Two men involved in running an unauthorized poker operation from an industrial unit in Splott, Cardiff, have received suspended prison sentences as a result of a comprehensive investigation. This investigation was spearheaded by Tarian, the regional organized crime unit for southern Wales, in conjunction with the Gambling Commission, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), and Cardiff Council's licensing team.
Between August 2022 and February 2024, the industrial unit transitioned into a poker venue featuring six poker tables, a prize wheel, seating areas, refreshments, CCTV cameras, and a cashier's window covered with Perspex. An office on the premises contained poker chips, tokens, and financial records related to transactions. Access to the venue was reportedly gained through a fire exit.
Investigators found that the poker games were marketed through in-person announcements and online platforms. Data from mobile phones indicated that promotions for a subscription-based online poker service were conducted via WhatsApp under the name "Fish Tank Online." Initially, the in-person games were branded as "Ding Ding Poker" before rebranding to "Fish Tank Poker Cardiff."
Financial scrutiny revealed that Noor Rassam had approximately £260,000 ($344,320) deposited into a bank account linked to him, while his co-defendant, Panayiotis Karayiannis, had about £124,000 in another account. The investigation revealed that the pair collected a commission known as "the rake" from each hand rather than betting against participants.
In February 2024, law enforcement executed warrants at both the industrial unit and addresses connected to the defendants, resulting in their arrests, the confiscation of cash, documents, digital devices, and other evidence. The two men pleaded guilty at their trial's outset to charges of possessing and transferring criminal property under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
On October 2, Cardiff Crown Court sentenced Rassam and Karayiannis to three years in prison, suspended for three years, with a hearing under the Proceeds of Crime Act planned for April 9, 2027, to discuss confiscation and forfeiture.
Detective Constable Charles Lan from Tarian ROCU denounced the illegal operation, stating that the pair had profited significantly from it without declaring taxes, harming the community at large. He noted that the organizers had promoted their poker games to individuals involved in serious criminal activities, hinting at the presence of drug dealers at their events. Lan emphasized that many participants lost substantial amounts of money, leaving some indebted to the organizers.
There were no mechanisms in place to identify or assist vulnerable individuals or those struggling with gambling addiction, unlike legitimate gambling establishments.
Sue Young, the executive director of operations at the Gambling Commission, reiterated the agency's strong commitment to combatting illegal gambling. "If you run an illegal casino, there will be a tip off, you will be caught and there will be significant consequences," she stated.
This incident is part of a broader trend throughout the UK, where illegal gambling operations have come under increased scrutiny. Recent coordinated raids in Sheffield and Doncaster yielded over £110,000 in cash and considerable amounts of gold. Similar crackdowns occurred in Manchester and Bristol throughout the summer months.
During the Bingo Association's annual meeting in May, the Gambling Commission announced its plans to enhance enforcement against illegal gambling operations, supported by new government funding of £26 million allocated over the next three years to boost their efforts, especially in physical venues.
