'Confusing and unfair' – Britney issues statement over WSOP stream controversy

Britney details events leading to removal

In the statement, Britney said she wanted to address "rumors and speculation regarding the source of my funds" that she claims are inaccurate. 

"First and foremost," she wrote, "the funds I used to buy into the game were entirely legitimate and fully traceable. The check I used was backed by funds that came directly from legal blackjack winnings at MGM shortly before the session... Any suggestion that the funds came from an improper or questionable source is simply untrue."

"Before I sat down to play, I followed every instruction that was given to me. I was asked to obtain a check from another casino, and I did exactly that. The check was accepted, and I was explicitly cleared to participate. At no point before the game began was I informed that I was ineligible to play, nor was I told that any additional review or approval was still required.

"If there was genuinely a compliance concern, it should have been addressed before I was allowed to buy in and participate – not after the game had already begun and substantial amounts of money had already changed hands. Players deserve clear, consistent, and transparent rules before they are asked to put their money at risk.

"If WSOP's position is now that I should never have been allowed to play in the first place, then I believe WSOP has a responsibility to clearly explain:

• What specific rule or policy was applied;
• Why this issue was not identified or raised before I was seated;
• Why I was approved to play and only later determined to be ineligible;
• And how they intend to resolve this situation fairly, including the return or proper accounting of any funds, fees, or checks that should not have been accepted."

Gamerunner Ryan Feldman told PokerOrg afterward: "Britney did exactly what they told her to do, and someone okayed it, but someone else in a different department or higher up pulled her out of the game.

"We might see some issues like that going forward with these games, but hopefully it gets a little bit easier going forward."

The High Stakes Live stream ran without incident on Saturday night and is scheduled to return for a super high stakes Million Dollar Game on June 12.