close to the wheel in most progressive casinos nowadays. This prevents such idiots from getting too close to the roulette wheel.

At other times crazy Punters have deliberately dropped chips right into the wheel, just after the ball has dropped in the 'wrong number', hoping it will be called a no spin and re-spun, much to the horror of other Punters who might strongly disagree, once they see the ball had stopped in their number and that the fallen chips, may not have interfered in the result at all.

Others Punters will like the no spin call, if they didn't have chips on the winner. The Dealer may be confused as to what to do initially so the Supervisor has to sort this stuff out. It might be his first time also. Confusion and argument can erupt and the Pit Boss or Manager, who are never far away, might need to get involved quickly. He could well be viewing it on a monitor, to see how it pans out, but this is a very rare move and would be a another gray area to cope with at the time.

Some crazy Punters stack up their color or cash chips, with home made chips. They usually place them onto column bets and also on BJ tables.

This move has also been attempted with the following.

coins

washers

buttons

cardboard

plastic replica's

This is an old routine, that pops up now and then. I'm sure every Dealer has faced some of these examples. Question is whether they have actually realized it or not yet.

Abuse is raised in various ways and I recall seeing a glass ash tray hurled at a hard case female Dealer, by an angry male Punter, who was losing heavily to her spins. The ash tray hit her in the shoulder, as she turned defensively. She recovered after a lengthy tea break, which was just about all the compensation she sought and was likely to be given anyway, back in the late eighties. The thrower was sent on his way but the Police were not called.

I have seen drinks, cigarette packs, lighters, spit, and chips (low denomination) thrown at Dealers heads and bodies. The offenders get barred out for varying periods.

'It was quite a laugh really,' one young female Dealer was heard to say, after an aggrieved Punter actually hauled the very heavy roulette wheel, right off the table and onto the carpet, in frustration at the numbers she was hitting. He was only barred for a few month's _because he was a heavy loser and therefore a valued player._ He came back exactly when allowed to do so, If it had have been a low betting stranger, I guess the Police might even have been called in and his face would never have been seen, in that particular casino ever again. The ash tray guy was also barred for a lengthy spell but allowed back because he would 'drop' decent weekly amounts.

Situations like the above scenarios, makes one realize how pathetic the game really is and why the hell are we all there in the first place (Filthy lucre of course). So after the fists, swear words, slamming of chips, flying ash trays, chairs and severe head scratching (psoriasis becomes a miserable reality for many in casino land), the game has lost its credibility, but nobody gives a shit really. The game goes on and on.

All I can say is that I'm glad I wasn't around to deal on those Mississippi riverboats, during the old gold rush days, or in the back rooms of the speakeasies and the like during prohibition. Gun shot is a lot more terminal than an ash tray, chips or cigarette lighters, flung in frustration.

Did you know that Dealers in many casinos are not allowed to give out the color chips, that are nearest to the Punter and closest to the wheel, because some mad Punters have been caught simply pulling the nearest stack out, from the chip bank, like they are free gifts. Surveillance or somebody close by might spot it and catch him out and report it. If not, then it's like taking candy from a baby.

This type of chip stealing could also be an arrangement with a Dealer/Supervisor by turning a blind eye. This form of cheating is daylight robbery, but I can only guess that some have got away with it.

Dealers in most casinos now call no more bets, A LOT EARLIER than they used to. This eliminates most cheating opportunities as mentioned, but only if the Dealer stays focused on the layout, but the early call seems to be false economy, because those later bets represent plenty of missed chip action. But you can bet somebody in high authority has declared that the no more bets call, should be called 'really early,' whereas it used to be called - as the ball goes quiet with maybe two or three spins left, on its decaying orbit.

Early call method leaves embarrassing dead time moments, waiting for the ball to drop, as it still has maybe six to ten or more spins left, which takes up to six seconds or so. This is a lot of lost action over one shift. Multiply that by many tables and then the days, weeks, months, years and the amount of 'lost productivity' would be staggering.

On another level of weird behavior, I have seen a Dealer happily spin the ball for exactly three spins several times, which is just about acceptable in some casinos (check your local casino), but very rarely seen. A certain Punter was annoying a particular Dealer one night, so he put in a few short spins so the Punter could not place all his bets, just to piss him off.

The Punter complained to me but the spins stood, as three complete spins was acceptable back then. That was in the seventies, when professional standards was not what it is these days. Punters still piss the gaming Staff off and is quite noticeable at times. The reverse definitely applies also.

Some years later I came across a Dealer with an outgoing negative attitude (ahem), towards most Punters. he didn't really care who knew. He was a great Dealer to supervise, as mistakes were very rare, but some of his really short spins were designed to seriously upset some Punters.

It was a pleasure to stop and physically catch the ball, as it struggled past a couple of revolutions and announce in a loud voice, NO SPIN - TOO SHORT. The sad Dealer would try his hardest to achieve a four to five rev spin straight away, or let it fly in annoyance. I also put in the odd three to four spin myself way back, but I seriously doubt you will ever see such short spins anywhere anymore. Attitude guy was really fast in most aspects of running a table. He never kept a girlfriend for long though...

If you are subjected to some bloody wacky Dealer ripping you off, with very short spins of say, four or less, even if it's on the say so of a Pit Boss, you should complain to the Manager or your local gaming authority if in place. Get it fixed.

Now having said all that, I should also point out that a short spinning Dealer might well be trying very hard to hit a certain section of the wheel, especially if the wheel is spinning slowly too. Keep that in mind next time you visit your local casino and see who might be winning. Also check if Punter A, follows Dealer B around the different pits/tables during the evening. They could have an arrangement in place.

Short spins are also carried out in some casinos that time the Dealers hourly spin rate. Some joints have Supervisors monitor this practice with varying creativity and accuracy. I'll go into this a little, because it actually affects everybody and exposes the effectiveness of this procedure.

Firstly here are some rules, anomalies and facts on timing the Dealers at roulette (check local rules) and related info.

Dealers are expected to spin up forty to fifty times an hour, in a quiet game.

Dealers are expected to spin up to forty or so spins in an hour, during a light to medium action game.

In a medium action game it's down to thirty or so.

In a heavy game you can expect up to twenty spins an hour, give or take.

In a heaving game (table chip saturation, difficult to work out bets, call bets, disputes, a necessary float fill or two, clearing the wrong number, big cash buy ins etc) twelve to fifteen or more is acceptable. It can get lower than that no matter how good the Dealer is.

I think we can all gather what this timing procedure is all about. But what the think tank failed to realize was that the pressure that this puts Dealers under, has forced them into beating it and actually reducing productivity requirements, by putting in shortish spins, to offset possible failure to make the required spins per hour (simple deception).

This produces plenty of lost chip action as mentioned. It is also counter productive by providing a poor customer service situation, but who really cares or notices.

Dealers often panic when they know they're being timed. This can lead to mistakes and miscalculations. The game (like any other) never stops once people play, except for serious drink spillages, fire drills, bomb scares, or closing time, so timing a Dealer is wasteful and besides, it's just so very easy to _invent_ figures, that can be in favor or against a Dealer - more games within games, at casino gaga!

Older Dealers with lengthy experience and long past caring too much, couldn't care if they're timed or not. Timing them is futile, as they just get the job done, just like your local bus Driver's do, even if they are late...

Dealer should probably _spin the ball_ about fourteen to twenty two revs every time. This enables bets to be placed comfortably in a medium to big action game, it gives 'just enough time,' which is what Punters really like anyway, especially if no more bets, is called with about three revs left.

Seven spins you win.

In many countries, gambling is going through the roof, in these early years of the new millennium. Cruise ships furnishing comprehensive gaming equipment are out there. Many new or re-sited and refurbished casinos, are springing up and massive global Internet gaming adds to the mix.

Texas Hold'em poker, has never been more popular the world over, with huge prize money on offer in various places. It's about the only game I play at social level, that has any connection to the casino world, I was once so into (I do play the slots a little at low stakes). The Players I sit with are a mixed bunch of people, aged from late teens to a lady born in the 1920's.

It didn't take me long to adjust from supervising the table, to sitting at it with the Punters, although I still get that 'other side of the table feeling' at times.

I wonder if the train Driver feels the same if he's traveling as a passenger, or the airline Pilot flying off on holiday, with his family.

******

### THE LAST THREE SPINS

In smaller Clubs that close at Four or six in the morning (check your local), or whatever time they shut up shop, the last three spins of the night can be a nightmare for gaming Staff, depending on the level of control exerted.

Serious, sick, serial gamblers can go quite mad, during these spins.

The Supervisor, Pit Boss or Dealer announces the dreaded call for the Punter - but not for the Staff, who can't wait for the 'last three spins' to go. Let me explain about some of the things that can happen during these mad moments.

Punters will often buy in for a large amount of chips at this time and plaster the layout. The average Player might suddenly have at least a hundred chips, so he can play more, to try and recoup on these last spins. Some insist on every color (one color per Punter) available which is usually up to two hundred chips. They might be denied this for time and security reasons. They might also have, or want various cash chips and hit the even money chances, along with plenty of other eager Punters.

