Part I: Card Game Cheating · CARD MARKING METHODS

Infrared (IR) Marked Cards with Contact Lenses

How it works

This system combines cards marked with invisible infrared-reactive ink and special contact lenses that filter light to reveal the markings. The ink markings are completely invisible to the naked eye and undetectable by UV light. The contact lenses contain IR filters that make the markings visible to the wearer. Modern IR contact lenses are clear (not dark) and virtually undetectable - previous generations had a dark, “Orphan Annie” appearance. The cheater can read marked cards from normal playing distances without any visible equipment.

Where it appears

Poker, Blackjack, Baccarat, all card games

On the record

In 2013, Italian national Stefano Ampollini was sentenced to two years in prison after winning over $120,000 from a Cannes casino using IR contact lenses and marked cards. He described himself as a “cheat of international renown” and claimed to have bought the lenses online from China. Two corrupt casino employees had supplied marked decks that were resealed and returned to storage.

Published as a detection reference for surveillance, compliance and gaming-operations professionals. Thresholds and tuning are set by the property. Nothing here is instruction — the method is described so it can be recognised.