Despite the extensive efforts of casinos in terms of security, incidents do take place in such establishments from time to time. Generally speaking, weapons of any sort are not permitted on the gaming floors and to ensure the well-being of their guests, casinos constantly monitor this through CCTV surveillance, live security and use of metal detectors. However, unprovoked and unexpected attacks are difficult to counter or prevent, which is the case for a Washington State casino that became a scene of a violent stabbing.

The criminal case involved a 31-year-old man with the initials R.F., who was arrested after allegedly stabbing one visitor of the Muckleshoot Casino and Resort. The violent act dates back to the late hours of Saturday and early morning on Sunday. At around 10 PM on Saturday, the suspect arrived at the casino and according to a report by KOMO, he was after killing “an associate.” The 31-year-old entered the casino and searched the gaming floor but after he couldn’t find the person he was looking for, decided to kill someone else instead.

Unfortunately, this was the case for one visitor who fell victim to the attacker. A 29-year-old man with the initials B.L., who was gambling at a craps table, was approached by the suspect from behind. Then, the 31-year-old allegedly took out a box cutter and violently stabbed the victim, slashing his neck. Sadly, the 29-year-old victim, who did not know the attacker, nor expected to be attacked, passed away on the casino floor from the fatal wounds.

After the stabbing, which occurred around 1:30 AM on Sunday, the suspect was detained by casino security. A box cutter knife was collected as evidence from the crime scene by police. So far it is unclear how the suspect was able to bring in the murder weapon.

Suspect Held on a $5 Million Bond

During the suspect’s first court appearance on Monday, prosecutors told the judge that the attack was random and violent. Referring to the vicious stabbing, a prosecutor said: “It occurred in front of a large group of people.”

Considering the unprovoked attack, Judge Jill Klinge concluded that there is probable cause for charges against the 31-year-old suspect. The Judge set a whopping $5 million bond for the suspect of the violent attack, while he also may face charges for first-degree murder.

Currently, murder in the first degree is the most serious type of homicide in Washington State. Such crimes are identified as intentional, and individuals convicted of murder in the first degree are subject to a sentence of life imprisonment.

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A group of four individuals from Illinois is facing charges in connection with a sophisticated baccarat scam that reportedly swindled the Wind Creek Bethlehem casino out of a staggering $300,000. The alleged scheme, involving six individuals in total, unfolded in the early hours of March 13, culminating in the detention of the four accused parties.

Illinois Group Employed Strategic Card Placement and Cellphone Tracking

According to court documents, Zu Lin, Yuhan Hu, Liping Zhou, and Zhencan Chen, all residents of Illinois, were apprehended by authorities following the departure of two other members of their group, Fuxiang Liu, and alleged ringleader Qingyong Zhang, reported local media outlet Lehigh Valley Live. The incident occurred around 7 a.m. at the Wind Creek Gaming Office.

Police reports suggest that the scam commenced shortly before 4 a.m. as the six individuals congregated at a reserved baccarat table on the casino floor. Qingyong Zhang, the purported mastermind, employed various techniques, including strategic card positioning and covert cell phone use, to track the order of cards as the deck was shuffled.

Subsequently, Zhang and Hu temporarily left the gaming area, reconvening at Hu’s hotel room before returning to the table to resume play. At approximately 5:10 a.m., Zhang allegedly signaled for the group to escalate their betting activity, prompting a series of lucrative wins over the ensuing half-hour.

Following their successful stint at the baccarat table, the group dispersed, with Zhang and Liu exiting the premises while the remaining four members engaged in other games within the casino. During interrogation, Hu disclosed that Zhang had compensated him with $5,000 for his participation, with all proceeds from the operation reportedly funneled to Zhang himself.

The Four Members of the Gourp Face Felony Charges

Further investigation revealed prior involvement in similar illicit gambling activities by Hu and Zhou in Illinois and Missouri, respectively. Consequently, the four apprehended individuals are facing felony charges of participation in a corrupt organization. While Lin, Hu, and Chen managed to post bail set at $100,000, Zhou remains in custody at Northampton County Prison.

