Full Tilt Poker, one of the largest and most prestigious online poker rooms in the industry, is under investigation by the federal grand jury of Manhattan.  This is the dreaded event of all USA poker players.  The industry is always on the edge when it comes to allowing USA players to participate in their online gaming activities.  Should the existing poker rooms come under too much scrutiny form the judicial system in the USA, players worry that they will have no choice but to close their virtual doors to US players altogether.  Many hopes and prayers are resting on the pending legislation that would legalize online poker for players hailing from the US of A.  Get those fingers crossed!!

The investigation is focused on determining whether or not Full Tilt Poker has broken any online gambling or money laundering laws.  This is not as easy to determine as you’d think.  The lines are blurry and the landscape in these cases exists in the ‘gray’ areas of the situation.  The laws regarding online gambling have remained too broad a stroke and not really concise enough to enforce to much degree.  While there has been some enforcement, it has thus far been targeted on some isolated incidents and has not included the online gaming industry at large.

The investigation is said to be focused on two of Full Tilt’s pro players:  Chris Ferguson and Howard Lederer, however neither have been contacted by the grand jury regarding the case, and both are taking action to have the civil case dismissed.  Another complication in the determination of any illegal activity or enforcement of existing laws is the fact that Full Tilt operates by a non-USA jurisdiction, and hence are not bound by US laws.  As lawyers and judges wade through the situation, the online poker community will be watching closely to see what new precedents, if any, will be determined by this case.

We also have a comprehensive Full Tilt Poker Review for those who would like to learn more about this sensational online poker room.

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