At all times there were people who wanted to get rich at the expense of others. The so-called crooks and swindlers, using their rich imagination and ingenuity, easily got what they wanted. Successful scams have repeatedly turned within the walls of gaming establishments. Many of them were so simple and uncomplicated that it was sometimes difficult to believe in their success. The scammers skillfully tricked experienced managers, numerous security guards and powerful video surveillance around their fingers. One of the largest scams at casino roulette in the USA will be discussed further.
Skillful swindlers have robbed several offline casinos in different states. Some of the gaming establishments were located in Ohio. It is impossible to fully assess the scale of what happened. Who was involved in this historic scam and what was the essence of the fraud?!
Characters
A large fraudulent operation was carried out by one large group, consisting of 50-70 people. More than half of them are Dominicans who temporarily resided in the United States. According to the investigation, the presented group managed to visit and thoroughly rob gaming establishments in 18 states of the country. The scammers were first seen at the Horseshoe Casino and other Ohio casinos. Some of the information about the attackers was collected thanks to the help of members of the Casino Control Commission. No less interesting is the approach of criminals to the case.
Features of the gaming scam
The quick-witted group was guided by the rule: “Everything ingenious is simple.” In accordance with this statement, the swindlers acted subtly. They diverted the attention of managers and dealers, and then pocketed chips from the gaming table. The roles of the gang members were clearly defined. Each of them professionally performed their duty. The fraudulent scheme consisted of several stages:
- Choice of a game table. To get what they wanted, swindlers entered the game. Lively tables were preferred, with a large number of players. It’s easier to get lost in the crowd and go unnoticed. Craftsmen harnessed themselves to low stakes roulette. They preferred one-dollar chips.
- During the game, gang members chose the right moment. Appointees distracted casino employees in a variety of ways. At the same time, the rest of the group managed to steal the chips from the table.
- Cooperation with accomplices. Pocketed chips were given to other gang members in a secluded place (toilet or customer rest area). New players did not immediately cash out the chips, but tried to change chips of a larger denomination at other tables. Then the money was successfully redeemed.
Each time, the scammers adhered to a clear plan. They unconditionally performed their duties. A well-thought-out scheme allowed them to roam free for a long time. However, at some point, their free and joyful life ended. In June 2012, two women and men were detained at the Hollywood Casino. The vigilant employees of the establishment drew attention to suspicious customers, and then attracted employees of the authorities that control the activities of such establishments.
Only one member of the criminal gang appeared at the trial. She was sentenced to a fine. At the end of June, another gang member named Luis was detained. He was also ordered to pay a fine and also sentenced to one year in prison. In 2013, four more active fraudsters were detained. Many of the detainees refused to cooperate with the investigation.
And yet, the authorized bodies managed to catch only some members of the gang. Others are roaming free, probably continuing to ransack the casinos.