Poker domain names to be restored and open for business.
Internet users will soon be able to access and play poker at popular poker sites FullTiltPoker.com and PokerStars.com soon.
Last week the U.S. government had seized the domain names in response to alleged financial crimes by the companies to get around U.S. laws for receiving payments for gambling.
The United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York announced the deal today (pdf), and said it would enter into an agreement with Absolute Poker if that company wishes to.
The companies will be able to offer their poker games at the domain names again, although they will not be able to accept business from U.S. residents. An independent monitor may be appointed to verify this. Additionally, U.S. customers will be able to request withdrawals through the sites.
As I wrote about earlier, seizing the domain names was of little use as there were many ways to still access the sites. But the seizure certainly got people’s attention.
Pete says
Yup totally useless seizure, they were just making a statement, but it still scared and likely confused players since most use the .COMs. Now that the .COM is back and the seizure notices are gone it will definitely give them more credibility and return players (outside US) who were otherwise scared away
anarchyjack says
Did they say when this would happen? Because as of now, all U.S. players can still not withdraw any of their money from FTP poker.
Joey Starkey says
I am tired of Daddy US. The government is so out of touch that we really need to scrap what we have and start all over.
mike says
Does anyone know when $$$$ can be withdrawn? As of now….not posible