Archie Karas Banned in Nevada

Infamous poker legend Archie Karas was placed on Nevada’s Excluded Persons List last Thursdayafter a unanimous decision by the Nevada Gaming Commission. This means that Karas will no longer be legally allowed to enter any Nevada Casino.

The ban came after Karas was caught on camera marking cards at a San Diego blackjack table this past July. While one instance of out of state cheating would not normally get a player banned in such a fashion - Karas has been previously arrested four times for cheating, pleading guilty to lesser counts three times, and getting off free just once.

Archie Karas, full name Anargyros Karabourniotis, first became famous in the1990’s when he pulled off the largest poker winning streak in history. The streak, now simply known as The Run, occurred over a two and a half year period between 1992and 1995.

Starting with only $50 in his pocket, Archie Karas managed to win over $40 million dollars through a combination ofpool, poker, and dice games. During that time, Archie played against and beat a number of famous players including Stu Ungar, Chip Reese, Doyle Brunson, Puggy Pearson, and Johnny Moss.

At one point, Archie is supposed to have owned every single $5000 chip from Binion’s Horseshoe Casino.

For having all of that money, Karas’ wealth was short lived. In 1995 Karas went on a losing streak as horrible as The Run was magnificent. In the span of only three weeks, Karas lost $30 million dollars, mostly playing diceand baccarat. After a brief break back home in Greece, Karas returned to Nevada and lost the remaining $12 million.

Fans and professionals alike both know that when Archie Karas is at the table, anything could happen. The reason for his success, or at least his great daring comes from a simple philosophy. According to Karas:

There is nothing more dangerous than a man with nothing lose, and Archie has demonstrated this truth many times.

That being said, it is strange to see a man who doesn’t care about money cheat at blackjack. While it does go against the aforementioned philosophy, everybody has to make a living. For better or for worse, from this point on Archie Karas will have to make his living elsewhere.