Casino Blackjack Cheating: pressing a bet (top)

In single-deck casino blackjack, when a player catches a natural (Ace and 10-card) the player is suppose to show the cards to the dealer, so that the dealer can settle the bet before other players start playing their hands. At a busy table a cheat may have a small window of opportunity to increase his bet, after his hand has already won. This maneuver is called "pressing" or "capping" a bet. Pressing a natural is a tempting situation because all naturals pay 3 to 2.

In this video the player places three black chips ($300) in the betting area. The dealer is unaware of the fact the player has another black chip palmed in his right hand. The cheat intends to use this chip only if he catches a natural, which he does (AS, JC). At this point the player should show the cards to the dealer and collect 3 to 2. Most players do so by casually tossing the cards face-up over the insurance area.

On this video, however, the player first squares up the two cards and then places them neatly in front of the bet. The player then "suddenly realizes" that the cards are not spread apart and the dealer may not be able to see the Ace under the Jack. He then reaches over to spread the cards, but in doing so his hand momentarily covers the wager, which gives him a split-second opportunity to drop the palmed chip on top of the existing bet.

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