The Star Sydney’s parent company and one of the largest entertainment and gaming groups in Australia, Star Entertainment Group, was involved in a scandal related to alleged breaches of regulations related to anti-money laundering and other issues. As the second inquiry into The Star Sydney loomed, allegations of records falsification emerged earlier this week.

The allegations came after Liquor & Gaming NSW uncovered discrepancies between actual data from The Star Sydney and recorded and submitted gaming interactions by the venue. The probe uncovered that while the casino posted reports about its gambling interactions, CCTV and observations did not match with the reported actions to protect the consumers from excessive gambling.

Nicholas Weeks, the person appointed to the role of manager at The Star Sydney to help guide the venue to compliance, revealed that the Liquor & Gaming NSW inspectors compared recorded player protection data to actual CCTV footage and in-person observations, finding a mismatch between the information. As a result, the casino was accused of “falsification of records,” which occurred not only often but involved a large portion of the employees.

The latest hearing uncovered another major concern regarding The Star Sydney’s “ticket in, cash out”(TICO) machines. An issue with a software update on some of the machines cost the casino AU$3.2 million ($2.1 million) and according to a newly released report, people involved in the activity were reported to the police by the casino for fraud.

More than 40 people exploited the faulty TICO machines at the casino before the error was finally fixed nearly two weeks later. As announced by the Sydney Morning Herald, people who participated in the illicit activity are now facing legal repercussions as they were reported for fraud to the police by The Star Sydney.

The fraudulent activity wasn’t elaborate at all and was in fact caused by a glitch in the TICO machines’ software. Whenever a person placed two tickets into such a machine, they would receive the payout of the two tickets, but one of them would be returned to the customer. Subsequent attempts to redeem the returned ticket were successful and many people started doing so. To make matters worse, the ticket could’ve been redeemed multiple times, which is why the gambling operator lost millions after only 13 days.

The latest report told the story of a woman with the initials T.L.L., who was a recovering gambling addict. After hearing about the TICO glitch at The Star Sydney, she started to withdraw money using the same method. Overall, T.L.L. withdrew AU$57,265 ($36,900) and from that total, she spent everything but AU$5,000 ($3,200).

The TICO machine error happened last summer. Once the casino realized there was an issue, it reported the customers’ activities to the police. As a result, T.L.L. and many others were arrested and charged with fraud.

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State police have arrested two employees of Rivers Casino following an investigation into what authorities describe as a complex cheating conspiracy at a Roulette table. Robin Schnepp, a table games dealer, and supervisor Anthony Laush stand accused of aiding at least two players in cheating on multiple occasions, resulting in significant winnings.

A Roulette Game Quirk Allowed for an Exploit

Pennsylvania law enforcement initiated the investigation after Rivers Casino received an anonymous letter a few months ago detailing concerns about irregularities with Interblock Roulette. A regular patron who wished to remain anonymous shared his observations with news outlet WPXI, noting several suspicious occurrences during his visits to the casino.

In the past year, I noticed a couple glitches with it, with the digital number coming up and the delay.

Rivers Casino patron

The reported manipulation occurred with Interblock Roulette, a game that requires the dealer to manually spin the ball in the opposite direction of the wheel. Allegedly, when this manual spinning does not occur, sensors fail to detect that the wheel has been spun, allowing players to continue placing bets even after the ball has landed on a number and the outcome has been determined.

According to state law enforcement, surveillance footage captured Schnepp spinning the roulette ball incorrectly on multiple occasions, followed by a man and a woman increasing their bets after the ball had landed. Laush reportedly validated these spins, with each player walking away with over $2,000 in fraudulent winnings.

The Suspects Will Appear in Court

Police speculate that the two suspects had an arrangement with the two players and received a share of the spoils. In addition to the cheating at the Roulette table, Laush also allegedly loaded fraudulent comps onto the account of one of the players involved. The motive behind this action remains unclear.

This incident marks another case of potential criminal activity by staff. December saw a report that a Rivers casino manager in Pittsburgh reportedly stole $20,000 from the cashiers’ cage, raising concerns regarding the staff’s integrity. A casino representative briefly commented on the most recent case, noting the venue fully cooperated with law enforcement.