Notably, the accused individuals, aged between 28 and 51, all hail from Chicago, with Lin being the exception, originating from Mount Vernon, Illinois. Legal representatives for the defendants have yet to provide comment on the matter, leaving lingering questions surrounding the intricate web of deception orchestrated within the confines of the Wind Creek Bethlehem casino.

Baccarat is seemingly a coveted mark for scammers. Recently authorities in Pennsylvania have been actively searching for Jianchu Liu, a 47-year-old Chinese national suspected of involvement in a professional cheating ring targeting baccarat games at casinos across the United States, including Mohegan Pennsylvania. 

Liu’s alleged sophisticated cheating method involved recording card sequences with his cellphone, prompting casino surveillance to identify him. Despite a warrant for his arrest on fraud-related charges, Liu remains at large, and authorities are seeking public assistance in locating him. This incident adds to a series of recent baccarat-related cheating scandals, including accusations against a Mohegan Sun dealer in January.

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A criminal case against one gang member who participated in an attempted robbery that turned into murder gained traction earlier this week. The incident dates back to October 2019 when Ryan Gatzke, 27, was fatally shot and killed in his home by three members of a gang known as the “Terror Squad.”

On Monday this week, a filing with the case in North Battleford Provincial Court in Saskatchewan, Canada, from April 2021 was released to the public, revealing that the gang members were allegedly tipped by a casino worker that Gatzke had money in his home, as announced by Sask Today.

Additionally, on Monday this week, the youngest gang member, who was 17 at the time of the crime, agreed to be sentenced as an adult. Another three Terror Squad members were apprehended and sentenced for Gatzke’s murder already. The list includes Charles McLean, the gang’s getaway driver who pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced in March 2022 to four years in prison.

On the other hand, Isaac Melco, another gang member pleaded guilty to manslaughter as well and received 12 years in prison back in February 2023. Similarly, Jacob Ballantyne, the third gang member who was involved in the bloody crime also pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to eight years in prison back in June.

According to the April 2021 filing, which was recently made public, the gang members were told that Gatzke had money and drugs by a person who worked at a casino the victim visited earlier on the night of the incident. Prior to attempting to rob the victim, the Terror Squad members were given approval from senior members of the gang.

A Robbery Turns into Bloody Murder

The aforementioned incident dates back to October 18, 2019. At the time, Gatzke, together with his wife, visited a casino in North Battleford. Senior Crown Prosecutor Jennifer Schmidt revealed Monday that the couple won some money at the casino. “Not a large sum but some money,” she explained, outlining the two had a “fairly good night.” The victim and his wife had dinner as well as drinks before heading home.

Later on the same night, Gatzke’s home was invaded by Melco, Ballantyne and the third gang member whose name was not disclosed since he was 17 years old at the time. Gatzke and his wife were in bed when they were surprised by the three gang members who consumed a lot of alcohol, drugs and were wearing face masks.

The youngest culprit held a shotgun, Ballantyne was equipped with a 9mm handgun while Melco carried an SKS rifle. After an altercation with the victim, a total of three shots were fired. Gatzke was shot twice, while one bullet hit the bedroom ceiling. One of the shots severed the victim’s artery which was a lethal injury.

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A baccarat dealer at Mohegan Sun, Yu Wen Fu, 64, faces charges of manipulating games, resulting in a $124,000 loss for the casino.

Dealer Accused of Prearranging Cards, Resulting in Massive Casino Losses

Tribal police discovered Fu’s alleged malpractice on April 21, 2023, after a pit manager observed him handling cards suspiciously. Surveillance cameras captured Fu setting up the deck before a specific player, Haoen Jiang, approached, reported Connecticut media outlet The Day.

Rather than adhering to the standard procedure of washing cards on the table, Fu arranged them in a specific order, allowing him to deal with prearranged cards when Jiang played. Police investigation revealed a pattern of collusion between Fu and Jiang, with the casino’s losses totaling $124,260 between March 29 and April 20, 2023.

