"Some problem" certainly looks like an understatement.I'm not a lawyer nor do I know much about the inner workings of these sites, but even if the charges are weak this looks pretty serious for those sites and might take a long time to work out.If I get any information that isn't in the public domain I'll let you know, but it's very unlikely that I can or will.

Well, that just about settles it for me. Looks Like I will be moving to Panama, South America this winter. Don't believe in paying taxes and not having basic freedom.PaulIB_FishingTime to change my home country

Yea Paul, lots of anger and emotions over things like this.  It's the same with many issues though, not just online poker.  Words like bias and lack of adaptation and extremist views are unfortunately realities in life.  Just gotta position yourself best to deal with them.I don't think cashing out matters, but I really don't know much about the situation.  I just can't envision funds cashing out fine today and not fine in 10 days (and if funds are not fine today there's no point in cashing out).

now I cant even log onto twoplustwo. Everyone must be logged on lol

Well It is allowing me to log on full tilt and stars now And I do see U.S. players playing on both sites. I am not sure but it looks like the u.s. needed a warrant to pursue there charges They may have a very weak case however it has only been one day but it looks like theyve given there domain back since u.s. players are back and playing.... The sites may just be trying to continue as normal as of now not knowing what will happen... I think partly the government just wanted this story to get out and they will play it up in the media just to get a lot of people to stop playing and yes withdraw there money out of there accounts.... I had no money in my accounts when this happened but I am kinda pisssed about this I would keep a decent roll in your accounts as i believe ftp and stars will still easily find ways for you to withdraw if not directly into your bank account they will just send checks and make new bank accounts off shore But the government wants everyone to panic and withdraw all the money as it will become harder and harder to deposit and start a roll on these sites so keep a decent roll at least so you can at least still play if you can no longer find ways to deposit.... just my two cents I really hope they can get this sorted out and as rypac said this could be a new beginning as well.... but may very well be the end... I felt cheated by our government when i heard this news They assume that our money should be automatically recycled back to then we earn a paycheck get taxed off the top we earn the right to use our money how we please even if it means its going overseas it is our money and we earned the right to use it...... The american government is becoming worse and worse and I feel bad things are coming :/ 

Sorry for this kinda stupid question, but I have to go to the US (NY and MA mostly) for a few weeks soon.Is there anything I need to worry about ?  For instance, if they search my laptop and find poker software / proof that I'm playing online poker on it, could that get me into any trouble - even if I don't plan on actually playing while in the US ?

Always check with a lawyer to be certain, but I do not personally believe (as a poker player that reads poker news and legislation forums regularly) that you have anything to worry about.  You are not a US citizen, so I believe this would be similar to say having a picture of you holding a joint in Amsterdam, as a Dutch citizen on your laptop as you entered the US.Playing poker while in the US may be different.  It probably depends on where you're staying (different states have different laws regarding playing, I don't believe a single online poker player in the US has ever been charged with a crime involving playing, but that does not mean it is legal in very state.  Many experts agree that states such as Washington clearly prohibit that, from there it gets less clear depending on the state).But as far as having software on your computer, I don't think you should have anything to worry about.  You're not breaking any laws by having poker software on your computer while visiting the US (or any country I'd imagine).

Ok, that's really good to hear.I really don't want to get into any trouble, so I won't access any poker related sites while in the US.  Was just a bit worried about what happens if customs looks at my laptop and realizes that I have PokerStars and other stuff on it.And I have another stupid question:What about googlemail ?  Is using a googlemail.com address for Stars a good idea, or should I change that into something non-US ?  If google ever decides to block email from/to these sites, then I might run into some problems when trying to cash out, I'd assume.

I doubt google would block these sites at all (aside from advertisements, which is a much different field).PokerStars operates fully within the law in France, Italy and I believe a range of other countries.You probably won't be able to play on PokerStars in the US even if you try, as long as they aren't allowing US players to play on their site they will likely block any connection from the US from playing at their tables.

Haven't played for a week or logged onto a computer. On holidays, picked up a newspaper in Australia and read this story. Holy s**t.Cashed out most ftp and pstars money.Guess I'll just go back to the pool and spa and sip on a cocktail and chill.What a bummer for you US dudes.222

One thing is for sure.  If this guy truly is responsible for the fall of these two companies, it means he has some damning evidence.  No right minded person would take a guy like this at his word if he says "oh this was the poker sites idea, not mine, trust me."  It will be interesting to see the truth uncovered with this part of the case.