Mixed message from Absolute?

[Dave I]

Not trying to set off alarms but, the following was received at 1:30 am today after I referred a friend to Absolute Poker through their Refer A Friend program. My friend received the email. I suspect it's just the affiliate program which may be run by a third party but the referral was done through their software, so very strange anyway. I guess it's possible it's being done to protect the players? No response from support yet.

This makes no sense given their strong and consistent "business as usual" announcements.

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Dear Affiliate Partner,

As you may have heard, the United States Congress has passed a law barring US based individuals from sending funds to online gaming sites. The new legislation is expected to come into force shortly.

In light of these considerations, the group has concluded that it is appropriate to suspend participation by U.S. based customers in our online poker and online casino products. As of today, we will not allow real money registrations of new U.S. based customers.

In light of these changes we urge you to focus your activities as a member of the Affiliate Program only towards non U.S. based individuals. In the coming days we will offer tools that will enable you to target traffic by country. Any U.S. based individuals referred by you to our Internet sites will not be permitted to open new real money accounts and you will therefore not be able to receive any commissions in relation to such persons. Please note that there are no new restrictions under the new law which prevents you from promoting to non-US players. Please contact us or your account manager for further details.

In recent years the group has pursued a strategy of building its brand and business in markets outside the U.S. In the month of September approximately 65% of first time depositors (Real New Players) recruited by our affiliates were non-U.S. based.

The group remains a viable and profitable business and looks forward to pursuing growth opportunities in its international markets with continued vigor. We look forward to continuing working with you to help us grow in these international markets.

Sincerely,


Affiliate Program

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<name removed> wrote:
Hello Friend!

On behalf of <name removed>, Absolute Poker invites you to join us for the best poker experience on the Web, and receive $50 free credited to your pending player account.
Absolute Poker is the fastest growing online poker room, offering a great selection of real and play money poker games and tournaments. Your friend, <name removed>, has already discovered the great action available only at Absolute Poker and would like to invite you to download Absolute Poker today from www.AbsolutePoker.com/download.asp and set up a new player account.

When registering at Absolute Poker, it is very important that you follow these easy steps when creating your New Player account:

1. Upon downloading Absolute Poker, click on the red "New Player" button or from the main lobby.
2. Fill out your address and personal information form.
3. When you get to the "How did you hear about us" area, it is imperative that you click the Refer A Friend button and enter your friend's email address ( email removed) in the blank field on the right.
4. Complete the registration page, log in, and have fun playing at Absolute Poker!

BE SURE TO ENTER YOUR FRIEND'S EMAIL ADDRESS IN ORDER TO RECEIVE THE R.A.F. BONUS!

Upon signing up an account, making a $50 deposit, then playing only 200 raked hands (minimum rake of $0.50) you will receive a $50 bonus on your pending account. As part of this great Refer-A-Friend Program, your friend will also receive a $75 bonus as well to join you at the real money tables.

So, the next time you see <name removed>, say hello and thanks for referring you to Absolute Poker. Best of luck and we'll see you at the tables, Whenever, Wherever!

Team Absolute