When it comes to casino gaming, the odds are already in the house’s favor but some individuals still try to get an edge by using illegal means. In California and many other states, using or even possessing a casino cheating device is a serious offense that can lead to arrest, prosecution, and jail time. But what exactly counts as a cheating device, and how does the law handle these situations? Ajua Bail Bonds would like to break down what you need to know.
What is a Casino Cheating Device?
A cheating device is any tool, gadget, or technology used to gain an unfair or illegal advantage in casino games. These devices are designed to manipulate game outcomes, track patterns, or interfere with gaming equipment. Some common examples of cheating devices include:
• Roulette Wheel Predictors: These are small, often hidden electronic devices that analyze the speed of a roulette wheel and ball to predict where it will land. Even if the device is tiny, using one is a felony offense.
• Card Marking Tools & Invisible Ink: These include lenses or pens that mark cards with ink only visible through special contact lenses or glasses. This is a classic method of cheating in blackjack and poker.
• Slot Machine Tools: These can include “stringing” devices, which is a trick coin sensor or magnetic tools that interfere with the reels. Modern versions include digital hacking tools aimed at exploiting slot machine algorithms.
• Electronic Betting Systems: Some players use smartphone apps, Bluetooth devices, or wearable tech to communicate with partners or analyze gameplay in real time.
• Shaved Dice or Loaded Dice: Mostly used in illicit games outside casinos, these dice are altered to land on specific numbers more often, giving one player a distinct edge.
California Law on Cheating Devices
Under California Penal Code 330.1, it is illegal to possess, use, or control any cheating device designed to be used for cheating at any gambling game. Violating this law can lead to:
• Misdemeanor or felony charges
• Up to 3 years in county jail
• Fines and probation
• A permanent ban from the casino
• A criminal record that may impact employment or professional licenses
And it’s not just the person using the device who gets charged. Anyone involved in the scheme, including lookouts or partners, can face the same penalties.
Can You Be Arrested Without Using the Device
Possession alone of a cheating device is enough for an arrest, especially in a casino setting where surveillance is high and laws are strict. If you’re caught with an unauthorized electronic device at a table or slot machine, security may detain you while police investigate.
What Happens After an Arrest for Cheating in a Casino
If you are arrested for possessing or using a cheating device, here’s what might follow:
• Immediate removal and detainment by casino security
• Arrest by local law enforcement
• Booking and charges filed under state law
• Possible bail and a court appearance
• Confiscation of winnings, bans from casinos, and criminal prosecution
If bail is granted, a California bail bondsman can help you post bail quickly, so you don’t sit in jail while waiting for your court date.
Bail Bond Services in Clovis, Reedley, Sanger, Selma, Atwater, Los Banos, Merced, Visalia, Porterville, Tulare, Hanford, Corcoran, Lemoore & Greater Fresno, CA
Casinos are meant to be places of fun and entertainment but when someone uses a cheating device, it crosses a serious legal line. If you or someone you know is facing arrest for casino-related charges in California, contact Ajua Bail Bonds today!
