stack the cards

stack the cards  {v. phr.}

1. To arrange cards secretly and dishonestly for the purpose of cheating.

The gambler had stacked the cards against Bill.

2. To arrange things unfairly for or against a person; have things so that a person has an unfair advantage or disadvantage; make sure in an unfair way that things will happen. — Usually used in the passive with "in one's favor" or "against one."

A tall basketball player has the cards stacked in his favor.