Wilkes-Barre, PA May 31 2021

Security officials at Mohegan Sun Pocono recently detected a man who was allegedly cheating at the casino’s table games.

According to charging documents, police say 42-year-old Wengui Hu of Duryea, Pa., was surveilled using a sleight of hand technique while playing an unspecified table game. After cards were dealt, Hu allegedly slipped cards from his sleeve onto the table to better his hand.

Casino security approached Hu on April 12 after scanning the pit floor and noticing his play. Hu agreed to hand over $5,425 in winnings at the time.

However, after a closer look into Hu’s frequent visits to the casino, Mohegan Sun determined Hu’s play on April 12 was not a one-time occurrence. Surveillance video captured him using the same technique on at least 10 occasions.

Mohegan Sun called in the Pennsylvania State Police and the state’s Gaming Control Board’s Bureau of Investigations and Enforcement to assist in the Hu probe. Law enforcement concluded that Hu illegally won more than $13,000 on the 10 trips that security cameras caught him using the sleight of hand system.

Specific details on the scheme have not been released. But in Magisterial District Court, Hu has been charged with 10 misdemeanor counts of cheating a casino, one felony count of theft by deception, and one felony count of receiving stolen property.

It shall be unlawful for an individual to claim, collect or take, or attempt to claim, collect or take, money or anything of value in or from a slot machine, gaming table, or other table game device, interactive game, or interactive gaming device with the intent to defraud, or to claim, collect, or take an amount greater than the amount won, or to manipulate with the intent to cheat, any component of any slot machine, table game, or table game device, interactive game, or interactive gaming device in a manner contrary to the designed and normal operational purpose,” reads Pennsylvania’s criminal code regarding casinos states.

Hu’s alleged gamble trying to deceive Mohegan Sun Pocono was a risky bet that could result in large fines and prison time.

According to Worgul, Sarna & Ness, criminal defense attorneys based in Pittsburgh, a person found guilty of felony theft by deception faces up to seven years in prison, and a fine up to $15,000. The same penalty is possible for the felony of receiving stolen property.

Hu remains in custody after failing to secure $25,000 bail.

The casino is owned and operated by Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment, the casino and hospitality unit of the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut.

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