Rivers Casino Worker Accused of Overpaying Patrons, Engaging in Fraudulent Activity
A Rivers Casino employee in Pittsburgh has been charged with dealing nearly 200 fraudulent blackjack hands between October 26 and November 2, 2024. Pennsylvania State Police have accused Jamie L. Smith, a 33-year-old from the Brighton Heights neighborhood of Pittsburgh, of engaging in illegal activities at the casino’s table games.
Surveillance footage captured by police and gaming enforcement agents reportedly shows Smith deliberately overpaying customers on both winning and losing bets. Smith also failed to collect money from losing bets or remove chips from the “float,” the rack where casino chips are kept during gameplay. The fraudulent activity occurred during multiple instances spread over several days in late October and early November.
Investigation Uncovers Hundreds of Fraudulent Hands
According to a sworn affidavit from law enforcement, the fraudulent hands totaled 192 instances, resulting in a financial loss of $21,869 for the casino. The surveillance footage provided crucial evidence in connecting Smith to the illicit activity. Investigators noticed that the hands being dealt were highly irregular, including instances where Smith appeared to give patrons more favorable outcomes than what was warranted by the game.
The incidents took place on specific dates: October 26, 28, and 30, as well as November 2. Each date saw Smith involved in a series of suspicious blackjack hands that ultimately cost Rivers Casino nearly $22,000 in fraudulent losses.
Authorities have charged Smith with a series of offenses related to cheating and theft, raising concerns about integrity within Pennsylvania’s commercial casino industry. While Smith has yet to comment publicly, the legal proceedings are expected to unfold in the coming weeks.
The Impact of Fraudulent Activities in Casinos
Casinos rely heavily on surveillance technology and strict regulations to prevent cheating and maintain the integrity of their operations. Instances like this highlight the vulnerability of even highly regulated gaming environments. Fraudulent activity, especially involving employees, poses a significant threat to casinos’ financial stability and reputation.
The Rivers Casino incident is not an isolated case, as casinos across the U.S. have had to deal with cheating scandals involving both patrons and employees. Such actions can undermine trust in the gaming industry and prompt tighter regulations and internal scrutiny.
What’s Next for Rivers Casino?
For Rivers Casino, the loss of $21,869 may seem relatively small in the context of the casino’s overall operations. However, the larger concern is the breach of trust within the establishment. Casinos must ensure the safety and fairness of their games to maintain customer loyalty and avoid damaging their reputations. In the wake of this incident, Rivers Casino is likely to review its security and operational procedures to prevent future occurrences.
Additionally, with the casino industry facing increased competition in states like Pennsylvania, maintaining a clean image becomes even more critical. As gaming laws tighten and new technologies emerge to detect fraudulent activities, casinos will need to remain vigilant.
