Reglikedomain industry desk

Poker and Poker Stars Web Sites Are Coming Back — Full Tilt

Poker domain names to be restored and open for business.

Internet users will soon be able to access and play poker at popular poker sites FullTiltPoker.com and PokerStars.com soon.

The prior week the U.S. government had seized the domain names in response to alleged financial crimes by the firms to get around U.S. laws for receiving payments for gambling.

The United States Attorney for the Southern District of Fresh York disclosed the deal today (pdf), and stated it would enter into an agreement with Absolute Poker if that firm wishes to.

The firms will be able to offer their poker games at the domain names again, although they will not be able to accept business from U.S. residents. An independent monitor may be appointed to verify this. Additionally, U.S. clients will be able to request withdrawals through the sites.

As I wrote regarding earlier, seizing the domain names was of little use as there were many ways to still access the sites. But the seizure certainly got people’s attention.

Also on the wire

Other reporting from the domain desk.

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