Casino wants to know my salary

[Markus]

Today I decided to play at one of my favorite casinos. As I tried to login I noticed that my account is locked. Therefore I wrote an email to their customer support and asked why my account is locked. They answered this:

Hi Markus, your account was locked automatically because the level of
deposits/withdrawals has triggered our "know your customer" policy. As
with most gambling institutions we have a responsibility to fulfill KYC
and with this in mind, we would appreciate some back ground information
from you. Naturally anything that you say will be treated as
confidential and not divulged to any third party whatsoever. Could you
confirm

Your nationality, occupation, salary & name of your employer. If you are
self employed/own business, could you advise the nature of your business
and is this the source of your income?

Thank you for your understanding in this regard

Nick M.

I don't want to name the casino because I hold them in high esteem and always had good experiences with them. They are also accredited on Casinomeister.

I just want to know if this is a acceptable procedure and if someone else had experienced something like this? It must be said that I haven't had any big losses, quite the contrary I hade a lot of winnings there lately, so they don't do this because they worry about me.

In my opinion they don't have the right to demand this information from me, but on the other hand if I don't provide them with this information they probably don't allow me to continue to play in their casino.

 

[chayton]

huh....that is weird. Unless they're afraid you're money laundering or something?

If something like that happened to me, I'd shoot a PM to Casinomeister and find out if that's a normal request or not. It seems odd to me that they'd be asking for that kind of info, but maybe it's standard practice.

Maybe the high rollers can tell you if this is normal if you're depositing large amounts?

 

[mn001]

My reply would be "close my account i play somewhere else".

KYC is a must for financial companies. They will also give out info to police and other 3rd parties when they are forced to do so. But here they say "Naturally anything that you say will be treated as confidential and not divulged to any third party whatsoever.", so I don't think this is a standard KYC request. I mean if they never give out any info to anyone there's no reason to even care about KYC...

 

[Markus]

I always withdraw with the same method I deposit with (Moneybookers), so there is no reason to believe there would be money laundering or something.

I'm also no high roller, most of my deposits are only 20 Euro.

 

[The Dude]

I would only provide what you feel comfortable submitting to them. If this is not good enough for the casino management, then I'd just let them know that you choose not to provide everything and move on elsewhere.

 

[aceking123]

sounds like inetbet

 

[Diane]

sounds like inetbet

Now why would you even make that statement? It adds nothing to the content of the post and he specifically said he didn't want to name the casino.

Diane

 

[chuchu59]

I would dearly love to know which casino this is.

 

[Simmo!]

sounds like inetbet

Sounds like a bookmaker or a PLC to me. The red tape in some of these companies goes well over the top. On the plus side, if it is then it's unlikely that they will actually do anything with that information so although it's intrusive, I can't see it would do any harm.

Bottom line is, are they worth staying with?

 

[IanO]

Personally I think this kind of request is a smidge intrusive, but the reasons for asking may be very honorable. I once worked for a casino where we asked a player this exact question, though it was not part of our general policy. The reason we asked was we feared they might have been gambling 'above their means' and as such we asked these questions as part of our dedication to responsible gambling.

One of the triggers that caused us to ask was an increase in betting size following losses, and another was the players address. They were living in what could be described as a low income area, but betting like they owned a Bel-Air mansion.

I know you say you've been winning lately and dont think they ask because they worry about you... but problem gamblers dont always lose. Even they can have good streaks. You also say you only make small deposits.. but has the frequency of those deposits jumped up since you started winning?

Bottom line... can anyone think of a nefarious reason for a casino to ask this? I agree with Simmo and cant see any potential scam where a casino could or would use such information against a player... and would only (likely) need it for suspicion of either fraud/laudering or problem gambling.

'Partly' answering their question may proivide enough to re-assure the casino in question. For example 'I work in the construction industry, and earn between $XX and $XX anually.' Like Brian says... only share what you feel comfortable sharing.

