Full Tilt Grand Jury Investigation

According to recent reports, Full Tilt Poker is under investigation by a federal grand jury in Manhattan. The grand jury is allegedly investigating whether the poker room has broken any gambling or money laundering laws. According to these reports, the grand jury investigation is centering on Howard Lederer and Chris Ferguson, two of the site’s well-known poker pros.

Apparently, the investigation began after two people complained to FBI agents and prosecutors that there was possible money laundering violations occurring and it was connected to the poker room. If the government can substantiate the money-laundering claims, it would be able to investigate online poker playing and online gambling in the United Kingdom, where Full Tilt is registered.

“We are not going to comment about a speculative grand jury investigation that we are not aware of,” said Lederer and Ferguson’s attorney Eric Jackson. Jackson said his clients have not been contacted about any inquiry by the grand jury and neither pro has addressed the investigation directly.

There are bills circulating both in the United States Congress and in local municipalities and state congresses that would legalize online poker rooms & online casinos for USA players, but the activity remains a grey area in most of the United States.

Some believe the government is conducting investigations like the one currently underway against Full Tilt Poker (www.fulltiltpoker.com) as a way to intimidate online poker rooms, but the increase in interest by American citizens is likely to bolster the online gaming industry, rather than the investigations hurt it.