Past posting is one of the oldest and most daring forms of casino cheating. This technique involves placing or altering a bet after the outcome of a game is known but before it is officially closed. The practice, which dates back to the early days of horse racing and gambling, has been employed by numerous individuals who sought to exploit the timing and distractions inherent in casino operations.
The Origins of Past Posting:
The concept of past posting originated in the world of horse racing, where it was used to describe the act of placing a bet after a race had already begun or even after it had ended. In the early 20th century, when communication systems were slower and less reliable, it was easier for a savvy bettor to place a wager at a betting window that had not yet received the latest race results. As gambling evolved and spread to casinos, the technique was adapted to various games, including roulette, blackjack, and poker.
The term “past posting” itself comes from the practice of “posting” or marking bets on a betting board. When a bet is “posted,” it is recorded and official. To “past post” is to change or place a bet after the fact, hoping that the change will go unnoticed by the dealer or pit boss.
Techniques Used in Past Posting:
Past posting requires precise timing, coordination, and often the assistance of accomplices. Here are some of the common techniques employed:
Roulette Switching: One of the most popular past-posting methods involves roulette. A player or accomplice watches the ball closely, and as soon as it lands on a number, they attempt to switch chips on the table, placing higher-value chips on the winning number. This technique is typically executed during the brief moments of confusion or distraction before the dealer calls “no more bets.”
Blackjack Bet Adjustments: In blackjack, past posting can occur when a player adjusts their bet after seeing the outcome of a hand. This might involve subtly adding chips to a winning hand or reducing the bet on a losing hand, often while the dealer is distracted or during a dealer change.
Chip Manipulation: In some cases, players have been known to palm chips and then place them on the table after the outcome is known. This method requires sleight of hand and is often performed by skilled magicians or trained con artists.
Inside Help: In more sophisticated operations, past posters may enlist the help of casino employees. A dealer or pit boss might be bribed to look the other way or to manipulate the game in favor of the cheater, ensuring that the past posting goes undetected.
Repercussions for Casinos and Individuals:
Past posting, while potentially lucrative, is illegal and carries severe penalties for those caught. Casinos invest heavily in security measures, including surveillance cameras, trained security staff, and advanced software designed to detect irregularities in betting patterns. If a player is caught past posting, they face immediate ejection from the casino, forfeiture of any winnings, and potential criminal charges, including fraud and theft.
For casinos, the financial repercussions of successful past posting can be significant. A single successful past-posting operation can result in the loss of tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. Beyond the financial impact, casinos also risk damage to their reputation if they are perceived as vulnerable to cheating.
5 Key Points:
Historical Roots: Past posting originated in horse racing and was later adapted to casino games, showcasing the adaptability of this technique across different gambling formats.
High-Stakes Targets: Past posters often target high-stakes games, where the potential rewards are greater, making the risks seem worthwhile.
The Role of Accomplices: Successful past posting often involves a team effort, with one or more accomplices distracting dealers or manipulating chips.
Casino Countermeasures: Modern casinos use advanced surveillance technology and employ expert security teams to detect and prevent past posting, making it increasingly difficult for cheaters to succeed.
Legal Consequences: Individuals caught past posting face serious legal repercussions, including criminal charges, fines, and potential imprisonment, as well as lifetime bans from casinos.
In conclusion, while past posting is a clever and tempting tactic for those looking to outsmart the system, the risks far outweigh the rewards. Casinos are well-equipped to detect and punish such behavior, ensuring that the odds always favor the house.
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