About the biggest price a poker cheating victim can pay is his life! That's what happened in an underground but supposedly aboveboard New York City poker room. Although running organized poker rooms is illegal in New York City, many in-the-dark poker rooms have sprouted up in Manhattan in recent years since the poker craze began. They are frequented by mostly respectable players, including top-notch lawyers and doctors. One of these players really did hold the "dead man's" hand when he was shot dead during a robbery at one of these poker games.
Here's the article:
POKER ROOM MURDER
By LEONARDO BLAIR, ERIN CALABRESE and MELISSA JANE KRONFELD
PrintEmailDigg ItRedditPermalinkStory Bottom
November 3, 2007 -- Detectives hunted yesterday for a trio of brazen robbers who killed a New Jersey man in a Flatiron poker room during a $100,000-plus heist that went down like a scene from a Hollywood flick and left seasoned gamblers cowering for their lives, cops said.
Frank Desena, 55, of Wayne, was playing at Straddle, an underground club on the seventh floor of an office building at 251 Fifth Ave., around 11:15 p.m. Friday when three black-clad, ski-masked robbers invaded and killed him by accident, said witnesses.
The robbers - who displayed a flair for drama by calling each other "One," "Two" and "Three" - "walked in and screamed, 'Everyone get down on the f- - -ing floor!' " a player recounted.
The hoods ordered the players to put their cash on the tables and lie on the floor. They also beat the room's cashier to make sure he handed over all the house's money, said witnesses.
Suddenly, one of the robbers dropped his sawed-off shotgun. As he picked it up from the floor, the gun fired, mortally wounding Desena in the torso, two witnesses said.
"Everybody in the room is a bunch of hard-asses," said a player. "So everyone was pretty calm until the guy got shot."
After the shooting, the robbers gathered up their cash and fled. A police source estimated the haul at over $100,000.
Desena died just before midnight at St. Vincent's Hospital. A neighbor said he was an instructor at the Stevens Institute in Hoboken who took good care of his wife and daughter, and who often invited neighbors to his home to watch Yankee games or the Super Bowl.
The poker room, which one patron said had about a dozen tables, opened within the last 10 days. Its operators had at least one other club, also called Straddle, that was shut down by police several months ago after another robbery, said customers.
To get in, players either had to be known to its operators or offer references, patrons said. Straddle's clientele was "your local bank tellers, kids you go to college with, lawyers," said a female gambler who was disappointed to find the place shuttered yesterday.
One witness said that in the hours before the robbery, the players included comedian and actor Michael Ian Black, who has guest-hosted the "Late Late Show" on CBS and appeared in the "Reno 911" series on Comedy Central. Black is a well-known poker player. He could not be reached yesterday.
Poker was all that went on at the club - its owners didn't even allow alcohol, the woman said. "It's a totally friendly atmosphere," she said. "Everybody knows each other. It's like your freaking book clubs."
Additional reporting by Peter Holley, Larry Celona and Bill Sanderson
Friday, November 16, 2007
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Casino Party Night Cheating!
I received a hilarious e-mail and just have to pass it along to you. A fellow from Auckland, New Zealand, went to a casino-themed birthday party where blackjack, roulette and craps tables with dealers were installed in a large banquet room. Each of the 200 guests were given $10,000 in play money to buy in for chips. No real money was exchanged but at the end of the night there was a tally of everyone's chips. Three prizes were given out for the 3 lucky play-money gamblers who had the most New Zealand dollars in chips. First prize was a free night in a 5-star hotel suite with unlimited room service (within reason). Second prize was the suite with no room service, and third prize was a bottle of champagne.
Well, even at those low stakes, let the cheating begin! According to the writer from Auckland, he saw three different people cheating, one of whom won the grand prize. Can you guess what cheating move he saw the winner do??? You bet, my famed Savannah roulette move. He did it by hiding a $1,000 chip underneath a $5 chip!
I e-mailed him back and asked if he could get me invited to the next Auckland Casino night! He then e-mailed me again to say there would be one soon for his girlfriend's birthday, and I would be invited!
I hope that cheater who won first prize has a blast with a hot babe in that hotel suite!!!
