In a change that took effect this week, PRWeb, a major press release distributor, announced that it would no longer accept news from “online gambling or related websites.” The service was previously used by some of the world’s largest online poker rooms, including Ultimate Bet, Ladbrokes, and Titan Poker.
An e-mail sent to PRWeb’s editorial staff from its management mandated, “Moving forward, PRWeb will no longer be publishing releases that promote or link to online gambling or related websites. This shift in editorial has been prompted by legal considerations and brings us in line with the stance that other notable organizations such as Google and Yahoo are currently taking with regard to promotion of online gambling in the U.S.”
A representative from Ultimate Bet told Poker News Daily that the company received notification that an editorial hold had been placed on a release that was scheduled to go out this week. An e-mail sent from PRWeb offered the Tokwiro-owned online poker site a full refund. In response, the spokesperson stated, “We expressed our disappointment that they have chosen to place all gaming-related content in the same category rather than considering poker as a game of skill. We requested that they reconsider the details of their policy and look to exempt poker-related content from this blanket ban on all gaming-based editorial.” Ultimate Bet has not received correspondence from PRWeb to its request.
The change applies to the U.S. and non-U.S. versions of the company’s services. The most recent press release related to online poker that appeared on PRWeb is from Devilfish Poker and is dated April 11th. The feature is entitled “Devilfishpoker.com Players Get Their Chance to Play Dave ‘Devilfish’ Ulliott on the Final Table from Hell.” It is unknown whether online poker affiliate sites or poker news sites will be affected.
A member of PokerSource.com’s editorial staff received a letter that explained, “[PRWeb] received a Cease and Desist letter from the Washington State Online Gambling Commission requiring that we immediately halt the distribution of press releases promoting online gambling sites and content.” PRWeb is owned by Vocus and based in Ferndale, Washington. The state has one of the harshest online gaming laws anywhere in the country. Playing online poker is a Class C felony, which is punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. In addition, a player’s house, car, or other possessions can be seized in the event of a conviction.
PRWeb’s services range between $80 and $360 per press release. The company takes advantage of longstanding relationships with Google and Yahoo in order to increase the visibility of its clients’ news releases. PRWeb was founded in 1997 and purchased by Vocus on 2006. After opening trading on Tuesday below $16, Vocus’ stock ballooned to $16.88 on Thursday. It is traded on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange under the symbol “VOCS” and is currently fetching $16.32, down $0.07 on the day.
Refunds were being given to internet gambling-related companies that requested them from PRWeb. The company expected refunds to be processed within two business days. PRWeb partners with a bevy of industry giants including AOL, Billboard, Business Wire, LexisNexis, Pheedo, and Topix. Other internet gambling companies that have utilized the popular service include ThisIsTheNuts.com, Carbon Poker, Boyle Poker, Everest Poker, Absolute Poker, Tower Gaming, Poker Heaven, and Paddy Power. Poker News Daily also distributes releases using PRWeb.
The law making playing online poker a Class C felony in Washington was passed in 2006. Last Month, a Court of Appeals upheld a challenge to the law from Poker Players Alliance (PPA) Washington State Director Lee Rousso. The case may now head to the Washington State Supreme Court. The law does not differentiate between skill games and games of chance; rather, all card games are frowned upon.
