Two men have received suspended prison sentences after running an unlicensed poker venue in Splott, Cardiff. Their actions came to light following a comprehensive investigation undertaken by Tarian, the regional organised crime unit (ROCU) for southern Wales, which collaborated with the GB Gambling Commission, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), and the licensing team of Cardiff Council.
The investigation revealed that from August 2022 until February 2024, the industrial unit was transformed into a poker venue outfitted with six poker tables, a spinning prize wheel, seating areas, fridges stocked with snacks and drinks, CCTV equipment, and a cashier's window encased in Perspex. An office at the location was found to contain poker chips, tokens, and a record of financial transactions.
Access to the venue was through a fire exit, and investigators identified that the poker games were marketed both in-person and online. Data from mobile phones showed that promotions for subscription-based online poker were conducted through an account named "Fish Tank Online." Initially branded as "Ding Ding Poker," the games were later renamed "Fish Tank Poker Cardiff."
A financial audit indicated that around £260,000 (approximately $344,320) was deposited into an account associated with Noor Rassam, while co-defendant Panayiotis Karayiannis had about £124,000 deposited into his account. The two men collected a commission from each hand, a practice known in the industry as "the rake," instead of betting against their players.
Arrests occurred in February 2024 when authorities executed search warrants at the industrial unit and several addresses linked to the defendants. Both men pleaded guilty on the first day of their trial 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, a term that is suspended for three years. A hearing under the Proceeds of Crime Act is scheduled to take place on April 9, 2027, to consider potential confiscation and forfeiture of assets.
Detective Constable Charles Lan from Tarian ROCU criticized the illegal operation, asserting that the defendants profited substantially without declaring their earnings for tax purposes, which ultimately impacted the wider public. He revealed that the investigation found the organisers had promoted their poker games to individuals tied to serious crimes, including drug dealers and members of organized crime groups. "The harm caused by this operation should not be underestimated," he stated. "Individuals lost significant sums of money, some even becoming indebted to the organizers."
Lan emphasized that there were no measures in place to protect vulnerable individuals or those struggling with gambling addiction, which is often seen in legitimate gambling operations.
Sue Young, the executive director of operations at the Gambling Commission, reiterated a stringent warning against illegal gambling. "The message is clear – if you run an illegal casino, there will be a tip off, you will be caught and there will be significant consequences."
Similar operations have faced scrutiny this year across the UK, with combined efforts from the Commission and local law enforcement leading to raids. Recent coordinated efforts in Sheffield and Doncaster resulted in the seizure of over £110,000 in cash along with a significant amount of gold. Additional raids took place in Manchester and Bristol during the summer months.
During the Bingo Association’s annual general meeting in May, the Commission announced an intensified approach to enforcement against illegal land-based gambling activities. Acting chief executive Sarah Gardner highlighted new government funding of £26 million allocated to the Commission over the next three years to aid in combatting illegal gambling, particularly in physical venues.
