Casino Heists: The Most Daring Attempts to Beat the House
Casinos are built with cutting-edge security to prevent theft, but that hasn’t stopped some daring criminals from attempting to outsmart the system. Over the years, some have pulled off incredibly bold heists, while others have failed spectacularly. Here’s a look at some of the most audacious casino heists in history.
1. The Stardust Casino Heist (1992)
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One of the most infamous casino robberies took place at the Stardust Casino in Las Vegas. A sportsbook cashier named Bill Brennan simply walked out of the casino with $500,000 in cash and chips—and was never seen again. To this day, he remains on the FBI’s most wanted list. Read more about the Stardust Casino heist.
2. The Bellagio Biker Bandit (2010)
In 2010, Anthony Carleo, later known as the Bellagio Biker Bandit, pulled off a daring heist by riding his motorcycle directly into the casino, stealing $1.5 million in casino chips, and escaping. However, he was caught after trying to sell the chips online. Learn about the Bellagio heist.
3. The Crown Casino Cheating Scandal (2013)
Rather than a traditional heist, this incident at Crown Casino in Melbourne involved a high-tech scheme. A gambler and an accomplice inside the casino’s surveillance room used hidden cameras and radio signals to gain an unfair advantage at the tables, winning $32 million before being caught. More on casino cheating methods.
4. The MIT Blackjack Team’s Card-Counting Scheme
Not all casino heists involve theft—some use intelligence instead of brute force. The MIT Blackjack Team, a group of students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, mastered card counting and won millions from casinos around the world in the 1980s and 1990s. Their story inspired the movie 21. Discover how the MIT Blackjack Team beat casinos.
5. The Circus Circus Armored Truck Heist (1993)
Heather Tallchief, a security guard for an armored truck company, drove away with $3 million in cash from Circus Circus Casino in 1993. She successfully evaded authorities for over a decade before finally turning herself in. Read more about this case.
6. The Treasure Island Casino Heist (2000)
Regarded as one of the dumbest casino heists, this robbery involved three men who attempted to rob the Treasure Island Casino in Las Vegas at gunpoint. They were quickly caught because they had no exit strategy and were surrounded by security within minutes. More on failed heists.
7. The Ritz Casino Roulette Scam (2004)
A group of criminals used laser technology and a special computer system to predict the outcome of roulette spins at the Ritz Casino in London, winning over £1.3 million. Despite being detained, they were later released as their methods didn’t technically break any laws. Learn about roulette strategies.
8. The Soboba Casino Heist (2007)
Three men working as casino security guards at Soboba Casino in California planned an inside job, making off with $1.5 million. However, their victory was short-lived as police tracked them down within weeks. Find out how casinos handle security.
9. The Banco Central Heist Connection (2006)
Although not a casino, the Banco Central heist in Brazil involved a similar high-stakes approach. A gang dug a tunnel beneath the bank and stole $70 million, one of the largest cash thefts in history. Some believe the methods used have inspired casino heists. Read more about the Banco Central heist.
10. The Family Behind the Bad Beat Jackpot Scam (2011)
In one of the most bizarre cases, a group of players conspired with a casino dealer to rig a bad beat poker jackpot at Casino Windsor, Canada, attempting to claim $230,000. Their scheme was uncovered after suspicious play patterns were reviewed on video. Understand how poker jackpots work.
Final Thoughts
While some casino heists have succeeded, most fail due to advanced surveillance and security measures. Casinos invest heavily in high-tech security, making them one of the toughest places to rob. Whether through brute force or clever deception, these heists remain some of the most daring attempts to beat the house.