Following the emergence of allegations concerning the propriety of Absolute Poker's operations, the Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC) said it intends to investigate its privately-held licensee.
In a written statement issued this afternoon, the KGC indicated that it will employ an independent third party, Gaming Associates, to conduct the audit.
"This week's allegations of impropriety have been brought to the attention of the [KGC]," said KGC Commissioner David Montour. "We have appointed experts to conduct a thorough audit of all circumstances, provide findings and recommendations to the commission.
"The audit will not be restricted to examining theories circulating in Internet chat rooms and fora," Montour added.
Factually, little is known about why the investigation is being undertaken though rumors of fraud and collusion have been linked to the operator. But in a brief conversation with IGN, Montour stressed that, presently, the allegations remain precisely these--allegations.
In two written statements issued this month, Absolute Poker assured its users that it has "with reasonable certainty" determined that a "superuser" account, which would allegedly allow a user or company insider live, unfettered access to hole cards of other users, neither exists nor would be technologically possible given the structure of its platform.
"There is no part of the technology that allows for a 'superuser' account, and there is no way for any person to influence the game software to their advantage," Absolute said.
Several Web-based fora--even a New York Times blogger--allege however that this user or company insider relayed real-time, hole card information to an outside accomplice.
Incidentally, Absolute poker continues to offer real-money services to its U.S.-based users.
IGN will continue to monitor this development and report further as details become available.
Chris Krafcik is the editor of IGamingNews. He lives in St. Louis, Mo.