On Friday 15th April 2022, in a major crackdown on online gambling, the FBI and US Attorney’s Office have charged the founders of former US Poker Sites slot, Full Tilt Poker and Absolute Poker with fraud, illegal gambling and laundering a great deal of dollars! It appears that there were 11 arrested, restraining orders put on 75 bank accounts in 14 countries. Five internet domain names were also confiscated – this is a major operation!
The allegations appear to involve the poker companies using fraudulent methods to avoid the Federal Law and to trick the banks into processing their illegal earnings, In a major and devastating crackdown on online gambling the FBI and US Attorney’s Office have charged the founders of PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker and Absolute Poker with fraud, illegal gambling and laundering a great deal of dollars! It appears that there were 11 arrested, restraining orders put on 75 bank accounts in 14 countries – the penalties could involve jail sentences of up to 20 years. The charges are based on the following Acts
Illegal Gambling Business Act 1955
Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006
That’s the facts of the situation as it stands, as of now. This is what has been happening:
PokerStars have suspended all real money poker services to players based in US but, they reassure their US players that their balances are safe.
Full Tilt Poker have closed down their real money poker for players in the US – business as usual for non US players. All monies are safe. It is rumoured that the Onyx Cup poker series has been cancelled.
Players from the US are outraged, understandably, that they have been stopped from playing poker in their own homes in the ‘Land of the Free’ , the champion of civil rights – lets just hope that this bands together all the folk who like to unwind with a hand or two of poker and, with one voice, they can ensure the Government get the message loud and clear. Poker is a game of skill, dependent on the cards dealt of course – similar to Bridge.
Now is the time to get this industry properly regulated in the USA to protect everyone and taxed appropriately to the benefit of the coffers of the Country.
PLEASE NOTE:
Players from the USA are still welcome to play at 3 of our featured sites which means that before you play and commit your hard earned dollars you get a full, unbiased, topical review and a top sign up bonus.
The sites still welcoming players from the USA are:
PDC Poker with sign up bonus of 100% up to $600, you must use bonus code UPTO600
Bodog Poker with a sign up bonus of 110% up to $1,100, you must use Bodog referral Number 1658328
Cake Poker with a sign up bonus of 110% up to $600, you must use the bonus code VIP600
Our US Poker Sites page will always keep you up to date with sites open to players from the USA – best to bookmark it and check back!
