A professional poker player who described himself as 'an expert in safe gambling' has had his £100,000 damages claim against the Hippodrome Casino thrown out by a judge. Dr Mortaza Sahibzada alleged he was unfairly banned from the Leicester Square venue in September 2023 after rival players complained he cashed out too quickly from card games.
Dr Sahibzada, a former engineering researcher at Imperial College London, claimed his 'highly disciplined' hit-and-run strategy involved leaving tables after winning about £75, preventing competitors from recouping their losses. He said this tactic allowed him to earn over £2,000 monthly. However, the casino's barrister, Harry Stratton, told Central London County Court that Dr Sahibzada had been suspended following 'unpleasant interactions with staff and concerns about problem gambling'.
Mr Stratton branded the case 'hopeless' and 'totally without merit', arguing that the casino had a legal right to bar anyone from its premises. He also questioned how the £100,000 figure was calculated, noting that 'normally one would say that a person financially benefits from not being allowed to gamble'. Dr Sahibzada had based his claim on grounds including breach of contract and racial discrimination, alleging that casino managers sided with wealthy 'playboy' regulars who disliked his playing style.
Judge Andrew Holmes dismissed the claim, stating there was no evidence that any alleged racism by other players 'permeated the reasoning of the casino itself'. He ruled that the casino was entitled to decide who could use its services, adding: 'I cannot see how it can be said that there's been any breach of a particular contract in these circumstances.'
