Casino Surveillance Pro

Reader question.

2024-12-03T21:18:00.000-08:00

OK well, I'm back to posting after about a 6 month. I absence. Sorry I was in and out of the hospital with a bunch of problems, but I'm all better now So i noticed that during my abs. Since I got a few questions from readers, I would like to answer one of them now. So the question is, how much money should you take with you to the casino? the answer is of course, if depends. If you happen to be one of the lucky people who live in a jurisdiction where legalize cambling is allowed. And it's a place that you go to to have fun or relax, Or just have some excitement in your life, then that will be a different amount that you will want to take with you as opposed to someone who is making a trip to Vegas that they make only once a year. And if you live Nevada, like I do and you go into casinos all the time, then that will be a different answer as well. As a general rule of thumb. I don't walk into a casino. Unless I have a $100 that I am willing to lose. If you don't have that much extra money in your life, you really have no business going into a casino anyway. And that's only if I'm just going to play a slot machine. If I'm going to play table games. I usually don't go in unless I have at least $300 to spend, and preferably $500 or more. At that amount, I would look for a table that had a $25 minimum in a maximum of $500 at least for blackjack. (You would also want to look for a table that allows you to double down on any first 2 cards, but that's another story.)

A brief history of lotteries

2024-12-03T19:59:00.003-08:00

The Fascinating World of Lotteries in the United States Lotteries have captivated the imagination of millions of Americans for centuries. From the thrill of the draw to the dream of striking it rich overnight, the allure of lotteries remains as strong as ever. In the United States, lotteries have a storied history and continue to be a significant cultural and economic phenomenon. Let's explore the fascinating world of lotteries in the U.S., including their history, how they work, and their impact on society. A Brief History The history of lotteries in the United States dates back to the colonial era. Early settlers used lotteries as a means to raise funds for various public projects, including the construction of roads, bridges, and schools. The first recorded lottery in America was held in 1612 by the Virginia Company, which used the proceeds to support the Jamestown settlement. During the 18th and 19th centuries, lotteries played a crucial role in funding the establishment of prestigious institutions such as Harvard, Yale, and Princeton. However, due to growing concerns about fraud and corruption, lotteries were banned in many states by the late 19th century. It wasn't until the 1960s that lotteries experienced a resurgence, with New Hampshire establishing the first modern state lottery in 1964. #### How Lotteries Work Lotteries are essentially games of chance where participants purchase tickets with the hope of winning a prize. The most common types of lotteries in the United States are state-run lotteries, which are operated by individual states. These lotteries typically include games such as scratch-off tickets, daily drawings, and large multi-state jackpot games like Powerball and Mega Millions. Participants purchase lottery tickets from authorized retailers and choose a set of numbers. The winning numbers are drawn at random, and prizes are awarded based on the number of matching numbers. In multi-state games like Powerball, the jackpot can reach staggering amounts, sometimes surpassing a billion dollars. #### Economic Impact Lotteries generate significant revenue for state governments. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales is allocated to various public programs, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. For example, many states use lottery funds to support public schools and scholarships, providing crucial financial support for education. Despite their economic benefits, lotteries are not without controversy. Critics argue that lotteries can be a form of regressive taxation, disproportionately affecting low-income individuals who are more likely to purchase tickets. Additionally, concerns about gambling addiction and its social impact have prompted some to call for stricter regulations. #### The Appeal of Lotteries The enduring appeal of lotteries lies in the tantalizing possibility of winning life-changing sums of money. For many, the purchase of a lottery ticket represents a small investment in the dream of financial freedom. The excitement of the draw and the anticipation of the results add to the thrill, making lotteries a popular pastime. Moreover, lotteries often feature intriguing stories of winners who have gone from rags to riches, capturing the public's imagination. These stories, though rare, reinforce the belief that anyone can be a winner, fueling the desire to participate. Conclusion Lotteries in the United States are a complex and multifaceted phenomenon. They offer the promise of immense wealth and contribute to public funding for essential services. However, they also raise important questions about fairness, social impact, and responsible gambling. As long as the dream of hitting the jackpot endures, lotteries will continue to be a significant part of American culture and society. --- 🎟️💰

Slots - The worst bet in the casino.

2024-06-24T23:58:00.001-07:00

Slot machines are often considered one of the worst bets in a casino. Here’s why:

Low Odds of Winning: Slot machines are entirely based on luck. The outcomes are randomized, and the odds of hitting a winning combination are extremely low. Depending on the machine, the chances can range from 1 in 5,000 to a staggering 1 in 34 million^Ad ¹.
House Edge: Slot machines have a significant house advantage. The house edge varies, but most slots give the casino an edge of between 2% and 15%². This means that over time, players are likely to lose more money than they win.
Progressive Jackpots: While those massive multi-million dollar jackpots are tempting, progressive slot machines are actually the worst. The house edge for these machines can be as high as 17%, meaning you lose between $12 and $17 for every $100 wagered in the long run ³.
Lack of Strategy: Unlike table games like blackjack or poker, where skill and strategy play a role, slot machines offer no such opportunity. Players simply pull the lever or press a button, and the outcome is entirely random.
Payouts vs. Bets: Slot machines often have low payouts relative to the size of the bets. Even if you win, the payout may not be substantial compared to the amount you’ve wagered.

In summary, while slot machines can be entertaining, they’re not a smart choice if you’re looking to maximize your chances of winning. If you want better odds, consider playing table games like blackjack or craps instead! 🎰🎲⁴ ⁵

sorry to interrupt

2024-06-06T17:24:00.001-07:00

Hey! I love my Capital One Quicksilver card and I think you will too! You could earn unlimited rewards on every purchase with a card that fits your lifestyle. I can get a bonus if you apply through my referral link:

https://i.capitalone.com/JF1KWfVjs

Recent Roulette short videos.

