Page 1 of 12 1234511 ... LastLast
Results 1 to 20 of 231

Thread: El Cortez automatic shuffle machine cheating

  1. #1
    Several weeks ago, a poster at one of the blackjack sites, spiderman, posted accusations of cheating at El Cortez via 2 blackjack tables with newer model automatic shuffle machines, alleging that the machines have a function capable of non random, high card clumping (huge advantage to the house). Spiderman had accumulated months of data on the specific tables in question. Noted blackjack mathematician and expert Don Schlesinger confirmed that if Spiderman's data was accurate, the numbers indeed, revealed card clumping out of the normal range of randomness.

    Despite that a number of players, noted similar finding and suspicions, the site's owner moved the thread to what he call's the disadvantage forum (voodoo forum). That thread was also reposted by a member at WoV, but gained little traction as known casino employee members shot it down.

    Spiderman has now proven his suspicions by obtaining one of the model ASM's in question and confirming that there is a feature, accessible by a entering a code, that will stack the cards in a nonrandom manor, high card clumping, that is very advantageous to the house (casino).

    I don't want to get into who(m) spiderman might or might not be. Some of us have discussed that in private. But I think this warning is worth repeating for blackjack players who play against ASM's (not to be confused with continuous shuffle machines). It smacks of shades of the whole "mindplay" incident and eventual ruling that went against the casino industry.

    Below is a link to the thread.


    https://www.blackjacktheforum.com/sh...heating-update
    Last edited by kewlJ; 07-24-2018 at 08:21 AM.

  2. #2
    Originally Posted by kewlJ View Post
    Several weeks ago, a poster at one of the blackjack sites, spiderman, posted accusations of cheating at El Cortez via 2 blackjack tables with newer model automatic shuffle machines, alleging that the machines have a function capable of non random, high card clumping (huge advantage to the house). Spiderman had accumulated months of data on the specific tables in question. Noted blackjack mathematician and expert Don Schlesinger confirmed that if Spiderman's data was accurate, the numbers indeed, revealed card clumping out of the normal range of randomness.

    Despite that a number of players, noted similar finding and suspicions, the site's owner moved the thread to what he call's the disadvantage forum (voodoo forum). That thread was also reposted by a member at WoV, but gained little traction as known casino employee members shot it down.

    Spiderman has now proven his suspicions by obtaining one of the model ASM's in question and confirming that there is a feature, accessible by a entering a code, that will stack the cards in a nonrandom manor, high card clumping, that is very advantageous to the house (casino).

    I don't want to get into who(m) spiderman might or might not be. Some of us have discussed that in private. But I think this warning is worth repeating for blackjack players who play against ASM's (not to be confused with continuous shuffle machines). It smacks of shades of the whole "mindplay" incident and eventual ruling that went against the casino industry.

    Below is a link to the thread.


    https://www.blackjacktheforum.com/sh...heating-update

    I just had a long conversation with ZenKing and he confirms that the El Cortel is indeed cheating on the ASM Machines and not only that but they are using pre-shuffled Chinese decks as well constantly cheating on all BJ games.

    On another related note... I talked to the Slots Manager who I have known over 20 years. He is a polish prick, none the less, with a pretty famous AP brother. That is another story though. However when I talked to this manager he confirmed that many people daily are getting hit in the head and eyes with flying dice all over this Casino. Mostly beside the Cage where they keep these older, longer Crap Tables.
    Last edited by monet; 07-25-2018 at 02:15 AM.

  3. #3
    Originally Posted by monet View Post
    I just had a long conversation with ZenKing and he confirms that the El Cortel is indeed cheating on the ASM Machines and not only that but they are using pre-shuffled Chinese decks as well constantly cheating on all BJ games.
    Monet. this is in a completely different league than Zenking, who just is unable to deal with very normal variance, so he comes up with all kinds of ridiculous conspiracy theories, with zero evidence to back anything up. Spiderman's accusations are not fueled by losing, nor regular negative variance. It is based on noticing unusual distribution, documenting almost 200 shoes of play and finally obtaining an actual shuffling machine of the model in question, which has confirmed there is a feature, accessible by entering a code that will clump certain groups of cards together in a non-random order favorable to the house.

