When you’re in a casino, you have to remember, someone always has an eye on you. If it’s not the eye in the sky or security guards, it could be the person you’re sitting next to.
That was the case for a former poker dealer at the JACK Cleveland Casino who allegedly stole from the pot while working. It was a tip from a casino patron that prompted the investigation.
According to records from the Ohio Casino Control Commission, the patron talked to a casino manager and said that Jason Saliba was taking chips from the pot in the poker room. After receiving this tip, investigators worked with the casino’s staff to review video footage and found five instances of Saliba stealing from the table. The casino fired him the next day.
Poker Dealer Facing 14 Charges
The indictment that was handed up accuses Saliba of stealing 14 times over a one-month period. He now faces 14 charges for violating casino gaming laws, a fifth-degree felony, and a misdemeanor theft charge.
The misdemeanor charge indicates that he allegedly stole less than $1,000.
Ohio law states that a theft is classified as a misdemeanor if the amount stolen is under $1,000 and a felony if the amount is $1,000 or above. Saliba could get up to 12 months in jail for the felony charge, and up to 180 days in jail for the misdemeanor charge, if he is convicted.
How Do Casinos Track Poker Chips?
In addition to relying on human interaction, casinos use several smart methods to keep track of poker chips.
One of the main ways they do this is by putting tiny RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) chips inside each poker chip. These microchips send information about the chip's value and whereabouts, allowing the casino to monitor them across the gaming floor. This technology helps prevent theft and counterfeiting because it keeps a digital record of all the chips' movements and transactions.
Besides using RFID technology, casinos also rely on high-definition cameras placed around the gaming tables and throughout the casino. As it was with the Cleveland casino case, these cameras let security staff watch the chips and games closely. Surveillance teams, working with the tech systems, look out for anything unusual or any discrepancies in chip counts.
Employees also receive training on the proper ways to distribute, collect, and count chips. They often conduct audits and inventory checks to ensure the number of chips in use matches their records.
Poker Chips And Online Casino Games Evolving
Casino chips have come a long way, evolving from simple tokens to incorporating modern technology, much like the advancements seen in online casino games. Many of today's high-tech chips can even scan fingerprints and track their location, enhancing security and efficiency in casinos.
Similarly, online casinos have taken a leap forward by introducing live dealer games, which bring the authentic experience of a real-life dealer straight to your screen. Plus, the variety of online casino games has expanded well beyond traditional options like poker, baccarat, and roulette.
Which is why combining human oversight with modern technology, has become very important for casinos to effectively keep a close eye on their chips.
