AGCC Commissions Independent Review Into Handling of Full Tilt Poker Debacle

The Alderney Gaming Control Commission (AGCC) has come under intense scrutiny for its handling of the Full Tilt Poker matter, which culminated in a suspension of the one time second largest online poker firm’s license.

The AGCC ordered all media outlets blocked from negotiations during the arduous affair, as such, leading to a lack of transparency. 

PokerStrategy.com noted that AGCC has commissioned former UK Gambling Commissioner chairman Peter Dean, CBE, to lead an independent investigation of their handling of the Full Tilt Poker license revocation.  Of critical concern was the AGCC apparent reliance on FTP’s accounting reports as accurate in the absence of an audit.  Full Tilt Poker failed to segregate players funds.  On April 15, the US Government froze millions of dollars in bank accounts belonging to Full Tilt Poker.  The company has yet to pay back its US Customers.  Players worldwide have not seen a dime since the AGCC yanked Full Tilt Poker’s license in late June.    

“I am delighted that Peter Dean has agreed to conduct the review,” said Andre Wilsenach, Executive Director of the AGCC. “He has many years of experience at the top of the British Gambling Commission and commands wide respect from operators and regulators alike.

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Mr Dean's investigation will look into the ‘appropriateness, timeliness and fairness of the actions undertaken.”

The AGCC released a statement on its website Wednesday.

“We believe we acted appropriately and fairly at all times but, following our own internal assessment and the inevitable questions that have been raised by third parties, the Commission decided that it is in the best interests of players, license holders and AGCC itself to commission an independent review and to make the outcome public.”

The final report will be presented by March 2012, which will include recommendations to the commission.”

- Chris Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher