FTP Updates USA Players; Still No Date For Payouts

American poker players continued to grow frustrated Monday, as Full Tilt Poker released yet another statement regarding the repayment of USA accounts – but again failed to give a date at which those players could expect to be paid.

In a statement released to several outlets, including the forums at twoplustwo.com, Full Tilt Poker took responsibility for the delay, and said they understood how players felt.

“We acknowledge that our lack of communication reflects poorly on us, and rightfully so,” the statement read. “We have been too optimistic in estimating how long it would take to sort through the issues we have faced since Black Friday. And as frustrating as the delays have been for us, we recognize that it cannot compare to the frustration you have been feeling.”

The Black Friday indictments took place on April 15. Days later, both PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker had reached agreements with the Department of Justice to allow them to refund account balances to American players. Within two weeks, PokerStars had begun to release funds to players; they have since given back over $100 million to their USA players.

However, Full Tilt Poker has lagged behind, and has yet to return funds to any of their American patrons. In the statement, FTP acknowledged that they still didn’t know when they would be able to promise to begin returning funds.

“We still do not have a specific timeframe for this,” the statement said. “There has been, and remains, no bigger priority than getting US players paid as soon as possible, and we have been working around the clock to get this done.”

The statement also combated rumors that the delays may be a sign that FTP could be bankrupt, or at least headed for bankruptcy.

“FTP's worldwide business is healthy and, although we've had some short-term challenges, it is operating as normal,” the statement read.

The statement also sought to reassure players that FTP was working to repay USA players as soon as possible.

“It is important to remember that Full Tilt Poker has always paid out our players, even in the face of previous legal obstacles or factors not in our control, such as payment processor defaults and prior actions by the US government which resulted in US player funds being seized,” it said.