MOUNTLAKE TERRACE, Wash. — A gambler is charged with cheating a Washington casino out of more than $38,000 after his alleged sleight of hand was caught on camera.
Surveillance video released by the Washington State Gambling Commission shows one of the 38 times investigators say 51-year-old Fredrick Steven Nolan cheated the Crazy Moose Casino in Mountlake Terrace, KIRO-TV reported.
After distracting the dealer by requesting an exchange of chips, through sleight of hand, investigators say he moved a card from one spot to another, folded two of the spots and produced a straight flush.
"Our suspect visited the casino almost daily for a six-week period. He was careful, though. We reviewed, and it looks like he never went to the same dealer more than about twice in a night," said Heather Songer, of the Washington State Gambling Commission.
On a night in January, investigators say Nolan played three spots of High Card Flush.
Investigators say that single cheating act cost the house at least $3,280.
All told, prosecutors say Nolan cheated the Crazy Moose out of $38,335.
"Casinos are a big target," Songer said. "There's a lot of money flowing through and there's a big temptation. Unfortunately, we do see frequent situations where people switch cards or utilize other cheating schemes, but they're almost always caught."
Nolan is charged in Snohomish County with a felony and a gross misdemeanor.
Prosecutors in King County, Washington, are now reviewing evidence about incidents there.
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