I originally posted this as a response to a post on Green Chip, but since there has been some discussion of this topic on this free page and others, I decided to re-post it here.
I have seen an advance copy of Cellini's book, and I have seen some posts on another web site that were put up under his pseudonym, and I do not believe the two were written by the same person.
Cellini's book is a careful, detailed account of the work life of a surveillance employee, with their exact duties in casinos and typical work day. It covers every aspect of casino surveillance technology, and goes into detail about how advantage players can defeat each separate aspect of that technology. It goes into every aspect of how a card counter or other type of advantage player is detected, covering in detail both the procedures and beliefs (including the misconceptions) of the human observers in the eye, and the technology used. It goes into how surveillance observers are hired and trained. It tells exactly how to defeat the software--and not just the same old advice about keeping your session short. It discusses the exact procedure and reporting chain for Griffining a player. It goes into detail on the records kept on each player, the codes used in the computers or on activity cards, the information casinos access on players from central credit, etc., and exactly how this info is used. It even goes into how and where it's stored and protected. The book talks about the independent consultants, and names names.
When I read the book, I actually couldn't believe the info was going to be put into print. The publication of this book will be like a bomb going off in casino surveillance departments. They are going to need re-education, new equipment, new software, new floor plans--everything.
As for Cellini himself, Steve Forte and other surveillance contacts of Snyder's know him well, and are vouching for his experience, knowledge, and accuracy. Apparently, he was quite a high-level guy in the field.
Some people have commented on the "21 Points" published in Blackjack Forum. This is about one page in the book, and is clearly labeled something that was published in a SIN (Surveillance Information Network) newsletter a few years ago. It represents a quick overview of the surveillance take on counters. But what's funny is how accurately the 21 points actually describe many counters. Included in the book are about a dozen photos, all taken from the eye. Several of these are of card counters, and it's hysterical how closely they match the 21 points.
Cellini's book is not about telling people they can't play. It's about giving them more ammunition. Despite the high position he attained in the industry, he must have really hated his job.
I expect many attacks on this book from surveillance agents who pose as players on these web sites.
