Part II: Table Game Cheating · Roulette Cheating Methods

Scam #12: Visual Ballistics (a.k.a. Eyeballing)

How it works

Visual ballistics is a technique where the player uses their eyesight to predict the likely landing zone of the ball based on observable physics. The player identifies a reference point on the wheel — typically one of the vertical diamonds (deflectors) that the ball hits most frequently. They observe the ball’s speed and the moment it begins its noticeable deceleration. At a predetermined point (e.g., one revolution after the deceleration point), they note the number directly under the reference diamond. By comparing this “reference number” to the actual winning number over 60-100 spins, a pattern of consistent distance (e.g., “the ball lands 9 spaces away from the reference number”) emerges. Once the pattern is established, the player can predict a target sector for future spins and place bets accordingly. This technique does NOT involve electronic devices and is legal in many jurisdictions, though casinos may ban players who use it successfully.

Where it appears

All physical roulette variants; works best on wheels with consistent ball behavior

On the record

Laurance Scott is perhaps the most famous practitioner of visual ballistics, developing the “crossover pattern method.” The technique has been practiced since at least the 1970s and remains a topic of active debate in advantage play communities.

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.