Well, even at those low stakes, let the cheating begin! According to the writer from Auckland, he saw three different people cheating, one of whom won the grand prize. Can you guess what cheating move he saw the winner do??? You bet, my famed Savannah roulette move. He did it by hiding a $1,000 chip underneath a $5 chip!
I e-mailed him back and asked if he could get me invited to the next Auckland Casino night! He then e-mailed me again to say there would be one soon for his girlfriend's birthday, and I would be invited!
I hope that cheater who won first prize has a blast with a hot babe in that hotel suite!!!
Friday, November 09, 2007
Some Oklahoma Cheat-Catching
I came across this newsstory about a casino in Oklahoma nabbing poker cheats! Click on the link to see the video.
New Website Coming!
I am pleased to say that I am in the process of developing a new website. I will add a forum to it so that all of you can relate your experiences regarding cheating and advantage play and pass along pertinent information amongst yourselves, especially that of how and where to avoid being cheated in brick and mortar as well as online casinos. During this transition I will continue blogging and updating my online poker room cheating rankings, so keep up your visits!
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Con-Man Casting Call!
At a party with my ex-cheating buddies (now all retired) not too long ago, we got into a conversation about which celebrities would make the best casino cheaters. Our arguments were based on their roles, whether it be in movies, sports or just the aura they give off and the incidents they're involved with in real life. All of the NFL troublemakers getting busted for drunken driving and strip-bar rousing were disqualified from consideration.
Here's what we came up with:
James Woods: the top prospect. You just sense he’s got the balls along with his healthy mix of charm and intimidation. He was great in the movie "Casino" and even had a small role in the cult gambling classic "The Gambler." No, not the one with Kenny Rogers, the one with James Caan!
Speaking of which, James Caan: No doubt Axel Freed always in the hole again would take to the underhanded ruses of casino cheating, despite his role of surveillance director Big Ed in "Vegas."
Daytona 500 winner Jeff Gordon: one of my buddies cited his adept confrontation of danger. He'd love the race for the cash!
Hank Azaria: picked for his “underrated” wide-range and quick wit.
Former MTV funnyman Tom Green because sometimes you need a little bit of craziness to get the job done.
How about the females?
Lindsay Lohan....forget it! She'd never make it to the casino! Neither would Britney Spears for that matter.
The top female prospects included Mary McCormack, Sarah Silverman, Ricki Lake and Angie Dickenson, all for their various beauty and talents, although Angie might be a bit aged, but can you imagine her once luscious "policewoman's" legs diverting pit bosses' attention as she strolled across the casino? Someone mentioned Jodie Foster
for her role in Taxi Driver, though Robert Dinero was deemed too mafioso to be a smooth casino cheater.
None of us had confidence in Ben Affleck’s ability to play that part, nor were they impressed with Dennis Rodman or any other NBA players, not even Tony Parker, whose cute and innocent face would surely fool casino bosses, but his wife did get mention.
And as for my own opinion about the best possible woman cheater? Sharon Stone without a doubt! Her feline charm from "Basic Instinct" would hot and bother any male casino employee into paying her bet! Imagine her teaming up to scam the casinos with James Woods!
Here's some more of what was said:
James Woods – He comes across as a smart guy not just in his acting but in interviews. I heard about one where he recognized casinos don’t even really give you a chance to win. I imagine he might like to play some slick little games against the house.
Jeff Gordon – Most of the best cheaters I’ve worked with love fast cars. Cheaters are thrill seekers but like to be in control. I imagine NASCAR drivers are similar in this respect, and have discipline, skill and guts
Hank Azaria – Love his voices on the Simpsons and in The Birdcage. Versatility is big in cheating casinos where you might need to play the high-roller one night and the bust-out the next.
Tom Green -- a bit out there and could definitely get on my nerves but it is business and he would probably go to extreme lengths to get the job done.
Mary McCormack -- played Howard Stern’s loving wife in his movie. Most of her other roles aren’t standout performances but that’s what you want in a good actress. Get the job done without undue attention. Not just a good but a great actress.
