Fundraising through Gambling Part 2

The security control room at Newport Manila was a hub of activity, with monitors lining the walls displaying various angles of the casino floor. At the center of this vigilance sat the head of security, a seasoned professional named Mr. Ruiz, his eyes scanning the screens meticulously. 

On one of the monitors, a particular individual caught his attention. It was a young man, focused and calm, steadily accumulating chips at a blackjack table. Mr. Ruiz observed the player's mannerisms and betting patterns, noting something peculiar in his play.

"Check the footage of this guy," Mr. Ruiz instructed one of his staff, pointing to the screen showcasing Michael. "He's been winning consistently. Find out how much he's up by now."

The staff member quickly complied, pulling up various camera angles and tracing Michael's movements through the casino. "He's been moving around, playing at different blackjack tables. It's hard to determine the exact amount he's won, but he's definitely on a hot streak."

Mr. Ruiz's eyes narrowed. "How long has he been at it?"

"Several hours now," the staff member replied. "He's playing smart, varying his bets. But his winning streak is unusual."

"Looks like he might be card counting," Mr. Ruiz muttered, a hint of suspicion in his tone. 

While card counting wasn't illegal, it was a frowned-upon practice in casinos, and players suspected of it were often closely monitored or asked to leave.

He stood up from his chair, a decision made. "I'm going down there. Keep an eye on the other tables."

Walking through the casino, Mr. Ruiz blended in with the crowd, his eyes fixed on the young player who continued to amass chips. He approached the blackjack table nonchalantly, observing Michael's play from a distance. His years of experience told him that if the player was indeed counting cards, he would be doing so subtly, to avoid detection.

After watching a few hands, Mr. Ruiz stepped closer, making his presence known. "Enjoying your game?" he asked in a friendly yet firm tone, gauging Michael's reaction. 

Michael sighed. "Did I manage to get your attention?" 

"You sure do," Ruiz said as he glanced at his stacks of chips. 

"Well…I think I have used all of my luck in my lifetime to earn this," Michael said, chuckling. 

"You think you are funny?" Ruiz said.

Michael, noticing the underlying tone of suspicion in Ruiz's question, met his gaze confidently. "Funny? Not particularly. I'm just here to enjoy the game like everyone else."

Ruiz studied him for a moment. "You've been on quite the winning streak. That's unusual for someone playing at multiple tables."

Michael nodded, "I understand why that might seem odd. But I assure you, I'm just playing the game with the same rules as everyone else. Is there a rule against winning?"

Ruiz couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at Michael's response. "No, there's no rule against winning. But we keep an eye out for... irregular play. Are you familiar with card counting?"

"I've heard of it," Michael replied nonchalantly. "But my understanding is that it's not illegal. Just a skill some players might have, like a good memory or a knack for mathematics."

"That's true, it's not illegal," Ruiz admitted, "but it is against casino policy. We reserve the right to ask players to leave if we suspect they are using such methods."

"I respect the casino's policies," Michael said, shuffling his chips casually. "But I'm not using any illegal methods or devices. Just playing the game to the best of my ability. Look, I'm just trying to get another 100 thousand so I can join the VIP section because as I have heard, that's where all the big games are played. I'm not looking to cause any trouble."

Ruiz eyed him, a hint of skepticism in his gaze. "VIP section, huh? That's quite ambitious for a newcomer." 

"Everyone has to be ambitious to get what they want right?" Michael shrugged his shoulders. "Now, whoever you are, I'm still playing, so can you please leave me alone?"

Ruiz scoffed softly. "You got a sharp tongue kid. Just remember, we're watching."

"Understood," Michael replied, turning his attention back to the game. Ruiz stepped back, his eyes lingering on Michael for a moment longer before he returned to his surveillance duties.

Michael resumed his gameplay, conscious of the watchful eyes around him. His focus was unwavering as he strategically played each hand, inching closer to his goal. He was careful not to draw further suspicion, maintaining a balance between winning and losing hands.

After another hour of playing, Michael had successfully gathered the additional funds he needed. He stood up from the blackjack table, his chip count significantly higher than when he started. With a nod to the dealer and a quick glance around the room, Michael made his way to the cashier's desk to cash out his chips.

