An eminent poker professional, Tony G, criticized Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC) for closing down Full Tilt Poker. Although investigations suggest that the poker room was involved in fraudulent activities and money laundering, Tony G said that AGCC is at fault for not protecting its players.
Decision to Abandon the Poker Room was Taken After Careful Investigations
As stated by AGCC, the decision to revoke the license of Full Tilt Poker was taken soon after reports against it were filed. Investigations started in June, when the poker site became non-operational. After a hearing was conducted by the commission, the license of Full Tilt Poker was revoked in September. As stated by Tony G, also known as Guoga, the commission works with the aim of protecting the vulnerable players of the country, a task in which it failed miserably.
With regard to Guoga’s statement, the executive director of the commission, Andre Wilsenach, said that, AGCC is committed to protecting players’ safety. Young gamblers are not exploited, but protected by the commission, said Wilsenach. He also said that when it comes to customer funds, the commission has never set itself up to underwrite them.
However, if a gaming operator wants to deceive its players and AGCC, there are ample ways to do so. Such cases have been seen before too. The decision to suspend and finally revoke Full Tilt Poker’s license, was taken after a lot of discussions. According to AGCC, the poker room did not have the right to hold a license.
Al D’Amato Speaks in Favor of Legalizing Online Poker
Al D’Amato, the chairperson of PPA, spoke in support of regulating and legalizing online poker, in a hearing held by the Congress recently. The Republican, Rep. Gregg Harper questioned Amato about whether the Poker Players Alliance (PPA) received any dues from Full Tilt. The chairman denied these allegations although many in the industry believe that Full Tilt made significant financial contributions to PPA in the past.
There are ample reasons for PPA and Amato to distance themselves from the controversial site, Full Tilt. The embattled poker room has been referred to as a massive Ponzi scheme by US attorney, Preet Bharara. Being a skilled politician, the former senator Al D’Amato made a quick response to Gregg Harper’s questions and dealt with the situation efficiently. As stated by John Pappas, PPA’s executive director, contributions from Full Tilt Poker were made long back, not recently.
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