Detroit Casino and Gambling Crimes

Detroit Casinos: 7-24-365 On Site Security & Video Monitoring

Passage of a statewide ballot in 1996 gave the go-ahead for casino gambling in the City of Detroit. Presently the following large-scale casinos are located in Detroit and dominate the gambling scene in the Midwest: MGM Grand Detroit, Hollywood Casino at Greektown and Motor City Casino.

Michigan casinos and gambling activities are regulated by the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act. Crimes that occur at a casino are prosecuted under State of Michigan laws and enforced by the Michigan Attorney General or Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, or both. Crimes committed in violation of federal laws are prosecuted by the US Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan.

Casinos have hundreds of security officers on the payroll to monitor the activity on the casino premises of casino patrons and employees. Additionally, the Michigan State Police, Detroit Police, and Wayne County Sheriff’s Department are available to investigate casino crimes or engage in undercover law enforcement operations.

Contact ABDO LAW if you are faced with a criminal investigation or charged with any misdemeanor or felony that occurs anywhere in the City of Detroit or at any Detroit casino. Call 586-412-5555 for a free confidential consultation.

Cheating at a Casino is a Felony

Any attempt to cheat at a casino game, including capping or topping chips, is punishable as a felony. Pursuant to MCL 432.218, the following conduct (partial list) is punishable by imprisonment for not more than 10 years or a fine of not more than $100,000.00, or both, and barred for life from a gambling establishment in Michigan, for doing any of the following:

• Keeping track of the cards played in a gambling game.
• Cheats at a gambling game.
• Manufactures, sells, or distributes cards, chips, dice, a game, or a device that is intended to be used to violate this act.
• Places a bet after acquiring knowledge, not available to all players, of the outcome of the gambling game that is the subject of the bet or to aid a person in acquiring the knowledge for the purpose of placing a bet contingent on that outcome.
• Claims, collects, takes, or attempts to claim, collect, or take money or anything of value in or from the gambling games, with intent to defraud, without having made a wager contingent on winning a gambling game, or claims, collects, or takes an amount of money or thing of value of greater value than the amount won.
• Uses counterfeit chips or tokens in a gambling game.

Specific Examples of Cheating at a Casino

In the Detroit casinos, live video surveillance and other sophisticated technology is employed to watch for any criminal activity on casino property. Literally thousands of cameras are placed strategically to watch the action at the tables and within all public areas of the casino. According to a source, there are approximately 6000 cameras and monitors at the Greektown Casino which provide live monitoring of gaming tables from multiple angles of view.

Cheating to gain an unfair advantage at a casino is a crime and encompasses a number of activities. One activity that constitutes cheating at a casino is a crime known as “capping” or “topping” casino chips. Capping casino chips occurs when an original wager is topped with additional chips by the participant after a winning hand is revealed. The act of topping additional chips on a smaller wager is usually achieved by sleight of hand when the dealer is not paying attention. The chips are palmed within the participant’s hand and then placed directly on-top of the original bet in what appears to be a natural movement or gesture. Cheating can also occur when casino employees or dealers are involved in scamming the casino or conspiring with patrons. Casino scams by employees may involve false shuffling of cards or payment of unearned wagers. It is embezzlement for an employee to take anything of value from an employer. Embezzlement of property valued at $1,000.00 to $20,000.00 is a felony that can carry 5 years in prison.

Drug Crimes, Assault, Disorderly Conduct, Prostitution

In addition to crimes that involve cheating at the gambling tables and slot machines, there are an assortment of other ways to get into trouble at casinos including:

• Assault and Domestic Violence
• Public Intoxication
• Disorderly Conduct
• Solicitation of a Prostitute
• Larceny
• Drug Crimes

Whether you are a serious gambler and just someone that goes to a casino occasionally for entertainment, we hope you have fun and win big! However, if you find yourself in trouble for any criminal offense that occurs in the City of Detroit or on casino property, contact ABDO LAW for comprehensive misdemeanor and felony criminal defense representation. Do not talk to the police if you are accused of a crime. As soon as our firm gets involved, we will develop a case strategy to get you out of the system with the best possible results. We welcome all clients from anywhere in Michigan including non-residents that live out-of-state or in Canada. ABDO LAW offers convenient ways to retain us over the internet or by appointment. Same day and weekend appointments are available.

Call for a 100% confidential free consultation. Phone: 586-412-5555