Published on: January 11, 2026, 04:45h.
Updated on: January 11, 2026, 04:45h.
- SPT representative Chris Skinner admits to smuggling chips during tournament.
- Discovered after a discrepancy in chip counts; CCTV confirmed chips were added.
- Suspended by Poker with Fred and dismissed by Southern Poker Tour.
An Australian poker competitor, previously serving as a brand ambassador for the Southern Poker Tour (SPT), has confessed to cheating after being caught smuggling chips into a low-stakes pub tournament held on New Year’s Eve.
Chris Skinner, who has earned US$312,270 predominantly from low buy-in events, was caught after another player observed him covertly adding illegal chips to his stack. This incident took place during the A$125 buy-in Poker with Fred tournament at the Grand Central Hotel in Cobram, northern Victoria, on December 31.
Upon conducting a chip count, organizers uncovered a discrepancy at Skinner’s table. Later footage from security cameras validated that he had inserted extra chips from his pocket into his stack.
Skinner Confesses
Initially, Skinner denied the allegations despite the mounting evidence, but he ultimately confessed to cheating in a social media statement.
“I cheated,” Skinner stated. “I introduced chips into play that I was not authorized to do. Regardless of the amounts or outcomes, it was wrong. There is no rationalization for my actions.
“Realizing that I’ve disappointed the community and betrayed the trust of those who matter to me is something I deeply regret and feel truly devastated about,” he expressed.
As a result, Skinner was immediately banned from all Poker with Fred events by organizer Fred Baybon, and the SPT severed ties with him as an ambassador.
The scandal has ignited strong reactions in the Australian poker community, with players expressing disbelief at Skinner’s conduct and raising concerns about his past achievements.
“He completely ruined his reputation for a chance to win a $125 country pub tournament? Unbelievable!” commented one Reddit user.
“Cheaters are only remorseful once they are caught. How many times has he committed this act? We will never know,” speculated another.
Second Look Required
Skinner’s tournament track record certainly deserves scrutiny. Since 2021, he has consistently achieved cashes in numerous events each month, as reported by thehendonmob.com. This persistent success raises questions, though without knowing the number of events he participated in monthly, it’s difficult to draw definitive conclusions.
Perhaps more surprising is his apparent lack of progression to higher stakes. Players who maintain high levels of consistency, minimal variance, and long-term positive results typically aim for larger stakes—unless there’s a reason to stay in lower-risk environments.
Chip Access Issues?
One player, Asti Savage, claimed that Skinner had an organizing role as an SPT ambassador, sometimes responsible for transporting chips and tables to the events he also played in.
“Did he manipulate those chips also? Adding extras to his stack to seize the ultimate prize? We may never find out, but curiosity will persist!” Savage wrote on social media.
The SPT responded by denying claims that Skinner had access to its chips behind the scenes, stating he was only responsible for transporting poker tables.
“SPT chips are moved to and from our venues solely by SPT owners or senior staff and are securely stored after each series,” the organization clarified.
“According to our venue agreements, venues must provide a secure storage area for chips throughout each series, accessible only to authorized personnel.”