 

[Jufo]

Bottom line... can anyone think of a nefarious reason for a casino to ask this? I agree with Simmo and cant see any potential scam where a casino could or would use such information against a player... and would only (likely) need it for suspicion of either fraud/laudering or problem gambling.

'Partly' answering their question may proivide enough to re-assure the casino in question. For example 'I work in the construction industry, and earn between $XX and $XX anually.' Like Brian says... only share what you feel comfortable sharing.

My speculation is that they asked this only because it was a winning player, so they are worried that this is an advantage player whose source of income is to generate profit from their bonuses. I may be cynical but very few on-line casinos are worried for the player that they gamble above their means. On the contrary, when I have gambled "above typical means", I have been usually offered VIP treatment and exclusive offers to entice me back. William Hill was the latest to do this. They delivered a bottle of wine to my door and hoped for my continued patronage after I had dumped 8K euros there.

 

[me_and_ed]

I would bet Inet as well, they sent me something with the KYC on my last w/d.

Regardless I would tell then nothing, when I go to my local B&M they dont ask, I go to vegas 6 times a yr and spend a large chunk, they dont ask either, I think this is complete bullshit, there is no privacy anymore in this world.

 

[Repro]

Although it sounds strange at first, i know in the Netherlands all financial institutions are REQUIRED to "know their customer". If they don't and get audited they are really screwed.

I've advised (potential) clients about a lot of financial issues. I'm proud to say that i know something "unique" about each client. That means i really took the time to get to know the client which is absolutely nessecary for a good advice.

In this case i feel the casino is covering themselves for a "potential problemgambler", but on the other hand shows that they monitor their players as a precaution.

I would send the casino a message telling them that i'm very concerned to give them the private information and tell them to give the exact reason they require it. Of course it's your own decision whether you give the information or not.

 

[Markus]

I know you say you've been winning lately and dont think they ask because they worry about you... but problem gamblers dont always lose. Even they can have good streaks. You also say you only make small deposits.. but has the frequency of those deposits jumped up since you started winning?

No, the frequency of my deposits was very stable. This month in this casino I have made several 20 Euro deposits with a total sum of 860 Euro. And I withdrew 4 times with a total sum of 6222.70 Euro. So I'm siginficantly ahead. I have played very consistently and didn't changed my gameplay at any time, so there is no reason to believe that there would be problem gambling.

Even though I have absolutly no understanding why they need to know these very personal informations, I have decided to give them the requested informations. Now I wait for an answer and hope that they will unlock my account.

Btw: It is not inetbet.

 

[The Dude]

Personally I think this kind of request is a smidge intrusive, but the reasons for asking may be very honorable. I once worked for a casino where we asked a player this exact question, though it was not part of our general policy. The reason we asked was we feared they might have been gambling 'above their means' and as such we asked these questions as part of our dedication to responsible gambling.

One of the triggers that caused us to ask was an increase in betting size following losses, and another was the players address. They were living in what could be described as a low income area, but betting like they owned a Bel-Air mansion.

I know you say you've been winning lately and dont think they ask because they worry about you... but problem gamblers dont always lose. Even they can have good streaks. You also say you only make small deposits.. but has the frequency of those deposits jumped up since you started winning?

Bottom line... can anyone think of a nefarious reason for a casino to ask this? I agree with Simmo and cant see any potential scam where a casino could or would use such information against a player... and would only (likely) need it for suspicion of either fraud/laudering or problem gambling.

'Partly' answering their question may proivide enough to re-assure the casino in question. For example 'I work in the construction industry, and earn between $XX and $XX anually.' Like Brian says... only share what you feel comfortable sharing.

Some excellent points.

I think that asking your employer's name is a bit intrusive. Perhaps just asking for your occupation and whether you are employed may me enough. I don't know the exact situation, so it's hard to really form a well thought out opinion. But I do agree that it may be a case of trying to protect the player from losing too much.

