Gambling Lawsuit: Did Ivey Notice Defective Cards At London Casino En Route To Winning $12 Million?Gambling Joint Says That Poker Pro Had Illegal Advantage |
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The Daily Mail reported that the casino which withheld about $12 million of Phil Ivey’s winnings at a game called punto banco thinks the pro gambler cheated — well sort of.
Genting Crockfords London said that Ivey was able to read the backs of the cards that allegedly were defective and used this to his advantage to win millions last year.
The game doesn’t involve players touching the cards. Ivey apparently would have had to ask the dealer to turn them a certain way in order to notice the spot where he could obtain the crucial information needed to beat the game, which normally has a house advantage.
Ivey was reportedly playing with a woman who has been banned from other casinos.
The defect would be the result of a manufacturing mistake, likely attributeable to high demand for cards across the casino world, according to The Daily Mail.
Punto banco is a form of baccarat, and Ivey was betting up to £150,000.
Last week, Ivey announced that he was suing the casino for his winnings, which he maintains he accumulated legitimately and without any sort of edge.
“I am deeply saddened that Crockfords has left me no alternative but to proceed with legal action, following its decision to withhold my winnings,” Ivey said in a statement. “I have much respect for Gentings, which has made this a very difficult decision for me. Over the years I have won and lost substantial sums at Crockfords and I have always honoured my commitments. At the time, I was given a receipt for my winnings but Crockfords subsequently withheld payment. I, therefore, feel I have no alternative but to take legal action.”
For a closer look at how the game might have unfolded, check out The Mail’s reporting.
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