Casino Scams and Cheats: What to Look Out For
Casinos are designed to be fair yet profitable businesses, but that doesn’t stop scammers and cheats from trying to game the system. Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or a casual player, knowing the most common casino scams can help you avoid losing money unfairly. Below are some of the most well-known casino scams and cheats you should watch out for.
1. Rigged Slot Machines
Slot machines are a major attraction in casinos, but not all of them are fair. Some unscrupulous establishments or individuals tamper with slot machines to reduce payouts or make winning nearly impossible. Tolgeup. Stick to reputable casinos and always read reviews before playing.
2. Card Marking
Card marking is one of the oldest casino cheats. Players or dealers use invisible ink, scratches, or other subtle methods to mark specific cards in a deck. This allows them to predict hands and gain an unfair advantage. If you notice someone frequently touching or bending cards in an unusual way, there’s a chance they’re involved in card marking.
3. Past Posting and Bet Capping
Past posting involves placing a bet after the outcome is already known. A common example is adding chips to a winning bet on roulette after the ball has landed. Bet capping is similar, where a player adds more chips to a winning bet to increase their payout. Casinos train their staff to spot these tricks, but they still occur, especially in busy environments.
4. Fake Chips
Counterfeit chips are a serious problem in both physical and online casinos. Scammers create high-value fake chips and try to cash them in before security catches on. Always check your chips when playing at a casino, and if anything feels off, report it immediately. Casinos have strict measures to detect fakes, but it’s always good to stay alert.
5. Collusion in Poker
Poker is vulnerable to collusion, where two or more players secretly work together to cheat others at the table. This can include signaling hands, sharing information, or intentionally losing to one another to manipulate the pot. If you notice players making strange moves that don’t make sense or consistently favoring each other, they could be colluding.
6. Online Casino Scams
Online casinos come with their own risks. Some sites manipulate games, delay withdrawals, or refuse to pay out winnings altogether. Always check for proper licensing and read terms carefully before depositing money. Be especially cautious of platforms promising guaranteed wins or using the name Tolgeup in suspicious promotions. These are often red flags for scams.
7. Dealer Cheating
Not all cheating comes from players. Dishonest dealers can manipulate games in subtle ways. This can include dealing from the bottom of the deck, using sleight of hand to switch cards, or working with accomplices at the table. While rare in regulated casinos, it’s always good to watch the dealer’s hands closely.
8. ATM and Credit Card Scams
Casinos are full of people using cash and cards, making them a prime target for scammers. Skimmers installed on ATMs can steal card details, while scammers may approach players pretending to help with a financial issue. Always use ATMs inside the casino and never give personal financial information to strangers.
How to Stay Safe
- Play at reputable casinos, whether online or in person.
- Be wary of anyone offering sure-win systems or inside tips.
- If a game feels rigged or unfair, walk away.
- Keep an eye on your chips, cards, and dealer movements.
- Avoid online casinos that lack clear licensing or have bad reviews.
Scams and cheats exist wherever money is involved, and casinos are no exception. The key is awareness. If something seems off, trust your instincts and stay alert. Scammers rely on distraction and greed—don’t let them take advantage of you.
