When Will US Full Tilt Poker Players Get Paid?
November 15, 2012 12:43 pmThree months on since a deal was struck between the US Department of Justice and PokerStars to resurrect Full Tilt Poker, players around the world have been flocking back to the site’s poker tables, while reclaiming their frozen funds.
Not so fortunate for US players, however, who are still suffering from a government which so far has refused to embrace online poker and seems in no hurry to compensate Full Tilt’s frustrated American customers.
Recently, the Poker Players Alliance held a meeting with the DoJ in order to determine a time scale in which US players might expect to receive payment. They also suggested a straight forward process to validate players’ claims, as well as advocating Full Tilt customers were compensated their full funds without penalties and taking into account their accrued “player points.”
Nevertheless, apparently the PPA are no closer to an answer which may satisfy Full Tilt’s American customers, except that it may take quite some time. As PPA director John Pappas, explains: “Unfortunately, completion of a refund claims process is a long way away. This is certainly not good news for those poker players still awaiting the return of their money, but it is all the news the PPA can provide at this time.”
Furthermore, back in August, the DoJ indicated it would be employing a “claims administrator” to help repay the 1.3 million Americans affected by the Full Tilt debacle. This is likely to affect compensation due to the fees charged, although to what extent is unclear at present.
Nineteen months later, US players continue to receive frustrating news and no money. In the meantime, the only piece of optimism John Pappas could offer was that his organization was doing their utmost to represent US online poker player interests and that; ““We fully expect to keep a continued and open dialogue with the [DOJ] and we will continue to update you as more information becomes available.”