We've Got Some Questions

May 10, 2011 1 comments

I usually don't take to my blog. My last post was discussing my interview with Isildur1, and that was over a year ago. I'll start to chime in more, as I have a lot to say, and I have lot of thoughts on the poker industry, especially in regards to the recent indictments. While PokerNews has worked incredibly hard to ensure our coverage of Black Friday was thorough, there have undoubtedly been many obstacles preventing a lot of important information from coming to light.

At this point, we feel as if we have given PokerStars, Full Tilt and UB/AP adequate time to provide the poker community with the answers we so desperately need. PokerStars seems to be at the forefront, ensuring player cash outs are processed quickly and without trouble. They have restored player confidence and trust. I personally received a cash out less than a week after I requested it from PokerStars. Full Tilt Poker, and UB/AP, unfortunately not been as forthcoming. We've gotten some press releases, and statements, but for the most part the information has been nothing but fluff. It's time for all of the sites to agree to sit down and allow phone interviews, one in which they don't have the opportunity to edit every word, or sentence with PR speak.

I have sent formal emails to PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker and UB/AP requesting a minimum 30 minute voice-to-voice interview to include a mixture of questions from my staff and I, as well reader questions. We've also requested interviews with the KGC, and the Alderney Gaming Commission to see where they stand on what is currently happening with player funds in limbo. Although the requests were only sent through at about 3pm PST, I received a response from Michele Clayborne, the FTP public relations director letting me know, that while she could not promise anything, they are open to the idea and that they were interested in what questions would be asked.

This is fairly standard, and being that the burning questions are fairly obvious, I felt comfortable sharing the questions, and sent this response (Big thanks to all of the reader questions on twitter, particularly those from BJ Nemeth):

Some preliminary questions from our readers. Also, I don't think emailed answers are sufficient at this time, so these are for reference only. In order for this to be done properly it will need to be done over the phone (or voice skype), and there needs to be an allowance for follow ups. Finally, I think any interview should probably be with someone who the poker community is familiar with. Obviously I'm reaching here, but the ideal person would be Howard.

1. First and foremost, what is the current status of US player cash outs?
2. Has player money always been kept in segregated accounts?
3. The DOJ stated it had never interfered with US player money refunds, and in fact said all the sites were able to refund funds at all times. If this is the case, why has there been such a delay? FTP admitted to accounting issues in regards to US player funds, can you specify and expand?
4. Why has the general consensus been that PokerStars has been more forthcoming with information, and faster to process cash outs?
5. Did FTP work with PokerStars and AP/UB in their negotiations with the DOJ?
6. What is the status of Team Full Tilt members in the US, as well as Red Pros who live in the US? Will prominent members of Team Full Tilt, Howard Lederer specifically be present at the 2011 WSOP in Las Vegas?
7. How does Full Tilt view their future in the US?

What are my chances of landing this interview? I'd say at this point I'm a fairly big dog. If I do get the opportunity with the sites, I can tell you I will be extremely diligent with my line of questioning, and follow ups. I will turn to the poker community for assistance on any interview I am granted by the sites, and I will provide an unedited transcript of each interview.

I'm certainly expecting a lot of skepticism from the poker community here, I expect nothing less. We've all been searching for answers, and have been getting nothing but air. I'm sick of it. There are so many things that just don't make sense. Now is the time for full transparency. The poker community has invested time, money and their entire livelihoods in making these companies a huge amount of money. We were told our money was safe. Well it's time to step up and prove everybody wrong and make good on those initial claims that player money has been, and always will be safe for players. The first step is coming out of shadows and answering the tough questions. Let's hope that I get a solid response from Full Tilt, UB/AP and PokerStars.

Let's Go!