Jackpot Factory/Affiliates and Players

[Pinababy69]

Firstly, I apologize for starting this thread in this particular forum. Simmo or Bryan, please move it to the appropriate forum if this is totally inappropriate. I probably would have put it in the Webmaster's section, but don't have access to post there. Seeing as it is a question directly related to the ongoing JF mess, I put it here so that the threads would be "together".

In doing a quick surf of various gambling portals and forums this morning, it simply astounds me how many webmasters and forum owners are still actively promoting, in some cases, downright pushing, Jackpot Factory.

It occurs to me that all the ECogra rulings and roguings in the world can't really hit Jackpot Factory where it hurts, and that is in the pocketbook. As long as affiliates continue to promote them and send them new players, I'm sure the powers that be at JF are laughing at all of us.

10 or 20 or even 100 individual casino players closing their accounts just doesn't make an impact. What does make an impact is a high profile webmaster who sends alot of new players their way refusing to promote them any longer, and thus cutting off their supply.

I visited the CAP (Casino Affiliate Programs) forum last night, still not even a mention of this posted there. Not one word. And this is the largest collection of high profile affiliates on the Web. I find it almost impossible to believe that they are not aware of this.

On the bright side, I have seen some positives. Webzcas, I visited your site, and while I still see JF banners, I see you have them redirecting to Roxy Palace. Thumbs up for doing the right thing. Simmo's site has the JF casinos still on his list, however he has them all crossed out, and big red letters informing everyone that they have been rogued at CM for unethical marketing practices. I like that idea. My friend Krypto who posted here the other day runs an EZBoard gambling forum, but what I consider to be one of the few good ones. Upon learning of this, she immediately erased every trace of them from her site, and closed all current promos she had running with them.

On the negative side, a high profile site such as WinnerOnline, still has their 400% promos plastered all over the main page. And even worse, everytime I go there, I get an exit popup which directs me to All Jackpots when I leave. They do however at least have a thread dedicated to this subject in their forum. GrandMaster, I have to ask you a question. Given your feelings on this whole matter, and from your posts, it appears they are as strong as mine, how do you feel about being a part of a site that still pushes this group? I totally understand you have zero control over what gets promoted, just asking for a personal opinion. If it were up to you, would you pull their advertising? I may just write to Jeff myself and ask him for a comment from the horse's mouth.

Don't get me wrong, I understand that these are purely business decisions being made here, and in some cases there is alot of possible revenue on the line. I guess what I'm trying to get at, is, where do you draw the line? I know you can't fight greed, it's one of the seven deadly sins, and sadly human nature. But at what point does money override all other moral and ethical considerations?

I didn't start this thread to start a new round of bashing. I'm truly interested in hearing any feedback from anyone regarding their views on this. Preferably constructive, if that's possible.

[Webzcas]

On the bright side, I have seen some positives. Webzcas, I visited your site, and while I still see JF banners, I see you have them redirecting to Roxy Palace.

Removing the banners is going to take time, if they are not served by a script or database which is the case with my sites.

However I have as you have seen for yourself changed the redirect for All Slots to Roxy. I need to do the same for WildJack Poker Room - The other JF site I promote.

I visited the CAP (Casino Affiliate Programs) forum last night, still not even a mention of this posted there. Not one word. And this is the largest collection of high profile affiliates on the Web. I find it almost impossible to believe that they are not aware of this.

Webmasters I have spoken to are well aware of this and there is a thread discussing this issue here:

http://www.casinoaffiliateprograms.c...2286#post72286

That said, Lloyd who is the Affiliate Manager for Brightshare is one of the most approachable and professional managers in the industry. Blame cannot be laid at his door IMO for this mess. I also feel this is why many webmasters have been quite quiet so far.

Personally what I would like to see happen is this:

1) JackPot Factory remove all remaining offending content.
2) Publically apologise and make a sizable donation to GamCare or similar charity.
3) eCOGRA to suspend JF's seals for 6 months.

If the first two measures are taken, I would be quite happy to promote their properties again. The third measure, will determine whether I personally continue to support eCOGRA and ensure my visitors to my sites are made aware of them.

