A croupier steals chips at Resorts World Sentosa in SingaporeDing Zhipeng is a Chinese national who practices his profession in Singapore at the Resorts World Sentosa Casino.

The second largest casino after Sheldon Adelson’s Marina Bay Sands, Resorts World Sentosa is in the local media spotlight after a dealer stole more than 77,000 Singapore dollars, or just over €50,000.

According to Today Online , the Resorts World Sentosa dealer has pleaded guilty to stealing chips from the gaming tables (it’s unclear whether they were roulette, blackjack, or baccarat). The offending dealer has been charged with 13 counts and will spend several months in prison.

Theft of chips from gaming tables

Hired in July 2017, this case of chip theft at gaming tables began in May 2018. The dealer stole chips without the table boss noticing. Thus, over a six-month period, the dealer stole dozens of S$1,000 chips (or €650 per chip). These chips are intended for high roller players who can bet a few in a single game.

Baccarat is the most popular game in casinos in Singapore and Macau. It’s likely this dealer was operating at one of the many baccarat tables.

Surveillance cameras and the vigilance of the room managers helped catch the apprentice thief. Caught red-handed, Ding Zhipeng was arrested. For six months, the  Resorts World Sentosa dealer thought he was fooling the cameras and his supervisors.

Checking the chips and surveillance camera footage revealed the dealer’s scam.

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From the good life to prison

The theft of the chips allowed the dealer to lead a luxurious lifestyle. One of his friends was responsible for collecting the winnings from the stolen chips. The dealer couldn’t do it himself to avoid arousing suspicion. The police searched his home and discovered the dealer-thief’s lifestyle.

No fewer than 72 S$1,000 tokens and S$3,000 in cash were seized. A Breitling watch worth €4,000, a pair of Balenciaga shoes, and Chanel earrings (€260) were also seized. Not to mention a mini iPad and an iPhone.

The court sentenced him to pay back the full cost of his flight, 10 months in prison, and a fine of S$12,000 (€7,800). The defendant’s lawyer tried to defend his client by saying he was stressed and trying to make even more money to help his family in China. This argument didn’t really convince the judges, who sent him to prison to reflect on what he had done.