ABSOLUTE POKER PROGRESS REPORTED (Update)

26 October 2007

Or is it just more developing damage control?


Absolute Poker and Kahnawake Gaming Commission investigations into the cheating scandal at the poker group appear to be proceeding apace, judging by the latest statement from AP - mere days after its initial announcements that it was taking action.

In the latest statement, the firm recaps events leading up to the investigation (see previous InfoPowa reports) and its assurances that it can be trusted. The statement continues to push its contested position on the debacle, claiming:

“Upon learning of the incident, AP immediately contacted Gaming Associates, an independent worldwide expert in audits, interactive gaming tests and information security, to undertake an internal investigation. Immediately thereafter, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC), AP’s governing licensing authority, opened its own inquiry into the scheme. These investigations are active and on-going. AP is cooperating fully with the KGC investigation."

Absolute Poker goes on to reveal its "preliminary findings" as follows:

* The [unidentified] perpetrator of the scheme was immediately terminated upon discovery and the case was turned over to the KGC.

* AP has fully corrected the problem that allowed its system to be unfairly manipulated and is working to enhance its existing safeguards.

* Since the initiation of the internal investigation, the databases have been locked down to ensure the integrity of the auditors’ inquiry.

* The scope of the audit will not be limited to a certain time period.

* The suspected period of time of the security breach has been identified. This period is recent and confined to a relatively brief period. The actual dates will be publicly released upon confirmation by the third party auditor.

* A thorough review of the game play has begun to identify all of the adversely affected players.

* AP is committed to refunding 100% of the losses incurred by its affected customers. AP has begun the process of reimbursing its customers, and will continue to do so as quickly as possible until all customers are refunded in full.

* Even after completion of this audit, AP intends to continue working with third party auditors and security firms to ensure that the highest level of game integrity is upheld.

* AP is instituting strict guidelines to restrict its employees, consultants and contractors and members of their households from playing for money on its sites.

AP expects its internal inquiry to last for at least several weeks, and the company says it will continue to cooperate with the KGC’s investigation and to work with Gaming Associates until outstanding investigations and inquiries are complete. The company also promised to continue to release interim statements related to its internal investigation as appropriate.

STOP PRESS: As we went to press this week, Absolute Poker spokesmen were 'leaking' further information on the insiders allegedly involved in the debacle, suggesting obliquely that AJ Green aka AJ aka Allan J. Grimard, Operations Manager now in hiding was responsible. The spokesmen also hinted that Green and the other name repeatedly surfacing - Scott Tom - may be aliases, and hinted that Green may try to discredit Absolute with disclosures.

Online Casino News courtesy of InfoPowa