Casino Withholds Card Counter's Winnings!

[@electra_]

I love how the back-offs at the start are very direct "you're just too skilled for us"

[@stevenbridges]

Yeah much prefer those! I appreciate the honesty

[@aebalc]

I thought it was strange that they backed you off while you were losing over $1000 on your 1st trip to the location. You clearly are being obvious in your methods.

[@khy8]

@@aebalc not at all, even if your counting it's not gaurenteed and they watch you like a hawk

[@MetalisMental]

@@aebalc these casinos often have security staff who are trained counters themselves watching the tables like hawks so they can see the changes in bet sizing with the count. Even then, you can still be losing whilst counting properly simply down to variance.

[@DaveDepilot-KFRG]

read: you're too good, we prefer drunk losers.

[@em65]

They don’t want to give you $4000 without ID, but they initially gave you chips without asking for ID!

[@IvanConejo.]

He should have cashed out in small amounts over the course of an hour, the ID shit is bullshit

[@thejintymyster6396]

​@@IvanConejo.Steven has talked about it before, that's called stacking and it's illegal (certainly for amounts over $10,000 as you legally have to show ID when you cash out over that amount)

[@mark22286]

@@IvanConejo. That's an illegal act called 'structuring'

[@freecryptos]

@@IvanConejo. Exactly my thoughts. Just cash them out in small batches.

[@BigBoss-ou5ij]

​@@IvanConejo.Thats called structuring and its illegal 🚫

[@antonio6873]

Dude, your explanation of insurance at 5:20 is hands down the most straight forward way to understand this concept. Bravo!

[@ugghhhyoutubeisawful646]

a year later (just watchin now) but...for current watchers: the insurance bet is equal to half of the player's original wager and pays out at 2-1 (of the insurance bet).

[@scottlarson1548]

My gosh blackjack has gotten so complicated. Or maybe I never understood it to begin with.

[@jOhNbLaZe415]

“You’re not losing money fast enough so your play is too strong for us” is what she was really trying to say.

[@chasejackson7248]

They knew he was a card counter, but wasn't going to call him out on it.

[@xuploads]

That doesn't necessarily mean they're removing him for being a counter, especially when he's losing. If someone is betting too much money too fast it increases risk to the player but also the casino. Even though the casino has a better chance of coming out on top, casinos are not in the business of gambling so to speak (I know that sounds weird). The more hands that are played, the safer and more predictable the play is. Think of it this way. It's a tiny river boat casino that's only holding $10,000 in its cage. If players bet a total of $5000 over 100 hands ($50/hand) mathematically the casino should end up with $5100 - $5200. It's definitely possible that the casino will lose money instead, but if they do lose money, on a really bad night for them they might lose $1000. That's only 10% of their $10,000 bank roll. However, if one player bets $5000 in one hand, again yes the casino has a slightly better chance of winning but it's easily possible they'll lose. If they do, they just lost $5000, 50% of their bank roll. Even if the casino does really well with all the players betting $50 throughout the course of the night and makes say $5500 over $5000 bet, or $500 profit, it's nothing compared to the $5000 they lost in a matter of seconds. Losing 100/100 $50 bets and losing $5000 in that manner is (almost) impossible. A casino with a bank roll that small would never allow bets that large because it essentially makes it possible for the casino to go completely out of business. I'm using a ridiculously small number in my example, but this is basically the gist on why some smaller casinos will stop players who are making bets that are too large and thus too risky for their casino to handle. At major casinos like in Las Vegas with bank rolls of hundreds of millions, this kind of thing would never happen which is why that's where all the sharks go to play despite smaller casinos typically having better odds. Finding a major Vegas casino that pays 3/2 for blackjack or has a bad beat jackpot in their poker room for example is impossible. We're not shown enough of the play in the video and we obviously can't read the floor manager's mind, so I'm not saying this was the reason he was removed as opposed to making counter moves (things like splitting 10's, buying insurance, large bet variations etc can expose counters even if they're losing), I'm just saying that it's possible. If you ever saw a player being removed at another casino game like baccarat, craps, 3 card poker, or basically any game besides blackjack, this would be the reason.

[@mrrj44]

Isn’t this illegal? He is legally playing.

[@shadeedmuhammad8107]

@@xuploads great Explanation. I always wonder ways that a casino will remove a player. In your opinion, how much would one win in craps per night before a casino will allow you to play. How often a week could one do this?

[@Digitalgems9000]

@@xuploads don't have time to read this lol

[@nado4386]

That conversation between you and that manager had the same energy as two guys hitting a ball with a putter between each other

[@GreatBritishBeast]

😆😌

[@LGSoundsLux]

No net energy

[@xladydriver]

Personally I'd send a copy of this exchange to the State Gaming Authority. You didn't need to show ID to exchange your cash for the chips.

[@scottferguson2278]

After awhile, I found myself pulling for the manager.

[@billthecanuck]

@@xladydriver i mean he kind of did, he put it on youtube :P

[@trickyt1957]

I'm not a card counter, but I know standard play. I was on a business trip in the UK, in Manchester, and visited a casino for the first time. In those days you needed to be a "member", but membership was free. On that night, I got lucky at the blackjack table winning over £1000 on a £5-£100 limit table. A year later, I returned to the same casino. I was told by the reception "Sorry Sir, Your membership has been suspended. You can't play here". They said they didn't know the reason. They said it was a "Decision of the Board". They should put up a big sign at the door of casinos saying "WINNERS NOT WELCOME"

[@MichaelB-n4o]

Your broke and have never been backed off it's Louisiana there's no money there 100 dollar a hand is gonna ring a bell specially when ur solo 😂😂😂

[@jameskirk3]

Thousand quid shouldn't get anyone banned but if you don't play anything but 21 or blackjack, Spanish, just the blackjack based games, they sure will. Bring a girlfriend and have her spend 100 or 200 on slots and roulette with your card if you wanna avoid that type if thing. Also it's a big red flag if you start a membership and win that same day. To fleece a casino you have to tiptoe in.

