Gutshot Closure Less than Amicable? (Update)

October 13, 2008 (InfoPowa News) — The departure of Gutshot Poker from the Microgaming Poker Network earlier this week continues to throw up intriguing differences of viewpoint.  
 
In InfoPowa's initial report, it was noted: "It is uncertain whether the owners of Gutshot have issues with Microgaming, but the following comment in the notification was intriguing: "In respect of the Microgaming situation, we are not in a position to make any real comment other than the room is now closed and all player balances have been transferred to Cake [network]."
 
But conflicting perspectives on the departure have since emerged. Barry Martin, with Derek Kelly, the co-founder of Gutshot, said: "There was nothing untoward between us and Microgaming — they're a fine set of people who've got a great product. Microgaming is a fine network, but like I said, we wanted to be sure we're providing our players with the very best platform for them to play on. It was simple move across to what we believe is a better network."
 
However, without elaborating further, Microgaming issued a press release that claimed: "Following breaches by Gutshot Poker room of the Microgaming Poker Network standard operating rules, Microgaming Poker Network terminated Gutshot's contract on the 30th of September 2008. Gutshot Poker room's account was suspended on 26th September."
 
Gutshot co-founder Derek Kelly put up a spirited defense of poker in an attempt to have it defined as a game of skill in the U.K. early in 2007. The co-owner of the Gutshot Poker Club — a poker club, bar, restaurant, and internet cafe located on Clerkenwell Road, London, was charged with contravening the Gaming Act, and tried to convince the jury and judge that the game was one of skill and not chance, but failed and was convicted. Undeterred, he took the matter on appeal but was again unsuccessful.