Payment processor case begins in NYC

Defense lawyers for two businessmen who are accused of processing payments for PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker told a judge that online poker isn't really gambling.

The lawyers made their arguments in a Manhattan courtroom for their clients, bank executive John Campos and co-defendant Chad Elie.

From Business Week:

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The government alleges that Elie persuaded Campos to let SunFirst Bank, based in St. George, Utah, process money for foreign-based online poker sites, PokerStars and Full Tilt Poker. Both men had pleaded not guilty.

Lawyers challenged various gambling charges brought against the men for several reasons, saying the government had stretched gambling laws to bring charges against 11 individuals.

Lawyers for Elie cited the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, enacted in 1988, which they said puts poker in the same category as bingo and card games, but not with such card games as baccarat or blackjack.

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