He exchanged the chips for cash, feeling a sense of achievement. His strategy had paid off, and he was now equipped with the funds needed to enter the VIP section of the casino. Michael knew that the stakes would be higher there, but so were the potential rewards.

He tucked the cash securely in his wallet and headed towards the VIP area. The entrance was guarded, and access was restricted to high rollers and members. Michael approached confidently, showing his bankroll to the guard.

The guard eyed the cash and nodded, allowing Michael entry into the exclusive section. Inside, the atmosphere was different – quieter, more intense. The players here were experienced and serious, each focused on their game.

Not only that, their attire was exquisite and formal, suggesting their affluent status. Michael assumed many of them were businessmen and wealthy heirs, a stark contrast to his own more modest appearance.

His casual dress immediately drew attention. One of the players, a well-dressed man with a smug expression, eyed him with evident disdain. "This isn't a place for amateurs. Do you even know how to play, or did you wander in here by mistake?" he jeered, eliciting chuckles from a few others at the table.

Unperturbed, Michael replied calmly, "I know enough to be here. The amount of money I'm carrying says as much."

The man scoffed, "We'll see how long that confidence lasts." 

Michael sat at the table and then started playing with them. In blackjack, there is a technique called card counting. In poker, a technique often used by skilled players is called "reading opponents" or "hand reading." This strategy involves observing and interpreting opponents' behaviors, betting patterns, and tendencies to predict their possible hands and make more informed decisions.

Michael used this technique effectively. For instance, he noticed that one opponent tended to bet aggressively when holding strong hands but became hesitant with weaker ones. By picking up on these patterns, Michael could often guess the strength of his opponent's hand and adjust his strategy accordingly.

In one round, Michael observed a player who always checked his cards multiple times before betting with a strong hand. When this player checked multiple times and then raised significantly, Michael, holding a decent but not outstanding hand, decided to fold. It turned out to be the right decision, as the player revealed a strong hand at the end of the round.

Another example of Michael's skill was when he detected a 'tell' – a physical or verbal signal that inadvertently reveals a player's thoughts or intentions. One player, for instance, had a habit of drumming his fingers on the table when bluffing. Recognizing this, Michael confidently called the player's bluff on a crucial hand, securing a significant win.

Of course, there would be some who are also good at lying, there is another technique for that, and it is more physiological. 

In addition to behavioral cues and betting patterns, Michael also employed a more physiological approach to reading his opponents in poker. This involved observing subtle physical changes that often occur unconsciously in response to mental and emotional states.

One key indicator Michael focused on was pupil dilation. It's a well-documented fact that pupils can dilate in response to increased cognitive load or emotional arousal. For instance, when a player was dealt a strong hand, the excitement or stress of deciding how to play it could cause their pupils to dilate. Similarly, when bluffing, the mental effort of deception might trigger this physiological response.

Michael also paid attention to changes in breathing patterns. A player under stress or trying to conceal a bluff might have shallow, rapid breaths. Conversely, a player who was relaxed and confident in their hand might exhibit slower, more controlled breathing.

Another subtle marker was microexpressions – fleeting facial expressions that occur almost imperceptibly and reveal a person's true feelings. Michael trained himself to notice these quick flashes of emotion, such as a brief grimace of dissatisfaction or a quick smile of genuine confidence, which could provide crucial information about a player's hand.

On one hand, Michael noticed an opponent's nostrils flare slightly after looking at their cards – a possible sign of excitement or nervousness. Coupling this with their betting behavior, he deduced they likely had a strong hand and adjusted his play accordingly.

In another instance, an opponent's eyelids fluttered briefly when raising the bet, a potential sign of bluffing. Michael called the bluff and won the hand, further validating his observation. 

Using all those techniques, Michael was able to win consecutively, causing the other players to gape their mouths. 

"Royal Straight Flush," Michael revealed, grinning. From five hundred thousand pesos to three million pesos in one sitting. 

"I see that you are quite good at this," said a woman from behind with a strong German accent. 

He glanced over his shoulder and saw a woman standing behind him with an amused expression on her face.