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Isle of Man grants Full Tilt Poker an online gaming license

The operating organization of Full Tilt Poker, The Rational Group, was granted with a license last month from the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission (GSC). This newly obtained license will replace the Alderney Gambling Control Commission license, which was held by Full Tilt Poker before the former operators closed the site down in June 2011. The Isle of Man license allows the brand to operate from the self-governing British island, where Rational Group also operate leading poker website, PokerStars.

When explaining why the Full Tilt operations are being relocated, Paul Telford, the Rational Group General Counsel stated: “In our view the Isle of Man’s e-gaming regulations set the gold standard for the online gaming industry. Their attitude toward ensuring operators provide a service that is safe, fair and socially responsible is second to none. In particular, the Isle of Man leads the way in ensuring player funds are protected under mandatory trust arrangements that are built into their regulations.”

Rational Group, who purchased the assets of Full Tilt Poker back in August of this year, have announced that players should expect to be able to re-access the site from 6th November, with all account balances being fully restored on launch. In an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, Rational Group claimed ownership to Full Tilt and in return committed to paying back a total of $184 million to customers who lost funds when the website stopped operating.

After thorough checks and provisions of the proposed Full Tilt operations, the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission granted the necessary license required to begin offering real money poker games again. The new senior management structure of the brand was also scrutinized and approved.

“The Gambling Supervision Commission is confident that Full Tilt Poker will safeguard the interests of its players and adhere to the strict policies and procedures governing Isle of Man licensed gaming companies,” said Chief Executive Officer of the Isle of Man GSC, Steve Brennan. “Full Tilt Poker’s application was strengthened by the fact that their new owners and management team are known to us and have an impeccable record of compliance with the Isle of Man’s regulatory requirements.”