Pennsylvania casino blackjack dealer, players allegedly stole $16K+ in gambling scheme

Playing and dealing Blackjack is underway at the Thunder Valley Casino. The casino, which is located just north of Sacramento, is owned by the United Auburn Indian Community. | Location: Lincoln, California, United States. (Photo by Kim Kulish/Corbis via Getty Images)

DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) — A card dealer and two players at Hollywood Casino are accused of working together to steal nearly $17,000 in a gambling scheme, according to Pennsylvania State Police.

The charging documents show that the blackjack dealer Yadav Bhandari, 22, and players Shankar Karki, 37, and Prakash Thapa, 24, allegedly worked together in the scheme.

Hollywood Casino Surveillance called State Police about suspicious activity at a blackjack table where the trio was at from Saturday to early Sunday morning. It was reported to State Police the surveillance team was investigating a “significant loss” that happened at the table.

Investigators said multiple tactics, such as sleight of hand motions, capping, and improper card payouts/dealing, were seen being used on surveillance video.

About $16,555 in fraudulent winnings was reportedly paid out to Karki and Tharpa until they left the table, investigators said.

Karki and Tharpa’s Penn Entertainment Player’s Cards, along with driver’s licenses and the surveillance video helped investigators identify the trio, the charges state.

The trio faces felony charges of theft by deception and conspiracy along with misdemeanor charges of knowingly by trick/fraud/manipulation win or reduce a loss and unlawful to take/claim/manipulate with intent to defraud/cheat.

The three are all out on unsecured bail that was set at $5,000 for each of them. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 30.