Investigation Launched into Casino Staff for Alleged Cheating with Marked Cards
Two employees of an unnamed hotel casino in South Korea’s Jeju Island are facing allegations of fraud after reportedly using marked cards to deceive three Chinese tourists and gain KRW100 million (US$72,000) at a blackjack table.
The incident occurred on June 7 and 8, with the suspects being investigated by the Jeju Provincial Police Agency. The victims, who were unaware of the cheating, left the country following the incident.
Authorities believe that the dealers manipulated the game by using specially marked cards with subtle alterations to their backs or edges.
Suspicious Profits Trigger Investigation
Jeju officials, alongside the National Forensic Service, operate a monitoring system to oversee casino operations on the island. The system flagged abnormally high profits from blackjack, leading to a thorough examination of the casino’s practices.
The investigation revealed altered cards and surveillance footage supporting claims of game manipulation. Subsequently, the case was escalated to the police, who formally booked the two dealers for fraud.
Administrative actions against the casino will be determined once the criminal inquiry concludes, according to Jeju authorities.
Restrictions and Dependencies
Jeju’s casino industry primarily caters to foreign visitors, with South Korean nationals restricted from participating. The sector heavily relies on tourists from China and other East Asian regions for revenue.
It remains unclear if other individuals at the casino were involved in the cheating scheme or what happened to the money gained illicitly from the players.
Previous Scandal Resonates
The allegations are reminiscent of a past casino scandal in South Korea involving executives, managers, and dealers working together to cheat tourists. In that case, individuals were convicted for rigging games against Chinese and Japanese gamblers.
The defendants received suspended prison sentences, with the case highlighting ongoing challenges within the country’s casino industry.