F.B.I. Preparing UIEGA Gambling Case on Full Tilt Poker

[iggs111]

Wow, really guys? There isnt more important things to take care of right now?

FBI agents have turned up in Washington state interviewing online gambling patrons of Full Tilt, one of the largest Internet poker sites. With the looming implementation of the UIGEA, the US government may be preparing the first use of the ban in a prosecution of an online gambling operator.

Reports on the popular twoplustwo poker forum say that small-time players have received unannounced visits from FBI agents inquiring as to their transactions with Full Tilt. The agents are saying that they are not looking to prosecute the players, but rather to gather information on Full Tilt, indicating the building of a federal case against the online poker operator. While the forum's reasoning based on the facts is purely speculative, the situation seems to lead to certain logical conclusions.

The setting of the investigation in Washington is a key, as the state is one of very few with a law against online poker. Courts have found that the UIGEA only penalizes violators of existing gambling laws, which means that online gambling operators accepting Washington residents would fall under the prohibition's purview.

Further, Washington allows prosecution against patrons of Internet gaming as a felony, a legal leverage that may help investigators coerce cooperation from reluctant gamblers. Courts investigating Internet gambling operations in other jurisdictions have had trouble persuading participants to testify.

The UIGEA is set to begin implementation on June 1st, unless Congress acts before then to change or repeal the law. Barney Frank is leading an effort to regulate online gambling before the implementation date for the UIGEA comes to pass.

However, if the US does implement the online gambling ban, a prosecution of Full Tilt could prove disastrous to the poker company. Even though the violations may be specific to Washington and that state's law, the Department of Justice could use that opening to create such financial and legal trouble as to force Full Tilt out of the US gaming market.

[NightCap424]

I've heard rumors that Howard Lederer could be backing out of his contract with Full Tilt. Not sure of the specific reasons but I guess it could be related to this story....it's definitely going to be interesting.

[iggs111]

I think it's bad news for Full Tilt players....I just got this email from Tilt today and if you ask me it's a sign they know it's coming

Hi iggs111,

As you are a valued player on our site, we are pleased to offer you a special Full Tilt bonus of $400.

To activate this bonus, log on to Full Tilt Poker between now and 23:59 ET on Sunday, March 14th and click "Check my bonus offer..." under the "Requests" menu.


Once you have accepted your offer, you will then have 30 days to clear your full bonus amount. For every Full Tilt Point you earn, $0.06 of your bonus amount will be cleared. Each $20 you clear will be moved from your bonus account to your real money account.

You can check your status at any time by clicking the 'Bonus Account' button in the Cashier.


We've recently reduced the minimum re-deposit (reload) amount to $10. You can deposit using a range of payment methods - check the Game Cashier for full details.

Thank you again for being a customer at Full Tilt Poker, and we look forward to seeing you online.

Sincerely,

Full Tilt Poker

[iggs111]

I think it's bad news for Full Tilt players....I just got this email from Tilt today and if you ask me it's a sign they know it's coming

Hi iggs111,

As you are a valued player on our site, we are pleased to offer you a special Full Tilt bonus of $400.

To activate this bonus, log on to Full Tilt Poker between now and 23:59 ET on Sunday, March 14th and click "Check my bonus offer..." under the "Requests" menu.


Once you have accepted your offer, you will then have 30 days to clear your full bonus amount. For every Full Tilt Point you earn, $0.06 of your bonus amount will be cleared. Each $20 you clear will be moved from your bonus account to your real money account.

You can check your status at any time by clicking the 'Bonus Account' button in the Cashier.


We've recently reduced the minimum re-deposit (reload) amount to $10. You can deposit using a range of payment methods - check the Game Cashier for full details.

Thank you again for being a customer at Full Tilt Poker, and we look forward to seeing you online.

Sincerely,

Full Tilt Poker

[Seanie Mac]

they went to $10 becase stars went to $10 awhile ago. stars relies alot on tourney fees, not rake. full tilt gets ALOT of money from both, but they shell out alot more for pros.

[NightCap424]

My bonus was $100.....only because I don't play super high limits or deposit more than the minimum.

FTP is going to be F'ed soon so I'd say make your money and get out.....