Poker legend’s courtroom gamble ends in defeat after he let a mate rack up massive debts – and then lost the lot in a judge’s landmark ruling
Australian poker professional Gary Benson lost a court case seeking almost $50,000 from fellow gambler Michael O’Grady. A judge ruled that Benson had acted as an unlicensed bookmaker, meaning O’Grady could not legally be compelled to repay gambling debts incurred through their private betting arrangement.
The pair’s dealings involved 211 wagers between May 2022 and February 2023, including sports bets placed by text message and recorded in a ledger. Benson extended credit, carried wins and losses forward, and accepted up to $70,000 in wagers on one day; he was ordered to forfeit $48,711.84, in addition to legal costs.
- Poker player’s debt claim failed in court.
- Judge classified Benson as an unlicensed bookmaker.
- The ruling cost him nearly $50,000 plus legal fees.