In August 2012, Phil Ivey, a poker legend, walked into one of London’s most exclusive casinos with a million dollars in cash. What followed was a jaw-dropping legal casino heist that would change the gambling world forever. With the help of his partner Kelly Sun, Ivey exploited a tiny flaw in casino cards to win over $20 million without ever cheating. Here’s how they did it.
Key Takeaways
- Phil Ivey and Kelly Sun used edge sorting to exploit a flaw in casino cards.
- They won over $20 million legally, but faced legal battles afterwards.
- The incident led to significant changes in casino security protocols.
The Setup: A Million Dollar Entrance
Picture this: a high-stakes casino, the lights flashing, the sound of chips clinking, and in walks Phil Ivey, the man, the myth, the legend. With a million bucks in hand, he’s not just another player; he’s the VIP. The casino rolls out the red carpet, granting him every request, including a Mandarin-speaking dealer and an automatic shuffler. Little did they know, they were about to be played.
The Master Plan: Edge Sorting
Ivey and Sun had a plan that was as brilliant as it was simple. They weren’t cheating; they were just really good at noticing things. Sun had discovered a flaw in the casino cards while in solitary confinement—yes, you heard that right. The backs of the cards weren’t perfectly symmetrical. This meant that with a keen eye, they could tell which cards were high value just by looking at the edges.
How Edge Sorting Works
- Identify the Flaw: The cards were cut slightly unevenly, allowing players to distinguish between high and low cards.
- Manipulate the Deck: They needed the casino to help them sort the deck without ever touching it.
- Play the Superstition Card: By acting like high rollers with quirky habits, they got the casino to comply with their requests.
The Execution: Winning Big
Over two nights at Crockfords Casino, Ivey and Sun racked up a staggering £7.7 million (around $12 million). They played baccarat, using their edge sorting technique to know which cards were coming up. The casino, oblivious to the fact that they were being robbed blind, catered to every whim of Ivey, thinking they had a high roller on their hands.
The Fallout: Legal Battles Begin
But when Ivey went to cash out, the casino froze his winnings. They didn’t have proof of cheating, but something felt off. Ivey, furious, sued for his money. Meanwhile, other casinos started to take notice of their losses and began investigating. The Borgata Casino in Atlantic City, which had already paid Ivey $9.6 million, wanted their money back, claiming he had violated the spirit of the game.
The Legal Showdown
- Crockfords: Refused to pay, leading to Ivey’s lawsuit.
- Borgata: Filed a lawsuit against Ivey and Sun, claiming fraud.
- Court Rulings: By 2016, the UK High Court ruled against Ivey, and he was ordered to repay Borgata.
The Aftermath: A Changed Industry
Ivey’s reputation took a hit, and casinos began tightening their security protocols to prevent edge sorting from happening again. The once-coveted poker star found himself blacklisted, but he didn’t disappear completely. He continued to play in private games in Asia, proving that he still had it.
Kelly Sun: The Other Half of the Heist
As for Kelly Sun, she didn’t stop. She kept using edge sorting and even started training others. Her story became so famous that Hollywood took notice, and a movie about her life, The Baccarat Queen, went into production.
Conclusion: The House Always Adapts
Phil Ivey and Kelly Sun may have pulled off the greatest legal casino heist in history, but the house always adapts. Their exploits led to significant changes in how casinos operate, ensuring that such a flaw would never be exploited again. In the end, they didn’t just win money; they changed the game forever.
Despite the lawsuits and the bans, Ivey’s legacy as a poker legend remains intact. He may have lost in court, but in the eyes of gamblers everywhere, he had already won. The casinos thought they were in control, but they were the ones being played. And that, my friends, is the ultimate twist in this high-stakes tale.