While some online casinos, like Lucky7even, are focused on providing fair opportunities to win, the rest are only looking to benefit themselves. Casinos are intricate environments purpose-built to encourage you to spend as much money as possible. With so much money changing hands, inevitably some bad apples have worked out various ways to illegitimately get their hands on other people’s cash. Here are some of the most common casino scams and how to avoid becoming another victim.
Rigged Games
While reputable casinos undergo strict regulation and auditing procedures to ensure fair games, dubious establishments have been known to tweak gaming software and equipment in their favor. For example, an investigation in the ‘90s revealed some video poker machines paid out winnings at lower rates than displayed on the screens.
To avoid rigged games, stick to licensed, regulated casinos with reputations to uphold and use third-party testing agencies like eCOGRA. Checking casino reviews can also give you an idea of other players’ experiences before you play. If you repeatedly lose games that supposedly have good odds, something shady could be at work.
Pastposting
A classic scam, pastposting involves discreetly slipping extra chips onto a winning bet after the outcome is known. Say you bet $5 on black at the roulette table and black hits. As the dealer clears bets for the next spin, you slyly add some chips to make it look like you originally bet $25 or more. When you “win,” the unsuspecting dealer pays out for the higher bet.
The best defense against pastposting is eagle-eyed and experienced dealers who swiftly clear all bets after each outcome. Avoid shady, understaffed casinos where dealers struggle to keep up with volume. Also, keep your own eyes peeled and call out cheaters you witness in the act.
Pinching and Capping Bets
The opposite of pastposting, pinching and capping involve stealthily removing chips from losing bets to decrease payouts. Imagine you wage $100 on #17 at roulette but the ball lands on #4. As the dealer clears the layout, a sneaky player or dealer may “pinch” or palm away some of your chips. When you expect $100 back, you only get $75.
Again, reputable casinos don’t tolerate such theft. But stay vigilant by counting chips placed on layouts and counting chips removed after each spin or hand. Keep running tabs on your chip stack. Call for a supervisor if you suspect staff are skimming from players’ bets.
Fake Chips
Casinos use distinct chip designs to prevent counterfeits. But cunning scammers produce remarkably realistic fakes to sneakily introduce into games. By cashing out the bogus chips later, they effectively steal money. Most fake chips turn up at table games like blackjack, craps, and roulette.
Scrutinize all chips entering games. Call over staff if you suspect dubious chips. Common signs include uneven edges, font/design discrepancies, different textures, and mismatched RFID transmitters. Casinos take counterfeits very seriously, investigating thoroughly and prosecuting offenders.
Common Casino Scams
Type of Scam | Description | Prevention Tips |
Rigged Games | Tweaked software/equipment alters game odds | Stick to regulated casinos with good reputations |
Pastposting | Adding chips to winning bets after outcomes | Eagle-eyed dealers, call out cheaters |
Pinching/Capping | Stealing chips from losing bets | Count chips, track stack size, call supervisors |
Fake Chips | Counterfeit chips introduced into games | Inspect all chips, report suspicious ones |
Inside Jobs
One of the most damaging casino scams happens when staff members team up with outside partners to rip off their employers. Insider knowledge gives these schemers huge advantages. Common inside jobs include disabling security cameras, sneaking partners into restricted areas, and intentionally paying out incorrect jackpots.
Players can do little to view full article inside jobs. But you may detect evidence suggesting something is amiss, like disabled surveillance or strangely high jackpot payouts. Let supervisors know if you witness anything suspicious. Your tip could alert them to costly internal corruption.
Card Marking
Some players secretly mark playing cards with fingernail indentations, infrared ink, or other methods. Using these marks, they can identify certain cards’ values later during games, gaining an unfair advantage. Poker cheaters may mark cards to enable confederates to beat unsuspecting opponents.
As a player, simply spread and inspect cards before games. Casinos now use card shuffling machines that render many marking methods ineffective. When playing poker, watch for players fingering decks suspiciously. Report shady card handling to floor staff immediately.
Outsmart Casino Scammers with Insider Tips
While casino scams are certainly cause for concern, don’t let the threat scare you away from these adult playgrounds. Forewarned is forearmed. By understanding common tricks, sticking to trustworthy establishments, and keeping your eyes peeled, you can avoid falling prey to cheating and enjoy casino games stress-free.
With insider knowledge of scammer tactics, you can even help catch cons in the act. Watch layouts for pastposting and pinching. Inspect chips and cards closely between rounds. Make mental notes of player behavior that seems sketchy. Report dodgy activities to casino personnel right away. Your vigilance protects both clueless tourists and the casino’s coffers.
Finally, follow your intuition. If a casino gives you bad vibes or games seem suspiciously uneven, listen to your gut feeling. Don’t dismiss losing streaks as normal variance. Make polite excuses and take your play elsewhere.
Millions enjoy fun, fair casino gambling every year. By staying savvy, you can outsmart any scam artists who try to spoil your good time or swipe your hard-earned cash. Now that you know their tricks of the trade, go give them a run for their money!

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