Is Pitbull Poker turning into a banner farm?

10/08/2009

The Pitbull Poker debacle (see previous InfoPowa reports) took an interesting turn mid-week when players reported that the non-operational online poker website was sporting a formal announcement - something that has hitherto been lacking from alleged owner Kevin Baronowski and his partners.

The rather brusque statement advised players:

“It is with great sadness that we have closed Pitbull Poker. To cash out your balance, please e-mail support@pitbullpoker.com.”

Flash Poker Network.com, on which Pitbull was resident, carries only a small news item on the Pitbull Poker debacle with no further elaboration, and PokerScout, the independent online poker site monitor, reported no action taking place which could be the result of the network severing its reportage to the stats site.

But what really started player comments flowing was the presence directly under the announcement and headed by the legend “Pitbull Poker Recommends the following Gaming Websites” of five affiliate banners for other online gambling websites and poker networks such as Cake Poker and PokerStars.

This immediately triggered speculation that Baronowski and his partners were trying to raise funds through affiliate referrals in order to pay players. None of this was confirmed, however.

The fate of the small Flash Poker Network remains uncertain. The company was founded in 2004 in San Jose, Costa Rica, with offices in San Pedro. The Flash instant-play technology was developed by the network and includes both multi-lingual and multi-currency facilities. 7 Card Stud Hi/Lo, 7 Card Stud, Omaha Hi/Lo, Omaha, and Texas Hold'em are all offered in Multi-Table Tournaments, Ring Games and Sit & Go Tournament formats.

Pitbull is believed to have been the biggest operator on the network, but other clients apparently include:

•BetEd
•BetCascade
•PlayFast
•5 Dimes
•Golden Arch Poker