By 
Even if you do not have your ear to the poker ground like I do, you probably have heard that three of the world’s largest online poker companies–Full Tilt Poker, PokerStars, and Absolute Poker–have closed their doors to United States players due to an FBI crackdown on internet gambling. With an overnight blackout, many players were worried that all of their earnings would be lost. However, those fears have (somewhat) been put to rest as the federal prosecutors involved in the case have given Full Tilt Poker and PokerStars access to their domain names. With restrictions to these websites lifted, both companies can start processing withdrawals.
The online poker ban happened on Friday when eleven people, including the founders of the various poker companies, were charged with bank fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy to violate the unlawful gambling enforcement act (UIGIEA). Along with these charges, the federal government issued restraining orders against 76 bank accounts associated with the online poker companies. Once the domain names were seized, all of the poker gaming clients associated with the federal case were effectively shut down. Users could no longer buy into a game, withdraw funds, or even log-in. If you attempted to access the poker websites to discover what was going on, all you would see is:
But for the first time since Friday, there is at least a ray of hope for poker players in the United States. In a statement by the government, the domain names have been restored to “facilitate the return of money”, which means that in the coming days and weeks withdrawals from Full Tilt and PokerStars will finally be possible. Unfortunately, Absolute Poker was not included in this agreement, but the government is offering them the same option if they so choose. As of press time, I have been able to log in to Full Tilt Poker account for the first time since Friday, but my funds are still restricted. I imagine it will take quite some time before transactions will be processed, but in the mean time, all three poker companies assure their players that their funds are “safe and secure”. Even though player’s earnings are not immediately transferable, at least there is some light in what looks to be a dark time for the online poker community.
Links: Full Tilt Poker | PokerStars | Absolute Poker
Finally the government has taken steps to improve the quality of life for all Americans.
Not allowing people to engage in an activity which are harmful, is what having a good government is about. People can not be left to make there own choices when it comes to spending money. Without government regulations, people would do all kinds of harmful things. President Obama has not been able to do anything about immigration, Guantanamo, the two wars Bush stuck him with, the Federal budget or illegal drugs. Thank god he found a terrible social problem which he can actually do something about.
A major victory like this could be the snowball that turns into an avalanche. He might be able to take the momentum from this victory and begin truly taking control of this floundering country. On the wings of this win, healthcare might get fully implemented. Al Qaeda, the Taliban, Colonel Gaddafi and President Ahmadinejad will be forced now to see President Obama is not a man to be reckoned with.
This is a great day for all of America and the world.
this is not a great day for america, this is yet again another example of government overreach, if the government wants to stop something they should stop spending money they don’t have and attempting to raise taxes on the very people that create jobs in this country,this country is a mess and is in need of a makeover from the president on down.anyone who believes that a citizen of this country cannot be left to make their own choices is a socialist and belongs in cuba, old russia, or one of the other socialist countries, the united states of america is a free country and people should be free to do whatever they choose whether it is neccesarily good for them or not is their own problem and it is not up to a government to decide, it is that persons choice to decide of their own free will anything else begins down the path of totalitarianism and is unacceptable in this country
adam you truly are a moron, let me get this straight you think the government should have the right to tell americans what they can and cant to with their own money, and as far as not letting us engage in activities that are harmful i guess then we should just start closing down all the bars and food companies that sell food that is not healthy, citizens like you should move to the mideast and submit to taliban law, in short you are a complete fool!
Learns to reads sarcasms
What about a check I just received from Fulltilt for a withdrawal I initiated on April 5? If I try to deposit it, will it bounce?
I been trying to send mail to support@pokerstars.com and paymentservices@pokerstars.com and it just dose’nt work a msg say Delivery to the following recipient failed permanently is this only happen to me or somebody else
Yeah I’m getting pretty much the same thing. I think at this point we’ll need to wait for Full Tilt and Poker Stars to BEGIN the process of making withdrawals, but for now, I am still unable to withdraw as well. You are certainly not alone in this frustration.
I hope they lose all their money! Suckers!
also adam do you really believe that the government shut the poker sites to protect americans, if so you really have to wake up and smell the coffee. The only reason they shut down online poker sites is so that the can get that buisness in the hands of liscened american companies so that they can tax it. In the end online poker will be legal thats for sure the only difference will be that our greedy government will get their cut.
@ first four comments. TROLOLOLOL.