US Players and Casinomeister

[Casinomeister]

Last week was a tough week. Tough but informative.

As many of you know, I was attending the European Interactive Gaming conference in Barcelona. It was the largest European gathering of casino operators and software developers yet. An excellent show which I will discus more in this week's newsletter.

One thing for sure, there is a very big problem in the US when it comes to dealing with online casinos and poker rooms. It's a mess and no one has any answers on how to deal with this. There is also a definite risk to anyone who is continuing to accept US bets. A number of casinos have decided to block players from certain jurisdictions in the States - but even this is not clear. I spoke to one individual who mentioned that there are only two states that don't have some law concerning online gaming - Montana and Wyoming I believe (not 100% sure). Nevertheless, there are risks - especially when there are so many Americans suing each other for ridiculous reasons, and Bible thumping prosecutors who will tout their misguided morals on whomever they chose.

So, a command decision was made while I was there at the conference: Casinos that accept bets from US based players will not be listed at Casinomeister.

So what does this mean for Casinomeister members who reside in the US? Not too much if you are playing at Casinos not listed here. Unfortunately, you won't have that sense of protection while playing at a "Casinomeister Accredited Casino" since there won't be any at your disposal.

You may need to venture out of your house and check out the local poker room dives in your neighborhood, or anticipate a freaky road-trip to Vegas or some nearby Indian reservation. But if you're looking to join casinos from here, sorry - I can't help you out.

Everything else is business as usual - PAB is open to anyone (except fraudsters). US players are encouraged to join the forum and contribute their experiences, observations, bitches and moans, etc. The newsletter should still be just as informative and vibrant to anyone who likes to read - the webcast is still funny ha ha. And Skill Games may be joining the landscape here as well - you may find this just as enjoyable as casino games.

Sorry that it has to be this way, but this is a command decision that had to be made. I hope you understand.

[Simmo!]

So the US politicians and the moralists have managed to ensure the American gambling public get less help and advice rather than more. One big step for "American Values", one giant leap for Criminals

That said I think you are right to work within the law CM. I hope people come to their senses in the future once they have their votes in the bag and common sense prevails over money.

[Zoozie]

Nevertheless, there are risks - especially when there are so many Americans suing each other for ridiculous reasons, and Bible thumping prosecutors who will tout their misguided morals on whomever they chose.

Very well put!

So, a command decision was made while I was there at the conference: Casinos that accept bets from US based players will not be listed at Casinomeister.

So what does this mean for Casinomeister members who reside in the US? Not too much if you are playing at Casinos not listed here.

WHAAAT?

I understand why you can not redirect US citizens to casinos, but why enforce this stupid 'US only rule' to the rest of the world?

Could you just not simply list the casinos as you always have and just write that it is illegal for US cititzens to play there? Or you could sniff the IP adress and simply not show this list to US surfers. Or one time pop-up question (then store in cookie) where surfers has to confirm they are not US citizens?

By not listing the good reliable casinos on your site, you are hurting all non-US players as well. They will end up at rogued casinos and get cheated the hell out of them.

Zoozie

[Simmo!]

Or you could sniff the IP adress and simply not show this list to US surfers. Or time time pop-up question (then store in cookie) where surfers has to confirm they are not US citizens?

Nice idea. I have a geo-targetting PHP script I use if that helps CM.

[Casinomeister]

...But not listing the good reliable casinos on your site, you are hurting all non-US players as well...

Actually, there is a solution to this. A number of the casino groups/casinos that were removed are putting together casino sites that will accept all non-US players, and then they will be readmitted to the section. This just won't happen overnight.

[Westland Bowl]

You may need to venture out of your house and check out the local poker room dives in your neighborhood, or anticipate a freaky road-trip to Vegas or some nearby Indian reservation.

Maybe I'll just MOVE out of the US instead.

[silcnlayc]

So, a command decision was made while I was there at the conference: Casinos that accept bets from US based players will not be listed at Casinomeister.

Knew this was coming, hence the question in another post....this is a sad day!

[cheekymonkey]

Would the last person to leave, please turn out the lights.

[Casinomeister]

Knew this was coming, hence the question in another post....this is a sad day!

Yes, I agree - this sucks. But it's necessary.

[amatrine]

Won't this just encourage more casinos to no longer take US players?

**sigh**

Ama