HI-TECH CASINO HEIST BUSTED
Police probe after major poker game scam is foiled
CON artists tried to plunder a casino using a hi-tech card trick.
Police are probing claims a punter and a card dealer attempted to rig a poker game and swipe a load of cash from the Alea in Glasgow.
POLICE are investigating a hi-tech attempt to rob a major Scots casino.
Their probe centres on collusion between a card dealer and a customer.
It’s understood the pair tried to use a sophisticated electronic con to cheat in a poker game.
But it’s believed they were rumbled fairly quickly after suspicions were raised by other players and security staff.
Management of the Alea Casino in Glasgow’s Springfield Quay then called in police.
Extensive inquiries were carried out by police last Thursday, though it is understood the 24-hour casino was able to continue as normal.
A source said: “Police arrived on the scene just before midnight.
“Earlier, a punter had called them to complain that he thought there was cheating going on at one of the poker tables.
“The suspicion fell on some players at a particular table.
“These are private players who are not connected to the casino itself. One particular guy is a well-known regular at the casino.
“There is speculation that there was a cheat of some sort going on – or an attempt to cheat – involving mobile phones.
“But there is strict security and normally this sort of thing would be detected without too much difficulty.”
Sources have told the Record the method used by the pair involved computerised devices made to resemble mobile phones, though this has not been confirmed.
The devices read a “marked” deck of cards used by the dealer and relay information to the player, telling them the value of individual cards ahead of them being dealt.
A spokesman for the casino said: “Alea Casino Glasgow can confirm that an incident of collusion between a poker croupier and poker player occurred on the evening of Thursday, July 26.
“The Alea management team quickly intervened and alerted the police. We take casino security very seriously and we are supporting the police with their inquiries.”
A police spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that we have received a report of fraudulent activity during a game at Alea Casino and inquiries are at an early stage.”
It is understood a call was received by police at about 8.30pm.
An insider said: “Police did attend but it was not like a game was closed down or anything like that. There were extensive inquiries carried out within the casino.
“Normal business carried on at the casino both during and after the police were on the scene.”
We take casino security very seriously MANAGEMENT OF ALEA GLASGOW
Police confirmed that no arrests have been made in connection with the allegations.
Casinos use hi-tech security to ensure fair play.
Alea offer 24/7 facilities for punters. Their website says the venue is “spread over two stunning floors”, boasts views of the River Clyde and city skyline and “has the look and feel of a five-star hotel with the customer and dealer service to match”.