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After reading the article initially published by CNN Money on Thursday (and subsequently taken down by the site minutes later) the notion that Groupe Bernard Tapie would be taking over the reins of the once prominent online poker site Full Tilt Poker sooner rather than later may have been nothing more than wishful thinking.

When a second article hit the site on Friday a much fuller picture developed, and it seems that even though progress is being made, there are still a few chances for catastrophe to strike before a final deal is signed, sealed, and delivered.

It would appear that the deal between the DOJ and GBT was not for the sale of Full Tilt Poker, but merely an agreement stating that IF Full Tilt Poker relinquishes its assets to the US Department of Justice, the agency would then sell those assets to GBT for $80 million. While there is no reason for Full Tilt Poker not to accept such a deal, crazier things have happened in our industry in the past.

There was also speculation that players funds may not be 100% guaranteed, with the possibility that the DOJ may only make partial restitution brought up.

The agreement would also see all of the following things occur:

• The civil complaints against Full Tilt Poker dismissed –Criminal complaints against key individuals like Full Tilt CEO Ray Bitar would still remain, as would forfeitures and civil charges against other individuals
• No current Full Tilt Board Member would be part of the new enterprise
• The US Department of Justice would facilitate the payment of funds to players from the US
• Groupe Bernard Tapie would take-on all current debts to poker players from the rest of the world

We’ll keep you updated as more details are likely to develop on this story throughout the week.