2024-06-03T01:47:00.000-07:00

Recently, I've seen a lot of short videos, On YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook about how to quickly win money at roulette. They are all pretty much the same and quite frankly, they are all a bunch of BS. Let's break him down.

They start with a player showing how much money they have. It's usually somewhere between $100 & $500. I'm going to describe one that I saw recently where the better has 4 green $25 dollar chips.

All bets are $25 each, and on 2 of the 3 sections of the roulette layout. The section bets cover 12 numbers each, 1 through 12, 13 througH 24 and. 25 to 36. These section bets pay 2 to 1, plus you keepyour initial bet. The video advises that you pick 2 of the 3.

Your other two bets are called column bets abd are at the bottom of the layout. They start with the 1, 2 or 3 and run down the layout, ending with 34, 35 and 36. Just like section bets, they pay 2 to 1, plus you keepyour initial bet.Again, pick two of the three columns.

So now you have 4 bets for $25 each, each of which pays 2 to 1 (or 3 FOR 1, in total). You have 24 of the 36 numbers covered by section and also 24 of the 36 numbers covered by columns. You cannot win all for bets. The most you can win is 2 of the 4, which would leave you with a $100 payout, or $150 cash in hand after one spin, a $50 profit. You can also win only one of the bets,of you happen to hit only one column and then miss on the section, or vice versa. That would leave you with $75, a $25 loss from what you started with. (All of this doesn't include the 0 or 00 numbers, but we'll get to that in a second.)

The video percenter will then point out that you have approximately an 85% chance of hitting something which leads you to believe that you replay could do quite well with this system The ball is then spun and when the number comes up it will inevitably hit both one of the sections and one of the columns, giving the player a $50 profit. The player will even say to you the they're only 6 numbers that will lose you all your money, 0, 00 and the 4 numbers not covered by both the column or section bets. I guess they're doing that to be :honest".

But they're not, and it comes down to the 0 and 0 0. For columns and dozens, the bet covers 12 numbers (out of 38) which means that the odds of hitting it are 31.58%. So the odds are less than 1 in 3, but you're only getting 2 to 1. That's a huge house advantage.

And it's why you should avoid strategy like this.. The people making the video will never show you that they lose everything when the 0/00 comes up, or the 4 numbers not covered. That would not fit their narrative very well, would it?

So in conclusion, take this gaming "advice" with a grain of salt. It might work for 1 or 2 rolls, but it certainly not a good long term strategy.

Ethical gambling practices.

2024-06-01T21:54:00.000-07:00

The ethics of casino gambling is a complex subject with significant implications for society. The debate centers around the balance between the economic benefits provided by the gambling industry and the potential harm it can cause to individuals and communities.

Economic Benefits: Casinos can be a source of substantial revenue for governments through taxation, which can then be used to fund public services such as education and infrastructure1. They also create employment opportunities and can boost tourism, leading to economic development in the areas where they operate2.

Negative Impacts: However, the negative impacts of gambling are well-documented and include issues such as problem gambling, which can lead to personal and family problems, including bankruptcy, crime, and mental health issues3. There’s also the concern that the presence of casinos can lead to socioeconomic inequality and a decrease in the quality of life for the surrounding community1.

Ethical Considerations: From an ethical standpoint, the central question is whether the social costs, such as the disorganization of character and the deterioration of societal values, outweigh the economic benefits4. The industry’s critics argue that gambling is inherently exploitative, as it often profits from the vulnerabilities of individuals, particularly those prone to addiction2.

Balancing Act: The ethical casino company concept suggests that gambling can be considered ethical if the adverse effects on society are minimized and the benefits are maximized5. This requires stringent regulation and a commitment to responsible gambling practices to mitigate the potential harm.

Responsible gambling practices involve participating in gaming activities while managing risks and making informed, controlled choices. Here are some strategies to promote safer gambling:

Take Breaks: Regularly step away from gambling activities. Breaks help maintain a healthy perspective and prevent excessive play.
Avoid Using Gambling as Income: Gambling should not be relied upon as a source of income. Treat it as entertainment rather than a financial solution.
Set Limits: Establish both time and money limits for your gambling sessions. Stick to these limits to prevent overspending or excessive play.
Learn the Games: Understand the rules and odds of the games you play. Knowing how the games work helps you make informed decisions.
Monitor Your Play: Use available tools (such as those on slot machines, mobile apps, or online gambling sites) to track your play. Set reminders to take breaks and stay within your limits.

Remember, responsible gambling is about enjoying the activity while minimizing risks. If you ever feel that gambling is negatively impacting your life, seek help and support ¹ ². 🎰🃏

In conclusion, the ethics of casino gambling involve a delicate balance between its economic contributions and its social consequences. It’s a subject that requires careful consideration of both the financial impacts and the human cost.

A little bit about the history of Baccarat.

2024-05-27T22:40:00.001-07:00

Early Origins of Baccarat

The exact origin of Baccarat remains somewhat mysterious, but several intriguing theories exist. Here are some possibilities:

Chinese Influence: Some believe that Baccarat may have evolved from non-card games, such as the Chinese Pai Gow, which used tiles instead of cards. The correlation between the meaning of “Pai Gow” (meaning “make nine”) and the best score in Baccarat (also nine) adds to this theory. However, historical evidence is lacking.
Ancient Roman Rituals: Another theory connects Baccarat to ancient Rome. Vestal virgins supposedly cast dice to determine their fate, with 8 or 9 signifying a high priestess’s future. While intriguing, this still doesn’t explain why Baccarat is played with cards today.
Italy’s Role: Fast-forward to the late 13th century when Marco Polo returned to Italy from his expeditions. Card games were gaining popularity, thanks to the invention of the printing press. Baccarat likely emerged during this time, adapting from other games. Italy, rather than France, appears to be the true birthplace of Baccarat ¹.