[@DunbarStewart-u3l]

@@MichaelB-n4ochill🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@tannersalyer]

Easily my favorite series on KZbin, thank you for putting all the work in for our enjoyment!

[@stevenbridges]

Thank you for watching the videos and commenting! Helps with the algo which helps the videos do well which makes it possible to make more.

[@Scotty-vs4lf]

@@stevenbridges but the better your videos do the more casinos will recognize you... and the more casinos that recognize you the less content you can make

[@Chris-vf8fe]

God it really is quite fun huh.

[@Chris-vf8fe]

@@Scotty-vs4lf ugh thats true

[@steveludwig4200]

This guy is boring and just trying to get you to PAY for it... Go watch a REAL BJ pro like "KC" instead.

[@c0nc3ntr8d6]

He knows the legalities, he also knows the worst thing that happens for withholding your money is that they’ll have to eventually give it you, the state or gaming commission in Louisiana won’t do anything.

[@andrewbrakey6214]

Agreed 100% they can break the rules and get away with it this case. Hit the nail on the head with this comment. 2 people both being difficult with no repercussions, just a standard standoff.

[@efibrilovski6374]

@@andrewbrakey6214 they can't ignore it if it becomes a lawsuit, your cover blown but they will have to pay and it become a public embarrassment

[@andrewbrakey6214]

@@efibrilovski6374 they did this to me but with online, they refused to Cash me out they eventually did 20 or so days later without my id.

[@jimtheburrito4080]

It’s stupid because arguing about the ID is the biggest red flag to card counting

[@andrewbrakey6214]

@@jimtheburrito4080 he is already caught when they ask him its not a normal ask in a casino.

[@goaliedude32]

Watching them refuse to cash out gets my blood boiling. I want to see more. I've binged a bunch of your videos and every time it's such an exciting dance

[@drdrayfromla99]

💯 I want to touch myself every time I watch these videos

[@bigboi2724]

​@drdrayfromla99 😂😂😂

[@nychris2258]

The fact that they ban you for playing to well/ too smartly should be a sign that no one should ever expect to win at a casino...

[@ShiroiKiba]

"Play by the rules! Not like that!"

[@chasejackson7248]

If they didn't know he was a card counter they wouldn't of done anything.

[@shydewalters10]

Exactly they are literally saying we don’t want you to win so you have to leave if your not willing to lose all your money to us lol 😂 I love watching videos like this but this is exactly why I don’t gamble. I get card counting is not gambling per say they look at it as a job but who wants to deal with arguing for there money every day

[@luigivincenz3843]

Casino logic: Players Lose $$ = Following the rules. Enjoy your stay. Players Win $$ = You are CHEATING! Get out!

[@chasejackson7248]

@@luigivincenz3843 I've gambled for Over 20 years won big and lost big, I have never been thrown out for winning.

[@MrJamesmaco]

I strongly urge filing a lawsuit against any casino refusing to cash out chips. Even for nuisance. Take it as far as possible under the law. They must respond to a lawsuit filed. Trot out the lawyers. Casino can pay you AND the lawyers.

[@ChrisLee-yr7tz]

You have to be pragmatic and weigh that up against your name and picture being passed on to every casino in the US.

[@Umadoveracommentg]

Not only that, if the court throws your case out you lose so much money to useless legal fees, its why the rich never get caught, they can afford the legal fees

[@UniqueHandles]

@@ChrisLee-yr7tz I hate that that’s a truth of our reality. You can call out and sue a big casino for acting brash and even acting illegally, but in turn that casino still has the power to blacklist you from nearly every other casino…it’s all a rigged game

[@powell4661]

Since when are casinos not allowed to ask for ID. Criminals use casinos for money laundering and winnings are taxable.

[@ChrisLee-yr7tz]

@@powell4661 Did you watch the video or the series for that matter? The whole debate is about the law..

[@TheMovement85]

It's always been strange to me that it's 100% legal to kick people out for being good at blackjack even when you are losing.

[@Drag0nvil]

How so? Business owners have every right to deny a Customer from their services. If the house has a reasonable suspicion that you're about to make money instead of make them a profit. I'd say it's understandable that they'd rather not let that happen 😅 The house always wins for a reason. What is more shocking is them demanding IDs or refusing to pay you out. The casinos are not a charity but a cutthroat business. They exist not to create a few lucky winners... They exist to make themselves money.

[@hispantrapmusic301]

@@Drag0nvil that doesn’t make sense, casino already make a ton of money, the odds are in their favor they don’t need to do all that. A business can’t deny access for no reason

[@AiRPasternak]

​@@hispantrapmusic301 You know the number 1 rule in all casinos? The moment you set one foot inside you have already lost, casinos are for dumb people...

[@bobbyc2768]

@@hispantrapmusic301 yes, businesses can deny access for any reason or no reason. you're on their property. literally any business can just tell anyone to leave at any time. when you own a business and the property it's on, you have rights with that property ownership and have the final say in who can be there.

[@hispantrapmusic301]

@@bobbyc2768 no if you have a business, you do have to give valid reason

[@teddy1721q1]

As a casino dealer it’s really weird to see the casinos you attend act so hostile to card counters, the one I work at will just kindly restrict you to minimum bet, and if not follow just throw you out, not withhold money or call the police etc etc

[@tinytoon8179]

Agree. The worst we've ever done to a counter is back them off the game. But they were allowed to play other games if they wanted.

[@mikesunken8286]

Casinos I dealt at, as long as you are decently tipping as a player, you will never get backed off.

[@mycophile2393]

@@mikesunken8286 Yeh tipping kept me off the radar till management upstairs started watching me through the cameras. but that still game me a couple weekends before the backoff came.

