card game shills

interesting law i just found while trying to find information about collusion -

http://www.msgamingcommission.com/images/uploads/mgc_regs.pdf

(c) Card game shill: An employee engaged and financed by the licensee as a player for the purpose of starting and/or maintaining a sufficient number of players in a card game.

interetsing thing is i had an idea about doing something like this a while ago and forgot about it until now

“And financed” is vague. And probably not what you’re thinking.

Of course, much of this may vary by jurisdiction, but...

Shills make a salary, but it’s not a real livable wage. Sure, it’s more than what players earn thru the loyalty program, and it’s real money, but it’s not a lot.

Shills actually play with their own bankroll, and get to keep their winnings. And get no rebate or sympathy for losses.

They must also be available at odd hours and be willing to play a variety of games and limits.

Also, if any player asks, shills must admit they’re a shill.

And you probably have to put in many hours and/or be friends with the management to even be considered.

But if it still sounds appealing, go for it.

Quote: DJTeddyBear

Also, if any player asks, shills must admit they’re a shill.

that jives well with the laws as well

im just surprised in general its a real thing, defined by law

Common practice in the poker rooms. I think in Nevada it must post a sign stating that shills are used. They are employees and can be eligible for benefits, but play with their own money and is told to go where to play, usually short handed to keep the games going.

When I lived in LA I played often at Commerce, Bicycle, Hollywood Park, and a small casino in Compton. The "shills" were called House Players. They were paid a small hourly rate to take seats at games as assigned by the manager. Their job was to keep the games going by keeping the minimum number of players.

They used their own money to play, not house money. So often they were the tightest players at the table.

If they didnt have a premium hand they would likely not play any hand that wasn't their blind. They worked long shifts.

If you were a tight player and between jobs it might have been a nice side gig. But it wasn't steady work and you had to know all the games... Omaha, Stud, Lowball, Mexican Poker, and not just limit and no limit.

Quote: AlanMendelson

They used their own money to play, not house money. So often they were the tightest players at the table.

You are describing props, not shills. Props play with their own money and are paid an additional wage by the house to start a game/keep a game running. Shills play with house money.

Quote: sabre

You are describing props, not shills. Props play with their own money and are paid an additional wage by the house to start a game/keep a game running. Shills play with house money.

I have no dispute if "house players" are called "props."