 

[Jufo]

Some excellent points.

I think that asking your employer's name is a bit intrusive. Perhaps just asking for your occupation and whether you are employed may me enough. I don't know the exact situation, so it's hard to really form a well thought out opinion. But I do agree that it may be a case of trying to protect the player from losing too much.

Nope, based on the details the player posted this doesn't seem to be the case here at all. This strongly seems to relate to the casino fearing that this is not a profitable customer for them.

I hope the OP will reveal the name of the casino at some point, because as some level of integrity if expected from Accredited casinos, knowing the casino would serve public interest.

 

[Westland Bowl]

I find it odd that a casino would be required to "Know Your Customer" as they are not a financial institution. I thought this "Know Your Customer" was an United States thing and online casinos are not US-based so what the heck are they asking for? What government regulation requires them to ask this? Is it an "internal" regulation they made up themselves?

 

[Dipity]

I have a feeling this could be Bet365 or a similar Playtech Casino - I had something similar before from Bet365, and I simply moved on from them after the request.

I didn't feel comfortable sharing some of the information asked for - and if you don't, the best thing you can do is to simply move on from the casino in question.

 

[takethemoney]

There are only a few basic things a casino has the right to know, as far as I am concerned.

1. Am I of legal age
2. Am I who I say I am
3. Were my deposit methods honest and cashable
4. I am not a multiple account holder
5. I not a chargeback risk
6. Have I sent in my docs
7. Do my charge cards match the identity of the one using them

Beyond all that, IMO, NOTFB!

 

[Nifty29]

No casino has the right to request such information.

It is not becoming of an accredited casino IMO.

 

[chayton]

I have a feeling this could be Bet365 or a similar Playtech Casino.

I think you may be right.

 

[colly]

AML (antimoney laundering) and KYC are unfortunntely being used as a catch all exscuse to aquire information= in many cases not necessary but put in place to "cover all bases" because some groups are too lazy to properly review examine and apply the law as it applies to the player concerned.

If the players deposits (multiple) totalled 860 euros then it is certainly UNDER the AML and reporting threshholds and not a valid reason for a request- nor (ignoring threshholds) is it likely to fall under the "reasonable cause" rules.

 

[Simmo!]

It's unusual, intrusive even, by why does it really matter? We often get asked for an answer to a "secret" question like "What's your mother's maiden name" and I bet most of us answer it without thinking - there's far more someone could do with that than with knowing someone's salary.

If as I suspect, this is a bookmaker or "brand" then I don't think they actually need to know the salary itself per se. So...

@the OP: Just ask them why they want to know. I bet they reply (truly or otherwise) it's a security thing to protect the player then just respond to that with "I feel unconfortable revealing that information but I am gambling well within my means". If it is truly KYC then my bet is that will suffice as the casino has been seen to have made an effort to protect their players and received a positive response that should appease any auditing process.

 

[P.V.]

Today I decided to play at one of my favorite casinos. As I tried to login I noticed that my account is locked. Therefore I wrote an email to their customer support and asked why my account is locked. They answered this:

I don't want to name the casino because I hold them in high esteem and always had good experiences with them. They are also accredited on Casinomeister.

I just want to know if this is a acceptable procedure and if someone else had experienced something like this? It must be said that I haven't had any big losses, quite the contrary I hade a lot of winnings there lately, so they don't do this because they worry about me.

In my opinion they don't have the right to demand this information from me, but on the other hand if I don't provide them with this information they probably don't allow me to continue to play in their casino.

Not sure whom the casino is but unless it's listed within the T & C's they should ask for it during registration. That way you can opt out during registration if you feel uncomfortable providing the additional information.

 

[aceking123]

Now why would you even make that statement? It adds nothing to the content of the post and he specifically said he didn't want to name the casino.

