RFID Cards Used in Houston Poker Cheating Scandal
A high-stakes poker match at a Houston area cardroom was disrupted Sunday night when three players were discovered to have cheated by introducing a deck of RFID-equipped playing cards into the game.
The event took place at JokerStars Poker Room in southwest Houston and involved a previous worker referred to by club management solely as “Carlito.” Although management has not officially verified his entire identity, social media users have associated this person with a poker player from the Houston area called Carlito Almirol.
In a statement issued by JokerStars, security footage indicated that “Carlito” collaborated with two players he had brought to the club, known only as “Marcelo” and “Ivan.”
The examination showed that the three participants supposedly collaborated to alter the game employing the RFID deck and an electronic card-reading tool.
What is RFID Fraud?
RFID means radio frequency identification. Playing cards equipped with RFID feature small, embedded microchips that are programmed to send data regarding the card’s suit and value upon scanning.
These cards are frequently utilized in authorized environments to aid live streaming and event monitoring, enabling staff and cameras to quickly identify players’ hole cards. However, when utilized for malicious intents, they can provide untrustworthy players an unjust edge.
When used with hidden reading devices, like scanners concealed in apparel or bags, the card information can be recorded while playing. This data can subsequently be communicated instantly to a partner via a smartwatch, earpiece, or vibration signals, thereby disclosing opponents’ cards without the need to touch or mark the deck.
Carlito’s Way
General Manager Jason Marshall carried out an internal investigation prior to directly addressing “Carlito,” as stated by JokerStars. The statement indicated that Marcelo and Ivan escaped the area during the altercation and were not apprehended.
“Carlito” first rejected the claims but subsequently admitted to fellow players at the table, including a few of his close friends. Upon finding the hidden device in his backpack, staff promptly removed him from the club and issued a lifetime ban.
JokerStars highlighted its strict no-tolerance stance on cheating and confirmed that all players impacted by cheating had been compensated.
“Carlito” first rejected the claims but subsequently admitted to fellow players at the table, including a few of his close friends. Upon finding the hidden device in his backpack, staff promptly removed him from the club and issued a lifetime ban.
JokerStars highlighted its strict no-tolerance stance on cheating and confirmed that all players impacted by cheating had been compensated.
The club guaranteed its members that it is dedicated to ensuring an equitable gaming atmosphere. To avoid future issues, JokerStars is creating specialized playing cards that are built to withstand tampering and unauthorized electronic scanning.
