Pokerstars has reportedly banned high profile live and online poker pro Sorel “1mperium” Mizzi (29) for up to two years following allegations that he played from the United States, illegally using a VPN device and playing on another member’s account.
The highly successful (he can claim around $11 million in poker career earnings – $4 million of it online) but often controversial Mizzi has admitted on internet poker sites that he has been banned for violations of the Pokerstars T&Cs, something the poker company is sensitive about as it seeks licenses in regulated markets.
In a podcast interview with Poker Life Mizzi admitted that earlier this year he had decided to take his chances in playing online from the United States, knowing that it was not permitted under the Pokerstars terms and conditions.
At the time he was criticised for this, exacerbated by claims that he used a virtual private network (VPN) and played on another member’s account.
“I was being sneaky and I got caught and it sucks,” Mizzi admitted, but added: “Do I feel terribly guilty about doing this? To be honest, no not really. I create my own moral universe.”
Mizzi has been in hot water before:
* In 2007 it was alleged that he illegally bought another Full Tilt player’s account from an individual who was doing well in a high-value tournament, playing this favourable position to a substantial win. When his subterfuge was uncovered Mizzi was banned for life and the winnings were confiscated. In the same timeframe, as zangbezan24 he was the subject of account selling violations at Pokerstars.
* The following year he was linked to multi-accounting transgressions at Pokerstars and was banned for three months.
* In 2011 he was accused of bottom dealing during a heads up game of Chinese Poker by respected fellow pro John Racener. Mizzi repeatedly denied the allegations and the results of the accusation are not known.
* He was at the centre of another controversy in 2010 (he denied the allegations) around IM discussions with Steve Weinstein examining effective ways to cheat and collude in online poker.