The Venetian adopts slide dealing to prevent poker cheating

The Venetian Resort has become the first major poker room on the Las Vegas Strip to mandate “slide dealing” to enhance game integrity. This technique replaces the traditional “pitch dealing” method, where cards are tossed through the air, with a method where dealers slide cards flat across the felt.

The transition aims to mitigate the risk of cheating via hidden cameras. When cards are pitched through the air, their faces can briefly become visible to cameras positioned at table level. By keeping the cards close to the table surface, the risk of exposing hole cards is significantly reduced.

Tommy LaRosa, director of poker operations at The Venetian, stated that the decision was driven by the need to protect the player experience as technology evolves. While the change requires an adjustment period for both dealers and players regarding speed and technique, the initial response has been positive. The Venetian follows the precedent set by the South Point, which implemented the method outside of the Strip.