Full Tilt Poker releases statement concerning D.O.J Indictment

Online poker site Full Tilt Poker has released an official statement regarding the recent indictment by the U.S. Department of Justice and informing its decision to suspend real money play for U.S. players until the current situation is resolved. The site also announced that it will continue operating under the new url http://www.fulltiltpoker.co.uk.

Here's the statement released by FullTilt last Friday:

Full Tilt Poker is saddened by today's charges against its CEO Raymond Bitar and offers its full support to Mr. Bitar and Nelson Burtnick. Online poker is a game of skill enjoyed by tens of millions of people in the United States and across the world. And, Full Tilt Poker remains as committed as ever to preserving the rights of those players to play the game they love online.

Mr. Bitar and Full Tilt Poker believe online poker is legal - a position also taken by some of the best legal minds in the United States. Full Tilt Poker is, and has always been committed to preserving the integrity of the game and abiding by the law.
"I am surprised and disappointed by the government's decision to bring these charges. I look forward to Mr. Burtnick's and my exoneration," said Mr. Bitar.

Unfortunately, as a result of this action, Full Tilt Poker has decided that it must suspend "real money" play in the United States until this case is resolved. However, Full Tilt Poker will continue to provide peer-to-peer online poker services outside of the United States.