WC14 Vegas illegal betting suspects freed

10-time World Series of Poker Champion Phil Ivey helped post bail for a wealthy Malaysian businessman who was charged in a World Cup betting scheme.

A wealthy Malaysian businessman who was charged in a World Cup betting scheme has been let out of jail after his poker-star friends posted his bail and immigration officials cleared his release.

Wei Seng Phua, 50, and his 22-year-old son, Darren Phua, are among eight people charged with setting up an illegal sports book in a Caesars Palace villa and taking World Cup bets.

Bail was set for $US2 million ($A2.16 million) for the father and $US500,000 for the son.

Poker professional Andrew Robl and 10-time World Series of Poker Champion Phil Ivey together posted $US2.5 million to secure the Phuas' release.

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials said Tuesday that they reviewed the Phuas' case and revoked a hold that had kept them in jail even after bail was posted.


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