Caught in the Act: Poker Chip Counterfeit Scheme unraveled at Texas Card House Dallas
Criminals Caught Producing Deceptive Casino Chips at Texas Poker Venue
In a swift move, a covert counterfeit chip scam at one of Texas's busiest poker rooms - Texas Card House Dallas - has been exposed, with the masterminds behind the scheme identified. But luckily, before any significant damage was inflicted on the gaming public.
Texas Card House Dallas, a prestigious poker room brand across the state, swiftly acknowledged the presence of counterfeit chips recently detected within its premises. However, it remains unclear if fake chips made their way into the games. Confidential sources have reported that investigations are already underway, with the suspects named and charges possibly on the horizon.
The source emphasized, "We know who it is. We caught them."
Busting the Scheme
The schemers attempted to cash in on the counterfeit chips using pawns they sent into the club. Surprisingly, the club's stringent security measures allowed them to detect the issue promptly. The source added, "We caught it almost immediately. We have several checks in place."
The design of the fake chips was extraordinary, suggesting a substantial amount of effort was invested into creating them authentic-looking. Consequently, Texas Card House is set to upgrade to RFID-enabled chips for enhanced security in the future.
Legal Ramifications
Counterfeiting poker chips with a casino's trademark intent to fool or deceive gamers is a severe criminal offense under Texas Penal Code ยง32.23. Prosecutors are required to prove the suspects knowingly used or attempted to use counterfeit chips fraudulently.
Given the scale of the scheme, with multiple individuals involved, the estimated retail value of the counterfeit chips exceeds the $2,500 threshold. This makes the offense a state jail felony, punishable by:
- 180 days to two years in state jail
- A maximum fine of $10,000
Should the value surpass $30,000, the penalties could become even tougher, potentially leading to longer imprisonment terms and larger fines.
Safety First: Texas Card House warns players
In a public announcement, Texas Card House urged players to refuse chips from other individuals at all times. "To safeguard yourself and deliver a fair gaming experience, we advise against trading or buying chips from individuals." The club stressed that players should only obtain chips through direct purchases and cash-ins at any of its Texas Card House locations.
Texas Card House manages two clubs in the Dallas area and six across the state, making it the largest poker room brand in Texas. The Dallas location where the counterfeit chips were discovered is one of the busiest in the region.
The club stands committed to collaborating with authorities and prosecuting anyone found passing off fake chips. "Your safety is our main priority. We are dedicated to furnishing you with the finest gaming environment possible."
Calum, a recent addition to the PokerNews team since September 2021 after working in the UK energy sector, has been instrumental in reporting on major poker events, including the World Series of Poker (WSOP). Prior to joining PokerNews, Calum penned articles for various poker outlets.
- The counterfeit chip scam, uncovered at Texas Card House Dallas, was a serious violation of the Texas Penal Code ยง32.23, which prohibits the use of casino-branded counterfeit chips with the intention to deceive gamers.
- As a precautionary measure, Texas Card House urges its players to avoid obtaining chips from individuals and only obtain them through authorized channels to ensure their authenticity and maintain a safe gaming environment.
- Given the severe penalties associated with counterfeiting casino-and-gambling chips, the suspects in this case face potential state jail felony charges, which could result in imprisonment of up to two years, fines of up to $10,000, or even tougher penalties if the estimated retail value of the counterfeit chips exceeds $30,000.
