Borgata shows interest in Phil Ivey’s WSOP winnings

Phil Ivey’s participation in the World Series of Poker 2019 has attracted the attention of poker fans around the world. At the latest, after he once again proved his talent: At the final table of the $50,000 Poker Players Championship.

To his chagrin, certain other parties have also received wind of his recent success – parties that want to get their hands on his money.

As Flush Draw reported over the weekend, the Borgata and its lawyers have been watching Ivey closely. Ready to strike at any time and make it easier for Ivey to win every cent he could at the 50th edition of the WSOP.

Ivey during WSOP 2019

Although Ivey has more than $26 million in tournament winnings and an unknown million at the high stakes cash game tables, his WSOP 2019 started quite leisurely.

A few weeks after his appearance, Ivey finally managed a deep run in Event #37: $800 No-Limit Hold ’em Deep Stack – but he finished 64th for $3,700. The event #44 continued with #76: $1,500 No-Limit Hold ’em Bounty for $2,752. A few more days to go; Ivey lands in Event #55: $1,000 WSOP.com Online Double Stack in 82nd place for $2,533.

Suddenly it seemed Ivey could make the breakthrough. At the $50,000 Poker Players Championship, he won the chip lead and was among the top stacks day after day. Shortly after the money bubble, however, he was back on the road without any luck, but in the end, the whole thing led to nothing, and he was eliminated in 8th place for $124,410.

The last prize money brought Ivey to the Borgata’s attention.

Borgata becomes still active during the PPC

As the Flush Draw article shows, Borgata lawyer Jeremy Klausner sent a warning to the WSOP superiors on 27th June, referring to an enforcement order of 18th June. The order stands and assures the Borgata of $10,130,000 and interest of $214,518, due to the ongoing litigation.

The New Jersey casino has gained the upper hand after years of fighting Ivey and his partner Cheung Yin “Kelly” Sun. A February ruling indicates that the Borgata can now attack Ivey’s assets in Nevada after a search for assets in New Jersey proved fruitless.

The $8,985 Mincashes didn’t interest the Borgata lawyers much, but the run during the PPC and the ability to recover a seven-figure sum called them on. The delivery of Klausner’s notification on 27th June and Ivey’s withdrawal from the PPC fell on the same day.

Uncertainty about Ivey’s winnings – future tournament participation questionable

Whether Borgata was able to secure Iveys $124,410 – or even additional money he deposited in Rio – is a question we cannot answer.

The rumour mill is boiling at TwoPlusTwo. It would raise the question of why Ivey should ever play poker tournaments in a state where a court ruling has been passed against him. Brandon Shack-Harris believes that Crossbooks and other bets could explain his participation.

Many have also wondered if the court’s ruling has anything to do with Ivey’s extremely fast exit from the 2019 WSOP Main Event.

The fact is, from Ivey’s point of view, it makes no sense to play poker tournaments in Nevada or the U.S. at all as long as the verdict sticks to him and threatens any cash. Ivey’s fans must be prepared for their idol not to compete at the WSOP 2020.