A duo of online poker players are in trouble with the law. However, this story has nothing to do with actions at the poker table or at an online poker room. Two PokerStars Pros are accused of cheating a Nevada casino, Wynn Las Vegas, out of $700,000 at the Craps table. Leonardo Fernandez and Veronica Dabul, both from Argentina, are suspected of using a technique called ‘sliding’ to give them an edge in the popular table game.
Earlier this month, the Wynn Las Vegas filed a lawsuit with the Clark County District Court saying both PokerStars pros won about $700,000 during a month-long playing spree that culminated with their arrest on July 18th. The two players are suspected of working with other customers who distracted dealers while they controlled the outcome of the dice by using the technique known as ‘sliding.’
The concept of sliding is simple to understand though the actual practice takes years to master. Basically, sliding involves the roller controlling the outcome of the dice by sliding at least one dice across the table or throwing the dice in a manner that leans the odds of a specific outcome. For example, many sliders throw or slide the dice aiming for at least one die to show a six. This dramatically increases the odds of an eight, nine, ten, eleven, or twelve. When a roller can control the dice and increase the odds of at least one six, the other players may place a lot of money on numbers higher than six (since six and below cannot be rolled if one of the dice is a six) and have the odds lean in their favor. Of course, sliding cannot deliver exact numbers but the players’ edge increases greatly.
The district attorney has not filed charges against either player. Dabul was released after a couple of days in the Clark County Detention Center while Fernandez was turned over to the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service. Officials have not commented on Fernandez’s current immigration status.
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