Marley Winter allegedly operated a Ponzi scheme that amassed significant amounts of Australian dollars through poker. The Queensland Supreme Court has ordered Winter to pay 11 plaintiffs a total of A$4.8 million (US$3.2 million).
Winter’s company, Marley’s House of Sport (MHS), claimed to have made nearly A$30 million (US$19.8 million) in profits over a year, including refunds, promised returns, and interest. Winter reportedly did not contest the claim.
Concerns that MHS and its affiliate, Marley’s House of Investment (MHI), were part of a criminal scheme were first raised by Queensland poker player and industry advocate Craig Abernethy in early 2022. This led to the creation of a Facebook group that now has over 350 members.
MHS marketed itself as a financial investment service specializing in sports betting, horse racing, and “strategic” bankroll management. At its peak, it claimed to have over 12,000 investors and to have multiplied their investments up to nine times.
Winter is accused of targeting investors from the poker community by sponsoring local poker organizations such as the Australian Poker Tour (APT), which hosts fantasy sports competitions. He also held seminars during major events to promote MHS and its revenues to potential clients. Winter, a well-known poker player, won A$430,919 (US$284,670) in the $20k Super High Roller event at the inaugural WPT Australia in September 2022.
It is estimated that at least A$3 million (US$2 million) was invested in MHS from the start of 2022 until the company closed on January 26, 2023. However, reports suggest that Winter continued to seek investors even after this date.
Victims alleged that attempts to withdraw funds were thwarted, with some receiving multiple bank statements indicating payments had been made, though the funds never arrived or were only paid after threats to contact authorities. It was also claimed that Winter discouraged withdrawals by frequently changing the company’s Terms and Conditions.
Abernethy said he is not confident that any money can be recovered but hopes this week’s judgement can at least prevent Wynter from operating such scams again in future.
“My main goal with all of this initially was to expose a scammer so that he couldn’t take advantage of any more victims,” he said.
“The fact that this has gone to court and a ruling has been made, I’m pretty happy with that result.
“What Marley did was a disgrace and he’s ruined a lot of peoples’ lives. I’ve had a lot of people contact me even today because this money is significant to them. Although I don’t think there is any chance of getting it back, I hope there is at least some closure for the victims so they can move on with their lives knowing this guy won’t scam anyone else ever again.”
Don’t forget to subscribe to our Telegram channel!
