Poker pro Phil Ivey claims Borgata casino uses booze, sexy waitresses to distract gamblers

Poker pro Phil Ivey is using an unusual defense against allegations he and a partner cheated Atlantic City's Borgata casino out of $9.6 million at cards: He claims the casino uses free liquor served by scantily clad waitresses to distract gamblers.

Both sides are suing each other over the poker player's winnings in 2012 at baccarat.

The Borgata claims Ivey and an associate exploited a defect in cards that enabled them to sort and arrange good cards.

The casino says the technique, called edge sorting, violates New Jersey casino gambling regulations.

But Ivey's motion says his win was simply the result of skill and good observation.

In a court filing this week, Ivey says he "got quite a few (phone) numbers" from pretty waitresses while gambling at the Borgata.