Poker star sues gambling site based in Dublin for [euro]105million.(News)

Byline: John Breslin

ONE of the world's top poker players is suing a Dublin-based online site for $150million ([euro]105million) following sweeping charges against internet gambling sites in the U.S..

Phil Ivey, a multiple World Poker Series winner, has been the well-known face of Full Tilt Poker since it was set up seven years ago.

However, charges of money laundering, bank fraud and illegal gambling were filed against Full Tilt and two other sites in April.

Mr Ivey claims he did not know that Full Tilt was an illegal operation while he was being sponsored by them.

Nearly 1,000 Full Tilt employees are based in its world headquarters in a south Dublin industrial estate.

Full Title founder Ray Bitar - one of those charged - has not yet been arrested as he is believed to still be in Ireland. But U.S. authorities have already seized four of his properties, frozen his bank accounts and named multiple accounts in Irish banks as part of the investigation.

The three sites, Full Title, Poker Stars and Absolute Poker, cannot now operate in the U.S.. Prosecutors said they have agreed with the companies to ensure players with money on account with the three sites are reimbursed.

But, according to the complaint filed by Mr Ivey in court, none of Full Tilt's players has received any money, which he claims amounts to $150million. He claims this is the reason he pulled out of the World Series of Poker tournament in Las Vegas last week.

However, in his own lawsuit, he is personally claiming for damages to loss of reputation worth $150million.