Philadelphia Casino Cheating Scam Ends With Five Arrests

Article by : Erik Gibbs Jun 13, 2024

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A sophisticated cheating scheme involving a table games dealer and three patrons led to a significant financial scam at Live! Casino Philadelphia, resulting in the illicit acquisition of $170,000. Following a thorough investigation by law enforcement authorities, the individuals involved were arrested in April and May.

The main orchestrator of the scheme was Khai Ho, a dealer at Live! Casino Philadelphia, located in South Philadelphia. Ho colluded with patrons Dong Liao, Jessica Yao, Hang Lin, and Van Tran to manipulate the outcomes of two popular casino games: Baccarat and Pai Gow Tiles.

In the Baccarat game, Khai Ho employed a deceptive technique to alter the appearance of the game results. By switching hands during the dealing process, Ho created the illusion of player wins, which led to the involved patrons being paid out on these fabricated victories.

In the Pai Gow Tiles game, Ho executed false shuffles, ensuring that the sequence of tiles remained unchanged. This allowed the players, who had prior knowledge of the tile order, to place bets with a guaranteed outcome, securing an unfair advantage and resulting in substantial winnings.

The proceeds from these deceitful practices were shared among the conspirators. Khai Ho received his cut through cash payments made outside the casino premises, maintaining the façade of legitimate operations within the establishment.

Legal actions were promptly taken against those involved in the scam. On April 19, Khai Ho, Jessica Yao, and Dong Liao were apprehended in the casino, marking the initial wave of arrests.

Subsequently, Hang Lin and Van Tran were taken into custody over a month later. All individuals faced charges of felony theft and misdemeanor cheating, reflecting the severity of their actions and the significant impact on the casino’s operations.

Live! Casino Philadelphia, however, refrained from commenting on the incident despite inquiries. The casino’s response to the scandal remains unclear, and specific security measures implemented to prevent such cheating are not publicly known.

Casinos across Pennsylvania, including Live! Casino Philadelphia, have been prompted to enhance its security protocols in response to the persistent threat of cheating. The necessity for stringent surveillance and robust preventive measures is evident, as evidenced by recent cheating incidents at other establishments within the state.

For instance, earlier this year, Two Rivers Casino Pittsburgh dealt with an internal cheating scandal involving employees at a roulette table.

Similarly, Mohegan Pennsylvania, experienced two notable cheating cases: an off-track wagering sports writer who manipulated unpaid sports bets to amass nearly $10,000 in January, and a $20,000 cheating scheme involving a dealer and a patron, also in January 2023.

These incidents highlight the continuous battle against fraud and deception in the casino industry. The cases serve as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining vigilant security practices and the ongoing efforts required to safeguard the integrity of casino operations.