A few of them will want chips placed out of reach and sometimes even change their minds, as they speak. They often want to buy in for more cash and cash chips as the ball is spinning on it's merry way. They will crash into each other and spill or place chips badly, as the ball spins on. There might be around fifteen Punters or more, crammed in like sardines two deep at the table, which can spell TROUBLE.

There can be around two thousand chips to handle on the layout at this time, which is huge and impressive to observe for everyone there. No wonder casino Staff hate the last three spins. One or two might actually admit to enjoying them.

Punters will almost scramble over each other (a pickpocket opportunity perhaps) as they go about placing bets wildly, as the ball slows on its regular journey. Latish call bets are sometimes accommodated, depending on the Punter (maybe a regular), Dealer and Supervisor. Cash thrown onto the layout with call bets, might be accepted by a Dealer, but knocked back by a Supervisor causing confusion and deflation.

Problems could easily arise, because of the inadequate length of the spin, or a ball spin too quickly (not enough initial time to lay bets) by a nervous Dealer, who just wants everyone to disappear instantly.

Under limit, over limit bets, unclear bets, two Punters playing in the same color, etc, are all problems that the Pit Boss, Supervisor and the Dealer cope with, as the desire to throw just about every chip on anything continues.

The Dealer could change thousands of dollars in record time. He and the rest of the Staff just want them ALL TO LOSE and go away. The mad hyper-gamblers want to stay and WIN.

### THIRD LAST SPIN

The ball stops in number twenty after a long spin, in which the talented Dealer changed huge cash, placed over thirty chips just about everywhere and didn't upset anyone. Number twenty has about twenty ten varied chips on the straight up and sixty odd surrounding it. The table gets cleared without a problem, but paying out will take about four times longer than normal, because of the various cash and color chips, this includes several stacks on the outside bets. These payouts need to be assembled two or three times and passed out in controlled stages.

The Supervisor watches intently as the Dealer hurriedly assembles those extra large payouts. The cheat(s) notices the Supervisor vigilantly watching everything, so no real attempt at any cheat move is made (or noticed) at this stage. The Manager suddenly needs some Punters win/loss figures, via the Pit Boss, from the Supervisor. Supervisors attention is drawn away from the layout for a few seconds.

The cheat notices this and places three five hundred dollar chips, mixed with a few color chips on top of them, to the back of about ten mixed color chips, onto a winning even money chance, that has not been paid out yet and is hidden behind other table chips.

The Dealer sees this as he is assembling chips to pay out and calls out, 'TOO EARLY' (for the next spin), somewhat sarcastically and picks all the late chips off from behind the large mixed color stacks and pushes them off, but the cheat's accomplice who is the fourth person along shouts abruptly.

"What do you think you're doing son, they're my cash chips,' as he places a fast hand on the layout and lightly slams it. The cheat stays quiet.

The Supervisor and Pit Boss hear this, as the Dealer now awaits instant instructions. The Pit Boss susses the situation out and asks the Dealer to put the late chips onto the block, which he does.

'The big ones are mine' says the accomplice, pointing to the five hundreds. 'This fellow (the cheat) just put his chips on top of them'. Cheat then says something like. 'The color chips are mine, were they late?

Pit Boss asks the Dealer what he saw, which is not conveyed convincingly. Pit Boss asks the two noisiest Punters who owns what chips. ' The monkeys are mine, I placed them before the ball stopped.' Says the accomplice. He is clearly holding a few five hundred dollar chips (like an earlier similar move), as a strong indication that he is playing bets of that value. The Pit Boss checks the chipping machine for five hundred dollar chips (monkeys). There are several recently swept in and could have been from any losing Punter.

Pit Boss soon orders that the three monkeys be placed back and paid out, before rumblings get out of hand, because it's too late to call surveillance, to check it on replay.

At the same time two other Punters are complaining about not getting on with it, as others are also wanting bets paid out, or are making bad-mannered remarks. The cheat and his accomplice make a quick fifteen hundred bucks in a flash and melt away.

### SECOND LAST SPIN

The Pit Boss has decided to stay with the table. He has weighed up the situation and knows other tables are a bit less frenetic. The Supervisor will be watching the other table more closely. The Dealer is told by the Pit Boss to just give it a decent spin and call it a bit earlier, as it's near to closing time now. The Dealer spins the ball but it's one of his worst spins of the night (Dealers fluff spins as Golfers do with their clubs). Nervousness probably kicked in.

Call bets are frantically placed and cash changed for chips in rapid time, as the spinning ball slows several seconds short of a decent spin. Punters are still scrambling to place bets; some stacks on the layout are forty or more chips high, as the 'no more bets' is called in sync with the Dealers arms sweeping unmistakably over the table, to cease betting action. The ball finally dies in number three, but arms appear all over the layout, from which chips are dropped haphazardly.

Strong calls from the Pit Boss of 'TOO LATE, GIVE THEM BETS BACK', sees several late bets returned and three of them was on zero/three. Two Punters standing astride are not happy at being caught and the Pit Boss's angry red face is unmistakeable. He would normally 'have words' with these blatant cheats pushing their luck, which might end their night at the casino and even a ban for some time if already warned, but their desperation is considered and they stay put, but the late bets are given back.

The sweating Dealer feels the pressure as she spills several chips onto the floor (a previously mentioned cheat move perhaps), as she sweeps in the huge handfuls of losing chips. Number three has not been hit hard and the experienced Dealer is able to assemble winnings effectively, without any genuine complaints or mistakes.

The squashed Punters are restless, they start placing bets earlier than they ought to and are quickly reminded of the rules, as the chips are given back swiftly. The rule mostly broken is placing bets too close to the winning number, before it has been fully paid out, along with the winning short odds bets. The rule is generally to place the chips a 'street' away from the winning number, but I am not sure every casino enforces it at all times, especially when they ought to.

Careful attention to payout procedures are made, as most of the winning two to one and even money bets are paid correctly. The Pit Boss oversees the female Dealer's efficient payout procedures and sees nothing outrageous is tried on, or any mistakes made. Paying out will take about five minutes. The assertive Pit Boss has 'refereed' the Player's very well.

The amount paid out is several thousand dollars in cash chips and maybe a couple of thousand in color and cash chip mix.

Dealer, Supervisor and Pit Boss are relieved, that the second last spin has gone off without a hitch. Each of them know it can all turn to custard on the last spin and it often does just that, in the smaller busy clubs, that still close early in the morning.

### THE LAST SPIN

The Pit Boss gives the order to 'Spin up now.' The Dealer is not impressed and stalls as if she never heard him, because she is still emptying the chipping machine without help. The Pit Boss raises his voice. SPIN UP, he shouts above the late night garbled din coming from the well oiled Punters. The table is covered with chips of all denominations as, she accepts place bets. She manages to change a hundred cash quickly into color, as well as similar amounts for cash chips, before she lets the pill fly, but it's not one of her best.

It's the last spin before the madness ceases and inevitably the numerous chips now saturate the layout. Somebody places five stacks (twenty in a stack) on number 32 and the splits. Others load it higher like it's just become magnetic, it's a ridiculous situation.

The Pit Boss soon instructs the Dealer to place a finger on top of the biggest stack to steady it as the ball slows. She doesn't hear him clearly, as he shouts NO MORE BETS, ahead of the Dealer in a booming voice. Dealers do not like to hear no more bets, except from their own mouths. 'PLACE YOUR FINGER ON THAT BIG STACK.' he shouts. She doesn't hesitate, as the Pit Boss is showing signs of stress.

A couple of desperate late bets are tossed back with one hand, as the ball - lands smack bang in number thirty two. The Dealer's heart sinks as she lifts her finger and reaches for the marker, which is just out of reach near the wheel. She grabs it just as three well tanked Punters jump for joy, as they realize their number has come in. One of them loses his balance and hits the edge of the table hard, which brings the high stacks on number thirty two crashing down, all over the last dozen, two to one chances and over half the table layout. It's a total DISASTER.

The Dealer tries to rescue it, but the Pit Boss almost knocks her sideways as he takes control, the Manager turns up from nowhere and sets the stunned Dealer completely aside, still holding onto the dolly (Marker). She had never been manhandled before and accepts it as a new learning experience.

It's chaotic as the Pit Boss tries to keep the Punters from taking, or moving fallen chips from the disaster area.. Angry words are soon exchanged, as the Pit Boss clears the losing chips away as he sees fit and rearranges the winning chips the same way, in a slow and deliberate manner. Security are now nearby as summoned covertly by the Manager.

Some Punters complain that winning chips are being removed, which are seemingly part of the fallen stacks. He listens under pressure. The Manager, who keeps a straight poker face, stares and says nothing, as the Pit Boss replaces the biggest stacks of 'color,' with equivalent value cash chips and places them onto thirty two and the splits.

