A 22 year old American professional poker player, Jason Potter, was fortunate enough to win $30,000 when he finished the 2008 Aussie Millions Main Event in 31st place. His fortune did not last long however as later that night he lost all of his winnings. The most unfortunate part is that his loss did not come at a poker table nor did it come at a casino table game or other form of gambling. What actually happened is the Potter was brutally victimized by a mugger who clocked him over the head and then relieved his pockets of the $30,000.

This robbery occurred in the early hours Monday when Jason was walking alone to his hotel room. Police believe that the mugger began stalking Potter in the casino at the time he cashed in his chips.

“The man reaches immediately right into my hooded pocket, which tells me he kinda knew where to look, it points to him seeing me earlier in the casino,” said Potter.

“At the time I was really in shock. I’m fairly glad that I’m okay. It kinda sucks that this is the world we live in. I definitely believe he saw me at some point in the casino. When he went to take the money, he knew where to look.”

Detective Dean Trigger, of the Embona armed robbery task force, said Potter’s stolen winnings have a chance of being recovered, since the majority of the bills are in American one hundred dollar notes. The major banks, travel agents and exchange outlets have been notified to contact police if any large sum of money is trying to be exchanged.