AN OLD gambling adage says the house always wins. But sometimes, even months after they've lost the last chip, gamblers get a break.

That's the case for more than 2,100 people who played in the Borgata Casino's Winter Open in Atlantic City in January. The tournament was halted after one player, Christian Lusardi, was nabbed on charges he used phony chips.

The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement ruled Monday the casino must dole out $500 to each of 2,143 players who didn't crack the top 450 but played at the same venue and time as the reputed cheat. The Borgata is also refunding each person their $60 entry fee.

The casino also has to pay more than $19,000 to each of the top 27 finishers.

Lusardi, 42, of North Carolina, was charged with theft by deception and attempting to rig the contest. He allegedly flushed the phony chips down a toilet in the casino.

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