[@xuploads]

Same, the one I typically play at will either limit the # of hands you can play at the table or at most not allow you to play blackjack for 24 hours. So they know who the counters are and they welcome them back each night, management just keeps an eye on their total bets & hands played then intervenes if they get too high in a single session. Even at the "strict" casinos, all they'll do is ban counters from playing blackjack. If they get caught playing again, they'll be banned from the casino. I'm not a counter myself but I've met a few and apparently there's a lot of counters who move here (Ontario, Canada) for those exact reasons. Not to mention gambling winnings aren't taxed here.

[@josephfrechette9916]

I've seen casinos limit players to flat betting.

[@stevenbridges]

Hope ya like this one! Will be replying to as many comments as possible this evening! 😃 EDIT: Did you see the previous vid? kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4ixcqeNZdGclbM

[@NotBhavyaSharma]

great vid!

[@LouwNieuwoudt]

Did they pay you out eventually? Or should we keep watching to find out?

[@stevenbridges]

@@NotBhavyaSharma Thanks dude!

[@stevenbridges]

@@LouwNieuwoudt Next weeks video continues the saga

[@rebmcr]

Would be fascinating to see you at a London casino and see how things do (or don't) differ!

[@KronStaro]

"I must persist with my insistence" and "Thank you for being hospitable" 😆😆😆😆

[@citystars1117]

Best KZbin series whenever it airs. Hyped for season 2 starting!

[@stevenbridges]

Thank you! 😃

[@casedistorted]

Oooo we get a season 2? Now that is hype, I’ve watched this entire series in one sitting tonight.

[@LasVegasFinders]

I'm from las vegas, my entire family has worked in the industry. I'm pretty shocked and appalled, at how they handled this situation. I'm going to follow you for more content. Thank you

[@shadeedmuhammad8107]

Question! At a casino outside of Vegas. How much may a crap player profit per night and how often a week before a casino start to give you a hard time?

[@ligafftheindifferent3495]

Why? If your family is from Vegas, you know the casinos did FAR WORSE back in the 60's 70's and probably 80's. Vegas casinos behave like semi lingual troglodytes instead of gorillas because they have been sued over and over, not because they developed a sense of decency.

[@DarthSidian]

Oi, don't rope the gorillas into this. I'll vouch for the gorillas. Casinos act like _chimps._

[@MTREDHEADS]

thank you queen anime very cool

[@powell4661]

​@ligafftheindifferent3495 true Sir, my Dad was in the casino business in Nevada from 1941 to 1976, if he said no cash without ID, he meant it. No backing down to amateur lawyers.

[@nuclearpotatoes7739]

The 'Cuzzz itz awrr prowtocawlll' 😂😂

[@thepoofster2251]

Americans man hahahahaha

[@Zypemaytro]

@@thepoofster2251for the record all Americans don’t sound like this

[@thepoofster2251]

@@Zypemaytro I know! You have an excess of weird sounding accents, they are all equally funny in their own way

[@haroldbalzac6336]

​@@ZypemaytroUs Southerns do.

[@Lotuswalker]

1:25 "Your game is too strong for us." Meanwhile: "... a loss of 1125 $."

[@stevenbridges]

welcome to my life 😂

[@Tker1970]

I was about to post the same thing!

[@heinrichh.6369]

now imagine how much the average player loses in the same time

[@garychiang2568]

It’s smart for the casino to back him off before the odds eventually return to his favour and they actually lose money to a card counter.

[@marksoutofzen]

It is akin to taking a starting price on a horse the night before at say 10/1. By the off it is 3/1 but still loses. You may lose but they know you know .......you know?

[@PartyboyDanny]

Probably the most entertaining series on KZbin. I hope this makes you more money than counting does. I can’t imagine that there’s a lot of opportunities left to play with how much attention these videos will get

[@stevenbridges]

Oh just wait until you see how the series progresses 😂 But thank you. I am very fortunate that currently, KZbin is making me good money. I'm incredibly grateful that I have an audience watching my work, and sponsors that are prepared to support the videos. It's also great because it means I can take a risk. I can go away for 6 months or a year and work on a new series, without having to worry about paying rent in that time.

[@pvic6959]

@@stevenbridges Thank you Steven :)

[@flowersandcandyflowersandc9093]

@@stevenbridges use your talent to play Powerball or Mega millions lottery.

[@johndoe-yw7eb]

It will never not amaze me that it's legal for a casino to simply say, "You can't play here because we think you might win"

[@qxacexp1925]

They do have a right to refuse service However the cashing out is a must :p

[@mfvitt8000]

its legal for literally any business to refuse service for absolutely any reason

[@johndoe-yw7eb]

@@mfvitt8000 This is "literally" not true, but the point was never about what is and isn't legal, it's about what should and shouldn't be.

[@rcmysm9123]

It's private property.

[@Cornix94]

​@@johndoe-yw7eb I don't see why it shouldn't be legal. The player has the option of backing out once they've had enough, why shouldn't the house have that option as well? If you turn the situation around, should players who are losing money be legally obligated to stay in the game until they're broke?

[@Airplane_Willy]

11:53 I love the security response with the gun tie clip. Really pulls the whole scene together. He also has the ever-endeared Masonic lapel pin. This guy is truly a customer's best friend.

[@childsplayiziah]

ohh yea the masonic loser pin

[@DarthSidian]

I didn't initially notice that! Gotta love Freemasons.

[@evansgate]

gun tie clip is baller tho not gonna lie

[@3333amira]

It would be interesting to know what proportion of back offs are polite vs how many are aggressive and what the average play time is before a back off, and how that varies in the different regions you've played in

[@stevenbridges]

That’s a good question. Most are polite, and yeah it does vary by region I think. Might be worth me doing a vid about this

[@FrankG2229]

Lots of variables that can affect the volatility of the situation. Playing in a casino located in the middle of nowhere can result in more hostilities because they may have not dealt with many APs. Also betting level, casino tolerance, database/flyer, playing with a team or anything that may differ depending on the trip may affect whether or not the back off comes fast or whether they're not so polite.

