U.K. judge: Poker pro did cheat to win $12.4 million

Professional poker player Phil Ivey’s use of edge sorting while playing a form of Baccarat was tantamount to cheating, a London judge ruled today.

Judge John Mitting ruled against Ivey in the 38-year-old gambler’s bid to recoup 7.7 million pounds ($12.4 million) that the casino had withheld.

Ivey won the money playing a form of Baccarat called Punto Banco, using a technique known as edge sorting, at Genting’s Crockfords casino in London. He argued it was a legitimate tactic to gain an advantage over the casino.

“He gave himself an advantage which the game precludes,” Mitting said today following a week-long trial. “This is in my view cheating.”

Ivey’s attorneys sought permission to appeal the verdict.

This story was originally published October 8, 2014 at 10:24 AM with the headline "U.K. judge: Poker pro did cheat to win $12.4 million."