A blackjack dealer at the Rivers Casino Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania is facing charges after being caught dealing fake hands and causing a loss of $21,869 for the property. Jamie L. Smith, a 33-year-old dealer, was caught on surveillance footage overpaying winnings and not taking stakes from lost hands between October 26 and November 2.
The behavior started with seven fake hands on the first day and escalated to 71 hands by November 2. Smith’s shifts totaled 31 hours during this period, and she was arrested when she showed up for work on November 8. She now faces charges of conspiracy, knowingly manipulating a game of chance, and theft by unlawful taking.
A preliminary hearing for Smith is set for November 20, and she is currently out on an unsecured bond. It is unclear if she was working alone or if she was conspiring with others to cheat the casino out of money.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of surveillance and enforcement in the gaming industry to prevent fraud and maintain integrity in casino games. Smith’s actions not only resulted in a significant financial loss for the casino but also tarnished the reputation of the gaming industry as a whole.
It is essential for casinos to have strict protocols in place to prevent fraudulent behavior by employees and to ensure that all games are conducted fairly and in accordance with regulations. This incident highlights the need for ongoing monitoring and training to detect and prevent cheating in casinos.
The consequences of cheating in the gaming industry can be severe, both for the individuals involved and for the reputation of the casino. In addition to facing criminal charges, individuals who engage in fraudulent behavior can also face civil penalties and may be banned from working in the industry in the future.
Overall, the case of the blackjack dealer at the Rivers Casino Pittsburgh serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of integrity and honesty in the gaming industry. Casinos must remain vigilant in detecting and preventing fraud to protect their assets and maintain the trust of their customers.