A former blackjack dealer at MGM National Harbor has been indicted for allegedly working with players to steal more than $43,000 from the casino. The charges were announced on June 6 by Prince George’s County State’s Attorney, Aisha Braveboy.

Surveillance Uncovers Ex-Dealer’s $43K Conspiracy with Players

Jamie Smith, 31, is accused of conspiring with three players to cheat the casino while she was employed there back in October 2023, reported WTOP News. Surveillance footage showed that Smith let these players see her cards before they made their betting choices and allowed them to change their bets after the cards were dealt and did not collect on losing ones, enabling the thefts.

An internal investigation by MGM triggered by a review of surveillance tapes uncovered the scheme. Approximately $43,250 in losses were incurred by the casino. 

Additionally, this incident also has broader implications, as MGM, along with other Maryland casinos, contributes to the state’s Education Trust Fund, which supports public education.

Maryland’s State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy said economic crimes such as this have far-reaching consequences. She noted that when individuals steal from casinos it takes away funds meant for public schools thereby robbing children of their education opportunities. However, she highlighted that this case is unique during her tenure, as most incidents at the casino typically involve more direct forms of theft or violence.

Ex-Dealer Charged with Embezzlement and Theft, Faces Up to 10 Years in Prison

Assistant State’s Attorney Joel Patterson echoed Braveboy’s sentiments saying this crime was nonetheless serious because it amounted to theft as Smith was entrusted with handling money belonging to the casino while carrying out her duties. 

Smith has been indeed charged with theft, conspiracy to commit theft and embezzlement. She faces up to ten years in jail if convicted. The charges reflect not just the theft of funds, but also the breach of trust placed in her as a casino employee. 

MGM National Harbor released a statement following Smith’s indictment saying they have zero tolerance for any illegal activity involving their employees or customers.

The company commended the swift detection and reporting of Smith’s alleged crimes while emphasizing its commitment to maintaining the highest levels of integrity when dealing with law enforcement agencies during investigations into such matters.In other recent news, law enforcement in Prince George’s County, Maryland, is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred at the MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino. The victim, an adult male, was found with gunshot wounds in the casino’s parking garage and died of his injuries at the scene.

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Juicy Stakes Casino has unveiled a fantastic new promotion for its customers. From June 3 to June 10, customers will be able to experience up to 60 extra spins on two of Betsoft’s most popular digital slot games.

In addition to that, players who make their deposits using Bitcoin will be eligible to receive an extra 30 spins, providing them with extra time to enjoy Betsoft’s hits.

The games in question are Rise of Triton and Wish Granted, two of the provider’s fan-favorite titles, both inspired by mythical themes.

Rise of Triton, for example, is a 5×3 slot that will see players undertake a journey beneath the sea to discover a realm filled with fantastic creatures and tempting treasures. With 40 paylines and high-volatility gameplay, the game offers some exciting experiences to all slot connoisseurs. In addition, the game features a Hold & Win bonus round that provides players with the chance to collect pearls for instant prizes.

In the meantime, Wish Granted offers players a night-time adventure in an Arabian setting where they will collect various coins and weapons to win prizes. The 5×3 game sports some 243 ways to win, providing players with a medium volatility experience. Wish Granted also features a Hold & Win bonus round that is activated when players land six or more coin symbols on the reels.

The new promotion is an excellent way for Juicy Stakes players to get familiar with Betsoft’s cutting-edge slot games. Players have until June 10 to claim their extra spins.

A Great Opportunity to See the Advantages of Crypto

Juicy Stakes’ manager, Peter, commented on the offer, saying that cryptocurrency offers multiple advantages. The promotion’s goal is, in part, to raise awareness of the convenience Bitcoin offers.

Not only is it fast and easy to use, but it also has very low transaction fees and enhanced privacy. It’s no surprise that Bitcoin is becoming an increasingly popular depositing method among our players.

Peter, manager, Juicy Stakes

In order to participate in Juicy Stakes Casino’s new promotion, players need to make a qualifying deposit within the promo period. A deposit of $25 or more will earn players 30 extra spins on Rise of Triton. If players made their deposit using Bitcoin, the number of spins would increase to 60.

Players who wish to play Wish Granted, on the other hand, must make a minimum deposit of $50 to unlock 60 spins. If they used Bitcoin, they would instead get a whopping 90 spins.

Players can use the promo codes available to claim both offers. The extra spins will be provided to players within 48 hours of the deposit. A detail gamblers should keep in mind is that the maximum cash-out from the bonus spins will be capped at $250.

More information about this deal and how to claim it is available on Juicy Stakes’ official website.

