A high-rolling gambler and poker player feels he was dealt a bad hand at a Massachusetts casino.
Richard Angelica, who is often invited to gamble at casinos across the country, claims that, during his recent stay at the MGM Springfield Casino Hotel in Massachusetts, nearly $21,000 disappeared. However, officials at the resort assert that Angelica had already checked out. The issue is that Angelica had only checked into his room less than twelve hours earlier.
Angelica checked into the hotel and then left to watch the New England Patriots at nearby Gillette Stadium. After the game, Angelica and his son-in-law boarded the casino’s bus and headed back to the hotel, showing up around 7 PM.
When he returned to the property, his hotel card key could no longer open the room’s door.
VIP’s Money Mysteriously Disappears
The hotel informed Angelica that he had checked out and that his room had been emptied, including the contents of the safe where he had put $30,000 in cash earlier in the day. The hotel had his belongings and, when they were turned over to Angelica, he stated that $20,900 was missing.
“Nothing like this has ever happened before,” Angelica told media outlet Massachusetts Live. He added, “I handle about 20 to 30 different casino hosts and reps all over the country, throughout the year.”
Angelica is a semi-pro blackjack and poker player and often travels throughout the U.S., being invited to play at various casinos. This was the case when he arrived at the MGM property on December 26. The invite also included transportation and tickets to the New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills game.
After learning that the money was missing, Angelica spoke with MGM Springfield assistant director of security Gary Rescigno. That didn’t help cool things down, as the conversation reportedly became heated more than once.
Fingers Pointing In All Directions
Angelica stated that he spoke with several hotel employees, and none could explain why he was checked out early or who the person was that authorized it.
Angelica told the media outlet, “Their normal protocol is to call [me], or a casino host that represents me. If there’s an instance where they think I checked out of my room they should have informed me. Also, my room was reserved well ahead of time, for two nights.”
Beth Ward, an MGM Springfield spokesperson, stated that the hotel is “working directly with law enforcement” in the investigation.
The Massachusetts State Game Enforcement Unit has been assigned to investigate the incident. The unit is under the Attorney General’s Gaming Enforcement Division, which investigates and prosecutes illegal gaming action in the state, including financial crimes related to any gaming activity.
Angelica’s VIP status has allowed him to travel throughout the U.S and the Bahamas with various casinos. He was excited about the two-day stay in Springfield. It’s originally his home, but he now lives in New Jersey with his wife and children.
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