He doesn't owe shit. A stake is an investment and, like all investments, a type of gamble. Oops your player is a dumbass! Hopefully you've learned something.

Desperate pigeon to the judge: "B-b-b-but... I said only 2/4!! He was improperly rolled!"

Okay, what was the exact agreement again?

"Play 2/4... but if you're really good... if you have icewater in your veins... a steely, hard poker face... and mad skillz... you may, if you're ready, move up. But ONLY if you're that good, son.

***

Does anyone really believe that, given a little wiggle room, a donk who's up a few bucks isn't gonna shoot his load and move up? Staker screwed up. Endo story.

Edit: Just read more of the scam. The short story: The terrible player knows what he did was wrong, but also knows he's not legally liable, so won't repay. He's right on both counts. Though a decent guy would pay back the money (due to a tilty, irresponsible move), he doesn't have to.

Player doesn't have to pay. Staker shouldn't expect him to. All parties should remember said player as an asshole, learn the lesson, and move on.