Full Tilt Poker Attorney Jeff Ifrah Claims US Justice Dept Approves Sale

An outspoken attorney for disgraced online poker firm Full Tilt Poker claims the US Justice Department has reached an agreement whereby they will permit a French company to acquire FTP.  Unconfirmed reports suggest the US Justice Department would be responsible for facilitating payouts to players.

Groupe Bernard Tapiehas sought to purchase Full Tilt Poker after following a series of indictments in April 15 that forced the one time second largest Internet poker room to exit the US market.  Players worldwide have not received payment in months. 

Jeff Ifrah, attorney for Full Tilt’s CEO Ray Bitar, told CardPlayer.com: “I have not seen final paperwork but I believe a deal in principle has been reached.”

The Department of Justice, however, said it cannot provide confirmation.

Last month the DOJ filed a civil complaint against three individual stakeholders of Full Tilt Poker including pros Chris Ferguson and Howard Lederer, accusing these men of taking part in an elaborate ponzi scheme.

In April, two executives of Full Tilt Poker were charged with money laundering and bank fraud.

Gambling911.com would note that a number of news reports seemingly leaked by the Full Tilt Poker camp turned out to be false in the past.  Whether this latest news comes to fruition remains to be seen. 

- Chris Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher