Part II: Casino Operations · Surveillance & Security
Edge Sorting Detection
Countermeasures
Surveillance awareness and procedures to identify the advantage play technique of “edge sorting,” in which players exploit subtle manufacturing asymmetries on the backs of playing cards to determine card values before they are dealt. Detection indicators include requests for specific card orientations, unusual handling of cards, consistent play decisions that correlate with card orientations, and high win rates in games where edge sorting is applicable (primarily baccarat and blackjack variants).
In practice
The Phil Ivey/Kelly Sun edge sorting cases (Crockfords, Borgata) resulted in millions of dollars in disputed winnings and highlighted the need for surveillance and floor staff to recognize this sophisticated technique.
Related terms
More in Countermeasures
Advantage Play (AP)·Card Counting Detection·Card Marking Detection·Counterfeit Chip Detection·Game Protection Procedures·Security Seals·Shuffle Verification·Table Games Protection
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.