Pokerbandits.ca, whose operators alleged on Monday that the Web site had been shut down by U.S. and Canadian law enforcement officials, now says the allegation was little more than a PR stunt.
The Web site provides advice on how U.S.-based players can circumvent U.S. I-gaming restrictions by using Canada-based servers, but on Monday, visitors to the site were prompted with a message that read: "This site has been shut down by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice in conjunction with Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada."
Spokespersons for the FBI, U.S. Justice Department and Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) told Casino City Times on Tuesday that they had no knowledge of the case, moreover, that they had not taken any action against the Web site's operators.
"Normally we don't comment on ongoing cases," Justice Department spokeswoman Jaclyn Lesch told Casino City. "But I'm not getting any indication that we're involved in this whatsoever."
Pokerbandits on Tuesday night defused the rumors, releasing the following statement:
"We apologize to all for any inconvenience that may have resulted by our recent hoax; however, we found it necessary to perpetuate given the current state of online poker in the United States. We believe a much needed scrutiny is required of the recently passed Internet Gambling Enforcement Act."
The operators also announced that the site would be re-launched "later this week."
Chris Krafcik is the editor of IGamingNews. He lives in St. Louis, Mo.