[@THENAMEISQUICKMAN]

My assumption is that the fastest backoffs would happen in Vegas, for obvious reasons

[@Tomatillo12]

@@stevenbridges give us the stats magic man

[@tomf5823]

@@THENAMEISQUICKMAN vegas surveillance is sharper than most places- they're also way too paranoid.

[@Orc-icide]

This is like a casino audit. Much respect!!

[@free2rhymesoshutup]

Wow as an employee at a casino in shreveport I was hilariously shocked when you said "my plan was to go to shreveport"

[@earthsucks9555]

Boomtown?

[@Tjmalloy2]

I just left margaritaville last night lol. Wish I made enough money where they asked for my ID!😂

[@DG-pc2gw]

Seriously this is hands down the best card counting series. I assume we shall see this on largest platforms with more footage you have.

[@edinburghandbeyond]

Scammer ⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️

[@rogerrosen2323]

dont know where the camera is he did show he had a burn fire from the battery once in the battery pack

[@areyousur3]

07:36 “protocaaaaaaaaaawl”

[@MexiTyler]

ISSSSSS AAAAHHHHHH PROTOCOOOOWWWWWW

[@dylan54945]

“You’re too good of a player for us” has to be one of the funniest things I’ve heard in awhile lol

[@pauldavis5665]

Seriously. I don't know why people even go to casinos like that. They are basically saying you are not allowed to win. They only allow you to play if they know you are going to lose. So what's the point of playing?

[@B_Dubya]

I would have asked him what was the amount their "company policy" had determined to require ID since only vague references were made to that large of a cash out.

[@B339KLO39]

There’s no answer because it’s bullshit, but that’s the point- to give you a hard time, to discourage you and others from participating in behavior they don’t like. You can’t corner them, or trick them, or outwit them. They know what they’re doing- and you’re supposed to know too. They used to do a lot worse than refuse to cash you out…

[@erikseidler7983]

I was waiting to hear the exact words "what is the exact policy?"

[@johngatsby1473]

I would have found someone to walk in a cash out for me and tip them a couple hundred

[@brennaballen9783]

Yep. That would have been my first question: According to your policy, what is the amount that triggers the ID requirement? And then I would have cashed out that amount. Since he's staying in the area, he could have easily stopped by a day or two later and just walked straight to the cage to cash out the remainder.

[@robertbeuck7556]

Right.....they totally profiled you LOL 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@John-Smlth]

Commenting to help the algorithm. I always love your story telling, and editing in these series, and I hope the KZbin Gods bless you and other viewers by recommending these videos heavily. 'THANKYOUUUU' for the video Steven!

[@stevenbridges]

Thank you very much for the comment! 😃 I worked with an editor this time around and I think it realllllly helped add to the videos. He's got such a great eye and I think we worked very well together

[@John-Smlth]

@@stevenbridges Ah, neat I hadn't read the description, nice to see Jack Howard helped with the editing. I actually first found your channel through a colab with Dodie, it's nice to see some of that old London KZbin circle still keeps in contact. The long time in editing often goes unnoticed and uncomplimented by viewers, but it really does pay off, and helps make the video great.

[@phonewhistler9178]

First of all, good on you for standing up to this "policy" and also for keeping your cool. And good on the pit boss for keeping his cool. My question is, since the "policy" won't allow you to cash out $4,000 at one time without an ID, couldn't you just cash out, say, $500 and then just get back in line seven more times?

[@Fanasfreaks]

no. thats structuring and illegal. dont do that.

[@mikeyforrester6887]

@@Fanasfreaks I can't see how cashing out some of your chips could possibly be illegal. It's your money and you have a right to exchange it when you like.

[@WeDoNotCare1]

@@mikeyforrester6887 read up on title 31, it's a federal law established to regulate individual transactions to detect money laundering and tax evasion. You have the right to exchange it all you want, but in the US, at a certain threshold it has to be reported to the IRS if it is being done at banks or through casinos.

[@bosssause788]

@@WeDoNotCare1 I think this is the idea behind why so many casinos have policys for showing ID, if they dont ask you for it, then the govt breathing down their neck instead of the players

[@WeDoNotCare1]

@@bosssause788 nah, those usually have to do with state ID laws revolving around making sure you are responsible in preventing underage gambling. Title 31 really only kicks in during specific transactions. You are right though that the government can fine them for allowing underage gambling on the floor, usually the gaming commission deals with those during audits or just write ups, depending on how involved the commission is with any given casino.

[@melinda_3725]

I appreciate your videos. The underlying message is the same from casinos; We don’t like winners.

[@SwordFishTheFish]

You are truly amazing, unmatched content, and always a joy to watch! Also I really love the time and effort you put into your ad reads! Easy to watch and actually interesting!

[@stevenbridges]

Thank you! I’m watching a lot of curiosity stream right now so fun to recommend things

[@edinburghandbeyond]

Scammer ⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️

[@WhatDemocracy]

Most polite argument in the history of arguments.... Well done good sir for keeping your cool

[@nicholi2789]

“It’s our proto-cawwwwl” I love the south lol

[@KatPadmore]

found this series after bingeing The Real Hustle (still can't believe it's been off-the-air for a decade now)! card counting is fascinating and your series really shows the greed behind the casinos and their desire to stack the odds in their favour, regardless of the health of players.

