I want to reference a story on one of the blackjack forums in the last couple days, that some in the blackjack community certainly are familiar with. I am not going to link to the story, but it shouldn't be too hard to find for anyone interested. It is the sad story of an AP, that many of us know if not personally, through the community, private conversations, etc that has fallen on hard times and finds himself in some trouble.
In fairness, many of us are not surprised by some of this as this person has and for as long as we have known him has had some issues. Strong hints of addiction problems, regarding gambling and other areas, none of which mix with advantage play. Throughout his AP career, he has been up and down, reaching great heights, and low.
So the issue now is he has been charged with identity theft regarding the use of multiple player card accounts and false ID to get them, something that has been discussed here a little bit, which is why I bring it up. It should be noted that this is a pretty high stakes player, so the amount of money, offers, he is accused of "stealing" with multiple players card, is significant. But this is not identity theft. No one's identity was stolen. I am not all that surprised that the casino involved is bringing this case, but I am much more surprised that the District Attorney's office is actually going through with the charges. The player faces significant jail time as charged.
I think there is an intimidation factor at play here, as the casino knows this person is down at the moment. But it now appears he is going to be hooked up with the attorney that knows just how to handle these cases, and hopefully when they get in front of a real judge, with this proper representation, things will work out for player X.
Now the using of false ID to attain players card is a line I wouldn't and haven't crossed. But using multiple players cards is something, not only AP's but millions of casino patrons do, collecting offers on spouses, family members and friends accounts. Are the casinos going to crack down on all these patrons? No, of course not. Just the AP's.
The first case I heard along these lines was in Pa a couple years ago. A team of AP's was charged with using multiple cards. I am not sure what happened because after the initial reports of the case hit the news, we heard nothing more. I am guessing that when attorney's got involved the case was either dropped or reduced to some smaller charge involving a fine, that the team chose to pay and move on.
So the important thing, and why I bring this to light, is the casino industry is waging war on multiple player accounts well at least in the case of AP's.
Oh and after this case is hopefully dismissed or reduced to something manageable, player X will have a case against the casino involved for illegally detaining him and back-rooming him. And he will be working with the right attorney for that too.