    The top gaming attorney is advising spiderman. Unfortunately there are legal issues how the machine was obtained which could make that problematic. But for now, I just think players should be warned. Check it out for themselves. Play or not play. But be informed.

  4. #4
    I’ll give that thread the old bumparoo in the morning and strongly hint that you think there might be something to this. I’ll post pretty much a small summary of what you said in these two posts.

    This would impact counters and recreational players alike, if true, so it should be mentioned if there’s any chance of it being true. I say recreational players because standing a pat 20 is a no-brainer, so clumping a bunch of tens that result in a bunch of pushed twenties is bad for those players. The hands that are random force them to make decisions where they might make the wrong ones. If I’m understanding what the shuffler is allegedly doing correctly, that is.

  5. #5
    I might even be inclined to write an article about it, but I’d need your help or Spiderman’s help to really understand some of the finer points of it. Blackjack’s really not my thing. I actually hate it. Except Longhorn, because you can double down on any number of cards, so that’s neat.

  6. #6
    Yes, indeed this will impact everyone, card counters and recreational players alike. Yes, you are basically correct in your understanding. The games in question are two specific double deck tables at El Cortez that have these newer model ASM. Several other tables have the older model #3. Those games and tables are not in question. However, any blackjack game using the newer model ASM are susceptible.

    So the way it works, is when in a specific mode, accessible by a code, the shuffler will clump a 14 or 15 clump of cards containing 12 or 13 ten value cards. Now the machine doesn't know where that clump will be placed in the deck(s). That will be determined by the player cutting. So sometimes this high card clump comes out towards the front, some times in the middle and sometimes it doesn't come out, as it is behind the cut card. All three of those scenarios are favorable to the house and it makes no difference how many players are playing.

    So there are 2 things you will notice. When the high card clump comes out there will be a round or two where almost every hand of 20 pushes with the dealer 20. The entire rest of the deck(s) are depleted of high cards....huge advantage for house.

    The second thing that a card counter will notice is TC's of either -4 or lower, or +4 or higher, every single shoe. If the high card clump comes out at the beginning of the shoe, the count will be extremely negative. If the high card clump comes out at the end of the shoe or doesn't come out (after the cut card), the count will be extremely positive prior to the high card clump. For card counter's this means they will be raising their bet with the high count, only to push for a round or two with 20's while losing all the other rounds when all small cards are coming out because the deck is depleted in 10 value cards.

    If you want to bump, that would be great. I am interested in this information reaching as many players as possible. What they choose to do or not do with the information is entirely up to them. However, I can guarantee, the WoV casino employee contingency will dismiss and discredit it immediately.
    Last edited by kewlJ; 07-23-2018 at 11:44 PM.

  7. #7
    Originally Posted by Mission146 View Post
    I might even be inclined to write an article about it, but I’d need your help or Spiderman’s help to really understand some of the finer points of it. Blackjack’s really not my thing. I actually hate it. Except Longhorn, because you can double down on any number of cards, so that’s neat.
    Yeah, you might want to hold off on that for now. I know there is going to be some challenges filed, initially with gaming, possible involving the courts depending on what happens with gaming. The participants involved are just trying to figure out who (which sucker) is going to be the face of such a challenge. There was some hope that Michael might want to be, but that has faded.

    There really is no money involved. The plaintif is not going to win a big settlement of anything. Even if a challenge were to win, it is near impossible to show what your damages are. What a "win" would look like is a ruling against the shuffle machine manufacturer and any casinos using that technology, with likely fines involved to the casinos. The object is to stop this from spreading before it gets started.

    I think there is some danger to writing a story about it prior to whatever action is going to occur.

  8. #8
    Originally Posted by kewlJ View Post
    For card counter's this means they will be raising their bet with the high count, only to push for a round or two with 20's while losing all the other rounds when all small cards are coming out because the deck is depleted in 10 value cards.
    Have any simulations been done to determine if the high-card clumping favors the house?

    If the count is high, then the expectation is for more 10-valued cards to be dealt, which is advantageous to the players...isn't that correct?

    If the 10v cards are not clumped together, then what is the expected distribution of the 10v cards in a +4 situation that is more favorable to the players, such that the dealer is less likely to be dealt a 20 than are the players?