In the game of baccarat, where players bet on the outcome of the dealer or player’s hand reaching closest to nine, Fu allegedly signaled the appearance of the nine by strategically placing face cards in the deck. Surveillance footage tracked the chips paid out on each hand, determining the extent of the winnings.

Upon questioning, Jiang denied collaboration with Fu but had Fu’s cell phone number on his device. Jiang claimed their last conversation was about concert tickets and was subsequently ejected from the casino, facing no charges.

Baccarat Dealer Maintains Innocence Amidst Larceny Charges

Fu, suspended pending investigation, maintained his innocence, asserting that cards accidentally turned face up during the wash, and he merely fixed them without rearranging them for personal gain. 

Arrested on November 15, Fu faces charges of first-degree larceny, second-degree larceny (four counts), and third-degree larceny. Released on a $25,000 bond, Fu was arraigned in New London’s Part A court on January 8 for serious crimes.

In other news, a fortunate visitor at Mohegan Sun, identified as Jose S. from Stafford, Connecticut, recently struck gold with a remarkable $525,094 jackpot while playing Super 4 Progressive Blackjack. 

The casino, known for its extensive gaming options, houses the exclusive game in its Casino of the Earth, offering an array of table games, slot machines, and additional entertainment amenities across its spacious 180,000-square-foot facility along the Thames River in Southeastern Connecticut. 

Mohegan Sun, with over 1,600 luxury hotel rooms and various entertainment venues, continues to attract visitors seeking both gaming excitement and diverse leisure experiences.

Mohegan Sun’s advantageous location makes it an ideal destination for visitors from neighboring states. The entertainment and casino resort is conveniently situated near various attractions, including antique shops and museums, providing guests with diverse and interesting options to explore.

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Problem gambling can often result in huge debts or in some cases push people to commit different crimes. Usually, such crimes are related to embezzlement, fraud or even robberies, resulting in criminal charges against those who decide to break the law. This is precisely the case of an assistant priest from Washington County, Pennsylvania, who was accused of stealing more than $100,000 from his parish.

Father George Athanasiou, an assistant priest with the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church in North Strabane, was arrested late last month over allegations of theft from his church. After his arrest in November, he is facing 223 counts of theft, forgery and unlawful taking of funds. It’s important to mention that anyone charged with a crime isn’t automatically guilty and remains innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

In Athanasiou’s case, allegations claim that he stole some $117,000 in funds from his parish, a recent report released by WPXI-TV reveals. Reportedly, the assistant priest was able to obtain the money through illegal cashing of checks. However, when questioned, Athanasiou admitted having a gambling problem, which sheds light on his decision to steal from his church.

On Monday, the assistant priest waived his preliminary hearing. After posting bond, he was released, and he will have to undergo a mental health evaluation. While Athanasiou’s case was with the Washington County District Attorney’s Office initially, it was reassigned to the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. This move comes after it was discovered that some members of the County District Attorney’s Office were reportedly members of the All Saints Greek Orthodox Church.

The Embezzlement Continued for More than a Year

Allegedly, the assistant priest started to steal funds from his church in April 2022. Athanasiou, who was a member of the church for nearly five years, reportedly continued to embezzle funds before his arrest late last month. It is yet to be confirmed whether the assistant priest used the money to gamble at land-based casinos, engage in online gambling activities or placed wagers on sports.

“People are upset, but a lot of the church people are actually supporting the father and, I’m gonna tell you right now, we’re gonna pay back all this money, every cent.“

Pat Thomassey, defense attorney for Father George Athanasiou

Pat Thomassey, the attorney defending Athanasiou, said that his client disclosed to law enforcement that he had a gambling problem without going into much detail. “He had a gambling problem. He alluded to that in the statement he gave to police. And, that’s not uncommon today,” explained the attorney. Thomassey outlined that many people are frustrated with what happened but hinted at plans for restitution for this case.

