Casinos attract many people with their glitz and glamor. But behind the shining lights sometimes lie dark secrets. Some fraudsters have managed to steal huge sums of money.

At online bookmakers this is not a problem due to the high level of firewall protection. The site is well encrypted, regulated and meets industry standards.

This article takes a look at some of the most well-known scammers. How did they do it? How did they finally get caught?

First known scandal

Perhaps the first major casino scandal to attract attention was the case of Charles Wells in Monte Carlo in 1891. Wells, known as “The Man Who Broke the Bank in Monte Carlo,” used scams to win at roulette.

He claimed to have a flawless system, but in reality he used fraudulent means. However, his success was short-lived as he was later arrested for fraud.

Famous cases:

1. Richard Marcus: A former croupier turned fraudster. He used his knowledge of casino operations to steal millions. He was known for his “past posting” technique. After betting the chips on winning numbers after the roulette wheel stopped. He was eventually caught when his actions became too conspicuous.
2. Tommy Glenn Carmichael: He was famous for using devices such as the “Slider” or “Monkey Paw”. This essentially manipulated machines. He was wanted for decades before he was discovered through improved surveillance.
3. Ron Harris: A programmer for the Nevada Gaming Control Board. He used his access to hack slot machines and collect jackpots. His crime was exposed when too much money aroused suspicion.
4. The MIT Blackjack Team: A group of students from the famous university. They were known for their sophisticated card counting techniques. Although not illegal, they are often banned if they are detected. You became particularly famous with the film 21. Many fans wanted to take the troupe as a role model, but by then the techniques were already outdated.

What has changed?

Since these scandals, casinos have significantly tightened their security measures. Modern surveillance technologies make it harder to remain undetected. They also work closely with authorities to quickly detect and prevent cases of fraud.

Technological advances

In addition to improved surveillance systems, they are increasingly relying on technology to prevent this kind of thing. These include, for example, RFID chips that are embedded in tokens.

Every movement can be tracked and unusual activities can be recognized immediately. Slot machines are also much more sophisticated today. They use complex algorithms and security systems that make manipulation almost impossible.

Preventive action

Casinos also invest in training their staff. Employees receive special training to recognize attempted fraud and respond appropriately. This includes behavior analysis, detecting fraud techniques and dealing with suspected cases.

Many work with protection organizations. In this way they promote a feeling of responsibility. You also minimize the dangers of addiction and related fraud attempts. This makes the experience easier and safer for all visitors.

Final word

This story shows that the greed for wealth often leads to dishonest methods. As security improves, people will continue to seek new ways. But such activities rarely go unpunished.