Schnepp and Laush’s preliminary court hearings are scheduled for 2 April. Their activities allegedly cost the casino over $10,000, and they will likely face several accompanying charges. While the legal process unfolds, establishments like Rivers Casino must uphold the highest standards of professionalism and accountability to retain the trust of their patrons. 

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Two individuals have been apprehended by FBI agents for their alleged involvement in a violent armed robbery at an illicit gambling establishment in Flushing, Queens, last July. The incident, which resulted in one person sustaining gunshot wounds, has led to charges against Jamel Berry from Astoria and Zhong Wang, a Chinese national.

Robbery at Flushing Gambling Den Leaves Victim Injured

According to authorities, the robbery took place on the night of July 19, 2023, when Berry and his accomplices, including two individuals who are currently at large, stormed into the underground gambling den located on Avery Avenue. Prior to the robbery, Wang allegedly disabled the building’s power supply to aid in the execution of the crime, as reported by the Astoria Post.

Once inside, the perpetrators assaulted one individual with a metal pipe and brandished a firearm, coercing others to comply with their demands. The group then made off with approximately $3,000 in cash before firing a shot that struck an innocent bystander in the abdomen. The victim was rushed to New York-Presbyterian Queens Hospital for medical attention and has since survived the ordeal.

Investigators managed to retrieve surveillance footage capturing Berry, Wang, and their accomplices congregating at a nearby location before proceeding to the gambling den. The footage also captured the suspects fleeing the scene following the robbery.

Astoria Man and Chinese National Detained Pending Further Legal Proceedings

During a hearing at Brooklyn federal court, prosecutors argued that both Berry and Wang posed a significant flight risk if released. They emphasized Wang’s ties to China, pointing out the absence of an extradition treaty between the United States and China, which could complicate efforts to bring him to justice if he were to flee.

Consequently, Wang was ordered to be held in custody, while Berry was placed under home detention pending further legal proceedings. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges levelled against them, with negotiations for potential plea deals reportedly underway.

This is not the first encounter with law enforcement for Jamel Berry, as he was previously convicted in 2020 for attempted criminal possession of a weapon.

The incident sheds light on the prevalence of illegal gambling dens in neighborhoods like Flushing, which have historically been targeted by armed robbers seeking easy money. 

Despite efforts to crack down on such activities, the allure of illicit gambling continues to attract criminal elements, posing a challenge for law enforcement agencies tasked with maintaining public safety.

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A man in Indiana was arrested earlier this week at a Shelbyville area casino on suspicion of a robbery of a gas station. The person suspected of the crime was identified with the initials M.C.S., a 34-year-old resident of Indianapolis, Indiana. A Fishers Police Department (FPD) statement reveals that the young man is held on charges of robbery and theft.

The incident dates back to Wednesday morning when officers from the FPD received a call about a robbery at the Circle K gas station on 9611 Allisonville Rd. The FPD statement reveals that the suspected robber entered the gas station and threatened the worker there at around 5:55 AM on Wednesday. The alleged robber claimed to have a gun in his possession and confirmed he was ready to use it unless the gas station employee gave him all of the money from the register.

The gas station employee complied with the robber’s demands and the robber left the venue with an undisclosed amount of money. During the incident, the worker at the gas station was not harmed and was able to call 911 while also catching a glimpse at the suspect’s vehicle.

Upon arrival, law enforcement reviewed video evidence which helped identify the suspect’s car. Using a system known as FLOCK/License Plate Reader (LPR), FPD officers were able to track the vehicle of the suspect to a casino within the Shelbyville area.

The Suspect Was Arrested

Law enforcement determined that the alleged robber was at the Horseshoe Casino in Shelbyville, in the same car that was used for the robbery. In a collaboration between the Indiana Gaming Commission as well as Shelbyville Police Department Indiana, the suspect was arrested. He was detained until FPD detectives arrived on the scene at the Horseshoe Casino.

“The accused was located at the Horseshoe Casino in Shelbyville in the same vehicle used at the scene of the robbery,“

reads a statement released by Fishers Police Department

Upon searching the suspect’s car, police uncovered money that matched the sum stolen during the Circle K gas station robbery. Additionally, law enforcement found clothing that matched the description of the robber. According to the FPD, the 34-year-old admitted to the crime after he was interviewed.

