My pleasure Tim! Remember, being paranoid or overly cautious in the world of online gambling is a GOOD thing. Can't be too careful. I can tell you that I believe that all of the Cryptologic casinos carryover requirements, I don't know of any Playtechs that do, and some Microgaming groups now do (Fortune Lounge most recently).
Here's some info I wrote in response to a post last September from a newbie looking for advice. It still holds true today... (these are the rules I live by when gambling online):
Stay away from RTG software based casinos, they have become nothing but problems lately and definately not a place for a newbie to cut his teeth. Stick to Microgaming, Playtech, and Cryptologic based casinos until you have more experience.
Also, be SURE you read every single word of the terms and conditions posted on the website and in any email offers you receive. Double check these terms with the casino BEFORE you play one cent of real money so that you completely understand what is required of you. If you don't like or understand the terms, tell them to take back the bonus money before you play even a single hand/game. Once you start playing with bonus money, you are committed to those terms & conditions and for the most part you can't cashout until you meet those terms.
Also, get yourself a little notebook and keep a record of your deposits, play & withdrawls, especially when there are bonuses involved. When you ask a casino for clarification on something, I suggest you do so by email rather than phone so you have it in writing if there's a dispute. Print out and/or copy the terms & conditions page to your hard drive if you accept a bonus.
Neteller is a good payment method. Its fast & reliable for both depositing & withdrawing money. I personally don't like Firepay and don't recommend it. When you go to withdraw money from a casino, they will usually ask for some identification (usually a license/passport and a utility bill, etc). You should scan in these items and have them on your hard drive so you can send them in as soon as they are requested. That will speed up yor payouts. Make sure you always use accurate information (birthdate, address, etc) when you sign up, or you'll have problems when you cashout.
Also, I'd suggest setting up an email address specifically for your casino & neteller activities. That way, when the spam starts coming (and it will), it won't be coming to your regular email address. And keep an eye on message boards like this one and others so you know which casinos to avoid.
I'd also add this, when you do have to deal with the casino if you have a problem, always be polite and professional. Don't yell, curse, or call names when dealing with them. That will get you nowhere fast! Present rational and well thought out arguements to support your position. I've done this more than once with a casino when there was a dispute (usually over wagering requirements) and have been successful.
As a last resort, invoke the name of the Casinomeister and tell them you'll take the issue public here if you can't work things out. A good casino won't want bad press like that and may be more willing to work things out then, but only as a last resort. Then just come here and either pitch a bitch with Bryan or post it in the casino complaints forum.
Hope these suggestions help you with your new hobby, and GOOD LUCK!
TAR said:
Much appreciated jpm. I am in the process of e-mailing a few casinos to get their policy on this. It's good to hear that there are places that DON'T have this kind of rule.
Tim---The Paranoid Gambler
