The immense amount of cash flowing through casinos naturally attracts the world's most ambitious criminals.
While modern security makes physical theft almost impossible, history is full of spectacular heists.
The Stardust Casino Inside Job
Unlike elaborate armed robberies, this heist involved a single man and a backpack.
During his lunch break, he casually strolled out of the casino with $500,000 in cash and chips.
- Stolen amount was roughly $500,000
- No violence or weapons were used
- The FBI never solved the cold case
Phil Ivey and the Baccarat Edge
This sophisticated method involved identifying tiny manufacturing defects on the backs of playing cards.
Lengthy legal battles ensued, ultimately resulting in judges ruling that edge sorting constituted cheating.
The Ocean's Eleven Style Heist
In 2013, the Crown Casino in Melbourne was the victim of an incredibly high-tech heist.
This incredibly sophisticated scam netted the thieves over $32 million in just a few short hands.
| Thief | Location | Technique |
|---|---|---|
| Bill Brennan | Las Vegas | Walked out with bag |
| Phil Ivey | London | Edge Sorting Cards |
The allure of the casino vault will undoubtedly continue to inspire elaborate criminal plots in the future.
