What Should I Do if I am Accused of Cheating at a Casino?
If you go to an Atlantic City casino, you should go to be entertained. Going with the intent to cheat or commit another crime is not a good idea. Think you can beat the odds? Think again. If you commit a casino crime, there is a high likelihood of getting caught, arrested, and jailed.
Cheating in a casino is taken very seriously in New Jersey and is prosecuted under the Casino Control Act (N.J.S.A. 5:12-113 to 5:12-115). Cheating involves any attempt to gain an unfair advantage through deception, tampering, or manipulation. It includes:
- Using marked cards, loaded dice, or hidden devices to predict outcomes.
- Changing wagers after results are known.
- Colluding with dealers or casino staff.
- Tampering with slot machines or gaming devices.
- Using electronic or mechanical aids to track cards or influence outcomes.
- Possessing cheating devices within a casino.
New Jersey’s gaming laws are among the strictest in the country. Cheating is generally an indictable crime in New Jersey, punishable by up to 18 months in prison, fines up to $10,000, and permanent exclusion from all New Jersey casinos.
If you are accused of cheating, you need to take the accusation seriously because even a misunderstanding can lead to an arrest. Here is what you should do:
- Remain calm. Casinos are heavily monitored and have trained security and surveillance staff. If you’re stopped or questioned, stay calm and avoid confrontation. Do not argue. Do not try to explain or justify your actions on the spot. Anything you say can be used against you later.
- Do not answer further questions without legal counsel. Ask for an attorney before making a statement or signing documents. A skilled Atlantic City casino crime lawyer can review surveillance footage, question casino procedures, and ensure your rights are protected.
- Remain silent. If police become involved, you have the right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment and New Jersey law. You must identify yourself, but you are not required to answer investigative questions. Say, “I wish to speak with an attorney.”
- Do not consent to searches without a warrant. Casino security or police may try to search your belongings or devices. Politely state that you do not consent to any search unless they have a valid warrant. Keep in mind that illegally obtained evidence can be suppressed in court.
- Preserve evidence and witnesses. If you believe you were wrongly accused, note where you were, which table or machine you were playing, and who was nearby. If possible, obtain contact information for witnesses who can confirm your version of events. Request an attorney immediately.
Contact Us Today
Cheating in a casino is a serious crime. If you have been accused of such a crime, you need to understand the charges and possible defenses.
Contact an Atlantic City casino crimes lawyer, Melissa Rosenblum, for help with your case. We have decades of experience protecting our clients’ legal rights. To schedule a consultation with our office, contact us at (609) 904-6262 or online.