Full Tilt Poker on Phil Ivey Lawsuit: “Meritless” and “Only About Helping Himself”

Full Tilt Poker has issued a statement in regard to a lawsuit filed against the company by one of its most visible representatives, Phil Ivey.

It called the suit “meritless”

“Phil Ivey’s meritless lawsuit is about helping just one player – himself.

“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,” alleges the company, adding that “Tiltware doubts Mr Ivey’s frivolous and self-serving lawsuit will ever get to court.”

Full Tilt Poker is yet to pay customers following a US indictment on April 15.  Presumably the company has yet to pay its professional representatives as well.

Ivey filed the lawsuit in Las Vegas this week.

Ivey released this statement on his Facebook page in conjunction with the filed suit:

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 whole heartedly 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.

- Ace King, Gambling911.com