Updated on 22 Feb 26 by
Valentin Scorus
Poker Expert

Absolute Poker and UltimateBet Filing for Bankruptcy

Just after we reported that these two poker rooms have suspended their activity in the US, they are now filing for bankruptcy. Blanca Gaming, their parent company, was forced into this process after being unable to pay its debts.

There were some rumours that Absolute Poker (AP) and UltimateBet (UB), the two poker rooms owned by Blanca Gaming, have been forced to enter the bankruptcy procedure. According to multiple sources, this information is now verified.

An article on MSNBC confirms that Blanca Gaming, located in Antigua, has "no cash on hand and no prospects for any cash flow for the foreseeable future."

Also, according to msnbc.com, more than 300 employees working at the AP/UB offices in Costa Rica have been laid off. This translates to approximately 95% of the companies' staff.

In regards to the funds that players have on these two sites, nothing is confirmed as of now. While US players' funds are frozen, non-US players can request fund withdrawals, but it is unknown whether the transactions will actually take place.

In a post on 2+2, an email sent to the AP shareholders was leaked. There, the shareholders are apparently informed about the bankruptcy process - you can read the email by clicking here.

Read more about the "Black Friday" in our previous news items below:

Valentin Scorus
Poker Expert