Winning big and going home with a pile of cash may be a dream for some, but it could mean big trouble. 

Lois Luedtke jokes that she'll be buried with her collection of photos from her casino wins.

“I win a lot, and I'm lucky,” Luedtke said.

But she knows when she plays the slots, she's also gambling with her safety.

“I lost cash, my credit cards, my driver’s license,” she said.

Eight years ago, Luedtke won nearly $11,000 and drove home to Richfield. Once in her garage, she felt someone rip her purse from her shoulder.

“I said, ‘I'm going to catch you,’ and I started to run after him. Well, by that time, he was gone,” Luedtke said.

Police arrested Ronnie Watkins, who is now serving more than 20 years for following home more than a half dozen Potawatomi gamblers.

Police don't specifically track casino-related crime, and Potawatomi doesn't share its records. But a WISN 12 News review of area police reports over the past three years uncovered disturbing evidence that crooks continue to target casino patrons.

Some of the incidents that occurred on casino property include:

-- A Franklin man was mugged on his way out.
-- Two Waukesha women were held up as they left the casino counting their cash.
-- A Wauwatosa woman was knocked unconscious and robbed in the parking lot.

Some of the incidents off-site are:

-- A Milwaukee man was robbed at gunpoint after giving another gambler a ride home.
-- A Racine man was held up after picking up two women at the casino.
-- A Milwaukee woman was mugged after taking the bus home.
-- A Milwaukee couple was followed home and robbed.
-- A Greenfield woman was attacked at home after leaving the casino in May.

WISN 12 News obtained Potawatomi surveillance video that's now evidence in the Greenfield woman’s case.

Police said Jimmy J. Riley, a convicted felon, played black jack, crossing paths with the 79-year-old slots player, who had no idea anyone was watching.

Once she got home, a man shoved her into her trunk and took off with her purse.

A short time later, casino video shows Riley returning to the casino, where police said he tried to use the woman's ATM card and then hit the tables again.

The woman didn't want to be interviewed Luedtke knows the fear.

“I didn't go back for a long time, and don't think I don't think about it today,” she said.

Luedtke believes some casino policies actually put winners in jeopardy. Big hits trigger bells and flashing lights.

“It's a big sound, probably all over the casino, and you're sitting there, and everybody knows it's you,” Luedtke said.

Potowatami gives cashier’s check for payouts more than $5,000, so everyone knows most winners walk away with wads of cash.

“What I would like to see is for them to be a little more careful with the people that are playing and winning and trying to protect them,” Luedtke said.

She said knowing the danger there has taken some of the joy out of the game.

“I'm still scared. I'll always be scared,” Luedtke said.

By email, Potawatomi said, "Incidents of criminal activity do occur on rare occasions. The property has implemented many measures to assure our guests are safe. For those who fall victim, our thoughts go out to them.”

And the casino now says guests can get checks for their winnings.

Other Wisconsin casinos issue checks for jackpots above $1,200 upon request.

Potawatomi's guideline has been $5,000, but a spokesman told WISN 12 News if guests are worried about carrying cash, they can ask for a check.

Casino guards are also available to escort gamblers to their cars.