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MGM Resorts’ Empire City Casino is offering its players the chance to win some life-changing prizes. The property is currently offering the second-highest jackpot in its history, providing guests with a shot at a seven-figure sum.

The IGT Wheel of Fortune Triple Stars jackpot, according to the announcement, is currently standing at $1.6 million. While the jackpot is exclusive to the property, it is not the only one Empire City currently offers.

In addition to a chance to win $1.6 million, players can win one of six progressive jackpots on the casino floor. These include the $142,600 Money Link – Great Immortals jackpot, the $163,100 Hot Shot Inferno jackpot, the $164,400 Golden Fire Link jackpot, the 168,600 Quick Hits Platinum jackpot and the $345,200 Wheel of Fortune Triple Star jackpot. The largest of the six-figure jackpots at Empire City Casino, however, is the $412,100 Hot Shot Twin Fire jackpot.

Ed Domingo, president and chief operating officer of MGM Resorts’ Empire City Casino described the energy at the venue as “electric” and said that another million-dollar moment is waiting to happen. He also noted that the company has now added over 1,000 new state-of-the-art games to its gaming floor.

Another Player May Join Empire City’s Millionaires Club Soon

Speaking of jackpots, MGM Resorts’ Empire City Casino already handed five six-figure jackpots this year. These included a $144,600 jackpot on Light & Wonder Money Link, a $124,600 jackpot on Light & Wonder Ultimate Fire Link, a $122,800 jackpot on Light & Winder Monopoly Money, a $116,200 jackpot on IGT Samurai 888 Takeo Progressive and a $100,000 jackpot on Light & Wonder Double Jackpot Wild.

In the meantime, the eventual winner of the current IGT Wheel of Fortune Triple Stars jackpot would join the Empire City Millionaires Club. The club’s most recent member is Leo of Yonkers who took home some $1.9 million in December 2022.

For reference, the highest jackpot ever won at Empire City stood at almost $2.92 million and was won by Theresa of Ossining, the only two-time member of the casino’s Millionaire Club who had previously won a $1.47 million prize.

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Five people have been arrested for an alleged attempt to defraud a Canadian casino. According to Ontarian authorities, the people in question were playing a table game at Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto.

While officials did not release details about the cheating attempt, they explained that one of the arrestees was a casino dealer who was in cahoots with the players. However, an anonymous person discovered the scheme and contacted the Ontario Provincial Police Investigation and Enforcement Bureau (IEB).

The IEB, which is attached to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) was called to investigate the matter on March 18. The investigation eventually led to the arrests of the five people in question. The arrestees included Anagha Varghese, 21, Himanshu Tanwar, 25, Parkh Raheja, 25, Tajveer Kour, 21 and Yakshu Nehra, 23.

The five people were charged with multiple charges, including counts of cheat at play, breach of trust, fraud and theft. They were later released from custody and their cases were handed to prosecutors at the Ontario Court of Justice in Toronto.

Other Recent Cheating Attempts

Unfortunately, this is not the only time employees and patrons have tried to cheat casino properties. In a recent case in the United States, two employees of Rivers Casino were arrested for alleged participation in a complex cheating conspiracy at a Roulette table.

According to authorities, these included Robin Schnepp, a dealer at the casino, and supervisor Anthony Laush. The two men, according to officials, have aided players win on multiple occasions, resulting in significant winnings.

The cheating occurred with Interblock Roulette where the dealer manually spins the ball in the opposite direction of the wheel. When this manual spinning occurs, the sensors allegedly fail to detect the spinning, allowing players to continue placing bets even after the ball has already landed on a number.

Surveillance footage showed Schnepp spin the ball incorrectly multiple times, after which players would increase their bets after the ball had landed.

Last year, a Brazilian poker professional tried to cheat but was caught and suspended. The issue is that the player was dealt an extra stack of chips at the beginning of the LAPT Mystery KO tournament but did not notify an official, preferring to take advantage of the mistake.

However, another poker player saw him taking out extra chips from his bag and reported the matter, resulting in a suspension.

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Casinos on the Vegas Strip and beyond have paid out millions of dollars in jackpots to players over the past few days. This has highlighted the gambling industry’s potential to change lives and reward lucky customers.

Lucky Customer Makes It Look Easy, Wins Two Jackpots in a Row

Speaking of luck, one of the aforementioned jackpot winners won not one but two jackpots, hours apart. The fortunate player was firing up the reels of slot machines at Caesars Palace Las Vegas when they won their first prize.

After winning $165,000 at 5 am, the player continued playing for a few more hours. Five hours later, the same player struck another prize, this time winning a staggering $545,000.

