Six individuals have been charged in connection with a sophisticated baccarat scam targeting the Hard Rock Casino. Authorities allege that the group orchestrated a scheme to manipulate baccarat games, resulting in significant financial losses for the casino. The investigation highlights ongoing efforts to combat gambling-related fraud and maintain the integrity of casino operations
Authorities have charged six individuals in connection with a sophisticated cheating scheme that defrauded Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana of more than $700,000 in less than a week. The group is alleged to have orchestrated a high-stakes baccarat scam that extended across ten casinos in at least six states.
Hard Rock Casino Hit with $700K Baccarat Fraud
Court documents filed in Lake Criminal Court identify Jianchu Liu, Fuxiang Liu, Qingyong Zhang, Honghui Wu, Daiqi Wang, and Yuhan Hu as the suspects in this elaborate baccarat cheating operation. Utilizing a combination of card manipulation, concealed cameras, and coordinated team betting strategies, they exploited vulnerabilities in the game, according to reports from the Northwest Indiana Times. Each individual now faces felony theft and gambling fraud charges, with arrest warrants issued for all.
The conspirators specifically targeted baccarat tables where dealers inadvertently revealed card faces during shuffling. Their tactics included hiding smartphones beneath cigarette packs to covertly record card sequences. One accomplice would review the footage-often in secluded areas like restrooms-while teammates placed substantial bets, sometimes exceeding $20,000, armed with advance knowledge of the card order.
Investigators further uncovered that the group strategically selected particular tables and dealers to capitalize on opportunities to glimpse cards. On occasion, one member obstructed casino security cameras by holding a scorecard in front of the dealer’s hands, enabling another to tamper with the card shoe or capture video evidence undetected.
Technology-Fueled Baccarat Scam Causes Widespread Casino Losses
Unusual betting patterns-such as large wagers placed near the conclusion of hands-raised suspicions among casino staff. Initial investigations considered dealer collusion, but phone records disproved any communication between the dealer and suspects. It was determined the dealer’s unique shuffling technique inadvertently facilitated the cheating.
The deceptive operation at Hard Rock Casino mirrored similar scams executed by the same group across multiple states, including Illinois, Mississippi, New York, Pennsylvania, and California. Authorities noted the crew was expelled from a Chicago casino soon after its opening, having already inflicted significant financial damage elsewhere.
Legal filings reveal the fraud spanned from July 2023 to March 2024, yielding illicit profits exceeding $1.5 million. Law enforcement characterizes the scheme as meticulously planned and highly adaptable, relying on advanced technology, teamwork, and an expert understanding of baccarat mechanics.
As the investigation continues, multiple state agencies are collaborating to apprehend the suspects and determine the full extent of their criminal activities.
