Kahnawake Gaming Commission Update: Absolute Poker Awaits Settlement

In a recent press release, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission provided an update regarding the civil proceedings between the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York (Manhattan) and Blanca Games, Inc (and its related companies, Absolute Poker and UB.com). The suit, which was filed on April 11, 2011, is now in the final stages of a negotiated settlement agreement, and is currently awaiting court approval.

The settlement states that all assets of Blanca Games, Inc be turned over to the United States; the US Marshalls office will then be required to liquidate the assets. Per the press release, “There will be no distribution of the net proceeds from the liquidation pending the resolution of claims filed by other parties who have asserted an ownership interest in Blanca’s assets.”

Unfortunately, this means long story longer for those players with lost Absolute Poker accounts, who will only receive reimbursement if the following is met:

• If the court approves the settlement as it is currently written.
• If there are even Blanca assets remaining after the resolution of ownership claims against any assets.

Should there be funds remaining, the court will create a process for players to make their own claims. Those seeking more information can call the general victim information number via the US Attorney in Manhattan (1-800-874-8900); however, at this time, there is no way for players to make claims on the funds in their seized accounts.

Per its website, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission was one of the first jurisdictions to regulate the interactive online gambling industry, and has been doing so for over 11 years. In order to be awarded a Kahnawake Gaming license, gaming operators must be hosted at Mohawk Internet Technologies. The Kahanawake Gaming Commission no longer regulates Blanca Games.

Author: GamesAndCasino