He points out to the owner of the high stacked chips what he's doing, who understands the logic. Punters see that the Pit Boss is in control and watch as he goes about placing other chips onto column and high even chances, in a controlled manner.

Confused and angry Punters simmer down, as chips are placed onto the number as **claimed** and agreed upon, with certain Players chosen by the Pit Boss. A loud Punter suddenly speaks out against the Pit Boss before he's chosen.

The Manager calms him down, as Pit Boss continues at his slow pace, but the loud Punter claims he had a twenty five dollar chip, placed near the top of one of the huge stacks, already paid out by him. Manager asks the Dealer if this is true, but cannot remember it specifically, as she had placed so many chips. He gets the benefit of the doubt and is paid thirty five chips.

Other bets are paid out on even and two to one chances, as chips spilled onto that area. It takes over ten minutes to sort the disaster out. The Pit Boss has dragged in perhaps a couple of thousand chips into the salad area, which is working the chipping machine hard. The Dealer automatically empties it continuously, now happily well out of the way.

Surveillance, once again would have great difficulty assessing the amount of chips, so they were not even considered so near to closing time, as it would take up too much time and besides, it might have been worse if a big float fill was needed, or worse still, if somebody started throwing things around in a fit of temper, as has probably happened in just about any casino on earth.

The Pit Boss finally sees payouts concluded to the satisfaction of ALL Punters. A nod of approval from the Manager is all that is necessary to make the biggest payout claims.

The casino may have been stung for thousands as the opportunist cheats claim exaggerated winnings, on or around number thirty two, the columns and last dozen area. Fortunately casino's seem to absorb this not to common problem, which is usually only seen at weekends in the smaller carpet joints.

I have often been surprised, at the way Management mostly cave into Punters demands at times like these and nobody ever knows what can go down on these occasions. Pacifying the Bettors is usually a priority at this stressful time and in this case, it was all well and good. The fact that the excited Punters hit the table was disregarded, even though they made the mess, it's just one of those things that can happen in live gaming. They take their winnings happily, to return another day and most likely deposit it straight back.

Heart rates would be at fever pitch at these times and there have been a few Punters keel over at these times, for unknown medical reasons, apart from the obvious stress.

I could mention similar examples, that would be worse in detail, but I'm sure you can see from the scenario's mentioned here, that cheats, petty chip thieves, pickpockets and opportunists, relish those last three spins and that it can get very testy for all concerned.

I know that Dealers on adjacent tables, often rush if they think that the nearest table is beating them to the last spin. This is just a little side game that goes on, unobserved by Punters, but not by those Dealers involved. Some Pit Bosses cleverly co-ordinate the last two or more adjacent tables, to spin up simultaneously at busy closing times. From a Staff point of view this is a great move, but not to the highly charged hyper-Punters, who really _need_ one more shot.

Now after all that, I must say in concluding roulette info, that dealing it can be great fun in the right atmosphere, with enthusiastic honest Players getting into it, with plenty of chip action to keep you busy and interested. The time passes real quick.

### BLACKJACK

The ever popular game of Blackjack is slightly more interesting to me. I enjoyed dealing it, maybe because you are right on top of your workplace. There is a lot less stretching and no real difficult bets to work out, like on roulette. It's also quieter.

Now having dealt untold hands of blackjack and inspected innumerable also, while watching literally millions of Pounds, or Dollars pass by, over many years, I would love to offer you clues on how to win at this game that's played worldwide. But by doing that I would be offering myself up as an expert, or a clever strategist, I am neither. If I was, I would be visiting casinos more than about twice a year or so, when I might drop ten bucks into a slot machine. If I can treble it, I grab it. I have also taken just the 100% win once or twice. Not many people do that and the casino's would be very thankful they don't.

I will pass on some tips, taken from my experience at the table. They may help you stay in the game longer and possibly help you win legally. It's a gamble either way.

Tips like: Punters who play on the last box, should NEVER be novice Players, so don't play with one, or be it.

Never split fives.

Never split a pair of tens.

Never control more than two or three boxes.

Always take Blackjack at 'evens' when offered.

Always split a pair of aces.

What you do after that with your aces is your call and often depends on the House rules, governing how many further splits are allowed (if any) and doubling down if available. Ask questions.

You might be one of the many People that could have read things like 'How to win at...' Or read some book on 'card counting methodology' and thought to yourself after a few pages, what the hell is this guy on about? I am one of those cynics too. They're far too technical, with too much to take in. I remember many years ago being told that bullshit baffles brains, I side with that to a large degree and especially after browsing through such fancy material.

I do go along with the ' _basic strategy concept'_ on Blackjack, which is out there and better than nothing, but it's not foolproof either.

When I was in my twenties and my brain was in top working condition, like all other body parts, I used to experiment with 'special shuffles.' Not like in shady card games where clever tricksters can play bottom cards, second cards, sleeve cards and other sly, deceptive and creative methods, that appear off the planet. I simply mean THICK and THIN shuffles, which speaks for itself.

I soon found myself watching sequences of cards reappear, as I dealt live games in a small low stakes casino. I only did this some weeks after a Pit Boss actually ordered me, to 'give it a thick shuffle', a few times one night shift. I correctly assumed he wanted me to interlock clumps of cards, which I did. I soon figured out that a clever Player might notice when these clumps would reappear and bet appropriately.

I had learned to speak when spoken to, in that particularly casino and especially to that meticulous Pit Boss, who was a tough old nut, that had worked the private clubs, before legalized gaming took off in the U.K. (1968). He didn't say much to anybody.

In retrospect it seemed to me that this Pit Boss, may have been working with a good card reader (not a Counter) accomplice at my table back then, in the nineteen seventies.

He might have also been trying to prevent a genuine card counter from operating, I'm not betting either way, but naturally suspect the former. The Inspector (Supervisor) had no say in the matter of card shuffling, but could have been part of the plan.

I must point out that we only used FOUR packs of cards back then and specific shuffling wasn't as complex as today. Now having said that, it is the case that certain Managers will change _today's_ shuffling method overnight, or on the spot, if he or she so desires. The last mainstream casino I worked in, at the turn of the century, was using EIGHT packs, as numerous other casinos do worldwide, while others might use six.

Many casinos now discard their burnt (dead) cards straight into an auto shuffling machine these days, which renders thick and thin shuffling totally obsolete and I guess card counters would find it way more than a challenge.

Everyone has heard of card counters, right? You might have seen them on TV, or in a slick Hollywood movie. Well this is what they might have to put up, before the cards are dealt. Eight boxed up decks halved, then placed into two further unequal big packs, then crisscross riffled three times each, into a third pack, then halved, then cut twice, re-stacked, before repeating the whole shuffle twice more, to be then further halved, front to back and then offered to a Punter, who has to 'cut into it' at least twenty five cards in from the front, with a plain 'cutting card,' then those front cards are placed at the back. Then the Dealer cuts back in with the cutting card, at least a pack in from the back, which will be the next shuffle point, before racking them ready for dealing. Did you get all that?

I will not go there again.

There have been organized well trained card counting teams, originating largely from within the U.S.A. The people were all gifted - mathematically speaking. They scored some success for a spell and made a packet at times, until the team work failed (apparently) and the much needed LUCK, also ran out.

If a card counter is suspected after just a few hands, then the Supervisor/Floor Person or someone more senior can order another reshuffle (check), which puts them back to square one again. We might see the whole sad episode repeated again shortly afterward. The casino can close the table on them, right then and there. Some people must love the stress...

Card counting is considered to be a form of cheating in most places. I can't speak for all countries of course. These very rare people, that TRY to perform this strategy, claim it is a skill, therefore not cheating. Good luck to them, they deserve it - if they believe it.

They usually get barred either way and their known personal details are then forwarded to other casinos worldwide, via 'the net' I do believe.

There have been court cases challenging the barring with some success in the States.

The card counter system is very complex and statistical. Books on it are difficult to follow as mentioned, I believe most people get pissed off, with the details as one reads through. Maybe the writers have computerized brains and expect everyone else to have the same. Hang on; isn't it true that the brain is more complex than any computer? If so then why are computer devices (including stopwatches) banned from all casinos. They're a complete a waste of time, in my opinion, even if they have been shown to win.

My encounters with 'real' card counters have been limited, although I have spotted would be types and had them pointed out to me, so I could track them closely. There were three of these people working together, at an Australian casino I once worked in. Every time they gambled together they were restricted one way or another. They were actually Harry, Larry and Mo. A couple of the younger and more stressed out shift Managers, considered them to be dangerous.

They were just low betting amateur strategists with very limited ability, experience, and cash to speak of, but I guess it gave the Manager's something to panic about.

EVERYTHING a card counter does is a gamble.

If you spot a couple of card counters at the table, then put a quick back bet on behind theirs, when they raise the stake, before they get sprung. It's a gamble of course. Maybe there are still talented card counters out there, doing their best to screw the casinos, just as the casinos are doing their best to recognize and prevent them.

