High-roller makes off with $33 million after hijacking casino cameras

Australia’s biggest casino fell victim to a USD$33 million scam after its own surveillance systems were used against it to supply a high-roller with information on how he should play. According to The Herald Sun, thieves were granted unauthorised access to the casino’s security systems “several weeks ago” by a staff member who has since been sacked.

It’s believed that the high roller — who was reportedly staying in an “opulent villa” reserved for VIP guests — was exposed over the course of eight hands of cards, played at a table in an exclusive area of the casino. The gambler, along with his family, found himself removed from his VIP accommodation in the middle of the night, saw his betting license revoked and was (unsurprisingly) banned from returning to the casino. Reports also suggest he has since returned to his home country.

Acknowledging reports, a spokesperson said that the casino has opened an investigation, but believes it is “in a good position to recover a significant portion of the amount involved in the scam”. Authorities are unaware of how the information gathered from the high-resolution cameras was relayed to the high roller and the casino has yet to file a complaint with local police. Of course, this is just one of the many ways scammers have tried to beat the house. Why not check out our feature on how Vegas casinos are waging a war on cheaters right here.