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

Scam #6: Poker Collusion via External Communication (Live)

How it works

Players at the same or adjacent tables use hidden mobile phones, earpieces, or messaging apps to share real-time hole card information. One player may text their hole cards to a confederate who advises on optimal play, or two players at the same table may communicate through concealed Bluetooth earpieces. A more sophisticated variant involves a “coach” outside the cardroom providing real-time advice based on a hidden camera feed or direct communication.

Where it appears

Poker (all variants), high-stakes cash games

On the record

During the 2019 Mike Postle scandal at Stones Gambling Hall, one theory proposed that Postle was receiving hole card information via his phone, which he was observed repeatedly looking at during suspicious hands. He also was theorized to have used a bone-conduction device concealed in his baseball cap.

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.