Reno PD investigating disappearance

Reno police are investigating the disappearance of former high-stakes poker pro Brad Booth, 43, who has been missing since July 13.

last seen departing the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino

According to the missing person’s report, Booth was last seen departing the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino in northern Nevada. He was driving a 2002 Silver Toyota Tacoma pickup truck, with plates listed as 601PMR. Booth is believed to have informed his roommate he was going camping, although it’s understood the provisions he packed would only have lasted “a day or two”.

Poker pro and DAT Poker podcaster Adam Schwartz tweeted about the case yesterday, saying Booth’s friends are “very worried for him”. He appealed for information and urged followers to raise awareness by retweeting his message:

Reno PD is investigating Booth’s disappearance under case number 20-12315. Community service officer (II) Tazy Ciofalo of the missing person division is listed as the department’s point of contact.  

Reason for concern

The August 4 episode of the DAT Poker Podcast conducted by Daniel Negreanu, Adam Schwartz, and Terrence Chan acknowledged that Booth “had his problems” but added that his disappearance is “super concerning”.

once a notable figure

Booth was once a notable figure in the world of high-stakes poker. In more recent years, however, he suffered financial hardships and is said to have lost millions. He also admittedly swindled fellow poker professional Doug Polk out of $28,000.

Poker-focused Booth

Booth’s poker career began at the age of 15 when, instead of going to school, he delivered pizzas for Little Caesar’s in Vancouver to support his gambling. At one stage, Booth stated that he had been playing poker every day for 14 years.

started his career in home games

Canada-born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, Booth started his career in home games, with occasional trips to Calgary, Yukon – which gave him his moniker – and Las Vegas. “Yukon Brad” then made the permanent move to Vegas following his success in the 2005 World Series Of Poker (WSOP), after finishing 12th and winning $16,975.