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Documents obtained through a freedom of information request have exposed attempts by one of the United States’ largest online gambling operators to weaken rules aimed at protecting young and vulnerable individuals and addressing problem gambling.

FanDuel, owned by the Dublin-based gambling giant Flutter Entertainment, allegedly lobbied against a proposed ban on specific words and phrases that could attract potential problem gamblers to their platforms.

Problem-Gambling Advocates Slam “Industry Hypocrisy”

New York, the nation’s largest gambling market with over $2.1 billion wagered last month, has become a battleground for operators seeking dominance in the lucrative industry since the legalization surge following the US Supreme Court’s 2018 decision.

The documents reveal FanDuel’s objections to proposed sports-betting advertising rules, particularly opposing restrictions on ads near college campuses where the legal age for gambling is 21. The company argued against a ban on using certain keywords to attract potential problem gamblers, claiming the rule was impractical and subjective, as reported by The Guardian.

Advocates for greater problem-gambling support expressed concern over the apparent hypocrisy of gambling companies that initially supported regulations before legalization but now seem intent on weakening them. 

Brianne Doura-Schawohl, a problem gambling lobbyist, stated that the industry is using responsible gambling practices to legalize markets but attempts to overturn regulations when influencing them.

FanDuel Calls Rules Subjective and Impractical in Real World Environment

FanDuel, which has not commented yet, has previously declared its commitment to player protection and promoting healthy gambling habits.

However, in a memo dated September 27, the New York State Gaming Commission’s general counsel, Edmund Burns, outlined FanDuel’s objections to rules prohibiting the use of keywords to attract potential problem gamblers. The company argued that the rule was subjective and impractical, likening it to a liquor store not being able to advertise to potential alcoholics.

Another contentious point was FanDuel’s objection to a ban on advertising near college campuses, arguing that the language was vague and could include unaffiliated residential and commercial areas nearby. The commission’s staff defended the ban, citing the need to prevent predatory marketing from reaching underage students.

The documents also revealed objections to rules for the fantasy sports market, with FanDuel opposing measures holding operators strictly liable for allowing prohibited individuals, such as minors, to use their platforms. The company also sought the removal of a rule requiring compulsive-gambling assistance messages in advertisements.

These revelations have sparked concerns among advocates and industry observers, highlighting the need for continued scrutiny and regulation to ensure the protection of consumers, particularly those vulnerable to problem gambling.

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A person identified with the initials J.G., an 18-year-old hacker from Wisconsin, who allegedly stole over $600,000 from DraftKings giant by hacking into the online accounts of more than 1,000 registered players, has pleaded guilty to the charges brought to him.

J.G. allegedly stole the login and password information of over 1,600 DraftKings members and used the information to hack into over 60,000 accounts on the online sports betting platform in November 2022. 

“Fraud Is Fun”

As per information from federal prosecutors in Manhattan, the teenager has been accused of sending the stolen login information to other individuals who then made use of it to withdraw over $600,000 from around 1,600 accounts. 

The procedure, which is referred to as credential stuffing, was openly admitted by the 18-year-old who attempted to take cash out of other players’ accounts in an illegal manner. He transparently texted one of his co-conspirators saying “Fraud is fun,” according to official court documents, adding that he was “addicted to seeing money” in his account.

When investigators searched his home in February 2023, they allegedly discovered a series of programs that the teenager had used in credential stuffing.

The young man had apparently used more than 700 individualized files to set up a website used to launch the cyber-attacks on his computer. The device contained around 40 million password and username combinations, according to law enforcement representatives. 

DraftKings Says It Reimbursed All the Stolen Money

The investigation also found that the hacker had stolen more than $2.1 million prior to his 18th birthday, making around $15,000 per day between 2018 and 2021 alone.

He pled guilty to a count of conspiring to commit computer intrusion. The charge features a five-year in-prison maximum sentence. The alleged hacker will be sentenced at a later date. 

His case is prosecuted by the Southern District of New York’s Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. 