    For instance, if the cards were hand-shuffled rather than machine-shuffled, are the players less likely to get a 20 if the count is high, or is it the dealer who is less likely to get a 20?

    If the high cards are not clumped, and low cards are mixed in as expected with the 10v cards, then who is more likely to be dealt the low cards?

    The second part of your statement above just does not sound reasonable...the player loses all the other rounds when small cards are coming out? Really?

  9. #9
    Originally Posted by coach belly View Post
    Originally Posted by kewlJ View Post
    For card counter's this means they will be raising their bet with the high count, only to push for a round or two with 20's while losing all the other rounds when all small cards are coming out because the deck is depleted in 10 value cards.
    Have any simulations been done to determine if the high-card clumping favors the house?

    If the count is high, then the expectation is for more 10-valued cards to be dealt, which is advantageous to the players...isn't that correct?

    If the 10v cards are not clumped together, then what is the expected distribution of the 10v cards in a +4 situation that is more favorable to the players, such that the dealer is less likely to be dealt a 20 than are the players?

    For instance, if the cards were hand-shuffled rather than machine-shuffled, are the players less likely to get a 20 if the count is high, or is it the dealer who is less likely to get a 20?

    If the high cards are not clumped, and low cards are mixed in as expected with the 10v cards, then who is more likely to be dealt the low cards?

    The second part of your statement above just does not sound reasonable...the player loses all the other rounds when small cards are coming out? Really?
    Of course, not all, coach belly. That was a generalization. But the rest of the deck is highly -EV for the player. All those times that players, counters and basic strategy players stand because the dealer has a "bust card" card up? Well with a depletion of high cards, the dealer is pulling 4 and 5 cards 20 and 21's instead of busting.

    Whether or not that high card clump could still be beneficial to the player depends on if aces are mixed into that clump at the normal (random) number. Some players observing these high card clumps state they are not, meaning a below "normal" or random number of blackjacks dealt, which is where the player advantage REALLY comes from in card counting. Spiderman has not confirmed this yet. I am sure that is one of the things he wants to confirm or deny.

    If the aces are still mixed in at "normal" rates, then direct me to the nearest card clumping ASM. It would simply be a matter of recognizing where the clump is and playing the depleted rounds differently (hitting some hands that you normally would stay on).

  10. #10
    Kewl-since I didn't see the original thread-only the link that you provided here-and for now disregarding his obtaining a machine, is 200 shoes enough of a sample size?

    I am one that believes that all casinos cheat, and that slot machines are non-random, etc. So I want to believe him. But I wonder as to sample size.

  11. #11
    Originally Posted by regnis View Post
    Kewl-since I didn't see the original thread-only the link that you provided here-and for now disregarding his obtaining a machine, is 200 shoes enough of a sample size?
    Enough of a sample size to prove anything beyond a doubt? No.

    Enough of a sample size to raise the possibility and invest funds to take the next step in investigating. Yes.


    But I am getting into a lot of trouble here that I didn't intend to. Getting heat from all sides. Places I didn't foresee. Going to have to step out for the moment and let things play out.
    Last edited by kewlJ; 07-24-2018 at 08:34 AM.

  12. #12
    I just have to say, if this is is true there's a way to take advantage of it.

  13. #13
    Originally Posted by AxelWolf View Post
    I just have to say, if this is is true there's a way to take advantage of it.
    No shit. You are telling me this a little late don't you think?

    In the last 24 hours I have been under attack from all sides. Someone claiming to be associated with shufflemaster, threatening me. AP's, some who I considered friends, pissed at me, for outing a play, calling me traitor. One threatened to reveal my name and address. I am the bad guy here I guess.


    But let me tell you how it really went down. I am a card counter. I never claimed to be the brightest bulb in the pack. I dabble in other AP, if it's not too complicated, but mostly I am a card counter. Card counting is how I have supported myself and made the vast majority of my living for 15 years now.

    So as a card counter, I come across a situation, that I identified as cheating and bad for blackjack players, card counters and non-card counters (regular players) alike. And I wanted to 1.) expose what I still believe is illegal and cheating and 2.) warn other players, both card counters and regular players.

    So it turns out, just as you said, there are members in our community that figured this out before me and have found ways to exploit it. AND they are now pissed at me.....calling me a traitor.

