ClubWPT leaves Florida after internet cafes banned
Bwin.party-owned online subscription poker site reacts to law banning sweepstakes
ClubWPT has withdrawn from the Florida market after Governor Rick Scott signed into law legislation banning internet sweepstakes cafes.
The bwin.party-owned online subscription poker site informed its Florida-based customers via email on Friday and promised to refund advance subscription fees in their entirety.
“I am sorry because of recent legislation that has just gone into effect in Florida, ClubWPT members in Florida are no longer eligible to participate in sweepstakes-style tournaments that award either cash or merchandise,” the email read, according to poker affiliate CardsChat’s forum.
Legislation banning internet cafes from offering online gaming was signed into law last Wednesday by Scott. Last month 57 people connected to a company operating internet sweepstakes cafes were arrested on racketeering and money laundering charges, with Florida Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll also resigning over her alleged involvement.
ClubWPT now accepts players from all but 16 states, with Washington State, Mississippi and Maryland among some of the others where customers are not accepted.