Hawaiian Gardens casino card dealer accused of stealing $15K in gaming chips

A card dealer at a casino in Hawaiian Gardens was arrested for allegedly stealing more than $15,000 in gaming chips, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced Wednesday.

The dealer, who was not identified Wednesday, was taken into custody on suspicion of grand theft by the California Department of Justice at The Gardens Casino on April 15, according to Bonta’s office.

“When someone entrusted with maintain fairness in a card room instead stacks the decks for themselves, they must be help accountable,” Bonta said in a statement. “This case is an excellent example of good investigative work and a timely arrest. Gaming must be conducted with integrity and transparency.” 

The DOJ received a tip about the stolen gaming chips back in March. Officials said the department’s Bureau of Gambling Control (BGC) made the arrest after collaborating with cardroom staff.

According to the attorney general’s office, the BGC works to regulate cardrooms and casinos, making sure gambling in the state is “conducted honestly, competitively, and free from criminal and corruptive elements.”