Are Punters looking for little windows of opportunities that they think will be to their advantage. I would say yes indeed, but LUCK is of vital importance, at the tables.

Some casinos won't allow a Punter to play on ALL Blackjack boxes, unless they see and sense he's just like everybody else and is going to lose fairly quickly. It's extremely unlikely that a regular player would ever play this kind of poor strategy, even if the opportunity arose. A seasoned gambler would never do this either, although I have encountered experienced players covering all boxes a couple of times. They were largely affected by alcohol and they might have been trying to impress the female gaming staff.

You may have noticed that the first card out of the shoe is shown face up and then burnt, in some places. I never understood why the Punters need to see this and why it is shown to them. Maybe it was just a local quirky thing in the north of England, at a small low stake joint I worked in, donkeys years ago. Maybe you know why? Not sure if it still happens.

Now it's very rare that you are the only Player up against the Dealer, except on the afternoon shift, or on a high stake table, because a quiet table soon attracts other Players, rather like roulette. So as soon as you sit at a table and the Dealer goes through the motions of proving the cards, boxing, shuffling, riffling, cutting, re-cutting and then dealing the cards, you're surrounded by Punters, who will affect your strategy (if you have one).

Like in roulette, basic cheating at Blackjack mostly involves Dealer/Punter collaboration. Naturally it can also involve other Staff or an Individual. You may recall me mentioning earlier about Staff rip offs in casino days gone by. Sackings, fines and jail sentences have been handed down since Adam was a lad and I dare say, may well continue. Cash and crime are set to default it would appear.

Blackjack contributes as much as roulette, to a cheats deserved downfall (in my opinion) and there won't be many casinos anywhere, that hasn't found some of their Staff cheating, one way or another, however minor it may be. If not, then that casinos surveillance and game protection procedures are outdated and needs serious updating.

Cheating can get creative, but remain very simple as you read on.

The easiest form of Dealer cheating, that casinos probably deal with the most, is quite simply the Dealer paying out to a losing box, which the accomplice is sitting at. It is risky for the Dealer but it has been observed often and I dare say some get away with it. It can be done accidentally very easily as well and a complete stranger might benefit.

When I first Inspected the game years ago, we stood or sat between two blackjack tables only. Nowadays a Supervisor often watches over four tables (check your local casino) which is IMPOSSIBLE to keep track of. This is of course a Staff cost cutting measure by some casinos, which they feel is worth risking. I have no idea if the risk is paying off to their satisfaction. it's definitely a gamble.

Sometimes when I have unexpectedly turned up at one of the four tables I was supervising, it was quite amazing to see losing boxes being paid out as winners. This naturally draws a swift STOP and collection of losing chips, by the highly surprised Dealer, who offers a quick excuse of tiredness, a lack of a break, sore legs or feet, or 'I must be going mad/I need glasses don't I/Thanks/ I'll wake up soon' etc. If it becomes repetitious then a quick mention to the Pit Boss and his instant call to surveillance, could mean that that Dealer, might not be seen working in that casino, the next day.

Supervisors cannot linger on one table for too long, except when they are tracking particularly big Punters, like on roulette. They also need to track the regular 'rated players' at each table, whose buy-ins and average bets etc, needs some serious monitoring and should be quite accurate (but are often false, incomplete and of course inaccurate). It doesn't take Einstein to notice that a Supervisor is tied down, by those time consuming procedures.

Having to concentrate on one table leaves three unsupervised for long spells. Clever that isn't it! It only takes a split second to pay an empty box, or perform other cheat moves that will soon be mentioned.

Dealers can pay out to empty boxes, after losing cards are burned and chips removed. The box is quickly replenished (perhaps by an accomplice), with chips before the hand is completed. Paying this empty box is often done by Lumpies and first year novices (mostly), when they happily pay everybody - with great relief - after busting. Some Punters will place chips in their bust box as normal routine. Mostly it is noticed and not paid.

Dealers can and do add up cards wrongly.

Experience and fast dealing does not always equal accuracy, just like on roulette. Dealers always have and always will make mistakes. Adding up cards continuously is fraught with danger. Lets face it folks, numerous mixed cards thrust together on seven boxes, in a late night boozy, fast paced noisy atmosphere, can be easily misread, especially with several split hands and doubled hands, as genuine tiredness sets in.

Punters have difficulty reading them, just like Staff at certain times of the day or night. Some people are just hopeless at adding up, but still keep their jobs.

Opportunist cheats sometimes accept a payout for what should have been a 'stand off', or even a losing bet through misread cards. I have pulled (and been pulled) numbers of embarrassed Dealers for genuinely reading the cards incorrectly and paying losers. It's also great camouflage for actually paying an accomplice.

I remember pulling a Dealer for paying a stand off to a Punter she liked. It wasn't easy to miss because there were only two Players on the Table. The young Dealer had a loose tongue and let it be known that Mr. X was a really nice man, blah blah blah, earlier in the Staff room. She had been 'a bit to chatty' with him, during live play. She should have been a Caregiver, not a Dealer. Maybe she just didn't want him to lose, because he was a nice sort of guy, but he could have been a clever con man for all she knew and maybe a family friend or a relative, for all I knew.

Having relatives visit your workplace was never an option back then and probably still applies in most establishments, for obvious reasons.

Supervisors need to check and approve cash/chip exchanges of over a hundred dollars (sometimes much less) in most busy casinos, as probably mentioned earlier. This is OFTEN done without really checking, because being a few feet away and heavily involved in working out a nearby complex multiple payout, checking rated players action, or simply thinking about a personal issue - keeps you in that moment and besides, the Dealer being inspected might have worked there for ten years. She might be an old friend or a popular social type, or in fact, she could well be be senior, by some margin, so he or she is largely expected to get things right.

So the nice popular innocent looking Dealer, wouldn't possibly have an accomplice at her table would she. Unthinkable really as she passes out a black chip ($100), in amongst the fifty color chips. It is so easy for Dealers to cheat this way. But then again it's also easy to get caught.

So a call of anything less than a hundred dollars is neither here nor there, in many casinos that have decent repetitive action, it might not even register in the brain as a call of 'fifty cash change' is heard, which is common on the busier weekend nights. The busy Supervisor feigns observation and sanctions it by saying 'Okay' or 'Check', but the Dealer could actually be handing over whatever.

Supervisors cannot check all transactions between Dealers and Punters, it just isn't possible. They see so many chip and cash movements in a busy shift it's hard to imagine. So just exactly what is missed in a shift is anybody's guess. I have no idea.

A Supervisor battling paperwork/computers is a cheat's unwitting friend.

Supervisors are expected to keep regular updated information (same on roulette), not only of Players win/loss figures, but also on the table's win/loss figures at any given time, in most casinos. These figures sometimes become muddled and confused, when related to a piece of paper or computer and guesswork sometimes comes into play, during heavy gaming, as touched on.

Some foolish Supervisors delight in passing on lots and lots of player and chip information to an incoming Supervisor. Other knowledgeable types can give you minimal or important details only and some Supervisors give you a few details of the bigger, more interesting or well known big bettors. It depends on the action.

While this over supply of information is being passed on, all of the four tables are neglected until one of the Supervisors leaves, or a large pay out (Dealer calls out), or cash out - chip exchange - takes place, sometimes on two or three tables at once, which will be checked by one or both of the Supervisors quickly.

This 'passing of player information' procedure, which I doubt the average Punter would even care about or take notice of, can only serve to help cheats, unless they are chatting about one, or more of them and they are attempting to carry some devious cheat move, right there in front of them.

Very creative Punter win/loss figures are sometimes passed on and could well be total crap, so some imaginative adjustments are made for when a Pit Boss wants information on particular Players action. This will be passed onto the Shift manager to look over. This is just a little aside from cheating and more commonly called simple deception. Certain Staff pull it all the time. Sometimes they come unstuck as Pit Bosses and Managers who may have once done it themselves, catch them out now and again. More games within games.

Potentially there could be as many as eighty four players on four Blackjack Tables (more on a nine box table - a nightmare) all playing at the same time. That is three Punters playing per box at four Tables. This very rarely comes true of course. It's more likely there are about thirty five to fifty Punters, to keep an eye on, at peak times and maybe only twenty or so, during quiet play.

Punters like to 'play behind' other Punters and this is often the only way to get a game at weekends. Make sure you pick a good one, if playing behind the Punter on any box.

Incidentally, when the updated Punters win/loss figures were found to be way in the red for a particular table, the Manager would often instruct the Pit Boss to remove the hapless Dealer (like on roulette) onto a quieter table, or swap with a Chipper on roulette. Managers or Pit Boss's do this trying to save their own neck of course, by changing the unlucky Dealer. I don't think it happens so much these days, but I do remember it being quite embarrassing for certain Dealers.

Back of house Staff such as human resources, accounts and even executives, often have no real idea what happens out on the floor, apart from the glaringly obvious. Things like favoritism, backstabbing and petty squabbles come to their attention spasmodically.

