Shiner
A “shiner” is a small, reflective device or object used by some casino players to gain an unfair advantage at card games. Typically, it is a piece of mirrored material or a polished surface discreetly positioned to catch the reflection of cards as they are dealt. The goal is to see the face of cards that would otherwise remain hidden, providing the user with critical information to influence their decisions during the game.
Shiners are subtle tools, often disguised as ordinary items like a ring, a watch face, or even a smartphone screen. Casinos take the use of such devices seriously, as they breach the rules of fair play. Many establishments employ advanced surveillance systems to detect this type of cheating, and anyone caught using a shiner faces strict penalties, including being banned from the casino.
While shiners have a notorious place in gambling lore, they serve as a reminder of the importance of fairness and integrity in games of chance and skill.