Issue #237
Special GIGSE Montreal Edition
Dear Reader,
I'm back. If you didn't notice, I was happily attending the Global Interactive Gaming Summit and Exposition - and lovin' it. But enough of this trivial banter, time to roll up the sleeves and get into the nitty gritty.
Obviously yours,
Bryan
In this issue:
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It's BrYan with a Y!
So where should I begin? I could begin with a fine cup o' java I had before departing to the airport in Nürnberg. Or I could begin with my discovery of having no aisle seat on the flight from Zürich to Montreal, or this could begin with my amusement over a stupidly funny in-flight movie "Be Cool". But nope, I'll begin with my problematic entry into Canada."Oh Canada!" I thought as my wife and I lined up with all the other foreigners ready to have our documents checked for entry into the Great White North. Not too white right now, in fact it was down right hot and muggy. But nevertheless, I was prepared to give my "prepared reason" (memorized) to be visiting this fine country. It seems that every year I enter Canada, I either get sent to the waiting room full of people with Turbans, or the Canadians search all of my bags. There is something about me that they don't like. Well this time I found out what it was.
I presented my passport and entry document, answered the standard questions "What are you doing here? What is your line of business?" and then - yep - the big red pen came out and my entry document was red flagged, and I was told to go into the "additional security" room and see the officers there.
So this is where I went. I presented my passport to the young officer and he began typing in all sorts of stuff on his computer and began asking me questions like what was my social security number, have I ever been arrested, and where did I live when I lived in the states.
He took this information - left his desk - and came back smiling saying things were probably cool. I asked him what was up, and he said that there is a "Brian Bailey" spelled with an i that has my same birth date and is wanted in Canada for a DUI. I was allowed to go on my merry way, and now I know why I'm always harassed when I fly into Canada. And I also know why it is so damn important for everyone to use the Y when spelling my name.
You would not believe how dense some people are. Look at my email address - bryan@casinomeister.com. I get emails all the time from people using this address and addressing me as "Brian." What the hell? It's my name - and I like the name my parents gave me. I think it even sounds different (and better) than the "i" name. And besides, there are just too many "i" Bri/yan's - gets on my nerves. So now I have a legitimate reason to insist upon the "y".
Montreal for me is a little strange. It looks somewhat like the states - big streets - big cars, big food, but the architecture is European, and US North Eastern, especially the older buildings. And everyone (mostly everyone) speaks French. If you don't speak French - no problem, most everyone can revert to English. Reading French comes in handy though since the signs don't speak.
I was all hyped up for the conference. The GIGSE is the biggest and the most well attended conference on this planet that specifically deals with online gaming and poker. If you had to choose only one conference to attend for the entire year, this is the one to pick. This year was the biggest. It was my fourth GIGSE, and it was the usual flawlessly planned (apparently so) extravaganza.
Day One kicked off with Sue Schneider's opening remarks, and a panel discussion - "Perspectives from Industry Leaders". Sounds boring? Not in the least bit. Trippy stuff, but first, a word from our (mine) sponsors...
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Franz Wohlfahrt from Novomatic AG, and Frank Fahrenkopf from the American Gaming Association gave presentations on their perspective of the gaming industry. Herr Wohlfahrt had an optimistic feeling about the current situation in Europe citing that Europe is moving towards regulation. It's a progressive market here - but complex due to the number of borders that need to be taken into consideration.On the flipside, Frank Fahrenkopf spoke of the problems facing the US market stating that the biggest obstacle for legislation against online gaming is the 10th amendment which guarantees sovereign rights of the states. States are to be able to make their own choices without the US government stepping in. This is why the US has all but 2 states with some sort of regulated gaming (Utah and Hawaii have none). Even though there seems to be a strong push to ban online gaming, 80-85% of the American public don't see a problem with it. 15% are opposed. Well who are these 15%? Well the lawmakers who are banding together are an odd sorts - it's the far right who feel that gambling is morally wrong (yet their mothers probably play bingo online), and the far left who feel that people are too stupid to make decisions on their own. They need the government to protect them from themselves.
So there is a new bill on the horizon - it's an "enforcement bill" that will make it illegal to participate in illegal activities and is geared towards the credit card companies (again). He doubts that it will pass, but you never know... What is obvious is the two differing philosophies of European and US lawmakers. US citizens need to keep their representatives in check by popping them an email or writing them a letter every so often. US citizens take note: don't let your representatives in Washington forget that political extremists (far left and right) should not be allowed to infringe on your rights to make decisions for yourself.
