[Skallagrim]

Regulation could do a lot more, and protect us players in a number of good ways (it could also hurt us in a number of ways, depending on the actual regulatory scheme). Certainly If Absolute were somehow subject to US jurisdiction, complaints, findings, compensation and possible criminal charges would be possible.

Unfortunately, this level of intelligence seems far above that capable of the average American (call me a cynic). The average joe who doesnt already play will let a sensational story like this confirm his worst fears that the poker sites are all rigged cheaters just like old time riverboat gamblers. They should all be shot goddammit.

For most people no amount of reasoned argument will convince them that it is, in fact, the absence of legal US framework that lets a dirty site get away with cheating. The fun emotional appeal of identifying a "scumbag" and stringing them up (even though its only figuratively) is too compelling for most humans, at least Americans (Europeans seem slightly better at avoiding this, though far from immune). So it must be best to make these "predators" go away by "banning" them.

In other words, while the Absolute scandal is in reality evidence to support our cause, the tabloids and FOFers will spin it against us, probably quite effectively.

Skallagrim