A fraud investigation is underway after Bally’s Evansville paid a $212,671 fake invoice from an emailer claiming to be one of the casino’s contractors.
According to the Evansville Police Department, a fraudulent email was sent to Bally’s claiming to be a construction company the casino had hired. Police told 44News in Evansville that the fake email provided bank details for payment. Someone claiming to represent the construction firm contacted Bally’s executives, explaining that there had been an issue with their work email. They provided a new email address, a bank account and a routing number for payment. Bally’s paid the $212,671 invoice and later discovered it had been the victim of a phishing scam.
Bally’s Evansville is a land-based casino on the banks of the Ohio River with a 45,000-square-foot gaming floor featuring 950 slot machines, 30 electronic and live dealer table games and a William Hill Sportsbook. In addition to its gaming offerings, the casino offers 350 guest rooms, four restaurants, and event spaces for weddings and other occasions.
Gaming & Leisure Properties Inc. acquired the casino, previously known as Tropicana, in 2011 from Caesars Entertainment for $480 million. Subsequently, Bally’s acquired the operating rights to the property by paying GLPI $140 million.
In November, casino staff reported a sighting of a 46-year-old suspected of auto theft and drug charges, leading to his arrest. A week later, 44News reported that a man was arrested on several charges, including neglect, after police found a young child in the facility’s parking garage.
