2 robberies of casino winners shake up France and the United States
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17 May 2025 •
Reading time: 3 minutes Winning a large sum at the casino should be a moment of joy and celebration. However, for some players, the dream turns into a nightmare in just a few hours.
In recent months, two separate cases – one in France, the other in the United States – have highlighted a worrying trend: criminals are deliberately targeting casino winners and robbing them shortly after they win. In Cannes, a man was robbed of €10,000 at knife-point, while in Los Angeles, an armed duo orchestrated a series of violent assaults on Californian roads. Although separated by thousands of kilometres, these incidents illustrate a worrying international phenomenon in which luck attracts predators.
A €10,000 jackpot… and a trap set in Cannes
On 23 January 2025, a regular at the Pullman Cannes Mandelieu Royal Casino tried his luck at roulette. With a modest bet, he won €10,000. Over the course of the evening, he made friends with three other players, sharing drinks and even lending between €400 and €600 to one of them.
However, this camaraderie turned into betrayal. As he walked to his car in the casino car park, one of the men he had spent the evening with threatened him with a knife, demanding all his winnings. The robber fled with the money.
Thanks to surveillance cameras, the assailant was quickly identified and arrested. Already known to the police, he was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment and banned from entering the Alpes-Maritimes. The Grasse court ruled that the attack was premeditated and treacherous towards the victim.
Armed duo stalk winners on the roads of Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, a series of robberies has been carried out by Juan Gabriel Gonzalez, 22, and Dereck Nathan Lopez, 21. Between 2023 and 2024, they followed casino winners back to their homes, attacking them on the highways to steal their winnings. Authorities estimate they committed at least 15 robberies, stealing more than $274,600 in cash, casino chips and other property.
Both men have been charged with multiple counts, including interfering with commerce by robbery, conspiracy and using firearms in violent crimes. Lopez, already convicted of weapons offences, also faces additional charges.
Different profiles, same strategy
Although the contexts differ, the two cases reveal a similar strategy: targeting casino winners, taking advantage of their euphoria and vulnerability to rob them. In Cannes, the assailant exploited the victim’s trust, while in Los Angeles, the robbers planned methodical roadside attacks.
Increased security measures
These incidents highlight the need for casinos and the authorities to increase security for players, in particular by making customers aware of the risks and improving surveillance around the establishments.
Gamblers who have just won large sums of money are not always prepared for the risks involved. The emotion of winning, sometimes amplified by alcohol consumption or fatigue, can make them reckless. Some flaunt their winnings, while others share their success on social networks or with strangers they meet on the spot. In both cases, the assailants took advantage of the players’ euphoria and reduced alertness after a win.
While casinos clearly have a duty of care, safety also depends on the individual responsibility of players. Caution after a win is essential: avoid talking about your winnings to strangers, ask to be escorted to your vehicle, or postpone your departure if suspicious behaviour is spotted – these are all reflexes that should be adopted. The police recommend that winners remain discreet about their winnings and take precautions when travelling after a win.