Absolute Poker and UltimateBet Terminate Professional Players
It has become more difficult for online poker sites to do business in the United States since the UIGEA was implemented last year. As a result, Absolute Poker/UltimateBet have terminated their contracts with many professional players, including Antonio Esfandiari, Michael Mizrachi, and Mark Seif.
Their endorsement deals were worth at least $500,000 in addition to provisions for buy-ins and bonuses. Players were told that “legal issues” were the reason for the termination.
It is thought that company executives were worried that authorities might make an example out of their players. Many players and poker enthusiasts are concerned that this is Absolute Poker’s first step towards leaving the US market completely.