[@stevenbridges]

Oh cool, did it show up in a recommended video? Yes casinos really done care about the players

[@KatPadmore]

@@stevenbridges It did! Always had an awareness of their disregard but seeing how shady they are willing to be to your face is still astoundingly frustrating, and I'm just a viewer after the fact- can't imagine how it must be to experience it

[@mrECisME]

Yes shocking that someone who sets up a business that makes all its profits from addiction would not care about people. Did you know that alcohol and tobacco companies don't care about health either?

[@KatPadmore]

@@mrECisME ... I've always been aware of the inherent exploitation in gambling. This series just showed it from a different perspective. No need to be so condescending.

[@brandonnao]

I am in a love-hate scenario as this is literally the most amazing content, so I hate having to wait for the next episode. But simultaneously I am quite glad that this is a profitable venture. I suppose I will have to sub to nebula....

[@hansenbee123]

Don't fully understand if its the confrontations that get to me...but this channel is like crack cocaine....I cant stop watching xd

[@MindOfCrim]

I look forward to this series every wednesday, keep up the good work! I swear if you kept up consistent content you're hitting a million subs within 6 months.

[@stevenbridges]

And then I DEFINITELY won't be able to count cards anymore 😂 I've got 4 more weeks after this definitely. And then we'll see

[@MindOfCrim]

@@stevenbridges HAHAHA you’re so right but I feel like it makes the series more interesting. Can you gain a following so large that every casino backs you off? And if that happens you’re definitely inclined to start your own classes or something for sure LOL

[@Savagemister]

@@stevenbridges Then it'll be time to start with disguises hehe

[@R3_dacted0]

The way that manager approached the conversation made it really awkward to bring up the legality of the situation without escalating the confrontation. I don't know if I could have thought of a way to do so like you did.

[@stevenbridges]

Ah thank you, very nice of you to say. Always hard for me to know what to do in the right moment. He actually seemed pretty nice as a person - or at least fake nice. Some other casino staff's ego's would have really made it hard to even bring it up

[@MrGlk]

@@stevenbridges would it not be in your favour to have a gaming regulation defence attorney on a retainer for the month you visit?

[@krystmarodoren7446]

Dont care much for gambling but this is for sone reason still very fun to watch. I wonder what it was like to be a card counter back in the days when not even phones existed. Must have been hard for the casinos to track the card counters.

[@nawilliams82]

Back in those days they’d take you out back and beat you within an inch of your life if they caught you counting. That made counters easy to track.

[@curtcoleman]

I love this series on card-counting that you're doing! It is always exciting and interesting, and has elements of possible danger. Growing up in the states I have always been taught, through TV, movies, and books, that casino's are shady and tied to organized crime (the mob), and that card-counters could end up in a back room getting their knuckles broken with a steel pipe. I have also been under the impression that card-counting is difficult to detect, and when done properly a skilled person could easily make a great living working only a couple of months. So, thank you for showing what it's really like!

[@stevenbridges]

Thanks very much! Yeah the reality is a lot tamer really. Still a fun adventure though :)

[@Kris18]

For what it's worth, many casinos *used* to be tied to organized crime/mobs. Not so much any more.

[@sanfranciscobay]

It's very easy to determine if a player is a card counter. They make low bets in the early part of the deck, and make larger bets when the deck gets smaller and odds favor the player.

[@timspeedinc]

Lol casinos are ran by worse than the mob now…they’re ran by stockholders…with the mafia, at least they knew the business, LOL

[@LiteralCrimeRave]

Not as much the case nowadays. But before and right after gambling was made illegal you had to be involved in organized crime to be very successful in many casinos. My grandfather was a career criminal and conman who got the shit beat out of him and had guns shoved in his face for cheating in poker on many occasions. Turns out marking cards with clear paint was only *usually* successful.

[@aussiegolfer2919]

This is by far the best series on here about casino play , love you Steve , you know the legal rules and casinos just don’t like people winning .

[@HonchHeado]

The thing is they can't check your ID like the Police can, you could give fake ID and its still perfectly legal as you haven't signed any form agreeing to your real personal information being collected and retained when you purchased the chips.

[@memelab5183]

How do you get in without an ID? Genuine question

[@multitablez]

The way that manager was standing and shuffling around side to side and even towards you look hella intimidating on camera! can't imagine what it's like in real life. You got balls man lol

[@yvonnesanders4308]

He's had the conversation before, he was too chill

[@brucej.willson4764]

How is old man intimidating?

[@braxen3937]

The way the cashier spoke. You knew something was going to happen... "It's our protocaaul"

[@DoobieFerguson]

So because she has an accent, you knew something was going to happen? Hmmm...

[@joshuathomas6275]

So cringe. “ProtoCAOWLLL”

[@DROGOC0P]

​@@DoobieFergusonnot really because of the accent itself

[@casedistorted]

@@DoobieFergusonshe’s just annoying is all. A bish for sure

[@biz7154]

I would have left that table as soon as she screwed up the insurance bet I guess that’s why I’m not a card counter 😂

[@powell4661]

Dealers often screw up and then don't want to appear weak. After a issue like his, I would have tipped and continued playing.

[@danielgriggs]

I love this series so much, love how you know more than most casino staff 😅 keep up the good work.

[@willysmedia918]

First lady backing you off was real polite about it really

[@timmills5598]

Could you have requested a gaming commission representative? (Which typically is a state highway patrol officer btw) Most states have one on-site officers there almost 24-7… I know this is the case in Missouri and I believe most states have the same policy regarding this…

[@stevenbridges]

You'll see in the next video what happens when I get the gaming commission.

[@brandonlykins2419]

@@stevenbridges I can't wait!!

[@barrybb5409]

Hmm then get a cop showing up and demanding id and making an arrest when you ask "why do you need my id?"

[@Addictedtocollecting01]

That's how you stand your ground. Basically an art form. 🎨 It's time that casinos face the court systems..

