Particle.news
Download on the App Store
3 ARTICLES
·
6d ago

Pair Charged in Alleged Card‑Marking Scheme at Two San Diego County Casinos

Prosecutors cite surveillance that flagged bent high‑value cards used to gain an edge at Mississippi Stud tables.

The fountain is off and palm trees and flags blow in the strong winds at Harrah’s Rincon casino and hotel Tuesday. The place is closed due to wind caused power outage. (Charlie Neuman / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Image

Overview

  • Vaagn Galustyan, 52, and Armin Martirosyan, 53, face two felony conspiracy counts tied to incidents at Pala Casino and Harrah’s Resort Southern California.
  • They were arraigned this week and pleaded not guilty, with a preliminary hearing set for Jan. 15, 2026.
  • Investigators allege the men bent corners of 10s, face cards and aces to identify them face down and influence betting decisions.
  • The complaint attributes about $19,250 in cashouts at Pala and roughly $13,400 at Harrah’s, totaling more than $30,000.
  • An unidentified third participant was described in the complaint, as authorities highlight casino surveillance and tribal partnerships in developing the case.