Card Player is reporting this afternoon that both Poker Stars and Neteller have decided to remain in business with their American customers despite the passage of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. President Bush will likely sign the bill into law this Friday, the 13th.
"Card Player has learned moments ago that PokerStars has made a decision to continue accepting U.S. customers even if the President signs the current legislation...We have strong reason to believe that this afternoon, PokerStars customers will receive answers to their e-mails stating that Poker Stars will remain doing business in the United States."
Citing reports in the Wall Street Journal, the article also confirms that Neteller will continue to serve U.S. customers.
A NETeller PLC executive said the British company, which handles payments for online gambling companies and others, will continue to operate in the U.S., despite the recent passage of antigambling legislation.
"We are staying in the U.S.," said Bruce Elliott, Neteller's executive vice president, marketing and sales, told a online gambling conference in Barcelona. "I don't think we have a very big problem."
**Updated- 5:45 PM PDT**
The full text of Poker Stars' official announcement follows the jump:
Dear PokerStars Player -
As you are probably aware, the United States Congress recently enacted the Safe Port Act which contains provisions relating to Internet gambling.
PokerStars has received extensive expert advice from within and outside the U.S. which concluded that these provisions do not alter the U.S. legal situation with respect to online poker. Furthermore it is important to emphasize that the Act does not in any way prohibit you from playing online poker.
Therefore, our business continues as before - open to players worldwide including the US. You may play on our site as you did prior to the Act.
PokerStars believes that poker is a game of skill enjoyed by millions of players and we remain committed to providing you a safe and fun environment in which to play. We value your loyalty to PokerStars, and look forward to continuing to serve you with the best online poker experience, as we have for the past five years, six billion hands, and 40 million tournaments.
PokerStars Management
