A casino heist is a type of crime where one or more individuals attempt to steal money or valuables from a casino. Typically, a casino heist involves a group of robbers who plan and execute a theft of cash, chips, or other valuable items from a casino, often using weapons or other forms of violence to subdue security personnel and bystanders.
Casino heists can be highly complex and well-planned, involving extensive reconnaissance, careful timing, and the use of sophisticated equipment or technology. They can also be high-risk, as casinos are typically heavily guarded and monitored, and the penalties for casino theft can be severe.
Casino heists in the 21st century
1.) Bellagio Casino Heist (2010)
in December 2010, a group of armed robbers stole $1.5 million worth of chips from the Bellagio casino in Las Vegas. The robbers wore masks and used guns to intimidate the casino staff before fleeing in a car. Several suspects were eventually arrested and charged for their involvement in the heist.
In December 2010, the Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas was the site of a daring heist that resulted in the theft of $1.5 million worth of casino chips. The robbers, who were described as wearing dark clothing and animal masks, stormed into the Bellagio’s casino area wielding guns and yelling at customers and staff to get down on the floor.
According to witnesses, the robbers seemed to know exactly where they were going and what they were looking for, making a beeline for the high-limit tables where the most valuable chips were kept. The robbers made off with chips ranging in value from $100 to $25,000, but left behind the cash they would have received had they cashed the chips in.
In the aftermath of the heist, the Las Vegas police department launched an intensive investigation to track down the robbers. Using surveillance footage and other evidence, they were able to identify and apprehend several suspects in the months following the heist. Some of the suspects were caught trying to sell the stolen chips online or at other casinos, while others were arrested after being implicated by their accomplices.
Overall, the Bellagio Casino Heist of 2010 was a high-profile crime that made headlines around the world. While the robbers may have thought they had pulled off the perfect heist, they were ultimately caught and brought to justice. The heist also served as a reminder of the high stakes involved in the world of casino gambling, and the lengths some people will go to try and get rich quick.
2.) Crown Casino Heist (2013)
In a daring heist in Melbourne, Australia in 2013, a man infiltrated the Crown Casino’s high-roller room and stole $33 million worth of chips. The thief managed to evade detection and escape with the chips, but was later caught and sentenced to jail time.
In 2013, the Crown Casino in Melbourne, Australia was the site of a massive heist that resulted in the theft of $33 million in chips. The robbery was carried out by a lone perpetrator, later identified as a man named Edward (“Ted”) McNamara.
McNamara had been a regular patron of the Crown Casino’s high-roller room, and had become well-acquainted with the staff and security procedures there. In late 2012, he began plotting his heist, using his knowledge of the casino’s layout and procedures to plan the perfect crime.
On the night of the heist, McNamara donned a disguise and entered the casino’s high-roller room, where he stole a suitcase full of chips worth a total of $33 million. He then fled the scene and went into hiding, hoping to cash in the chips at a later date.
However, the Crown Casino was able to quickly identify McNamara as the perpetrator of the heist, and worked with law enforcement agencies to track him down. After several months on the run, McNamara as finally caught and brought to justice.
In court, McNamara pleaded guilty to charges of theft and was sentenced to serve 9 years in prison. He also forfeited his share of the stolen chips, which were eventually returned to the Crown Casino.
The Crown Casino Heist of 2013 was a high-profile crime that shocked the world, and highlighted the vulnerabilities of even the most high-security casinos. While McNamara may have thought he had pulled off the perfect heist, his capture and sentencing serve as a reminder that crime does not pay.
3.) Ritz Casino Heist (2018)
In January 2018, a group of thieves dressed in tuxedos and armed with sledgehammers smashed their way into the Ritz Casino in London, UK. The thieves made off with around £4 million worth of chips, but were caught and arrested within days of the heist.
In January 2018, the Ritz Casino in London was the target of a daring heist that resulted in the theft of £4 million in chips. The heist was carried out by a group of men who were armed with sledgehammers and wearing tuxedos and masks.
The robbers smashed their way into the Ritz Casino in the early hours of the morning, while the casino was closed to the public. They made their way to the gaming tables and demanded that the staff hand over the high-value chips.
The heist was over in a matter of minutes, and the robbers fled the scene on mopeds. However, they were quickly apprehended by police after a high-speed chase through the streets of London.
In court, the robbers pleaded guilty to charges of robbery and were sentenced to a combined total of more than 35 years in prison. The stolen chips were eventually returned to the Ritz Casino.
The Ritz Casino Heist of 2018 was a high-profile crime that made headlines around the world, and served as a reminder of the risks involved in the world of high-stakes gambling. While the robbers may have thought they had pulled off the perfect heist, their capture and sentencing serves as a warning to anyone who might be tempted to try and make a quick score at a casino’s expense.