Most of us visit casinos to have a good time, although certain players overstep the boundaries and land on a casino ban list.
Gamblers flock to casinos from far and wide, seeking quality entertainment and a chance to strike it rich. With large crowds of patrons passing through their doors daily, casinos have defined rules and regulations in place, which everyone is expected to comply with.
Regretfully, there is always a handful of gamblers who intentionally like to test how far they can push the boat out. Whether this is by cheating, being obnoxious or getting completely pie-eyed, the consequences for disorderly behaviour can be severe, including getting banned from a casino.
Actions that Will Get You onto a Casino Ban List
Here are a few problematic behaviours that will get you thrown out head-first from a casino and your name added to a casino ban list:
1. Cheating
Casinos can easily recognise cheaters, which is probably the main offence they are unwilling to tolerate. If they catch you attempting underhanded tricks or using devices to boost your chances of winning, your time at that casino will be numbered, and you might face criminal charges.
However, it’s not just the players who appear on a casino ban list should they get caught cheating the house. Dealers, croupiers, cashiers, bar staff, cooks, and security personnel are all monitored for suspicious activities. Within a dynamic casino setup, potential suspects can easily steal chips, launder money, or collaborate with underhanded players to create an appearance of an actual winning situation.
2. Disorderly and Drunk Behaviour
People get asked to leave a casino primarily due to excessive drinking. A punter might get banned from an establishment depending on how severe their actions are and how much disruption they’ve caused. Returning offenders are seen as trespassing and get fined or imprisoned.
A good example of a gambler getting dangerously drunk at a casino is the Ronald Turkington incident, which took place in 2014. The Newcastle man got completely wasted at the Aspers Casino one evening. Casino staff eventually asked him to leave when he became too raucous. While agreeing at first, Turkington later drove past the front entrance to the casino with a revolver hanging out of his car window.
Turkington fired six shots that night, although fortunately, no one got hurt. As a result of his actions, Turkington received a three-year prison sentence and remains on the UK’s casino ban list permanently.
3. Counting Cards
Counting cards is a technique some gamblers use to gain an advantage over the casino. While not illegal, casinos closely monitor those players who count cards, often permanently banning them.
The counting cards strategy involves observing dealt-out cards and adjusting bets accordingly. Casinos use multiple decks of cards and shuffle them frequently to prevent card counting. Players who count cards are usually asked to leave and get banned from ever returning.
In 2016, a professional poker player, Phil Ivey, filed a court case against a London casino, noting that he won over £7 million on a game but never received his winnings. Ivey claimed the casino accused him of card counting and annulled his winnings. Even though Ivey didn’t physically use anything to cheat the house beside his mathematical skills, he lost the case and never saw a single penny of his jackpots. At the same time, his name was unceremoniously listed on the UK casino ban list.
4. Being Abusive and Disregarding Staff
While many players get revved up on booze before launching into an outburst, others are generally hot-headed. As discouraging as it is when you have experienced a bout of losses, targeting dealers or other players with your pent-up annoyance is a quick way to get escorted from your seat by security.
Some casinos don’t even tolerate half-hearted jokes with the dealers, especially if the security thinks you’re trying to soften them up to gain an advantage. Staff usually won’t hesitate to report anyone who they believe poses a risk to others or is trying to get one up over the casino. The staff will even arrange to remove a player off the premises if their warnings don’t sink in the first time.
5. Using Fake ID
Using a fake ID is a common mistake that many underage gamblers make when trying to enter a casino. However, this is a severe offence that can result in a player getting permanently added to a casino ban list. Legal requirements force casinos to verify the age and identity of their customers. If you are caught using a fake ID, you will likely get banned and reported to the authorities. This can result in fines, community service, and even jail time.
6. Breaking the Dress Code
Most casinos have a dress code that all customers must follow. Breaking the dress code can result in a warning or even a ban from the casino. The dress code may vary from casino to casino, but it usually requires customers to dress appropriately for the occasion. This means no shorts, flip-flops, or revealing clothing. If you are unsure about the dress code, enquiring with the staff before entering the casino is always recommended.
In conclusion, there are several ways to get permanently listed on a casino ban list, including cheating, disorderly conduct, using a fake ID, breaking the dress code, and counting cards. It is important to remember that casinos have strict rules and regulations that must be followed. If you violate these rules, you risk getting banned from the casino and facing legal action.
Always gamble responsibly and follow the rules of the casino to avoid any problems!
