Crime & Safety

Hotshot Gambler Suspected of Cheating Barona Casino

A gambler known for winning and losing tens of millions of dollars was arrested Friday on suspicion of marking cards in Blackjack.

A gambler known for winning and losing tens of millions of dollars was in custody Friday for allegedly marking cards at a blackjack table at the Barona Casino in eastern San Diego County, the District Attorney's Office announced today.

Anargyros Karabourniotis, 62, also known as "Archie Karas," was arrested Tuesday at his Las Vegas home, prosecutors said. An extradition hearing is set for Monday.

The District Attorney's Office said Karabourniotis was spotted on surveillance cameras marking cards in July by members of the Barona Gaming Commission. They contend that he cheated the casino out of $8,000.

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"This defendant's luck ran out thanks to extraordinary cooperation between several different law enforcement agencies who worked together to investigate and prosecute this case," said District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis.

Between 1992 and 1995, Karabourniotis had a run of luck in which he turned an initial $50 into $40 million by playing poker and dice games, winnings he subsequently gambled away.

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The California Department of Justice Bureau of Gambling Control and Nevada Gaming Control Board assisted with the investigation.

Karl Bennison of the Nevada agency said they have investigated Karabourniotis multiple times, and arrested him on four occasions. He described the defendant as a "threat to the gaming industry in many jurisdictions."

The Greece native was charged with burglary, winning by fraudulent means and cheating, and faces three years behind bars if convicted.

-City News Service


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