Hidden Illegal Poker Den on Cardiff Industrial Estate Discovered by Police

Police uncovered a hidden, unlicensed poker operation inside an industrial unit in Splott, Cardiff, where investigators found six poker tables, gambling equipment, financial records and a dedicated cashier’s window.

Two men have been sentenced for their involvement in running the gambling operation from an upstairs room at the industrial unit.

Noor Rassam, 29, and Panayiotis Karayiannis, 30, both from Pontprennau, operated the poker games between August 2022 and February 2024.

The room had been fitted out as a gambling venue, with six poker tables, a large prize wheel, seating areas and fridges stocked with drinks and snacks.

What Police Found Inside

The illegal poker games were available both in person and online and were promoted through WhatsApp messages, according to Tarian, the Regional Organised Crime Unit for southern Wales.

The online games were hosted through a subscription-based poker application under the account name Fish Tank Online.

In-person events were initially advertised as Ding Ding Poker before later being rebranded as Fish Tank Poker Cardiff.

Investigators found that the premises were accessed through a fire exit and monitored by CCTV cameras controlled by Rassam and Karayiannis.

Inside the unit, officers found poker chips, tokens and records detailing money paid and owed.

There was also a cashier’s window protected by Perspex, with a small opening apparently used for financial transactions.

The investigation began after intelligence about the gambling operation was received by the Gambling Commission and passed to Tarian ROCU.

In February 2024, police executed warrants and arrested both men.

Officers seized cash, documentation, digital devices and other high-value items as part of the investigation.

Hundreds of Thousands of Pounds in Payments

Investigators found that Rassam received approximately £260,000 in third-party payments while the venue was operating.

Karayiannis received around £124,000, with both accounts showing numerous transactions referring to poker.

Police established that the pair profited by taking a commission from each poker hand, known in the gambling industry as “the rake”, rather than directly wagering against players.

Tarian said the games were also promoted to people involved in serious crime, including drug dealers and organised crime groups.

Police Warn Illegal Gambling Is Not ‘Victimless’

Detective Constable Charles Lan of Tarian ROCU said the operation generated “substantial profits” and was not declared for tax purposes.

He said the criminal enterprise provided the men with significant personal benefits, including foreign holidays and other high-value spending.

Police said some people who participated in the games lost significant sums of money, with some becoming indebted to the organisers.

Unlike legitimate gambling operators, investigators said there were no safeguards to identify or support vulnerable people, including those experiencing gambling addiction.

DC Lan said the case demonstrated that unlicensed gambling was not a “victimless offence” and warned those who profited from illegal gambling operations that they could expect to face the courts.

Men Given Suspended Prison Sentences

Rassam and Karayiannis changed their pleas to guilty to offences involving possessing and transferring criminal property, contrary to the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, on the first day of their trial at Cardiff Crown Court.

Both men were sentenced to three years in prison, suspended for three years.

A Proceeds of Crime Act hearing has been scheduled for April next year.

Sue Young, executive director of operations at the Gambling Commission, said the case began after information about an illegal gambling den was passed to the organisation.

She warned that people operating illegal casinos could face significant consequences and said the Gambling Commission would continue working with partner agencies to tackle unlicensed gambling operations across Great Britain.