A table games dealer at York Hollywood Casino in Pennsylvania is facing serious charges after allegedly stealing thousands of dollars in casino chips, according to a criminal complaint filed Aug. 7, per ABC27's Jared Weaver.
Surveillance footage allegedly showed 42-year-old Eric Sagnor of Paradise pocketing chips, state police said.
Key Takeaways
- Casino dealer faces charges after allegedly stealing nearly $8,000 in chips
- The criminal complaint was filed Aug. 7.
- The dealer worked at the York Hollywood Casino in Pennsylvania.
The case began April 28 when a single chip was discovered on the casino floor in an area where chips are not used. Sagnor also refused to “clear his hands,” a standard procedure when dealers show both palms to prove they aren’t concealing anything.
A review of 30 days of security footage allegedly revealed additional incidents of theft, totaling $7,875 in stolen chips. Sagnor was arrested and charged with theft, receiving stolen property, and using fraud or manipulation to reduce a loss.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 22.
Grand opening of Hollywood Casino Joliet
While a Pennsylvania casino deals with a scandal, PENN Entertainment marked a new chapter in Illinois with the grand opening of Hollywood Casino Joliet.
The $185-million land-based property officially opened Aug. 11, replacing the riverboat casino that had operated on the Des Plaines River since 1992. The new property spans roughly 189,000 square feet, offering around 1,000 slot machines, 43 table games, a retail sportsbook under the ESPN BET brand, and multiple dining options.
The project created about 450 construction jobs and now employs roughly 600 staff members, PENN said. CEO Jay Snowden emphasized the company’s intent to remain invested in Will County, citing tax revenue contributions and long-term job creation as benefits of the relocation.
Las Vegas casinos end poker chip cashing across properties
Meanwhile, poker players in Las Vegas are adjusting to a major policy shift on the Strip. Some of the city’s largest casino operators, including MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, Wynn Las Vegas, and Venetian, will no longer allow poker chips from competing properties to be cashed at their cages.
The change, which has the support of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, is aimed at reducing the potential for money laundering. Sister properties remain an exception, but for many poker players, the new rule will bring inconvenience. Previously, cashing out chips at a different property saved time and made it easier to move between games. Now, players must cash out chips at the end of each session to avoid the hassle of visiting multiple casinos before leaving town.
The policy also reflects broader changes in Las Vegas poker. The Strip once hosted a dozen or more card rooms, but that number has declined since the pandemic, and some poker professionals argue that cities such as Los Angeles, Austin, and Miami now offer more vibrant poker scenes.
