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

Scam #13: Gorilla BP System

How it works

A variation of the Big Player system where the BP (“Gorilla”) is deliberately NOT a card counter. The Gorilla is typically a high-energy, seemingly intoxicated player who makes all betting and playing decisions based entirely on signals from a spotter at the table. The Gorilla’s cover is that of a wealthy, impulsive gambler whose erratic bets are attributed to alcohol or personality rather than system play. This allows teams to deploy BPs who require minimal training and can adopt convincing covers. The spotter must think faster than the Gorilla plays, making this a demanding role.

Where it appears

Blackjack

On the record

The Gorilla system was pioneered by Ken Uston and documented in his books. The MIT team later used Gorilla BPs including non-players who needed only learn basic strategy. One famous Gorilla was a team member’s girlfriend who got comped luxury trips while the counter boyfriend signaled all decisions.

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.