Giuseppe “Little Joe” Manzi won $1.16 million at Bally’s Casino in Lincoln, Rhode Island, according to court records. His alleged use of fraudulent identities has led to charges of money laundering and casino cheating following an investigation by state police and the FBI.
What happened
Authorities allege that Manzi, a known associate of organized crime, amassed winnings of nearly $1.2 million after placing approximately $630,000 into slot machines over 116 days. “During the last twelve months, Manzi has won $1,156,105.00,” police records indicate.[2]
As the alleged ringleader, Manzi reportedly utilized fraudulent “points cards” linked to stolen identities to gain access to casino perks. His consistent high returns drew suspicion, with a casino employee stating, “it was statistically impossible for Manzi to nearly double his money on such a consistent basis without some type of casino cheating taking place.”
Manzi, 51, was arrested last week during a sweep by the FBI and is now facing multiple charges, including cheating a casino and conspiracy. He was released on $50,000 cash bail but must appear in Rhode Island court on Monday.[3]
Why it matters
The case underscores ongoing issues with identity theft in gaming establishments and highlights the potential for significant financial crime within the casino industry. The allegations against Manzi and his co-defendants raise questions about security protocols and the effectiveness of monitoring in high-stakes environments.
If convicted, Manzi and his associates could face severe penalties, reinforcing the message that fraudulent activities in casinos carry substantial legal risks.
Background
The investigation into Manzi’s activities began earlier this year. On March 26, 2026, state police initiated a review of transactions connecting Manzi and his associates to suspicious gambling patterns. By early April, records detailing fraudulent identities and their use at the casino became available, leading to the arrests.
On May 20, 2026, Rhode Island authorities reported that these individuals had been observed utilizing multiple points cards, casting doubt on the legitimacy of their gambling success. This scrutiny followed Manzi’s previous criminal record, which included a conviction for racketeering in 2006.[1]
What’s next
Manzi is scheduled to appear in a Rhode Island court on May 29, 2026, while his co-defendants will also seek to appeal bail conditions in Hampden Superior Court on the same day.
