Singer's Main Event refund denied

David Singer will not receive a refund or be allowed to play in another Day One despite threatening to go to the Nevada Gaming Commission over a rule dispute on his bust-out hand early Sunday morning, World Series of Poker Tournament Director Jack Effel said.

Singer, who went all-in on the turn with a drawing hand, asked for a ruling after his opponent twice received phone a phone call during his decision making process and twice silenced the ringer by opening his phone and clicking a button.

Rule number 15 of the Tournament Director's Association 2007 Summit states that "a player may not use a cellular phone, text-messaging device, or other communication device at the table."

Floor officials ruled the player was not in violation of the rule. During the appeal process, officials examined the floor video tape and inspected the cell phone. Effel upheld the original decision after an extensive investigation.

"There will be no refund or re-entry into the Main Event," Effel said.

The "cell phone" rule has been strictly enforced at this year's Main Event and has been part of Effel's tournament pre-amble on each of the Day Ones.

Cell phones and other communication devices have been used in cheating scandals in casinos around the world.

WSOP Media Director Gary Thompson said one particular scandal in Europe, where a player used a device to send video images of cards to a collaborator outside the casino, was of particular concern to WSOP officials.

"There was no intent to violate the rule," said Jerome Stone, the Rio's poker room manager. "I believe the sound was hurting his decision and he actually did the responsible thing by silencing the ringer."