Seven online casino players in Philadelphia have been found guilty and placed on the state's involuntary exclusion list, after they reportedly conducted several transactions online that amounted to almost $30,000. The players were accused of obtaining an online account using another person's identity, depositing funds into these accounts, and more.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has placed seven online casino players on the state's involuntary exclusion list after uncovering fraudulent activities amounting to nearly $30,000 at various online casinos. The decision follows an in-depth investigation by the PGCB's Bureau of Investigations and Enforcement, which found the individuals guilty of a range of deceitful practices.

Fraudulent activities uncovered

The investigation revealed that three of the seven individuals engaged in sophisticated fraudulent schemes that targeted online casinos in Pennsylvania. These players used fake identities and the personal financial information of others to carry out their illicit activities.

The fraudulent acts included:

Opening online accounts with stolen identities: The players obtained online casino accounts using another individual's identity, which they accessed through fraudulent means.

Depositing various funds using stolen payment methods: Once the fraudulent accounts were set up, the players deposited funds using the banking details of unsuspecting individuals, without their consent.

Withdrawing funds without gambling: The most striking aspect of their fraud involved withdrawing the deposited funds to their own bank accounts without engaging in any gambling activities. This was done by creating two distinct accounts under false names, using stolen credit cards to make deposits, and then withdrawing the same funds back to their own accounts.

Unlawful chargebacks: The players went a step further by requesting chargebacks from the credit card issuers. They claimed the transactions were unauthorized, receiving refunds despite the fraudulent nature of the deposits.

The total amount defrauded through these actions was $27,168, a significant sum that prompted the PGCB to take decisive action against those involved.

Wider implications and further offenses

In addition to the three players found guilty of the above fraudulent activities, the other four persons were banned for a variety of offenses, which included theft, child endangerment, cheating, the use of counterfeit currency, and disorderly conduct.

These offenses underline the range of criminal activities that can occur within the online gaming environment. The PGCB's action to exclude these players reflects its commitment to maintaining the integrity of Pennsylvania's online gambling industry.

The role of the PGCB and the involuntary exclusion list

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, responsible for regulating all aspects of gambling within the state, has the authority to place individuals on the involuntary exclusion list. This list is reserved for those who have committed serious violations of gaming laws or regulations, thereby barring them from participating in any legal gambling activities within Pennsylvania, including online gaming platforms.

Being placed on this list is a significant penalty, as it effectively cuts off individuals from all legitimate gaming opportunities in the state. For the seven individuals recently added to the list, this exclusion serves as both a punishment for their actions and a warning to others who might consider similar fraudulent activities.

The PGCB's decision to place these seven individuals on the involuntary exclusion list is a clear message to all players that fraud and other criminal activities will not be tolerated in the broad Pennsylvania gaming sector. The Board's proactive approach in investigating and addressing these issues emphasizes its dedication to protecting the interests of both legitimate players and the gaming community as a whole.