The Genting Group said in court papers filed Tuesday that Ivey and an accomplice used an elaborate scam to run up roughly 7.8 million pounds ($11.9 million) in tainted winnings that will not be honored

The accusation raises questions about the integrity of Ivey, at 37 one of the world's most highly regarded poker players. The phenomenally successful player has won numerous World Series of Poker Championship bracelets.

The casino group was responding to a lawsuit filed in Britain's High Court last month by Ivey in which he said the 7.8 million pounds is owed to him. He claimed to have won the money at the venerable Crockfords casino in August. Crockfords is part of the Genting Group.

The casino group said in the court papers that Ivey's claim is "based upon illegal acts" that void his claimed winnings. It said he was able to have a "significant advantage" over the casino by using improper means to determine whether the first card being dealt in the baccarat hands would be a powerful or weak card, allowing him to place his bets accordingly.

The papers claim that Ivey was able to increase the size of his bets "substantially" once the scam had started to work.

Ivey's representatives did not offer immediate comment Wednesday on the casino's claim but said a response would be offered later in the day.

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