Griffin is now computerized & on the internet.
As a casual gambler, I had few concerns about my previous "no more BJ" incidents. On recent Europe trip I was banned from the casino before playing a hand, based on a Griffin Investigations printout which included my picture.
The posters who claim Griffin is only a concern for teams & the highest of rollers are, unfortunately, very wrong.
You should consider yourself unlucky that they somehow actually put a damper in your playing. Plenty of players at all stakes have Griffin entires and it has not slowed them down in the least. Maybe once in a blue moon it results in a backoff/barring but, ultimately, Griffin is nothing to fear. Loathe, yes, but fear, no.
and it is difficult because you have to show a passport with your real name to get in. This makes it easy for them to just look you up. For most serious players in the US who play under many different names, Griffin is hardly any hinderance at all.
your real name ?
Another solution. Don't get Griffined under your real name.
I'm afraid some counters have already used many rating cards under their real name. I guess their learning the hard way.
The craving of comps is actually "good bait" for casinos to snag you.
and it is difficult because you have to show a passport with your real name to get in.
This was discussed recently on the outside USA page. Several countries only require guests of members to sign themselves in. I have many friends all over Europe. With comparatively few chains in each country this is essential for longevity.
I may take some chances in my home country where I know my rights, know the laws, and know the probable repercussions for various infractions. But do you want to take those chances in a foreign land? Not me.
With events of Sept 11, there has been alot of debate about a National ID Card. Do you think the Casinos would be for or against this? On one hand they could positively ID all, but I imagine many gamblers are fearful of the IRS.
On the Application for U.S. Passport (How to apply for a passport), there is a section entitled Federal Tax Law, which reads: 26 U.S.C 6039E (Internal Revenue Code) requires a passport applicant to provide his or her name and social security number. The U.S. Department of State must provide this information to the Internal Revenue Service routinely. Any applicant who fails to provide the required information is subject to a $500 penalty enforced by the IRS.
and I think that anyone who is actually nailed by Griffin in a venue they've never played in is a one-in-a-million, unlucky, SOB.
It's virtually unheard of for a pit to reference Griffin on someone they've never seen before prior to his first hand. A pit will only check out someone that they suspect and 90% of the time they come to suspect them based on spreads or from recognizing him from a prior visit.
I suspect your problem occured because:
1. The venue was brand-new to Griffin, checking it out on about
anybody and just happened to hit pay-dirt with you.
2. You look like somebody they'd had trouble with before.
Nice wording, 'Mouse, .. Loathe yes, but fear no.
Spok
Casino required showing passport. The "card counter" alert was on their computer screen in seconds.
My experience indicates Griffin not only is computerized but also translated into other languages.
We will see what happens if ever I use my players card in USA.
You don't continue to use a name that you know is dirty. Griffin is a joke. But playing under a name that you know is in Griffin is a bigger joke. Your name is a much more critical piece of information than your picture. And it is not mainly Griffin you need to be careful of, but of casino chains. Four or five casino companies own or manage most of the casinos out there. Harrahs, MGM, PPE, Boyd, etc. These places can just access their own database to find out if you've had a problem at a sister property. Don't refuse to give a name, give a fake name. If you are not into fake credentials, use a friends player card or give them a business card to get the info. If this isn't good enough for them then just tell them never mind, you get all the comps you need from their competitor.