Sarah Silverman – funny as hell, with off the wall material. Not too bad on the eyes either, a distraction that that can come in handy.
Ricki Lake – It’s not her captivating looks or particularly anything about her personality, but several of my cheating buddies see a certain something that makes her engaging. It seems people just want to like her, a great asset in any con.
Angie Dickenson – sort of a catch all for all of the HOT women. If they turn a head they are useful. In her day, Angie turned lots of heads. And, unlike some of the other pretty faces she seems wise to the ways of the world and could keep her mouth shut in a pinch.
Ben Affleck seemed to pull off some good roles both on the screen and at the poker table but none of us were really interested in taking a chance of any jail time based on his ability at acting under duress.
Dennis Rodman & Dave Navarro – Nobody’s ever going to forget seeing these two coming or going. Being too unique looking is a no-no in the cheating game.
OTHERS:
My former partner Balls and I would be willing to take a risk on FRIENDS' David Schwimmer. Nobody else seems interested in him as a cheating partner. I’d also give Matthew Perry a try.
I recall hearing how Martin Sheen wouldn’t let a heart attack stop him form filming APOCALYPSE NOW. Any cheating team could use that sort of dedication.
You might think Penn Jillette would be great because he’s a magician, but it is less about sleight of hand as it is about attitude. I still think his performer's sensibility would be a great asset but the magic tricks do very little to add to his viability. Didn't he write a book about cheating his friends at poker??
Kathy Griffin is kind of a loudmouth. She’s got a quick wit but being able to keep your mouth shut is too important in this business.
While he’s not a great actor, of the entire bunch it seems that Norm MacDonald might have the most experience as a real gambler. Real gambling doesn’t have a lot to do with cheating except that having lost to casinos helps motivate. Norm would be worth a closer look.
And last but not least, don't forget about "Ruthie," the one time real female casino cheater portrayed in my book "American Roulette," who gave it all up for the fake life of a Hollywood movie star. I never met her, but my mentor Joe Classon told me she was the best!!
Here's what we came up with:
James Woods: the top prospect. You just sense he’s got the balls along with his healthy mix of charm and intimidation. He was great in the movie "Casino" and even had a small role in the cult gambling classic "The Gambler." No, not the one with Kenny Rogers, the one with James Caan!
Speaking of which, James Caan: No doubt Axel Freed always in the hole again would take to the underhanded ruses of casino cheating, despite his role of surveillance director Big Ed in "Vegas."
Daytona 500 winner Jeff Gordon: one of my buddies cited his adept confrontation of danger. He'd love the race for the cash!
Hank Azaria: picked for his “underrated” wide-range and quick wit.
Former MTV funnyman Tom Green because sometimes you need a little bit of craziness to get the job done.
How about the females?
Lindsay Lohan....forget it! She'd never make it to the casino! Neither would Britney Spears for that matter.
The top female prospects included Mary McCormack, Sarah Silverman, Ricki Lake and Angie Dickenson, all for their various beauty and talents, although Angie might be a bit aged, but can you imagine her once luscious "policewoman's" legs diverting pit bosses' attention as she strolled across the casino? Someone mentioned Jodie Foster
for her role in Taxi Driver, though Robert Dinero was deemed too mafioso to be a smooth casino cheater.
None of us had confidence in Ben Affleck’s ability to play that part, nor were they impressed with Dennis Rodman or any other NBA players, not even Tony Parker, whose cute and innocent face would surely fool casino bosses, but his wife did get mention.
And as for my own opinion about the best possible woman cheater? Sharon Stone without a doubt! Her feline charm from "Basic Instinct" would hot and bother any male casino employee into paying her bet! Imagine her teaming up to scam the casinos with James Woods!
Here's some more of what was said:
James Woods – He comes across as a smart guy not just in his acting but in interviews. I heard about one where he recognized casinos don’t even really give you a chance to win. I imagine he might like to play some slick little games against the house.
Jeff Gordon – Most of the best cheaters I’ve worked with love fast cars. Cheaters are thrill seekers but like to be in control. I imagine NASCAR drivers are similar in this respect, and have discipline, skill and guts
Hank Azaria – Love his voices on the Simpsons and in The Birdcage. Versatility is big in cheating casinos where you might need to play the high-roller one night and the bust-out the next.
