A few William Hill employees allegedly found that the best way to win via sports betting is to rig the wagering kiosks. Investigators with the Nevada Gaming Control Board announced several arrests last week after uncovering the scheme.
Several employees were fired by William Hill “for making fraudulent cash adjustments at various William Hill betting kiosks.” Investigators then began pursuing the case after being informed of the suspected crimes by the company. Three suspects are alleged to have stolen more than $70,000 over a five-day period.
“The board appreciates licensees meeting their obligation to investigate and self-report potential statutory and regulatory violations, as well as alleged criminal activity,” Control Board Enforcement Division chief Kristi Torgerson said. “The Enforcement Division will continue to be aggressive in its investigations and covert operations to ensure that the gaming industry is free from criminal elements in its unending effort to safeguard the integrity of regulated gaming in Nevada.”
Details on the Case
Investigators allege those involved in the scheme illegally added funds to kiosks and then print fraudulent wagering vouchers. All of those charged worked in customer service and were able to adjust transactions using the company’s computer systems.
William Hill internal security was later used to determine what was going on, according to the Control Board, and then alert authorities.
Former supervisor Mariah Butler now faces 290 felony and misdemeanor charges, including burglary, grand larceny, intent to utter fictitious bills or checks, and conspiracy to commit criminal contempt. Passion Tatreoina Rich also may face 200 forgery, theft, and embezzlement charges. Persha Stanley and Anthony Cuddeback have also been charged in similar crimes related to the case.
Two former employees involved with the crimes have already pleaded guilty. Shravan Singh and Paige Steiner agreed to pay more than $200,000 in restitution. Investigators say Singh stole $280,000 from the company over 16 months, utilizing smaller transactions that made discovery more difficult than those involving the other suspects in the case. Control Board leaders were pleased to see the investigation uncover the crimes.
“I continue to be proud of the work that the enforcement division — and the board as a whole — does to keep Nevada’s residents and visitors safe from criminal activity, and to guarantee that the sports and casino gaming industry is operating for the benefit of all Nevadans,” Control Board Chairman Kirk Hendrick said.
