Jury convicts man in bold scheme to steal $700,000 from Michigan casino | News
DETROIT – A Chicago man has been convicted in the theft of $700,000 from a Michigan casino, a brazen scheme in which an employee was tricked over the phone into stuffing the cash into a designer bag and driving 85 miles to deliver it. “This case underscores the need for businesses, organizations and citizens to be diligent and cautious about phone and internet scams,” U.S. Attorney Mark Totten said. The crime occurred in 2023 at the Four Winds Casino in Hartford in southwest Michigan, which is operated by the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians. The FBI said a key employee who handles cash received a phone call and text messages directing her to immediately gather $700,000 for a tribal official. No one stopped the employee as she filled a Michael Kors bag with bundles of cash, walked out of the casino and drove away. She stayed on the phone with the caller who eventually told her to go to a gas station in Gary, Indiana. That’s when she passed the cash to Jesus Gaytan-Garcia, one of two men in a minivan who met her, investigators said. Gaytan-Garcia was convicted of two charges Thursday in federal court in Kalamazoo. His attorney couldn’t immediately comment Friday. Investigators said they recovered $18,000 from a safe in Gaytan-Garcia’s Chicago home. Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Source link
Wynn looks to Vegas to remodel Macau’s US$28 billion casino hub into ‘1+4 economy’
In the second part of our series on Macau’s integrated resort operators, Peggy Sito looks at how Wynn Macau is adopting the playbook of its Las Vegas parent to capture the hearts and wallets of visitors, as it diversifies its earnings beyond the gambling tables. Click here for the first part. Last autumn, Lamborghini’s US$4 million Veneno Roadster was displayed in the lobbies of Wynn Macau’s flagship hotels, attracting large crowds of racing fans, automobile enthusiasts and tourists from mainland China and around the globe. The world’s most expensive Lamborghini production car – only nine Venenos have been made – was among 30 rare hypercars that made their first joint appearance in Asia, including the McLaren Speedtail, Porsche GT1 Strassenversion, Ferrari FXX and Aston Martin V12 Speedster. For president and vice-chairman Linda Chen, the HK$1.5 billion (US$192 million) showcase was part of a carefully calibrated campaign to create what she and non-executive chairman Allan Zeman call “the experience” – a memorable, immersive event that imprints their brand on visitors. They are taking a page from the playbook of Las Vegas-based Wynn Resorts, where Chen served as a director from October 2007 to December 2012. The Nasdaq-listed firm owns 71 per cent of the Hong Kong-listed casino concessionaire. “The hypercar concept worked really well [in creating memorable experiences] in Vegas, so we know that works, and we take it to apply to Macau,” she said in an interview in Macau. “We understand what has made Wynn Las Vegas successful. They really set the trend for everything.” ‘We are always ahead of the market,’ president Linda Chen says in a Post interview, together with non-executive chairman Allan Zeman, on December 19. Photo: Sun Yeung Source link
Chicago man convicted in $700K West Michigan casino heist
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A federal jury has convicted a Chicago, Illinois man for posing as a tribal chairperson and stealing thousands of dollars from a West Michigan casino. Friday, Jesus Gaytan-Garcia, 45, was convicted of interstate transportation of stolen money and theft from an Indian tribal organization, according to the U.S. Department of Justice Western District of Michigan. He is scheduled to be sentenced at a later date, officials said. “This case underscores the need for businesses, organizations, and citizens to be diligent and cautious about phone and internet scams,” U.S. Attorney Totten said. “Thanks to the persistent and dedicated investigators at the Pokagon Tribal Police Department and FBI, Mr. Gaytan-Garcia was identified as one of the perpetrators of this theft-scam and is being held accountable for this bold crime.” According to evidence shown at his trial, Gaytan-Garcia called Hartford Four Winds Casino on July 30, 2023, claiming he was a Pokagon Band of the Potawatomi Indians chairperson and needed money for an urgent payment. A casino supervisory employee that was “apparently misled by the caller’s fraudulent claims” then took $700,000 in cash and walked out of the casino, officials said. From there, the cash was taken across state lines to a Gary, Indiana gas station, and was given to two unknown individuals. Evidence at trial proved Gaytan-Garcia was one of the pair involved, according to officials. Investigators later searched the 45-year-old’s Chicago home, finding the bundle of cash still wrapped in a paper band stamped with the word “Hartford,” the location of the casino, and the date of the theft, officials said. Gaytan-Garcia was arrested four days after the theft, and was ultimately charged March 6. “The cooperative efforts of the FBI and our tribal law enforcement has resulted in justice for the Pokagon Band of the Potawatomi Indians,” Pokagon Band Chief of Police Mario RedLegs said. “I am extremely proud of the professional teamwork that was put forth by those involved in the investigation. The diligence of the investigative team and the U.S. Attorney’s Office was vital to hold Mr. Gaytan-Garcia responsible for the crimes he committed against the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians.” Pokagon Band Tribal Police, the FBI and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erin Lane and Alexia Jansen were credited for their assistance in the case. Source link
