Politicians Discuss Pokerstars Situation


Posted 5/26/11 :

Pokerstars has emphatically denied US charges.
 
The US federal indictments issued against individuals associated with Pokerstars on Black Friday were the subject of political exchanges in the Isle of Man House of Keys this week, reports the BBC.
 
The IOM-based company has "categorically denied" allegations of any wrongdoing in the United States despite the seizure of its domains by US federal authorities.
 
The Isle of Man's minister for economic development, Alan Bell, was asked if there was any substance behind the criminal charges levelled at the company, which employs over 250 people on the island.
 
Bell responded: "I am not in a position to make comment on the question at this time and given the sensitivity of the issue it would be inappropriate of me to hazard a guess as to the motives of the US authorities in pursuing this action.
 
"At the moment the [IOM] gambling supervision commission has reconfirmed the licence of PokerStars."
 
In an earlier statement, PokerStars commented: "The company categorically denies the allegations brought by the US Department of Justice on 15 April 2011 and is taking all steps necessary to robustly defend itself and the two named individuals [in the federal indictments].
 
"Meanwhile, the company has stopped offering real money poker services in the United States."
 
House of Keys Member Peter Karran asked that the Isle of Man government be kept informed on all developments in the case.