Jamie Gold's WSOP Win Still Frozen Due to Bruce Crispin Leyser's Lawsuit

On Thursday, December 21st, Federal Court Judge Roger L. Hunt ruled to retain a freeze order of half of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) pot.

The plaintiff, Bruce Crispin Leyser, is alleging that Jamie Gold, 2006 WSOP champion, made a verbal promise to split his winnings from the poker game with him in return for a favor he granted Gold, which enabled him to gain sponsorship from the offshore internet gambling site, Bodog.

Judge Hunt turned down a motion filed by Gold's lawyers to lift an injunction that was set in September, barring him access to half of his $12 million win.

"His actions, in the court's view, do not give the plaintiff much assurance that the money would, in fact, be available in the event of a judgment in his favor," Judge Hunt stated.

"The likelihood of success weighs on the side of the plaintiff," added Judge Hunt.

Meanwhile, the injunction safe-keeps the money by keeping it in the possession of the WSOP host, the Rio Hotel and Casino. The money will remain in the hotel's care until the case is concluded.

"We're pleased with this result because it prevents the money from being squandered by someone who admits he didn't keep his promise," stated Leyser's lawyer, David Chesnoff.

When asked about their reaction to the decision, Gold's lawyer, Patrick Byrne's remark was, "Disappointed, yes, but not surprised". He further stated, "We recognize our client made the promise, but we believe that when all of the evidence of the case is before a jury that they will see there was no consideration for the agreement."

February 06, 2007
Pauline Davis