Part I: Card Game Cheating · Collusion & Electronic Cheating at Card Games

Scam #10: Dealer Overpayment / Shorting Opponents

How it works

A corrupt dealer intentionally overpays a confederate player on winning hands while short-paying non-colluding opponents on their wins. The dealer may pay at incorrect odds, add extra chips to payouts, or “forget” to collect losing bets from the partner. This can be done subtly by miscounting chips, using chip manipulation techniques, or exploiting busy periods when pit supervision is minimal. The partner typically tips the dealer generously to share profits.

Where it appears

Blackjack, baccarat, all table games

On the record

Dealer overpayment scams are among the oldest forms of casino cheating. They are particularly effective during busy shifts when floor supervisors are spread thin across multiple tables. Some dealers have been caught overpaying confederates by thousands of dollars over extended periods.

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.