Numerous media, interested parties and onlookers were disappointed by the tactics of Full Tilt Poker lawyer representative Martin Heslop, who started the proceedings by making a pre-pre-application to make a pre-application to adjourn in-camera. What this basically means is that they wanted to privately appeal to the AGCC representatives to adjourn the meeting until a later date.
One well known poker pro, Harry Demetriou, voiced his displeasure to all in attendance, shouting "What about the interests of the players? Why you are protecting this corrupt company?" and was promptly escorted out. This was met with a few mutterings of 'here here' from members of the public and a small round of applause.
One moment of levity in the frustrating day occurred when Full Tilt was asked why they hadn’t even paid the £250,000 licence fee to the AGCC, to which the lawyer replied because their license had been suspended and “why spend £250,000 for licences that no longer exist?…Those fees will be paid [if the application is accepted] within seven days.” This lead to speculation that the AGCC’s primary objective in calling the hearing was to retrieve its licensing fee from Full Tilt Poker, and not discuss returning players’ funds.
The AGCC stated they did not enter into this decision lightly, and will reconvene no later than September 15, 2011.
Bodog Departs U.S. at End of 2011
Bodog announced Tuesday morning that it will no longer offer its suite of online gaming services to the United States market from December 31, 2011 forward. Bodog will not renew their license agreement with Morris Mohawk Gaming and focus their resources on the UK where they became the first bookmaker to receive both a remote and non-remote gambling license from the UK Gambling Commission under the new regulations that are in the works in the country.
Although not officially put into law until late 2012, Bodog decided to get ahead of its competition and get into compliance early with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), regardless of where the operator is located. As it has been put, licensing would shift from the “point of supply” to the “point of consumption.”
In a statement on Calvinayre.com “As highlighted last week, Bodog UK’s CEO, Patrik Selin believes the trust and credibility that having a UK license brings to the brand will benefit customers and allow him to attract the best talent in the industry to work with him.
However, in order to ensure the brand’s expansion is not affected by negative perceptions, both in the UK and elsewhere in emerging markets such as Asia, where Bodog88 is already successful, a decision has been made to withdraw the Bodog brand from the US market at the end of 2011."
However, in order to ensure the brand’s expansion is not affected by negative perceptions, both in the UK and elsewhere in emerging markets such as Asia, where Bodog88 is already successful, a decision has been made to withdraw the Bodog brand from the US market at the end of 2011."
The Morris Mohawk Gaming Group’s (MMGG) may choose to open under their own brand after the 31st of December and Bodog players will have the option to switch their accounts and their funds, after they lose access to bodog.eu. The site would be licensed by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission.
According to Bodog CEO Selin "The move will enable the Bodog brand to continue its growth and expansion and maintain its position as the world’s largest gaming brand.”
