Do you think that famous cheaters from a young age get involved in gambling and can not imagine their life without cards, dice, and roulette? You're mistaken. Some people became famous casino cheaters unexpectedly, even to themselves.
Duke Wilson's Biography
Duke Wilson is considered one of the best cheaters in roulette. He was not interested in gambling games in his early years. No, he was not a man of high moral principles, and he even tried to make a living by growing and selling marijuana. However, as claimed by his friends, Duke often consumed himself.
It is unknown, but he may have never been to a casino until 1969 when Paul Wilson's wife introduced him to the legendary Joe Classon, the founder and leader of the successful team of cheaters. By the way, Paula had nothing to do with gambling. She just worked as a secretary in Classon's legal brokerage company, which he ran in his spare time as his primary occupation.
Joe became friends with Duke and spent a lot of time with his family at the barbecue, where he could make a good impression on them.
When Classon first offered Wilson to stop his marijuana business and try himself as a cheater, at first, he refused.
Duke liked his carefree life and did not want to give it up. But later, the constant lack of money forced him to agree.
First Steps as a Casino Cheat
At first, he performed simple tasks. For example, when playing roulette, Joe would substitute chips for the ones he won. Wilson had to pay attention to the dealer to foresee any mistake in the payment and chips. Gradually Classon taught him more difficult tricks of the bets substitution and trusted him with more responsible tasks.
Duke had a natural talent for this kind of activity. Soon he became a master who managed to add chips in a subtle movement under those that the dealer had already put on the table. He also successfully stole losing bets, making it so masterfully that neither the dealer nor the pit bosses raised the slightest suspicion.
| Name | Soft | Return to player | |||
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98.6% |
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T&C applies, 18+
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97.3% |
Play
T&C applies, 18+
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97.3% |
Play
T&C applies, 18+
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97.3% |
Play
T&C applies, 18+
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97.3% |
Play
T&C applies, 18+
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97.3% |
Play
T&C applies, 18+
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97.3% |
Play
T&C applies, 18+
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97.3% | |||
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97.3% |
Play
T&C applies, 18+
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97% |
Play
T&C applies, 18+
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Classon Team's Golden Years
Their team consisted of four members:
- Joe Klasson,
- Duke Wilson,
- his wife, Paula,
- and Jerry Palmer.
For several years, he played in casinos in Las Vegas, Reno, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean islands, and several European countries. They are considered the most organized group of professional cheaters in the history of casinos.
Duke Wilson and Richard Marcus
In 1977, they were joined by another well-known swindler, Richard Marcus, whose name is also associated with many incredible adventures. Wilson was in command until its disintegration, which occurred in 1989 after the "retirement" of Classon.
Wilson, Marcus Palmer, and some other cheaters carried out several operations in Las Vegas and Atlantic City in the early nineties. However, they could not agree on who should become the leader, and the ongoing conflicts led them to part ways.
The End of Classon Team
After that, only Richard Marcus continued to cheat. Palmer died of a drug overdose, and Duke decided not to risk it and spent the last years of his life as a good citizen. It was pretty safe after a thirty-year career as a brilliant roulette cheater.
