DOJ visit to Absolute Poker offices - questions remain.

[Ian_go]

The RCMP's visit to the Vancouver marketing office of Absolute Poker came to the broader gaming industry's attention via Youtube. There, as part of Perspective's Weekly, a regular video production of the Association of Players, Casinos, and Web-masters, viewers can watch an interview with Gian Perroni, former Vice President of operations for Absolute Poker. During the interview, Perroni talks about how "A couple of weeks ago the RCMP and (US) Department of Justice came into an independent marketing office and asked questions about the operation". Mr Perroni is sure to underline the fact that the company visited by these authorities is separate from Absolute Poker on more than one occasion during the chat with Jay Todd of the APCW. Perroni went on to say that the company "provides marketing services to Absolute Poker and many other companies." Both comment on the incident and express shock the fact that something like this could take place in Canada.

Vancouver is home to several high profile Online Gaming related companies. Absolute Poker is one, Riptown.com, the marketing arm of Bodog is another. In fact in Burnaby, a city just a 15 minutes in driving time from Vancouver, another company runs a customer call centre for Bodog customers. The company is know as Triple Crown Customer Services and is thought to employ over 100 people in their 24/7 call centre. In fact there is over 20 Online Gambling related companies that have offices each employing between 2 and 200 people in Vancouver or close vacinity. So why did the RCMP and U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) come knocking at the door of the company that provides marketing services to Absolute Poker? To some Online Gambling insiders more

[winbig]

They apparently can't do anything against the casinos/poker rooms, so they're putting pressure on the companies that provide their marketing services...

I just hope they call their bluff and realize there's nothing they can do to them.

[Ian_go]

Problem is that the DOJ is having an impact, even just by "asking questions" to these companies. There is more to this Absolute Poker story I think. The truth will eventually come out I am sure.

Originally Posted by winbig

They apparently can't do anything against the casinos/poker rooms, so they're putting pressure on the companies that provide their marketing services...

I just hope they call their bluff and realize there's nothing they can do to them.

[jetset]

So far, we're being passed around from detachment to detachment without comment by the Mounties, and Absolute Poker is ignoring all enquiries on this.

[Ian_go]

Not sure if AP or the RCMP will be forthcoming. Jet if anyone can extract more info from Gian Perroni, I am sure it is you.

[winbig]

Originally Posted by jetset

So far, we're being passed around from detachment to detachment without comment by the Mounties

So it's safe to assume that Dudley DoRight is in charge of this operation?

[jetset]

Perroni is an ex-employee. I'm more interested in engaging with the authorities who are alleged to have carried out this visit, and of course with the current management of Absolute Poker to obtain their reaction and perspective.

Winbig, I don't know about Dudley Doright (LOL) but the media liaison Mounties are thus far not exactly the most helpful and forthcoming I've dealt with and it is proving to be something of a bitch to reach someone who is *authorised* to give a comment.

[paul02085]

What are US DOJ people doing barging into Canadian businesses and with the aid of Canadian Authorities no less?????

What the f...?

[SKUNX]

I tried sitting on my hands and I couldnt , I must say something about their offices in Costa Rica .

They have the most gorgeous woman around honestly any girl that applies for a job there has to be an ex model . I heard they are thinking of relocating though is there any truth to this?

[jetset]

So far, it seems no-one wants to talk about this or even acknowledge it as I am still getting bounced around in Mountie-land and Absolute Poker simply ignore the numerous emails and chasers I have sent.

If anyone has contact with J. Todd (maybe through one of the affiliate sites) perhaps they could ask him what the title of the raided company was so that I can contact them direct - it may be one of those outsourced marketing outfits or an Absolute subsidiary under another company name.

I think Gian Perroni is now working for Mahjong Mania in Canada, so I'm trying him as well.