[@DavidWsTrainVideos]

One of the best quotes I’ve heard “Casinos won’t ID you when you lose money, only when you win it”

[@tag180rotax]

Officer: do you know how fast you were going That guy: 105 Officer: are you aware the speed limit is 25? That guy: well I'm not a lawyer

[@stevenbridges]

Yes! Hit the nail on the head!

[@kevinbabicz]

That is a cool tie clip.

[@stevenbridges]

😂

[@lyles4829]

Man I love watching your videos ...

[@tevinvezina1766]

It makes sense why you settled that Insurance issue early on to avoid it coming up again. Smart! As far as the guy trying to deny you cashing out, you were wayyyyyyy more patient than I would've been. Being a lawyer, I don't have respect for people who try to "smudge" the rules in order to manipulate others into doing what they want. Like oh you have a policy? Well then, what's the exact transaction amount that triggers this policy and can I see it in writing? 💯

[@stevenbridges]

I WISH I was a lawyer! I'd handle these situations so differently! Much respect!

[@tevinvezina1766]

@@stevenbridges Thanks brother! If it makes you feel any better, it would've ended the same exact way for me. Knowing the law is half of the battle, but if the boss is refusing to budge there isn't much you can do until you can actually get the law enforced. It's annoying but it's one of those, 'you lost the battle, but you'll win the war' type-situations lol.

[@quantumpotato]

@@stevenbridges What happens when they refuse to cash you out - you mention calling the gaming commission - do you have to take them to court?

[@sanfranciscobay]

Would this phrase get their attention and have them cash out his chips? "State Gambling Laws require the Casino to cash out my chips and the State Gambling Laws says I don't have to provide ID. State Gambling Laws over-rule your House Policy. Are you going to break the State Gambling Laws or are you going to cash out my chips? If you do not cash out my chips now, I will be contacting the Gambling Commission in the morning to file my complaint."

[@tevinvezina1766]

@@quantumpotato From my experience and understanding...Steven calls the Gaming Commission who then sends one of their officers to meet him at the casino the next day. That officer then escorts Steven into the casino and, once he confirms they were refusing to cash him out over an ID, the officer then forces the casino to cash the chips in compliance with the law.

[@jacoblinse4477]

I’ve never understood why competing casinos would inform their competition of counters

[@doublezeroisourhero]

Saves them all money if they all do it

[@bltn7469]

Scratch My back , I scratch yours .... not really a complicated concept .

[@Andrew-it7fb]

It's collusion against a common enemy.

[@garys596]

Bars that compete call each other also to inform them of people they kick out also. Keeps collective issues to a minimum.

[@dawghe]

It’s embarrassing the casino kicks people out for being to good but never for being to bad

[@HuffinGlu]

And that they tattle to other casinos like a little baby

[@ainzy3889]

Just common sense innit

[@slideman1249]

It’s a business not a charity they like gamblers that win not people trying to make a living from it that win

[@LucasAdamsGRI]

Love watching these, I’ve been backed off without even knowing how to count before lol

[@stevenbridges]

😂 You must have the look of a man that knows what he's doing

[@LucasAdamsGRI]

@@stevenbridges I was up about $1,700 in Vegas without having a room booked at resort world. I’m mindful of 10’s and little cards and know the basic statistics, but I don’t count the cards. Is 23 a good time to take counting seriously? I’ve considered it

[@stevenbridges]

As good a time as any. More that it’s getting harder as the years go on and really is a brutal way to make a living

[@Jackilichous]

I'm really impressed that you managed to create so much success with this series.

[@a-jay7712]

When you play the video till 4:46 when the dealer pull her last card she actually pull the card from the bottom of the deck without you knowing anything you can see a bit when you put on slow motion and the way she hold the card that's how you pull bottom card

[@ThunderChunky101]

It infuriates me that they try to steal so often and so flagrantly. I mean, I don't expect casinos to be moralistic, but open theft is another matter entirely. I don't understand how you can be so polite, if go absolutely spare if they did this to me. I'd be calling the police.

[@GirthTickler]

the problem in our world right now is that the police don't know or care about your rights. They can and will side with the casino. They can and will make this situation worse for you. It does not matter what the law is when it is upheld by corrupt thugs.

[@ThunderChunky101]

@@GirthTickler Absolutely agreed. Back the blue until...

[@marksoutofzen]

What will that achieve going spare? Just security onto you and a reason for them to trespass you? I do not think getting angry will help at all?

[@ajb627871]

8:04 Most casinos requires ID for a cash out or winnings for table games of $5,000. I checked their website and found no mentioning of requiring ID until a certain amount is met.

[@rkstevenson5448]

If the law says they have to cash out, their "requirement" is entirely moot. Casino policies don't trump county or state law.

[@LiamODellUK]

Absolutely loving this fascinating series. Another cracking episode, sir! ❤

[@MRdexterhenry]

The best part of having over half my family being lawyers and also being into counting cards is if someone says to me at a casino "well im not a lawyer i dont know" I'll say, well i know 7 and they'll be happy to talk to you. Never had a casino hold chips from me like this but its a lawyers wet dream because casinos are rarely admitting to being in the wrong and he did ON CAMERA.

[@raidensnake9471016]

The fact you have so many family members being lawyers and you having that profile picture is making this rather amusing to me 🤣

[@MRdexterhenry]

@@raidensnake9471016 my family tree is all lawyers, doctors, engineers, and then me a UX/UI designer who focuses more on meme shit than productive work lol

[@lordwoody6321]

Woah! Hey I’m from LA and to see Paragon show up was super cool. I’ve been in there a few times with some friends. Still think backing people off is lame but hey, it is what it is!

[@stevelibby6852]

This has to be golden age for card counters, you can wear masks without any scrutiny.

