Part I: Card Game Cheating · ELECTRONIC AIDS AND HIGH-TECH DEVICES

X-Ray Poker Table

How it works

An X-ray poker table uses concealed X-ray technology to read cards that are face-down on the table surface. The table is modified with hidden X-ray sensors that can penetrate the card backs and reveal the face values. This technology allows the operator to see all hole cards and community cards before they are revealed. The information is typically transmitted to a remote location or displayed on a hidden screen. X-ray tables are custom-built and extremely expensive, often costing $100,000 or more. They are primarily used in underground or private games rather than licensed casinos.

Where it appears

Underground poker games, private high-stakes games

On the record

In 2025, federal indictments revealed the use of X-ray poker tables in a massive illegal poker cheating operation involving organized crime and NBA players. The DOJ showed photos of X-ray tables that “could read cards face down on the table because of the X-ray technology.”

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.