Overall, the player’s journey to the casino turned into a $710,000 payday. The lucky Caesars customer preferred to remain anonymous and did not disclose their plans for the money.

Caesars Rewards Member Wins Over a Million

Caesars Palace was not the only Caesars-owned Vegas property to pay out a huge jackpot. A week ago, a Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino visitor won a jackpot of over a million dollars.

The customer, who was a Caesars Rewards member, visited the casino to play some Pai Gow Poker. To their surprise, they hit the mega progressive jackpot, receiving a whopping $1,208,521.

For reference, this jackpot was won on February 28.

Casinos Outside the Strip also Made People Rich

Beyond the Vegas Strip, a number of other Vegas casinos also turned their customers’ lives around by paying out huge prizes. These included a $450,600 jackpot from a $10 bet at Red Rock Casino on Friday. The huge prize was won by a lucky Double Double Bonus Poker player.

A day later, Red Rock paid out jackpots to a Super Double Double Bonus Poker player. After winning $200,000, the customer proceeded to play and, mirroring the Caesars Palace player, won a second jackpot, this time scooping up $160,000.

Green Valley Ranch Nevada, on the other hand, paid out $595,800 to a lucky player from Arizona.

Speaking of winners from Arizona, a visitor of the Inn of the Mountain Gods in New Mexico just won a record-breaking award for the casino. After wagering $3.75 on a slot, the woman claimed a huge $1.13 million prize.  

On the topic of jackpots, the Powerball jackpot hit $443 million for the recent drawing and, after not getting claimed, no stands at $485 million. The next drawing is scheduled for March 6.

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The UK government has announced big online gambling legislation changes coming up in September. 

The authorities have set a maximum stake limit of £2 ($2.53) for online slots that they will introduce for the first time in history at the end of 10 long weeks of consultations during which most respondents were in favor of the proposal part of the gambling white paper.  

The consultations hosted a series of industry views from providers of gambling harem treatments, academics, and individuals.

The £2 threshold will apply to players ages 18 to 24. A different £5 ($6.33) limit for adults who are at least 25 years old will also be applied. 

Countering the Risk of Life-Changing Losses

The changes come in the well-known context of the increasing popularity recorded by online casinos with special emphasis on easily accessible online slot games. 

The latter represent one of the most addictive forms of gambling and they are often associated with long gameplay sessions, binge gambling, and losing large amounts of money with serious negative impacts on players’ lives. 

The fact that they do not have any statutory stake limits, which is the case for slot machines in brick-and-mortar casinos, has convinced the government in the UK to take action. 

The lower stake limit for young adults between 18-24 has been chosen as a result of this age group having the highest average problem gambling score of all the assessed groups. 

Moreover, the group also has lower levels of disposable income, deals with neurological development that can impact the way they perceive risks, and they also need to learn how to manage money for the first time. 

Additional evidence has also shown a more powerful stronger link between harm related to gambling and suicide among the younger population.

Backup from GambleAware

Gambling Minister Stuart Andrew spoke about the evidence that “shows that there is a significantly higher problem gambling rate for online slot games.”

In connection to the vulnerability expressed by young adults concerning gambling-related harms, added Andrew, the government has decided to address both of these matters in the new white paper.

GambleAware‘s chief executive officer, Zoë Osmond, welcomed the announcement and described the decision as “an important mechanism to protect young people.”

Osmond added that while they will keep working toward fighting this “growing public health issue,” they will also work together with the government and others in the gambling harms sector to introduce better preventative measures. 

Earlier in the week, the UK Gambling Commission announced the launch of a pilot scheme for enhanced affordability checks.

In the context of GambleAware’s survey which showed strong public support for affordability checks, the pilot is expected to be successful. 

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Over the past several years, online casino gambling has skyrocketed, most notably after COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns saw people spending most of their time at home. And where brick-and-mortar casinos were once the most popular place to gamble, internet-based play has begun to replace trips to our favorite land-based casinos, largely due to convenience and lucrative casino bonuses.

According to reputable data-gathering firms, before pandemic-related closures began in 2020, global revenue for the whole of the gambling industry was USD 45.7 billion in 2019. A year later, as COVID restrictions began to loosen, that number grew to USD 55.1 billion. According to a market analysis report from Grand View Research, in 2022, the global online gambling market size was valued at USD 63.53 billion and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.7 percent from 2023 to 2030.

So what is it that makes web-based gambling so popular beyond the obvious convenience of being able to play pretty much anytime anywhere? And what makes some online casinos so much more attractive to users than others?