    But here's the problem. I didn't come up with this yesterday, out of the blue. I first noticed this months ago and have been collecting data. I didn't want to make such an allegation, without being reasonably sure. And during this time, I have mentioned this several times on various sites, including the first thread I started just over 2 weeks ago, at the same time I contacted you and several other AP's about my concerns.

    So knowing that I was heading down this road, at no time did any of these AP's contact me. Give me a heads up. How about something like "hey you might not want to travel down that road". So not knowing THAT angle, I did what I did from a card counter / blackjack player point of view, with the goal of protecting card counters and (traditional) blackjack players.

    And I still think someone needs to be looking out for card counters AND non-card counter traditional -EV players. Because what this casino, and shufflemaster is doing is illegal. BUT, had I know that some in our community were exploiting it....one upping the casino attempt to cheat, I certainly wouldn't have brought it to light. I would have just quietly stopped playing the tables in question.

    So while I am the bad guy here, I think there is blame to go around. All it would have taken was a little heads up from my fellow AP's who could see where I was headed. But NO.... AP's, can't do that. They are so goddam worried about someone finding out about one of their opportunities.
    Last edited by kewlJ; 07-24-2018 at 06:56 PM.

  14. #14
    Originally Posted by kewlJ View Post
    I don't want to get into who(m) spiderman might or might not be.
    Originally Posted by kewlJ View Post
    I didn't come up with this yesterday, out of the blue. I first noticed this months ago and have been collecting data.
    Originally Posted by kewlJ View Post
    I have mentioned this several times on various sites, including the first thread I started just over 2 weeks ago
    So you are admitting that you are "spiderman" on BJTF?

  15. #15
    Originally Posted by coach belly View Post
    Originally Posted by kewlJ View Post
    I don't want to get into who(m) spiderman might or might not be.
    Originally Posted by kewlJ View Post
    I didn't come up with this yesterday, out of the blue. I first noticed this months ago and have been collecting data.
    So you are admitting that you are "spiderman" on BJTF?
    Oh there is coach belly doing what he does.

    Yeah this will probably cost spiderman BJTF. Kind of an unspoken agreement, to allow spiderman to participate. Happy coach belly?

  16. #16
    Originally Posted by kewlJ View Post
    Yeah this will probably cost spiderman BJTF. Kind of an unspoken agreement, to allow spiderman to participate. Happy coach belly?
    Happy about what?

    If Norm knows that you are spiderman=kewlj , then why shouldn't everybody else know?

    What's it called again when somebody adopts more than one forum user name?

    And you have the nerve to call Alan deceitful?

  17. #17
    Originally Posted by kewlJ View Post
    Originally Posted by AxelWolf View Post
    I just have to say, if this is is true there's a way to take advantage of it.
    No shit. You are telling me this a little late don't you think?

    In the last 24 hours I have been under attack from all sides. Someone claiming to be associated with shufflemaster, threatening me. AP's, some who I considered friends, pissed at me, for outing a play, calling me traitor. One threatened to reveal my name and address. I am the bad guy here I guess.


    But let me tell you how it really went down. I am a card counter. I never claimed to be the brightest bulb in the pack. I dabble in other AP, if it's not too complicated, but mostly I am a card counter. Card counting is how I have supported myself and made the vast majority of my living for 15 years now.

    So as a card counter, I come across a situation, that I identified as cheating and bad for blackjack players, card counters and non-card counters (regular players) alike. And I wanted to 1.) expose what I still believe is illegal and cheating and 2.) warn other players, both card counters and regular players.

    So it turns out, just as you said, there are members in our community that figured this out before me and have found ways to exploit it. AND they are now pissed at me.....calling me a traitor.

    But here's the problem. I didn't come up with this yesterday, out of the blue. I first noticed this months ago and have been collecting data. I didn't want to make such an allegation, without being reasonably sure. And during this time, I have mentioned this several times on various sites, including the first thread I started just over 2 weeks ago, at the same time I contacted you and several other AP's about my concerns.

    So knowing that I was heading down this road, at no time did any of these AP's contact me. Give me a heads up. How about something like "hey you might not want to travel down that road". So not knowing THAT angle, I did what I did from a card counter / blackjack player point of view, with the goal of protecting card counters and (traditional) blackjack players.

