Watch CBS News

Mandatory Pa. Casino Theft Fine Tossed Out

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has ruled unconstitutional a mandatory $75,000 fine imposed on a Pittsburgh casino poker dealer convicted of having stolen $200 worth of chips.

The unanimous ruling Tuesday by the state's highest court called the fine "strikingly disproportionate" and said the fact that it was mandatory "merely exacerbates the disproportion."

Twenty-nine-year-old Matthew Eisenberg was charged with sneaking $1 or $5 poker chips off the table at The Rivers Casino. Attorney Michael Santicola argued that his client would have faced a much smaller fine if convicted of stealing from anyone other than a casino — and it wouldn't be mandatory.

The state said the fine was intended to deter behavior that would undermine confidence in the gambling industry. Representatives of the casino and the district attorney's office declined comment. 

(Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.