casino scams

What is Casino Skimming?

What is Casino Skimming? Casino skimming refers to the illegal practice of diverting money from a casino’s revenue before it is officially recorded in the books, effectively “skimming” off a portion of the profits. It’s a crime that has been prevalent in the gambling industry, especially during the mid-20th century when organized crime had a stronghold on many Las Vegas casinos. Today, while security measures have tightened, skimming remains a fascinating part of casino history and a cautionary tale for modern gaming establishments.

How Does Casino Skimming Work?

At its core, skimming involves taking money “off the top” before it is reported as part of the casino’s official income. This means it avoids being taxed and audited, making it an appealing method for criminals to pocket large sums without detection. Skimming can occur at various stages, such as at the gaming tables, from slot machine profits, or even directly from the casino’s count rooms, where cash is collected and tallied.

For example, in table games, dealers and pit bosses might be involved in an operation where they pocket cash before it enters the casino’s counting system. In other cases, casino managers could underreport earnings and funnel the unreported profits to secret accounts. The money never makes it to the financial records, effectively flying under the radar.

Famous Skimming Scandals:

Perhaps the most infamous skimming operations involved the Mafia and Las Vegas casinos in the 1950s through the 1980s. Many casinos were either owned or controlled by organized crime families who saw the gambling industry as a cash cow ripe for exploitation. The casinos acted as fronts for large-scale skimming operations, where millions of dollars would be siphoned off and sent back to mob bosses across the country.

One of the most notorious cases involved the Stardust Casino, which was depicted in the film Casino (1995). The mob skimmed millions from the Stardust, using middlemen like casino managers and accountants to help funnel the money out of Las Vegas and back to Mafia-controlled cities like Chicago and Kansas City. These operations ran for years, in part because the skimming was subtle and well-organized.

Federal authorities eventually cracked down on these activities, leading to arrests and the decline of Mafia influence in Vegas. The FBI conducted intense investigations during this era, finally breaking the control of organized crime over the gambling industry. These crackdowns also led to reforms in casino management and the implementation of stricter financial regulations.

Skimming vs. Cheating: What’s the Difference?

While both skimming and cheating involve stealing from casinos, the two are fundamentally different. Cheating usually involves manipulating the outcome of a game, whether by rigging a roulette wheel or dealing cards in a player’s favor. In contrast, skimming is about stealing from the casino’s profits before they are recorded. Essentially, skimming affects the casino’s books, while cheating affects the game itself.

Modern-Day Skimming:

Although organized crime has largely been weeded out of the casino industry, modern forms of skimming can still occur, though they are less frequent due to increased regulation and surveillance. Casinos today are highly monitored, with CCTV systems, facial recognition, and rigorous accounting software designed to detect any inconsistencies in earnings.

Yet, despite these measures, skimming still poses a risk. Rogue employees, often in managerial or financial positions, may attempt to underreport revenues or falsify accounting records. While the methods may have evolved, the underlying principle remains the same: take money before it enters the casino’s financial ecosystem.

The Odds: Why Skimming Was So Common:

The allure of skimming was tied to the unique environment of casinos. High volumes of cash flow through casinos every day, making it difficult to account for every dollar. Skimming became so common because casinos, especially in the past, operated largely on cash, which left room for under-the-table transactions to go unnoticed. As the saying goes, “The odds are always in favor of the house,” but in skimming operations, the odds were bent in favor of those behind the scenes.

The enormous sums of cash, combined with lax regulation and Mafia influence, made casinos prime targets. Many who participated in skimming felt confident they wouldn’t be caught because the sheer volume of transactions in a casino made it easy for smaller amounts to slip through the cracks unnoticed.

Conclusion:

Casino skimming is a form of financial theft that has long been a part of gambling’s darker history. While most notably tied to the Mafia’s control of Las Vegas, skimming can still occur today in more discreet forms. Thanks to modern technology and increased regulation, it’s much harder for these operations to succeed, but the lessons from history remain relevant. Casinos, with their endless cash flow and fast-paced environment, have always been fertile ground for those willing to exploit the system.

As gambling enthusiasts know, the odds are in the casino’s favor—unless, of course, someone’s skimming off the top.

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The History of Past Posting: From Horse Racing to Casinos

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The History of Past Posting: From Horse Racing to Casinos 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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Past Posting at Casinos: A Risky Game of Timing and Deception

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Past Posting at Casinos: A Risky Game of Timing and Deception 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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The Roselli Brothers: Masters of Casino Scams

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The Roselli Brothers: Masters of Casino Scams The Roselli Brothers, known as Dominick and Vincent Roselli, became infamous in the world of gambling for their audacious and sophisticated scams that targeted casinos across the United States. These two New Yorkers, born into a working-class Italian-American family, turned their affinity for card games and an understanding of human psychology into a lucrative yet dangerous career in the 1990s and early 2000s.

The Story of the Roselli Brothers:

Dominick and Vincent grew up in the Bronx, where they were introduced to gambling at a young age. Fascinated by the art of deception, they began to experiment with various cheating techniques at local card games. Over time, they perfected their skills, eventually graduating from small-time hustles to targeting some of the most prestigious casinos in the country.

The brothers developed a method known as “past-posting,” a technique where a bet is placed after the outcome is known but before it is declared. Using inside help and their own sleight-of-hand skills, the Rosellis managed to exploit vulnerabilities in casino operations, particularly in roulette and blackjack games. They would often employ accomplices to distract dealers or work with corrupt casino employees to ensure their schemes went undetected.

