Unveiled Scams Prevalent in Casinos during the Year Discussed at the World Game Protection Conference
Taking a Look at the Top Casino Scams
Staying one step ahead in the world of gambling can be a tough game, but it's crucial to have the lowdown on the scams that have got participants in hot water across the globe. Here's a rundown of the top scams that had casinos on high alert in 2024.
At the 2024 World Game Protection Conference in Las Vegas, the cut-card scam clinched the top spot as the number one scam of the year for casinos. Conference host Willy Allison said, "It's our way of celebrating the casino industry identifying and tackling methods that ne'er-do-wells use to threaten their properties."
Here's a rundown of the top eight scams for the year:
- Cut-Card Scam
The cut-card scam saw a resurgence in 2024, raking in an estimated $1 million to $1.5 million. This Beijing-born scheme involves players who bet big dictating the terms of the gameβa dangerous practice that potentially pits game protection against customer service. By colluding with the dealer, these cheats managed to walk away with substantial winnings.
The scam originated in Macau and saw a wave of Asian scammers migrate to other parts of the world to carry it out. However, now it appears the threat is closer to home, with domestic teams carrying on the tradition. In previous iterations, players used cameras up their sleeves to relay information to accomplices. Today, it's all done via cell phones on the table.
Bill Zender, casino consultant, said, "About 80% of these cut-card scams are done with the help of the dealer. If the casinos had just made sure the cut was clean, it would have saved them a half-million dollars."
- Hidden Cameras on Table Games
Hidden cameras are a go-to tool for scammers looking to gain an edge in table games. Some of the most undetectable cameras are built into smartphones, while others are disguised as cigarette lighters, watches, or even cigarette packs. These sneaky devices enable someone in a remote location to view the cards on the table and instruct the player on the best move.
- Counterfeit Chips
Counterfeit chips are a serious problem, especially in Macau, where a syndicate orchestrated multiple busts in 2024. Macau's RFID chips are reliable, but the issue lies in not having RFID transmitters at the tables, making it challenging to detect counterfeit chips during play.
- Baccarat-Shoe Fix
The baccarat-shoe fix involves altering the baccarat shoe (a container that holds multiple decks of cards) to cheat. This scam is repeated offender that has caused trouble in casinos for years.
- Card Markers
Card markers are a common method scammers use to identify certain cards in games like baccarat and poker. These markings are often invisible to the naked eye.
- Manipulation of Devices
Manipulating devices in casino games is an increasingly popular method of cheating. This can include tampering with slot machines or loading the dice in craps with a soft or hard materials to skew the odds.
- Stadium Roulette Collusion
Stadium roulette collusion occurs when multiple players work together to influence the outcome of roulette games in a coordinated fashion. This scam can be particularly problematic in live stadium events, where the excitement and crowd noise can make it challenging for casino staff to spot any unusual behavior.
- Cage Burglaries
Cage burglaries involve breaking into the cash cages used in casinos to steal large sums of money. This scam is relatively rare but can result in significant losses for casinos.
For more information on casino scams and how to spot them, be sure to check out our website at Buck Wargo.
- The cut-card scam, which cashed in on millions in 2024, is a significant concern in the casino-and-gambling industry, with domestic teams now carrying on the tradition originally born in Macau, using cell phones on the table instead of cameras up their sleeves to cheat.
- In table games, hidden cameras disguised as everyday items like smartphones, cigarette lighters, watches, or cigarette packs are commonly used by scammers to gain an advantage, enabling someone in a remote location to view the cards and instruct the player on the best move.