Tom Green -- a bit out there and could definitely get on my nerves but it is business and he would probably go to extreme lengths to get the job done.
Mary McCormack -- played Howard Stern’s loving wife in his movie. Most of her other roles aren’t standout performances but that’s what you want in a good actress. Get the job done without undue attention. Not just a good but a great actress.
Sarah Silverman – funny as hell, with off the wall material. Not too bad on the eyes either, a distraction that that can come in handy.
Ricki Lake – It’s not her captivating looks or particularly anything about her personality, but several of my cheating buddies see a certain something that makes her engaging. It seems people just want to like her, a great asset in any con.
Angie Dickenson – sort of a catch all for all of the HOT women. If they turn a head they are useful. In her day, Angie turned lots of heads. And, unlike some of the other pretty faces she seems wise to the ways of the world and could keep her mouth shut in a pinch.
Ben Affleck seemed to pull off some good roles both on the screen and at the poker table but none of us were really interested in taking a chance of any jail time based on his ability at acting under duress.
Dennis Rodman & Dave Navarro – Nobody’s ever going to forget seeing these two coming or going. Being too unique looking is a no-no in the cheating game.
OTHERS:
My former partner Balls and I would be willing to take a risk on FRIENDS' David Schwimmer. Nobody else seems interested in him as a cheating partner. I’d also give Matthew Perry a try.
I recall hearing how Martin Sheen wouldn’t let a heart attack stop him form filming APOCALYPSE NOW. Any cheating team could use that sort of dedication.
You might think Penn Jillette would be great because he’s a magician, but it is less about sleight of hand as it is about attitude. I still think his performer's sensibility would be a great asset but the magic tricks do very little to add to his viability. Didn't he write a book about cheating his friends at poker??
Kathy Griffin is kind of a loudmouth. She’s got a quick wit but being able to keep your mouth shut is too important in this business.
While he’s not a great actor, of the entire bunch it seems that Norm MacDonald might have the most experience as a real gambler. Real gambling doesn’t have a lot to do with cheating except that having lost to casinos helps motivate. Norm would be worth a closer look.
And last but not least, don't forget about "Ruthie," the one time real female casino cheater portrayed in my book "American Roulette," who gave it all up for the fake life of a Hollywood movie star. I never met her, but my mentor Joe Classon told me she was the best!!
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Cheating at Mobile Gaming???
First of all, what is Mobile Gaming? It's gambling done on a remote wireless-connected device such as wireless tablet PC's, mobile phones and other non-traditional mid-level networked commuting devices. Some online casinos and online poker cardrooms offer mobile options. Most mobile gambling services require a data connection to operate. The data connection is provided by the telecom provider for the region or country and may use data layer technologies such as GPRS, GSM Data, UMTS, and I-MODE. However, some services are available through an SMS text messaging interface. Some analysts place the value of this market space at US$20 billion by 2010, though at the moment it is still at a nascent stage due to the nature of most countries' indecision towards regulation of remote and online gambling.
So, can mobile gaming be cheated? Well, for those of you who say no, think again! Many people believe hacking online casinos' source codes from the outside is impossible. Many believed seeing players' hole cards, as what happened at Absolute Poker, was impossible. When it comes to cellular technology, remember how we all thought that no one speaking on their cellphone could be tracked to an exact location, right? Well, now they can track you to a dime! So, believe me, the high-tech cheaters will find ways to cheat mobile gaming, just as they did with traditional online gaming. I will be passing evidence of this along as I get it.
So, can mobile gaming be cheated? Well, for those of you who say no, think again! Many people believe hacking online casinos' source codes from the outside is impossible. Many believed seeing players' hole cards, as what happened at Absolute Poker, was impossible. When it comes to cellular technology, remember how we all thought that no one speaking on their cellphone could be tracked to an exact location, right? Well, now they can track you to a dime! So, believe me, the high-tech cheaters will find ways to cheat mobile gaming, just as they did with traditional online gaming. I will be passing evidence of this along as I get it.
