Duke Wilson's Biography
Duke Wilson is considered one of the best cheaters in roulette. He was not interested in gambling games in his early years. No, he was not a man of high moral principles, and he even tried to make a living by growing and selling marijuana. However, as claimed by his friends, most of it Duke consumed himself.
It is unknown, but he may have never been to a casino until 1969 when Paul Wilson's wife introduced him to the legendary Joe Classon, the founder and leader of the successful team of cheaters. By the way, Paula had nothing to do with gambling. She just worked as a secretary in Classon's legal brokerage company, which he ran in his spare time as his primary occupation.
Joe became friends with Duke and spent much time with his family at the barbecue where he could look good to him.
When Classon first offered Wilson to stop his marijuana business and try himself as a cheater, at first, he refused.
Duke liked his carefree life and did not want to abandon it. But later, the constant lack of money forced him to agree.
First Steps as a Casino Cheat
At first, he performed simple tasks. For example, playing roulette, Joe substituted chips when he won. Wilson had to pay attention to the dealer to foresee any mistake in the payment and chips. Gradually Classon taught him more difficult tricks of the bets substitution and trusted him with more responsible tasks.
Duke had a natural talent for this kind of activity. Soon he became a master who managed to add chips in a subtle movement under those the dealer had already put on the table. He also successfully stole losing bets, making it so masterfully that neither the dealer nor the pit bosses raised the slightest suspicion.
Classon Team's Golden Years
Their team consisted of four members:
- Joe Klasson,
- Duke Wilson,
- his wife, Paula,
- and Jerry Palmer.
For several years he played in the casinos of Las Vegas, Reno, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean islands, and some European countries. They are considered the most organized group of professional cheaters in casino history.
Duke Wilson and Richard Marcus
In 1977, they were joined by another well-known swindler - Richard Marcus, whose name is also associated with many incredible adventures. Wilson was in command until its disintegration, which occurred in 1989 after the "retirement" of Classon.
Wilson, Marcus Palmer, and some other cheaters carried out several operations in Las Vegas and Atlantic City in the early nineties. But they could not agree on who should become a leader, and the ongoing conflicts made them part ways.
The End of Classon Team
After that, only Richard Marcus continued to cheat. Palmer died of a drug overdose, and Duke decided not to risk it and spent the last years of his life as a good citizen. It was pretty safe after a thirty-year career as a brilliant roulette cheater.
