Gossip Column: Poker Dealer Caught Red-Handed Stealing From the Pot at JACK Cleveland Casino

In news that has sent ripples through the poker community, a seasoned dealer at the prestigious JACK Cleveland Casino has been caught red-handed pilfering chips from the very tables he was entrusted to manage. Jason Saliba, a 51-year-old resident of North Olmsted, Ohio, now faces a slew of charges, including 14 counts of casino gaming law violations – a serious fifth-degree felony – and an additional misdemeanour theft charge.

The incident unfolded on September 6 when a vigilant casino patron noticed Saliba’s suspicious actions and immediately alerted the casino management. The player reportedly witnessed Saliba subtly siphoning chips from a pot he was dealing, a blatant breach of trust that shattered the casino’s image of integrity.

Casino staff acted swiftly, reviewing surveillance footage that corroborated the player’s claims. Saliba’s illicit actions were captured in high-definition, thanks to the sophisticated surveillance system that monitors every move on the casino floor.

The ensuing investigation by the Ohio Casino Control Commission uncovered even more damning evidence. Surveillance footage revealed five additional instances where Saliba was apparently caught on camera engaging in similar illicit activities. Over a month, investigators assert that Saliba made off with chips on 14 separate occasions. While the total value allegedly stolen is under $1,000, the implications of his actions are far-reaching.

Under Ohio law, theft under $1,000 is treated as a misdemeanour, whereas thefts exceeding this threshold elevate to felony status. Given the charges, Saliba could potentially face up to 12 months in jail for the felony charges (if the total value of the stolen chips is later found to exceed $1,000) and an additional 180 days for the misdemeanour. He was swiftly terminated from JACK Cleveland the day after the infractions were verified through video evidence.

Saliba’s case is, unfortunately, not an isolated incident. He is the second individual recently charged with stealing from a casino’s table game. Ellis Quinn, a Tennessee man with a history of cheating at multiple casinos, was accused of cheating on craps at the casino on July 31. He was indicted last month.

These cases underscore the broader challenges that casinos face in ensuring fair play and maintaining the integrity of their games. The Ohio Casino Control Commission, which oversees and investigates gambling crimes, reported 24 instances of cheating at state casinos from July 2023 through June 2024, including 12 at the JACK Cleveland Casino alone. Those convicted of such offences face severe repercussions, including being banned from Ohio’s gambling establishments and added to the commission’s involuntary exclusion list.

Casinos like JACK Cleveland employ cutting-edge technology to safeguard their assets. Each poker chip is embedded with tiny RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) chips, allowing for real-time tracking of their movement and preventing potential theft or counterfeiting. In addition to RFID technology, the casino has high-definition surveillance cameras strategically placed around gaming tables and throughout the venue. These measures are bolstered by trained security teams and regular audits to maintain strict control and oversight of casino operations.

Saliba’s case is now moving towards a pretrial status conference, scheduled for December 3 at the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court. This will be a crucial step in determining the course of justice.

Saliba’s case is a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and integrity in live poker games. It also highlights the effectiveness of modern casino security measures in detecting and deterring such crimes.