Baccarat Spreads Across Europe

As playing cards became more abundant, Baccarat gained traction throughout Europe. By the late 1800s and early 1900s, it had become a staple in European casinos. The game’s allure extended to America, where French and British immigrants introduced it during the 19th century. Initially, Baccarat found favor among elite social circles and gambling establishments in major American cities like New York and New Orleans ² ³.

Baccarat in the United States

The first documented Baccarat game in the United States dates back to 1911. It took place in an American gambling establishment, marking the game’s official arrival on American shores. Over time, Baccarat became a sensation in U.S. casinos, captivating players with its elegance and simplicity ¹.

During the 1990s and early 2000s, high-limit Baccarat players were a fascinating subset of gamblers who frequented exclusive casinos and private gaming rooms. Let’s explore their world:

The High-Stakes Environment:
- High-limit Baccarat tables were reserved for players willing to wager substantial amounts. These players often had significant financial resources and sought the thrill of risking large sums.
- Casinos catered to these players by offering opulent surroundings, personalized service, and discreet privacy. The stakes were dizzyingly high, with bets reaching tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars per hand.
James Bond and the Glamour:
- Baccarat’s association with sophistication and elegance made it a favorite among high rollers. The suave James Bond, in both novels and films, often played Baccarat (usually chemin de fer) while sipping martinis.
- The allure of being a modern-day Bond drew wealthy players to the Baccarat tables.
Strategies and Superstitions:
- High-limit Baccarat players employed various strategies. Some favored the Martingale system (doubling bets after losses), while others relied on card counting or pattern recognition.
- Superstitions ran rampant. Players would touch certain cards, blow on them, or perform other rituals in the belief that luck could be influenced.
Edge Sorting and Phil Ivey:
- One of the most famous incidents involving high-stakes Baccarat occurred in 2012. Professional poker player Phil Ivey and his partner, Cheung Yin Sun, used a technique called edge sorting to gain an advantage.
- By identifying minute imperfections on the backs of cards, they could predict whether a card was high or low. Their actions led to legal battles and a casino ban for Ivey.
VIP Treatment and Comps:
- High rollers received VIP treatment, including complimentary suites, gourmet meals, and private jets. Casinos valued their patronage and went to great lengths to keep them coming back.
- Comp programs rewarded loyalty, offering perks like free play, luxury gifts, and exclusive events.
The Decline and Shift to Macau:
- Over time, the allure of high-limit Baccarat waned in Las Vegas. Casinos shifted their focus to slot machines and other games.
- Macau, however, emerged as the new hub for high-stakes Baccarat. The Chinese territory’s booming casino industry attracted wealthy players from around the world.

In summary, high-limit Baccarat players epitomized luxury, risk, and exclusivity. Their presence added drama and mystique to the casino floor, making them legends in the world of gambling. 🎰🃏💰

If you’d like more details or have any other questions, feel free to ask! 😊

Conclusion

From ancient rituals to European salons and American casinos, Baccarat has woven a rich tapestry across time and space. Its enduring appeal continues to captivate players worldwide, making it a true classic in the world of card games.

Remember, whether you’re playing in a glamorous Las Vegas casino or enjoying a virtual Baccarat table online, the essence of this game remains unchanged: the pursuit of that magical number nine! 🎲🃏🔥¹ ² ³

I hope you find this historical journey through Baccarat’s past both informative and enjoyable! If you have any further questions or need additional details, feel free to ask. 😊

Dice setting. Is it for real?

2024-05-27T22:29:00.000-07:00

Back in the 80s, when I first moved to Reno and started going to casinos, and then working in casinos, and then dealing in casinos, there was a rule that you were not able to set the dice at the craps table. They would warn you once and then throw you out if you did it again.

It's totally different today. As you may have read in one of my earlier post I had not played craps in about 20 years. And two years ago when I was working here in Reno (as a surveillance Observer) I noticed that almost all of the craps players we're setting the dice before they threw them. I was told that now the shooter was allowed to do so as long as they made a reasonable attempt to hit the back wall with the dice.

So I started doing some research, which involves reading a few books and watching a bunch of videos on YouTube. Suffice to say there are almost as many different theories and strategies on dice setting and dice throwing as there are people commenting about it. I wondered how much of it was true and how much was BS.

So then I decided to do some empirical research yesterday at the Club Cal-Neva in downtown Reno. After watching a video on YouTube, click here to watch it, I decided to use a type of dice set where you place the 5 and 1 facing each other. He emphasizes that if the point is six and you want the set to equal 6. In fact he emphasizes that over and over.

Another video that I watched, click here to see it, seemed to emphasize a particular way of throwing the dice and gripping them. I would call this grip a "three fingered grip", with the thumb on one side of the dice and your three middle fingers on the other, leaving the pinky off the dice all together.

Although the video never says it, I believe that the idea is to put as a little energy into the throw as possible, while still attempting to get the dice to the far end of the table. (This means throwing the dice low and slow, with no backswing.)

The idea is to get the each individual die to tumble on the same axis, which in combination with the way that dice were set would (hopefully) prevent a 7 from coming up. (All of this dice setting and throw controlling seems to disregard the fact that once the dice hit the back wall of the table the ultimatemate total should be randomized and none of the setting or throwing should matter, BTW.) At any rate the video presenters seemed sincere so I decided to try it.

