Over a year ago, PokerStars was one of three websites indicted on Black Friday. Along with Full Tilt and Absolute Poker, PokerStars was charged with running an illegal online gambling operation, which forced the company out of the American gaming market. Now, PokerStars has filed a claim, hoping that the American Department of Justice will dismiss the charges.
A report in Poker News, the initial complaint from accused PokerStars of running conspiracies and taking part in shady dealings; however, the site’s operators do not believe that there is sufficient evidence to prove that this is the case. Authorities have been vague about what exactly PokerStars had done to break the law; so, the company has not been able to generate an effective defence. It also means that authorities have not presented any concrete evidence of the shady dealings in question.
This claim may not work out in PokerStars’ favour, however. It may rub authorities the wrong way, which could have unfortunate consequences for the company’s potential plans to acquire Full Tilt Poker. However, if the judge who hears this claim sees things from PokerStars’ point-of-view, this situation could play out much better than expected.
Meanwhile, Full Tilt Poker executives are attempting to do the same. Howard Lederer, Rafe Furst and Chris Ferguson have filed claims, hoping to dismiss the charges that allege they took part in a Ponzi scheme run by Full Tilt Poker. They have presented two arguments, the first being that there is no proof of the allegations in question. Secondly, they argue that Full Tilt Poker was not actually an illegal online gambling operation.
Full Tilt may have a case when it comes to dismissing the illegal online gambling charges. However, we anticipate that the other claim not will easily convince government authorities that Full Tilt did not run a Ponzi scheme. After all, there is $350 million in deposits that has yet to be returned to Full Tilt players.
