Published on: May 29, 2026, 01:51h.
Updated on: May 29, 2026, 01:51h.
- Professional poker player accused in illegal gambling case claims he’s a victim
- Attorneys request judge’s approval for Nguyen to revive his poker career
- Court documents name defendant as purported victim of gambling operation
A seasoned poker player involved in a significant illegal gambling investigation in the Chicago area asserts that he is neither a bookmaker nor an enforcer, according to his legal team. Rather, they claim Andrew Nguyen has been victimized and is eager to return to his poker playing.
In a recent submission to the U.S. District Court in Hammond, Indiana, Nguyen’s legal representatives requested the court to revoke the pretrial condition that prohibits him from gambling in any form and from visiting establishments where gambling occurs. They contend that these restrictions have eliminated his livelihood as a professional poker player.
Gerodemos Organization Overview
Nguyen is among 22 individuals apprehended in relation to what prosecutors label “the Gerodemos Gambling Organization,” a gambling syndicate connected to the Chicago Outfit, operating from restaurant venues in Northwest Indiana and nearby suburbs.
As per the indictment, prosecutors allege that the operation was overseen by James Gerodemos, infamously known as “Jimmy the Greek,” and Dean Gialamas, referred to as “Dean Gem,” functioning from approximately January 2021 through April 2026.
The indictment claims the organization employed websites like abcwagering.ag and gardencitybets.com alongside telephones and messaging services to place bets on sporting events.
Nguyen faces charges related to operating an illegal gambling business and assisting in wagering information transmission. However, his attorneys emphasize that he merely acted as an “agent” for the organization, linking gamblers to the group without being an owner, operator, or manager.
Identification as ‘Victim 3’
In their arguments, they reveal for the first time his designation as “Victim 3” in the initial indictment, indicating he was threatened and owed substantial debt to the organization.
The allegations state that Nguyen incurred a $7,500 sports betting debt to Gerodemos and received menacing messages over a span of four months in 2024, which included threats like: “No response means I’m not getting paid! … I’ll collect one way or another … You can bet on that … Watch.”
The alleged crime did not transpire in a casino, did not involve poker, nor did it encompass the skills or connections associated with Mr. Nguyen’s professional endeavors,” stated his legal team. “The link between the prohibited activities and the mentioned criminal actions is utterly absent.
“Preventing Mr. Nguyen from accessing licensed poker venues bears no logical relationship to halting his use of illegal offshore sports betting sites. This is an excessive action,” they continued.
Nguyen is pleading with the court to allow him to continue pursuing his legal profession of playing poker at authorized casinos and card rooms, which he has done for nearly fifteen years.