A St. Louis man has been charged with first-degree robbery and armed criminal action after allegedly stalking a woman who won $3,200 at DraftKings in East St. Louis, then forcing her off the road at gunpoint to steal her winnings. The incident has reignited questions about security protocols at major casino venues, particularly around protecting high-value winners.

How the Robbery Unfolded

Ronnell L. Williams, 36, allegedly watched the victim play slot machines at Casino Queen on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River, observing her substantial win. According to St. Louis Metropolitan Police, Williams followed her across the Eads Bridge into Missouri, then forced her vehicle off the road in the Near North Riverfront neighborhood on October 6. He allegedly pulled a gun and demanded the cash she'd just won at the casino.

Surveillance footage allegedly captured Williams observing the woman throughout her gaming session and following her departure. The victim provided police with a vehicle description and later identified Williams from casino footage. A warrant for his arrest was issued on October 10.

A Pattern Casino Queen Should Have Prevented

This robbery echoes a troubling history at Casino Queen. Back in 2009, two men tracked blackjack player Mark Myers after he won thousands, following him home to Missouri before assaulting and robbing him outside his residence. Myers subsequently sued Casino Queen, claiming inadequate security despite surveillance evidence showing the men monitoring his movements throughout his visit.

Here's what's revealing. A 2012 federal appeals court ruling noted that Casino Queen had been aware of at least three previous "follow-home" robberies. The decision outlined available security measures the casino could have implemented: private cash counts, security escorts, chase vehicles to accompany departing winners. All of it feasible. None of it, apparently, deployed.

What This Means for Industry Standards

The casino industry operates in a regulatory environment where customer safety is non-negotiable. Best practice dictates that venues tracking substantial wins should offer discretionary security options to winners before they leave the premises. This isn't about creating alarm, it's about basic risk management.

The fact that these incidents keep surfacing suggests either inconsistent implementation of available safeguards or insufficient awareness among players that such protections exist. Frankly, it's probably both. Either way, it's a gap worth addressing.