Analysis of casino shelf shuffling machines

TL;DR

This paper evaluates a new casino shelf shuffling machine, developing new probability and combinatorics insights, and provides practical recommendations adopted by the manufacturer, illustrating the connection between theory and real-world application.

Contribution

It introduces novel probability and combinatorics related to shelf shufflers and offers practical advice that influenced the manufacturer's design.

Findings

Development of new probability models for shelf shuffling

Practical recommendations adopted by the manufacturer

Enhanced understanding of the interplay between theory and application

Abstract

Many casinos routinely use mechanical card shuffling machines. We were asked to evaluate a new product, a shelf shuffler. This leads to new probability, new combinatorics and to some practical advice which was adopted by the manufacturer. The interplay between theory, computing, and real-world application is developed.