Phil Ivey, popularly known as the Tiger Woods of Poker, is reportedly suing Crockford - Britain's oldest Casino - in an effort to claim his winnings worth £7.3 million.
Ivey is accusing Crockford of withholding the money he won during a private game of punto banco in August of 2012. According to the Independent.com.uk, the famous American gambler is ranked as the sixth-highest earner from punto banco tournaments with total winnings of $14.6m (£9m).
The 35-year old Ivey said he tried to settle the problem through negotiations, but the lack of effort from the Casino's management to resolve the issue has left him with no choice but to file an action in court.
"Over the years, I have won and lost substantial sums at Crockfords and I have always honoured my commitments." Ivey told Independent.com on Tuesday. "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."
Ivey racked up total winnings of £7.3m over two days of gaming of punto banco, a baccarat card game in which players have to hold cards with a combined value of nine, if not, at least closest to nine. However, the Casino's holding company Gentling decided not to release Ivey's winnings and opened an investigation triggered by suspicion of a possible cheating.
But according to gambling experts, it's almost impossible for Ivey or other players to fix the outcome because punto banco is a skill-free game with the gambler playing one-on-one with the banker.
Matthew Dowd, who represents as Ivey's lawyer, said his client considered everything before coming up with a decision to sue Crackfords.
"It is with great regret that Phil has been forced to issue court proceedings against Crockfords to secure payment of his winnings, Dowd told the Independent.uk on Wednesday"
Established in 1828, Crackford is the oldest casino in Britain but it's now managed by Malaysian gaming corporation Genting.
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