The prosecution is represented by assistant US attorneys Kevin Mead and Micah Fergenson.

The company has confirmed the hacking event but did not provide any names in the suit. 

DraftKings also reimbursed all the stolen money from customers, using a statement issued by a spokesperson to explain the safety and security of the personal and financial information of their customers “is of paramount importance” to them.  

The hacker was also charged with alleged swatting, which is the process of practice of making a hoax call to the emergency services. It is believed that the teenager paid people with Bitcoin to make fake bomb-threat phone calls to his high school because he was “bored” and eager to go home, according to court documents. 

Earlier in the week, DraftKings unveiled its new Progressive Parlay feature that will target the fantasy gaming market in an attempt to push back against the growing popularity of competing fantasy sports operators.

The news follows the operator’s launch during Maine’s first weekend of regulated sports betting via a partnership with Passamaquoddy Tribe and the publishing of its Q3 results showcasing strong performance. 

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The hearing between Andy Sanborn, the owner of the Concord Casino and former New Hampshire Senator, and the Lottery Commission was delayed for the second time recently. The latest delay comes after Sanborn’s defense claimed that he was too ill to effectively defend against the accusations that he spent COVID-19 relief funds for personal expenses.

As announced by The Concord Monitor, Sanborn’s lawyer, Zachary Hafer, recently confirmed that his client was very sick. “We’re also dealing with lots of medical appointments and side effects from medical appointments. I’d rather not get into the specific details, but he’s very sick, very, very sick,” he explained.

Additionally, Hafer pointed out that he was new to his client’s case and needed more time to familiarize himself with the details. He cited extensive information and documents that are tied to the investigation against his client, asking for a postponement of two months.

“We are asking for two months, which is about a quarter of the time that the investigation took. We think that’s really reasonable here. We think that it would afford a process in which we can defend these charges.“

Zachary Hafer, an attorney representing Andy Sanborn

The latest delay marks the second time the hearing between Sanborn and the Commission has been pushed back. The investigation against the former Senator comes ahead of his gaming operator license expiration set for December 31, 2023. According to the investigation against him, he was unsuitable to hold a license in New Hampshire. Even if Sanborn is found unsuitable to hold a license in the state after the hearing with the Commission, he may appeal that decision with the Supreme Court.

Using COVID Relief Funds for Personal Expenses

An eight-month-long investigation against the former Senator uncovered that he allegedly obtained $844,000 in federal COVID-19 relief funds fraudulently. Accusations against him claim that the money was used for a lavish lifestyle, including purchasing expensive sports cars for himself and Laurie Sanborn, his wife. He allegedly concealed personal expenses as business transactions, transferring some $183,500 into his personal accounts.

The established regulations do not allow casinos to benefit from COVID relief funds. Yet, the investigation claims that Sanborn concealed the identity of his company and instead of Concord Casino, filed the application with the name Win Win Win LLC. According to the investigation, the activity of his business was described as miscellaneous.

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Financial crimes are difficult to solve, but not impossible. With such crimes, there’s always a trace that is linked to the money and this is precisely the case of a former employee at the Aria on the Las Vegas Strip that was accused of stealing more than $770,000 in fraudulent hotel reservation refunds. As reported by KLAS, the suspect, a 38-year-old hotel operations manager with the initials B.R.J., is facing 15 charges for his alleged involvement in the scheme.

Unlike some fraudulent operations that involve multiple individuals, so far, the 38-year-old management employee is the sole suspect for the embezzlement. B.R.J. first joined MGM Resorts’ hotel back in 2013. He held the role of operations manager, allowing him to process refunds, as well as other financial transactions. Yet, earlier this year, amid suspicions about his lavish lifestyle, B.R.J. ended his employment at the Aria abruptly.

Reportedly, the suspect is currently held without bail in Clark County Detention Center. A hearing on his source of funds is scheduled for September 11, 2023. At that hearing, the 38-year-old needs to prove that the money he may use for his bail was obtained through legal ways. On September 19, 2023, a preliminary hearing is scheduled on his case.