Unless they have risen through the ranks from Dealer, they are kept in the dark until they need to be involved (I know of a few executive that have risen up the ladder system). They appear to get by as far as I know, even though they can be hoodwinked by seasoned gaming Staff and may well take ill advice at certain levels.

Talking of being hoodwinked, try this next one for audacity. This clever, subtle and creative method of Dealer/Punter cheating, came to me only months before completing my many years in the gaming industry and this one may well open a few eyes. I had seen the action leading to it many times, as I'm sure other Dealers, Supervisors, Pit Bosses/Floor Persons and uncle Tom Colby will relate to, but never figured what was really going down.

It involves the Dealer drawing a card for an accomplice at the table, but the Dealer then suddenly withdraws it briefly, AS IF (and maybe in fact) the Punter had not tapped the table for the card correctly, or clearly. The Dealer might say to the accomplice Punter. 'Excuse me, the signal wasn't clear' or, 'Was that a yes signal.' Perhaps the Dealer might nod, or shake her head ever so slightly, as a signal to the accomplice, who will respond to those words or action, as previously arranged to _take the card or not._

The words spoken by the Dealer could be the actual sign for a 'yes' or a 'no card.'

What's happened is that the Dealer has had a quick look at the card, before withdrawing it back to the shoe briefly. It is acceptable that this re-shoeing takes place when a signal is unclear, or the Dealer anticipated a card would be wanted, but brought out prematurely. The actual card isn't physically re-shooed, but partly tucked under it, or into it a little way.

The Dealer gets away with this every time, IF the card isn't exposed to the Players, otherwise it should be burnt (gray area, check local rules). The Dealer makes sure only she sees it for a split second, just enough time to read it, so that a signal can then be given, for or against, to the accomplice, to gain an advantage or winning hand.

This cheat strategy is used when the accomplice needs a card to make (say) ten, eleven or eighteen, when splitting/doubling a pair of eights and finally ending up with (say) nineteen, or twenty one, against the Dealers face card of (say) six and then subsequent cards busting the Dealer. Or IF YOU KNEW the next card was going to be a six or seven, when holding 14, against the Dealers seven or eight, then the likelihood is a win.

The Dealer's experience of realizing the likelihood of cards for or against, goes a long way, so a quick look at the almost revealed card, might result in a nod, or a shake of the head, or maybe just a subtle wink or eyelid movement, or a 'Was that a no signal madam', as a perfect cue that the accomplice should do just that. Too easy it seems.

When I stumbled on this sting in the late nineties, the two women (in their early thirties) probably had their act well sorted and only because I overheard in an open conversation later that night, in the chit cat Staff room, that miss C, an ex Dealer was in and playing on table BJ 3 - the offending table - that I had supervised the too many 'almost revealed cards' on, that I put two and two together and figured the connection.

I didn't know the Dealer to talk to at that stage, which was crucial to their game plan and probably designed through a cellphone call earlier, or a quick chat, or signal on the floor, as they passed by each other.

Maybe my disregard for her at the table worked and that was all that was needed, because she was a great Dealer, which means supervisors can relax a little. The ex croupier accomplice had apparently left the casino, a couple of years before I joined. Old friends indeed and the perfect scenario, for cheating the unsuspecting casino, as well as taking advantage of an unknown Supervisor.

It's anybody's guess the potential number of times this could have gone on, especially if there were two accomplices and maybe other Dealers had the same routine.

You may ask why I didn't pull her for dragging the cards out too quickly. I watched her and many others over the years, perform this 'normal action' during gaming (how many did I miss) and as she correctly told the accomplice something like - 'Please signal more clearly,' as required, there was no need to suspect any wrong doings. These were legitimate calls, so I was sucked in as would anybody, because I had experienced the same issue when I dealt.

I never did mentioned it to her, as I hardly seen much of from then on.

Only visual hand signals, like tapping the table for a card and waving across back and forth, for not wanting a card (check), are acceptable methods of communication. No verbal request is accepted, no matter how much you shout 'HIT ME.' This helps video surveillance in disputed cases. Punters will still call out 'hit me' 'or card/no card,' but rest assured, it's the hand signal that counts.

Another form of cheating involving hand signals is when a Dealer deliberately damages, or marks the corners of certain cards, like aces or tens for instance. Dealers might see or feel these damaged cards, before they are pulled from the shoe, which gives them time to signal to an accomplice, by way of finger motion, such as tapping, or maybe a subtle straightening of a card, or of the shoe itself, to do what's necessary.

I have only ever seen a limited amount of blemishes and turned corners on cards, in lots of years. New cards are checked before play begins each shift and there have been a few noticed to have 'defects.' The cards are torn up and replaced with the same pattern, from the endless supply in stock.

How difficult is it for a female Dealer, to quickly scrape a little lipstick off and apply it to the corner of an ace, she has just gathered up and placed in the discard rack? I don't know, I ain't no female, but I have seen the odd red smear on occasions.

Casinos usually have two Dealers check all the used cards, at the end of a shift, to see that they are all there and not marked or damaged. If they are, then the pattern is withdrawn. Or the cards are exchanged for new.

Sometimes one Dealer will do the whole procedure. Clever that eh!

The checked cards are carefully re-packed to be used maybe for two more shifts, then totally discarded. Unfortunately during the third shift they become quite thick and sticky, making them difficult to work with, which is a huge source of irritation to the Dealers that work with them, so near to their expiry time.

Three day old cards (absolutely aged in casino speak) can lead to Dealer error, such as pulling two cards out at once and presenting the wrong one. When this happens it is very messy to get out of, especially if the second card is just what a Punter needed, to make a Blackjack, or a hand of twenty. Justifiable anger ensues if wrong cards leads them to bust.

Angry Punters are capable of doing very angry things as mentioned, but generally they are 'given' a win, if they complain long and loud enough. It might be called as a 'no deal' and all cards burnt. This is yet another gray area dealt with as it presents itself.

Damaged or cards that get wet, are replaced as soon as they're discovered during play. Some Dealers can damage several cards in a night, others never! Then again some Dealers cheat, but most never.

A way of being caught out without ever knowing it, is the risk from other Punters who might squeal if they spot a cheat move. Just like any complaint, an ordinary Punter can go and speak to any Manager, at any time. I was once shopped by a Punter for accidentally allowing an overpayment to be paid out twice, to a blackjack Punter, who gratefully accepted the mistake. We were using newly introduced ten dollar chips, brought in by some wise guy in Management. Both the Dealer and I worked out the same winning payout wrongly, which I sanctioned. The same bet won a couple of hands later and I cleared it wrongly once more.

It appeared I was allowing over-payments to be made with the new chips. It took some explaining and we received verbal warnings for the oversight, but so did others who made the same mistakes. The ten dollar chips didn't last very long because of the many miscalculations made, they were withdrawn within a couple of months. I wonder if your local casino has ten dollar chips. They were a nuisance back in the nineties.

Very few Punters ever notice what's happening to other peoples chips unless they're about to steal them, or they are friends or relatives. Chip stealing happens on B/J as well as on A/R. Protect your chips and never leave them unattended. They might be marginally safer on blackjack than roulette if you decide to leave them for any reason, this depends on the people, you have sitting beside you.

If you want to trust the friendly person sitting next to you, that's your call. Cheats don't always look guilty.

Incidentally if you must leave the Table to visit the toilets or to an ATM, tell the Dealer/Supervisor this and your seat will be kept for you. Sometimes a beer coaster will be placed on the box and the seat rested up against the table as well. Your seat will be kept for a period of about three or four hands, in case you decide to walk on out (check).

### THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST

The following information mainly relates to Roulette, but also includes Blackjack.

There are quite a few references to this often spoke ditty, usually with dark references. How you read into that, is your business and whether this applies to roulette, depends on your viewpoint. But if you grab your calculator, use pen and paper, or have a brilliant head for adding figures, you will discover that by adding up all the numbers on a roulette wheel, the total adds up to **666 -** the devils number.

Just to add a little spice, you might notice that there are 6 **,** two to one chances and 6 even money side bets, on the traditional Euro table. The area of the table is around 6 feet long and the width of the layout is always around 3 feet.

Blackjack also has a say, in as much as a table is usually 6 feet in length. I'm not sure if there are six hundred and sixty six ways to lose at any of these games, maybe your local savant can put you in the picture.

Famous quotation: Cheats never prosper.

Let's now look at a method of paying out to a blackjack box with three bets that have been split (say) three times and doubled up on as well and they all win. That makes eighteen individual payouts to that box alone, they might be all different amounts, so some serious and accurate chip work is required, to try and look professional, or at least competent when paying out these multiple confusing winning bets.

This is an opportune moment for some fast hands and mouths to disrupt and confuse Dealers, other Punters and Supervisors.

This type of betting often has chips encroaching on the boxes either side and IF those boxes have also split and doubled, then it can be extremely taxing indeed, for any Dealer and an on looking Supervisor to handle. An experienced cheating Dealer could have a field day in this scenario, because procedures cannot be strictly adhered to.

