A recent indictment reveals a large-scale gambling scam involving the use of hacked card shufflers, allegedly linked to organized crime and NBA figures. The Deckmate 2 shufflers, commonly used in casinos and private games, were reportedly compromised to allow cheaters to gain an unfair advantage. The indictment details how hackers used these devices to transmit information about players’ hands to a remote operator. This case highlights the dangers of unregulated private poker games and the potential for sophisticated cheating techniques. This article is worth reading because it exposes the hidden risks of high-stakes gambling and the role of technology in enabling fraud. Readers will learn about the methods used in one of the largest poker scams ever uncovered.
Key facts
- The Deckmate 2 shufflers, used in casinos and private games, were allegedly hacked to allow cheaters to gain an advantage.
- The indictment names 31 defendants, including members of organized crime and NBA figures, for their roles in a rigged gambling scheme.
- Hackers used the shufflers to transmit information about players’ hands to a remote operator, who then relayed the data to a ‘quarterback’ in the game.
- The company that sells the Deckmate 2 has improved security since 2023, but secondhand or black-market devices may still be vulnerable.
- Cheating experts warn that unregulated private games pose significant risks due to the lack of oversight and potential for sophisticated fraud.
