The Secret History of Blackjack Cheating Devices – From Hidden Cameras to Shoe Computers

Blackjack is one of the most popular casino games in the world. It’s a game of skill and strategy, where the goal is to beat the dealer by getting closer to 21 without going over. But over the years, players have tried to gain an edge by using various cheating devices.

From hidden cameras to shoe computers, here is the secret history of blackjack cheating devices.

Hidden Cameras

One of the earliest blackjack cheating devices was the hidden camera. This device was used by players to record the dealer’s hand and transmit the information to a computer or accomplice. The camera could be hidden in a hat, watch, or even a cigarette lighter.

The first known instance of a hidden camera being used to cheat at blackjack was in the 1960s. A group of players in Las Vegas used a hidden camera to record the dealer’s hand and transmit it to a computer in a nearby hotel room. The computer would then analyze the hand and send the player a signal telling them what the best move was.

Marked Cards

Another popular blackjack cheating device is marked cards. Marked cards are cards that have been altered in some way to make them easier to identify. They can be marked with invisible ink, tiny scratches, or even a special pattern.

Players use marked cards to keep track of the cards that have already been played and to identify the cards that are still in the deck. This gives them a significant advantage over the dealer, as they can make more informed decisions about when to hit, stand, or double down.

Shoe Computers

Shoe computers are another popular blackjack cheating device. A shoe computer is a small computer that is hidden in a player’s shoe. It is programmed to keep track of the cards that have already been played and to predict which cards are likely to be dealt next.

When a player knows what cards are likely to be dealt next, they can adjust their strategy accordingly. For example, if the shoe computer predicts that there are a lot of high cards left in the deck, the player may choose to stand on a lower hand, as they know that the dealer is more likely to bust.

Card Switching

Card switching is a simple but effective blackjack cheating device. It involves switching out a card from your hand with a card from your sleeve or pocket. This can be done quickly and discreetly, giving the player a better hand than they would have had otherwise.

Card switching is illegal and can result in serious consequences, including fines, jail time, and being banned from the casino.

Conclusion

Blackjack cheating devices have been around for as long as the game itself. While some devices, like the hidden camera, are outdated and no longer used, others, like marked cards and shoe computers, are still in use today.

Cheating at blackjack is illegal and can result in serious consequences. However, that hasn’t stopped players from trying to gain an edge. As long as there are casinos and blackjack tables, there will be players looking for a way to cheat the system.