Pair receives suspended prison sentences over illegal poker in Cardiff

• A tip led to an investigation into suspected illegal gambling taking place in Splott, Cardiff
• Agents with Tarian, accompanied by members of the UK Gambling Commission and other agencies, executed a search warrant and uncovered an illegal poker den at an industrial estate
• A couple of men who were in charge of operating the illegal gambling establishment received suspended prison sentences for possessing and transferring criminal funds

Two men avoided prison sentences after operating an illegal gambling den located in Cardiff, Wales.

The criminal case involves a 29-year-old man from Pentwyn, Cardiff, and a 30-year-old man from Pontprennau, Cardiff, who organized illegal poker games and accumulated significant proceeds from the unlawful activity.

Police dismantle illegal poker ring

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), the country’s gambling watchdog, confirmed in a press release on Monday that the two men ran illegal poker games from an upstairs room located within a unit on an industrial estate in Splott, a residential and industrial district located in Cardiff.

An investigation uncovered that the duo operated the illegal gambling den between August 2022 and February 2024.

In February 2024, UKGC representatives, together with HMRC, officers from Tarian, the Regional Organized Crime Unit (ROCU) and Cardiff Council’s Licensing Department, executed a search warrant on the industrial estate unit.

Officers also searched the residential and business addresses of the 29-year-old and 30-year-old men.

At the industrial unit, law enforcement found six poker tables, seating areas, and even a spinning prize wheel. The illegal gambling den also offered a range of drinks and snacks, police said.

The illegal gambling operation generated substantial profits

Sue Young, UKGC’s Executive Director of Operations, explained that the illegal gambling den was taken down following a tip.

"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," the executive said.

"We will continue to work with partners and take action against those who run illegal gambling operations in Great Britain," Young explained in conclusion.

Both men admitted to breaches of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 in relation to transferring criminal property, as well as possession of criminal property, contrary to the same Act.

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

Detective Constable Charles Lan, of Tarian ROCU, commented: "These two men operated an illegal gambling business for their own financial gain, generating substantial profits which were never declared for tax purposes and ultimately came at the expense of the wider public."

The detective acknowledged that the illegal gambling operation generated "significant personal benefits" for the two men who enjoyed a lavish lifestyle.

According to Detective Constable Lan, the investigation into the illegal gambling uncovered that both men promoted their poker services and even bragged about association with drug dealers and members of criminal organizations.

"By providing a venue for these individuals and profiting from their participation, they were helping to facilitate and fund further criminal activity," the detective added.

A hearing about the two men’s crime proceeds is scheduled for April 9, 2027.

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