Cheating (Gaming Law) Law and Legal Definition
Cheating is an act of deception or fraud, and is employed to create an unfair advantage, usually in one's own interest at the expense of others. It is a breaking of rules. When used in the context of gaming, it is an action of pretending to obey the rules of the game, while secretly undermining them to gain advantage over an opponent. Cheating occurs when actions are taken that violate the rules of competition in order to gain an advantage like using equipment that does not conform to the rules, or illegally altering the condition of equipment during play, and deliberate foul play with the aim of avoiding sanction. In gaming, cheating is practiced to gain an unfair advantage over one's opponents or the casino for monetary gain and also to win wagers. The cards may be manipulated by a skilled cheater in poker and other card games. Use of rigged equipment such as loaded dice or rigged roulette wheels are cheating activities in games like roulette and craps.
The following is an example of state statute (Washington) defining the term.
Pursuant to [Rev. Code Wash. (ARCW) § 9.46.196] "Cheating," as used in this chapter, means to:
(1) Employ or attempt to employ any device, scheme, or artifice to defraud any other participant or any operator;
(2) Engage in any act, practice, or course of operation as would operate as a fraud or deceit upon any other participant or any operator;
(3) Engage in any act, practice, or course of operation while participating in a gambling activity with the intent of cheating any other participant or the operator to gain an advantage in the game over the other participant or operator; or
(4) Cause, aid, abet, or conspire with another person to cause any other person to violate subsections (1) through (3) of this section.