Highlight of the day was Debbee Silverman's panel discussion on "Bonus Programs". Debbee, aka "Greedygirl" on most message boards, moderated a very informative discussion on the double-edged topic. Brad Romano from Bodog.com, Amrit Bhatta representing Slickstreet marketing, Brian Cullingworth - InfoPowa News, Adsdotcom's Peter Marcus, and Marty Jensen from Main Street Group were a great mix; operators, marketers, and a consumer/player advocate. There was a bit of debate on how bonuses are used, and a consensus that bonuses are here to stay. Most casinos operators don't like being forced to market their casinos with bonuses, but as long as one casino does it, they all need to do it to remain competitive. It's a neccessary evil of the business. As for the criticisms that many casinos come under-fire for confusing bonus terms, Adsdotcom's Peter Marcus (Intercasino properties and VIPcasino) stated, "If you can't explain it [the bonus terms] in three lines, don't do it." Casino operators should heed this worthy advice.
That evening brought on the cocktail reception which was like a who's who convention concerning online gambling. Usually I find myself ducking into corners to avoid the roguish operators - or watching my back for thuggish loiterers - but this time I was pleasantly surprised - no dickheads to deal with. Or perhaps they were avoiding me. Anyway, I was not about to indulge in too much beer or whatnot since I was to moderate a panel discussion on affiliate marketing the next day. And my mind was still brainstorming on what to ask. So what did I ask? Scroll down to find out...
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No hangover...
Day Two was a bitchin' day. I woke up early, rubbed my eyes, and kicked the wife out of bed to go make coffee. Ha! Got your attention, eh? No, I didn't kick her. And I had no headache - and I was able to get up and focus on my 9:45 AM discussion - no problem.The topic of the panel was "Affiliate Marketing" and I had three affiliate marketing representatives and a portal operator for panelists: Edward Ihre from Pokerroom.com, Nicky Senyard from Incomeaccess.com, Brian Cooke from Casino Profit Share, and Winneronline.com's General Manager Jeff Tuttle. It was a well attended session and no one seemed too hung-over.
We discussed what works and what doesn't, and in what direction this marketing is going. There seemed to be a consensus that a lot of marketing is being directed off-line for both casinos and portals. Brian Cooke brought up an excellent point that "reputation is everything". An affiliate is only one click away to choosing another brand and so are the players - one click away to join your competitors. It's a very very competitive industry, but even so - it's amazing how much we all work together.
But there are some cut-throat webmasters and affiliate managers out there - that's for sure. What a shame.
Before the panel ended, I was curious on what type of audience I was dealing with. I would estimate around 150 - 200 people were in the audience, and I asked to see a show of hands on who was there for the first time - more than half the people held their hands up. Amazing - and it goes to show that this industry is really growing.
After my show, there was a break. And again a great opportunity to meet face to face with just about anyone in the business. It seems to be attracting the right people. The sleaze factor seems to be decreasing as more legitimate and established businesses are getting involved. Calvin Ayre from Bodog.com put this into a nutshell that afternoon with his comment "Several years ago, the common question that people asked was 'Will I get paid?' now it's 'How can I invest in your company?'."
And I can attest to this. During the conference, I met a few people who were looking for advice on getting involved - some are very well financed, (so they claim) and looking for a long term relationship. Get rich quick schemes are dust.
Lunch time: the exhibition hall was open for lunch - and the River City Group always delivers when it comes to providing a nutritious meal. Lots of fresh salads and fruit, pastas and other tasty things. Not too heavy, but if you wanted to pig out - the opportunity was there.
Impressive booths: RTG had the obligatory free beer and masseuse. They did this last year and now this year; there's no going back now. Free beer and massages for everyone - and a contortionist who was keen on doing every version of the splits to the gawking eyes of all the male viewers. She was really good. RTG has just released new games as well - three new bonus slots with all the bells and whistles. (see the iNetBet ad in this issue to check them out).
Microgaming (as usual) has something hot up its sleeve. The last time I was in Montreal (2 years ago), I was tipped off about the "Thunderstruck" slots and other cool games that have since revolutionized online slots. Well hold on to your hats as something new comes forth. It's just as exciting, and should be hitting cyberspace in a matter of weeks.
Playtech also had free beer - and like their competitors, have new games ready to be launched. I spoke with their marketing direct Iris Toledano who is overseeing the new disputes center. She is determined that this will work, and it's a major move by Playtech to get something like this going. Simply put, it's an information conduit that will expedite player issues to the operators (when the customer service falls short) keeping everyone concerned in the loop. Time will tell if this works. But we all have our fingers crossed.
There is an ongoing player issue with Golden Palace where a player's account is being investigated for fraud (which the player adamantly protests). The player told the customer support that he was going to take his issue to Playtech, and they told him "we don't answer to Playtech." I mentioned this to Iris who seemed a bit surprised at this comment. I guess Golden Palace feels that they are beyond the reach of their own software provider, eh?
