Casinos take cheating very seriously. There’s always the risk that someone will cheat the system with money on the line and games of chance drawing crowds every day. One of the oldest tricks in the book is using loaded dice. These dice have been tampered with to land on certain numbers more often than they should. But today’s casinos are more prepared than ever to spot and stop this kind of cheating.
Loaded dice have been physically altered to make one or more numbers come up more often. The most common method is adding extra weight to one side, which throws off the natural balance. This can be achieved by drilling tiny holes and filling them with metal or another heavy substance, then sealing them to make them appear normal. In some cases, the dice may be reshaped or shaved slightly to influence the outcome. There are also tappers, a type of dice that contains tiny electronic devices that respond to magnetic fields. While these are less common, they can still be used to cheat if a person has the right tools.
Why Casinos Are So Careful
Even a single pair of rigged dice can cost a casino thousands of dollars over time. That’s why strict security measures are in place to protect the integrity of table games. Casinos want everyone to have a fair shot and enjoy the game without worrying about foul play.
Physical Inspections and High Standards
Most casinos use specially made dice that are transparent and manufactured to exact standards. These dice are made with precise weight, size, and edge measurements. Each die is also inspected before use to ensure complete fairness and accuracy.
Table staff are trained to look for signs of tampering. They check for unusual wear, discoloration, or damage to the dice. Dice are regularly swapped out during the day to make it harder for someone to slip in a loaded pair unnoticed.
Surveillance Cameras Are Always Watching
Casinos are equipped with powerful surveillance systems that cover every inch of the gaming floor. In craps, the cameras follow the movement closely. The footage would catch it if someone were to try switching out the dice or handling them in a suspicious way. Security teams are trained to look for specific behaviors, like unusual hand movements or attempts to distract the dealer.
In addition, high-resolution cameras can zoom in to watch dice in motion or examine a player’s hands closely. Staff can review the footage immediately if someone were to try switching out the dice or handling them in a suspicious way.
Player Behavior Is Closely Watched
Casinos don’t just look at the dice—they also watch the players. A person who consistently wins in ways that seem too good to be true might raise some red flags. Pit bosses and floor managers are trained to keep an eye on betting patterns and body language. If a player’s actions are suspicious, they may be approached or even removed from the game. Staff are also trained to spot players who have mastered sleight of hand tricks to switch dice or roll them in a way that controls the outcome.
Strict Rules Around Dice Handling
Casinos set clear rules on how players can handle dice. In craps, players must use one hand to toss the dice. They must hit the far wall of the table. These rules reduce the chance that someone could roll the dice in a way that influences the outcome unfairly.
Dealers quickly take control of the dice after each roll. Players are not allowed to keep them between turns. This tight control helps prevent sleight-of-hand tricks or the introduction of loaded dice during play.
