Interested in learning more about Alderney? There’s a great piece in the Guardian that gives readers inside access to the (mysterious for most) online gambling licensor that played a major (some would say culpable, but that’s for you to decide) role in the Full Tilt Poker saga.
Excerpt:
Punters playing poker, slots, bingo and placing all manner of sports bets are routed through Alderney from almost all corners of the world – including some where such activity is considered illegal.
Near the centre of Alderney rises a microwave transmission mast through which communication with the outside world is conducted. Alderney’s energy needs are provided by a diesel-powered generator.
Just think, it could be part of your FTP deposit powering that generator.
The article also spends a good amount of time on the relationship between regulator AGCC and Full Tilt Poker. Excerpt:
When Full Tilt first set up in Alderney in 2007, above the Nellie Gray curry house, the regulator knew its business with US players involved what the American authorities regarded as illegal activities, though some lawyers had provided legal opinion that this view was incorrect. In the end the AGCC took the view – as they did with other licensees – that so long as there were not legal findings against them in the US, or elsewhere, Full Tilt should be welcome in Alderney.
Indeed, the regulator tried to accommodate Full Tilt, then estimated to account for close to 20% of the global online poker market. When the company proved reluctant to disclose in writing the identity of the ultimate owners of associate companies, AGCC officials were left struggling to satisfy themselves the company was “fit and proper”.