“We were quite familiar with him,” said Gaming Control Board Chief of Enforcement Karl Bennison. Nevada gaming agents have arrested Karas four times since 1988 for allegedly cheating at blackjack in Reno, Las Vegas and Laughlin casinos. However, the streak may have been tarnished by a history of arrests. Poker standout Johnny Chan is the only gambler who actually beat Karas during the streak, taking $900,000 in a series of hold’em poker games.Īs legend has it, Karas lost the entire $40 million between 19. Most of the action took place at Binion’s Horseshoe in downtown Las Vegas. Karas is best known for “The Run,” which was detailed in a 1994 issue of “Cigar Aficionado.”įrom 1992 to 1994, Karas, played competitive games of poker and pool, beating out some of Las Vegas’ most famous gamblers - including the late Stu Ungar, Doyle Brunson, the late Puggy Pearson, the late Chip Reese, and the late Johnny Moss - during the hot streak. If convicted, he faces up to three years in prison.

He is expected to be extradited to San Diego to face charges, including burglary and winning at gambling by fraudulent means. Karas, 62, is accused of cheating the Barona Casino in San Diego County out of $8,000 while allegedly marking cards during a blackjack game. Overall, Barona still has the people who make it fun, who are kind, and we had a great time.A gambler who once turned $50 into $40 million during a legendary Las Vegas hot streak in the 1990s is sitting in the Clark County Detention Center after being accused of cheating at blackjack at a Southern California Indian casino.Īnargyros Karabourniotis, better-known in gaming circles as Archie Karas, was arrested Tuesday by Nevada gaming agents as part of a multiagency investigation. You also must cash tickets with a floor person, no machines to cash out anymore. The one at Barona was super dull, not many machines, and not very inviting. I won a hand pay on a penny machine ($10 a spin) and basically had a ball! The only improvement would be a nicer high limit area.

No wonder on a Saturday, it was not crowded at all! We loved it! I played everything I wanted to, no waiting and they don't really allow the 'looky loos' who stand so close behind you just watching, that is a huge pet peeve! They had a new large food court too that I had not seen. But, one day, my hubby and I decided to go, just had out booster shots and Barona is non smoking and has promised they will remain so. I had not been to any casino since Covid.

Barona casino blackjack