Extended BetMGM Bonus Code “CUSE50″: Exclusive $50 casino bonus and $50 BetMGM rewards points deal available for MLK Day Weekend
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Mechoopda Casino in Oroville to close less than a year after opening • Chico News & Review
By Odin Rasco The Mechoopda Indian Tribe announced today that the Mechoopda Economic Gaming Authority Board has decided to suspend operations at its casino in Oroville. The casino’s last day of operation is set for Friday, Jan. 31. Though leadership had spent months of deliberation attempting to address challenges impacting the casino’s operations, and had seen some progress, the MEGA Board determined outside factors would make continued operation an unsustainable endeavor. The casino, a project which had been in the works for more than 25 years, had only just opened in February 2024. “Suspending operations at the casino is a heart-wrenching decision that affects not only our Tribe but also our valued employees, customers and the surrounding community,” Dennis Ramirez, Tribal Chairman of the Mechoopda Indian Tribe, told the media. “While this chapter is closing, our commitment to the casino’s long-term vision remains steadfast. For over 25 years, this project has been a cornerstone of our economic development goals, and we will continue to work toward its future reopening.” There is not a timeline in place for when the casino might reopen, but tribal leadership and the MEGA Board continue to look at possible plans for the future. The casino provided jobs to people from across Butte County. When the casino first opened in February 2024, the business had more than 90 employees and had planned to hire more. Tribal representatives claim the tribe will be taking steps to support employees as the casino approaches its closure, offering “resources and guidance to assist team members during this transition period.” The Chico News & Review attempted to contact a representative for the tribe for information on what specific resources would be provided, but they did not respond by press time. “This decision is undoubtedly a challenging moment for our Tribe, but we remain resilient and committed to overcoming this setback,” said Chairman Ramirez. “Our Tribe has faced challenges before and emerged stronger. We are confident in our ability to do so again.” The historic trials and travails of the Mechoopda Tribe recently came back into the public conversation after the landmark Bidwell Mansion was burned in an act of arson. The property that the mansion was on formerly belonged to the Mechoopda people, some 460 of which were put on a deadly forced march to Mendicino County at the time. While the Bidwell family themselves reportedly had good relations with the tribe, it was a devastating era of persecution and relocation for them. Since the fire, some members of the community have called to make the Bidwell State Historic Park a new tribute to Mechoopda culture; though the tribe did not weigh in on the idea when contacted by CN&R last month. The casino will remain open through Jan. 31, and further updates on future plans will be shared on the casino’s web site and social media platforms. Source link
Danville’s gamble pays off, but don’t count your chips yet
DANVILLE, Va. (WSET) — Caesars Virginia has hit the jackpot in its first month of operation, bringing in a whopping $28 million in December, according to the Virginia Lottery. This figure marks the highest revenue ever recorded for the casino, which includes both the temporary and permanent facilities. Danville City Manager Ken Larking said the casino was expected to generate between $25 million and $30 million in December. However, he cautioned against drawing conclusions about future earnings based on this initial success. “It’s really hard to base what every other month will be like based on December because we don’t even have a full month of it being open and it’s new and exciting,” Larking said. “But that being said, it is in line with what we expected.” SEE ALSO: Arrest made in Martinsville 2024 homicide: Police From the $28 million, Danville receives $2.7 million in gaming tax revenue, along with a portion directly from Caesars. Larking noted that the city had budgeted for the permanent casino to bring in around $2 million to $3 million each month, though this is subject to change. Larking added that the revenue from the casino will be allocated to city infrastructure, public education, quality of life and economic opportunities. For more information on where and how the city will spend the money made from the Ceasars Virginia revenue, click here. Source link
Man says he was robbed of $10,000 in winnings from Rivers Casino Portsmouth
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A Virginia Beach man told police he was robbed after winning a whopping $10,000 at Rivers Casino Portsmouth on New Year’s Eve. News 3 obtained a search warrant that states what the man told police while he was at the hospital following the alleged incident. The warrant says he met three people at the casino who offered to give him a ride back to his home on Coquina Lane. When he got out of the car around 5 a.m. on New Year’s Day, two of the people he was with followed him out of the car, the warrant says. One of them grabbed them from behind around his neck and threatened to shoot him if the didn’t hand over his $10,000 winnings, while the other person grabbed at his shorts where the man had the money, the warrant states. A physical altercation broke out before the two people took the man’s casino winnings and phone and ran away, the warrant says. The warrant was filed for authorization to search a phone that was left behind, which police believe belongs to one of the suspects. Source link
