Planet Poker suspends real-money play

Planetpoker.com, the Internet's first real-money card room, will suspend their cash game play beginning March 31.

The company said it was closing because of payment processing issues related to the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, according to press release.

All players "can rest assured that their funds are safe and secure as they have been for the past 9 years," the statement said. Current customers will receive email notification about how to withdraw their money.

Players wishing to continue to play online poker will have the option of transferring their balances to another online card room that has an agreement with Planet Poker or withdraw their money. However, the release does not state the other site involved. The Web site is recommending that new players join Bodog Poker.

"Given the difficulties getting funds into an online card room, we strongly advise players to transfer funds in order to avoid cash-out delays and the inevitable hurdles of re-depositing at a new online site," the release said.

Planet poker may re-enter the market if the U.S. passes legislation legalizing online gambling in the United States, the release said. But for now, the Web site will only allow play-money action.

Planet Poker is part of the United Poker Network, which also includes the sports-gambling.com and pokerblue.com brands.