Two Manhattan poker clubs, Social Poker NYC and Fish Tank Poker NYC, reportedly promote games through websites and social media. A reported investigation described players contacting the clubs online and receiving entry instructions; the material does not establish that the venues are part of a wider illegal network.
The reported clubs illustrate poker activity that may operate outside New York’s regulatory oversight.
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An affiliate reportedly repurposed the branding of The Pools’ closed online casino to direct users to an unlicensed operator serving the UK. The report said the operator’s casino proposition had recently shut down.
The UK government is reportedly starting a consultation this week on possible changes to rules for sponsorship deals between sports clubs and unlicensed gambling firms. The consultation follows an earlier commitment by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to review the rules; such sponsorship deals are not currently prohibited, although unlicensed firms cannot offer gambling to UK consumers.
Brazilian football clubs from Série A to Série D are preparing a joint statement against a possible federal ban on online games and sports betting, reportedly. The draft cites R$1bn in lost shirt sponsorships, while club executives estimate the wider impact on sport could reach R$2bn; betting companies say they may seek repayment of R$30m in licence fees if a ban proceeds.
Noor Rassam and Panayiotis Karayiannis received three-year prison sentences, suspended for three years, after admitting offences involving criminal property linked to illegal poker games in Cardiff. The games operated between August 2022 and February 2024; a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing is scheduled for 9 April 2027.
A Gambling Commission notice reports that two men received suspended jail terms after being convicted of holding and moving criminal funds. The money came from poker games run illegally in Cardiff. Noor Rassam, 29, of Pentwyn, Cardiff, and Panayiotis Karayiannis, 30, of Pontprennau, Cardiff, each received a three-year prison term, suspended for three years. Each pleaded guilty to possessing criminal property and to transferring criminal property, both offences under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. A hearing under that Act is scheduled for 9 April 2027.
Zurich cantonal police, acting on instructions from Switzerland’s Federal Gaming Board (ESBK), uncovered alleged illegal gambling at a cultural club in Zwillikon during a check on the night of 26–27 June, according to police. Officers stopped a poker game involving about 10 players and another card game with cash stakes; they seized cash, computers and mobile phones. The club manager is to be reported to the competent authorities.