Reports of cheating at cash game tables have led a poker room in California to adopt stricter measures against electronic devices. Additionally, other venues in the United States have also started to limit the use of cell phones during games.
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Thus, Hollywood Park Casino in Los Angeles has banned the presence of cell phones, tablets, laptops, and other devices on the tables. Therefore, players can no longer use these devices while remaining in the game. To access the cell phone, it is necessary to step away from the table.
In addition, the change occurred after reports of players allegedly using technology to obtain information about the cards. According to the accusations, team members could work together to discover opponents’ cards. Thus, technology would be used to transmit information in real time.
In this way, Red Rock Casino in Las Vegas also adopted restrictions. The venue does not allow calls while the player is seated at the table. Furthermore, cell phones are completely prohibited during a hand. With this, the goal is to reduce possible loopholes for irregular behavior.
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Technology increases concern about cheating in poker
However, according to the account of a player identified as “Joe” to “PokerNews,” some teams would use hidden cameras to identify the cards before they reached the players. “A person would be sitting at the table, usually in seats 1, 2, 8, or 9”, he said. According to him, the position would help capture the moment the dealer deals the cards.
However, still according to the report, the images could reach a person outside the room. This person would identify the cards and relay the information to the player involved at the table. Poker professional Peter O’Neill reported witnessing a similar situation in rooms in California. He stated that the suspects usually looked for $5/$10 or lower limit tables.
Finally, some rooms are already looking for alternatives to make this type of practice more difficult. South Point in Las Vegas has started adopting a method common in European casinos, where dealers slide the cards across the felt instead of performing the traditional throw. Therefore, given the advancement of technology, poker rooms need to adapt their procedures to preserve the integrity of the games.
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