Pennsylvania State Police have arrested a 25-year-old man from Washington County accused of using sleight of hand tactics to cheat during a game of Ultimate Texas Hold’em at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows.
Investigators allege that Brando Castaneda, 25, manipulated cards while playing the poker-style table game at the Penn Entertainment-operated venue in North Strabane Township. Surveillance footage reportedly captured him discreetly shifting cards between his hands to create stronger combinations and inflate his winnings.
According to police, Castaneda amassed nearly $18,500 in winnings over 31 rounds before being detained. He has since been charged with third-degree felony theft by deception, a charge that carries a potential penalty of up to seven years in prison and $15,000 in fines under Pennsylvania law.
Hollywood Casino at The Meadows offers around 65 live-dealer table games, operating 24 hours on weekends and until 4 a.m. on weekdays.
Ongoing Legal Troubles
Court records show Castaneda is also facing unresolved DUI charges from an August 2024 arrest, including driving with a BAC of .16 or higher. After failing to appear in court, a bench warrant was issued for his arrest earlier this month. No attorney is currently listed in either of his cases.
Under the Pennsylvania Gaming Act, it is illegal to “knowingly, by a trick or sleight of hand performance or by fraud or fraudulent scheme,” attempt to win or reduce losses at a licensed gaming facility.
Stiffer Consequences Abroad
While Castaneda could serve up to seven years if convicted, similar offenses in Asia can result in much harsher penalties.
Last year, a Resorts World Sentosa dealer in Singapore was charged with theft after using sleight of hand to pocket casino chips. Oumnakil Thanakorn, a Thai national, initially faced up to 25 years in prison but received a reduced 12- to 14-month sentence following a guilty plea and was deported after serving his term.
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