Poker Millionaire Matt Kirk Sues Leon Tsukernik for Unpaid Debt

Matt Kirk, an Australian poker high roller, is suing Leon Tsukernik, the owner of King's Casino, for $2 million. The dispute arose from a high-stakes poker game played on the night of May 26-27. During the game, Tsukernik, allegedly intoxicated, borrowed $3 million from Kirk. However, Kirk only received $1 million back.

Kirk filed a lawsuit against Tsukernik on June 5, demanding payment of the remaining $2 million. The lawsuit included ten points, with accusations of fraud, claiming Tsukernik had no intention of paying back the debt despite promising to do so before each new loan.

As evidence, the lawsuit presented messages between Kirk and Tsukernik, as well as video recordings from the casino's surveillance cameras that captured the transfer of funds. The court's decision, announced less than a week before the WSOP Europe, did not reach a definitive conclusion. Judge Linda Mary Bell denied the plaintiff's first eight points, as gambling debts do not hold up in court. However, Kirk can continue legal proceedings against Tsukernik on the points of 'fraudulent inducement' and 'unjust enrichment'.