Two poker players have been banned from the World Series of Poker (WSOP) after a chip dumping scandal during the Millionaire Maker event in Las Vegas. Jesse Yaginuma and James Carroll were found to have colluded in the heads-up final, leading to a lifetime ban from Caesars properties and the WSOP.
The WSOP announced on Monday that no winner would be declared and no bracelet awarded, with the first and second place prize money of £828,000 each being divided equally. However, controversy arose over a £730,000 bonus that Yaginuma earned from a ClubWPT Gold promotion, which was only available to him.
Observers noted suspicious hands during the heads-up match, with Carroll making puzzling decisions despite holding a substantial chip lead. Chip dumping involves intentionally losing hands to transfer funds to an opponent, either through deliberate folding or irrational betting.
One contentious hand saw Yaginuma take the lead after winning a pot with 174 million chips. With blinds at 1.5m and 3m, Yaginuma called with Jack-eight offsuit, and Carroll raised with six-three offsuit. The flop brought a ten, five, and jack, and Carroll bet 17m, which was called. Both checked the turn, and after the river, Yaginuma called Carroll's 57m bet.
GGPoker ambassador Daniel Negreanu confirmed the bans were decided by Nevada Gaming and Caesars, not the WSOP. The WSOP in Vegas will remain at Caesars properties for another 19 years, meaning the players cannot participate for the foreseeable future.
Neither player has released a public statement. ClubWPT Gold confirmed they would honour the £730,000 bonus despite no official winner, and increased the number of Gold Rush tickets given out.
