Probation for former sports book manager

MINDEN - The ex-manager of the Lakeside Inn and Casino race and sports book was sentenced Tuesday to two years probation and ordered to stay away from gambling.

District Judge Dave Gamble told Ronald Eugene Tipton, 43, who now lives in Arizona, that if he so much as "pitches pennies" during his probation, he'll serve one year in Douglas County Jail.

Gamble also ordered Tipton to pay $1,565.45 restitution in addition to the $20,000 which he already has repaid to the Stateline casino.

"I am sorry for what I did," Tipton said.

He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit grand theft, admitting that he stole $21,565 from the casino by cashing unpaid sports book tickets which were about to expire.

The thefts occurred from Oct. 24, 2005, through Feb. 22, 2006.

Tipton said since his arrest, he had been attending Gamblers Anonymous and was committed to repaying his debts.

"This whole thing stemmed from a gambling problem," said William Cole, Tipton's lawyer.

"He's taken steps to take care of that problem. His remorse is heartfelt. He is ashamed of what he did," Cole said.

He said Tipton has a good job in Arizona and was truthful with his new employer about his arrest and conviction.

As part of his probation, Gamble said Tipton must abstain from alcohol and controlled substances and is subject to random search and seizure for controlled substances or indicators of theft.

"One danger is that this appears to have been treated too lightly by the system. I don't want this to happen to you," Gamble said. "If you violate, I will send you to jail."