    And I still think someone needs to be looking out for card counters AND non-card counter traditional -EV players. Because what this casino, and shufflemaster is doing is illegal. BUT, had I know that some in our community were exploiting it....one upping the casino attempt to cheat, I certainly wouldn't have brought it to light. I would have just quietly stopped playing the tables in question.

    So while I am the bad guy here, I think there is blame to go around. All it would have taken was a little heads up from my fellow AP's who could see where I was headed. But NO.... AP's, can't do that. They are so goddam worried about someone finding out about one of their opportunities.
    Don't get snotty with me. I haven't criticized you or said anything derogitory.

    I asked you a few questions regarding the Aces and a few other things. TBH I didn't really read all that was going on and its hard to just imagine all the details without sitting down and playing or thinking about the scenario. I haven't/hadn't really put much thought into it. I have played very little live BJ for many many years now. I would say that BJ is more your area of your expertise. after 200 shoes and whatever time you spend on this, I have to imagine you could have come up with that on your own.

    But given the limited information I read and limited time, I spent thinking about it. I told you via PM a few days ago my quick thoughts about it, and I included that it would be exploitable. If by no other advantage at minimum one could at least earn free high limit bet ratings knowing all hands would be a push, push, push, push. = comps, fee bets/play, invites, mail etc

    I don't think one has to be the brightest anything to see there has to be an advantage. That's all you have to know is that there's an advantage. And once you think or know that there could be and advantage you move on to the next step. (Just remember, if it's not random there's always a good chance you can exploit it)

    If it were me, and I thought it was remotely possible that it was exploitable, yet I couldn't figure out how or why myself, I would contact someone who I thought could. My first thought wouldn't be to post up and expose the casino cheating. AP is not always about being able to do something or figure something out all by yourself, It's also knowing when you don't know and then what to do next, and how to make money given the situation.

  18. #18
    No deceit coach belly. Spiderman never hid who he was. He went out of his way to be transparent. All the members knew and welcomed him. Even those involved in the blowup years ago.

    And here is what spiderman has done. Only contributed in a positive manner, sharing experiences that may benefit other players and members. Some members even commented on this. Spiderman's helpful rating at BJTF is 100% 25 for 25. That is unprecedented. And he received those 25 helpful rating in only 56 posts. Clear evidence his only goal was to contribute positively. Just as kewlj did for 5 years. Isn't that what an blackjack AP site is all about?

    Personally, I think Norm will be bigger than your spiteful little ass. We'll see.

    So here's my question for you coach belly. What have you ever contributed in a positive fashion anywhere? Who ever voted you as helpful and a positive contributor?

  19. #19
    Originally Posted by kewlJ View Post
    No deceit coach belly. Spiderman never hid who he was.
    You hid the fact that you are spiderman in the original post that started this thread.

    Wasn't that deceitful?

  20. #20
    Originally Posted by AxelWolf View Post
    Don't get snotty with me. I haven't criticized you or said anything derogitory.
    I wasn't getting snotty with you. That post was not about you or implying you were involved in any way. It just so happens your comment came at the wrong time and set me off about how these events unfolded. I apologize if you mistook my comments to be about you.

    But you have to admit that AP's are a back stabbing bunch. (in general....not you of course ). It's like we are fighting a war against a common enemy, but at the same time, you need eyes in the back of your head to watch out for one of your "comrades" running up and stabbing you in the back.

    Axel, I don't think like you, mickey, RS, monet or any of the really smart AP's. I don't look at every game an see ways to beat it. I wish I did. I am not that smart. I play blackjack...that's what I am despite a small amount of very elementary machine play. I am a card counting blackjack player. And it is through that lens that I see everything.

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads

  1. Replies: 38
    Last Post: 03-06-2019, 08:26 PM
  2. Replies: 1
    Last Post: 07-30-2017, 08:40 PM
  3. Video Poker machine glitch: cheating or not ??
    By Vegas Vic in forum Las Vegas
    Replies: 33
    Last Post: 11-28-2013, 01:24 PM
  4. Replies: 5
    Last Post: 03-15-2013, 02:18 PM
  5. Dice cheating scandal at major strip casino?
    By Alan Mendelson in forum Las Vegas
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 10-27-2011, 02:11 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •