Instant eChecks No More for Poker Stars Account Holders

by Edward Rogers, News Staff Writer

June 7, 2009

U.S. online poker players frequenting the internet poker rooms, PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker and Absolute Poker, and who have grown used to withdrawing funds with Instant eCheck, are dealing with a dilemma of sorts after the third party payment processor was apparently removed as a viable account withdrawal method. In the wake of a crackdown by the New York State Attorney General's Office (who else), a stream of non-sufficient funds notices have begun to roll in, and players are being advised to hold off on cashing in any instant eChecks.

Not to be confused with eCheck, which is widely used at online casinos, Instant eCheck is a payment method that many Poker Stars account holders have come to use over the last few years. Highly reliable until now, Instant eCheck appears to have suffered a direct attack by the NY Attorney General under the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act.

At this stage, there is no telling just how many players have been affected. However, as mentioned, players are being advised to abstain from making hurried withdrawal requests through Instant eCheck. The consequences of doing so could result in "insufficient funds" charges being imposed by banks. As a matter of fact, it's pretty much a given that if players try to cash an Instant eCheck, they will encounter some issues.

Poker Stars account holders need not worry, however. The premiere online poker room is advising players to simply use an alternative payment method when making withdrawal requests. In other words, players need not worry about accrued funds in their Poker Stars account. As was the case following Neteller's seizure by the NYAG, online gambling destinations came through by offering alternative payment solutions to their members.

The warning should be heeded by more than just Poker Stars players. Instant eCheck is offered at several other online betting destinations, and as such, anyone who has ever used Instant eCheck or was considering to do so, should inquire with their online gambling cashier about an alternative withdrawal solution. Again, the payment solution, eCheck (commonly offered at the best online casinos), is an entirely different service altogether and is still safe to use.

For more information on Poker Stars, read the OCS Poker Stars Review

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