If a Supervisor hasn't been scanning the whole thing intently then a corrupt Dealer can pay some bets twice, or easily overpay a bet, or add chips.

Cards could also be 'switched' by a quick handed Player or Dealer.

A cheat might claim his bet hasn't been paid, when it had. Many chips are brought back and forth, left on the layout, mixed up, swapped, misread and misappropriated in the mist of confusion, that sometimes gets way out of hand, to the delight of the disruptive Punters who split/doubled their way to winnings, that might not be legitimate. It's another gray area of procedures that the casinos live with.

Hands might suddenly appear as if they are trying to help sort out what's what, but they sometimes pick up, move or add chips to the fusion of different value chips. False or imagined claims of chip ownership can develop because of the massed chips. Set piece or real arguments might erupt. A lot depends on the moral level of the Punters.

Some nervy or lumpy Dealers cannot cope in these situations and need to be taken off, especially in the case of disruptive players, or assembling big blackjack payouts constantly. Stress is a reality and hard to escape from in these situations.

Some Punters like to bet seventy five dollars a time, which pays one hundred and twelve dollars fifty, as a Blackjack. If you get a few of these in one hand then it is a real headache for some Dealers prone to nervousness, when assembling these kind of payouts. Some Punters play on those nerves.

Losing in casinos is nothing new and most Punters do just that. Some drunks lose and walk, others stay and piss everybody off.

Dealers never accuse anybody of cheating, except maybe in the Staff Room over a coffee, but that kind of chit chat can have repercussions, so it's hardly heard, at least not that often. The Dealer should have a quiet word with their Supervisor or Pit Boss if they really suspect something is going on. The cheat will be watched a lot more closely from then on and probably caught red handed.

When multiple big bets are mostly winners, then that's a curtain call for the cheat to attempt some nimble illegal adding to the Box, especially on box one, but only if the Dealer is bogged down by various payouts on the last two or three boxes, which of course get paid first, apart from a Blackjack,. If the table has nine boxes which I have dealt on and Inspected many years ago (do these monsters still exist), then it is even easier for organized cheats to attempt to confuse the Dealer, by the following methods.

Box eight and nine will split, re-split or double on those boxes if possible, which adds plenty more chips to the table naturally. This may be a planned gamble because although they are risking money by splitting and doubling. They are actually hoping to cause a diversionary smokescreen when (IF) the Dealer busts and he has a profusion of chips to sort out, on most boxes.

Their tactics might also be helped along by loud unnecessary complaining about the pace being applied, or possibly a request for a mixture of cash chips together, or even a cash change, while the Dealer is striving to work out mixed bets, to be paid on each box.

While this is going on, an accomplice of those Players on box eight and nine has just carefully pushed a half stack of greens, or blacks onto box one, BEHIND the Punters bet already placed there, who is most likely in on it too, or not about to make waves. The chips get paid (if unnoticed) as do the legitimate ones.

Add to that scenario the possibility of the cheat playing on box one, also having a behind bet on box seven, leaning over to take his winnings but knocking over high stacks on boxes four and five, as well as placing chips there as a bonus for himself and maybe getting into a real or planned argument, that will impact on the Dealer also.

These nightmare situations Dealers face, have happened quite a few times and were usually played out on tables late on Friday, or Saturday night. These are naturally the busiest times casinos experience and it was with great pleasure, when catching a cheat placing chips late _(past posting_ if you missed it earlier) and saying, as I lightly slammed them back in front of her - 'THAT bet is too late, madam.'

I do believe cheats get some kind of sinister satisfaction when hitting Dealers this way. Pressure on some female Lumpies, in these big and confusing games, has seen young girls break down crying and being replaced fairly quickly.

I remember it being the case that female Dealers were allowed to cry off the table twice, or perhaps three times maximum. If they broke down and cried any more, then that was the end of their life in gaming. I'm not sure if this is still true. Maybe the girls are a lot tougher these days. Maybe the cheats have disappeared back to the shadows, or I just worked in some tough, soulless places, in my early years in the north of England.

Male Dealers naturally receive a different approach in the testosterone verses testosterone side show game and never cry, as far as I can recall, although some have never returned from their first break, of their first shift. They can easily be humiliated by sharp mouthed cheats too, just like the teary girls, but tend to harden up. If they don't, then it's find a new job time. They will probably encounter some 'tough management' and if they can't deal with it, then it's end of career, let's make that - job.

Most casinos allow Punters to pick up their winnings as soon as the box has been paid, others insist Punters wait until all boxes are paid. Guess which system cheats prefer.

Dealers cannot recall what's on every box, some are better than others at visualizing the bets and lifting out the correct amount of payout chips, in the smaller games, to within a few chips. Others need three, four or more 'look sees' to take on board the information and assemble the correct amount of chips. Cheats will remember which Dealers are not good at this and act accordingly.

I have already mentioned the hidden chip method which is used by Punters quite often. A reversal of that is the blatant, high chip method. This is simply placing a chip of higher value on top of lower valued chips. It may not be the front main leading bet, but most likely the second or third bet behind. Cheats also try to use this method to lower the risk of losing a lot less when doubling or splitting. Three red chips with a green chip on top, is sixty dollars less than an original stake of four Greens.

If the Dealer doesn't spot it before it's accepted as a double or split stake, then it will most likely be paid out on the higher face value, which would be four greens. Naturally if the Dealer is in on the sting then it will be paid, even if it contains three washers, cardboard replica's or whatever, with the green cash chip on top. Even if the Dealer notices after he has paid out, that the Double stake was the wrong amount, he can do little except point out the error to the Supervisor, or sheepishly ask the Punter directly.

The Punter will most likely just make up a feeble excuse. He will then be told to be more careful about which chips to place in future. It will most likely be forgotten about, if he doesn't make a fuss or pull the same stunt soon after. However, Staff often changes over for coffee breaks, which gives cheats fresh opportunities to strike again.

This type of cheating is performed daily. Punters can make the mistake of placing lower valued chips under a high value one when betting and it's often a genuine error. The house rule (check yours) insists that mixed value chips be placed high value to low upwards, that is from bottom to top and 'stepped' for easy inspection and counting.

The following daring method has been around for a long time, but is very rare. What happens is that an accomplice brings in his own card shoe, full of pr-arranged cards and a planned exchange takes place. The Dealer simply turns a blind eye as the accomplice takes the shoe from under his coat, or perhaps from a suitable hold all bag and swaps it for the one on the table. It would be on a dead table and maybe an accomplices might turn up and play on one or two other boxes, to appear like nothing is going on.

If the floor Staff misses this outrageous move, it might be picked up by surveillance when they review its big losses. Until this scam was discovered, it is anybody's guess just how many times this stunt could have been pulled and how much profit the cheats made, out of that one shoe. It could have been a fair fortune, in the right casino, but only for the life of that one shoe and only if no other Punter turns up and disrupts the sequences.

Similar attempts with packs of pr-arranged cards, have been tried. This is such a daring move it is unlikely to be seen by anybody except surveillance. I guess it would be attempted on a very quiet table, strategically placed away from the busy area. The accomplice would need to swap maybe only one pack very quickly, with the corrupt Dealer. I can only imagine this in my minds eye, like yourself.

It seems some cheats will try anything to fleece a Casino.

There are quite a few variations of the game of Blackjack that come to light now and again. I won't go into them as they come and go, but they may have big percentages in favor of the house, some work while others fail miserably, by favoring the Punter. No matter what type or additions that may be in place, it's up to you to SLOW the game down, if you feel pressured into making snap decisions.

Some Dealers are very good at hurrying Punters along by finger tapping, fidgeting and using a certain tone of voice, or even deadly silence and a stare to match. it's that power thing again (or is it a form of house cheating). Not forgetting that they might be getting timed and feel under pressure from management, to get through a certain amount of shoes per hour.

I believe what we're actually seeing in that case, is the casino attempting an _unfair strategy_ , to get Punters to make snap decisions, via a hassled or stressed out Dealer. This pressure is quite devious and shouldn't happen. Slow it down to your pace.

Many fast Dealers think they are impressing Punters and Staff alike. The really fast Dealers do stand out as mentioned, but they still make as many, if not more mistakes than a careful slow handed Dealer. All are prone to human error. Some Punters avoid fast Dealers like the plague because this is NOT what they want - Period. Any dubious pushy method is to be treated with disdain. You could complain to Management if you want to, after all it is the Punters that they need to keep the games flowing.

_SPILLAGES_ , as mentioned earlier occur quite frequently, so if drinks are allowed at the table, then there is always the chance they will get knocked over. Some are minor while others are big enough to stop the game for ten to twenty minutes or so. A spilled beer or coke is messy, especially if it ruins cards and runs into the chip float. This may be a deliberate action by a cheat and a Dealer, but is usually just a clumsy half drunk or excited Punter who just made a blackjack or something.

