Just over ten days from now, PlanetPoker announced they will be ceasing to host real money online poker games. In actuality, they have already stopped accepting real money deposits. In a press release issued last week, PlanetPoker, who belongs to the United Poker Network, said that due to payment processing difficulties resulting from the passing of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act in the United States, it is no longer possible for them to accept funds from players, whether residing in the U.S. or not.

Considering the vast majority of players with accounts at PlanetPoker are from the U.S. there would not be enough non U.S. players to sustain large enough prize pools.

The press release made it clear that all current active accounts are safe and that player funds have not or will not be compromised. Customers will be notified by email how to go about withdrawing their funds or transferring them to a partner online poker room. Depending on who PlanetPoker has an agreement with, players will have the option of transferring funds to an established room with a large player pool. At this current time, PlanetPoker is recommending players transfer their funds to Bodog Poker, which is certainly one of the more popular rooms accepting U.S. players these days.

To avoid cash out delays and potential depositing problems at a new poker room, PlanetPoker is advising current account holders to transfer their funds without delay. And while it is in PlanetPoker's advantage to carry things out in this way (there is no doubt they are receiving some kickbacks for the transfers), it makes sense for players still seeking to play in real money games to transfer their funds to another poker room or online casino.

The PlanetPoker website will still be in operation as a play-for-fun site, and may allow real-money wagering at a later date. For now, they will likely exist as an affiliate for other card rooms, sending off newbie players who are ready to gamble for real stakes.