So I shot dice for about 30 minutes, using this set, grip and throwing technique. I bought in for $60 at a $3 minimum table. I bet $3 on the pass line and took odds of $10 on each point. I also placed the six in the eighth for $6 each, working on the come out. (This is the normal way that I play dice, by the way).

There was one other guy at the table and he seemed to be setting the dice also although I couldn't see exactly which way because his hand was on the way. We each did pretty well in avoiding the seven. Each of us seem to roll a lot of fours and tens, which was unfortunate for me as I was on neither of those numbers. At any rate after we teach roll the dice two times I ended up winner of about $65, so I walked away. See my previous post on hit-and-run gambling for why I decided to leave so quickly.

I will continue my research on dice setting and dice throwing at a later time and keep you all updated on the results. I know it's a small sample set, but if so many people are doing it, there must be something to it.

As I close, I want to remind you all about my Patreon page. If you enjoy my content, and would like to see me expand into audio and video podcasts and a live radio show, please consider supporting my efforts. Click here to go to my page.

And here's another great way to help support my blog. You can get a free 30 day trial of Amazon Prime by clicking here.

Good luck everybody.

The Art of Money Management in Casino Table Games

2024-05-26T20:08:00.001-07:00

When it comes to casino table games, the thrill of the gamble is often accompanied by the glamour of the setting and the social aspect of playing against others. However, beneath the surface of this exciting environment lies a critical skill that separates the seasoned players from the novices: money management.

Why is Money Management Crucial?

Money management is arguably as important as knowing the rules of the game you’re playing. It’s the framework that supports your gameplay, allowing you to maximize enjoyment while minimizing financial risk1. Effective money management helps you extend your playtime, increase your chances of long-term profits, and most importantly, it prevents you from spending cash you can’t afford to lose2.

Setting Limits: The First Rule of Thumb

The cornerstone of money management is setting clear limits on the amount of money you’re willing to spend. This involves establishing a bankroll – the total amount of money you’ve set aside for gambling activities. Your bankroll should be an amount you’re comfortable losing, as even the most skilled players face the house edge1.

Understanding the House Edge

Every casino game has a built-in advantage for the house, known as the house edge. This means that over time, the casino is statistically likely to win. By managing your money wisely, you can play in a way that minimizes the impact of the house edge, giving you more opportunities to come out ahead1.

The Betting Unit: A Measure of Control

A betting unit is a predetermined amount of your bankroll that you’re willing to wager on a single bet. It’s a way to structure your betting and ensure that you’re not risking too much at once. The size of your betting unit should be a small percentage of your total bankroll, allowing you to withstand the natural fluctuations of the game without depleting your funds too quickly1.

Adapting to the Flow of the Game

Casino table games can be unpredictable. A key aspect of money management is the ability to adapt your betting according to the flow of the game. This might mean reducing your bet size during a losing streak or taking advantage of a winning streak by incrementally increasing your bets. However, it’s crucial to stick to your predetermined limits to avoid the pitfalls of chasing losses1.

The Psychological Aspect

Money management isn’t just about numbers; it’s also about psychology. Gambling can be an emotional rollercoaster, and it’s easy to make impulsive decisions when you’re caught up in the moment. By adhering to a strict money management plan, you can keep your emotions in check and make rational decisions based on logic rather than feeling1.

Conclusion

In conclusion, money management is an essential skill for anyone looking to enjoy casino table games responsibly. It’s about more than just preserving your bankroll; it’s about maximizing your enjoyment of the game, making informed decisions, and ultimately, giving yourself the best chance to succeed. Remember, the most successful gamblers are those who know how to manage their money as well as they manage their cards.

Advantage Play at High Limit Blackjack Tables

2024-05-25T23:57:00.001-07:00

Since I'm kind of starting over, can we launching this blog? After a couple of years of inactivity, I have decided that I should start from scratch ambient by introducing the subject of advantage play at blackjack.

In the world of casino gaming, blackjack stands out as a beacon for those who seek to tip the odds in their favor. Known as advantage play, this set of strategies is particularly potent at high limit blackjack tables, where the stakes are as elevated as the potential rewards.

At the core of advantage play is card counting, a technique that involves tracking the ratio of high to low cards left in the deck. Contrary to popular belief, card counting doesn’t require a photographic memory. It’s a skill that can be honed with practice, allowing players to make more informed bets. In high limit games, where bet sizes are larger, the impact of card counting can be significantly amplified, leading to substantial gains.

Another aspect of advantage play is shuffle tracking. This advanced technique involves following clusters of cards during the shuffling process to predict their location in the next shoe. While it requires keen observation and a deep understanding of shuffling techniques, it can be incredibly rewarding at high limit tables.

Moreover, advantage players often look for dealer tells or unintentional clues given by the dealer that can reveal information about their hole card. This edge can be quite valuable in high limit games, where exploiting even the smallest advantage can lead to large profits.

However, casinos are well aware of these strategies and employ measures to counteract them, such as using continuous shuffling machines or imposing restrictions on bet spreads. Therefore, the successful advantage player must not only master the techniques but also excel in the art of camouflage, blending in with the crowd to avoid detection.

In conclusion, advantage play at high limit blackjack tables is not a guaranteed path to riches. It demands discipline, a sharp mind, and an unwavering commitment to strategy. For those who are up to the challenge, the high limit tables offer a thrilling arena where skill and daring can turn the classic game of blackjack into a lucrative endeavor.

