PokerRoom refuses to cashout US player

[CardSharpCook]

On a whim, I open up PokerRoom last night and discover, to my surprise, that I still have money on that site. I quickly learn that PokerRoom is now closed to US players. So I go to cash out. I am unable. Apparently I am not allowed even to transfer money on pokerroom. Just had another conversation with their support. His points:

1. US players had a grace period
2. If you can find a way for us to send you your money, please let us know.
3. PokerRoom is different because it is a publicly traded company, Pokerstars is privately traded, and therefore governed by different rules (???)
4. You can look at your money every day online. We're not stealing it.

He ended up hanging up on me after refusing to transfer me to a superior.


I also got this email response:
Hi Mr. Taylor,

Thank you for contacting PokerRoom.com support.

Thank you for your e-mail regarding your cash-out query.

You will be pleased to know that I have read and understood the problem that you are having.
In fact I think that I would be just as frustrated if I were you.
The problem is that we are prohibited to get the money to you and when the US players were being notified of the new law that is in place.
You did have a period to collect your money.

Thank you in advance for your patience.

Should you have any further queries, please contact us again.

Regards,
Luthando

PokerRoom.com Support Team


I also spoke with the support in chatbox person who said: "Card, no US banks will accept money from online gaming sites... Until we find one that does...."

A previous conversation with a support personnel said, "we're looking for another way to get US players their money." However they all seem to reiterate the point that, "there was a grace period, you had your chance." but stop short of saying, "so we're keeping your money."

My questions:

Is it legal for them to send me my money?
What should I do now?