When a beer is knocked over the layout and runs into the float, the game is suspended as soon as the hand is completed (if possible) or voided by a Pit Boss or Manager. Players are asked to leave the table and the Dealer will have been given plenty of tissues, to soak up the dripping wet chips, which are brought out from the float. The Dealer is often left alone to clean up as best as possible, while the Pit Boss takes away the cards and new packs are used, once the table is cleaned up.

I recall a few serious spillages happening in an Australian casino I worked at, back in the nineties. A cleaner arrives at the major spillage with a powerful hair dryer and help dry the table out, but in the messy sticky confusion, the Dealer could have packed some into the soggy tissues, for the Cleaner to dispose of. What happens to them from then on, I shall leave to your imagination.

The spillage could also be a diversionary move, so that an illegal payout can be made very quickly, or on another nearby table as the Supervisor and Pit Boss deal are still dealing with wet cards, chips and Punters queries.

Okay, back to the dry stuff. Now here is a blatant way of claiming a losing bet to be a winner and it is carried out routinely by some daring people. What an accomplice does is wait until the bets have been paid out and then complains that his winning (losing in fact) bet, was NOT paid out.

If the Supervisor feels that it may be a genuine claim, he can pay it on the spot (check) after questioning the Dealer, who may have the common flaw of instant memory loss. So what will probably happen, is that the cards will be taken from the discard rack and laid back out (turned over) as originally dealt out to each box. This is usually done by a Pit Boss, or maybe a senior Supervisor/Inspector.

If you are a regular Player you would have noticed that the cards are very carefully gathered up by the Dealer, after the pay and take procedure takes place. This must be done efficiently every time, so the cards can be re-examined correctly in cases like this, BUT sometimes they are gathered up incorrectly, especially if the Dealer is collaborating with a cheat, as in this scenario.

The Pit Boss will carefully re-lay the cards, box by box, to see if the complaining Player had won and not been paid, but in this case the Dealer has inadvertently, or deliberately wrecked the pick up procedure. The cards were simply re-gathered and discarded haphazardly, instead of in a disciplined fashion. The Dealer might admit to the Pit Boss, as he's about to start 'proving the cards' in front of the appropriate boxes.

"I think I mixed the cards up as I brought them in.'

This comment brings the Pit Boss to a grinding halt, because it will be impossible to prove who had what where and when.

He can call surveillance and they will review it, this might take a few minutes or longer. They can get bogged down with such queries, or be having 'technical monitor difficulties,' so the Pit Boss in this case, might just pay the bet out, if it's not anywhere near table limit. Even if the Pit Boss gets video surveillance and proves the accomplice was wrong, it might just go down as a minor incident and be forgotten about, although he might give the Dealer a stern look and choice words, to try to make him feel incompetent and then possibly place the 'fuck up' on file. It might depend on how well they know each other.

That scenario would probably be used in a lower stakes game because just like in Roulette, the Pit Boss might prefer to fix it on the spot and not want to bother surveillance once again, especially if the Dealer is a cute eyelid batting babe, from his in-built fantasy file (it's that pushover male thing again). Maybe you could ask your local Pit Boss how much authority, he has in these situations. In casinos I have worked in, Inspectors could authorize disputed payments of up to a few hundred dollars and Pit Boss's between five hundred and a thousand dollars. This will vary of course.

Punters are sometimes convinced that their losing bet has wrongly been taken, when it had in fact lost. They try the old routine of, 'You've taken my winning chips off.' They do this for their own warped or imagined reasons. But as I say, nobody checks the mentality of the Punters as they walk into a casino off the street. They have to believe video surveillance when told their chips really lost, via the Pit Boss directly.

No Punter, I do believe, is allowed to review video footage, of any game, in any casino, at any time!

I mentioned dropped cards and chips earlier. This can happen any time and I have often bent down to pick fallen chips up, also the odd card. It takes maybe two to three seconds, which is plenty of time for a crooked Dealer to pay a losing box, overpay a bet or cleverly switch a card. I've never seen it happen of course \- I was busy picking up chips or cards.

Punters are loyal to blackjack and like on roulette they have their lucky Dealers (so they believe). Those Dealers sometimes take ages to discover this fact, especially female Dealers who think the Punter has an ulterior motive for 'stalking them,' especially if they're shifted to another table, or pit, and then been followed there.

'That man keeps turning up on my table, he's creepy.'

'Hey kid, it's NOT your body they want.'

'Oh.'

On the other hand a certain Dealer might be avoided like the plague for opposing reasons. Those Dealers probably never realize it unless they're cleaned out in no time at all. Some people are just plain unlucky, no matter who is dealing to them and _Dealers just deal_ , it's as simple as that. If anybody is to take the blame for bringing up the wrong cards, it could be the dickhead who keeps trying to reach 21, with five cards or more - they're out there folks.

Some Dealers are scared to approach a Supervisor or Pit Boss for fear of looking foolish or being put down, as might have been the case on other similar occasions. This is a sad but true aspect of casino mentality that sours any professional standards, some try to attain. But this is just another gray aspect of casino life.

Cash transactions like on roulette can be opportunistic for cheats to gain from. Simply giving out higher value chips for low value cash, could be easily done. Punters often need to buy chips during play and this is an opportunity to 'accidentally' give out greens, or blacks instead of reds. It can happen regularly when a Supervisor is busy at another table, or is known to be less than attentive to rules and procedures as mentioned.

Here is a recap on some things mentioned, or not, for you to look out for, if you fancy being an amateur casino sleuth.

Dealers paying out to boxes that have no cards on them.

Dealers paying more chips than they should.

Dealers dropping chips and cards frequently.

Dealers pulling a card almost in error.

Dealers paying late bets on box one.

Dealers paying a box twice (often after a blackjack winner).

Dealers who pay a red, with a black.

Dealers who flirt constantly.

Dealers changing up cash frequently

Dealers who are very quiet and secretive.

Punters that touch cards.

Punters that give unclear hand signals.

Punters that talk too much nonsense.

Punters that stand, when they can sit.

Punters who play behind on several boxes.

Watch for the Dealer who coughs and blows her nose a lot, she might be sending signals, like the amazing incidents shown on the British TV quiz show, WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONARE, (2003) to a cheating accomplice.

Banking is a safer bet than betting.

You can test a Dealers short term memory by asking them what the last burnt card was, a few seconds after watching the person before you bust. This is an important legal consideration, as you well know, when deciding on taking the next card or not. You ought to try it some time. Some casinos allow the last burnt card to be shown on request (unless it goes into an auto shuffler machine). It shouldn't be a problem anywhere, but don't push it.

Blackjack has the ability to draw you in - if you win a few hands - and keep you there. Many Punters believe they can forecast the next card but sadly for them, this is simply not true. I to have been just as surprised as anybody, at the 'expected' turn of a card, when it's revealed to be an unwanted card. Maybe next time we'll get it right...

In conclusion I will say that Blackjack is a highly popular and interesting game. Some people do have good fortune at it. The average amateur Player sometimes has more luck than seasoned Punters, but they will usually be found on the lowest stakes tables. Strategies are out there and it's up to you whether you believe them, or have the time to study them.

I wish you good luck in whatever game you choose to play and remember to be the Dealers 'friend.'

I will move onto a couple of games now that have limited appeal, and the second game might well be confined to the history books (where it belongs), because I haven't been into a casino with a 'Two Up' ring for ten years. They were talking of scrapping it back in the nineties where it's played in Australia.

The other game is the 'Big Wheel' which has it's followers here, there and everywhere.

******

### TWO UP

A basic method of gambling, which the down to earth type prefers, is the game of Two Up, which is simply betting on the outcome of two outdated copper pennies. The Inspector calls the bettor into the ring with a 'Come in spinner.' Although it wasn't used a lot that I can remember, but it was an old fashioned tradition. Once in the ring, the two coins are tossed in the air and landing as heads, tails or odds. No other bet is available or possible.

This game is Australia's oldest form of (non indigenous) gaming, almost certainly introduced by the English sailors, who anchored in Botany Bay, on day one of British colonial settlement back in 1770 (with British pennies) and has been played continuously ever since, with some minor modern modifications.

No doubt old Blackbeard himself might have played a game or two, when far away at sea. Other nations had and still have similar forms of betting on spinning coins, going back many centuries, to pass away the time of day.

The two coins are tossed up in betting ring from a piece of wood, known as a kip. The ring is about twelve to fifteen feet in diameter, with betting boxes all around it. The boxes usually have a large 'H' or 'T' where the bet is placed. The 'Odds' is in a separate box.

I have supervised this game many times and seen chips simply stolen, by fast neighborly hands that grab other player's chips, while they are looking away, or maybe because they are too drunk to realize who owns what bet.

Some cheats throw chips on winning boxes, as the unsighted Dealer begins paying out furthest away from the cheat, they do it when they think the Supervisors head is also turned away, but it's been detected many times and returned as an early bet. These 'early bets' have probably gone unnoticed many times and been paid out to the cheats joy.

