In a scandal that has rocked the poker world, a dealer at the esteemed JACK Cleveland Casino has been caught in a shocking act of theft, tarnishing the reputation of the venue. Jason Saliba, a 51-year-old from North Olmsted, Ohio, is facing serious legal consequences, including 14 counts of casino gaming law violations, a fifth-degree felony, and an additional charge of misdemeanor theft.
The incident came to light on September 6, when an observant player reported suspicious behavior by Saliba during a poker game. The dealer was seen discreetly removing chips from the pot—a blatant breach of trust. Casino management acted promptly, using surveillance footage to confirm the allegations. The sophisticated cameras, which meticulously monitor the casino floor, provided clear evidence of Saliba’s misconduct.
Further investigation by the Ohio Casino Control Commission revealed a pattern of deceit. Footage from prior incidents showed Saliba committing similar thefts on at least five other occasions. Authorities allege that over the span of a month, he stole chips during 14 separate incidents. Although the total value of the stolen chips is reportedly under $1,000, the repercussions of his actions extend beyond monetary losses.
Under Ohio law, theft of less than $1,000 is classified as a misdemeanor. However, if the value exceeds this threshold, the charges escalate to a felony, potentially resulting in a 12-month jail sentence for Saliba, along with an additional 180 days for the misdemeanor.
Saliba’s employment at JACK Cleveland Casino was terminated immediately after his actions were substantiated. This incident marks the second recent case of cheating at the casino. Ellis Quinn, a Tennessee resident with a history of gambling infractions, was indicted last month for allegedly cheating at craps.
These cases highlight the persistent challenges casinos face in safeguarding their operations. According to the Ohio Casino Control Commission, there were 24 reported cheating incidents across state casinos between July 2023 and June 2024, with 12 occurring at JACK Cleveland Casino. Individuals convicted of such crimes often face permanent bans and placement on the state’s involuntary exclusion list.
Casinos combat theft and cheating with advanced security technologies, such as RFID chips embedded in poker chips, enabling real-time tracking and protection against counterfeiting. This is complemented by high-definition surveillance and a robust security team that ensures stringent oversight of gaming activities.
Saliba’s case is set for a pretrial status conference on December 3 at the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court, a critical juncture in the legal process.
This incident underscores the importance of vigilance and integrity in casino operations. While modern security measures proved instrumental in uncovering Saliba’s actions, the case serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges in maintaining trust and fairness in the high-stakes world of live gaming.