Party's Statement to Affiliates...

[Talking Poker]

When I first read this, I think I misread it. I originally thought they were saying that they were going to continue to let U.S. players pay, but wouldn't pay me for their play, effective immediately. After rereading it, I don't think that's the case. I think they will pay me for players I have on the percentage plan (all of them), and just not the "Per Sign Up plan" ones. In other words, don't expect to see another "Free $50 Party Poker account" offer any time soon.

What I find especially annoying though is how they specifically say that "There are no new restrictions that prevent Affiliates based in the US from promoting PartyGaming brands to non-US players," when, with all the interpretations of the law that I have read, it's the affiliates who are going to be even MORE affected than the poker sites! I live in the U.S. and it's about to be illegal for me to link to Party Poker - I thought that was clear in the bill. What's unclear was the legality of Party "Accepting wagers" (since that's not how poker works - they aren't accepting any bets). I think their response is backwards, and it really, really, annoys me how they are handling this.

Quite frankly, I hope they go down in flames by the end of the year. More power to Poker Stars and and other offshore site that continues to operate.