2024-05-20T02:58:00.000-07:00

Check out the short video on TikTok. It’s basically a guy explaining the rules of Baccarat. I’m thinking of discussing the game Baccarat in my next Post. Please let me know if you are interested in that and drop a question or comment below. Good luck, everybody. https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTLpmc4xY/

I'm back, baby!!!

2024-05-20T01:42:00.001-07:00

Well, it appears that I am officially retired from the casino industry, whether I like it or not. It's been about 4 years since I've done this. So it's gonna take me a little while to get back in the swing of things. I plan on posting at least twice a week maybe more. Now that I don't work in the industry anymore. I feel like I can say or comment on just about anything. But if you have any suggestions, please reply to this blog and I will be happy to address them. Thanks for reading, and please don't forget to like comment and share. I'll talk to you soon, good luck, everybody.

Here is the house advantage and basic strategy for playing at the casino I deal at.

2020-12-12T23:55:00.000-08:00

I had a reader ask, so here is the house rules at the single deck Blackjack game that we offer at the casino that I deal at. I've also included a basic strategy chart for those rules.You should know that our table limits are very low, usually $5 to $50 per hand. And unless there's only one player at the table we shuffle after just two rounds. A single player will be able to get in 3 rounds before a shuffle. This low deck penetration pretty much negates any advantage play techniques that a player might use, such as card counting or tracking Aces.

But, if you know your basic strategy, and especially know how to use surrender properly, it's not a bad game. A 1.5% house advantage is actually pretty good these days. Especially in a table with only a $5 minimum bet.

No I'm not going to tell you exactly where I work, but without too much trouble you should be able to figure it out. I will tell you that it's in Northern Nevada, as opposed to the Vegas area. Anyway here is the chart and rules.

Be sure and subscribe to this blog to get all of my posts and updates as they come out. You can also follow me on Twitter @casinologger or Facebook by clicking here. If your in the casino industry connect with me on LinkedIn by clicking here.

what does dealer cheating at Blackjack look like?

2020-12-08T15:50:00.001-08:00

So last month I posted about some questions that I get from people when they find out what my job is. This is the follow-up to that post and it’s mostly going to be about what cheating from the inside, or cheating by the dealer, would look like if it was going on.

The easiest way for a dealer to cheat, on the player’s behalf, would be simply to dump the game. Dumping the game is when you pay the player for a losing hand or overpay the player on a winning hand. If you’re in surveillance and you happen to see this happen oh, the best thing you can do is keep quiet at least for a moment or two and see if it continues. It’s possible that the dealer just made a mistake and paid a losing Hand by mistake. If you continue to watch you’ll see if he’s doing it on a regular basis and if so if he’s doing it to a specific player. This would indicate collusion, or a conspiracy between the player and one or more players to do so. It’s always best to have plenty of information and evidence before moving in “for the kill”. By waiting, you may be able to determine if this type of activity is widespread among multiple dealers and or multiple players. Who knows, the Pit Boss may even be involved.

I would tend to think that actual dumping of the game is fairly rare in that if you do see it happen, it’s usually a dealer mistake. At least that’s my impression from having watched dealers for over 20 years in surveillance.

The other way that a dealer could cheat on behalf of the player would be by dealing seconds. This is something that it would take a very skilled dealer to do, in casino parlance that type of dealer is called a “mechanic”. They’re pretty rare these days, but I guarantee you there are dealers out there with the skills to do this.

First, a dealer would have to have done a false shuffle and/or a false cut, and get a card on the top of the deck that he knows the value of (without seeing it). The dealer would then deal the second card(s) from the deck to all of the players at the game as usual. If the player has a pat hand, there is no need for a hit. If he does, the dealer delivers the perfect card for him. Then there would also probably be some sort of communication between the dealer and the player, on the lines of the dealer saying, “I don’t think you should hit “, or “maybe you should take a hit card” or something like that.

What would that look like? Well the card that the dealer deals from the top of the deck would usually be a five or a 10 value card. Why those cards? Well they are the two most important cards to the player in the deck. Here’s why.

When a player doubles down it’s usually on a 10 or 11. So delivering a 10 value card for their one and only Double Down hit would be very important to the player. This delivers a winner to the player when he has the maximum amount of money on the hand.

A five on the other hand would be the best card for a player to receive if they were hitting on a16. (A hard 16 is the worst hand a player can have, and delivering a 5 in that situation turns a probable losing hand into a probable winner.)

In both those cases it does the highest advantage for the player, and it looks perfectly normal. And in case you’re wondering, the dealer and player would have a signaling method worked out beforehand so that they both know which card the dealer is going to deliver off the top of the deck.

That’s all for now, if you like this post in the information that I provide for you please be sure and subscribe to this blog to get all of my posts and updates as they come out. You can also follow me on Twitter @casinologger or Facebook by clicking here. If your in the casino industry connect with me on LinkedIn by clicking here.

Dealer bust %

2020-12-01T19:09:00.001-08:00

These numbers are for a single deck game, with standard house rules (dealer must hit soft 17).

questions about my job

2020-11-16T18:28:00.001-08:00

To paraphrase Glenn Frey, it's the lure of easy money, it's got a very strong appeal.

When people find out what I do for a living I get a lot of questions. When I was in surveillance, I would get a lot of questions along the lines of do people cheat and or how do people cheat. Now that I'm dealing again I've been getting a lot of questions along the lines of do card dealers cheat.

Short answer: no. Long answer: rarely, but occasionally it happens. But only if the dealer has a certain set of skills and the proper motivation. What is the proper motivation? Money.

So let's talk about cheating. In broad terms, Casino cheating can be broken down into two categories, stealing from the inside and stealing from the outside.

