Gina Fiore, 48, a professional gambler who earned more than $15 million over a 20-year career, has revealed the techniques she used to achieve her success, primarily focusing on a strategy known as 'hole carding.' Fiore, who began her career shift at age 24 while working as a blackjack dealer, detailed her methods in a recent interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Fiore's journey into professional gambling was influenced by her upbringing; her mother was also a casino dealer. After learning about card counting from a colleague who was leaving to pursue it professionally, Fiore recognized an opportunity. "I was like, 'This is a thing that you can do for money?' And that was it," she told the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
While card counting was an initial step, Fiore attributed most of her significant winnings to hole carding. This technique involves observing the dealer's facedown card, which is typically kept hidden. Fiore stated that she discovered that approximately one in 300 dealers inadvertently reveal their hole card. She refined this skill through extensive observation, spending over 16 hours a day scouting casinos.
Another method she employed was 'edge sorting,' which relies on identifying subtle imperfections or patterns on the backs of cards to distinguish them even when face down. These advantage play techniques, while not illegal, can lead casinos to refuse service to players they deem too successful.
Fiore's experiences are the subject of a series currently in development by HBO, with Emmy-nominated actress Riley Keough set to portray her. Fiore emphasized to the show's creators that any depiction of her story must not portray her character as a cheater, insisting that any advantage play should be legal. "They can never do anything illegal in the casino because then they go from advantage player to cheater," she stated.
Fiore recently published her memoir, "Advantage Player: A Memoir of Blackjack, Backrooms, and Beginnings," on October 27, in which she shares insights into advantage play. A premiere date for her HBO series has not yet been announced.
