Part IV: Financial Fraud · Internal Collusion & Employee Fraud

Scam #7: Pocketing Chips from Dealer Tray (Direct Theft)

How it works

A dealer steals chips directly from their own chip tray during play, typically by palming high-denomination chips during busy periods, when reaching for payouts, or during shift changes. The stolen chips are hidden on the dealer’s person (in pockets, socks, or specially modified clothing) and removed from the property at the end of the shift. Dealers may target moments of maximum distraction - large payouts, disputes at the table, or when the pit boss is occupied elsewhere. In one documented case, a dealer was caught after 30 days of surveillance footage review showed him systematically pocketing chips with his right hand during every shift. The theft was only discovered when a chip fell out of his pocket in the employee area.

Where it appears

All table games with chip trays

On the record

In 2025, a Pennsylvania casino dealer was accused of stealing chips after a chip fell out of his pocket. Police reviewed 30 days of surveillance showing systematic theft. In 2020, a man stole $14,050 in chips from a closed table at Macau Casino in Lakewood, Washington.

Published as a detection reference for surveillance, compliance and gaming-operations professionals. Thresholds and tuning are set by the property. Nothing here is instruction — the method is described so it can be recognised.