Ivey Poker Takes a Break, but Promises “Multiple Product Extensions” in 2015

The free-play section of the Phil Ivey-branded online poker training platform is temporarily closed.

Less than a year after the launch of an online poker sites in the US named after 10-time WSOP bracelet winner Phil Ivey, the company running the coaching site announced it was closing its free-play section.

“Since we launched our game here at Ivey Poker we’ve learned quite a few things… first and foremost that a dedicated and loyal community is essential,” the company wrote on Facebook before announcing that it was suspending a game scheduled for Saturday, October 25th.

“Though that may sound ominous – it’s actually just the first step in our evolution as we prepare to launch an even bigger and better gaming experience for you all in 2015,” the statement added.

Future plans

Players have good reason to stick around though, as the firm announced it was “working on multiple product extensions and new categories for Ivey Poker expansion in 2015”, adding that “the best is yet to come”. In the meantime a new video was posted on the website, giving players hope that the website’s training section will continue to be updated.

Some players did not take the news too well. Christian Harder, a former Ivey Poker-sponsored player, criticized the decision on Twitter. “Ivey Poker couldn’t even stay open? Why? It’s not like they were paying their pros,” he wrote.

The hiatus comes shortly after Phil Ivey lost his court battle against the Genting Crockfords in London. He was expecting to get $12 million from the casino, but the company refused to pay him up, claiming he had cheated. Ivey tried to defend himself by saying he didn’t break any British gambling laws. His attorneys claimed he was not a cheater, but an “advantage player”. The court ruled in Genting’s favor.