In August of 2012 the poker world discovered that Phil Ivey runs even better than we thought, as he booked a £7.3 – £7.8 million (about $12 million) win playing Punto Banco Baccarat at the London casino Crockfords. However, it also turns out that he can run really badly too, as the casino withheld all of his winnings claiming they were investigating the sessions, with one source saying the investigation focused on Ivey’s companion for the evening, described by the Daily Mail as a “beautiful Oriental female…”– Crockford’s has made no official statement on the matter other than saying they were “investigating” the two day winning streak.

The “friend” who accompanied Ivey was reported to have been barred from at least one other casino according to British press, but there was no word on precisely why she was unwelcome at that particular casino.

According to reports only Ivey’s initial £1 million stake was returned, with the casino holding onto all of the winnings. Now Ivey has filed a writ claiming the casino is illegally withholding his winnings. Ivey is being represented by Archerfield Partners and Richard Spearman QC, and aaccording to a press release issued on Tuesday he had this to say on the matter:

Phil Ivey, the legendary US poker player who has won nine World Series of Poker Championship bracelets, and who won $12.1 million (£7.8m) playing Punto Banco at Crockfords in August 2012, is suing the casino for withholding his winnings. Crockfords is part of Genting Group, one of the world’s largest casino operators.

Commenting on the writ which was filed today (7 May 2013) at the High Court in London, Mr Ivey, 36, said:

“I am deeply saddened that Crockfords has left me no alternative but to proceed with legal action, following its decision to withhold my winnings. 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.”

Mr Ivey’s lawyer, Matthew Dowd of Archerfield Partners, said: “It is with great regret that Phil has been forced to issue court proceedings against Crockfords to secure payment of his winnings. The matter is now in the hands of the Court.” 

We’ll bring you more as this story unfolds.

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