[@slideman1249]

You look like a idiot if your still wearing a mask bruh

[@Oppinnindi]

Once you’ve mastered perfect strategy and can do counting in your sleep, it must be a strange feeling getting backed off everywhere you go. I don’t imagine it would be easy to go play blackjack with a group of friends now and purposefully play against the count in order to prevent getting kicked out 😂

[@TDohertyProductions]

It's not that hard, the big thing is changing your bet size. If you're just playing casually with your friends, you just play perfect strategy and maintain a consistent betting size. The only signs of a counter is how and when you change betting sizes. If you bet $50 for a bunch of hands, and then bet $800 on one hand, and split causing your bet to become $1600 people are going to get suspicious, especially when you go back to betting $50 afterwards.

[@GambitChess]

@@TDohertyProductions The other thing I wonder is taking insurance. It's obviously not random, and if you only take insurance on "good" counts, that alone might be enough to back someone off. I was just backed off on the strip at a $15 min table, with my largest bets being $50. For that comparatively "tiny" amount of money, I'm sure the only thing that clued them into checking my play was when I took insurance.

[@loganangeron8542]

2:07 in the clip you’re 10 minutes from my home town, pretty cool to see that

[@firemarshal1bill]

It is frustrating to see someone who almost seems to refuse to understand the law to follow "casino policy" but he was at least real civil about it.

[@stevenbridges]

Yeah he was perfectly polite but damn it was frustrating!

[@MiKen877]

To be fair, just because a customer says something is law that doesn't necessarily make it true. I figure this guy did actually know what the law was, which makes it even more infuriating to me that he stuck to it. The company should be subject to a hefty fine when they do something like this. If we fine them $10k every time they withhold paying out, I guarantee they won't be so eager to enforce that "policy".

[@stevenbridges]

@@MiKen877 Yah, in the UK the gaming commission fines casinos millions when they mess up. It's great

[@leo_like_dicaprio]

Does the over $10k rule work on Indian reservations too? I know tribal casinos have their own set of laws so it might not be as easy not to show ID. Any help?

[@beejaybeej]

Yeah I've been working wondering this too and how to deal with it. ^^^

[@victorpena3129]

I’m sure it’s even more strict

[@tomf5823]

indian casinos can do whatever they want and you have zero recourse.

[@wilfordbrimleypranks]

Yes they have to follow that, as it is a federal rule. But sometimes they skirt around state laws

[@ludiomore5654]

Casinos are gangsters. It is good that you show all what those casinos do wrong. Keep on exposing any kind of wrongs casinos do.

[@superepicness1554]

Another amazing video!! Thank you so much for this series, and I know this has been said but this is truly my favourite series at the moment. What a great return!

[@stevenbridges]

Thank you!

[@doum34]

First video I’ve seen from yours, I must say I’m impressed from your counting skills and how entertaining this video was. 😊

[@stevenbridges]

Thank you!

[@mertonalowishus4327]

Honestly videos like this are the reason I give Casinos absolutely no tip when they give me my hand pay. I just won a 4k Royal Flush and the dude that counted out my hand pay put his hand out and looked right into my soul. I shook his hand instead and said thank you he literally got pissed and walked away.

[@Mana-us6nw]

Did you have to call the gaming commission to get them to cash you out or did they end up cashing you out without any further problems?

[@Charleyking99]

WOW ANOTHER UPLOAD... u feeling alright steven??

[@stevenbridges]

I know right.... me... uploading.... weekly?!?! 😂 This is why I waited until the videos were basically done before posting. I didn't want weirdly long gaps between uploads this time.

[@Charleyking99]

@@stevenbridges ill let u off then😂

[@saltybrackishfresh]

You need to share the names and info of these casinos so your Audience can call and give them bad press on your behalf

[@Pacmanfan-po9rn]

This guy will end up in the blackbook eventually hahahhaa

[@stevenbridges]

Eventually? 😂

[@SouthWestGrizzle]

You have a serious pair of stones. How do you keep so calm in these situations? My anxiety would be kicking into overdrive

[@stevenbridges]

Knowing that getting too emotional will escalate the situation does help. But I do not stay calm always. Wait until next weeks video

[@Emma-33]

I appreciate your self critique and honesty at the end. May not of been law but you draw far more attention by verbal judo’in it. This applies to police engagements as well

[@johnrutherford2545]

Is there a specific reason you have to travel to the US to count cards? Could you count cards at UK casinos?

[@stevenbridges]

Yeah it's a bit of a long story. I have played in the UK. Filming laws here are tricky for a start.

[@Wombatzu]

Besides there being ten times as many casinos in the US spread over a vastly larger area.

[@Afifi96]

@@stevenbridges when the series come to an end, do an faq for that kind of behind the scene decision.

[@MrJamesmaco]

If you count in UK, they can refuse to pay. Confiscate chips. Read the fine print playing in a UK casino. Apparently, winning violates the agreement.

[@peterm707]

Listen to the Blackjack Apprenticeship podcast and he tells the story there. Basically a few companies own all the casinos so once you’re backed off one you’re out on a lot of them. Think he had to show id for their pretty strict gambling laws and even income documents supporting how much he can wager at casinos

[@Kanders190]

Not sure how much this would help you, but when doing the ID dance, I'd avoid inferring that you're aware of the money laundering laws and limits. I feel that would be a red flag for the casinos sometimes.

[@tmtmtlsml]

You need some sort of driving motivation to insist on them cashing you out without showing ID. Otherwise your arguments would appear to be "You have to do this because I say so." Besides, they wouldn't be this pushy if they didn't already know/suspect he was counting cards. Everything else is just an act, albeit a polite one in this instance

[@MiKen877]

I kinda agree here. If the goal is to be able to play at the other casinos, I might just wait on escalating it until after I was done playing for the week.

[@guillaumelecam6257]

great exemple of how hard the art of persuasion is when you know something and try to hide it discussing with someone who affirme bullshit with assurance... it's a tough game to be patient, talk with respect and little by little make your counterpart realize that you know what you are talking about without him suspecting you toying with him.