Monday, November 05, 2007
Subscribe to my new Poker/Casino Cheating Security Newsletters!
Beginning December 1, 2007, I will be issuing a poker security newsletter that will pass along current information on cheating going on throughout the world's brick and mortar poker rooms as well as online poker cheating activity. It will include everything related to cheating, including tournament cheating, and if you subscribe you can specify one gaming area that you want prioritized in your newsletter, for example: Las Vegas, Mississippi, London. The newsletter will be monthly and the cost is $49.95 for a one-year subscription. Payment will be taken through PayPal.
I am also issuing a newsletter detailing non-poker casino cheating, both in real casinos and online. This will comprise all table games including carnival games.
The subscription links will be up shortly.
I am also issuing a newsletter detailing non-poker casino cheating, both in real casinos and online. This will comprise all table games including carnival games.
The subscription links will be up shortly.
Friday, November 02, 2007
Is this Casino Cheating?
When I heard this news, I don't know who I felt more sorry for, the guy busted or the Detroit casino that busted him. In any event, it's hard to believe that all this happened over a few $10 bets. I understand that cheating is cheating, but maybe the casino should have recognized that this guy was not an intentional cheater.
Here's the article:
Incident at casino could cost it plenty
Gambler sues after being called a cheat
October 31, 2007
BY DAVID ASHENFELTER
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER
Joseph Ogundu called it a blunder at the craps table.
Greektown Casino and the police who work there called it cheating, and had the 46-year-old West Bloomfield resident charged with a felony and a misdemeanor.
In July, 11 months after the incident at the Detroit casino, a Wayne County Circuit Court jury acquitted Ogundu.
On Monday, Ogundu returned to Wayne County Circuit Court -- this time, to file a lawsuit against the casino, a State Police officer and an unnamed Detroit cop. He's accusing them of false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, defamation of character and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Ogundu, an engineering consultant, is seeking at least $25,000 in damages.
"It's been a terrible ordeal," he said Tuesday.
A casino spokesman said he couldn't comment on pending litigation. There was no immediate comment from the Michigan State Police.
The incident happened in the wee hours of Aug. 5, 2006, after Ogundu bought $100 worth of chips and stopped at the craps table.
His lawyer, David W. Jones of Detroit, said Ogundu is an inexperienced gambler and a novice at the dice game.
Before long, Ogundu placed an improper bet, prompting the dealer to tell him to remove the bet from the table.
About 15-25 minutes later, he made another improper bet. The dealer, who was getting ready to pay Ogundu $10 for winning, caught the error and paused to explain the rules to him, Jones said.
Later, Jones said, a Michigan State Police officer and uniformed Detroit cop arrested Ogundu.
He was charged with a state gambling violation that carries up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine if he's convicted, as well as a misdemeanor -- trying to obtain money under false pretenses -- which calls for up to a year in jail and a $500 fine upon conviction.
Before trial, the state twice offered plea deals, which Ogundu rejected. A jury eventually acquitted him after viewing video from the casino table.
"He's an honest man," Jones said, noting that Ogundu lost $50 during an hour at the table.
He said the casino violated its own policies, which requires that bettors first be warned about breaking the rules.
Jones said Ogundu was so inexperienced at craps, he bet both for and against the shooter, canceling out his wager.
"That should have been a sign to the casino that he was an inexperienced gambler," Jones said.
Here's the article:
Incident at casino could cost it plenty
Gambler sues after being called a cheat
October 31, 2007
BY DAVID ASHENFELTER
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER
Joseph Ogundu called it a blunder at the craps table.
Greektown Casino and the police who work there called it cheating, and had the 46-year-old West Bloomfield resident charged with a felony and a misdemeanor.
In July, 11 months after the incident at the Detroit casino, a Wayne County Circuit Court jury acquitted Ogundu.
On Monday, Ogundu returned to Wayne County Circuit Court -- this time, to file a lawsuit against the casino, a State Police officer and an unnamed Detroit cop. He's accusing them of false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, defamation of character and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Ogundu, an engineering consultant, is seeking at least $25,000 in damages.
