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

Scam #33: DeckMate 2 Shuffler Hacking

How it works

The DeckMate 2 automatic card shuffler contains an internal camera designed to verify that all 52 cards are present. Security researchers discovered that by inserting a small device (Raspberry Pi or USB drive) into an exposed USB port on the shuffler, attackers can compromise the machine’s software and access this camera feed. The camera reveals the exact order of all cards in the deck, which can then be transmitted via Bluetooth to a cheater’s smartphone. A remote operator can view all player hands and determine optimal plays, relaying instructions to players at the table. The attack exploits hard-coded manufacturer passwords that are identical across all devices.

Where it appears

Poker (primarily), blackjack, baccarat

On the record

In 2023, IOActive security researchers demonstrated the DeckMate 2 hack at the Black Hat conference in Las Vegas. In October 2025, the FBI indicted 31 people in an illegal gambling scheme that allegedly used rigged DeckMate 2 shufflers to cheat at high-stakes poker games. NBA coach Chauncey Billups was among those arrested. The indictment described how hacked shufflers transmitted deck order to remote operators who relayed information to “quarterback” players. Light & Wonder (DeckMate’s parent company) has since pushed security updates and disabled USB ports on shufflers in licensed casinos.

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.