[@pinesyeet]

I'm guessing the guy that kept on refusing the cash out probably knows what the law is, but if he's told by his boss to refuse like this, it ultimately doesn't get him any consequences anyway if he keeps to it.

[@stevenbridges]

Yeah I think you're right.

[@peterers3]

It's smart for him to just make Steven wait. That way he cracks him down with patience and time. He's experienced knowing he has the leverage. They already have his money. Steven is in the weaker position even if he legally should get his money.

[@incremental_failure]

And that's a major problem. Governments should send undercover people inside to test this and if they refuse, they should face massive fines. It's also a good way to earn extra revenue.

[@rainman11]

Yeah that’s what I’m thinking as well. The guy is playing the same mind games Steven was trying to pull on him. He knows the law and probably knows he’s a card counter so if he can’t get the ID, the next best thing is to try and waste Steven’s time and deter him from coming back.

[@westcoastspartan1528]

If you win over a thousand you would have to show ID for tax purposes correct or is that just if you win over a thousand on a jackpot

[@Savagemister]

at 3:46 in Bossier City/Shreveport, you see the Diamond Jack's Casino sign. That poor casino closed a few years back (Spring of 2020). Covid killed it. There are plans to have another casino there by December of 2024.

[@Sartek]

In 2018 Louisiana passed a law prohibiting kicking people out because of skill (card counting) but unfortunately it's a civil issue and unenforceable

[@xuploads]

Can't a private business kick out whoever they want as long as it's not discriminatory like because of race?

[@Sartek]

@@xuploads The casino would have to do it before he exchanged money for chips. Once money has changed hands there is an implied contract between the gambler and the casino.

[@jordanmccloskey1602]

Unfortunately these rules, (not kicking out ap's) will ultimately just hurt all the gamblers more because the games will go 6:5

[@deathitself100]

You would be surprised how messed up management in these casinos can be.

[@brucej.willson4764]

Well have you seen the movie Casino? Maybe that's why.

[@emsouemsou]

8:23 I love that revolver tie pin. If I was somebody's boss I'd wear one too.

[@l.tproductions3489]

I think it might be an m1911 depending on the withdrawal reload system

[@MrZeldion]

Its absolutely nuts that a casino can ban you for card counting and then share your photo and info to other casinos. Surely that's a breach of privacy etc

[@sage2520]

You’re in a public setting, there would be no case. Not only casinos, but lots of businesses share your info.

[@donaldlyons17]

@@sage2520 He might not know that business also record and have private information on their employees too. So if they do that with employees why would customers be an exception?

[@eye4eyelights]

so basically they would rather take your money, but when you start taking theirs it becomes a problem. lmao

[@stevenbridges]

Yah, casinos don't love winners after all

[@mikekinsella2822]

they do this at the sports books too. win to much they will ban you from making bets. Casinos suck and i wish everyone would boycott them and close them down.

[@slideman1249]

@@stevenbridgescasinos don’t hate winners they just hate oeople like you that try to make a living from it they like winners that truly GAMBLE not ap players

[@johnreyn19]

I get the sense that you are causing these scenes to capture the attention of the staff so your teammates can continue to play without being backed off.

[@kieranharwood7186]

I am genuinely baffled why anyone who isn't card counting would go to a casino... The games are nearly all rigged against you and, on the odd occasion that you can, through immense skill, make it possible to actually get a profit, they kick you out, share info on you without knowledge or consent and sometimes illegally steal your money and you have to spend days arguing with them about fundamental laws to get it back. It sometimes feels like a pub where if you pass out the bartender will rob you, and the pub also kicks people out who can hold their drinks or don't down their pints fast enough. What's the appeal? Like, I get the concept of gambling being fun, but why not just get some like-minded people around a table for a zero-sum game of poker? Surely that's a better prospect than going to a professional gambling hall with a "you must be at least this unskilled to play" policy.

[@RealRickCox]

I'm not sure it's legal for a casino to withhold money if you have chips... It's hilarious to hear these mob...errr... pit bosses back you off with a compliment like "your play is too strong" LOL

[@stevenbridges]

Yeah, I'm pretty sure it's illegal but they know it wouldn't be a fun lawsuit for me to take them to court.

[@beastmodeforever86]

😆😆 I love that you showed all the comments of people telling you that showing your face was going to come back to bite you in the butt. I was one of those people. It's only matter of time. Although I still wouldn't say that you shouldn't show your face is so KZbin channel and if you had blocked your face out the entire time it would have seriously caused far less views. Keep up the great work and get these a-holes for everything you can

[@Volaths]

Really love this series mate, are you gonna do a casino series here in the UK as well at some point or nah?

[@stevenbridges]

I'm not allowed in basically any of the UK casinos. I did play here but couldn't really film for legal reasons. However I do have some stories I may share

[@Volaths]

@@stevenbridges Ahh right fair enough mate, that sucks though but I'd love to hear some of those stories as an interlude type thing

[@burningelement1656]

Hey Steven - How do you get into the Casino's without having to hand your ID? Don't they have to do a check or scan your ID before letting you in, or is that just not a thing in America? In Australia at least, they scan our ID and ask us questions about it (or maybe that is just because I am not much older then 18 haha). Good video!

[@marksoutofzen]

No you can just walk in and play

[@duomaxwell7190]

Many only check if they suspect you to be underage, otherwise you walk right past security without ID

[@WeDoNotCare1]

Some check if they think you're underage, most, even if they check, aren't going to remember your info and so as long as they aren't scanning, you can just let them look at it, pass you in, then go to the tables. In 2 hours when security/surveillance are doing their investigation, they already know the person at the door isn't going to have your info memorized.

[@mawcus7132]

Awesome back n forth. You held yours.