Casinos are places of excitement, high stakes, and fast-paced action but they are also tightly regulated, high-security environments where breaking the rules can come with serious legal consequences. From cheating at the tables to using counterfeit chips or committing theft, casino-related crimes are taken very seriously under California law. Whether you are a casual player or a frequent visitor, it is important to understand what types of activities are considered criminal and what penalties you could face if caught. Ajua Bail Bonds would like to highlight some of the common casino-related crimes and the penalties associated with them.
Cheating at Gambling Games
Cheating can include marking cards, using hidden devices, collaborating with others to manipulate outcomes, or using sleight of hand to gain an unfair advantage. California Penal Code 332 prohibits fraudulently obtaining money or property through gambling tricks or devices. Some of the common penalties:
• Misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the amount involved.
• Up to 3 years in county jail.
• Fines and probation.
• Permanent casino ban.
Even attempting to cheat can lead to arrest and prosecution.
Possession or Use of Cheating Devices
Using or carrying devices like roulette wheel predictors, slot machine hacks, electronic card readers, or marked card tools. The penalties for using cheating devices can include:
• Up to 3 years in jail
• Felony charges if the device is sophisticated or tied to an organized scheme
• Confiscation of devices and possible federal charges for tech-based fraud
Counterfeit Chips and Tokens
Creating, possessing, or using fake chips or tokens to play casino games or cash them out for real money. The penalties for using counterfeit chips or tokens include:
• Felony charges
• Up to 3 years in prison
• Seizure of all winnings and counterfeit materials
This is often treated as a form of counterfeiting and fraud and may involve federal charges in some cases.
Theft and Pickpocketing
Stealing chips, money, wallets, or valuables from other players or casino property. Stealing or pickpocketing can result in:
• Misdemeanor or felony, depending on the value stolen
• Up to 1 year for petty theft (under $950)
• Felony grand theft charges for anything over $950
• Restitution to the victim and possible civil lawsuits
Casino floors are under constant surveillance, and theft is quickly reported to authorities.
Money Laundering
Using the casino to conceal the origin of illegally obtained money, typically by buying chips with “dirty” cash, gambling minimally, and cashing out as “clean” winnings. Consequences of laundering money in a casino are:
• Felony charges
• Up to 4 years in prison
• Fines up to $250,000 or twice the amount laundered
• Asset forfeiture and possible IRS involvement
Casinos are required to report transactions over $10,000 and flag suspicious activity, making it risky to use them to launder funds.
Underage Gambling
Gambling or attempting to gamble in a casino under the legal age of 21. Penalties of underage gambling include:
• Fines and misdemeanor charges
• Possible license suspensions if you’re caught using fake ID
• Denial of entry into casinos in the future
Casinos strictly enforce age laws and use ID checks at multiple points.
Bail Bond Services in Clovis, Reedley, Sanger, Selma, Atwater, Los Banos, Merced, Visalia, Porterville, Tulare, Hanford, Corcoran, Lemoore & Greater Fresno, CA
Casinos may feel like places of entertainment and risk-taking but when it comes to the law, there’s no bluffing. Casino-related crimes in California can carry stiff penalties, from jail time to felony convictions, and even minor infractions can lead to permanent bans from gaming establishments. If you or someone you know is arrested for a casino-related crime, getting legal representation and contact Ajua Bail Bonds today.
