The Cereus Network (Absolute Poker and Ultimate Bet) have reached a deal with the US Department of Justice over the return of US players’ funds. This is the same deal that Pokerstars and Full Tilt Poker reached with the DoJ weeks ago. Absolute Poker and Ultimate Bet have requested the return of their URLs to facilitate the return of player funds. They state that they have ceased operations in the US and ended real money play for American players. The network is taking the same tact that Full Tilt took immediately after their agreement stating that they are putting mechanisms in place to return money and it may take time.

This is unexpected news as it seemed unclear whether or not Absolute and UB would be moving to return funds anytime soon, or if they would deal with the DoJ at all. This is good news for American players with money stuck on there, although I am sure they will not hold their breath. Coming to an agreement and actually returning the money are different matters, but this is at least a first step. Either way, it is the first positive development out of Cereus since Black Friday. You can read the full release by clicking here.