Colorado Man Accused of Swiping $76K from McGills Casino Cage After Prior Attempt

Posted on: August 27, 2025, 12:26h. 

Last updated on: August 27, 2025, 12:49h.

Philip Conneller @casinoorgphilc Read More
Expertise: Gaming Business, Regulation, Tribal Gaming.
  • Casino theft suspect arrested after stealing more than $76K
  • Repeat burglary attempt at J.P. McGills Casino foiled
  • Police and gaming agents coordinated swift capture of suspect

A Colorado Springs man who allegedly made a failed attempt to jump the cash cage at J.P. McGills Casino in Cripple Creek, Colo., in July is accused of trying the same trick on August 18. This time, he managed to steal more than $76K in cash, according to a police report.

Cripple Creek casino theft, Colorado Springs arrest, J.P. McGills robbery, $76K casino heist, Andrew Joel Irvine
In the early hours of August 19, Andrew Joel Irvine, top right, helped himself to more than $76K from the cage at McGills Casino in Cripple Creek, Colo., main image, according to police. (Image: CSPD/McGills Casino)

Several hours after making off with the money, Andrew Joel Irvine, 26, was arrested by officers of the Colorado Springs Police Department with the assistance of the Colorado Division of Gambling, according to the arrest affidavit seen by KKTV News.

Casino staff told police that this wasn’t Irvine’s first rodeo, adding that he had jumped the counter “just like the last time” – a reference to the previous incident on July 19. On that occasion, a cashier was able to fend Irvine off before he could get his hands on any cash.

Irvine had an active warrant for his arrest in relation to the incident when he allegedly returned to the scene of the crime last week, according to the affidavit.

Masked Figure

At around 4 am on August 18, a man identified by police as Irvine was captured by the casino’s security video loitering around the venue. Irvine is seen looking around the hallway leading to the cash cage before disappearing outside. He then reenters the casino around a minute later, this time wearing a dark face mask.

While the cashier is in a backroom attached to the cage, the video shows Irvine vault over the counter and grab two handfuls of cash, before jumping back over the counter and fleeing into the night. The whole incident lasted less than two minutes.

Irvine headed toward his car, which was in the parking lot of the nearby Double Eagle Casino, according to the affidavit.

When police caught up with him in Colorado Springs later that day, Irvine is alleged to have told the arresting officer: “I was dumb. I like broke the law.”

Charges Filed

Irvine is being held at the Teller County Jail on a $50K bond. He’s been charged with second-degree burglary, criminal attempt to commit theft, and third-degree burglary.

He is due in court on September 8.

“This case demonstrates the strength of interagency cooperation,” said Cripple Creek Police Chief Charles Bright in a media release. “We appreciate the support and professionalism of our partners at the Colorado Division of Gaming and the Colorado Springs Police Department as we continue working to resolve this case.”