One of poker’s biggest stars will get another chance to recoup $12.4 million in winnings that were withheld from a London casino. Ten-time WSOP bracelet winner Phil Ivey has been given permission to appeal a London High Court ruling that marked him as a cheater.
Last year, Ivey lost his case against Crockford’s Casino and the casino was allowed to keep the $12.4 million in earnings that Ivey reportedly won via edge sorting in Punto Banco. The appeal in this case could have ramifications on a similar case awaiting trial in Atlantic City.
Ivey given permission to appeal ruling
On Saturday, the Daily Mail reported that Ivey was given permission to appeal the 2014 ruling that Ivey cheated at Punto Banco, allowing Crockford’s Casino to withhold Ivey’s winnings of £7.8 million ($12.4 million US).
Ivey was given permission to appeal the case after a judge ruled that his case as “a real prospect of success,” and that it raised an important question regarding the law.
According to the report, Ivey’s lawyers plan to argue that cheating involves some type of dishonesty and that Ivey was never dishonest. Ivey admitted to using edge-sorting, a technique where one can determine the value of cards via flaws on the deck, in order to win at Punto Banco.
Ivey speaks out – ruling resulted in casino bans
Typically quiet, Ivey spoke out regarding the case after last week’s announcement. “It is not in my nature to cheat, which is why I was so bitterly disappointed by the judge’s decision a year ago, even though he said I was a truthful witness.”
Ivey continued, “When you are a professional gambler you are always looking for ways to gain an advantage over the casino. It’s their job to prevent me from having any advantage. Sometimes I come out on top, sometimes they do.”
Ivey admitted that he’s been barred from a few casinos as a result of last year’s ruling. “When you’re accused of cheating it’s a very big deal in gambling.”
Ruling could impact Borgata case against Ivey
The Crockford’s case is not the only one hanging over Ivey’s head. Ivey is also facing a lawsuit from the Borgata in Atlantic City over $9.6 million in Baccarat winnings from 2012. Ivey was paid those winnings and the casino is seeking restitution after determining that Ivey used edge-sorting there as well.
Lawyers for the Borgata have asked the judge to consider the ruling from the Crockford’s case, meaning that the appeal could make a difference in whether Ivey has to repay the Borgata.
Many feel that Ivey was merely an advantage player at the table and that his techniques do not equate to gambling. Others look at the lengths Ivey went to pull off the edge sorting and believe that it is on par with gambling.
Regardless of which side you sit on, the matter will receive a ruling soon. Ivey is to appear in the Appeal Court on December 10. Don’t be surprised to see the Borgata drop their case against Ivey should Ivey prove successful.