- A blackjack dealer from the Penn National Hollywood Casino allegedly worked with two players to steal nearly $17,000 from the casino.
- Investigators claim the gambling scheme utilized hand signals and improper dealing to rack up $16,555 in fraudulent winnings.
- The trio was identified and charged with two felonies and two misdemeanors.
GRANTVILLE, Penn. – A cheating blackjack dealer conspired with two players to earn nearly $17,000 in fraudulent winnings from the Penn National Hollywood Casino in Dauphin County. The gambling scheme consisted of blackjack dealer Yadav Bhandari, 22, and two players named Shankar Karki, 37, and Prakash Tharpa, 24.
Reports show the trio allegedly worked together through hand signals, improper payouts, and more that resulted in exactly $16,555 of fraudulent winnings for Karki and Tharpa. The two were improperly paid out until they actually left the table, according to investigators.
How Did Those Involved In The Blackjack Cheating Scheme Get Caught?
According to a report from a local news station, “Hollywood Casino Surveillance called State Police about suspicious activity at a blackjack table where the trio was from Saturday to early Sunday morning. It was reported to State Police the surveillance team was investigating a “significant loss” that happened at the table.”
They later compiled information from Penn Entertainment Player’s Cards, driver’s licenses, and surveillance video to identify the perpetrators. Now that the Pennsylvania blackjack cheating scheme fell through, those involved face serious charges and an unsecured bail of $5,000.
All three people involved face felony theft charges by deception, as well as an additional felony conspiracy charge. They also are charged with misdemeanors of knowingly winning or reducing a loss by trick, fraud, or manipulation, plus another misdemeanor charge for unlawfully manipulating with intent to defraud or cheat.