"It's been a terrible ordeal," he said Tuesday.
A casino spokesman said he couldn't comment on pending litigation. There was no immediate comment from the Michigan State Police.
The incident happened in the wee hours of Aug. 5, 2006, after Ogundu bought $100 worth of chips and stopped at the craps table.
His lawyer, David W. Jones of Detroit, said Ogundu is an inexperienced gambler and a novice at the dice game.
Before long, Ogundu placed an improper bet, prompting the dealer to tell him to remove the bet from the table.
About 15-25 minutes later, he made another improper bet. The dealer, who was getting ready to pay Ogundu $10 for winning, caught the error and paused to explain the rules to him, Jones said.
Later, Jones said, a Michigan State Police officer and uniformed Detroit cop arrested Ogundu.
He was charged with a state gambling violation that carries up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine if he's convicted, as well as a misdemeanor -- trying to obtain money under false pretenses -- which calls for up to a year in jail and a $500 fine upon conviction.
Before trial, the state twice offered plea deals, which Ogundu rejected. A jury eventually acquitted him after viewing video from the casino table.
"He's an honest man," Jones said, noting that Ogundu lost $50 during an hour at the table.
He said the casino violated its own policies, which requires that bettors first be warned about breaking the rules.
Jones said Ogundu was so inexperienced at craps, he bet both for and against the shooter, canceling out his wager.
"That should have been a sign to the casino that he was an inexperienced gambler," Jones said.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
DanDruff Responds to Absolute Poker's Mark Seif
The point he makes is that this type of scam can happen at Poker Stars, Full Tilt or any other online poker site. I totally agree with him, even though that doesn't mean that it will...anytime soon.
DanDruff Responds to Absolute Poker’s Mark Seif
October 31st, 2007 Written by Steve Vaughan
I seen previously on 4Flush, the interview Mark Seif did about the issues surrounding the Absolute Poker scandal, Mark stated that this type of event could happen at PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker.
This statement has again fueled a lot of debate which lead Mark to write this on his blog about the statement as well as the video interview in a post dated 10/28/2007:
“I was quite surprised when I saw the interview because it was presented to the viewers as if I came in to present AP’s side of the story. I never knew that nor did I agree to that. Nor did AP. I came in representing myself and speaking only on my behalf. I’ll clear this up with the folks at RawVegas.tv. I’m sure it was unintentional. Probably a minor thing to them. After all, not EVERYONE is forced live and breathe this thing non-stop 24/7.
Based on some of the posts I’ve read, I think there is a substantial amount of confusion regarding my statement about Stars and Full Tilt. This is either due to me failing to be clear and/or poor editing. I don’t remember.
I stated that this type of thing could happen at Stars or Tilt, because it can. Let me be clear. I think, actually, I KNOW, that Stars and Tilt are run by very ethical, highly reputable people. I have tremendous respect for the management at both sites. I play on both sites.”
Towards the end of the initial video interview, Mark Seif talks about Todd Witteles (DanDruff) and says that he has said a lot of “untruths” and “exaggerated quite a bit” in his statements about the AP scandal. Seif goes as far as to say, “I think he’s actually engaged in some civil liability.”
Today, Todd Witteles (DanDruff) has done his own interview with rawvegas.tv. In this interview, Todd asks questions about why Mark Seif is still representing Absolute Poker, talks about the allegations of Mark cheating himself and addresses the Seif interview itself.
About the “untruths” and “exaggerated quite a bit” remark, Witteles says,
“You (Seif) said many times that I have lied and exaggerated about you, I don’t really understand this.”
He goes on to say that he has looked over posts and recalled conversations and added,
“Never once have I lied or exaggerated about you in my life”
DanDruff Responds to Absolute Poker’s Mark Seif
October 31st, 2007 Written by Steve Vaughan
I seen previously on 4Flush, the interview Mark Seif did about the issues surrounding the Absolute Poker scandal, Mark stated that this type of event could happen at PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker.
