Illicit Counterfeit Chip Incident Roundrocking Las Vegas' High-Roller Community
In a recent turn of events, a counterfeit chips scandal has rocked the Las Vegas casino industry. The focus of this investigation is Gratis Woolen Jr., who was arrested on charges including burglary and possession of illegal instruments.
The scheme was uncovered in January 2023 by vigilant employees at Harrah's and The Cosmopolitan, who reported suspicious activity to the Nevada Gaming Control Board. Woolen was caught in the act at The Cosmopolitan, where he exchanged several counterfeit $100 chips for cash.
Further examination revealed that Woolen had previous incidents of similar activities, with records dating back to 2014 and 2018. However, the identity of the woman involved in the scam alongside Woolen remains undisclosed. No charges have been reported against her.
The counterfeit chips in question had Golden Gate stickers that were peeling off, revealing a solid black face underneath, which is unusual for legitimate chips. Investigators found discrepancies in the inserts of the counterfeit chips, including an abnormal bump underneath, indicating their fraudulent nature.
Despite extensive research, there is no widely documented or credible information about the origin of these counterfeit chips linked to Gratis Woolen Jr. It is unclear whether Woolen manufactured the chips himself or obtained them from another source.
The arrest was due to a counterfeit chips scandal at various Las Vegas casinos. Woolen allegedly attempted to pass off fake gaming chips at Harrah's Las Vegas Hotel and Casino and The Cosmopolitan.
Woolen was granted release on $1,000 bail under the condition of electronic monitoring. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for April 25 to address the charges against him.
This incident serves as a reminder of the constant vigilance required to combat fraudulent activities within the Las Vegas casino industry. As of now, no further information about any potential involvement of the motel in the counterfeit chips scandal or the legal repercussions for the woman involved in the scam has been disclosed.
The counterfeit chips scandal, involving Gratis Woolen Jr., extended to multiple Las Vegas casinos, including Harrah's Las Vegas Hotel and Casino and The Cosmopolitan. Woolen has been charged with burglary and possession of illegal instruments in relation to casino-games, and his arrest is under the category of crime-and-justice. Investigators are currently trying to trace the general-news worthy origin of these counterfeit casino-and-gambling chips, but the identity of the woman reportedly involved in the scheme remains undisclosed.
