Baccarat Scams: A Look at Casino Cheating Tactics

The group’s method was ingenious yet brazen. They used a cut card to subtly fan out the deck for just a split second, capturing the order of the cards on a recording device. This brief glimpse of the deck was sufficient for the recorded images to be studied by an accomplice, who then communicated strategic betting advice to the other members via concealed earpieces.

Group Hit Casinos in Multiple States

This scheme was not confined to Indiana. It spanned casinos across five other states from July 2023 to March 2024.

The group targeted notable venues such as Mohegan Pennsylvania Casino Resort, the Golden Nugget, and Bally’s Casino in Chicago. Key members like Jianchu Liu and Fuxiang Liu are wanted for felony theft and cheating at gambling, facing warrants for their arrest.

Tactics and Technology: How Scammers Execute Baccarat Schemes

Schemes like the one at Hard Rock Casino are not novel, but they illustrate the lengths scammers will go to exploit baccarat for illicit gains. Here’s a breakdown of some common tactics used in these scams.

Caught on Camera

Using technology, scammers may invisibly collaborate to outmaneuver casino safeguards.

In this particular incident, Liu was caught on security cameras while employing an app on his smartphone at the baccarat table. He devised a method to darken his phone screen to prevent detection, hiding the device under a stack of baccarat scorecards while directing the dealer’s actions.

Dealer Manipulation

A crucial part of the scam involved manipulating inexperienced dealers, which allowed the team to manage the deck without raising alarms. The group would rove between tables to identify dealers more susceptible to their manipulation techniques, showing how important human factors are in executing these scams.

Famous Baccarat Schemes in History

The world of baccarat cheating is rife with stories of grand schemes and audacious tactics. Here, we recount some of the infamous scandals that not only captivated attention but also highlighted vulnerabilities in casino operations.

The Phil Ivey Edge Sorting Scandal

Possibly the most famous baccarat scandal involved professional poker player Phil Ivey, who won nearly $10 million using a technique called “edge sorting.”

Ivey and his partner, Cheung Yin “Kelly” Sun, beat the Borgata out of $9.6 million.

By identifying subtle defects on card backs, he could ascertain card values and improve his odds dramatically. Despite not technically cheating, Ivey’s winnings were contested and ultimately not paid by the casinos, sparking legal battles and intriguing discussions about the boundaries of skill and deceit.

Ivey eventually settled out of court.

The Baccarat Con of Monte Carlo

Dating back to the early 19th century, a notorious scam in Monte Carlo involved partners signaling each other using mirrors hidden in shoes, enabling them to see the dealer’s cards. This caper was among the first to exploit the system with technology of the time, setting a precedent for the high-tech scams we see today.

What is Baccarat?

Baccarat is a popular card game commonly found in casinos around the world. It’s known for its simplicity and association with high stakes. The game is often linked to James Bond, enhancing its image as a sophisticated and glamorous pastime.

Vegas Insider has a detailed explanation of how to play on its site, but here’s a watered-down version:

Basic Rules of Baccarat

1. Objective: The goal is to bet on the hand that you believe will have a total closest to 9, either the player’s hand or the banker’s hand. There is also an option to bet on a tie.
2. Card Values:

• Aces are worth 1 point
• Number cards (2-9) are valued at their face value
• 10s, Jacks, Queens, and Kings are worth 0 points

1. Gameplay:

• Two hands are dealt: one for the player and one for the banker. Each hand initially gets two cards.
• The total value of a hand is determined by adding the values of its two cards. If the total is a double-digit number, only the second digit counts. For example, a hand with a 7 and an 8, totaling 15, counts as 5.
• Depending on the total values, a third card may be drawn according to predetermined rules.

1. Betting:

• Players can wager on either the player’s hand, the banker’s hand, or a tie.
• Betting on the banker has a slightly lower house edge, but it generally includes a commission on winnings.

1. Winning:

• The hand closest to a total of 9 wins. If both hands have the same total, it is a tie, unless tie bets were placed, bets on the player or banker are typically returned.

Variations of Baccarat

The most common variation played in casinos is Punto Banco, which aligns closely with the rules described above. Other versions, like Chemin de Fer and Baccarat Banque, involve more player decision-making and are less common in American casinos.

Baccarat is favored not only for its straightforward rules but also for its low house edge compared to other casino games, making it appealing to both casual players and high rollers.

Safeguarding Against Baccarat Scams

While the allure of outsmarting casinos is tempting, these cases reveal that sophisticated security measures and constant vigilance are essential in safeguarding against scams. As technology advances, so too do the schemes devised by those looking to exploit the system, underscoring the need for casinos to stay one step ahead in this high-stakes game.