Blackjack dealer checks for TENS when the upcard is a ten- should I "cheat"?

[DiceDealer]

As a dealer it is the dealer's responsibility to protect the integrity of their game and as tempting as it may be to give away information to the players for an increase in tokes, ultimately it would get you fired and most likely blacklisted from working in ANY casino. As far as this specific dealer goes, he may be unintentionally doing this. Eventually the suits are gonna wise up and talk to him about game protection. In this case the dealer doesn't seem to be colluding with you, he is just weak.

[RS]

As said before, be wary about doing this. Try playing standing up. If you want to try hiding the fact you're looking at the mirror, you might be able to "lean in" every hand, not just when the dealer checks the mirror.


Also know that even if there aren't any legal ramifications for doing this, if they catch out, they can still back you off and tell you to never come back.

If you DO get caught doing this....well....I would personally be as respectful as possible, as well as tell them it's their responsibility to train dealers properly, etc etc. and would avoid any kind of self "incrimination" and play dumb while questioned. (ie: "Well, if the dealer DOES have an Ace, what's the problem, wouldn't the dealer automatically win and we all lose? And if the dealer doesn't have an ace, well then there's nothing to see since the dealer doesn't have an Ace and we continue playing? I'd just like to see as quickly as possible if the dealer has BJ or not." or something).


Then again, I'm not a pro with BJ or laws regarding gambling or being questioned or anything like that.....I'm just saying what I would do. o.O

[Solo player]

If you DO get caught doing this....well....I would personally be as respectful as possible, as well as tell them it's their responsibility to train dealers properly, etc etc. and would avoid any kind of self "incrimination" and play dumb while questioned.

No don't give anything away that may tip them off to the game. Best to just get up and leave. Some places will back you off not knowing what is really going. Only thing they know for sure is they don't want your action.

[ZenMaster_Flash]

Some casinos claim that indeed they have audio pickup at the BJ tables, especially in England.

[Boz]

The worry in this case is NOT concerning surveillance, as you are correct. However, if even a single alert or ill-tempered supervisor (pit boss) garners the slightest inkling of dealer-player collusion (or even simply dealer collusion, for that matter), the resulting scrutiny, and inevitable recourse, would be quite severe. Collusion is akin to capital crime, and is often met with swift and terrible consequence.

My opinion, and I wish you all the best, but be aware of the gravity of the situation - potentially positive, as well as negative. Happy hunting, and give 'em hell!

That's complete bs. Dealer-player collusion is nowhere close to a capital crime, although it is a felony. Further, it is impossible to prove collusion on these facts. Lastly, there is no such thing as dealer collusion, because a lone dealer cannot collude w/himself, by definition.

[Chip Hoarder]

2) Is this the type of thing that I can get in real trouble for doing? Would anyone try to bring criminal charges against me if I am caught leaning over the table to look at the mirror along with the dealer when he checks what his hole-card is? I recall someone once getting in trouble for trying to look at other cards in the deck when applying the yellow cut card to an 8 deck shoe.

Hole carding is normally not a crime, but in this case you are using a device - albeit one provided by the casino.

[Norm]

I'm a bit worried about this thread. IANAL, but this is my understanding. It is NOT illegal to use a device that you or an associate did not cause to be present in the casino. But, it may be illegal to advise anyone on how to use it.

[6seven8]

Let me clarify the ruling.
It is not illegal to look at anything you can see from any direction. It is the casinos responsibility to protect the interest of their game. You may not use any device and in certain jurisdictions you may not act with a team member. If you are crossing lines (like leaning so far across the table that the casino staff tells you not to-then youve probably gone too far). As long as it is the casino that is making mistakes and you are taking advantage of these mistakes then there is no problem, but as soon as you are 'cheating' then its over.

[Pghgator]

Yes use it to our advantage. Its a poor dealer who doesn't protect the game. You are now an AP

[All Clear]

Thanks to all who commented- much appreciated.

[Black Yak]

Some casinos claim that indeed they have audio pickup at the BJ tables, especially in England.

That's true in my experience. Last time I was in the UK pit staff offered to listen back to the audio on a table I was at after a player complained about being sworn at by another player. This was in a casino that was very busy, with music playing, with a very high ceiling with cameras mounted on it, but no camera anywhere near the table. I'm also really careful about having conversations outside clubs because well as cameras, I've seen what looked like microphones mounted on the exterior walls of a club run by a major chain there!

[ZenMaster_Flash]

Undoubtedly, the recordings are rarely resorted to, but the mere existence of same is perturbing.

[nafanny29]

Some casinos claim that indeed they have audio pickup at the BJ tables, especially in England.

At the London casinos I play at, they all have high quality microphones. Talking to one pitboss who I have known for ages, he said they are high quality and can pick up whispers on a crowded and noisy table!!