In recent developments within the casino landscape, multiple Las Vegas establishments have started to enforce stricter policies regarding mobile phone usage at gaming tables. Although many casinos have historically restricted phone use during active hands, or have outright banned phones in the past, these measures are now becoming increasingly prevalent. Concerns have arisen around the potential for concealed cameras embedded in everyday items, such as lighters and pens, which calls into question whether banning only phones effectively addresses the risk. A more comprehensive approach, potentially prohibiting all items on the table, raises concerns about encroaching on patrons’ comfort and privacy. Furthermore, the issue of devices placed on the rail—the elevated surface where players rest their arms—adds another layer to the discussion.
Industry expert Berkey has highlighted the challenge of balancing player enjoyment and security, noting that many players want to engage with mobile devices for entertainment purposes, like watching sports, while at the table. This presents a nuanced dilemma; the line between acceptable use and risk mitigation is blurred, leading to suggestions for hybrid solutions that might allow devices as long as they don’t obstruct the view of the felt. However, this proposal does not account for other potential hidden risks, such as jewelry that might contain discreet cameras.
The effectiveness of device removal protocols could be undermined, as illustrated by recent arrests in France, where a suspect was implicated in camera-related cheating without any visible equipment on the table, using hidden technology instead. This example indicates that even with stringent measures in place, creative methods of cheating can still prevail, particularly in environments like Vegas that employ traditional dealer-pitch methods.
A more sustainable long-term solution, as supported by Berkey and others in the poker community, involves retraining casino dealers. This initiative has already been initiated within some circles. For instance, the European Poker Tour has adapted its dealer-pitching technique to a practice known as slide dealing. In this method, the deck remains on the table, with the dealer sliding each top card individually, effectively reducing exposure during dealing. This change, recently implemented, addresses the growing issues surrounding camera-related cheating.
Certain casinos are even more proactive in curbing potential cheating tactics. For example, casinos like The Star in Australia have adopted a modified blackjack shoe for poker that minimizes the risk of card theft by positioning the shoe centrally at the table. This design allows for a more challenging angle for any hidden cameras, thereby decreasing the likelihood of unauthorized card capture.
While it is likely to take time to retrain a large workforce of poker dealers to adopt new techniques, the commitment to refining methods to address cheating is evident. Berkey reports positive receptivity among casino management toward revisiting training protocols for staff.
Despite these strategies, the sophistication of modern video technology remains a significant concern in safeguarding against such losses. The recent incidents in France are cautionary tales about the possibilities of illicit camera use that can capture vital gameplay information during critical moments.
Business owners and stakeholders in the gaming industry should recognize the ongoing risk posed by individuals looking to exploit the system, particularly in competitive environments such as poker, where players interact directly with one another rather than facing the house. Adopting a vigilant posture and investing in robust security practices are essential to maintaining fairness.
The overarching message conveyed by experts is that as long as there is a viable game to exploit, dishonest actors will attempt to undermine it. The continuous effort to fortify gaming integrity is critical to ensuring a level playing field for all participants.
