Christian Lusardi Arrested For Borgata Tournament Cheating

Saturday January 25 ,2014 : BORGATA FRAUD GIVES NEW MEANING TO THE TERM "CHIP DUMPING"
 
42-year-old professional player arrested after fraudulent chips disrupted live tournament at the Borgata.
 
The discovery of faux chips at the Borgata Winter poker festival live tourney in Atlantic City last week caused the cancellation of an event on the schedule, and this week led to the arrest of 42-year-old poker pro Christian Lusardi after some unusual evidence pointed his way.
 
That evidence came in the form of a blocked toilet at Harrah's Resort and Casino after the fraud was uncovered…and on investigation hotel staff found that the blockage had been caused by a unique form of chip dumping in which $2.7 million worth of chips similar to those used in the Borgata fraud had been flushed down the toilet.
 
Unfortunately for Lusardi, who was allegedly the occupant of that room at the time, the flushing point could be precisely pinpointed, leading to his eventual arrest at an Atlantic City motel.
 
Lusardi had entered Day 2 of the event with the chip lead, allegedly introducing counterfeit chips into the tournament multiple times. He was eliminated on Day 2, earning only $6,814 despite his fraudulent advantage, reports The Press of Atlantic City.
 
Speaking to the Associated Press news agency, Borgata exec Joe Lupo said:
 
"We are very pleased that the New Jersey State Police Casino Gaming Bureau has apprehended a suspect in connection with the counterfeit chip activity that compromised Event 1 of the Borgata Poker Open.
 
"The investigation by the (New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement) and the state police is ongoing."
 
Lusardi, who reportedly has a prior criminal record, is charged with rigging a publicly exhibited contest, criminal attempt, and theft by deception. His bail is set at $300,000.