Poker pro gets scammed
Ethan Yau, otherwise known as Rampage, is an American poker pro with total live earnings of nearly $3m. He’s not just interested in poker though, the gambler likes to have a flutter on sports betting too, but his recent decision to use an unofficial bookmaker has supposedly cost him more than $100,000.
naming Neema Khazaie of Sherman Oaks, California as the perpetrator
He took to X on Tuesday this week to share details of the alleged scam, naming Neema Khazaie of Sherman Oaks, California as the perpetrator.
Yau explained that he lost more than $600,000 sports betting over the course of the year, making most of his bets through Khazaie, an agent for a bookmaker. When he did ultimately secure some profit, mainly through a bet on Donald Trump winning the Presidential election, he encountered difficulty trying to withdraw any funds.
According to Rampage, the bookie now owes him $138,969.89 in total, $80,000 of which is his deposit.
Text messages revealed
Despite losing a significant amount over the course of the year, Rampage claimed that the bookmaker immediately limited his account once he had a slight upswing. “Not only are they not paying my account balance but they’re claiming “sharp” action AFTER I’M DOWN 600K and GO ON A 30K UPSWING,” he wrote.
He then provided evidence of his interactions with Khazaie in the form of text messages in which the agent claimed that he would receive some of his money soon, cash that has yet to materialize:
As seen in the messages, Rampage requests 50K at first from the agent before eventually asking for just 10K. Ultimately, the agent says that he will deliver 30K – 40K in the next few days, but he has supposedly still not received any money. The poker pro asked for anyone who “knows this family” to “help progress this situation along.”
Support and criticism
Rampage’s posts have received both support and criticism.
In the latter column, X user Tafo said that “the minor benefits in whatever discount you’re getting yourself into can’t possibly be worth the risk.” Meanwhile, Ken chastised Rampage for not using a trustworthy “agent/advisor/lawyer,” adding that “scams are easily avoided” when the right actions are taken.
Why tf would you post with a bookie lol?”
Many urged Rampage to use online sportsbooks rather than betting through unofficial bookmakers. “Bruh why aren’t you using an online sportsbook?” Tam Thai asked. Another user said: “Why tf would you post with a bookie lol? That’s insane. The network you have, your track record of paying debts, and you end up with the only bookie in America who makes you post.”
In the more supportive category, Jason Edwards said: “Wow, sorry brother. Keep your head up, hopefully some good luck/ karma on its way…”
