by Mario Alfonsi | Published on Feb 13, 2012 | Updated on Feb 13, 2012American poker players were surprised to learn Thursday that one of the larger online poker networks still accepting U.S. players, the Everleaf Network, would be excluding players from the United States beginning this weekend.The news came around 12:00 EST on Thursday. Beginning at about that time, players who logged into any of the many poker rooms on the Everleaf Gaming Network were informed of a new version of the Terms and Conditions for players on the network. While many players likely ignored the information, a few thorough players noticed that players from the United States would no longer be allowed to take part in real money games on the network.The news was confirmed later that day by a representative from Minted Poker, one of the many “skins” of the Everleaf Network. On the TwoPlusTwo.com poker forums, a spokesperson for the site said that the network pulled out of the U.S. market after they lost a payment processor who had been helping service American players. Some of the funds involved in these transactions were then frozen by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. After that incident, Homeland Security then sent a cease and desist notice to Everleaf, including a threat of legal action should the network continue to offer real money games in the United States. Everleaf then sought legal advice, and determined that withdrawing was in fact the best option.One point of emphasis from “MintedNeil” – the Minted Poker representative that posted on TwoPlusTwo.com – was the fact that the all player funds were safe end secure. The Network is apparently in talks with Homeland Security to make sure funds are returned to players, allowing them to cash out smoothly.The network will now focus its attention on the European market. Players from Europe should see few changes at the site, although the network will now use Euros as the table currency instead of U.S. dollars.
