Before Full Tilt Poker issued public comment on the suspension of its license by the Alderney Gambling Control Commission, its chief rival in the industry, PokerStars, assured its own players that their funds were safe. PokerStars affirmed, “The Isle of Man Gaming Commission today re-affirmed that PokerStars’ worldwide licensing is intact and that our operations are in full compliance with all of its requirements. PokerStars’ online operations continue as normal and all funds in players’ accounts are safe and available for withdrawal as usual with no delays.”

Read more about the Alderney Gambling Control Commission suspending Full Tilt Poker’s gaming license.

PokerStars, as mandated by Isle of Man Gaming Commission officials, separated its player funds from its operating funds and began the process of cashing out U.S. players within a week of Black Friday. Full Tilt Poker, Absolute Poker, and UB, also targeted by the U.S. Department of Justice back on April 15th, have not begun refunding American players.

The PokerStars press release reminded players that their funds are stored in separate bank accounts: “PokerStars also remains in full compliance with our licenses in other jurisdictions where we are regulated, including France, Italy, and Estonia. As provided under our licensing, PokerStars has always maintained the integrity and security of our players’ funds by keeping all such funds in segregated bank accounts, always available for immediate withdrawal.”

PokerStars has refunded over $120 million to U.S. players, but according to Poker Players Alliance (PPA) Executive Director John Pappas, up to a half-billion dollars could still be owed.

PokerStars summarized, “PokerStars entered into an agreement with the Department of Justice which expressly confirmed the company’s ability to operate outside the U.S. We will continue to operate as a responsible corporate citizen and are committed to serving the needs of our customers in complete compliance with our regulatory requirements.”

Rumors have been circulating on TwoPlusTwo that Full Tilt Poker could reopen on Wednesday without a license. Reacting to that rumor was PPA Vice President of Player Relations Rich TheEngineer Muny (pictured), who told PocketFives.com, “That almost sounds like someone posting something that popped into his head. Obviously, that would not be a good thing for players.”

According to PokerScout.com, PokerStars’ real money cash game traffic is up 5% day over day and 6% week over week. The world’s largest online poker site boasts a seven-day running average of 19,600 real money ring game players with a 24-hour peak of 36,000. Full Tilt Poker’s count currently shows zero ring game players online.

Stay tuned to PocketFives.com for the latest on the suspension of Full Tilt Poker’s gaming license.