One of the founders of the well-known poker room Absolute Poker was found guilty recently for infringing federal laws. The US Department of Justice brought charges against Absolute Poker’s co-founder Brent Beckley for operating illegal gambling sites, earlier this year. Along with Absolute Poker, PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker were also accused for breaking quite a few US gambling laws. Following this, criminal charges were brought against 11 men, which included Brent Beckley.
Bradley Accepted Charges Against Him
Bradley admitted in a federal court in Manhattan that he was well aware of the fact that using credit cards for processing gambling related transactions is illegal in the country. Bradley had been the director of Absolute Poker’s payment processing. He, along with other members of the poker room persuaded banks to process payments by faking the actual purpose for it. Bradley accepted that he knew that the action was not in compliance with federal laws.
The court found Bradley to be guilty of bank fraud and violating the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. The United States passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act in the year 2006, in which it was clearly stated that it is illegal for banks and payment processors to facilitate transactions related to online gambling. However, it is not illegal for US players to play real money online poker.
PokerStars, Absolute Poker and Full Tilt Poker Operated with Third Parties to Process Transactions
Federal prosecutors claimed that the indicted poker rooms Absolute Poker, PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker opened bank accounts with third parties and employed them to process transactions. The prosecutors further stated that one-third of the cash which players deposited, were taken by the companies. The percentage of players’ funds taken by poker rooms is referred to as ‘rake’.
A civil suit of $3 billion has been filed against the three poker rooms. About 75 bank accounts were frozen by the US government. However, PokerStars managed to reach an agreement with the Department of Justice which enabled its players to withdraw their money. The agreement also allowed PokerStars to offer real money poker to non-US players.
On the other hand, Absolute Poker has not yet been able to reach an agreement with the US government. The site is operated in the European Union. It was confirmed by Absolute Poker earlier this year that discussions have been initiated with prosecutors already so that players can receive their money.
Related posts:
- US Department of Justice Refutes Claims of Payment Processors
- PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker, Absolute Poker and others charged with financial frauds.
- Issue of Online Poker Legalization Addressed by US Court of Law
- Extensions Provided to US Poker Rooms for Responding to Complaints
- Absolute Poker Fighting to Survive
