PokerStars Purchases Full Tilt in Settlement with the Dept. of Justice

Washington, DC (July 31, 2012) - John Pappas, executive director of the Poker Players Alliance (PPA), the leading poker grassroots advocacy group with more than one million members nationwide, issued the following statement upon today's announcement that PokerStars purchased Full Tilt Poker's major assets and settled its legal disputes with the U.S. Department of Justice. The settlement means that tens of thousands of Americans will be able to seek reimbursement of the more than $150 million they have been owed since April 15, 2011.

"Thanks to PokerStars, the PPA expects that tens of thousands of innocent American poker players will now have access to more than $150 million that has been kept from them for over 14 months. We applaud that the parties made a process for the restitution of the players a central component of the agreement, and appreciate the government’s commitment to the fair treatment of the players

"The government has not yet released the precise details on how reimbursements will occur. It is the PPA's position that the government must take all steps necessary to ensure the process for the players to recover their full funds is not unduly burdensome. PPA's legal team will remain fully involved as the ‘voice of the player’ to ensure our members are heard throughout this process. As we learn more, the PPA will quickly gather and distribute information on the reimbursement process to our members.

"At the same time, let’s remember that Americans still remain unable to play poker with safe and secure online sites based in the U.S. – a freedom and consumer protection they should not be denied. The PPA and its members continue to urge Congress to quickly enact thoughtful legislation to create a licensed and regulated U.S. online poker market that restores Americans' freedom to enjoy a game of poker from their home computer."

For more information:

Department of Justice Press Release

PokerStars Press Release

PPA Pokerstars/Fulltilt Resource Center

Hat tip to LittleRedElf and the Poker Players Alliance for the posting.