[Renegade]

I am personally against any type of marketing that targets the weak and preys on them.
I want to make money, but I WILL NOT promote any one that has unethical marketing and business practices.
I don't care how much money is involved.
I have always tried to list only Online Casinos and Poker Rooms that do not have a bad rep.
I try my best to look out for the players.

I agree that we need to get the word out on JF, but we also have to take into account that no matter what is written about them, good or bad, they will benefit from having their name on our websites as far as the search engines goes.
If we can come up with something we can all place the same thing on our sites.

[Pinababy69]

That said, Lloyd who is the Affiliate Manager for Brigthshare is one of the most approachable and professional managers in the industry. Blame cannot be laid at his door IMO for this mess. I also feel this is why many webmasters have been quite quiet so far.

I agree Webzcas, and I sincerely hope that Jackpot Factory doesn't even THINK about trying to use him as a scapegoat in this. I wouldn't put it past them though, they've already shown the depths they'll sink to.

Thanks for the link to CAP, I'm on my way to read now. My apologies if I simply overlooked/missed it previously.

[Pinababy69]

I agree that we need to get the word out on JF, but we also have to take into account that no matter what is written about them, good or bad, they will benefit from having their name on our websites as far as the search engines goes.
If we can come up with something we can all place the same thing on our sites.

Thanks Renegade, I guess that's what I'm looking for...is to find out how many, if any, are willing to take a stand on this, and make a concerted effort to make sure that players are informed. There IS power in numbers, and if everyone (in a perfect world), or at least some, could get on the same page, I really think it could make a difference. Even if it's a small one.

[Webzcas]

Thanks Renegade, I guess that's what I'm looking for...is to find out how many, if any, are willing to take a stand on this, and make a concerted effort to make sure that players are informed. There IS power in numbers, and if everyone (in a perfect world), or at least some, could get on the same page, I really think it could make a difference. Even if it's a small one.

The really sad thing about this whole situation is that there was no need for them to resort to these underhand marketing activities. All Slots and their sister sites have built up a very good reputation over time by treating their players very well. The imbecile that approved and co-ordinated this marketing campaign has undone all their hard work.

[Renegade]

One of the main problems that I see, is that alot of webmasters are only concerned with affiliate checks, and don't care about what a casino does, as long as the money keeps coming in.
We all talk about and would love to have a true Gaming Commission that would handle these things for the BETTERMENT OF THE GAMBLING INDUSTRY.
One of the ways to try and get webmasters on the same page would be to try a Webmaster's seal of approval...A webmaster's commission maybe??? Something along those lines where like-minded webmasters could ban together to MAKE THE BIG DIFFERENCE.
IF someone could come up with this...I'm all for it.
Thank you Pinababy69, for your efforts, morals, and strong will in this.

[Renegade]

Webzcas


From what I gathered on the other post is that they have been doing this marketing since 2005...The links were hidden within the pages, but then somehow the links got seen.
They may have been, and may still be, a great casino as far as the players are concerned, but now one has to take into account, did they get that way with ONLY great CS???? Or did they get that way from BOTH CS AND the hidden links????

[Webzcas]

www.gpwa.net
www.casinoaffiliateprograms.com
www.igami.org

[Pinababy69]

The really sad thing about this whole situation is that there was no need for them to resort to these underhand marketing activities. All Slots and their sister sites have built up a very good reputation over time by treating their players very well. The imbecile that approved and co-ordinated this marketing campaign has undone all their hard work.

I absolutely agree on that Webzcas. Besides 32Red, these were the only casinos that I played at anymore at all. I hadn't played there in a while, but it's safe to say I won't be anymore, ever!!

And you are more forgiving than I am, because I would never promote this group again. But that is totally your prerogative, and I respect that. As I mentioned previously, I'm intelligent enough to realize that this is how some of you make your living, and sometimes you have to make what are purely business decisions, no different than large corporations.

I've read the thread on CAP, and while I was happy to see a few of your senior members immediately say they would yank/blacklist them, I was also disturbed to see some replies of "as long as they play their players and affiliates, I don't understand the problem". If someone doesn't get it, no amount of explanation in the world is going to change their mind. Again, thanks for the link.