This statement has again fueled a lot of debate which lead Mark to write this on his blog about the statement as well as the video interview in a post dated 10/28/2007:
“I was quite surprised when I saw the interview because it was presented to the viewers as if I came in to present AP’s side of the story. I never knew that nor did I agree to that. Nor did AP. I came in representing myself and speaking only on my behalf. I’ll clear this up with the folks at RawVegas.tv. I’m sure it was unintentional. Probably a minor thing to them. After all, not EVERYONE is forced live and breathe this thing non-stop 24/7.
Based on some of the posts I’ve read, I think there is a substantial amount of confusion regarding my statement about Stars and Full Tilt. This is either due to me failing to be clear and/or poor editing. I don’t remember.
I stated that this type of thing could happen at Stars or Tilt, because it can. Let me be clear. I think, actually, I KNOW, that Stars and Tilt are run by very ethical, highly reputable people. I have tremendous respect for the management at both sites. I play on both sites.”
Towards the end of the initial video interview, Mark Seif talks about Todd Witteles (DanDruff) and says that he has said a lot of “untruths” and “exaggerated quite a bit” in his statements about the AP scandal. Seif goes as far as to say, “I think he’s actually engaged in some civil liability.”
Today, Todd Witteles (DanDruff) has done his own interview with rawvegas.tv. In this interview, Todd asks questions about why Mark Seif is still representing Absolute Poker, talks about the allegations of Mark cheating himself and addresses the Seif interview itself.
About the “untruths” and “exaggerated quite a bit” remark, Witteles says,
“You (Seif) said many times that I have lied and exaggerated about you, I don’t really understand this.”
He goes on to say that he has looked over posts and recalled conversations and added,
“Never once have I lied or exaggerated about you in my life”
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Cheating Carnival Games
People often ask me which casino table game is the easiest to cheat. The answer is that the "carnival games" are by far the easiest to cheat, and because of that fact are the most cheated tables in the casino world. For those of you who don't know exactly what a carnival game is, it is any of the poker derivative games that are now flourishing in casinos all across the world, games such as three-card poker, four-card poker, Pai Gow poker, ultimate bet poker and a host of others. The first two major carnival games to hit casinos were Caribbean Stud and Let it Ride back in the early '90s.
Many of you have heard about the high-tech microcamera three-card poker scam that rocked London's casinos for close to a million bucks in 2005, but the vast majority of cheating the carnival games is much more elementary. I have observed scores of individual and two-and three-man cheating teams performing scams ranging from bet-pressing (increasing bets after card outcome) to bet-pinching (decreasing bets after card outcome) to card-switching. Since the overall atmosphere is generally more relaxed and the dealers more friendly at these tables, capable cheaters can take swift advantage of it. While dealers are busied happily explaining the rules to either a cohort or innocent player, their attention is diverted, which gives cheaters time to add a few chips to each of the multi-bets out there or switch cards with their partners, giving either one or all of them a payoff-winning hand. I have seen many flagrant cheating operations and yet to see one of them caught by the dealer. The worst I've seen is a dealer saying with a soft reprimand to a bet-presser, "Sir, you can't do that..." I have yet to see a dealer notice a card-switch. Overall, it seems that casinos do not worry as much about carnival-game cheating as they do the other table games.
Many of you have heard about the high-tech microcamera three-card poker scam that rocked London's casinos for close to a million bucks in 2005, but the vast majority of cheating the carnival games is much more elementary. I have observed scores of individual and two-and three-man cheating teams performing scams ranging from bet-pressing (increasing bets after card outcome) to bet-pinching (decreasing bets after card outcome) to card-switching. Since the overall atmosphere is generally more relaxed and the dealers more friendly at these tables, capable cheaters can take swift advantage of it. While dealers are busied happily explaining the rules to either a cohort or innocent player, their attention is diverted, which gives cheaters time to add a few chips to each of the multi-bets out there or switch cards with their partners, giving either one or all of them a payoff-winning hand. I have seen many flagrant cheating operations and yet to see one of them caught by the dealer. The worst I've seen is a dealer saying with a soft reprimand to a bet-presser, "Sir, you can't do that..." I have yet to see a dealer notice a card-switch. Overall, it seems that casinos do not worry as much about carnival-game cheating as they do the other table games.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
