Team Bodog cuts Jamie Gold

Bodog ended their relationship with World Series of Poker champion Jamie Gold Thursday, citing a desire to refocus their marketing efforts away from America.

"In light of our decision to cease all offline marketing initiatives in the U.S., and instead refocus our efforts … in Europe and Asia, Bodog has ended our business relationship with Jamie Gold," Bodog spokesperson Susan Mainzer said in a statement.

Mainzer said the decision had nothing to do with Gold's ongoing legal battle with Crispin Leyser over the $12 million first place prize at the 2006 WSOP Main Event.

"Bodog has enjoyed its association with Mr. Gold and wishes him the best of luck in his future endeavors," she added.

Gold, a former talent agent, secured his $10,000 entry into the 2006 WSOP Main Event through Bodog by promising to get celebrities to play in the tournament wearing Bodog advertisements.

Gold enlisted the help of Leyser, a television executive, to meet Bodog's celebrity quota. According to Leyser, Gold agreed to split his winnings in exchange for Leyser's help and then refused to pay after winning the Main Event.

In August, U.S. Chief District Court Judge Kathy Hardcastle ordered Harrah's to place half of Gold's winnings in a Clark County, Nevada, trust fund pending the lawsuit's conclusion.

Bodog still has endorsement deals with American poker players David Williams, Josh Arieh, and Evelyn Ng.