Snowman1964
Rock Star
Silver Level
Hi everyone,
Most of you know me from more humorous posts and are therefore not used to me being serious but this is one of the few exceptions.
I’ve just read the press release (January 11th) from Absolute Poker in response to the “independent” investigation into the cheating debacle and simply couldn’t let it pass without comment.
Many people who have been following this story since it first broke predicted the result of this investigation before it even started. For those unfamiliar with this reasoning, it should be summarised:
(a) Absolute Poker is run from and have their servers in the Kahnawake Territory (Canada)
(b) All gaming within the territory is overseen by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission.
(c) Tokwiro Enterprises ERNG is the owner and parent company of Absolute Poker, Ultimate Bet and AP Lady.
(d) Tokowiro is solely owned by Joe Norton.
(e) Joe Norton is the former Grand Chief of the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory.
(f) Joe Norton effectively ran the territory.
(g) Joe Norton was instrumental in setting up the KGC.
(h) The investigation and enquiry into Absolute Poker was run by the KGC.
Unsurprisingly, AP has been exonerated from any wrongdoing or complicity in the affair and as far as anyone can tell at present, that’s the end of the matter.
Surely, the only way for AP to regain any part of their credibility would be to allow an investigation by external federal authorities and given unrestricted, unhindered access to both staff and premises. This should indeed have a wider multi-jurisdictional brief to widen enquiries to Costa Rica where AP have their headquarters. More importantly, such an enquiry should be entirely held in the public domain.
Among several other instances of Absolute Poker’s non-compliance, they destroyed vital corporate documentation relating to the investigation in direct contravention to the KGC’s own regulatory statues. This in itself is a federal offence.
The press release from Absolute is riddled with inaccuracies that can lead the reader to only two realistic conclusions: either,
1. Absolute Poker has blatantly and shamelessly lied yet again or,
2. Absolute Poker’s public relations department do not read the memos and press releases sent out from their other departments.
This can be stated with unequivocal certainty as the latest press release clearly contradicts definitive statements made in other such releases previously publicised.
This is by no means the first time allegations of cheating and insider complicity have been levelled against AP but it is the first time they’ve been caught red-handed with their fingers in the cookie jar. One has to wonder about the other occasions.
It is likely that AP are sufficiently large enough to weather most financial storms but this does give them carte blanche to sidestep or circumvent the interests of both their clients and the wider Online gaming community.
Online poker does not need this kind of publicity right now.
With further US Congressional hearings scheduled for 2008 looking into the draconian prohibition that American players have to suffer, Absolute Poker’s actions have done nothing but fuel the flames of the zealots trying to further erode their liberties.
AP has a responsibility to close this matter in an open and honest manner, not only for the players who remain on their site but also for the lobbyists trying to reverse an iniquitous legislation. The lobbyists referred to in this context are not only the corporate and quasi-governmental bodies in Washington, they are those who take the time to petition in forums such as this. They are the independent gaming advocate sites and support forums. They are you and I.
Surely Absolute Poker can identify this matter has gone beyond a damage limitation exercise, however, by acting correctly now they can place themselves in a “no lose” position.
Ironically, they could deal themselves a winning hand.
Most of you know me from more humorous posts and are therefore not used to me being serious but this is one of the few exceptions.
I’ve just read the press release (January 11th) from Absolute Poker in response to the “independent” investigation into the cheating debacle and simply couldn’t let it pass without comment.
Many people who have been following this story since it first broke predicted the result of this investigation before it even started. For those unfamiliar with this reasoning, it should be summarised:
(a) Absolute Poker is run from and have their servers in the Kahnawake Territory (Canada)
(b) All gaming within the territory is overseen by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission.
(c) Tokwiro Enterprises ERNG is the owner and parent company of Absolute Poker, Ultimate Bet and AP Lady.
(d) Tokowiro is solely owned by Joe Norton.
(e) Joe Norton is the former Grand Chief of the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory.
(f) Joe Norton effectively ran the territory.
(g) Joe Norton was instrumental in setting up the KGC.
(h) The investigation and enquiry into Absolute Poker was run by the KGC.
Unsurprisingly, AP has been exonerated from any wrongdoing or complicity in the affair and as far as anyone can tell at present, that’s the end of the matter.
Surely, the only way for AP to regain any part of their credibility would be to allow an investigation by external federal authorities and given unrestricted, unhindered access to both staff and premises. This should indeed have a wider multi-jurisdictional brief to widen enquiries to Costa Rica where AP have their headquarters. More importantly, such an enquiry should be entirely held in the public domain.
Among several other instances of Absolute Poker’s non-compliance, they destroyed vital corporate documentation relating to the investigation in direct contravention to the KGC’s own regulatory statues. This in itself is a federal offence.
The press release from Absolute is riddled with inaccuracies that can lead the reader to only two realistic conclusions: either,
1. Absolute Poker has blatantly and shamelessly lied yet again or,
2. Absolute Poker’s public relations department do not read the memos and press releases sent out from their other departments.
This can be stated with unequivocal certainty as the latest press release clearly contradicts definitive statements made in other such releases previously publicised.
This is by no means the first time allegations of cheating and insider complicity have been levelled against AP but it is the first time they’ve been caught red-handed with their fingers in the cookie jar. One has to wonder about the other occasions.
It is likely that AP are sufficiently large enough to weather most financial storms but this does give them carte blanche to sidestep or circumvent the interests of both their clients and the wider Online gaming community.
Online poker does not need this kind of publicity right now.
With further US Congressional hearings scheduled for 2008 looking into the draconian prohibition that American players have to suffer, Absolute Poker’s actions have done nothing but fuel the flames of the zealots trying to further erode their liberties.
AP has a responsibility to close this matter in an open and honest manner, not only for the players who remain on their site but also for the lobbyists trying to reverse an iniquitous legislation. The lobbyists referred to in this context are not only the corporate and quasi-governmental bodies in Washington, they are those who take the time to petition in forums such as this. They are the independent gaming advocate sites and support forums. They are you and I.
Surely Absolute Poker can identify this matter has gone beyond a damage limitation exercise, however, by acting correctly now they can place themselves in a “no lose” position.
Ironically, they could deal themselves a winning hand.