Overall, the former Aria hotel operations manager faces 15 charges for the alleged fraudulent activity. Charges against B.R.J. include an unlawful felony act regarding computers, attempted money laundering/money laundering, two charges for theft of more than $100,000 as well as two charges for theft of more than $5,000 but less than $25,000. Additionally, he faces nine counts of theft of more than $25,000 but less than $100,000.

Suspect Allegedly Completes 309 Fraudulent Transactions

The charges against the former hotel manager arose after one of his coworkers grew suspicious of his lavish lifestyle. The suspect allegedly used the ill-gained funds to buy a home, fly with private jets and shop for luxury items. When asked about his expensive lifestyle by his coworker, the suspect claimed he worked for wealthy clients as a private chef.

Yet, suspicion continued to grow until the suspect’s coworker did an audit, uncovering that B.R.J. processed a staggering 309 refunds for hotel accommodation to a single credit card – his own. The coworker immediately notified the management which resulted in an investigation by the police as well. Overall, B.R.J. allegedly completed fraudulent transactions for a year, between July 2022 and July 2023.

After the start of the investigation near the end of July this year, the suspect abruptly quit his job by only sending a text message. Then, on August 31, 2023, Metro police were contacted by Las Vegas Defense Group, a law firm representing the former hotel operations manager. Consequently, he surrendered to the police on September 1, 2023.

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Former New Hampshire senator Andy Sanborn, owner of the Concord Casino, is now under intense scrutiny after allegations of COVID-19 relief fraud and extravagant personal spending. The state’s Attorney General John Formella and the Lottery Commission jointly announced that Sanborn is considered “not suitable” to be involved in charitable gaming due to the alleged misconduct.

Sanborn Accused of Fraudulently Obtaining COVID-19 Loan and Lavish Spending

The investigation by the Attorney General’s Office uncovered that Sanborn purportedly fraudulently secured a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan of $844,000 from the Small Business Association, reported NBC Boston. It is claimed that he diverted these funds for personal use, including the purchase of high-end vehicles. The funds were reportedly used to buy two Porsche 987 Cayman S race cars for himself and a Ferrari F430 for his wife, state Rep. Laurie Sanborn. The couple is also accused of disguising personal expenses as business-related transactions, with Sanborn funneling $183,500 into his accounts under the guise of rent payments.

Sanborn’s actions not only raise concerns about financial misconduct but also impact his involvement in the charitable gaming sector. The Lottery Commission is pursuing revocation of Sanborn’s gaming facility license and his game operator employer license. Sanborn has a limited window of 10 days to appeal the decision. The Attorney General’s Office is simultaneously conducting a criminal investigation into the matter, while also referring the case to the US Attorney’s Office for further criminal proceedings.

Sanborn Faces Legal Hurdles in Bid to Expand Casino Ventures

The allegations come at a pivotal moment for Sanborn, who sought to expand his gambling enterprise with a new casino project on Loudon Road. However, this endeavor now faces legal challenges, with critics asserting that public notice was insufficient before the city’s planning board’s vote.

Aside from the Concord Casino, Sanborn manages The Draft, a restaurant and bar conveniently situated adjacent to his casino in downtown Concord.

In another twist, Sanborn’s wife, Laurie Sanborn, who is a state representative, is heading a legislative commission focused on examining New Hampshire’s gambling laws and their impact on charities’ revenue share. The unfolding events have prompted calls for her removal from the commission due to potential conflicts of interest.

Hailing from Bedford, Sanborn served four consecutive terms in the state Senate before his unsuccessful congressional bid in 2018. Meanwhile, his wife, Laurie Sanborn, currently holds her seventh term in the House, where she assumes the roles of Speaker Pro Tempore and Chair of the Ways and Means Committee. The fallout from these allegations extends beyond the gaming industry, impacting both the Sanborns’ personal reputations and their political connections. As the investigation progresses, the citizens of New Hampshire await further developments and the potential ramifications for the state’s gambling landscape.

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