Then the two piles are shuffled in five or six stages (it varied). Then the new pile is cut.
--> Almost correct so far. It is always 8 stages, not more or less. After the pile is cut, the top is placed on the bottom. And then they put the cutting card again at the middle and then just stuff it all in the shoe. Accordingly, those cards of bottom half are in the game.

Happy or not, but all the Casinos connected to Playtech floor are licensed, so officially announced as safe to play in.