Phil Ivey sitting out WSOP in protest-Running 2011 World Series of Poker thread

The World Series of Poker is underway and while not as popular as it once was, there are still a few around here who follow it.

And there is this twist -- Phil Ivey is sitting out the WSOP

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/poker/news/story?id=6614429&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines

Here is the money quote:

"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," Ivey, who has played online on Full Tilt and appeared in the company's TV commercials, said in a statement posted on his website.

"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," he said.

He basically said that he isn't playing if the online community isn't reimbursed. Should be something worth watching as it plays out.

I lost about $9.80 in real money that was frozen by Full Tilt, did anyone else have any real money seized?

 

Ivey and all the others had to have known that online poker in the U.S. was on borrowed time. To me, it's silly to play poker when the other players aren't visible

 

I agree with your last point - It is why I stopped playing online poker for anything more than peanuts and for any other reason than, I was bored.

I'd play .15-.30 hold 'em and buy in for like $6.

But it wasn't poker in my mind. And I didn't trust it as there were clearly bots and players playing for the site in those things.

The other thing is, I've never met anybody -- outside of anonymous internet message boards - who legitimately made money playing online.

 

Not if you're a poker player. That is how you learn and get better, as you can play unlimited hands all at your own disposal. Look at the guys who have won the WSOP: many online players. My friend in high school was really into it about 10 years ago, would stay up to three of four in the morning playing in huge tournaments. It works if you know what you're doing.

 

Again, I've READ a lot of stories of people making tons of money in online poker but Ive never met one. Doesn't mean it hasn't happened but as someone who is very active in playing live poker at casinos and at backdoor games, I'd have figured by now I would have met at least one.

 

I actually deposited a few hundred that was credited to my FT account but never taken from my bank account early this year. Hope they don't figure that out. I should close that account before they do.

 

Go to Vegas, you'll meet plenty I'm sure =P

 

I've won lots online. But it always seemed to disappear before I cashed out ...

 

I've made (and withdrawn) a few hundred dollars on online poker (I kept track), though I haven't played in several years.

 

I have a couple of good friends who have won a lot, and cashed out a lot, in online poker. I think it's a shame that it's gone.

 

This happened to a lot of people. FT credited the money instantly so people could play right away, but the banks denied FT from taking anything from the account.

Hope you enjoyed the free money.