Feature Story
The Eye in the Casino Sky
Written by Frank Rosenthal on July 13, 2001
Not until the mid 1970's were casinos capable of monitoring pedestrian and casino personnel by way of modern-day high tech audio and camera surveillance. Was the hand quicker than the eye? That would depend on the level of the casino sharpshooters and those responsible for detection. A super-sleuth in the darkness above the casino sky patrolling prime casino real-estate however limited, searching for theft by way of collusion or free lancers. Only the casino manager and the 3 shift bosses knew the identity of the masked executioner. The eye in the sky was well experienced, crafty, and had several kills to his credit. If he were to finger you, you'd most likely lose your job. Could become more serious depending upon the depth and severity of the score. Due process of law or redress, not a prayer! Dealers or floormen working independently or in tandem with outside agents were handled differently depending on the policy of each operating property. Some casinos hollered "copper." Others like the Stardust and the Horseshoe had a different philosophy. Hard ball! Swift "Frontier Justice." Nevada's gaming statute dictated immediate notification to the enforcement division of Gaming Control, and the Sheriffs Department when a casino had probable cause that a felony was either likely or in progress. Casual players hoping to take advantage of the casino by crimping, scratching cards or other scam generally received a light-tap on the shoulder. 
Wiseguy cheats were given the heave-ho, 86 and became Persona Non Grata. They also ran the risk that could endanger their very well being. They came in all shapes and sizes. Beards, wigs, cosmetic reverses, more tricks than Harry Houdini. Card cheaters were common with varying degrees of sophistication. Greed and loose lips was their trademark, and ultimately became their enemy. The most feared casino bandits were the top pros. Master teams that could switch a pair of dice in a New York second. They'd survey the stickman, boxmen, and supervisors. When they recognized a soft and timely spot they'd move right in for the kill. A highly skilled mechanic could make the switch during a momentary lapse. Just how long and far the "Jolly Ride" lasted depended upon the experience and knowledge of the surrounding casino personnel. The "Eye in the Sky" was limited and arguably overrated. They were useful as a deterrent. Detection, quite difficult up against a team of professional casino busters.
Our casino manager Bobby Stella was well seasoned. A 20 year veteran, highly skilled, and street smart. Our 21 Black Jack pit was running a sub-par hold for over a period of 3 months. Under 15% generally indicated trouble unless we had knowingly taken a few big hits during that same time period. One hot summer afternoon I noticed that Bobby was unusually uptight. He looked me dead-in-the-eye. "If we don't turn up the PC in the Bjays 21 we'll both be looking for a job." I said, "okay, what's up?" Bobby raised his eyes towards the sky without raising his head, which signaled trouble on the floor! Several hours later in-house security escorted four dealers to the woodshed. The eye in the sky had busted the ring. 
The A's agents as they were commonly referred to had not yet been identified. That would come later? All but one of the terminated dealers surrendered without admission. They left quickly and quietly. The one remaining dealer had been working on the job for over 5 years, and was considered to be a model employee. Married; 3 kids, and one in the oven. Good-natured, the kind of guy that you might be willing to trust along side of your wife? Never had a beef/complaint with a customer or a supervisor. He pleaded with Bobby, and placed his right hand over his heart swearing to his innocence. Bobby took a powder, with a look of contempt and disgust. Benny the dealer screamed, "I've been framed." I began to walk away when Benny leaped in front of me begging for help. I said, "sorry I couldn't help." He continued, "Frank, so help me God, on my kids lives, I wasn't involved." That same night when I signaled the doorman to bring my car up front, he said, "Mr. R., one of dealers has been hanging around on the side of building with his family, and I believe they're waiting for you?" I glanced down at my watch. It was 2 AM. I walked outside and sure enough, Benny and a party of four. Crocodile tears, a visibly distressed wife, and three young bewildered kids. Benny politely introduced his family. I asked him what was the purpose or need to bring the kids over at this late hour? His wife jumped forward. "Mr. Rosenthal, Benny has sworn to me on all of our lives that he's completely innocent of any wrong doing." She continued, "if Benny becomes "jacketed" as a thief, we're done!" She then asked if I would reconsider, and arrange to have her husband be given an opportunity to prove his innocence. "He'll take a polygraph test." "Please, all we're asking for is a fair chance." I advised the lady that it wasn't my call, nor did I have the authority to arbitrarily intervene. They left rather sadly. I drove home and began to wonder what really did happen? Bobby and I were good friends, but this was his beat and I was reluctant to interfere. 
The next morning as I pulled up to the hotel Benny was waiting. His eyes were red; he looked like a mess. I asked him to follow me. Paged Bobby and the 3 of us sat down in his office. Bobby spoke first. "Are you ready to tell us who you were working with?" I then spoke up by saying, "here's your shot Benny, make it your best." Bobby held his hand to his chin, steaming with expressed anxiety. Benny's voice was a mere whisper. "I'd have to frame somebody just like I was," and sadly left the office. Bobby appeared stunned, and asked me for my gut reaction? "Doesn't add-up, let's re-do the math. We did! Rounded up the dealers. They too strongly declared their innocence, and surprisingly volunteered to take a lie test. Then we talked with the eye in the sky. Asked if he could provide us with a physical description of the agents, and a review of the facts that led him to determine the alleged conspiracy? He was vague, unimpressive and unwilling to submit himself for a polygraph test. Justice prevailed! Benny went back to work. The other fellows declined the invitation to be reinstated with an appropriate farewell. "You fellows are trigger happy with an over-kill agenda." Could hardly blame them. Life expectancy at the Stardust was far below the industry average. The eye in sky was looking for a medal and bucking for a raise. He was terminated. Case closed! "All's Well That Ends Well."
Good Luck, Frank Rosenthal