I agree with you, Jetset, that RTG is hurting its own profitability by not getting a grip on bad licensees.
I do believe that things are somewhat better now than they were a year ago. I have played with almost every RTG licensee in 2001, and have yet to come accross one that has stiffed me. The Casino EXTREME group appears to be reputable now that they are under new management. It appears that reason for the new mgt. was RTG's intervention. The Golden Comps group also seems to be paying its winners, even very big winners. The problem with Golden Comps is that they are screwing affiliates. Angelciti and InetBet almost always pay me on the next business day. Who could ask for any more than that. I played even at Prism before realizing it was Virtual Casino, and they paid me too. Winner's Playground did screw a few high rollers out of thier money. Some complained repeatedly and eventually did get paid. Others have given up. Now, Winner's Playground requires that you need to be 25 or up to play there. But the didn't pay everyone from before this change in thier terms.
RTG's biggest problem is Virtual/Prism. (Outdated URL (Invalid) as well as the hundreds of clone sites) If they simply closed these guys down, it could change RTG's reputation for the better.
As far as the 2 new RTG's that are supposedly owned by Warren Cloud, I have 2 friends that were screwed out of a few hundred, and haven't gotten anywhere complaining to management or RTG.
SO ... yes, things have improved somwhat, but simply not enough. As long as RTG continues to lie to lie to the OPA, and support licensees that steal, players cannot trust the RTG name.
At least with Microgaming, I know if a licensee refuses payment, I can contact EXECS at MGS or PWC, and there is hardly any doubt in my mind I'll get my money. This was proven after the Tropika/Goodfellows scandals. Everybody got paid.
Same goes for Crypto and Boss licensees. I know both companies would step in to pay the player if there was a problem with the licensee. Why? They administrate the ecash themselves. Also both use PWC.
As far as Playtech goes. . . They are in the same boat as RTG. NO PLAYER PROTECTION. I know players screwed by Black Widow that have contacted Playtech's Estonia office on a regular basis and haven't gotten anywhere. And yet the OPA does Payout Percentages for them. Not a smart move, and if Mike Craig ever showed up in this forum, I'd ask him if he would stop this sillyness.
Speaking of Mike Craig . . . where is he????
I certainly hope he hasn't disappeared like Adkins. The OPA has a very bright future and we need him on these forums. I have a lot of respect for Mike!! I hope he will become actively involved once again.