Gossip Column: Poker dealer caught red-handed stealing from pool at JACK Cleveland Casino PokerGuru

In news that has sent ripples through the poker community, an experienced dealer is at the prestigious JACK Cleveland Casino has been caught red-handed stealing chips from the very tables he was entrusted to manage. Jason Salibaa 51-year-old resident of North Olmsted, Ohio, is now facing a slew of charges, including 14 counts of casino gambling offenses — a serious fifth-degree felony — and an additional charge of theft.

The incident unfolded on September 6 when an alert casino patron noticed Saliba’s suspicious actions and immediately alerted casino management. The player allegedly witnessed Saliba subtly siphoning chips from a pot he dealt, a blatant breach of trust that shattered the casino’s image of integrity.

Casino staff acted quickly and reviewed surveillance footage that corroborated the player’s claims. Saliba’s illegal actions were captured in high-definition, thanks to the sophisticated surveillance system that monitors every move on the casino floor.

The subsequent investigation of Ohio Casino Control Commission revealed even more damning evidence. Surveillance footage revealed five additional instances in which Saliba was apparently caught on camera engaging in similar illegal activities. Over the course of a month, investigators allege Saliba made off with chips on 14 separate occasions. While the total value allegedly stolen is under $1,000, the ramifications of his actions are far-reaching.

Under Ohio law, theft under $1,000 is treated as a misdemeanor, while thefts exceeding that threshold elevate to felony status. In light of the charges, Saliba could potentially face up to 12 months in prison for the felonies (if the total value of the stolen chips is later found to exceed $1,000) and an additional 180 days for the misdemeanor. He was quickly terminated from JACK Cleveland the day after the violations were verified through video evidence.

Unfortunately, Saliba’s case is not an isolated incident. He is the second person recently charged with stealing from a casino’s table games. Ellis Quinn, a Tennessee man with a history of cheating at multiple casinos, was charged with cheating at craps at the casino on July 31. He was indicted last month.

These cases highlight the wider challenges casinos face in ensuring fair play and maintaining the integrity of their games. The Ohio Casino Control Commission, which oversees and investigates gambling crimes, reported 24 cases of cheating at state casinos from July 2023 to June 2024, including 12 at JACK Cleveland Casino alone. Those convicted of such offenses face serious consequences, including being banned from Ohio venues and added to the commission’s involuntary exclusion list.

Casinos like JACK Cleveland use cutting-edge technology to protect their assets. Each poker chip is embedded with tiny RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) chips, which allow for real-time tracking of their movements and prevent potential theft or counterfeiting. In addition to RFID technology, the casino has high-definition surveillance cameras strategically placed around gaming tables and throughout the venue. These measures are supported by trained security teams and regular audits to maintain strict control and monitoring of casino operations.

Saliba’s case now moves toward a pre-trial status conference scheduled for Dec. 3 at 6 p.m Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court. This will be a decisive step in determining the course of justice.

Saliba’s case is a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and integrity in live poker play. It also highlights the effectiveness of modern casino security measures to detect and deter such crimes.