Former owner of Kings Casino in the Czech Republic and longtime poker player Leon Tsoukernik is fighting for his life after a drug overdose, according to reports.
Tsoukernik reportedly collapsed after taking Propofol, a quick-acting anesthetic and sedative that’s administered intravenously. The Czech news site Novinky.cz reported that the billionaire businessman was transported by air ambulance from his home in Chodová Planá to a nearby hospital.
“We are investigating a possible illegal act that may have occurred at an unspecified time in Chodová Planá,” police spokeswoman Iva Vršecká told the news outlet. “A 51-year-old man was found unconscious there and was airlifted for medical treatment. The police commissioner has initiated criminal proceedings on suspicion of committing a particularly serious crime of grievous bodily harm. All circumstances of the case are subject to further investigation.”
Propofol can be deadly if misused. It is the same drug that pop legend Michael Jackson died from in 2009.
Born in Russia, Tsoukernik moved to the Czech Republic in 1993, becoming successful in the casino industry along with trading in antiques and art. Kings is the largest casino in Europe and Tsoukernik built the property into a major player in the European poker market, including hosting the WSOP Europe since 2017.
Tsoukernik has found some success at the tables himself with more than $5.4 million in live tournament winnings. That included scoring a WSOP Europe bracelet in a €100,000 high roller at his own casino in 2019 for $1.2 million.
His own poker life hasn’t come without some controversy, including incurring a lawsuit after a booze-fueled, high-stakes poker game in Las Vegas.
In June, Tsoukernik sold Kings Casino to Scott Hanna, who had been involved with the company since 2003, along with existing partners and a new silent partner. The deal was estimated to be valued from €300 to €400 million. The businessman hoped to spend more time with family and work in real estate as well as other ventures.
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