When Jamie Gold won the World Series of Poker's gigantic first prize
of $12 million this year it triggered a nasty dispute which has taken
some of the gilt off a great honor.
It has been alleged by British television producer Crispin Leyser
that he had a prior agreement with Gold to share in half the proceeds
if he won in return for lining up celebrities at the event.
Because of the dispute Gold has only been allowed to access half his
massive winnings whilst a Court battle is fought over the legitimacy
of Leyser's argument that he is entitled to the remaining $6 million.
Late last week Leyser filed a petition in federal court, stating that
the deal made between himself and Gold was a business deal, not a
discretionary goodwill gesture as Gold has claimed.
Gold, however, contends that he offered Leyser a portion of his potential
winning because he felt bad that Leyser didn't have sponsorship to
play in the WSOP Main Event.
Now with half of his winnings on hold until the legal battle is cleared
up, Gold is fighting to keep the full amount.
The agreement came about prior to the 2006 WSOP, when Bodog.com agreed
to sponsor Gold if he could find celebrities to compete in the tournament
wearing the poker room's logo.
Leyser claims that Gold promised him half the pot if he could find
celebrities to wear the Bodog.com brand. He found two celebrities
- actor Matthew Lillard and MTV personality Dax Shepard - who agreed
to wear the clothes.
On the final day of the tournament, it is claimed that Gold left a
cell phone message for Leyser acknowledging their agreement.
U.S. District Judge Roger Hunt is to consider the case.