Stealing from the outside is when a customer does it. It can take the form of slot machines or cheating at table games for the most part. Slot machine cheating is just about a thing of the past and has been ever since they started doing bill in/ ticket out machines. But that'll be the subject of another blog post at a future time.

So that leaves cheating from the inside, which is stealing by employees. And since I'm dealing blackjack now I get a lot of questions from friends and acquaintances asking me if dealers cheat, and if they do, how do they do it and what does it look like.

The first thing I want to state, because I know this for a fact, is that cheating for the house by a dealer rarely, if ever, takes place. In fact I feel 99.999999% confident in saying that. Why you may ask? Because it doesn't pay anything. No dealer ever gets a bonus or any other benefit from taking the players money and putting it in the chip tray. If you lose hundreds of dollars playing Blackjack oh, it's not because the house cheated you. It just doesn't happen.

Now, what dealers do get money for is from players when the player wins. That takes the form of a toke bet or a tip. And the player is motivated for that since they receive money. And most dealers make minimum wage so they depend on those tips.

So if it dealer was to cheat, it would either be for the the player or for themselves. Stealing for themselves would take the form say, palming a high value chip from the rack and placing it in their pocket surreptitiously. That type of thing will have absolutely no effect on the player, of course.

But cheating for the player, of course, will have an effect on the players bankroll. But this post is starting to get a little long, so we'll go into that next time.

New job, new Blackjack observations

2020-02-13T04:31:00.000-08:00

OK, so i havent been blogging as much for the last month or so. Here’s why.

I am back to dealing blackjack and it is taking up a lot of my time. I got a new job at a small, northern Nevada casino (you could track me down without too much trouble, but i am not going to just come out an tell you which one) as a dual rate Manager on Duty and Dealer. Having not dealt cards for over three decades, I have had to do some on the job training to get back in shape.

It’s not quite like riding a bike, in that you never forget how to do it, but it is close. Having spent many of those years in surveillance I still have the mental chops to do it, but the muscle memory is long gone. Throw in some arthritis in my knees (plus chronic leukemia) and standing at a table for 40-60 minutes at a time has been a challenge also.

But enough about my troubles, what I really want to talk about is the “typical” blackjack player that I have been running in to. If I were going to describe them in just a few words, it would be something like, “they don’t know how to play”.

Especially the ones that are around or under 30 years of age. WTF has happened to learning basic strategy over the last 25 years?

Will discuss this, and the ramifications of it, in my next post. Until then, good luck, everybody.

Blackjack house advantage. It's important to know.

2020-01-17T08:19:00.001-08:00

I found an awesome house edge calculating webpage online. Click here to go to it. If you have a smartphone you should consider placing a link to it on your desktop for quick reference.

I’m going to use it to calculate the house advantage at the casino that I deal cards at. Here is the breakdown of our single deck ($5 to $50) Royal Match game rules: Dealer peeks. DD on any first 2 cards. Split Ace’s get one card only. Double after split allowed. Split up to 4 hands. Early surrender. BJ pays 6 to 5 (sorry). 6 card Charlie (6 cards w/o busting wins automatically).

Add it all up and you come to a house advantage of 1.121%. the only really disadvantageous role is the 6 to 5 payout on a blackjack. Is it was a standard 3 to 2 payout the house advantage will be down to 0.239%, which on a single-deck game is about as close to even as you can get.

At any rate, please use this blackjack House advantage calculator to your advantage, no pun intended. It’s important to know just how much of an uphill battle you’re facing when you go up against the house.

It’s also important to know how to use the surrender option correctly. We will discuss that in a future post. Until then, good luck everybody.

PS – Don’t forget to check out the booklet that I sell on eBay entitled “How to win at casino blackjack.” It’s only $6.49 including shipping and available by clicking here.

How to mask your play, as a card counter.

2020-01-15T01:38:00.001-08:00

OK, here is how I would go about masking the fact that I am counting cards like a madman.

How to be a better blackjack player.

2020-01-13T07:42:00.001-08:00

Read my booklet on how to be a better blackjack player. Available on eBay by clicking here.

Forbes article on the rise and fall of blackjack

2019-01-17T18:20:00.001-08:00

Check out this article in Forbes magazine. Very interesting reading.

Click here.

Dice setting follow up

2018-11-09T13:24:00.001-08:00

This post is sponsored by Amazon Prime. You can get a free 30 day trial of by clicking here.

I want to tell you an old joke that I think might have some perspective to how people approach the game of craps and dice setting.

The joke goes like this. A guy goes to visit an old college roommate of his. The roommate lives down in the south. He brags to all his old friends about how fast his car is, and how he and his brother are both in to stock car racing, how they build fast cars and go racing, all that kind of stuff. He says that he and his brother both have fast muscle cars that they race all over town, "Dukes of Hazzard" style.

So the guy gets picked up at the airport by his buddy, and driven back to his hometown which is about 25 miles away. First thing the guy does when they get into town is blow through a red light. And blow through it at about 60 miles an hour. The guy doesn't even slow down, doesn't even take his foot off the gas pedal. His friend says to him, "What are you doing? We could have been killed."

And the driver says, "Don't worry, me and my brother do that all the time here. There's no traffic cops in town, and only about six or eight signal lights in the whole county. So we just blow through red lights like they're not even there."

So after about another mile or so, they come to another red light and the driver runs it again. The passenger is again a little concerned, but figures his buddy knows what he's doing.

Another mile down the highway and they come to another signal light, only this one's green. The driver comes to a complete stop, and just sits there. The Buddy says to him, "The lights green, what are you doing?"

And the driver says, "Well, my brother could be coming the other way."

I know, it's an old joke, and not a very good one. But it goes to illustrate a point. These two brothers might appear to have the system beat, but all they've really done is exchange one type of control for another.

