Former MGM National Harbor Dealer Accused in Cheating Scheme

Posted on: June 7, 2024, 04:55h. 

Last updated on: June 7, 2024, 08:48h.

Ed Silverstein @casinoorgedsilv Read More
Expertise: Legal, Tribal Gaming.

A one-time blackjack dealer is facing multiple charges after she took part in a $43K cheating plot at Maryland’s MGM National Harbor casino, authorities revealed on Thursday.

MGM National Harbor
Maryland’s MGM National Harbor casino, pictured above. A former casino dealer was charged in a cheating plot at the property. (Image: MGM Resorts)

Jamie Smith, 31, was charged this week with theft, conspiracy to commit a theft, and embezzlement for the repeated scheme that occurred between October 2 and 8, 2023.

The cheating led the casino to lose about $43,350. MGM uncovered the wrongdoing after spotting incidents captured in surveillance video.

Players Got Glimpse of Cards

Smith permitted at least three players at the gaming table to get a peek at cards, according to Washington, DC TV station WTOP.

That allowed them to see cards before making bets, and to improperly change their bets. At times, Smith also failed to collect after players lost on bets, Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy announced on Thursday.

Braveboy said the prosecutor’s office takes the alleged crime seriously.

“Economic crimes are very, very damaging,” Braveboy said during a press conference. “They’re damaging to companies. They’re damaging to institutions and individuals.”

Part of the lost money was to be forwarded to the state’s Education Trust Fund.

It’s not just a theft from the casino,” Braveboy said. “Stealing from MGM or any other casino is like stealing from our children. Money from the Education Trust Fund helps provide crucial services and resources for our public schools.”

If convicted on the charges, Smith could be sentenced to 10 or more years in prison.

It’s unknown if the players accused in the cheating plot have been charged. Authorities didn’t reveal their identities during Thursday’s press conference.

Zero Tolerance for Cheating

A statement from MGM National Harbor said the company takes such wrongdoing seriously.

At MGM National Harbor, we have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to these matters and agree with prosecuting this individual to the fullest extent of the law.”

Braveboy, who has been the county’s top prosecutor since 2018, said this is the first time her office had made such an arrest under her watch.

MGM National Harbor-related crimes don’t usually involve allegations of cheating. Instead, they may include thefts of personal items, fights between casino visitors, or violent incidents taking place at the gaming property.

“It’s not unique, but it’s certainly unusual,” Joel Patterson, a Prince George’s County assistant state’s attorney, said about the cheating plot now being prosecuted.