Diane

what the hell is up with you did you get out the bed the wrong side ? im a forum member i can write on here just as much as you , dont see your point either diane , depends on the way you had taken my comment! thats the sort of thing inetbet does , if im wrong not a problem at all , seems funny you havnt jumped on the other people guessing to which casino it is !

 

[Mousey]

It's unusual, intrusive even, by why does it really matter? We often get asked for an answer to a "secret" question like "What's your mother's maiden name" and I bet most of us answer it without thinking - there's far more someone could do with that than with knowing someone's salary.

If as I suspect, this is a bookmaker or "brand" then I don't think they actually need to know the salary itself per se. So...

@the OP: Just ask them why they want to know. I bet they reply (truly or otherwise) it's a security thing to protect the player then just respond to that with "I feel unconfortable revealing that information but I am gambling well within my means". If it is truly KYC then my bet is that will suffice as the casino has been seen to have made an effort to protect their players and received a positive response that should appease any auditing process.

I guess I'm just weird (i.e. paranoid) but such questions as to mom's maiden name? street you grew up on? are usually for personal prompts to get me into a site (banking, Macy's, whatever). I just lie and make the answer something I'll remember -- or make a note of it.

the OP could tell the casino/book anything as to wages, but they also want to know who his employer is? Ummm... are they going to be contacting the payroll/personnel dept where he works to verify his wages? If not, why do they need that info? I wouldn't want any casino contacting where I work. PERIOD. Online casinos always have that little space in the registration form for 'Work' phone number. They MUST be joking. I always put my home #.

The OP may do as he so chooses, and has.

But I'd really, really like to know why they need this sort of info and what they're going to do with it when they get it.

Of course, I'm in USA, land of the free and the broke, and don't deal with this sort of thing any more.

 

[Jufo]

It's unusual, intrusive even, by why does it really matter? We often get asked for an answer to a "secret" question like "What's your mother's maiden name" and I bet most of us answer it without thinking - there's far more someone could do with that than with knowing someone's salary.

It's not just about the question itself but the timing of the question after the player had won 6K. Don't you find it a bit disturbing that if you win 6K you are not allowed to continue playing unless you tell them your salary?

This is not an "innocent" query about the player's means. There is clearly a more sinister motive for the question.

@the OP: Just ask them why they want to know. I bet they reply (truly or otherwise) it's a security thing to protect the player then just respond to that with "I feel unconfortable revealing that information but I am gambling well within my means". If it is truly KYC then my bet is that will suffice as the casino has been seen to have made an effort to protect their players and received a positive response that should appease any auditing process.

So the player won 6K there and the casino wants to protect the player, so that he doesn't accidentally lose the 6K back to them? That would be very kind of them but we all know that no casino operates like that, unfortunately.

 

[Brooklyn]

I will not fail to bring to your notice that risk is free in this transaction and that you should not entertain any atom of fear as all required arrangements have been made for the transfer.Please for full trust,don't forget to reply with your contact information like-Your Name,Age,Marital Status.,Cell PhoneNumber,Your Country,Your House Address,Your Occupation,Sex,Religion,Your ID Card Or International Passport and Your Private E-mail Address and Occupation for full trust.

No it's not a casinos T&C's. It's part of an email saying I can get a gabillion dollars put into my bank account, lucky me. My point is there is no reason for this information; none at all. Especially if this player has been there a while and hasn't had a problem before their win.

 

[4 of a kind]

The only time I was ever asked about personal details similar to the OP, was in Atlantic City when I applied for markers at two different casinos. Not until a complete credit check along with confirmation of details being completed was I approved. I still have these markers and periodically the casinos still follow up with additional credit checks.

I've wired several times funds to a casinos cage in Las Vegas weeks in advance for a planned visit. Not once was I asked about personal details since I'm certain the bank sending the funds already had all this information.

I also cashed out from Party Poker (in the good ole days) and wired 117k directly to my bank account without any questions being asked other then the banks international wire code.

I'm not surprised with any new delay tactic any online casino will muster up.

