With the upcoming "60 Minutes" investigative report on the Absolute Poker and
Ultimate Bet online poker cheating scandals coming to a close (scheduled for an
airing this Sunday), Tokwiro Enterprises' deal with Excapsa Liquidators to pay
up for their flawed software couldn't come at a better time. According to
Tokwiro's COO, Paul Leggett, with this agreement, all refunds to pay back
players directly or indirectly affected by the cheating scandals can now been
finalized.
At the behest of the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, Tokwiro - which owns both
Ultimate Bet and Absolute Poker - has already paid over $6 million back to
players. Their agreement with Excapsa calls for the former site owner to pay $15
million to Tokwiro, and in return, Tokwiro's associate company, Blast Off
Limited, will continue paying the agreed upon installment fees to pay off the
software and websites formerly owned by Excapsa. Tokwiro will use the $15
million to pay a $1.5 million fine to the Kahnawake Gaming Commission and the
settle all player accounts affected by fraudulent activities.
The deal has been approved by Justice Sarah Pepall of the Ontario Superior
Court, which is certainly a sign that justice is finally on its way. Also in the
agreement is a provision that gives Tokwiro the right to pursue individuals
found to have participated in the fraud...Cough, cough, former pro poker champ,
Russ Hamilton.
Legget, who is thought to be one of the visionaries behind Tokwiro's plan to
combine Absolute Poker and Ultimate Bet into a new mega poker site, Cereus, said
that with the help of the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, those people responsible
for the fraud are starting to be held accountable. Furthermore, the company's
are ensuring something like this will never happen again.
It certainly is a reassuring sign to see justice being served. I personally
have to say I am happy that Tokwiro and the Kahnawake Gaming Commission are
stepping up the plate and buffing up their reputation once again.
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