Australia – Star Casino employee found guilty of baccarat fraud

A former Star Casino employee was convicted for his role in an illegal betting scam that defrauded the Australian casino of nearly $500,000 in 2020.

Mr Hieu Duc Lam, a baccarat dealer, was caught on CCTV conspiring to cheat the casino with a patron. Mr Lam is seen peeking at and memorising a number of cards that will be used in a baccarat game. He then used a messaging app to inform his accomplice of the order of the cards.

The player would then take part in the game knowing what cards would be dealt. In less than a month, the scam netted $467,700. Mr Lam was fired by The Star after being convicted in the Local Court of NSW – Downing Centre of 15 counts of dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage.

Mr Lam was sentenced to two years in prison. It is to be served through an Intensive Correction Order that began on July 9, 2021. It will end on July 8, 2023. He must also complete 250 hours of community service.