On April 15, the poker industry will mark one year since its darkest day, Black Friday. That’s when the Department of Justice virtually shut down the entire American online poker industry in a single indictment that was packed with allegations of financial wrongdoing by poker’s biggest names.
Since that dark day, the online poker industry has been on an unprecedented roller coaster ride of plea bargains, settlements and legal maneuvering that’s paving the way towards a new legitimacy. On this anniversary, it’s worth taking some time to look back on the events surrounding Black Friday and the lessons they offer for the entire gaming industry, starting with the immediate impact.