UK based online poker site loses its licence

CHANNEL ISLAND BASED US gambling web site Full Tilt Poker has, for now at least, cashed in its chips.

The web site is currently displaying a rather disappointing notice for play money and real money gamblers, and the simple status conceals a much deeper problem.

"System Update," it says, "We apologise but the system is currently down. Please check back later."

No other information is available now through the web site, but Full Tilt Poker has been closed down by the local regulator, the Alderney Gambling Control Commission (AGCC).

There are other clues around the gambling web site. For example the Full Tilt Poker help centre is offline. "We're Sorry," starts the only information there. "This page is currently unavailable. We are working to resolve the problem. Please check back shortly."

The AGCC is more forthcoming though, and explains that the gambling web site operation has been closed down as part of an investigation into the company and how closely it follows regulations.

Andre Wilsenach, the executive director of the Alderney Gambling Control Commission said, "The decision to suspend the eGambling licence was in the public interest and, because of the seriousness and urgency of the matter, it required that immediate action be taken ahead of the regulatory hearing."

The regulatory hearing, which will involve Full Tilt Poker's backers Vantage Ltd, Oxalic Ltd, Filco Ltd and Orinic Ltd appearing before the AGCC, will be held at the end of July.

The INQUIRER has been contacted by readers concerned about how they will get their funds out of the firm now that many of its services are unavailable. We will do our best to find out. µ