Crimp (gambling)

In the context of gambling, "crimp" refers to a specific type of cheating or manipulation, primarily associated with card games. It involves subtly bending, marking, or otherwise altering a card (or cards) in a way that is imperceptible to the untrained eye. This alteration allows the cheater to identify the marked card during play and gain an unfair advantage.

The method of crimping can vary, ranging from a slight bend in a corner to using fingernails or other tools to create a tiny nick or crease. The key is subtlety; the mark should be difficult to detect during casual handling of the cards.

Crimping is considered a serious form of cheating in gambling, and casinos and other gaming establishments take measures to prevent it. Such measures may include using high-quality cards, employing security personnel trained to identify marked cards, and utilizing card shuffling machines that are less susceptible to manipulation. Penalties for being caught crimping can range from ejection from the establishment to criminal prosecution.