In the world of casinos, the glitz and glamour often overshadow a darker underbelly. The recent opening of a new casino has made this clear beyond doubt as a criminal charge related to embezzlement was controversially dropped, sparking a wave of discussions about crime in the casino industry.
Casinos are a magnet for a variety of crimes, including embezzlement, fraud, money laundering, and tax evasion.
The obscene amounts of cash that circulate within a casino make it a tempting target for both patrons and staff.
In this particular case, an employee was accused of embezzling a staggering $700,000, a crime that could have had significant consequences for the casino and landed the suspect behind bars for many years.
However, the charge was dropped, leaving many to question the circumstances surrounding the case.
Danika Young, 38, was arrested on July 30, and faced up to 20 years behind bars. Her lawyer said:
“She is thrilled. Her family is thrilled. She feels extremely vindicated. Her position hasn’t wavered from the beginning that she didn’t do anything wrong.”
While the details remain confidential, it's worth noting that the legal landscape around casino-related crimes is complex and the poker community doesn’t always get the full story.
In California, for example, illegal gambling is a misdemeanour carrying up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1000. Yet, the penalties for financial crimes in casinos can be much more severe.
Casino security plays a crucial role in preventing such crimes and we almost always assume it is bordering on fool proof, but that’s not always the case.
Modern casino security is a multimillion-dollar investment, involving hi-tech surveillance cameras throughout the premises, monitoring of employees, and close collaboration with local law enforcement.
Despite these measures, crimes do occur, highlighting the ongoing challenge of maintaining security in these establishments. The number of such crimes reported on this website are far more numerous than most would expect.
The opening of a new casino is always a significant event, bringing with it economic opportunities but also potential risks.