Texas Poker Room Catches Thieves Printing Counterfeit Casino Chips
Table Of Contents
A counterfeit chip scheme at one of Texas’s busiest poker rooms has been uncovered — and the culprits identified — before any serious damage could be done.
Texas Card House Dallas, part of the largest poker room brand in the state, confirmed that it recently detected fake chips and quickly tracked down those behind the scheme, though it is unclear if any counterfeit chips made their way into any games.
A source at the club told PokerNews that the suspects have been identified and that law enforcement efforts are underway. However, it’s currently unknown whether any arrests have been made or when charges might be filed.
“We know who it is. We caught them,” the source said.
Fake Chips Flagged Quickly
According to TCH, the individuals had been sending people into the club to try and cash in the counterfeit chips. But the club’s internal checks flagged the issue quickly. “We caught it almost immediately,” the source said. “We have several checks in place.”
The fake chips were described as highly convincing, with a lot of effort apparently going into their design. As a result of the incident, TCH is preparing to upgrade to RFID-enabled chips to enhance security going forward.
Legal Consequences
Under Texas Penal Code §32.23, using counterfeit poker chips bearing a casino’s trademark with the intent to deceive or defraud constitutes trademark counterfeiting, a serious criminal offense. Intent is a key factor: prosecutors must prove the suspect knowingly used or attempted to use counterfeit items fraudulently.
Given the scale of the scheme and the involvement of multiple individuals, the retail value of the counterfeit chips is presumed to exceed $2,500, which makes the offense a felony.
In Texas, counterfeiting items valued above $2,500 is a state jail felony, punishable by:
- 180 days to two years in state jail
- A maximum fine of $10,000
If the value exceeds $30,000, the penalties could be even more severe, potentially involving longer prison terms and greater fines.
Club Warns Players Not to Trade Chips Privately
In a Facebook post, Texas Card House advised players not to accept chips from other individuals under any circumstances. “To protect yourself and ensure a fair play experience, please avoid trading or buying chips from individuals,” the statement read. “The only way you should get your chips is to purchase and cash them in directly at one of our Texas Card House clubs.”
Texas Card House operates two rooms in the Dallas area and six across the state, making it the largest poker room brand in Texas. The Dallas location where the counterfeit chips were discovered is one of the busiest in the region.
The club emphasized its commitment to working with authorities and prosecuting anyone caught trying to pass off fake chips. “Your safety is our top priority,” the statement said. “We’re committed to providing you with the best playing environment possible.”