They're not really any better off, even though they might think they are. And they'll certainly swear that they are if you ask them about it, and they'll brag about how much better off they are to anyone who will listen.

That's kind of how it is with the dice setters that I see on YouTube. They rattle on about how this particular die set works best, or this type of throwing technique works best, and how it will avoid the seven so much better than the way someone else is doing it. I just don't buy it.

In my opinion, and it is certainly the same opinion of casino management or they wouldn't allow dice setting to happen, once those dice hit the back wall the outcome becomes just as random as if you didn't set the dice to begin with.

The best way to win at craps is to bet on the bets that have the least house advantage and/or have a good chance of being rolled. That means always taking maximum, full odds on any pass line or come bets. Placing the six or eight are good bets also, as they come up almost as often as the seven does and the house advantage is not that great.

If you can afford to buy the 4 or the 10 (you will have to do it in $20 increments) those pay off at true odds, minus a 5% commission (collected only if you win), so those are good bets also. Otherwise, just place the 6 & 8, make a line bet with full odds, and then a couple of come bets with full odds and sit back and relax.

Please stay away from all the prop bets, like the "hard ways", the horn, the world bet or the "C&E", no matter how much the dealers encourage you to place them. If you get a shooter who rolls 15 or 20 times before they 7 out, you can make a decent chunk of change.

If you want to set the dice, the way they show you to do it on YouTube, by all means go for it. I don't think it could hurt, I'm just not sure that it helps. And don't get so enthusiastic after watching a few videos, that you end up spending more money than you can afford to lose on craps. Do not give in to envy or greed.

That's all for now. Be sure and check out my recent article, called "Sports Betting: Advanced middle techniques for college and pro football wagering." It's all about a way to bet on sports with very little risk but high potential rewards. Click here to go to the eBay listing. It's only $4.99 plus fifty cents shipping.

Hit and run gambling

2018-11-06T20:59:00.001-08:00

This post is sponsored by Amazon Prime. You can get a free 30 day trial of by clicking here.

And don't forget about my article, called "Sports Betting: Advanced middle techniques for college and pro football wagering." It's all about a way to bet on sports with very little risk but high potential rewards. Click here to go to the eBay listing. It's only $4.99 plus fifty cents shipping. Now on to this weeks topic.

I'm sure some of you invest in the stock market. Almost every one has a 401k if their employer offers it. Some off you might even invest in individual stocks or a mutual fund in a private brokerage account.

So let me ask you what you would do if you got a hot tip from a friend about a tech stock, a "highly volatile" tech stock, that was poised to go through the roof. Maybe they're about to release a new app, and there are rumors that Google is going to buy them out.

Maybe you've squirreled away some "mad money", a grand or so, and you decide to take a risk on this stock. It's trading at $10 a share, so you buy a hundred shares with this $1,000.

What would you do, if in just a few days the stock doubled in price? And then, before you knew it, it doubled again. You're $1k is now worth $4,000! You'd consider selling it, wouldn't you? And at the least you would cash out most if not all of your $3000 profit, right?

So why don't gamblers think that way? Even if you are just a quarter or nickle slot player, if you sit down with ten bucks and run it up to $30 or $40, you should either just cash out and leaving, or at least put your winnings to that point in your pocket and just keep playing on your initial bankroll.

In blackjack or craps, if you start with $100, the minimum I think you should buy in with at any table game, and you double it in short order, think about walking away. I know some of you are thinking that "you're possibly walking away from a monster winning streak". And while those kind of streaks are very rare, they do happen. Thatis why I recommend "rat-holing" (puttingyour winnings in your pocket as you play).

Rat-holing also keeps the pit boss and surveillance from accurately tracking your winnings, which is also fun to do. And once you've put that money away, don't ever go in after it, except to cash out at the end of the night. If you start losing, walk away, don't chase you losses.

Maybe it's because many gamblers think of gambling as "recreation". Just a fun thing to do after dinner on a Saturday night. I can certain understand that if you go to Nevada once a year, and this is your only opportunity to gamble. That's fine, if that is how you want to spend your vacation money, do it.

I don't look at it that way for two reasons. Firstly, I live in Nevada, and secondly, I HATE to lose. I would rather win $20 and leave in ten minutes than play for hours and walk away down twenty. Gambling is not fun, or recreational, or social for me. If it's my money at risk I consider it serious business.

The casinos count on this, by the way. It's how they make their profit. Get people in, get them drinking and socializing, next thing they know they've lost their paycheck. And they only stopped in to just use the ATM, or have "just one drink", or a cheap buffet.

Don't let it happen to you. Be smarter than that. Know your limits and when to walk away. Like I always say, smart money management and sticking to an exit strategy is the key to being a more profitable gambler.

Most casino employees call it "grinding". I call it "hit and run" gambling, and it's (mostly) how I make my living.

See you next time.

If you liked this post, please click subscribe/follow and/or share, which will allow you to share this post on your favorite social media platform.

Finally, you can also click here to become a supporter of mine on Patreon. I'm trying to branch out into podcast and video blogs and would really appreciate your help and contributions. If you like my writing, and appreciate the insight and information that you get here, then please do me a solid and consider becoming a patron of mine. Thanks!

Casino news

2018-11-02T23:01:00.001-07:00

This post is sponsored by Amazon Prime. You can get a free 30 day trial of by clicking here. Speaking of Amazon, they have some great books about how to win at blackjack, craps, and other casino games. Click on this link: Good books about Casino gambling

Ok, here's a story I came across recently, about a cheating conspiracy at a South Dakota tribal casino, involving a dealer, the pit boss and a player. Read it carefully, there will be a test afterwards!