Sometimes a Dealer will _forget_ to pick up a losing bet and bypass it completely, other times Dealers will sometimes pay 'odds' instead of 'evens.' or the reverse.

Dealers can simply pay a winner twice.

Sometimes the losing bets are left on the layout because of the 'blind spot,' (like on roulette and maybe blackjack). This is a reality that is unavoidable and I'm sure many have had second chance free bets this way.

I have seen Punters kick the coins as they land, because one was showing up wrong for them. The result would stand but the Punter would walk. it's a game that might have been played in Roman times and probably was, because it gets a bit like the Christians being fed to the lions, in mentality and enthusiasm, as they interact within the confines of the small betting circle, especially after all night booze. Booing and jeering can be a hazard for some.

This game attracts drunks like moths to light bulbs. it's a boring game that full moon people can follow and enjoy to their hearts content. Other equally sad wasteful side games might exist (like caged dice for instance) and are not worth playing. Save your money!

### BIG WHEEL

Late into the night when casual Staff are finishing their shift and only the die hard, addicted, drunk types, or insomniacs are left, the Managers or Pit Bosses have to juggle what 'bodies' (gaming Staff in this case) are left. The money wheel (chocolate wheel, wheel of fortune etc) needs three people to operate fully, but it can open with just two, by means of the Supervisor spinning the wheel one way and the Dealer spinning it the other way, as well as taking bets and paying out on only the one side of the betting area.

This game is monotonous at the best of times but can get busy and keep your mind ticking over, working out decent size payouts when necessary. If it's quiet, then you have to relieve the boredom by doing natural things, like checking the opposite sex out, which can be quite interesting for both varieties at times, but discouraged, just as talking to each other is during live gaming (wrong sort of concentration they say).

If the two of you are on the same wave length, then a good old chit chat takes place (on the quiet), or even a game of 'I Spy' can take place. It gets a bit like that - It is a gaming area, after all said and done.

So during one particular quiet game, which was grinding out like any other, I jokingly suggested to the lone Dealer who I knew well. 'Shall we try and hit forty seven,' which is the highest result obtainable (47/1). She led the way.

In that casino the wheel needed to go around at least three complete times to satisfy the local rules, like some roulette wheels, but was usually spun up to ten or more revs. Setting our target at four to five complete spins, we spun up to the three Punters present, who supplied low value chip action. The few Players there meant that multiple long spins were not warranted anyway. We soon discovered it is NOT difficult to 'feel out' this four, to five spin amount, almost perfectly, to bring up a 'section.'

The method generally used was a really slow start of the wheel, to warm the Punters up to place their bets, during which the Dealer calls 'place your bets please,' (then) 'final bets thank you - no more bets' and then spins it harder before letting it go on its way. What we tried to do, was to spin it exactly five times, FROM THE MOMENT the number 47 slot, was at the highest (winning) point of the wheel.

After some practice runs we both cracked it, hitting the forty seven notch four times within about fifteen spins, along with quite a few near misses. Before too long we decided to cool our side game and spin randomly. The near misses and hits were very noticeable to the joy of the Punters who 'hit,' a few times, but not of Management, who take a dim view when anything loses money quickly. But in this case, the hits were only two dollar bets. This was in the late nineties when $94 pick ups, for two dollars every three or four spins, were very welcome. They still would be.

In normal circumstances the 47 (or highest odds) might come up maybe two or three times in a whole shift, then again it can also come up quite a bit more often on the night, but is normally a lottery of course. But seeing as there are only two forty seven slots on the wheel, alongside twenty four even money slots, twelve threes, six elevens and four twenty three's (check your local), you can see that the odds are definitely not good, for hitting the forty seven notch, with the leather strap on the stop bar.

In some casinos the two forty sevens are actually separate bets, which is ridiculous and not worth wasting good money on. Just like the double zero bets, sadly still played as normal on the U.S.A. roulette wheel, which still leaves me cold.

Big wheel Players would often wise crack a request for number forty seven. The Dealers common response would be 'I'll try,' with a smile and then spin the wheel nonchalantly. They asked me on a number of occasions and I tried when the opportunity arose and I did succeed once, after giving the wheel a fair pull of some fifteen spins. That was quite some time before our real attempts and was just a bit of luck, for the happy Punters.

The Dealer and I will never forget the little side game we had, chasing that number. The time passed a lot quicker and a couple of people made more on that memorable occasion than they expected. Who they were didn't matter to us, but we were definitely fans of theirs for some time after that.

I didn't get to do much spinning after the 'let's get forty seven episode', for one reason or another and they actually cut out the Supervisor at times, which left the Dealer to do the lot all by herself. I guess she had fun...

Some Dealers were actually kind of lucky at bringing up the forty seven, maybe they had a friend secretly encouraging them and could have been on a pr-arranged percentage with clever calculated spins, long before our attempts. I really don't know if that was the case but I now have my suspicions. Funny how things come back to you years later, after the 'event' took place and I only ever worked on the big wheel, maybe one night per week.

There were a few dodgy payouts noticed at times. Sometimes 3/1 got paid out as 5/1 and some Punters accidentally (or not) picked up winning chips that were not theirs, but the game provides a bit of fun and hope for those who like it. Generally people enjoy it for a limited time, but it does have a lot of dedicated followers also.

It's not a big money spinner for the casino, I am reliably informed and I have never seen single bets of over fifty dollars, on any part of the layout. Cheats were not attracted to it.

Now here is a good idea, which I hope the reader might go along with. I reckon that Punters should be allowed to spin up for themselves now and again. Maybe on special occasions. Wouldn't that make some birthday person's day memorable. Maybe it is allowed somewhere on the planet. If not, then hey mister casino man, get onto it and let it happen.

It would surely enhance the visitors 'casino experience,' wouldn't you say.

Many countries have their own home grown favorite card, coin, board games etc, some of which may never be played in mainstream casinos, just as some of those countries may never have heard of, or played blackjack and roulette.

But I think it's fair to say that those two games represent casino gambling as we know it, but if you know better and have proof to back it up, then please don't tell me about it.

I will just head back back to roulette for a minute ,before wrapping up. because there are a couple of incidents I think worth telling. The first occurred one normal week night, that I was dealing a quiet game on, many years ago and is a little difficult to believe. I can honestly say I had never seen it before, or since and neither has anybody else, I know of in the game.

There are a number of 'chrome hazards' that line the inside of every roulette wheel, they're in place to deflect the ball as it slows down, thus reducing the chance of a predictable outcome. There are usually six to eight of these, equally set at vertical and/or horizontal positions and designed with curved ends and tops. They may look a little like two spears facing away from each other, but attached. They stand out, as you know.

So what's this all leading to, you may well ask. The answer is simply this. I once spun a ball that stopped dead, on the high point of a horizontal hazard for about two seconds or so, before the Supervisor felt compelled to nudge the wheel a couple of times to force it off. The ball landed in number five. The chrome hazard was actually not as pointed, as it might have been years earlier, so probably through long over use, it had flattened out a little at the top. The ball might have had a little flat spot as well.

I cannot recall the Supervisors name, but his face is memorable. I also remember a couple of the Punters reactions as being a little more than surprised, as I paid out a couple of winning outside bets.

This happened in a small low stakes casino in the U.K. during the late nineteen eighties. I doubt that will ever be seen in any casino anywhere. I do remember that the wheel was the old steep variety, which would have obviously helped.

I actually tried to balance a ball a few times on top of a few wheel hazards when the opportunity arose; it was frustratingly possible but not for two seconds or more, but that was before opening hours, when setting up the (float) table and practicing spin ups, as well as chip pushing movements. That's a bit like your musician playing some practice chords, before hitting the stage.

The other incident is more of an aside and goes like this. Every weekday evening at about eight to eight fifteen, mild mannered Mister Gambler ( it's a false name of course) would turn up and play roulette for exactly half an hour, win lose or draw. Nothing unusual really, as some people run by schedule. What I didn't realize, until I was slowly driving by the casino on a night off, was seeing him leave the club and untie his Labrador from the nearest lamp post and go off on his merry way home, to Mrs Gambler I presume...

He became known as woof woof!

Okay, now that I got that out, I can safely say that the only real 'name' worth mentioning, in relation to this industry, is the late Kerry Packer. Once Australia's richest man, he was a legendary gambler. He was very generous in tipping, when allowed to.

It has been said that after winning a SEVEN FIGURE SUM, at a flash London casino, he wrote a check for the young Dealer, to the value of her mortgage debt, because in the U.K. Casino's, tipping is not allowed at any time. That was his way of getting around the regulations. He later became a major casino owner. What a man!

Okay, in conclusion let me say that cheating is timeless and totally cross cultural, but I can truthfully say, that I don't know of a single casino cheat that has prospered. Furthermore I don't actually know a single casino cheat, or the name of any.

Finally, let me wish you every success in your honest endeavors and pursuits, on your first, next, or last visit to a casino - you might meet some interesting, nice people there.

May the cards be hot for you and your chips never get cold.

### END

