Star Sydney Roulette Fraud
In a notable case of casino fraud, a 23-year-old dealer at The Star Sydney casino and his 22-year-old partner-in-crime have been charged with allegedly ttampering with roulette games in late 2023, gaining over $25,000.
The New South Wales Police’s Organised Crime Squad initiated Strike Force Antree in October 2023 to investigate corrupt activities within NSW casinos.
Their findings suggest that during September and October 2023, the duo worked together to adjust bets on the roulette table after the ball had landed, scamming the house.
The Star Sydney Casino was the first to detect and report the suspicious activities to the authorities, leading to the investigation. Both men have been charged with enabling conduct that corrupts a betting outcome and attempting to obtain a benefit in a casino by dishonest means. They appeared before the Downing Centre Local Court on November 1, 2024.
This incident is not isolated; similar cases have surfaced in Australian casinos over the years. In 2018, a baccarat dealer at Crown Melbourne was accused of conspiring with three patrons to defraud the casino of approximately $400,000. The dealer allegedly peeked at and memorized cards to assist the players in placing winning bets. He was convicted on 15 counts of dishonesty and sentenced to a two-year intensive correction order, including 250 hours of community service.
In another instance, a former dealer at The Star Entertainment was found guilty in 2021 of peeking at cards during baccarat games to aid associates in cheating. He was convicted of multiple dishonesty offenses and received a two-year intensive correction order.
These cases underscore the ongoing challenges casinos face in maintaining game integrity and stopping people scamming them. They highlight the importance of vigilant surveillance and prompt reporting by casino staff to uphold fair play and trust in gaming establishments.
As the legal proceedings for the recent roulette rigging case unfold, it serves as a reminder of the critical role of oversight and regulation in the gambling industry to deter and address such schemes.