Ismail Ateyat (Cook County Sheriff’s Office, Google)

CHICAGO — A one-time regular at Rivers Casino has been sentenced to seven years in prison for robbing a dealer inside the suburban venue last year.

Ismail Ateyat, 24, pleaded guilty to armed robbery after reaching a deal with prosecutors. Judge Paul Pavlus handed down the sentence.

Officials said Ateyat walked into the casino around 3 p.m. on Halloween and grabbed stacks of chips while pointing a gun at a dealer. After scooping up about $14,000 worth of chips, he headed for the door, allegedly pointing the gun at two security guards as he escaped.

Investigators said they found casino chips at Ateyat’s home when they arrested him.

The state will reduce his sentence by 50% for good behavior. After receiving other credits, he is currently expected to be paroled on November 10, 2026.

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