Suspended sentences handed down in Cardiff for organizing illegal poker

In Cardiff, two residents received three-year suspended sentences for organizing illegal poker games. The court case became a high-profile event in the UK poker community.

In early October 2024, a high-profile court case over the illegal organization of poker games concluded in Cardiff, the capital of Wales. Two local residents — Noor Rassam , 29, and Panayiotis Karayiannis , 30 — each received a three-year suspended prison sentence for running illegal poker games from August 2022 to February 2024. This story became one of the most notable in the British poker community in recent years due to the scale of the underground operation, the large sums involved, and the attention from law enforcement and the UK Gambling Commission. How the underground poker room in Cardiff operated The illegal poker club was located in the industrial area of the Splott district in Cardiff. The organizers offered players two ways to participate: you could come and play live at one of six poker tables, or join the games online through a special subscription-based app. Initially, the venue was advertised as Ding Ding Poker , later rebranding to Fish Tank Poker Cardiff . For online games, the name Fish Tank Online was used. The club premises were equipped not only with gaming tables but also a cashier window, protected by clear plastic with a small opening for money transfers. Inside, there were fridges with drinks and snacks, and access to the building was monitored by surveillance cameras controlled by the organizers themselves. The entire setup resembled a legal poker room, but the club lacked the required license, and therefore had no right to take a rake (commission from each pot). According to the investigation, Noor Rassam and Panayiotis Karayiannis made substantial profits from the rake, as is customary in legal poker establishments. However, in the UK, such activity without a license is considered a criminal offense. Financial scale and consequences for the organizers The investigation established that from August 2022 to February 2024, about £260,000 (approximately $345,020 ) passed through Noor Rassam 's accounts, while Panayiotis Karayiannis received around £124,000 (approximately $164,548 ). These amounts were recorded as third-party transfers, many of which directly referenced poker. According to police, a significant portion of these funds was spent on overseas trips and other expensive purchases. Documents found during the search detailed the amounts players had already deposited, as well as debts owed to the organizers. This indicates that the club not only accepted deposits but also extended credit to players, a practice typical of illegal establishments and one that increases risks for participants. As a result of a joint operation by the police, the Gambling Commission, the tax authority, and Cardiff City Council in February 2024, cash, documents, digital devices, and valuables related to the club's activities were seized. Furthermore, the investigation revealed that the games were actively promoted among individuals linked to serious crime, including drug dealers and members of organized criminal groups. The course of the investigation and court proceedings The investigation began after information about the illegal activity was passed to the Gambling Commission, which in turn notified the South Wales Organized Crime Unit — Tarian ROCU . In February 2024, a search warrant was executed at the industrial premises where the club was located. In addition to the gaming infrastructure, officers discovered an access control system through a back exit and a cashier window protected by plexiglass. Subsequent searches were conducted at other addresses linked to Rassam and Karayiannis , where more cash, documents, and electronic devices were found, confirming the scale and organization of the underground business. The investigation revealed that the club's activities generated significant undeclared profits for the organizers. According to Detective Charles Lan , this criminal scheme allowed the defendants to lead a luxurious lifestyle, pay for expensive trips, and make large purchases. It was also established that some players lost significant sums and ended up in debt to the club. Unlike legal gambling venues, the underground club had no mechanisms to protect players with gambling addiction or other vulnerable clients. Initially, Noor Rassam and Panayiotis Karayiannis denied their guilt, but on the first day of the trial, they changed their statements and pleaded guilty to possessing and transferring criminal property under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 . The court's decision and future prospects On October 2, 2024, at Cardiff Crown Court, both defendants were sentenced to three years in prison, suspended for the same period. This means the prison sentence will not be enforced if Rassam and Karayiannis do not commit further offenses within three years. Otherwise, they risk serving all or part of the sentence. However, the story does not end there. A separate hearing under the Proceeds of Crime Act is scheduled for April 2027, where the fate of the money and assets connected to the case will be decided. Thus, the financial consequences for the organizers could become even more severe. The Gambling Commission's Chief Operating Officer, Sue Young , emphasized that this case should serve as a serious warning to anyone considering setting up illegal gambling venues in the UK. In her words, "if you run an illegal casino, sooner or later you will be reported, you will be caught, and the consequences will be significant." Detailed table of organizers' financial receipts Name Period Amount in Pounds Amount in Dollars Noor Rassam August 2022 — February 2024 £260,000 $345,020 Panayiotis Karayiannis August 2022 — February 2024 £124,000 $164,548 Context: gambling laws and regulation in the UK The UK is considered one of the most strictly regulated jurisdictions in the gambling sector. To organize poker games — both live and online — a special license issued by the UK Gambling Commission is required. Obtaining such a license involves meeting numerous requirements: from player protection and anti-money laundering measures to tax compliance and ensuring game fairness. In the case of Fish Tank Poker Cardiff , the organizers deliberately ignored these requirements, which became the basis for criminal prosecution. It is important to note that even if a club outwardly resembles a legal venue (with a cashier, surveillance cameras, branding), any activity involving the collection of rake without a license is considered a crime. Moreover, the lack of regulatory oversight leads to increased risks for players: there are no guarantees of fairness, no security for funds, and no support programs for people with gambling addiction. What this means for PPPoker club players For members of PPPoker clubs, this story serves as an important reminder of the need to choose only legal and reputable platforms for play. Even if a club seems organized and safe, the absence of a license can lead to serious consequences for both organizers and players themselves. Firstly, participating in illegal games can result in the loss of funds with no way to recover them if the club is shut down by law enforcement. Secondly, such venues do not provide protection against fraud, do not guarantee payouts, and do not offer support to players who find themselves in difficult situations. For PPPoker players, it is crucial to remember: when choosing a club, always check its status and licensing documents. Pay attention to the club's reputation, transparency of terms, and level of service. Only this way can you protect yourself from unpleasant surprises and make your game as comfortable and fair as possible.