Under the current laws in Indiana, robberies are designated as a Level 5 felony, a crime that is punishable by up to six years of imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000. On the other hand, armed robbery, a crime in which the perpetrator uses a deadly weapon, is subject to a penalty of up to 16 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Charges for theft in Indiana are a Class A misdemeanor, with penalties depending on factors such as the value of the stolen property, whether or not the person who committed the crime has other convictions and other conditions.

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A homicide suspect has been apprehended at the Mardi Gras Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The man in question is Arthur Guty Jr, 55, who is suspected of having killed his own wife, Nicole Zambrano, in Pennsylvania.

The 26-year-old Venezuelan woman worked as a housekeeper at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort but didn’t turn up to work for three days last week. Her colleagues were unable to contact her and became concerned. Because of that, they called the police, which, in turn, contacted Guty.

Guty, authorities say, provided inaccurate and conflicting information. However, the police eventually found the young woman’s body at the couple’s residence in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, on Monday. This prompted an immediate investigation and a search for Guty.

Using Guty’s mobile device pings, the police managed to track the man to Las Vegas. The local authorities were contacted and were able to apprehend the man after looking for him for 12 hours. He was eventually discovered eating breakfast at the casino. At the time of his arrest, the man had $100,000 in cash in his possession.

Pennsylvania authorities want Guty to be extradited from Nevada so that he can be questioned in the state where the homicide happened. A warrant from the former state’s authorities charges Guty with criminal homicide and aggravated assault. The counts are yet to be officialized.

Guty Tried to Escape, Authorities Believe

Considering Guty’s situation and the money he carried with him, authorities believe that the man was trying to escape from the police. This theory is further supported by the fact that Guty provided the authorities with faulty information when asked about his wife’s whereabouts.

According to the local authorities, Guty first said that his wife was in Richmond to see a friend. He also said that she was in Florida with Guty to see his father and a dentist, as well as in Richmond to meet with Guty. At one point he also said that his wife was at the Grand Canyon.

Bob Luick, a neighbor of the couple, was interviewed by local news outlets and said that Guty suspected Zambrano was cheating on him. According to Luick, back then Guty warned that he would “kill her” if this turned out to be correct.

A Cycle of Violence

According to reports, Guty himself was the target of a murder plot previously. While this case bears no direct connection to the recent killing of Zambrano, the authorities learned that Guty’s ex-wife, Roxanne Guty, had attempted to hire a hitman and take half of Arthur Guty’s life insurance.

Roxanne Guty eventually pled guilty to lesser charges.

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A 31-year-old East Moline woman, Missy Smith, found herself in custody following an incident at the Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf on Sunday afternoon. Smith faces charges of assault on persons in certain occupations, with additional charges related to possession of a controlled substance.

Woman’s Aggressive Outburst Leads to Assault on Emergency Personnel

The commotion began when casino security sought law enforcement assistance around 2:45 p.m. due to Smith’s refusal to vacate her hotel room, reported Our Quad Cities. Upon entering the room, officers noted the distinct aroma of burnt marijuana. Allegedly in plain view were marijuana, a grinder, and a multi-colored smoking device.

As the situation unfolded, Smith encountered hotel security in the hallway while Bettendorf Fire Department EMTs attempted to assess her condition. Witnesses claim she erupted into a fit of profanity-laden threats, physically assaulting the emergency medical staff with kicks and aggressive hand movements.

Law enforcement documents state that Smith, after being placed on a medical stretcher for transportation to the hospital, escalated the situation by kicking a paramedic multiple times. Shockingly, she then gathered a significant amount of saliva and forcefully spat it into the eye of a police officer.

To manage her aggressive behavior, officers resorted to using a law enforcement restraining tool called “The Wrap” and fitting Smith with a spit hood. Even with these measures in place, she allegedly continued to forcibly spit on the paramedic while inside the ambulance.

Legal Woes Mount for Smith as She Faces Drug Charges Alongside Assault Allegations

In addition to the assault charges, Smith faces a serious misdemeanor charge for the possession of a controlled substance – marijuana. Smith is currently held at the Scott County Jail, with bail set at $5,300. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for January 11 in Scott County Court.

