Today, we still hear the echo of the big news from yesterday, namely that Full Tilt Poker would finally pay players who had money on their website.
This new has obviously made a lot of happy and especially spilled much ink since yesterday. Statements following this new continue and reactions are still numerous. Certain personalities from the world of poker have commented on the new, but others have preferred to say nothing.
One of the reactions expected of course was the reaction of Ray Bitar, former President Director General of Full Tilt Poker. Ray said have worked hard in this case, he who will face justice soon. Remember that Ray Bitar has pleaded not guilty to the charges that weighed against him and handed release through bail of 2. $5M. Ray Bitar surrendered to the authorities on July 2 and was arrested in New York on arrival at JFK airport.
Ray released as of yesterday an official communiqué the formalization of the agreement between PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker.
Here is the translation of this press release:
[July 31, 2012]
These days, I signed the necessary paperwork to finalize the agreement between Full Tilt and the US Government. The assets of the company will now be transferred to PokerStars and Full Tilt employees will also have a new employer.
I believe that agreement, will result in refund of Full Tilt customers. I am extremely pleased and excited by this prospect. During the past 15 months, I have worked hard on alternatives to reimburse players. It was a very long road, with many obstacles along the way, but I'm glad to see the end. I just wish that this situation be resolved much sooner.
Today, this agreement also puts an end to the legal proceedings initiated by the Government of the USA against the companies of Full Tilt. I am glad that this chapter is closed.
I would like to thank the numerous and loyal employees of the company who helped to achieve this result. It has been a pleasure to work for Full Tilt and I am grateful for the many friendships and memories that I have known. I wish the family Full Tilt of the success in his future endeavours.
I also send my best wishes to PokerStars. It is a creative agreement and it should benefit everyone: players, Full Tilt and PokerStars.
Chris Ferguson Meanwhile did not comment following this news. Through his lawyer, he stated that it was great news for the poker players with funds on Full Tilt Poker, but that it was not currently in a position where he could comment on this news.
The new also interested the bwin.party group which is currently working to offer poker online in the United States when the permetttra law. Remember that it may be possible as early as 2013 for to offer online poker rooms online poker legal residents of Nevada if the operator has a partnership with a local casino. The group currently has agreements with the powerful casino operators of the American Gaming Association and I bet it will work hard to ensure that PokerStars is not fit to be considered as a potential candidate for a licence in the United States.
In 2006, PartyGaming pulled out of the U.S. market to be good player and possibly a licence the day where operators can submit the poker online to the Americans. If PokerStars Gets a license in the near future to operate in the United States, the leaders of bwin.party will be what being in a bad mood.
But nothing is yet certain for PokerStars and States like California have stated clearly that sites that have operated in the U.S. territory after the UIGEA will not be approved. Is that other States will do the same?
PokerStars will indeed apply to obtain an approval in Nevada, but nothing tells us that it will be accepted. Lobbying in Nevada will be something to watch closely in the coming months.
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