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California Casino Uncovers Attempted Cheating Scam7 November 2001PALA INDIAN RESERVATION, California – Nov. 7, 2001 –As reported by Sign On San Diego: "Surveillance has been heightened and some card-dealing practices have been changed as a result of what was believed to be an attempted card-cheating scam uncovered at Pala Casino last month. "An alleged tag-team operation targeted the game of `casino war,' in which the player and dealer vie for high cards, said Jerry Turk, Pala Casino managing partner. "One or two members of the team -- which may have included as many as four or five collaborators -- would put fingernail marks on the backs of high cards while playing the game. Later, an accomplice would sit down and be able to discern certain cards and bet accordingly, Turk said. "…Markings had been found on war game cards about two weeks earlier after casino personnel noticed bets being made in a highly unusual manner. That discovery prompted a detailed inspection of the decks. "Surveillance was heightened on the game, eventually leading to the arrests, Turk said. "…The suspects told officers how the scam was intended to work but would not name any accomplices, said sheriff's Lt. Maury Freitas, commander of the department's Valley Center substation. "…Prior to finding the marked cards, the casino had been using one six-deck `shoe,' or dealing apparatus, all day. The decks are now changed at least three times a day, Turk said…" |