Blackjack scheme among the losses reported by Sask. gov’t

A scheme that involved a blackjack dealer paying out more than $29,000 to losing hands was one of the losses of public money reported by the Government of Saskatchewan for the first quarter of 2020.

In a media release Monday, the government said the incident was reported by a casino guest Jan. 14. A review of video surveillance determined the activity had occurred and further investigation found other evidence of collusion.

The losses amounted to $29,435. The dealer was placed on administrative leave Jan. 14 and then fired Jan. 22. The dealer and the guest who received the money were given five-year bans and Regina police were called Jan. 28.

In another loss reported by the Crown Investment Corporation, SaskPower received reports that employees had stolen an estimated $12,000 worth of scrap copper in December.

After an investigation, three employees were fired and — according to the government release — “the corporate disciplinary process” was applied to six other employees. In addition to the stolen copper, another $8,500 worth of copper was recovered.

The Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority also reported an estimated $3,390 in losses after an employee submitted timecards that claimed time they actually hadn’t worked. The employee resigned and no further action was taken.