Armed robbers steal tip box from sportsbook inside Valley Forge Casino: police

KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa. - Two armed suspects who tried to rob a sportbook inside Valley Forge Casino made off with much less than they gambled for.

The parking lot around the Valley Forge Casino in King of Prussia was filled on a warm, late winter day after bold, robbers struck. Jay Gilbert of Pottstown bets on sporting events there. "It was shocking," he said. "I couldn’t believe it because I’ve never seen that happen in a casino."

State Police report just before 11 Tuesday night, two masked men in white hoodies, ski masks, gloves and brandishing weapons demanded money from tellers inside the Fanduel Sportsbook in the Valley Forge Casino. And while only getting a tip box with $120, the brazen robbery attempt had some shaking their heads. Hannah Pennington of Phoenixville said, "It’s a casino so you never know what can happen in a casino, but I know these places are heavily protected, so it’s crazy to me it can happen there."

The Fanduel is just yards from the casino’s front door where a security guard stood Wednesday afternoon greeting patrons. It was quiet Wednesday with one teller sitting behind a protective barrier.

Pictured on the website of Valley Forge owner Boyd Gaming, the Fanduel is one of three located in casinos across the Commonwealth. Jay Gilbert said he was feeling lucky for his sports bets, He’s not the only one. Pennsylvania reports a record haul for the gaming industry last year of nearly $5.7 billion.

Hauling their $120, the robbers escaped in a white Jeep Grand Cherokee. Jule Pinto of Newtown Square didn’t think it was even worth the effort. Adding, "It’s not worth it for $120."