Defending Poker Champion Treats Game as Business

In 2005 Joe Hachem became the first Australian to win the World Series of Poker Main Event, and was the first to win a record-breaking $7.5 million. His good luck continued when he returned home to Australia and discovered that, because poker is considered his hobby, Australian tax law states that he gets to keep what amounts to the $10 million Australian dollars tax-free. A recent interview with the Sydney Morning Herald states that Hachem says the win has not changed his life.He appreciates the chance to travel but has not committed to move from Melbourne to Las Vegas, despite the opportunities that present themselves in Sin City. In response to the question why doesn't he quit while he is ahead, Hachem said, "it's a business."