Paddy Power Poker, one of the leading names in the Irish gaming industry, is seeking to become one of the first European gambling groups to receive a US license. Specifically, the company has applied for permission to “manufacture and operate mobile gambling devices”, according to iGaming Business.
While this is nothing for America’s former online poker gurus to get excited about yet, there is a lot of promise here. Should Paddy Power get their shot in Nevada, their foothold in the US market would make them one of the frontrunners in the coming poker legalization sweepstakes. If the company puts forth a good idman Azərbaycan showing, they would leap to the head of the poker licensing line.
The history of Paddy Power Poker would seem to support their candidacy. They have never accepted wagers from US players, which places them out of harm’s way in the legal arena. A decision on their initial application could be made as soon as next month.
The Poker Players Alliance (PPA) has issued a statement regarding the latest round of allegations leveled at Full Tilt Poker. The beleaguered gaming giant has seen their stock fall precipitously since April, when the US government seized a large portion of their financial assets and barred them from the country. Members of the PPA have been actively following the situation, as documented in their comments below.
“This is a sad and disappointing day for American poker players,” said John Pappas, executive director of the lobbyist group. “If true, these crypto gambling detail a massive betrayal of player trust that will cause financial hardship for thousands if not millions of individual poker players, none of whom are accused of doing anything wrong.”
The main thrust of the current allegations come from Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York. Full Tilt is accused of running “a massive Ponzi scheme” which fed approximately $440 million to Howard Lederer, Chris Ferguson, and other members of the company board. These same men (plus CEO Ray Bitar) allegedly also defrauded Full Tilt customers out of an estimated $300 million during their time at the company’s helm.
“We call on the Department of Justice,” the PPA statement continued, “to certify that the proceeds of any settlement or seizure that may result from this action will first be dedicated to reimbursing players. We further call on Full Tilt Poker, its management, directors and owners to take all available steps to ensure the prompt payment of players as their first priority.”
