Phil Ivey to sue Tiltware

The poker world was shocked this week when Phil Ivey, the game’s most recognisable face, pulled out of this year’s WSOP in protest at Full Tilt’s ongoing issues regarding US player funds.

Through a statement published on his personal website www.philivey.com, the eight-time bracelet winner announced that he was suing Full Tilt software provider Tiltware, claiming he is ‘deeply disappointed and embarrassed that Full Tilt players have not been paid’.

Ivey went on to say he would not be playing in this year’s World Series as he does not ‘believe it is fair’ that he competes ‘when others cannot’.

And while the poker world rushed to the forums and Twitter to speculate about the consequences of Ivey’s actions, Tiltware were quick to respond with a statement of their own, accusing Ivey of filing a ‘meritless lawsuit… in an effort to enrich himself at the expense of others’.

It has since been revealed that Ivey is seeking $150m from Tiltware while claiming that he had no knowledge of Full Tilt’s illegalities prior to Black Friday.

Read on for the full Ivey and Tiltware statements below.

Phil Ivey:

‘For many years, I have been proud to call myself a poker player. This great sport has taken me to places I only imagined going and I have been blessed with much success. It is therefore with deep regret that I believe I am compelled to release the following statement.

‘I am deeply disappointed and embarrassed that Full Tilt players have not been paid money they are owed. I am equally embarrassed that as a result many players cannot compete in tournaments and have suffered economic harm. 

‘I am not playing in the World Series of Poker as I do not believe it is fair that I compete when others cannot. I am doing everything I can to seek a solution to the problem as quickly as possible.

‘My name and reputation have been dragged through the mud, through the inactivity and indecision of others and on behalf of all poker players I refuse to remain silent any longer. I have electronically filed a lawsuit against Tiltware related to the unsettled player accounts. As I am sure the public can imagine, this was not an easy decision for me.

‘I wholeheartedly refuse to accept non-action as to repayment of players funds and I am angered that people who have supported me throughout my career have been treated so poorly. 

‘I sincerely hope this statement will ignite those capable of resolving the problems into immediate action and would like to clarify that until a solution is reached that cements the security of all players, both US and International, I will, as I have for the last six weeks, dedicate the entirety of my time and efforts to finding a solution for those who have been wronged by the painfully slow process of repayment.’

Tiltware’s repsonse:

‘Contrary to his sanctimonious public statements, Phil Ivey’s meritless lawsuit is about helping just one player – himself. In an effort to further enrich himself at the expense of others, Mr. Ivey appears to have timed his lawsuit to thwart pending deals with several parties that would put money back in players’ pockets.

‘In fact, Mr. Ivey has been invited — and has declined — to take actions that could assist the company in these efforts, including paying back a large sum of money he owes the site.

‘Tiltware doubts Mr. Ivey’s frivolous and self-serving lawsuit will ever get to court. But if it does, the company looks forward to presenting facts demonstrating that Mr. Ivey is putting his own narrow financial interests ahead of the players he professes to help.’