A pair of suspected poker cheaters are reportedly moving from city to city, collecting bans as they go, according to Texas-based poker vlogger Anthony Martino. Martino, who currently plays in Austin, shared a YouTube warning for fellow players and also posted the information on TwoPlusTwo and Reddit.
Who Are They?
Martino identified the duo as Norberto Pardo and Yaiquel Mosqueda. Other players have corroborated sightings of the pair in poker rooms across the country. They reportedly use aliases at times, though one can allegedly be recognized by a “UFC tattoo” on the back of his head.
The pair has allegedly been banned at poker rooms in several states, ranging from New Hampshire to Florida to Texas, and have been seen playing both pot-limit Omaha (PLO) and no-limit hold’em cash games.
How the Alleged Cheating Works
According to Martino, the scheme relies heavily on card marking and collusion:
- The pair allegedly seeks out Seats 1 and 6, sometimes paying others to secure them.
- They reportedly engage in collusion, trapping opponents into multiple bets.
- Cards are allegedly marked by value: high cards near corners, mid-value cards in the middle, low cards unmarked.
- Using a spotter in Seat 1, they can allegedly read deck stubs and predict flop outcomes.
This method is claimed to be particularly effective in PLO, where they hold eight cards between them, allowing them to fold or play hands based on expected board outcomes.
Reported Sightings Across Five States
Martino and other players have reported encounters in Florida, Texas, California, New Hampshire, and potentially other states. Some rooms have banned the duo, while others may not be aware of them yet.
Reported locations include:
- Tampa, FL – Seminole Hard Rock
- Austin, TX – The Lodge, Texas Card House
- Los Angeles, CA – Commerce Casino
- Salem, NH – Chasers
- Jacksonville, FL – bestbet
- Houston, TX – Legends, Spades, Capri
- Port Saint Lucie, FL
- Melbourne, FL – Club 52
- Pompano Beach, FL – Harrah’s
- Miami, FL – Miccosukee
A poker tracking site lists a cash game entry by Norberto Pardo at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood in Miami, though it’s unclear if this is the same individual.
Martino emphasized that tournaments are less vulnerable to the scheme, as players cannot choose their seats, limiting the alleged cheaters’ tactics.
This ongoing situation serves as a reminder for poker rooms and players alike to remain vigilant, as the alleged cheaters reportedly move quickly between venues to avoid detection.
