Apparently, when it comes to real money online poker, Droid “Doesn’t.”
Less than a week after its auspicious debut, Full Tilt’s first entry into the mobile gaming market has been pulled from the digital shelves. According to an email from the poker giant, access to the download was cut off due to “maintenance” issues.
“While we are delighted at the success of the Rush Poker * Mobile software,” they continued, “due to the software being in beta testing stage, maintenance such as this is often essential.”
Those harboring suspicion as to Full Tilt’s motives will find themselves in popular company. There has been a great deal of speculation regarding the legal ramifications of playing real money poker on mobile devices. These overwhelming issues may have been enough to prompt the action in question.
There is, however, a more likely reason for the sudden removal. The Android Market has just launched a new rating system which states that “real gambling is not allowed on the Android Market.” Despite the presence of several other slot machine apps, the elimination of Full Tilt would make the biggest statement.
So it seems as though the industry may have bitten off a bit more than it can chew with their first mobile offering. Those with the software already installed on their Android devices, however, are reporting no change in service thus far. The games continue to run, with unobstructed access to the tables. If the first step has already been made to censure the download, one wonders just how long the gates will remain open.
Despite its absence from the main Android Market, there are still a few places offering downloadable versions of the software. The files remain available on Full Tilt’s homepage, and are apparently still functional. The package can be obtained by directing the Android’s browser to the company’s website.
Stay tuned to the news blogs for further updates on the status of Rush Poker-gate.