Authorities have not disclosed whether Smith suffered from any medical conditions that may have contributed to her erratic behavior, leaving the motive behind her actions unclear. The casino and law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the incident.

In other news, a man identified as L.L.B., 48, has been sentenced to 24 to 60 months in prison for his involvement in a casino bar fight at the former Hard Rock Casino in Stateline, Nevada. The altercation, captured on CCTV, resulted in injuries to an unnamed woman, including a fractured upper jaw and the loss of two teeth. The incident occurred in November 2021, with the sentencing taking place recently, and details about the cause of the dispute and any injuries sustained by the attacker remain undisclosed.

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This is precisely what is happening in the case of two robbers who were arrested in Oxon Hill earlier this week in connection with the robbery at MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino. Officials at Prince George’s County Police Department have confirmed the arrest and that the two individuals were in custody.

Chips Stolen, Culprits Found

The “heist” itself really isn’t as glamorous or derring-do as it might suggest. In fact, the culprits pocketed an undisclosed amount of casino chips from a table, but it was not a small operation either. Seven people had assisted in the robbery, with two now in custody and the identity of the rest a matter of time to crack, the police assured.

The robbery did see an altercation between the culprits and security staff, the latter of whom got minor injuries in the ensuing fight which allowed the suspects to escape the venue. The recent arrests may tie into other similar cases involving casino chip thefts, although the police did not provide information on whether those cases are related.

Inside Job and Casino Crime

The case of the chip thieves is not the only one of note to take a look at this week. A Rivers casino manager in Pittsburgh is said to have stolen $20,000 from the cashiers’ cage, Penn Live and several other media outlets reported.

The person, Yancy Yeater, 41, of Canonsburg works as a player services manager at the casino and is said to have been caught in the act on surveillance footage earlier this month. The cage is where all the money is handled by the public, and players come to buy chips or cash in their winnings. The theft was first established by the casino’s security staff before being referred to the police.

Bodies Found at Golden Acorn Casino

Two people who disappeared were found dead at the Golden Acorn Casino in a car. The news was confirmed by San Diego police which found the bodies of Melissa and Johnny Soto with both their disappearances and death remain a mystery although a murder-suicide version is being worked on.

The vehicle was found by the US Customs and Border Patrol. Investigation found out that the people had disappeared under mysterious circumstances and those are still being thrashed out by the authorities. The couple was, however, living separately and there was supposedly a domestic violence incident before their disappearance.

It’s said that the man died from a self-inflicted gun wound whereas the woman’s cause of death is being established.

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Financial crimes, burglaries, robberies and other criminal activities are much easier to uncover nowadays thanks to technological innovations, proactive monitoring and CCTV. Casino operators across the globe continue to invest heavily in technology to protect their online and retail operations, battling against a wide range of criminal activities, including money laundering, fraud and robberies, among others.

Earlier this week, one casino patron who visited Bally’s Evansville in Indiana, and was suspected of auto theft, was arrested, a report released by 44 News reveals. On Wednesday morning, casino security contacted law enforcement to notify them about the presence of an individual who was suspected to be involved in an auto theft.

Police units were dispatched to the Evansville casino where they identified the suspect as a 46-year-old with the initials K.S.N. The same person was suspected of a theft dating back to earlier this week, the new report reveals. It is unclear whether he was identified by CCTV footage or witnesses who were able to recognize him.

Police Officers Find Drugs, Book the Suspect in Jail

The 46-year-old suspected of the car theft agreed to a search. He was detained and police uncovered drugs in his possession. K.S.N. reportedly had a glass pipe, as well as fentanyl and meth. The person was subsequently arrested and booked in the Vanderburgh County Jail. He is reportedly facing charges related to the car theft along with drug-related charges. It is yet to be confirmed what penalty he may face if he is found guilty.

In other crime-related news, a 35-year-old man who drove his car through the fence of a solar facility that provided power to MGM Resorts recently pleaded guilty. The person caused damage to the Mega Solar Array facility located 25 miles outside Las Vegas by ramming through the fence. He then allegedly set his car on fire and fled the crime scene.

The person allegedly responsible for the damage to the solar facility entered into a guilty plea under the stipulation that he is mentally ill, KLAS reported. As a result, he accepted guilt for second-degree arson and malicious destruction of property.

