JF is closing off the US to NEW registrations

[Simmo!]

The operators seem more concerned with keeping their affiliates in the picture than in liasing with their customers, and in the absence of player communications I therefore hope that affiliates will keep coming in here and posting the latest information they have been sent by the programs.

I think in all fairness in many instances the affiliate programs and the casinos are seperate operations and I would imagine preparation for exit from the casino perspective is a much more intensive process.


Those two groups are the only groups I am aware of that are pulling out entirely, but I expec others to follow. There still seems to be some confusion over whether it was an MG decision or an operator decision. Strikes me that a handful of the big operators decided to pull out and therefore MG decided it wasn't worth continuing so pulled the plug on everyone.

Assuming this is the case, that puts a lot of extra stress on the smaller operators who now have to rush to find solutions. A cynic might suggest that it rather sounds like the big boys trying to force out the smaller guys, but maybe that's just a by-product.

I fully expect to see MG groups close or merge now.

Of course US law might suddenly all change if Barney's stuff comes off. Only time will tell, but it may come too late for some. I'm still trying to work out how/why this gives MG a problem...surely if it's a payment processing thing then it makes sense to let the individual operators decide if the cost justifies the position.

[Webzcas]

Well this is one affiliate that Fortune Lounge have not had the courtesy to inform what is going on regarding 1st December.

If Fortune pull out entirely, then it is a given Carmen Media and Jackpot Factory will also. That will then ensure the domino effect is in place, meaning all MGS properties pulling out.

Which is understandable given the problems with the US Market. What is not understandable is all this cloak and dagger stuff, with rumours doing the rounds and players and affiliates not knowing exactly what is going to happen until it has happened.

I would have thought Microgaming and also their licencees would have learnt from the Neteller debacle that lack of communication sucks. Keep your customers and partners informed!!

[Mousey]

Belle Rock is pulling out immediately.

from a bit of a chat:

USA player: so theres no way I can get the download back?

BR chat: Regrettably not. Our gaming licence no longer allow that.

BR chat: The situation are currently our of our control.

[jetset]

As I commented earlier, imo as a communications exercise this is at present a mess.

Regardless of who made the initial or subsequent moves, these operators, software provider and affiliate programs have all been in this business for long enough to be well aware of the perils of bad communication and its impact on their players....and their reputations.

They need to remember that it's not just axed US players reading these forums, but customers around the world who may have potential for them in their new marketing efforts elsewhere.

And who will not be impressed by the manner in which things are currently being handled.

At the very least, the operators and their affiliate programs - and perhaps the software provider too - need to get their heads together and share with the players what is going on here.

[Westland Bowl]

I really don't understand what the frickin' problem is! For one thing, we have a new administration coming in who are more supportive of online gambling. Also, why couldn't Microgaming wait until the results of the Kentucky case? You can't assume you are going to lose. It appears to me that Microgaming is freaking out unnecessarily. The sky is not going to fall.

I can only think that Microgaming has plans to go public shortly and wants to follow the other publicly-traded Playtech, Wagerlogic, etc. in that those pulled out of the US market two years ago.

Maybe they heard talk about Dept of Justice doing their own "midnight prosecutions" against payment processors. Microgaming may just be shutting down now temporarily until the new administration is sworn in. Ah, who knows?

[Mousey]

.....

At the very least, the operators and their affiliate programs - and perhaps the software provider too - need to get their heads together and share with the players what is going on here.

I've only had ONE email communication from any of the many, many MG casinos where I have an account. And that was the email from JPF about them killing Flash and progressives for USA players.

At least the affiliates have had some communication from their affiliate programs. But, strangely enough, players are left (yet again!) to fend for themselves, scratching up info in bits and pieces, with no clue as to what is fact or what is purely rumor.

I am completely disgusted with the way this pull out is being handled by the casinos and/or MG.

[Pinababy69]

The December 1st date is not a rumour, guys - that has already been given to affiliates by certain affiliate programs - Grand Prive and Fortune Lounge among them....I was sent a copy of the email from Grand Prive which I posted earlier - here are the relevant details for your convenience:

QUOTE

Overly cautious it probably is and certainly ill-timed with traditionally the busiest time of the year heading our way – but this, unfortunately, is where the road ends regarding all US-based business. Clearly this development makes operating in the United States very difficult for us and, as such, Grand Privé Affiliates will close our US operations on 1 December 2008, with our final commission payment (for November’s play) for all American players marking the closing of this chapter in the United States book.