 

[Simmo!]

It's not just about the question itself but the timing of the question after the player had won 6K. Don't you find it a bit disturbing that if you win 6K you are not allowed to continue playing unless you tell them your salary?

This is not an "innocent" query about the player's means. There is clearly a more sinister motive for the question.



So the player won 6K there and the casino wants to protect the player, so that he doesn't accidentally lose the 6K back to them? That would be very kind of them but we all know that no casino operates like that, unfortunately.

I think you may have missed the point of my post Jufo. I am 99% sure the casino is doing this to satisfy KYC. They probably don't give a hoot what the salary is. It just needs a response from the player so the casino - if audited - can say it met it's obligations by asking.

 

[Diane]

I would dearly love to know which casino this is.

But he said he didn't want to disclose it. You can send him a PM and maybe he will tell you in private.

Diane

 

[The Dude]

Admin Note: Moved posts

I've moved the derail postings here.
https://www.casinomeister.com/forums/threads/derail-from-casino-wants-to-know-my-salary.46326/

Please, let's keep the conversation on track. Thank you.

 

[Markus]

After I have sent them the requested information, today I have got an answer from them:

Hi Markus, although I would like to thank you for providing the
information below, your account will remain marked as closed.

Regards


Nick M.

I'm somewhat shocked, especially because there is absolutly no explanation given! So I wrote back and requested an explanation. As soon as I get an answer I will post it here.

 

[chayton]

After I have sent them the requested information, today I have got an answer from them:
I'm somewhat shocked, especially because there is absolutly no explanation given! So I wrote back and requested an explanation. As soon as I get an answer I will post it here.

And you sent them everything they asked for? Or did you say, "I'm sending the info I feel comfortable sending"???

The whole thing is really strange...I for one am very interested in hearing the explanation they give you.

 

[Markus]

And you sent them everything they asked for? Or did you say, "I'm sending the info I feel comfortable sending"???

I have sent them everything they asked for!
In my opinion it is a matter of fairness that they at least give me an explanation why my account remain closed after they have reqested this very personal information from me.

 

[Jufo]

I think you may have missed the point of my post Jufo. I am 99% sure the casino is doing this to satisfy KYC. They probably don't give a hoot what the salary is. It just needs a response from the player so the casino - if audited - can say it met it's obligations by asking.

Are you still 99% sure that the casino was doing this only to satisfy KYC, Simmo?

Markus, it might be time to name the casino in question soon, as at this point it would cause no harm to do so.

 

[Markus]

Markus, it might be time to name the casino in question soon, as at this point it would cause no harm to do so.

Because I have little hope that they will reopen my account I think you are right.
It's Totesport Casino.
I have always valued their fast payouts and good customer support, but how they treated me here is very disappointing.

 

[Simmo!]

Because I have little hope that they will reopen my account I think you are right.
It's Totesport Casino.
I have always valued their fast payouts and good customer support, but how they treated me here is very disappointing.

Here's my guess:

Tote was just taken over by Betfred. Betfred may be wary of German accounts because of the bonus fraud that originates there and thus maybe taking a hard line and removing German Tote accounts that might be deemed risky and/or unprofitable.

That is totally speculative btw. It might simply be related to licensing in regulated environs. But it seems reasonable to assume that following the takeover, Betfred will be auditing and evaluating each account.

Whatever the reason, they have decided they don't want your business unfortunately.

I knew it would be a bookmaker :/

 

[Markus]

Here's my guess:

Tote was just taken over by Betfred. Betfred may be wary of German accounts because of the bonus fraud that originates there and thus maybe taking a hard line and removing German Tote accounts that might be deemed risky and/or unprofitable.

German players are generally excluded from bonuses at Totesport Casino as you can see in their Terms & Conditions:

14. Due to increased bonus abuse, players from the following countries are excluded from this promotion: Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Germany, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Argentina, Bulgaria, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, Poland, Portugal, Russia & Italy. Any player found to have an incorrect address registered to their totesport account will forfeit this and all future bonuses.

