Indiana Woman Accused of Trying to Cash a $1,393 Betting Ticket That Had Already Been Paid

An Indiana woman is accused of trying to collect a $1,393 sportsbook payout at Blue Chip Casino after the man who placed the bet had already received the money.

Amanda Czarny, 36, of Valparaiso, faces a Level 6 felony charge of cheating at gambling. Investigators allege she knew the winnings had been paid before she presented the ticket, Casino.org reported, citing court records.

The winning ticket had been reported lost

The incident happened on September 18, 2026, at the casino in Michigan City, Indiana.

According to charging information described by Hometown News Now, Czarny was there with a man who won nearly $1,400 on a $400 sports bet. Casino.org put the exact payout at $1,393.

The man reported his winning ticket as lost. He still received his money through the casino’s lost-ticket process.

Less than an hour later, authorities said, Czarny left the man and returned to the sportsbook, where she presented the same ticket for payment.

What investigators say the cameras showed

An Indiana Gaming Commission agent was alerted after the alleged attempt. Czarny reportedly told the agent that the man had given her the ticket to cash, but he denied giving her permission.

Casino.org’s account of the charging document describes surveillance footage showing the two entering the sportsbook together around 1:27 p.m. After the man collected his winnings, they went to the casino’s hotel lobby and stayed there until about 2:11 p.m.

Czarny was then allegedly recorded returning to the sportsbook alone and trying to redeem the ticket.

A separate paraphernalia charge

Czarny also faces a Class C misdemeanor charge of possession of paraphernalia. Hometown News Now reported that both charges were filed in La Porte Superior Court 4.

The two outlets describe the discovery of a pipe slightly differently. Hometown News Now said Czarny dropped it when casino security approached her. Casino.org said a glass pipe fell from her vehicle when she was confronted in the casino’s parking garage.

Both accounts attribute to authorities an allegation that she admitted using the pipe to smoke methamphetamine. Casino.org noted that no charge of possessing methamphetamine was reported.

Arrest and release on bond

In its September 30, 2026 report, Hometown News Now said Czarny had been arrested Tuesday and later posted bond. Neither report included a lawyer’s response, a plea or a next court date.

GameEmpress has also covered an unrelated bookmaking indictment in Las Vegas.

The charges against Czarny are allegations. She is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Featured image: Amanda Czarny. Photo: La Porte County Sheriff’s Office