A wealthy and former media magnate, Ghislaine Maxwell, lost a mind-boggling £1.5 million at the Les Ambassadeurs Club in Mayfair on a single evening, making it one of the most costly three minutes ever.
Witnesses claim they saw Maxwell make a number of wagers in the high-stakes baccarat area of the exclusive members’ club, all of which she lost. Bets as high as £250,000 per hand were reportedly placed by her.
Maxwell, who is known for being an astute businesswoman, joked and laughed with the other players and the croupier during the game, giving the impression that she was in a good mood. Maxwell lost her final bet and £1.5 million in three minutes, turning the mood sour.
Club authorities have remained silent on the matter, claiming members’ right to privacy. Many clubgoers believe Maxwell’s defeat was the result of a brief lack in judgment or just bad luck, but suspicions persist.
The death of Maxwell has generated quite a stir in London’s high society because his death ranks among the club’s largest known losses. The amount of money that was gambled away in a couple of minutes has shocked and surprised many people. Others have even questioned the morality of the situation.
Maxwell’s extravagant spending habits have made news before. She is the daughter of disgraced media billionaire Robert Maxwell and a notorious high roller, dropping thousands of pounds in a single night at some of the world’s most prestigious nightlife destinations.
Yet with her lavish lifestyle, Maxwell has had a string of legal issues in recent years, including allegations relating to her role in the Jeffrey Epstein case. She has been charged with many counts of sex trafficking as well as perjury, and is currently awaiting trial in the United States.
Maxwell’s big loss at Les Ambassadeurs Club is, for the time being, just another episode in her turbulent and scandal-filled existence. It does, however, serve as a sobering reminder of the perils of high-stakes gambling and the disastrous outcomes that may result from it.
