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Gang Fleeces London Casinos

"Three men and at least one woman practised a trick commonly called 'top hatting'.

"Despite being banned from casinos across the country, they evaded detection for years by using fake identities.

"The men were finally brought to justice by Scotland Yard's gaming unit after officers spent months identifying the group. They were convicted under the 1845 Gaming Act of 'cheating at play' - the first time on record that the term has been used in an English court.

"…The deception relies on the dealer, casino inspector, security staff and other players all being distracted at the vital point when the ball drops.

"The trick, which requires months of practice, involved one of the men acting as a distracter and another as the claimant. Just as the roulette ball drops, the distracter would lean forward with a cash note to put off the dealer while hiding gaming chips in his hand.

"As he distracted the dealer, he would spot the winning number and place the chips belonging to his colleague on the same figure on the table

"...Hong Kong-born Kwong Lee, 42, of Mitcham, Surrey; Martin Fitz, 45, of Hendon, London; and Shuhal Miah, 36, of Bethnal Green, London, all admitted to cheating at Middlesex Guildhall Crown Court..."

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