THAI CREDIT CARD COMPANY PURSUED BY LICENCING
ZEALOTS
8 June 2007
Is this really illegal gambling?
A Thai credit card company has found itself in trouble
with the authorities for introducing a frequent user
program that enforcers believe constitutes illegal
gambling.
The Bangkok Post reports the Crime Suppression Division
is considering criminal legal action against
Krungsriayudhya Card Company for alleged involvement in
illegal gambling.
The company's recently launched credit card usage
promotion program is the cause of the fuss and has been
called into question by the Department of Provincial
Administration's (DPA) bureau of investigation and legal
affairs, which asked police to intervene, claiming the
company's actions violated the 1935 Gambling Act.
According to the bureau's complaint, the company invited
its card-holders to join the two-month program, which
was launched on May 15 and will last until July 15.
Under the scheme, credit card-holders who spend through
their cards will receive 10 to 100 percent of the money
back if the last two or three digits of an approval code
on a sales slip match random figures set by the company.
Card-holders are required to send an SMS to confirm
their intention to take part in the program.
According to police sources, the bureau of investigation
and legal affairs considers the promotion program an act
of gambling, which needs to be approved by the bureau,
the authorised agency that is responsible for issuing
gambling licences. Since the Krungsriayudhya Card Co has
failed to obtain permission for its promotion program
from the agency, the scheme is deemed as violating the
gambling law.
The police and prosecution authorities have yet to make
a final decision on the matter.
Online Casino News courtesy of
InfoPowa
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