Past posting, a term that has become synonymous with a variety of gambling scams, has its roots in the world of horse racing and has since evolved to infiltrate casinos worldwide. The practice involves placing a bet after the outcome is already known or after the event has started, exploiting timing gaps and loopholes in the betting system. This scam has a long and colorful history, from the racetracks to the modern-day gaming floors of casinos, impacting everything from blackjack to roulette.
The Origins: Horse Racing:
The concept of past posting began in the early 20th century with horse racing. Before the advent of modern communication and technology, race results were often delayed in transmission. Cunning bettors would use this delay to their advantage, placing bets on races they already knew the outcome of. This exploitative practice was made possible due to the slower communication systems, where results from remote racetracks took minutes or even longer to reach betting parlors. Bettors who had connections or inside information could leverage this time lag to make bets on races that had already concluded, often walking away with significant winnings.
One of the most famous names associated with past posting in horse racing is Arnold Rothstein, the infamous gangster and gambler. Rothstein is widely believed to have orchestrated the 1919 World Series fix, but his influence extended into horse racing and betting scams, including past posting.
Evolution into Casinos:
As technology improved and horse racing authorities tightened their controls, past posting found a new home in casinos. The basic principle remained the same: exploiting timing discrepancies to place bets after an outcome was known. In casinos, this scam took on various forms, particularly in games like blackjack, roulette, and craps.
One notorious example of past posting in a casino setting occurred in the 1970s in Las Vegas. A group of gamblers, later known as the “MIT Blackjack Team,” used sophisticated techniques to manipulate the timing of their bets in blackjack, ensuring they placed higher wagers when the odds were in their favor. Although not technically past posting in the traditional sense, their methods relied on similar principles of exploiting gaps in the system.
In roulette, past posting often involves slipping an extra chip onto the winning number after the ball has landed. Dealers are trained to watch for this, but skilled past posters can be incredibly difficult to catch in the act.
Is Past Posting Still Used Today?
Despite advancements in security and surveillance technology, past posting is still attempted in modern casinos. However, the risk of getting caught has significantly increased, with severe consequences for those who are caught. Casinos employ a variety of measures to prevent this scam, including advanced surveillance systems, RFID-chipped betting tokens, and highly trained staff.
The Costs for Those Caught:
The repercussions of getting caught past posting are severe. In the best-case scenario, the cheater is banned from the casino and has their winnings confiscated. However, in many jurisdictions, past posting is considered fraud, a criminal offense that can lead to arrests, hefty fines, and even prison sentences. Casinos also share information about known past posters with other establishments, making it nearly impossible for offenders to continue their schemes elsewhere.
Conclusion:
Past posting has evolved from a simple racetrack scam into a sophisticated method of cheating in casinos. While its success has diminished due to enhanced security, it remains a cautionary tale about the lengths some will go to in the pursuit of easy money. For those considering it, the risks far outweigh the potential rewards, making it a high-stakes gamble in itself.
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