Beginning with old school techniques Griffin Investigations, Inc. began their agency gathering information for small casinos on gamblers who threw loaded dice or manipulated slot machines and card decks. As the sophistication of trying to beat the casinos increased, The Griffin’s came into the 21st century with advanced surveillance intelligence database.Specializing in Casino surveillance since 1967, The Griffin Investigation Company is a group of private investigators who are trained using a biometric method of computation to spot blackjack card counters. Information is placed in a collection of reports in which they call the Griffin Books.
The contents of the Griffin Books are a compilation of photographs and data of blackjack players that use illegal card counting methods as well as players impersonating employees of a casino, stealing chips and winning
The profiling known subjects as they first entered casinos helped to curtail casinos revenue losses. In addition, Griffin Investigations has an online database they license only to gaming operators. This database includes; Expert facial recognitions experts, Enhanced software features, Database access to info and history of blackjack card counters, Client customized multiple search options, 24/7 access to Investigators, Internet user- friendly and specialized client investigations. Robert R. Griffin and Beverly Griffin founded this concept and their illustrious team of agents. Special newsletters tailored for casinos on any new relevant information pertaining.
Known in casinos as advantage players, card counters happen to operate within the law because they do not utilize instruments or equipment to count cards. Casinos however, do not want them playing in their establishments; even though they do not control the outcome of a blackjack game; the card calculation of card probability of hands to be played or dealt increased their success of winning.
Controversy has surrounded the Company because of reports of some of their information not being actually verified or sources giving wrong information. Once a player is placed into the Griffin Books or in updated newsletters or on their online database, usually nothing can be done about it. Even innocent bystanders who are friends of players that are seen at the tables can be placed in their Books. Presumed innocent until proven guilty sometimes went by the wayside, and once a player was pegged by Griffin Investigations right or wrong, the domino effect would follow that player forever. State gambling regulators and police are the only ones besides Casinos with access to this information. Griffin Investigations had blackjack players and teams trying to beat the dealer or the house nervous. Kevin Lewis, former member of the infamous MIT Blackjack Team, (he uses a pseudonym to protect his identity), has been reported as saying, “I always feared it” in regards to the Griffin Investigations powerful effectiveness.
The MIT Blackjack Team was eventually brought down by Griffin Investigations. The Company compiled names, photographs, addresses and phone numbers of the team and the rest was history. The Team did not stand a chance at surviving after that.
In summary, much as Griffin Investigations has provided casinos with a good and beneficial service, the other hand also applies to how much harm has been done as well.
