The Truth About Gambling and Organized Crime: Debunking Myths and Risks

There is a pervasive misconception that organized crime syndicates will kill you if you become too good at gambling in their casinos. This article aims to clarify this myth and provide insights into the actual practices of casinos, both legal and illegal, and the measures in place to prevent fraud and ensure fair play.

Are Casinos Run by Mobsters Really Unsafe?

The fear that organized crime will resort to violent means if you excel in gambling is largely unfounded. Modern casinos, whether legal or operating illegally, are focused on profit through entertainment and gambling, not violence.

In the past, particularly in the 1960s, mob-run casinos did employ violent means to recover losses and prevent cheating. However, this is a relic of the past. Today, casinos are regulated by governments and large corporations, and they have strict policies and measures in place to deal with suspected fraud and cheating, which often involves legal proceedings rather than violence.

Example of Mob-Run Casinos in Sydney

Let's explore an example from the 1960s to understand the practices of mob-run casinos. My friend used to deal Baccarat in illegal casinos in Sydney during that era. He would collude with players to ensure they won and split the profits. However, when the casino discovered this, they took immediate and severe action rather than resorting to violence. They broke the player's knee and the dealer's hand, essentially crippling them and preventing future involvement in the casino.

After the incident, the casino offered the dealer a taxi ride home and expressed no hard feelings, illustrating a clear message: cheating was not acceptable and had severe consequences. This approach reflects the historical methods used by mob-run casinos but is not representative of contemporary practices.

Why Do Casinos Encourage You to Play More?

Casinos, both legal and illegal, operate on fundamental economic principles. Over the long term, no one can consistently outsmart the house. The Law of Large Numbers ensures that the casino will always have a statistical edge, known as the house edge. Therefore, even if you have a good winning streak, the casino will still ultimately win over time.

Instead of resorting to violence, casinos use strategies to maximize profits. They encourage you to play more by providing various incentives such as loyalty programs, free drinks, and jackpot opportunities. The goal is to keep players engaged and increase turnover, which benefits the casino despite overall long-term losses.

Current Practices of Legitimate Casinos

Legitimate casinos are subject to strict regulations and oversight. They have robust systems in place to prevent fraud and ensure fair play. If a casino suspects a case of cheating, they typically report it to the authorities and pursue legal remedies. Players who cheat are not just kicked out; their cases can also result in lawsuits and criminal charges.

For instance, if a player is proven to be cheating, they may face bans from future visits to the casino, and severe penalties may be imposed, including hefty fines and criminal charges. This ensures that casinos can protect their business interests and maintain the integrity of their operations.

Impact of Casinos on Communities: Myths and Facts

While casinos do bring jobs and economic benefits, they also pose challenges. Studies have shown that casinos can contribute to an increase in certain social ills, such as substance abuse, mental illness, and violent crime. For example, in communities with legalized gambling, there has been a 10% increase in bankruptcy rates, along with higher rates of auto theft and larceny.

It's important to note, however, that these issues are indicative of broader societal trends and are not uniquely caused by casinos. Economic and social factors often play a significant role in these phenomena.

Conclusion

The myth that mobsters will kill you for being too good at gambling is a product of outdated and exaggerated tales. Modern casinos, both legal and illegal, operate on principles of business ethics, fair play, and profitability. If you are caught cheating, you will face severe consequences, but violence is not a likely outcome.

While casinos can have an impact on certain aspects of community life, the benefits they bring must be weighed against these potential drawbacks. Understanding the reality behind these myths can help inform public policy and individual decisions regarding gambling.

Key Takeaways:

No, casinos run by organized crime will not kill you for being good at gambling. Modern casinos use a combination of legal and financial strategies to deal with suspected fraud. While casinos can impact community welfare, the underlying issues are complex and multifaceted.