Last Updated on July 25, 2026 by Bala Kumar
A New York-based poker pro is facing a costly legal battle after neighbors in his upscale Manhattan building accused him of turning their air quality into a health hazard.
Chau Shing Lam, a player with more than $300,000 in recorded live tournament earnings, lives in a $4 million unit at 368 Third Avenue in Manhattan. The condo’s Board of Managers filed a lawsuit against him on July 17, seeking roughly $87,000 in unpaid fines and demanding he stop smoking marijuana and tobacco inside his residence.
What the Lawsuit Alleges
According to the complaint, Lam has been smoking cannabis and cigarettes inside his unit almost every day, at all hours, letting smoke drift into hallways and neighboring apartments. Residents also reported loud noise, banging, running, and yelling, coming from his unit late at night.
The situation escalated when air quality testing in a nearby unit reportedly picked up repeated spikes in fine particulate matter linked to secondhand smoke. The stakes rose further because a family with a 12-year-old child suffering from a reactive airway condition is set to move into a unit next to Lam’s. A pediatrician submitted a statement to the court urging that every reasonable step be taken to protect the child from secondhand smoke exposure at home.
Repeat Violations Add Up
The lawsuit claims Lam has racked up more than a dozen violations over two years, resulting in the $87,000 in penalties and a loss of certain building amenities. The condo board is now asking the court to force him to pay the fines and stop the smoking that’s triggered the complaints.
A Player on the Tournament Circuit
Away from the legal drama, Lam has continued competing at a high level. He’s played in WSOP and WSOP Europe events, cashed seven times at the Red Dragon Poker Tour’s summer series in Jeju, and made four cashes at the PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Monte Carlo stop in May.
FAQs
1. Why is poker player Chau Shing Lam being sued?
Chau Shing Lam is being sued by the Board of Managers of his Manhattan condominium, which alleges that he repeatedly smoked marijuana and tobacco inside his unit, causing secondhand smoke to affect neighboring apartments and common areas.
2. How much is the lawsuit seeking from Chau Shing Lam?
The lawsuit seeks approximately $87,000 in unpaid fines, along with a court order requiring Lam to stop smoking inside his condominium.
3. What health concerns are mentioned in the lawsuit?
The complaint cites air quality tests showing elevated levels of fine particulate matter from secondhand smoke and highlights concerns for a 12-year-old child with a reactive airway condition who is expected to move into a neighboring unit.
4. Has Chau Shing Lam continued playing poker despite the legal case?
Yes. Lam has remained active on the live tournament circuit, recording cashes at the WSOP, WSOP Europe, Red Dragon Poker Tour, and PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) events.
5. What does the condo board want the court to do?
The condo board is asking the court to require Lam to pay the accumulated fines, permanently stop smoking inside his unit, and comply with the building’s rules to prevent further disturbances and secondhand smoke complaints.
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