Summary:
- The scheme cost the casino $43,250.
- Smith faces embezzlement and theft charges.
- The case is the first of its kind for the MGM National Harbor.
A former blackjack dealer at MGM National Harbor in Maryland is facing serious charges after begin caught cheating with other players.
Thirty-one-year old Jamie Smith is accused of working with at least three people to cheat while working at the casino. Yesterday, Prince George County State Attorney Aisha Braveboy announced the details of the scheme and the indictment of Smith.
Short-Term Scheme, Big Price to Pay
Smith allegedly engaged in a theft scheme at the casino from October 2 to the 8th, last year. Smith is accused of working with three people and allowing the players to see her cards before they decided what to bet. She also allowed the players to change their bets while a hand was taking place.
Smith did not collect lost bets and she allowed players to complete actions that are not allowed in the game. In total, the dealer allowed the casino to lose $43,350 with the scheme. The individuals were caught based on security footage at the casino.
The actions of Smith not only cost the casino but it also had consequences connected to public schools in the state. Casinos pay into the Education Trust Fund which is used to help students. DA Braveboy stated that the act of cheating was in a sense, stealing from the children of Maryland.
An Unusual Case
Braveboy stated that the case was an unusual one for MGM National Harbor. The property tends to deal with theft related to snatch-and-grab cases or fights. This marks the first time a dealer hatched a plan to steal from the venue.
While the incident may be a first for MGM National Harbor, it is not the first time a dealer has colluded with players to steal. Just a few weeks ago, an incident in Pennsylvania made headlines involving the Rivers Casino.
A dealer, supervisor, and player were charged with theft involving an electronic roulette table game. Losses in this case were lower, estimated at just over $10,000. Reportedly, the dealer would spin the ball in the same direction that the wheel was moving to cause an error in the game sensors.
The supervisor would come over and bets would continue as normal, though they shouldn’t have. The players would be paid thanks to the fob of the supervisor who agreed to the payments.
Other incidents have taken place as well in the past, which showcases why video camera surveillance is required at casinos. The providers need to be able to watch the action as it happens and catch any potential cheaters in the act. Such video footage can then be used to file charges against the perpetrator.
About the Author
