As the world’s largest online poker site declared acceptance of a deal with the FBI to never again accept American players, US online poker enthusiasts are finally settling in to the fact that PokerStars will no longer be a viable option for real money games. As such, PlayCasino.org is revealing the best alternatives for American online poker players.
Sliema, Malta – A week ago, the online poker world was turned upside down when hundreds of thousands of players were awed by a coarse message that had taken over the familiar web sites of the largest online poker sites in the business. Simply put, the FBI had taken control of these domain names, prohibiting access to the countless members with accounts therein.
The poker domains were seized by the FBI on Friday, April 15, 2011. At the top of the list was the world’s largest online poker room, PokerStars. Other affected domains included FullTiltPoker.com, AbsolutePoker.com and UB.com.
Instead of logging onto these web sites and viewing the accustomed main pages, promoting pro player endorsements, bonuses, tournaments and other appealing elements of the operation, players’ eyes fell upon a single, black on white page of ominous text. At the top of the page were the official seals of the Federal Bureau of Investigations and United States Department of Justice.
The missive told of the FBI’s seizure of the domain name for the purpose of conducting an investigation into money laundering, among other alleged crimes. The indictment came down from the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York (Preet Bharara, Manhattan). Players were advised that these sites were believed to be in violation of federal law, and all but threatened to stop playing online poker for real money.
Since that time, new developments have convinced American online poker players that they are left with very few options. PokerStars accepted a deal from the FBI on Wednesday, April 20, that would return control of the domain name back to its rightful owner for the purpose of refunding each and every American online poker player any funds remaining in their PokerStars bankrolls.
One discouraging stipulation of the treaty, for online poker players in the US, was the condition that PokerStars must agree to never again accept real money play from American citizens.
A trip to PokerStars.com reflects the acceptance of the FBI’s offer, telling American’s that their bankrolls are perfectly safe and will be available for withdrawal in the coming weeks, once a suitable payment processor is established. PokerStars also stated that it will no longer be able to support real money poker for US players, but that they are welcome to play for free at PokerStars.net. Members from other countries will be able to resume real money games as normal.
The only viable options left for US online poker players is to either give up the game they so passionately adore, or find alternatives to PokerStars. Full Tilt Poker, Absolute Poker and UB are obviously out of the question.
PlayCasino.org, a leading provider of online gambling resources for players worldwide, understands the apprehensions of American online poker players and has been working diligently since the debacle first started to uncover the best alternatives to PokerStars. On the top of the gambling guide’s list is Sportsbook Poker.
Powered by the Merge Gaming Network and licensed in Costa Rica, Sportsbook Poker has been operating since 1997, and has never wavered in its commitment to provide real money poker for US players. Another recommended alternative to PokerStars is Lock Poker, also a member of the Merge Gaming Network.
While the online poker community continues to emanate a general air of dismay, it is none the less comforting to know that PlayCasino.org has overcome the initial shock and is doing everything in its power to support the continued pastime of US online poker players.
For More Information
http://www.playcasino.org
Media Contact:
Marcus Nilsson
+35699831206
http://www.playcasino.org
PR courtesy of Online PR Media: http://bit.ly/gV4Nj7