Couples Investigated in Counterfeit Chip Scheme

Two couples are being investigated for using counterfeit poker chips at Maryland Live! Casino last month, according to documents obtained by News4.

Maryland State Police investigators were called to the casino in Hanover Jan. 20 where they found dozens of black $100 poker chips security officers had scanned and had determined to be counterfeit.

A search warrant reveals the chips in question were larger in size than the standard Maryland Live! chips, and at least one --originating from Charles Town Casino in West Virginia -- had been painted black.

Casino staff were able to track down four individuals from Northern Virginia as those likely for the counterfeit chips. Investigators believe the four netted thousands of dollars over several days, gambling with the chips and cashing them in. 

One of the men was questioned earlier this month during a visit to the casino and said he had bought the chips online. He was not arrested.

Search warrants were served last week on four locations in Fairfax County, Va. including a home in Annandale. Investigators searched for casino-style poker chips and markers, paint or stickers used to alter chips.

The scheme was uncovered just four days before a multi-million dollar counterfeit chip discovery resulted in the shut down of a high-stakes poker tournament at the Bogata Hotel in Atlantic City, NJ. The two incidents are not believed to be related. 

No arrests have been made, and State Police will only confirm the case is under active investigation.

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