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The workers, members of the powerful Culinary Workers Union, staged the protest to spotlight their ongoing contract negotiations with three major casino giants – MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Wynn Resorts.

Las Vegas Workers Stage Peaceful Protest as Union Negotiations Intensify

The demonstration saw workers forming two separate circles, strategically positioning themselves in the middle of the bustling thoroughfare, reported the Associated Press. As the sun dipped below the horizon, police officers began the process of arresting around 58 protesters who had engaged in the act of civil disobedience, sitting peacefully in the street.

Yet Lieutenant Mark Lourenco, a spokesperson for the Las Vegas police, assured that the strike action was peaceful.

The Culinary Workers Union, representing approximately 60,000 members, has been negotiating contracts for about 40,000 of its members whose agreements recently expired. Their demands cover a range of issues, including pay raises and improved working conditions. Union spokesperson Bethany Khan stated that all members currently enjoy health insurance and earn an average of $26 per hour, including benefits.

The rally served as a precursor to a potential strike, with the union’s leaders emphasizing their preparedness to take more significant actions if negotiations fail to yield satisfactory results. Ted Pappageorge, the union’s secretary and treasurer, hinted at the possibility of thousands of workers walking off the job in the coming weeks if progress is not made at the bargaining table.

Las Vegas Workers Ready for Massive Walkout as Talks Stall

In the midst of the crowd wearing red shirts, Kimberly Dopler, an experienced cocktail server at Wynn Las Vegas, conveyed the collective determination of the workers. She stated that she hoped the companies would heed their demands and understand that they were serious, indicating their readiness to initiate a walkout.

The Culinary Workers Union, historically a formidable force in Nevada, has not staged a strike in over three decades. Their recent show of strength mirrors a nationwide trend of workers’ strikes, including those in Hollywood and the automotive industry, indicating a growing wave of labor activism across the United States.

Despite ongoing talks, little progress was made, leading to disruptions on the iconic Las Vegas Strip. The talks are set to resume with Caesars Entertainment on October 27, followed by talks with Wynn Resorts on October 30.In an additional shake-up of Sin City, Las Vegas recently grappled with a cybersecurity threat at MGM Resorts International, raising concerns about data security and operational disruptions within the hospitality sector.

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A woman who was on a date with an older man was arrested earlier this week after allegedly taking nearly $60,000 from his hotel room safe at Caesars Palace. The 27-year-old woman with initials H.M., suspected of the crime, was arrested near her home on West Sahara Avenue on Tuesday this week, a report released by the Las Vegas Review-Journal reveals, citing data from the Metropolitan Police Department.

Executing a search warrant on her home, law enforcement seized some $5,200 in the form of Caesars casino chips. Additionally, police uncovered $11,700 in cash that was also taken in as evidence in the case. Reportedly, the young woman is facing charges of burglary, as well as grand larceny of more than $25,000 but less than $100,000.

The suspect is scheduled to appear in court next month on November 22, 2023. It is yet to be determined what penalty the young woman may receive for the alleged crimes. Still, a grand larceny of more than $25,000 but less than $100,000 is a category B felony that may be subject to a penalty between 1 to 10 years in prison, as well as a fine that can be up to $10,000.

A Night Out Results in Missing Chips and Cash

According to the police report, the young woman was on a date with a man who was 30 years older than her. The name of the man was not disclosed. However, the police report confirmed that the couple met through an online dating site called “Seeking Arrangement.” Allegedly, the 27-year-old agreed to stay together with the man for two days and nights in exchange for a fee of $2,500.

The duo stayed at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas and on the first day, the man allegedly paid the fee to the young woman. Moreover, he agreed for her to keep her purse in his hotel room safe. Besides her purse, that safe contained some $7,000 in gambling chips along with $50,000 in cash that belonged to the gentleman. The 27-year-old was then allegedly given the combination number to the safe verbally.

On the second night, the two visited the Sphere for a U2 concert. At some point, the young woman left saying that she needed to go to the restroom. Some 15 minutes later, she still hadn’t returned, and this is when the man sent her a text asking if she was okay. While he never received a response, some 30 minutes after she was gone, the man asked Caesars to block the access to his room. Once he returned back to his room at Caesars Palace, the man found that his possessions were missing from the safe.

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