A South Tyrolean (32) regularly evacuated the Casino Innsbruck. He was then denied access to the table. Now he is suing and wants a total of 16,000 euros – including for “loss of profit”.
Luck can be important when playing poker, but a good hand with math skills is even more important. These benefits distinguish a South Tyrolean who earns five-figure sums every year from the Omaha variation of the card game and describes himself as a “semi-pro”. The typical occasional player usually doesn’t stand a chance against such a “swindled” opponent.
Until 2020, the 32-year-old mainly played at the Concord Card Casinos, which then lost the license in favor of the local casinos. For the South Tyrolean, the Casino Innsbruck was the closest – for him, the regular visits were a resounding success: “In the best month, July 2021, I won about 40,000 euros,” he says.
“Red card” after winning 40,000 euros per month
A month later, the windfall was over: his client was suddenly and completely arbitrarily excluded from further participation, his lawyer wrote in the later indictment. For some incomprehensible reason, the casino only said that the table was now “private”.
Poker table not just “organized” by the casino
You should know that the poker tables and registration are not only “organized” by Casino Innsbruck, but also by two players. “These two people didn’t want to let me participate anymore because of my constant profit,” the South Tyrolean looks back. After some back and forth, the ban was relaxed, but the “poker king” was not allowed to sit at the table until 11 p.m.
He used it once and again won 9,000 euros. “After that I was locked out for good. I then hired two lawyers to review the legal situation. There should be no arbitrary exclusion,” says the card professional. A conversation with the casino director could not soften the hardened fronts, now all reservation attempts failed.
Lawsuit for 10,000 euros loss of profit
The 32-year-old then filed the aforementioned lawsuit, stating, “If the plaintiff could have played the pot-limit Omaha game like everyone else, he would have made up to at least $10,000 in profit during the period of mid-August 2021.” the time the lawsuit was filed. “Euros earned.” The reason given is: “The claimant simply masters the game theory and mathematical principles of the Pot Limit Omaha game better than most other players. As a result, he is able to consistently generate profits.”
Plaintiff depends on access to the Pot Limit Omaha games in Innsbruck because he earns part of his living playing poker in a casino. Defendant’s monopoly position prevented him from switching to another provider. In addition to the loss of profit (10,000 euros), the South Tyrolean is also suing for non-compliance with the ban on participation (another 6,000 euros at stake).
Comparison failed, now the trial date is pending
Settlement talks between the casino and the plaintiff initially failed. In January there is now a civil trial, in which the South Tyrolean must first explain his point of view. “It is a trendsetting matter in Austria whether a player can be excluded just like that,” the prosecutor emphasizes. So it will be exciting.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