Committee votes ‘no’ to Coney Island casino land-use application
Community Board 13’s Land Use Committee voted “no” to a developer’s application to alter land-use restrictions in its plans to build a casino in Coney Island. The vote was note unanimous, and it is not the final call as the full board will vote on the application next Wednesday, Jan. 22. The application would allow Thor Equities, the developer proposing the project, to demap a section of Bowery Street and buy air rights on West 12th and Stillwell Avenue, which would pave the way for enclosed pedestrian “sky bridges” between high rise buildings of The Coney. Several community members voiced concerns over the application on a Zoom meeting held Wednesday Jan. 15. Some neighbors said they were concerned the sky bridges did not fit with the neighborhood aesthetic and others shared concerns that the bridges would deter foot traffic hurting small businesses in the area. The Coney released the following statement: “We remain encouraged by the increasing number of community members and stakeholders who are supportive of the historic investment The Coney is prepared to make into the Coney Island community. It remains clear that the more people hear about our project, the more support it generates, as evident by the divided initial advisory vote. A $3 billion development, $200 million community trust fund, more than 4,500 good paying union construction jobs, 4,000 full-time good paying operational union jobs and the creation of a whole new slate of entertainment and dining options will revitalize Coney Island and turn it into the premiere year-round destination it deserves to be. As part of this ongoing process, we continue to receive helpful and constructive feedback that gets incorporated into our RFA and we look forward to continued discussions with the community.” Source link
Rivers Casino Portsmouth’s 2024 revenue surpasses Danville, Bristol
Rivers Casino raked in more than $309 million in 2024. That’s about $70 million more than Caesars Virginia and about $230 million more than Hard Rock Bristol. PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Rivers Casino’s revenue was ahead of Virginia’s other casinos in 2024, according to data from Virginia Lottery. The Portsmouth casino brought in more than $309 million last year, while Caesars Virginia brought in around $240 million. Caesars Virginia operated as a temporary casino from May 2023 until Dec 2024. Meanwhile, Hard Rock Bristol brought in more than $182 million. Bristol operated as a temporary casino from July 2022 until November 2024, when the permanent casino opened. Based on the Virginia Lottery’s data, Rivers brought in about $70 million more than Caesars in Danville and about $230 million more than Hard Rock Bristol. Rivers also outpaced its 2023 revenue, when it saw just under $250 million. The Virginia Lottery Board approved the casino license for Rivers Casino in November 2022 and the casino opened in January 2023. The facility has slots, table games, a poker room and electronic table games. An additional High Limit room focuses on high-stakes gaming. The casino also hosts events. Tracy Morgan brought his stand-up tour in November and comedian Jay Pharoah is set to visit in March. Source link
Mechoopda Casino to close less than one year after opening near Chico
CHICO, Calif. — The Mechoopda Casino is set to suspend operations by the end of the month, the Mechoopda Indian Tribe announced Friday. They say the Mechoopda Economic Gaming Authority (MEGA) Board made the difficult decision to end operations on Friday, Jan. 31. Tribal leaders say it follows months of exhaustive efforts to address challenges facing the casino’s operations, including some external factors that made continuing operations unsustainable. The Casino in the Butte Valley area, between Chico and Oroville, first opened its doors in February 2024 after being in the works for 25 years. “Suspending operations at the Casino is a heart-wrenching decision that affects not only our Tribe but also our valued employees, customers, and the surrounding community,” said Dennis Ramirez, Tribal Chairman of the Mechoopda Indian Tribe. “While this chapter is closing, our commitment to the Casino’s long-term vision remains steadfast. For over 25 years, this project has been a cornerstone of our economic development goals, and we will continue to work toward its future reopening.” The Mechoopda Indian Tribe said it is taking steps to support its employees by offering resources and guidance. MEGA Board and Tribal leadership said while an exact timeline for potential reopening hasn’t been determined, the Tribe remains dedicated to its mission of creating opportunity for its members and fostering economic development. “This decision is undoubtedly a challenging moment for our Tribe, but we remain resilient and committed to overcoming this setback,” said Chairman Ramirez. “Our Tribe has faced challenges before and emerged stronger. We are confident in our ability to do so again.” The Tribe said updates about future plans will be shared on the Casino’s website and social media platforms. — To report errors or issues with this article please email the editorial team. Source link
