Part II: Table Game Cheating · Dice & Craps Cheating Methods

Magnetic / Electric Dice

How it works

Dice containing metal slugs or made partially metallic on one side, designed to be used in conjunction with a hidden electromagnet under or near the playing surface. When activated, the magnetic field pulls the metallic side of the die downward, causing the desired face to appear on top. In Chuck-A-Luck, operators sometimes hide magnets under the counter or cage. Special craps tables have been manufactured with built-in magnets. Modern variations might use remotely activated magnetic fields triggered by a concealed device (as depicted in “Ocean’s Thirteen” where a lighter-appearing device activated magnetic dice). Radio-frequency-activated or electronically triggered magnetic systems represent the modern evolution.

Where it appears

Rigged Private Games, Corrupt Carnivals, Illegal Operations

On the record

Featured in the movie “Ocean’s Thirteen” where George Clooney’s character used a device disguised as a lighter to trigger magnets in specially manufactured dice. Historically used by corrupt Chuck-A-Luck operators.

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.