Poker pro admits cheating in New Year’s Eve tournament scandal
A well-known poker player from South Australia has admitted to cheating during a New Year’s Eve tournament in Cobram, Victoria. Chris Skinner confessed to adding extra chips to his stack in the AU$125 Poker With Fred event, sparking a swift response from organisers and the poker community.
The incident came to light when event organiser Fred Braybon noticed an unusual number of chips at one of the tables. Security footage later showed Skinner placing additional chips into his own stack. Another player also witnessed the act, reinforcing the evidence against him.
Skinner initially denied the allegations but changed his stance shortly after. In a Facebook post, he admitted to cheating, expressed regret, and stated he would accept all consequences. The Southern Poker Tour (SPT), where Skinner had previously served as an ambassador, immediately stripped him of that role and imposed an indefinite ban. He was also barred from future Poker With Fred events. Asti Savage, another figure in the poker scene, disputed SPT’s version of events. Savage claimed Skinner had transported chips and tables to multiple series he played in, raising questions about his access to tournament materials. Skinner, however, announced he would step away from poker for several months following the scandal.
The cheating admission has led to Skinner’s removal from key poker events and roles. His temporary departure from the game follows the loss of his ambassadorship and tournament bans. No further public details have emerged about his involvement in other tournaments or past access to chips.
