Online Pro James Hopkins Sued Over Failed Backing Deal

An Australian poker player with more than $1million to his name in online cashes is being sued for $400,000 by his backers, who claim he has failed to repay the loans, as well as interest and fees on the deal…

James Hopkins, claims in his defence that he is a problem gambler with ADHD, and should not be held liable for the money owed.

Australian newspapers have reported on the legal action taken by poker player Aidan Hildebrandt, along with his brother Dylan, his mother Cristina, and her partner Sarah Newton.

They claim that Hopkins and his company, Pocket Punting Pty Ltd. are liable for A$400,450 in loans, fees and interest on a series of 12 loans and restructured financing Hopkins was given to play poker.

The first of these, in January 2018, saw Hopkins receive $40,000 from the Hildebrandt brothers, with $14,000 in interest due to be repaid 3 months later.

That same month saw Hopkins produce a rare live cash, pocketing A$25k (US$20k) for a 42nd place finish in the Aussie Millions Main Event in Melbourne.

In the following year, Hopkins would cash in more than 800 online events, his total lifetime earnings across four sites coming in at $1,074,566, ranking him at number 903 in the world.

Hopkins plays under the nickname cmon_gasquet on PokerStars, ACR and GGpoker, as well as under scumgang on partypoker, according to PocketFives.com.

Despite this, Hopkins has reportedly claimed that he isn’t a poker professional, and believes that Aidan Hildebrandt should have known he had gambling problems.

The Courier Mail reported that the pair were together at a casino when Hopkins lost $100,000 in one evening. He also cites depression and ADHD as factors for him being unable to understand the deal he signed up to.

The case continues.