Seizure of Poker Domains Stands

Judge Thomas D. Wingate has dismissed all objections that came forth when Kentucky laid seize to the 141 internet domains. Those internet domains are now subject to seizure and forfeiture by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The case started nearly a month ago when the same court issued the order.

The decision was expected on Wednesday but became delayed by a day when computer problems arose. The Circuit Court Judge made his decision and dismissed all claims by all legal counsels. Amongst the opposition was the Poker Players Alliance (PPA), Interactive gaming Council, Interactive Media Entertainment and Gaming Association, the Internet Commerce Association, and lawyers for Network Solutions Inc. Network Solutions is the provider of domain registration for several of the domains that were named. Amid the sites listed are some of the largest US poker sites which include Full Tilt Poker, PokerStars, UltimateBet, Absolute Poker, Doyle’s Room and many others.

PPA argued that poker is a game of skill and should not be lumped in with other gambling. Another argument was made about Kentucky’s jurisdiction but the judge named an internet domain as a device and there illegal under the law. The judge stated that if all computers that are within Kentucky were banned then that would be one way to meet the Kentucky law.

The judgment allows the internet domains 30 days to block Kentucky based PC’s or they will continue in the forfeiture portion of the case. The final hearing will be held on November 17th, 2008. No one has made an attempt to appeal at this time.