We thank you for your support and I would like to encourage you to join us as we push hard into all countries outside the US (Canada and Europe especially). We are certainly keen to continue our business relationship with you and look forward to doing great things in the future.

UNQUOTE

In my view, the player is the customer of the operator, on whom there is therefore a clear obligation to act in a responsible and professional manner if an exit is planned.

That to me includes telling players what the future holds, putting in place a reasonable timeline and communications service and setting up an exit plan that allows the player to monetise and withdraw all benefits currently accrued.

That opinion is voiced under my personal assessment that these moves do herald individual retreats from the US market by at least some of the MGS powered groups. The only ones I know about at present are Grand Prive and Fortune Lounge, but it looks as if there may be others with these new developments advised by Pinababy above.

I think she is probably right in her speculation on the cause of the progressives switch-off, but I can't figure out why a Flash game switch-off is being contemplated.

I think all MGS powered groups need to consider their positions regarding the United States business and advise their players of their intentions as soon as they can to avoid any misunderstandings.

At present the situation remains confusing, mainly because individual licensees are not communicating their decisions on whether they are in or out of the US market to their customers - the players - and there seems to be no complete plan for affiliates either.

The message boards are yet again proving to be a valuable early warning system for players in my view.

The operators seem more concerned with keeping their affiliates in the picture than in liasing with their customers, and in the absence of player communications I therefore hope that affiliates will keep coming in here and posting the latest information they have been sent by the programs.

Thanks for the Fortune Lounge heads up Jetset, I had completely missed that. And I 110% agree with you on your other points re: keeping PLAYERS informed.

While it seems Webz received no notice from Fortune, overall it is pretty apparent that the affiliates, at this time, are better informed than the players. And while JPF/David Brickman have done more than any other casino group as far as sharing information, he has not been back to update the thread re: the banning of Progressive/Flash play (although it appears they have at least emailed their customers). Fortune Lounge, BelleRock and Intertops all have reps on this forum.....where are they?

Once again, players seem to find themselves at the bottom of the totem pole. The casinos care more about affiliates, "some" affiliates care more about themselves and are already heartily discussing what casinos they can use to replace the MG banners they will have to remove from their U.S. facing websites. It's my old pet peeve.....if EVERYONE would put the player at the top of the food chain, things would be a whole lot better for everyone.

Kudos to the affiliates who do realize that without players, there is no business, period. And players should keep in mind who treated them right, and who didn't.

I had a thought on the no Flash play thing, and was wondering if it's technically impossible for MG to block certain games ie. Progressives, within the flash client, and thus the only option was to block ALL flash play?

My biggest concern now is that if/when MG goes entirely, that leaves very slim pickings for U.S. players, and will open the door for even more rogue operations to prey upon them. There are those who will want to continue to play, no matter what......and with MG not an option, where will they end up? With whoever will take them. It really is down to a handful of trustworty places left for the U.S. customer.

[Simmo!]

I had a thought on the no Flash play thing, and was wondering if it's technically impossible for MG to block certain games ie. Progressives, within the flash client, and thus the only option was to block ALL flash play?

As I understand it thats basically the key. To remove progressives you have to block the lot. I think its only JF that are doing this though - so far.

[Webzcas]

I have spoken to my new Relationship Manager at Fortune Affiliates this morning and apparently this was the first he heard of it ( December 1st ). He then asked me for the url of this thread and I directed him to JetSet's post above. Since then I have not heard back from him. I also cc'd DS on the email.

Why the secrecy?? Just come out and make a public statement as to what you are doing. I am not a happy camper.

[jetset]

Well, it seems your communication with FL at least brought this thread to their attention, Webzcas!

I have been approached by a Fortune Lounge manager who has denied that the group is planning to exit the US market on December 1st

He has confirmed that new US signups are being blocked, and that blocks have also been placed on progressive play and Flash action for US players.

I'm happy to post a correction to keep the record straight.

BTW, I took the opportunity to make the point that failure to communicate with your players can only result in speculation, alarm and frustraion from the folks who put the bread on the table and should therefore be the top priority.