
Missoula Man Arrested for Cashing Fake Casino Tickets
Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On June 29, 2025, a Missoula Police Department officer responded to Westside Lanes after receiving a report of forgery/theft. The complainant reported that a group of three individuals recently cashed a fraudulent casino ticket in the amount of $500.05. The officer arrived, and the complainant showed him the ticket and surveillance video of the transaction.
In the video, a Hispanic male, an African American male, and a female exit a Ford Edge and enter Westside Lanes. The Hispanic male approaches the counter and cashes out the forged ticket. The Hispanic male shares some of the money with the African American male.
911 dispatchers asked the officer to contact a Missoula County Sheriff’s Office deputy about another recent forgery/theft involving casino tickets. The deputy told the officer that a Hispanic male entered the Reno Casino and cashed two forged casino tickets for $500.05 each.

The Officer Identified the Suspect
The deputy sent photos of the suspect to the officer. The officer determined that it was the same individual involved in the forgery/theft at Westside Lanes. The officer identified the Hispanic male as 30-year-old Alexander Rios.
A short time later, the deputy spotted the suspect vehicle at the intersection of Scott Street and Rogers Street. He initiated a traffic stop and made contact with the occupants, Rios and an African American male. The MPD officer also responded to the traffic stop.
After being advised of his rights, Rios stated that he was outside the Reno Casino when he found the two casino payout tickets. He believed they were real and cashed them. Rios and his companions then left Reno and went to Westside Lanes. There, Rios found another casino payout ticket and cashed it as well. According to court documents, Rios said it was probably a bad idea to try to cash these tickets. He also explained that he had two additional tickets in his apartment.
READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports
Rio was Wearing the Same Stuff
The officer noted that Rios was wearing the same shirt that he was wearing in the surveillance video. He was also in possession of a black fanny pack that also appeared in the surveillance video. When the officer seized the fanny pack with the intention of applying for a search warrant, he observed that the bag was open.
In plain view, he noticed a large amount of cash and a rolled-up, white piece of paper. The paper bore the same writing as the forged casino tickets. The officer also looked inside the Ford Edge and observed what appeared to be a printer near the passenger-side door.
Rios was arrested and transported to the Missoula County Detention Center. He is currently being charged with felony forgery and felony theft.
The information in this article was obtained from sources that are publicly viewable.