Their scams were highly profitable, allowing the brothers to live a lavish lifestyle. They spent their ill-gotten gains on expensive cars, luxury homes, and extravagant vacations. For years, the Roselli Brothers managed to evade law enforcement, becoming legends in the underground world of gambling cheats. However, their luck eventually ran out when a disgruntled former associate tipped off authorities. In 2002, the FBI launched an investigation that culminated in the brothers’ arrest. They were charged with multiple counts of fraud and conspiracy and sentenced to several years in federal prison.

Five Points of Interest:

Masterminds of Past-Posting: The Roselli Brothers’ primary method of scamming casinos was past-posting, a technique that requires impeccable timing and coordination. This method is considered one of the most difficult and daring forms of casino cheating, as it involves manipulating bets after the outcome is known, often right under the noses of casino staff.

Lavish Lifestyle: The brothers’ success in scamming casinos allowed them to live in luxury. They were known for their love of fast cars, high-end fashion, and exotic vacations. Their opulent lifestyle was funded entirely by their illegal activities, making them a modern-day Bonnie and Clyde in the world of gambling.

High-Stakes Targets: Unlike many small-time cheats, the Roselli Brothers didn’t shy away from high-stakes targets. They often targeted some of the most prestigious casinos in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, making off with hundreds of thousands of dollars in a single night. Their boldness and ability to pull off scams in such high-profile venues only added to their notoriety.

Downfall and Arrest: The brothers’ downfall came when a former associate, feeling cheated out of his share of the profits, turned informant. His cooperation with the FBI led to a sting operation that resulted in the brothers’ arrest. The case against them was solid, and they were ultimately convicted and sentenced to prison.

Legacy in the Gambling World: Despite their criminal activities, the Roselli Brothers have become legendary figures in the gambling world. Their story has been featured in documentaries and books, serving as both a cautionary tale and a fascinating account of the lengths to which some will go to beat the house.

The Roselli Brothers’ tale is a reminder of the allure of easy money and the consequences of living a life of crime. Their ability to deceive some of the most secure establishments in the world made them infamous, but in the end, it also led to their undoing.

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Casino Scammers: The Schemes, The Scores, and The Downfall

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The allure of casinos, with their glitz, glamour, and promises of wealth, has drawn not only legitimate gamblers but also a number of notorious scammers. These individuals devised intricate schemes to cheat the system and make easy money. However, despite their initial success, most eventually found themselves facing the consequences of their actions. This article delves into some of the most famous casino scammers, how they executed their plans, and how they ultimately got caught.

The MIT Blackjack Team:

One of the most famous casino scams was orchestrated by the MIT Blackjack Team, a group of students and ex-students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Using card counting and complex mathematical strategies, the team managed to beat casinos at blackjack for millions of dollars in the 1980s and 1990s. They worked in teams, with “spotters” keeping track of the cards and signaling “big players” to place large bets when the odds were in their favor.

The team’s success was extraordinary, but their downfall was inevitable. Casinos began to catch on to their tactics, and many members were blacklisted from casinos across the United States. Despite the team’s meticulous planning, surveillance cameras, facial recognition technology, and increased security measures eventually led to their exposure. Although card counting isn’t illegal, the team was banned from most casinos, and the operation was disbanded.

The Roselli Brothers:

The Roselli brothers, Dominick and Vincent, were involved in one of the most audacious casino scams in Las Vegas history. In the early 1990s, the brothers collaborated with a computer programmer to create a device that could predict the outcome of roulette spins. The device, hidden in a pack of cigarettes, used a laser to measure the speed of the roulette wheel and the ball. This data was then processed to predict where the ball would land, allowing them to place winning bets.

The brothers managed to pull off several successful heists, winning thousands of dollars in casinos across Europe and the United States. However, their luck ran out when they were caught in a casino in Monte Carlo. The brothers were arrested, and the device was confiscated. They were eventually convicted of fraud and banned from casinos worldwide.

Richard Marcus:

Richard Marcus, a former casino dealer turned scammer, is considered one of the most successful casino cheats of all time. His most famous scam involved a technique called “past posting.” This involved placing a bet after the outcome was already known by subtly adding chips to a winning bet or switching losing bets with winning ones.

Marcus developed various sleight-of-hand techniques to pull off his scams, often using a stack of chips to hide his moves from casino surveillance. He targeted casinos worldwide, reportedly making millions of dollars. However, as Marcus’ reputation grew, so did the attention from casino security. He was eventually caught when security footage exposed his tactics. Although he faced legal consequences, Marcus avoided jail time and later wrote books and gave lectures on casino cheating.

The Tran Organization:

The Tran Organization, a criminal syndicate based in California, orchestrated one of the largest casino cheating operations in history. They used a technique known as “false shuffle,” which involved bribing dealers to perform a fake shuffle, allowing the scammers to know the order of the cards in a deck. This scam targeted mini-baccarat and blackjack tables, netting the organization over $7 million from various casinos across the U.S.

The operation was brought down in 2007 after a lengthy FBI investigation. The FBI used wiretaps, surveillance, and undercover agents to gather evidence against the organization. Dozens of members were arrested and convicted of various charges, including conspiracy and racketeering.

Conclusion:

Casino scammers have often displayed incredible ingenuity in devising schemes to defraud casinos. However, their actions have also highlighted the robust security measures and vigilance of the casino industry. While some scammers managed to evade detection for a time, almost all eventually faced legal consequences, demonstrating that in the world of gambling, the house almost always wins in the end.

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casino scams

What is Casino Skimming?

The History of Past Posting: From Horse Racing to Casinos

Past Posting at Casinos: A Risky Game of Timing and Deception

The Roselli Brothers: Masters of Casino Scams

Casino Scammers: The Schemes, The Scores, and The Downfall

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