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September 27, 2026Responsible gamblingHow we make money21+1-800-GAMBLER

3 Poker Players Who Went Broke

Last updated

The neverending need and desire to push the limits is a recurring theme with online poker and poker players. Some of the most talented players have declared bankruptcy during their time at the top.

Below are five poker legends that won and then lost it all! Learn from the mistakes of poker players who went broke when trying online poker strategies. And make sure to avoid these 5 rookie mistakes.

Online casinos that accept US players

List last edited . The order is our editorial pick and is not for sale.

  • Rank 1Vegas Aces logo

    Vegas Aces

    Our pick this month — casino floor only — no sportsbook; 6 coins for deposits and payouts.

    • 6 cryptocurrencies accepted
    • Taking bets since 2021
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    Play-through40x (b+d)
    Crypto6 coins
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  • Rank 2Slots.lv logo

    Slots.lv

    The runner-up we also keep funded — casino floor only — no sportsbook; 20 free spins in the welcome.

    • Taking bets since 2013
    Since2013
    Min deposit$20
    Play-through35x (b+d)
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  • Rank 3El Royale logo

    El Royale

    Casino floor only — no sportsbook; 4 coins for deposits and payouts.

    • 4 cryptocurrencies accepted
    • Taking bets since 2020
    Since2020
    Min deposit$10
    Play-through40x (b+d)
    Crypto4 coins
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  • Rank 4Super Slots logo

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    Casino floor only — no sportsbook; 300 free spins in the welcome.

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    • Taking bets since 2020
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    Play-through1x (d)
    Crypto7 coins
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  • Rank 5Cafe Casino logo

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    Casino floor only — no sportsbook; 2 coins for deposits and payouts.

    • Taking bets since 2016
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    Play-through40x (b+d)
    Crypto2 coins
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  • Rank 6Las Atlantis logo

    Las Atlantis

    Casino floor only — no sportsbook; 6 coins for deposits and payouts.

    • 6 cryptocurrencies accepted
    • Taking bets since 2020
    Since2020
    Min deposit$30
    Play-through40x (b+d)
    Crypto6 coins
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  • Rank 7Wild Casino logo

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    Crypto16 coins
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  • Rank 8Red Dog logo

    Red Dog

    Casino floor only — no sportsbook; 2 coins for deposits and payouts.

    • Taking bets since 2019
    Since2019
    Min deposit$10
    Play-through30x
    Crypto2 coins
    Casino welcome offerup to $8,00021+ · new customers · play-through appliesGet offer

Every site here accepts US players but is licensed offshore, not by a US state regulator. We may earn a commission from links on this page; it does not move anyone up the list. 21+ · Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

#3 Brad Booth

Total losses: estimated $5 million

The Canadian poker player was one of the most successful cash game players in recent times. However, during the Ultimate Bet Cheating Scandal of 2007, Booth’s fortune took a nasty cut after spending so much time using the online poker room.

It is thought that Booth lost upward of $2 million due to the cheating scandal and another $3 million or more playing poker-for-cash from 2008 until today.

Don’t swing for the fences and aim to make it big like these people (were). Instead, start small with a Party Poker bonus code and work you way up slowly.

#2 Gavin Griffin

Total losses: estimated $6 million

Griffin holds the record as the youngest person ever to win a World Series of Poker title after winning the Pot Limit Texas hold’em event in 2004. Griffin is most known for his incredible run during 2010/11 which saw him become the first player to win poker’s holy grail, the Triple Crown.

However, not everything has been smooth sailing for the youngster due to his battle with a gambling addiction, which he talks about openly. After losing a great deal of money in 2011 Griffin has drooped down in limits “to fix his game and rebuild”.

#1 Stu Ungar

Total losses: estimated 30 million

Stu Ungar is often regarded as the player who had so much potential. Unfortunately, he’s also considered to have not lived up to it. With a genius IQ and a photographic memory, he should have made it big.

However, his competitive and thrill-seeking nature always pushed his life to the brink. It was what made him unstoppable at the poker tables, but it was also his downfall away from the game.

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