Casino Bonuses

Major drivers of traffic to online casinos include game selection, which often surpass the number of games found in land-based casinos, and bonuses and promotions. Many web-based casinos offer some of the best bonuses, ones that traditional casinos are not able offer. These bonuses often help players make the most of their gambling experience and money. Moreover, they just make good business sense as they attract new players and retain regular players.

A recent insightful report from CasinoAlpha revealed that out of all of the most popular casino bonuses, free promotions such as no deposit bonuses and free spins or welcome bonuses, are what users usually pick. Choosing this type of bonus allows the player to test-drive the game before making a deposit.

Here we will briefly explain the various online casino bonuses available to players.

Welcome Bonus

Sometime referred to as a new player bonus or a sign-up bonus, the welcome bonus is the most common type of bonus and is offered by an online casino when you sign-up to become a member for the first time. It is for the most part a combination of free spins and a deposit bonus. Welcome bonuses, like other bonuses come with wagering requirements, where it needs to be wagered a specific number of times before you’re able to withdraw it.

Deposit Bonus

A deposit bonus or reload bonus is basically a bonus that players receive after depositing a specified amount of money. This bonus is typically in addition to the welcome bonus as part of a promotion. Deposit bonuses usually come with a set of conditions. So you’ll want to read the T&Cs  (terms and conditions) before using the bonus and withdrawing the money you earn from it.

No Deposit Bonus

With a no deposit bonus, players are not required to deposit their own money before gambling. This type of bonus is attractive to players as it allows them to try a new game without any risk. It is generally used as a welcome to new players to an online casino or a way to reward players for continuing to gamble at a site.

Free spins

Many online casinos are generous with free spins, offering 5, 10, 15 or sometimes more than 100 spins. These slot spins can be offered on bonus rounds, specific games or from certain game developers. However, be sure to read the T&Cs carefully, as the majority of these “free spins” come with wagering requirements or a “use by” date.

Cashback Bonus

This type of bonus is offered by many online casinos and can cover a portion of your losses, if any. Cashback bonuses are given out daily, weekly or monthly. And while they can’t cover all your losses, they may still account for 20 to 30 percent of your losses. Again, make sure you read the T&Cs carefully.

Loyalty Bonus / VIP Bonus

If you’re a regular player at an online casino, you may have the opportunity to join a VIP club. Theses loyalty/VIP bonuses are bigger and better than other bonuses available at other online casinos. Additionally, these bonuses typically have lower wagering requirements. That means you can collect your winnings sooner.

And there you have it! These are some of the most popular types of online casino bonuses you will come across. They are useful tools in attracting players to online casinos. They can also be useful to players as long as they are familiar with the  T&Cs attached to offers.

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The leading supplier of casino entertainment responsible for creating premium business-to-business online slots, Play’n GO, has proclaimed the month of December 2023 as the highest-performing month in all of its history.

Play’n GO has reached a record number in terms of rounds played, daily active players, as well as gross gambling revenue. Here is a breakdown of the factors that helped the company reach the impressive toll. 

Blockbuster Game Releases and Breakout Performances 

A series of Blockbuster releases including Gargantoonz in November and the fantastic breakout performance of the studio’s iconic Piggy Blitz recorded in the US where the title was ranked first in New Jersey compared to all new releases are the primary reasons for the record figures. 

Other similarly popular titles released by Play’n GO over the past months are Raging Rex 3 and Legacy of Dynasties, two games that keep building upon the studio’s original franchises. 

The standout numbers are a clear reflection of the company’s success in regulated markets worldwide and rapidly follows its previous one-day record set for the largest number of rounds played on November 1 (250 million rounds).

Play’n GO has also strengthened its foothold in the entertainment world by announcing the launch of Play’n GO Music at the start of December 2023 while also becoming one of MoneyGram Haas F1 Team’s sponsors.

The Swedish gaming giant’s fresh music division will see it work together with a series of artists for the development of audio for upcoming games, marking a pioneering move in the industry.  

Play’n GO: “Can’t Wait to See What 2024 Brings” 

The company’s chief executive officer and co-founder, Johan Törnqvist, took the opportunity to explain that while they have been around for two decades, they are “only just getting started” while expressing eagerness to see what 2024 has in store for them. 

Törnqvist also commented on their ongoing growth plans, saying he was “immensely proud of the entire team today” while also using the opportunity to emphasize they can keep growing and breaking their own records.

The CEO called December “a great month” for the company that did not happen by chance. He explained that it took hard work and innovation across all business areas which is often not visible to observers. 

