Part V: Regional & Cultural · Casino Slang & Historical Terms

6.24 Mechanic

Slang — Cheating

A “mechanic” is a cheater who manipulates cards through sleight of hand, including palming, switching, marking, and false dealing. A “card mechanic” is one of the most dangerous types of casino cheater because their skills can defeat many standard security measures. Mechanics often work in teams and may collude with dealers or other casino employees.

In practice

Professional mechanics can spend years perfecting their techniques. Casino surveillance departments maintain databases of known mechanics and their associates, sharing information across properties and jurisdictions.

One entry from the Casino Industry Glossary — 1,157 terms written for surveillance, compliance and operations professionals rather than for players. Definitions describe industry usage; where a term carries a regulatory meaning, verify against the instrument that governs your jurisdiction.