That evening was truly nice: cocktails sponsored by Trident Lounge, one of the most professionally run casino groups in the business. And besides them, there were a number of other operators and affiliate managers who were keen on discussing a number of issues. One of these issues was the way in which to handle player fraud - players who purchase banking information and personal identities from other people who are willing to take a cut in the profits from these players. It's amazing how far some people will go to make a few bucks. And later that evening...dinner with Trident Lounge and a few select others like Ted Loh, Brian Cullingworth, some Microgaming people, and the portal master of Onlinecasinofan.com, a Japanese portal with great potential.
The food: the halibut was a little dry (I used to be an Alaskan commercial fisherman - so I'm a little particular when it comes to halibut), and my Mojito kinda sucked. But the company was fantastic. There are some really good people in this line of work.
Day three was approaching, and so far it had been a mellow and semi-uneventful. Could this mean another meeting with the operator of Black Widow casino was in the making? Scroll down to find out...
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Day Three began with eggs florentine at "Eggspectations", a popular Montreal breakfast eatery. Brian Cullingworth, Ted Loh, my wife and I had an eggcellent breakfast (I can hear you groaning from here). And we made it back to the conference in time to watch more contortionism by the RTG stand. I spoke with the operator of the Vegas Partner's Casinos who spoke of his plans to bring another Microgaming group under his wing. The group he is bringing on has had problematic issues mainly with their support. The good news is - he (Vegas Partner Lounge) will be providing the support for this group of casinos. You can expect to see them joining the accredited casinos at Casinomeister in the very near future.So, what is a trip to GIGSE without bumping into the operator of Black Widow casino? Some of you oldtimers may remember the brief but interesting encounters we've had:
GIGSE 2003
ICE 2004
GIGSE 2004
This encounter was a bit different. It wasn't in the midst of a surreal beer induced fog, or some decadent setting, but in a normal place in the middle of the afternoon. We had planned to get together before-hand because we both agree it's time to move on. Black Widow (and all of its brethren) have been rogued at Casinomeister for some time now, and I feel it's a positive move whenever an operator opens up a dialogue asking "What does it take to get off the list." So we sat down and talked.
He explained to me the trouble he had when they switched from the RTG platform to Playtech, and how this exasperated the player problems he had back then. (funny - the same thing happened to Kiss Casino when they moved platforms, hmmm...) And I guess some of the comments he made since then were based on bravado, which probably back-fired. But anyway, I'm placing the casinos on "probation" for six months - removing them from the rogue list. During this time, these casinos should abide by their posted terms and conditions and payout periods. Simple as that. And if any players have problems with Black Widow, Grand banks, or Sterlinghouse Casinos, feel free to contact me and we'll get it sorted.
And for those members of the cyber community who are so outspoken on anything I do or say, keep this in mind - I don't "dig" roguing casinos. I do it to keep players informed on what's up and to keep casinos on their toes. It works. And if a casino wants to be removed, there are ways to go about this. And more power to casinos who take this route instead of sticking their heads into the sand thinking it's going to go away, because it ain't. There are a few casino operations out there that still need to wake up and smell the coffee.
Moving on. I spoke with the operator of Bellerock who ensured to me that the recent problems that they've been having with their customer service will be rectified. There were a number of personnel changes and new trainees to deal with. I know he takes these things seriously and I have faith that the customer support will improve. If you are a Bellerock player, just hang tight - everything looks fine.
And after the exhibition hall had shut it's doors, work was over and it was time to spend checking out the sights of Montreal. The weather was unbelievably cold and raining - but that just made the shopping malls and movie theaters more attractive.
That evening was the grand finale dinner with Andrew Beveridge and Tex Rees of eCogra. Pokerroom.com was one of the main topics (beside my stupid fisherman and army stories), since this poker room has become the newest eCogra member. It's good to see that eCogra's hard work is successfully converging into something very important for both the players and casino operators. I'm looking forward to seeing what the future has in store.
Two days left in Montreal gave me and my wife a chance to visit Trident Lounge's offices, and to get a real taste of Montreal and Quebec. What a wonderful place (the offices and Quebec). I could only imagine how wonderful this place would be in the snowy winter (besides the -50c temps). I got an excellent deal at HMV Records and Tapes thanks to the Canadian Dollar - and we caught the new Star Wars flick which was pretty good special effects-wise. But I wasn't convinced that Darth Vader would turn evil so quickly. We made the mistake of watching "Mr. and Mrs. Smith". What a dreadful movie. Nothing but a convoluted predictable overly violent stupid romantic comedy spy film. I kept looking at my watch waiting for it to end.
Before I knew it, we were back aboard Swiss Air heading home. I finally had time to reflect on the GIGSE and it is apparent to me that this industry is on the right track -- the right people are being attracted to it. It's no longer the red-headed stepchild of the gaming industry, and online gaming is being taken seriously. Thanks go to everyone at the River City Group who tirelessly make these conferences possible -- they have a major role in bringing the gaming industry together. I wonder how many companies can credit their success to the River City Group. I bet there are a lot.
Peace
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Bryan Bailey Webmeister Casinomeister |  |