Pennsylvania Casino Dealer Allegedly Pocketed Chips, Was Arrested for DUI

A table game dealer at Hollywood Casino York is facing serious accusations of theft and was arrested for DUI.

• A table game dealer at Hollywood Casino York is accused of theft
• Pennsylvania police allege the dealer pocketed gaming chips
• The dealer was recently arrested for DUI

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A Pennsylvania casino dealer has seemingly hit rock bottom. The Hollywood Casino York floor in Pennsylvania is reportedly the scene where law enforcement makes serious allegations against Eric Sagnor, a 42-year-old dealer from Paradise. He is accused of stealing thousands of dollars in gaming chips while on duty.

The Pennsylvania State Police arrested Sagnor on August 8, charging him with third-degree felony theft and additional misdemeanours for receiving stolen property and intent to defraud. The allegations surfaced after casino security received tips from fellow employees who suspected Sagnor may have been pilfering chips from the casino.

According to the security team, they discovered a gaming chip in a break room where such items shouldn’t be found. Upon questioning Sagnor, reports indicate he was observed keeping one hand clenched while trying to clear his hands, a standard practice meant to show that dealers are not concealing chips.

Review of the surveillance footage allegedly revealed Sagnor pocketing an estimated $7,875 worth of gaming chips during his shifts.

Dealer Downfall

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) has strict criteria for individuals seeking a dealer license. Applicants must be a minimum of 18 years old, complete dealer training, hold a relevant gaming certification, and pass a background check. Any felony conviction within the last 15 years can disqualify an individual from being licensed as a dealer.

Sadly, Sagnor’s reputation has declined dramatically in recent months. Court records indicate he faced conviction for driving under the influence earlier in the summer, a case that also included careless driving. In 2022, he was again found guilty of careless driving that resulted in damage to another vehicle, failing to report the accident in a timely manner. He previously pleaded guilty to harassment in 2019.

After his arrest, it was evident that Sagnor could not post bail amounting to $5,000 immediately. He sought the services of a professional bondsman to secure his release.

His preliminary hearing is set for August 22, where further details may emerge.

Possible Punishments

The likelihood that Sagnor’s days as a casino dealer are over is high, with his freedom now also in jeopardy.

Pennsylvania law stipulates penalties for individuals found guilty of third-degree theft felonies can incur up to seven years in prison along with a fine reaching $15,000. Given the scale of Sagnor’s alleged crime, being at the lower end of the $2,000 to $100,000 scope, he may actually face a less severe sentence.

As noted by legal experts, a combination of numerical values known as the Offense Gravity Score (OGS) and the Prior Record Score (PRS) help dictate the sentencing ranges that judges consider appropriate. The OGS reflects the severity of the crime while the PRS relates to the individual criminal’s previous record.

This situation serves as a somber reminder of the severe implications surrounding theft within the gaming industry, an area heavily regulated to establish fairness and integrity.

Summary

This incident reflects a wider concern regarding ethics and responsibility within the casino industry, reminding both employees and patrons of the importance of maintaining trust and integrity. With a potential prison sentence on the horizon, Sagnor’s actions may not only end his career but also impact his life in profound ways.