A wave of disbelief rippled through the Australian poker community as a well-known player publicly confessed to cheating during a recent tournament. Chris Skinner, a familiar face on the circuit, admitted to bringing unauthorized chips into play at the Poker with Fred New Year's Eve game in Cobram, Victoria, shattering the trust of fellow players and organizers.
Skinner’s initial apology surfaced on Facebook, a raw and direct admission of wrongdoing. He stated plainly, “I cheated… No matter the amount or the result, it was wrong.” The post, now private, revealed a deep sense of remorse and acceptance of responsibility for his actions, acknowledging there was no justification for his deceit.
Beyond the public statement, Skinner pledged to personally apologize to each player affected by his actions. He also offered a financial contribution towards a future local tournament, a gesture intended to demonstrate genuine accountability and begin to repair the damage caused.
The news ignited a firestorm of reactions, with many expressing profound disappointment and shock. The incident quickly became a central topic of conversation, prompting a reckoning within the close-knit poker community.
The Southern Poker Tour (SPT), with whom Skinner had a professional relationship, swiftly responded to the scandal. Their statement, released on January 7th, expressed deep disappointment and confirmed the immediate termination of their partnership.
Skinner had been the SPT’s inaugural brand ambassador, signing on in May 2022 as a vocal supporter and regular participant in their events. The abrupt end to this association underscored the severity of his transgression and the SPT’s commitment to integrity.
The SPT didn’t stop at severing ties. Skinner was also banned from participating in any future SPT tournaments, a decisive move to reinforce their dedication to fair play and ethical conduct. The league emphasized its unwavering stance against cheating and commended the tournament organizer, Fred Braybon, for his transparent handling of the situation.
In a further effort to address concerns and maintain transparency, the SPT detailed their rigorous chip handling procedures. They clarified that all chip transportation and storage are now managed internally by owners and senior staff, ensuring a secure chain of custody.
The SPT also highlighted the security protocols in place at their venues, requiring secure storage rooms with limited access to authorized personnel only. These measures were outlined to reassure the community and demonstrate a proactive approach to preventing future incidents.
