Online publications try to assist players get their deposits back

Kudos to online gambling publications Gambling911 and TheOnlineWire.com for trying to find out where players at BetonSports stand in relation to recovering the monies in their accounts when the group was taken offline by a US federal court order. The order forbade the company to take any business from Americans, and ordering the repayment of monies deposited (see previous InfoPowa reports)

Although the group has obeyed the first part of the order, it has yet to return monies to US players and claims it is having difficulties in doing so due to its e-cash processors suspending operations.

The two publications reported on the unsuccessful efforts of a player who contacted the London stock exchange where BetonSports is listed, exploring what remedies players might have. Alas it appears that this avenue is unlikely to satisfy those owed, for the authorities advised that they were unable to help, saying: ".....our rules govern how a company's shares are traded on one of our markets and what the company has to do by virtue of being on a public market ( e.g. make various disclosures to the market).

"We do not regulate the company's business as such - I would have thought that that would be the jurisdiction of supply/consumer laws probably in either in the US and/or UK so I can only suggest (i) contacting BetonSports itself or (ii) contacting a relevant trade association for the sector in which BetonSports operates or (iii) taking local legal advice to understand what right you may have."

The UK Gambling Commission wasn't much help either, responding: "The Gambling Commission does not regulate internet/remote gambling at present. This will change September 2007, when we will regulate companies who have their servers based in the UK.

"Looking at the information it would appear that Betonsports operations are based in Costa Rica and Antigua, I can only suggest that you contact the regulators for these locations. You may also wish to seek independent legal advice."

Undeterred, 911 and TOW pressed forward with a plan to locate a suitable UK law firm that might be willing to represent players, perhaps with a view to a class action. Meetings with such a firm are scheduled soon.

Online Casino News courtesy of InfoPowa