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Casino workers can't beat system

"Juanita Marzette Smith of Oak Park, who worked in one of Greektown Casino's count rooms, was fired after she picked up $480 in cash from her table with a tissue she had just used to blow her nose, stuffing the cash in her pocket.

"Cynthia Wright of Detroit, whose job at MGM Grand Detroit was to issue Players Club Point cards, duplicated the cards of two patrons, planning to steal $9,050 in winnings.

"Abdul Kadir Khukan of Hamtramck, who worked at MotorCity Casino, tried to add a $25 chip to a winning blackjack hand while playing at Greektown.

"All were caught -- some on tape. All were fired, and all were charged with crimes.

"Despite multiple security and surveillance systems at casinos and the threat of harsh punishment and loss of jobs, a few employees in this cash-rich industry still try to beat the odds.

"While loath to discuss individual cases, Michigan Attorney General spokesman Rusty Hills said that between 15 and 20 Detroit casino workers a year are suspended, see their licenses revoked or are fined for violations that include not following casino rules, stealing cash and executing elaborate theft schemes.

"Casino management and state regulators understand their exposure to deceit, not just by patrons, but by any of the casinos' approximately 6,300 employees -- who know the systems in place to protect their workplace and might try to exploit weaknesses.

"...Justice is swift for workers caught cheating the system.

"...Regulators do not wait for cases to be finalized in court before they purge employees caught cheating, said Gaming Control Board Deputy Director of Enforcement John Page..."

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