Spanish police have arrested two Brits and a Frenchman for cheating at poker in the casino of the Wonder of the Seas cruise ship. Spain’s Civil Guard were waiting for the trio when the ship docked in Barcelona after staff contacted them following the collusion.
Spanish Police Arrest Three Poker Players for Cheating on Cruise Ship
The three fraudsters were spotted conducting their scam by eagle-eyed staff who saw them always sitting at the same table in the same configuration.
Two would sit together while the other sat at the end of the table distracting the dealer so their partners in crime could swap cards.
Agents of the Fiscal and Border Unit of the Civil Guard of Barcelona took the alleged criminals into custody where they were charged with fraud and had €37,000 confiscated as proceeds of crime.
No names were released but the Civil Guard did say that one of the perpetrators had a criminal record dating back to 2014 for similar offences committed in the United States.
Distraction Is Key
Distracting a dealer has always been key to gaining an undeserved advantage in a casino and many have pulled this off successfully.
But in the modern day it is impossible to outwit the myriad surveillance cameras that capture every single move by everyone in the gaming hall.
Recently, a couple from Mississippi tried it on at Rivers Casino in Pennsylvania with some success. One would distract the roulette dealer just as the ball landed on a number in the wheel and the other would place a bet unseen.
Unseen by the dealer, of course, but not the cameras. The pair are now awaiting trial on charges of deception, conspiracy, and perpetrating fraudulent schemes while gaming.
It’s been a year full of cheating accusations, particularly in the poker community. Check out the video below where Joe Ingram rehashes what we mostly already know about Bryn Kenney’s personal role in all of this.
- Get the best rakeback deals
- View all poker strategy articles
- View the latest poker news
- Watch more poker videos
- Get the biggest poker bonus
- Watch the best Twitch Poker streamers
Terms and conditions apply. New customer offer and 18+ only. Please gamble responsibly! Should you require help regarding your betting pattern, visit www.begambleaware.org
