Published on: October 2, 2025, at 08:45h.
Updated on: October 2, 2025, at 08:45h.
- Allegation of card tampering for unfair betting gain
- Prosecutors claim the duo earned over $32,000 via the scheme
- Casino vigilance and tribal cooperation led to the indictments
Two players accused of modifying cards during Mississippi Stud Poker at California’s San Diego County casinos now face felony charges that could lead to 44 months in prison.
Vaagn Galustyan, 52, and Armin Martirosyan, 53, were arraigned on two counts of felony conspiracy after being caught on surveillance bending the corners of valuable cards at Pala Casino and Harrah’s Resort in Southern California, according to the District Attorney’s Office in San Diego County.
Details of the Cheating Scheme
By covertly marking certain aces, tens, and face cards, the suspects were able to recognize those cards when they appeared again, allowing them to make aggressive bets on strong hands and fold when their hands were weak. As a result, they won $19,250 at Pala Casino, as stated by prosecutors.
The duo attempted the same tactic a week later at Harrah’s Resort, where they made off with $13,410, according to legal authorities. A third accomplice remains unnamed.
The suspects entered the casinos independently to avoid raised eyebrows before eventually playing in the same game. After their gaming session at Pala, they opted to keep their chips instead of cashing out. They returned early the next morning in different outfits and at separate cashiers to collect their winnings.
What is Mississippi Stud Poker?
Mississippi Stud is a house-banked variant of poker where players use two hole cards and three community cards to create a five-card hand. Instead of playing against other players, participants bet against a predetermined payout table, increasing their wagers as each community card is revealed.
Winning hands such as flushes or straights earn payouts, while weaker hands lose all bets. Given that betting increases as more cards are shown, the ability to foresee high-value cards can significantly shift the odds in a player’s favor.
Card marking and bending as cheating tactics are longstanding in gambling; however, casinos have heavily invested in surveillance technology and card security measures to thwart such practices. Security teams constantly monitor gaming tables, decks are frequently replaced, and many cards are coated in plastic to deter tampering.
“This cheating technique has a historical precedent of hundreds of years, but with today’s technology, such practices can be intercepted, and individuals attempting to defraud local casinos will face justice,” stated DA Summer Stephan. “I take pride in my office’s collaboration with tribal authorities and the ongoing efforts we make to effectively prosecute a range of offenses occurring on tribal lands.”