Bodog and Jamie Gold Relationship Over

ANTIGUA -- As reported by Card Player Magazine: "Memo to Jamie Gold: Calvin Ayre wants his hat back. Gold, the 2006 World Series of Poker champion, is off Bodog’s team of poker pros.

"Bodog’s
Past champion Jamie Gold was eliminated in an early round of the 2007 World Series of Poker.  statement, released today, reads:

'In light of our decision to cease all offline marketing initiatives in the U.S., and instead refocus our efforts on growing our entertainment brand in Europe and Asia, Bodog has ended our business relationship with Jamie Gold. Bodog has enjoyed our association with Mr. Gold and wishes him the best of luck in his future endeavors.'

"Despite the reason given for Gold’s release, Bodog is still retaining David Williams, Josh Arieh, and Evelyn Ng as Team Bodog members.

'Out of the last five WSOP main event champions, only Gold doesn’t have a deal to represent an online site. That list includes Robert Varkonyi.

'Bodog and Gold’s business relationship began before the WSOP when Gold agreed to secure celebrities to play in the main event under the Bodog banner in exchange for a ticket into the main event.

'Gold then partnered with Crispin Leyser to help him with this task in exchange for half of Gold’s winnings, according to Leyser. But after Gold won, Leyser says the blueberry-eating Gold reneged on the deal and decided to keep the entire $12 million prize.

'Leyser then sued Gold for his half of the prize, and soon after Gold raised his arms in triumph after all the chips in the main event was in front of him, a judge froze half the prize while the case moved forward. The case is still pending.'