Therefore I have never played with a bonus at Totesport Casino.

 

[Simmo!]

German players are generally excluded from bonuses at Totesport Casino as you can see in their Terms & Conditions:

Therefore I have never played with a bonus at Totesport Casino.

Maybe you just won too much Markus LOL

Several other good Playtech casinos out there though and more coming

 

[kangamick]

Sorry if this has already been answered but is any money locked in your account or have they already paid you the $6000?

If they have already paid you, I would just move on.

 

[Markus]

Sorry if this has already been answered but is any money locked in your account or have they already paid you the $6000?

If they have already paid you, I would just move on.

They have paid all my winnings without any problems.

Of course I have to move on now, but it is still a shame because I have liked that casino and I would like to continue play there but they don't let me for an unknown reason.

 

[rainmaker]

.

I think it would be fair to ask the rep for a reply in this thread.

It is a bit unusual to close a players account when the player never uses any bonuses etc. And to ask the player for KYC information, when they most likely never had the intention to re-open the account anyway is also unusual.

It would be interesting to know if they had closed his account if he was a profitable customer.

 

[Gremmyboy]

As others have stated it seems that they have closed the account due to the $6k win.

Perhaps they needed the salary to see if the player earns enough to keep pumping money in to the casino?

Maybe they just see you as 'one lucky bugger' and don't want you're small deposits that end up costing them $000's!

As others have said, there are plenty of other casinos out there that want your business and won't lock you out if you happen to be lucky! I know it sucks when you like a certain casino and have done nothing wrong and get treated like crap but I'd consider it as their loss!

Cheers
Gremmy

 

[thelawnet]

.

I think it would be fair to ask the rep for a reply in this thread.

It is a bit unusual to close a players account when the player never uses any bonuses etc. And to ask the player for KYC information, when they most likely never had the intention to re-open the account anyway is also unusual.

It would be interesting to know if they had closed his account if he was a profitable customer.

It's absolutely ok for the casino to close any player's account at any time for any reason after allowing them to withdraw/complete any bonuses, but they have no business asking salary/occupation.

 

[Markus]

It's absolutely ok for the casino to close any player's account at any time for any reason after allowing them to withdraw/complete any bonuses, but they have no business asking salary/occupation.

Yes it is their right to close a player's account. And it is even their right to refuse giving an explanation for the closing, but they shouldn't be surprised if that puts them into a bad light, especially after asking about salary and occupation.
They still haven't answered my e-mail where I requested an explanation.

 

[bisbis]

send at support this salary IS ONLY one MONTH OF footballer

Expired Image

 

[The Dude]

@bisbis
And you are posting this because?

Moving you to the Moderated Users where your posts will have to be approved by a moderator before they go live.

 

[Markus]

Strange, now Betfred has closed my account. But I don't think this is a coincidence as Totesport was bought by Betfred.

Hello Markus,

Thank you for your ID documentation, your €1,598.80 Moneybookers withdrawal has been re-enqueued and shall be processed within a 24-hour maximum timeframe.

I must unfortunately inform you that Betfred is unable to offer you a casino account any longer, we reserve the right to do this and hope that it is not too much of an inconvenience for you.

Your cash balance account can remain open but you shall not be able to access either casino or poker at any point in the future.

I do wish you all the best in your current and future endeavours.

Sincerely,

Yits M.
Deputy Casino Manager

Petfre (Gibraltar) Ltd │ 5.2 Waterport Place │ 2 Europort Avenue │ Gibraltar

www.betfredcasino.com

 

[jod5413]

It does seem as if you are, in fact, being "punished" for being lucky, Markus. That really sucks, IMO. It is a shame that others that play there don't "punish" them by finding another place to play. Like everyone has told you, there are others out there that are just as good and might not be that short sighted. Good Luck.