Törnqvist added that it was “brilliant to see great financial results that confirm we’re on a great path towards a sustainable and thriving business for many years to come.”

During the same record-breaking month, Play’n GO announced its growth on Italian soil via a new William Hill agreement. 

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In a provocative take during SI Golf’s Bad Takes Week, journalist Alex Miceli has suggested that PGA Tour players should be allowed to make casual wagers on golf events. Miceli proposed a limit of $100 for players, noting that the sum represented a psychological threshold. Although his proposal is hypothetical, it draws attention to golf’s sometimes contentious relationship with gambling.

Golf and Betting Have a Long-Shared History

The issue of sports wagering by athletes came to the forefront as Miceli argued for a pragmatic approach, setting a monetary threshold to ensure that bets remain small and for entertainment. He noted that gambling has been intertwined with the fabric of golf since its inception, and the PGA Tour should adapt its policies to reflect this reality.

Betting less than a C-note on golf is just plain fun, and no one is trying to get rich, just entertained.

Alex Miceli

Referencing research by Stanford University and the Journal of Gambling Studies, Miceli contended that gambling was predominantly a form of entertainment. He suggested that rather than restricting this aspect, the PGA Tour should acknowledge and accommodate it within reasonable limits, allowing athletes to enjoy its social side. Miceli argued that small bets would cause harm or compromise match integrity.

The journalist invoked the historical presence of gambling in golf, citing Old Tom Morris, widely regarded as one of the sport’s most famous historical figures, as an example. Miceli noted that Morris often placed wagers on golf challenge matches, advocating that present-day players should be allowed the same privilege. 

The PGA Regularly Engages with Operators

Recent suspensions of Korn Ferry Tour players Jake Staiano and Vince India sparked controversy as many fans noted that their harsh punishments did not reflect the severity of their transgressions. India will have to skip the game for six months, while Staiano’s penalty is milder and will only extend for three months.

Miceli questioned the irony of a Tour with an Integrity Program banning player gambling while maintaining official relationships with multiple betting operators. Staiano and India’s relatively minor bets on golf events led Miceli to advocate for a more lenient stance, accusing the PGA Tour of acting as a “fun police.” 

The PGA Tour needs to lighten up and allow a fundamental tenet of the game to proceed for everyone- including its own players.

Alex Miceli

By proposing a $100 limit, Miceli aims to strike a balance between allowing players to engage in a tradition of the game while ensuring that the integrity of golf remains intact. Despite his good intentions, his intentions are unlikely to gather momentum as wagering scandals in other sports have caused a shift in public sentiment, condemning all gambling from professional athletes.

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Since the start of the year, the National Football League (NFL), has implemented penalties against approximately a dozen players for alleged breaches of its gambling policies. Now, the League confirmed changes related to its policies, making some of the rules tougher while easing others. On Friday, the NFL unveiled changes regarding its policies which were adjusted in collaboration with the NFL Players Association.

Per the latest changes, the NFL would impose tougher penalties for players who bet on League games. Such may include an indefinite suspension for a minimum of one year. In cases when a player wagers on their own team, the suspension would be two years.

On the other hand, any attempts at match-fixing or successful manipulation would be subject to a permanent ban from the NFL. Similarly, providing tips or insider information may result in indefinite suspension, a minimum of one year. The same penalty would be applicable for proxy betting.

The biggest change in the gambling policy involves betting on sports while traveling or while at team facilities. Under the new changes, first-time offenders would be subject to a two-game suspension without pay. Second-time offenders would be penalized with a six-game suspension without pay while third-time violators of the policy would be subject to at least one year suspension without pay.

Three Suspended Players Reinstated

In a joint statement, the NFL and the NFLPA confirmed that they are dedicated to ensuring the integrity of the sport. The NFL added that it analyzes and improves its policies periodically. Moreover, the League said that the changes are communicated with the NFLPA.

“The NFL and NFL Players Association share a longstanding and unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of the game. The NFL periodically reviews the gambling policy in consultation with the NFLPA and clubs to ensure it is responsive to changing circumstances and fully addresses this commitment,“

reveals a statement by the NFL and NFLPA

Considering the changes to the gambling policies, the NFL confirmed that it is reinstating three players who were suspended under the previous policies. As a result, Tennessee Titans offensive lineman Nicholas Petit-Frere and Detroit Lions receiver Jameson Williams were reinstated effective Monday. Under the previous gambling policy, the duo would’ve stayed suspended for two more games.

On the other hand, the free agent Stanley Berryhill would also be reinstated, effective Tuesday. Similar to Petit-Frere and Williams, Berryhill was suspended from the NFL for a total of six games.

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