Virginia Jackpot Winner is Robbed After Trio Give Him Ride Home From Casino

Posted on: January 17, 2025, 11:10h. 

Last updated on: January 17, 2025, 11:18h.

Police are searching for the bandits who robbed a Virginia Beach man who won $10K on New Year’s Eve. He suffered numerous injuries after he left Virginia’s Rivers Casino Portsmouth with the three strangers.

Rivers Casino Portsmouth
Rivers Casino Portsmouth, pictured above. A winner at the casino was robbed by bandits who gave him a ride home. (Image: Tripadvisor)

The trio had offered to give the man a ride, and he accepted. But when he arrived home, they stole his money and cell phone, and roughed him up.

When he got out of the vehicle, two of the suspects approached him. One threatened to shoot him and grabbed his neck. The other bandit grabbed the victim’s shorts and attempted to snatch the cash.

The victim got into a struggle, but eventually one of the suspects yanked the cash away and the three robbers fled the scene.

The victim underwent treatment on January 1 at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital for his injuries, according to Virginia TV station WAVY.

Cell Phone is Crucial Evidence

When a police officer searched the crime scene, he found an iPhone. The victim believed it belonged to one of the suspects who dropped it during the struggle.

Police want to search the data on the phone, which led them to seek a search warrant from a local judge. The data were described as “vital to the investigation of [the] robbery,” according to the warrant application.

It’s likely police also reviewed surveillance video from the casino to check on the identity of the suspects. It’s possible they were following him on the gaming floor after he won the cash.

The three suspects hadn’t been arrested as of this week

In a statement to WAVY, Rivers Casino Portsmouth, said, “Rivers Casino has been cooperating fully with law enforcement agencies as they conduct their investigation.”

“The safety of our guests is always a top priority. Escorts are provided upon request when exiting the property, and a variety of cashless options are available.”

Safety Advice for Winners

Casino security professionals often advise players who win money, especially if it’s a larger amount, to ask the cashier’s cage to provide a check rather than taking the money in cash.

Also, they caution players to be careful of their surroundings and be aware of any individuals who may be watching them. In addition, taking a ride with strangers after a win is discouraged.