Three Men Sentenced In $10,000 Blackjack Table Scam At Northeast SD Indian Casino

Pit boss Lito Bolocon, 44, of Sisseton, S.D., and frequent casino blackjack player Jordon Rondell, 29, of Lennox, S.D., appeared before U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann in federal court on Monday, Nov. 20, and each received a sentence of six months in custody and were ordered to pay $8,700 in restitution to the gaming establishment.

Blackjack dealer Jeremy Kris Brown, 43, of Sisseton, was sentenced to two years of probation and ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution for his role in the conspiracy.

The three were all convicted of conspiracy involving theft by employees of a gaming establishment on Indian land.

According to plea agreements, the South Dakota U.S. Attorney's office said that in December 2015 the defendants devised a plan to cheat the casino five miles north of Watertown on the Lake Traverse Indian Reservation and operated by the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Sioux Tribe.

The plan was for Rondell to make a large sum of money from illegitimate winnings paid by Brown and Rondell would then pay off the others. Rondell cashed out about $10,000 in chips from the casino early New Year's Day in 2016 after playing on New Year's Eve and into that morning at Brown's blackjack tables, which were supervised by Bolocon. Bolocon, as pit boss, oversaw Brown's dealing to Rondell.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI, the United States Attorney's Office, and the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Sioux Tribe's Gaming Commission

End story.

Ok test time: Did you notice what's missing from the story? No mention was made of how they were caught, and what (video) evidence might exist of what they were doing. The FBI and tribal gaming commission are playing their cards pretty close to the vest on this one.

My bet is that an eagle eyed surveillance observer saw something that JDLR (just didn't look right) and followed that up with some CCTV detective work on the night in question. I think the reason that the dealer received a lighter sentence than the other two, is that he rolled over on them. he was probably the only one that they had any video evidence against, with him doing something overt, like dumping the game.

"Dumping" the game occurs when a dealer will pay out a player, even if he didn't win the hand, or deliberately overpay a winning hand. There's not a lot of subtlety involved in it, the dealer is just hoping that no one is watching.

Then, probably during an interrogation, the dealer copped to the crime, and ratted out his co-conspirators to receive a lighter sentence.

I'll see if I can find out any more, and reveal my findings in a future post.

Stay tuned, as they say.....

Moron dice setting.

2018-11-01T18:01:00.001-07:00

This post is sponsored by Amazon Prime. You can get a free 30 day trial of Prime Video by clicking here. Speaking of Amazon, they have some great books about how to win at blackjack, craps, and other casino games. Click on this link: Good books about Casino gambling

And don't forget about my article, called "Sports Betting: Advanced middle techniques for college and pro football wagering." It's all about a way to bet on sports with very little risk but high potential rewards. Click here to go to the eBay listing. It's only $4.99 plus fifty cents shipping.

Okay, on with post. The actual title of this post is "More on dice setting". Did you like how I use the word moron in the actual post title? (I'm trying real hard not to hurt my arm patting myself on the back for being so clever.)

So, as you may remember from my posts before football season started (sorry, I get easily distracted by football), I was doing some empirical research about dice setting and throwing.

So for the past few months I've played craps at least a dozen times, each time using a setting technique and throwing method, as described in various YouTube videos. I watched other people throw the dice also, and my non-scientific analysis of the number of people who do set the dice, is that at least 75% of all shooters do. Most of the shooters use the hardways set, where are the four and the four are together, the three and the three together, and so on.

I've also watched at least a hundred YouTube videos on the subject of dice setting and throwing. The problem with YouTube videos, is that often times, very often in fact, one shooter will disagree completely with another video maker about the proper way to set and throw. Here are some examples.

Watch this video. He recommends the "hard way" set as opposed to the "3- V" set. (This appears to be the most common consensus pick among the videos that I watched, btw.)

Now watch this video. He says the key is the "inside" numbers on the two dice, in other words the two numbers that touch each other when you hold the dice against each other. This goes against all of the other advice that I've seen on most of the other videos.

And there's others, with different methods of gripping, setting and throwing. Which one is right? Who the hell knows? Everyone thinks that they're right, and everyone who believe something different from them is wrong. aren't they all claim to back it up with "facts" or anecdotal stories about how they went on a monster roll.

Regardless, there are some people out there who strongly believe in using one set over another. I remain un-convinced, primarily because when you hit the back wall with the dice it totally randomizes what ends up happening on the table. If it didn't, the casino would never let you set the dice in the first place.

As I have said before in an earlier post, back in the 80s, when I started playing craps and Reno in Vegas, you are not allowed to set the dice. They would warn you once, and then pass the dice to the next shooter if you did it again. If you continued doing it they would throw you out.

Think about that for a second. Now days, the casinos allow you to set the dice. Do you think they would allow that if the profit margin on their craps tables was considerably lower than it used to be? Do you think they would put up with that for even one hour? Of course not.

And believe me, they track the winning percentage out to four decimal points. The box man, Pit Boss, Casino Shift Manager, and the Casino Manager all watch the craps games. In the case of the box man and the Dice Pit Boss, that's all they do for their entire 8 hour shift. If they saw the game tanking everytime one particular player came up and started setting the dice, they would either change their rules or bar that player, or (probably) both.

So, in conclusion, let me say this. If you feel like it makes a difference, go ahead and do it. They're not stopping you, so give it a shot. I really don't think that there is a bit of difference, as it all comes down to random luck once the dice hit the back wall.

See you next time.

if you like this post, please click on subscribe near the top of the page. And follow me on Twitter, where my handle is @casinologger
Or click here.