Skimming
Skimming in the context of casinos refers to the illegal or unethical practice of diverting a portion of profits or funds without proper accounting. This can happen in different ways, such as employees taking cash directly from transactions before it is recorded or through tampering with gaming machines to misreport earnings. Skimming bypasses the official financial records, often avoiding taxes and regulations, which makes it both a criminal offense and a serious breach of trust within the industry.
This term gained notoriety in the mid-20th century, especially in organized crime cases where casinos were used to launder money or evade government oversight. Modern casinos combat skimming through strict regulations, advanced surveillance systems, and transparent accounting practices. For players and employees, understanding skimming highlights the importance of integrity and compliance in maintaining a fair and legal gaming environment.