Two men running an illegal poker operation from a unit in Splott, Cardiff, have received suspended sentences after a comprehensive investigation by law enforcement agencies. As reported by the BBC, the men were sentenced on October 2 following an inquiry spearheaded by Tarian, the regional organised crime unit for southern Wales, with assistance from the Gambling Commission, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), and the licensing team from Cardiff Council.
The unauthorized poker venue operated between August 2022 and February 2024, transforming an industrial unit into a commercial poker space. Investigators uncovered six poker tables, a wheel for prizes, seating arrangements, stocked fridges, CCTV surveillance, and a cashier’s window shielded by a Perspex barrier. An office within the venue held poker chips, gambling tokens, and financial records tied to transactions. Reports indicate that access to the venue was granted through a fire exit.
Tarian noted that the poker games were promoted both in-person and online, with mobile phone evidence revealing WhatsApp ads for a subscription-based online poker operation named "Fish Tank Online." Initially branded as "Ding Ding Poker," the operation later changed its name to "Fish Tank Poker Cardiff."
Financial investigations showed significant transactions, revealing that about £260,000 (approximately $344,320) had been deposited into an account belonging to Noor Rassam, while around £124,000 was linked to co-defendant Panayiotis Karayiannis. Rather than gambling against players, the duo took a commission from each hand played, known in the industry as "the rake."
In February 2024, police executed warrants at both the poker venue and locations associated with the defendants. During these operations, cash, documents, digital equipment, and additional materials were seized. Rassam and Karayiannis both pled guilty to charges of possessing and transferring criminal property under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 on the first day of their trial.
Both men were sentenced to three years in prison, with the sentences suspended for three years pending a future hearing to address confiscation and forfeiture under the Proceeds of Crime Act, scheduled for April 9, 2027.
Detective Constable Charles Lan of Tarian condemned the illegal operation, asserting that it was conducted for the financial gain of the defendants. He remarked that it generated substantial profits that went undeclared for tax purposes, negatively affecting the public. The investigation also revealed connections between the organizers and individuals involved in serious criminal activities, including drug trafficking and organized crime, with witnesses mentioning debts incurred by players as a result of the games.
Sue Young, executive director of operations at the Gambling Commission, reiterated the organization's firm stance against illegal gambling, cautioning potential offenders that their operations would eventually come to light, resulting in severe repercussions.
The case is part of a broader crackdown on illegal gambling in the UK, with several raids conducted throughout the country. Over £110,000 in cash and a considerable amount of gold were seized during coordinated operations in Sheffield and Doncaster, while similar enforcement actions were carried out in Manchester and Bristol during the summer. At the Bingo Association's annual meeting in May, the Gambling Commission announced its commitment to intensifying enforcement against illegal land-based gambling operations. The acting chief executive, Sarah Gardner, revealed that £26 million in new government funding would bolster efforts to combat illegal gambling venues over the next three years.
