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US-FACING ONLINE POKER NETWORK RESTRICTS OPERATIONS

Source: bluffed.net


Merge Poker Network adopts a more cautious stance

The US-facing Merge Poker Network, which has been the main beneficiary of US traffic that went to major internet poker sites like Pokerstars, Full Tilt Poker and Absolute Poker prior to Black Friday, has apparently adopted a more cautious stance.

In a notification this week, the network has advised that it will no longer accept action from new cash customers resident in the states of New York, Maryland, Louisiana Washington DC, or Missouri.

No reason was given for the policy, and speculation that the restricted states have been chosen on the basis of state laws is belied by the absence on the list of states like Washington, which has draconian player-centric bans, and Utah.

It is more likely the case that enforcement actions have in the past been pursued with particular enthusiasm in the states on the Merge list.

In an apparent nod to French legal jurisdiction, the network has additionally announced that its Black Chip Poker brand will henceforth exclude French cash players.

Merge had earlier advised that on June 1st it intends to cease its 35% rakeback incentive.

Related News Tags: France, Full Tilt, Absolute Poker, Pokerstars