Automatic playing card shuffler and other card-handling devices configured to detect marked cards and method of using the same

A card shuffling system comprising:

• multiple card shuffler devices each including:
• a mechanism for re-arranging cards from one or more decks of cards;
• at least one camera having a processor;
• an image processor;
• one or more illuminators;
• a transmitter configured to send data from said camera processor and said image processor, said data including at least images of backs of cards;
• and
• a remote server configured to at least receive said data from said multiple card shufflers and evaluate said data along with historical data to determine card markings and anomalies.

A method of detecting card marks comprising:

• utilizing one or more random-selection card shufflers at one or more locations to shuffle cards, said one or more random-selection card shufflers having at least a camera to capture card images;
• capturing images of at least one of card backs, sides and faces as cards are re-arranged by said one or more random-selection card shufflers;
• collecting card data comprising at least images of at least one of said card backs, sides and faces;
• and
• evaluating said card data along with historical card data to determine card markings and anomalies.

A card shuffling system comprising:

• one or more card shuffler devices each comprising
• (i) a mechanism for re-arranging cards from one or more decks of cards;
• (ii) one or more cameras incorporated therein or mounted thereon;
• (iii) one or more illuminators for illuminating an area near a focus of said one or more cameras;
• and
• one or more software modules configured to detect one or more card markings and/or anomalies.

A method of detecting card marks comprising:

• utilizing one or more random-selection card shufflers at one or more locations to shuffle cards, said one or more random-selection card shufflers having at least a camera to capture card images;
• capturing images of at least one of card backs, sides and faces as cards are re-arranged by said one or more random-selection card shufflers;
• collecting card data comprising at least images of at least one of said card backs, sides and faces;
• and
• utilizing one or more software modules to determine card markings and/or anomalies.