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Borgata Successfully Seizes Phil Ivey’s PPC Earnings

Shortly after the conclusion of the 2019 World Series of Poker, we reported that lawyers for the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City attempted to seize the earnings of Phil Ivey from the $50k Poker Players Championship.

We can now confirm that the Borgata was successful in seizing those funds. According to a report on Flushdraw.net, Ivey’s earnings of $124,410 were successfully seized. This seizure also brings up an interesting question about Ivey’s status as a tournament poker player and whether we will see him play again at the World Series of Poker.

Ivey’s PPC Earnings Turned Over to Marshall’s Service

In a follow-up report by Flushdraw.net on Wednesday, they revealed that Phil Ivey’s earnings of $124,410 were successfully seized by the Borgata. Ivey finished in eighth place in the event and found out soon after he could not collect his winnings.

Flushdraw also provided the text of the letter sent to Caesars regarding the Writ of Execution against Ivey. The text stated that the Rio was not to pay Ivey and they or the US Marshall’s service would contact them regarding the execution of payment.

Caesars made their own filing in mid-July, revealing that they paid the money out to the United States Marshall’s Service. An image of the check dated July 16, 2019, was also shown by Flushdraw. Following the payment, Caesars filed for and was given a release of further liability regarding Ivey. That’s because Ivey did not cash in any additional WSOP events.

What Does This Mean for Phil Ivey Moving Forward

The garnishment of Ivey’s winnings at the 2019 WSOP makes it perfectly clear that the Borgata will pursue any means necessary to try and secure its judgment from Ivey. Ivey and partner Kelly Sun owe over $10 million to the Borgata and some documents seem to indicate that the total amount being pursued by the Borgata is closer to $20 million.

Regardless of the amount, it is clear that Ivey will not be able to win any live poker tournaments in Las Vegas without the funds being secured by the US Marshall’s Service. So what exactly does this mean for Phil Ivey’s days as a tournament poker player in Las Vegas?

Bluntly, Ivey’s is through as a tournament player, at least if he cares about the money involved. We all know that a lot of the event’s that Ivey has won in the past award prize money that is largely insignificant compared to the money he can win or lose in high stakes cash games.

In some instances, he often stands to win much more from prop bets than from live events. For example, back when Ivey won his 10th WSOP bracelet, there were reports that he won millions in prop bets. These bets are not tracked by the Borgata or the US Marshall’s Service and it would be difficult to seize the money.

Most assume that Ivey will strictly play in poker tournaments outside of the United States in order to avoid the judgment from the Borgata. Some are a bit surprised that he does not take some of his reported $150 million in wealth and pay his debt. Others are still insistent that Ivey does not owe the Borgata anything because he was using what is considered an “advantage play” rather than cheating the casino.

Ivey has not played much in the United States for years now, and it is likely that this trend continues now it is clear his winnings will be garnished. The only time you’re likely to see him in Vegas will be for high stakes cash games, and even those may not be enough to bring Ivey back into Nevada until his legal problems with the Borgata are resolved.

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