The introduction of online casino games brought a lot of scrutiny from the gambling world. It was hard to imagine replacing the land-based casinos with online ones. Casino games like blackjack that work with a dealer needed major convincing. Years later, online blackjack is one of the most popular casino games to play. However, the game continues to raise question marks.
The introduction of a live dealer brings major questions about fairness at the online blackjack table. The fact that the dealer works in cahoots with the house is a big concern for most punters over its legitimacy. It breeds the question, can live dealers cheat on behalf of the house? Read below to get in-depth knowledge into how live dealers can cheat.
Is Live Blackjack Cheating Possible?
Yes. It is possible for an online dealer to cheat in favour of the house. This might sound off-putting to most new players at the casino. However, it is important to understand the dynamics of the blackjack game. Most casinos advertise 100% fair games. However, this is far from the truth. It is impossible to guarantee 100% fairness for blackjack games with a live dealer.
Furthermore, it is important to understand that online casinos are private entities. They are businesses run with aims of making profit. Therefore, it makes it possible for rogue casino operators to reap off their clients. How can they achieve this? There are several techniques live dealers can employ to cheat their punters. Let's find out about these methods below.
Second Card Dealing
If you are a veteran at blackjack in the land-based casino times, you know the up the sleeve card trick by dealers. However, this trick is not possible at the online blackjack game. The trick takes up another form that easily dupes the players at the table with 0 chances of getting caught. It starts with shuffling the cards from a deck by the dealer.
Normally, the live dealer pulls off the top card in a deck or shoe. The second card dealing works when the dealer pulls off the second top card in the deck. Afterward, the dealer keeps their card of choice at the top. The dealer continues second dealing until they get back the card themselves. It is an ingenious trick that works perfectly.
Removal of High Cards
If you are an avid blackjack player, you need the importance of high ranking cards in boosting your chances of landing a natural blackjack. Having high ranking cards from A to 10 boosts your winning chances at the blackjack table. This is a well-known fact by the house. Therefore, it is only right to reduce your chances of landing a natural blackjack.
The live dealer removes any high ranking cards from the deck. This creates an after-effect where it boosts the odds that the dealer will bust out. After all, the dealer can only hit after drawing a 17 or higher. Every high ranking card removed from the deck only boost their chances of winning. It is done in a discreetly that most players don't notice.
How to Avoid Getting Cheated
As shown above, some of these ingenious tricks often pass the eye of contestants at the blackjack table. If you do not want to end up a victim, it is highly recommended taking up various precautions. Start by reading online reviews and testimonials about the online casino from other players' experiences. You can get insights on how the online casino operates.
Also, search for online blackjack scandals. However, it is uncommon to run into such cases. The only popular blackjack scandal traced back to 2017. Continue performing online research to find new scandals. Also, remember to keep a keen eye while at the blackjack table. Always countercheck to check whether the live dealer is pulling a fast one. Lastly, raise the alarm in case of an incident.