Full Tilt Poker Faces Major Hurdles in Acquisition Deal

Full Tilt Poker, once a dominant force in the online poker world, is now facing significant hurdles in completing its acquisition deal with Groupe Bernard Tapie. The process, which was initially expected to be straightforward, has been complicated by a series of financial issues and outstanding debts.

Financial Issues and Outstanding Debts

One of the major obstacles is the transfer of approximately $60 million in dividends from Full Tilt Poker to Chris Ferguson's personal bank account between April 2007 and the Black Friday incident. Ferguson has successfully withdrawn or spent $45 million, while $14.3 million was used for Full Tilt Poker's needs after 'Black Friday'.

Additionally, several professional poker players, including Phil Ivey, Lane Flack, David Benjamin, and Erik Lindgren, owe significant amounts to Full Tilt Poker. The total debt from these players ranges from $10 to $20 million, with specific figures for Ivey and Lindgren at $4 million each, and Flack and Benjamin at $2 million each. Barry Greenstein, who owes $150,000, has commented on his debt, preferring to wait for the Ministry of Justice to create a fund for payments to American players.