American Poker Player Robbed Outside of Hotel at Aussie Millions

robbery and theft at the australian poker tournament - aussie millions

This story should serve as a cautionary tale for any poker players who are thinking about carrying a large amount of cash on them, especially in unfamiliar territory.

Jason Potter was fresh off of a 31st place finish at the Aussie Millions, where he earned around $26k USD.

He woke up early, cashed in his chips and requested a mix of American and Australian dollars. I am assuming that since he was up at such an early hour, cashing out his chips, that he was planning on catching a plane back to the States that same day.

Anyways, Jason received his cash and decided to walk from the Crowne Plaza Hotel to the local McDonald's. He made the very short trip (around 100 meters or so) to the McDonald's carrying the $30k in cash on him.

On his way back, Jason Potter was attacked by an unknown male. The attacker hit Jason over the head, pulled a knife and stole the $30k.

It is unknown at this time whether or not the local police have had any luck in tracking Mr. Potter's attacker down or in recovering his cash.

If you are a poker player who wins a considerable amount of cash playing in a "live" tournament, you need to consider one of the following options:

1. A wire transfer to your bank account.

2. A check from the casino.

I have heard way too many stories about guys driving home from a tournament with $100k in cash in their vehicles.

If you insist on taking a large amount of cash with you, then at the very least ask for a security guard to accompany you to your vehicle. You should still never consider this option, but if you insist, make sure that you have security with you.
If you insist on taking a large amount of cash with you and you DON'T have a vehicle, then at the very least make sure that you aren't being followed. You never know who is watching when you are cashing out from the casino. In the end, there is really no reason to ever be leaving the casino on foot with $30k in cash.

Also, don't keep any significant amounts of cash in your hotel room. Keep it locked up with the casino. Request a security box and keep it there.

With many poker players playing "live" tournaments for the first time, it is advisable that they bring themselves up to speed on the proper ways to handle large sums of money BEFORE they play in the tournaments, so they know what to do if they do win a large amount of cash. Carrying it on you, keeping it stashed in your hotel room or holding it in the glove compartment of your car are not the smartest of options.

Filed Under: Random Poker News

Up to $600 Free at Full Tilt Poker