Casumo Affiliate Spam Problem

colinsunderland · Apr 26, 2017

Still waiting for you to answer my questions above Alex, and to forward the proof of opt in to my email address?

colinsunderland · Apr 27, 2017

So you've been on today Alex but haven't bothered replying. I see you have sent an email out reminding affiliates not to spam, but haven't told them what happens if they do. So are you going to just ignore my questions about your spammy affiliates or actually do something about them?

There are 9 things in the affiliate email, the 2 spammers I have reported have broke at least 5 of them between them, both are still active affiliates, so do we take it you allow spam, no matter what your emails say?

Any sign of my opt in yet (or double opt in as the email today states)?

Valhalla · Apr 27, 2017

colinsunderland said:
Still waiting for you to answer my questions above Alex, and to forward the proof of opt in to my email address?

colinsunderland said:
So you've been on today Alex but haven't bothered replying. I see you have sent an email out reminding affiliates not to spam, but haven't told them what happens if they do. So are you going to just ignore my questions about your spammy affiliates or actually do something about them?

There are 9 things in the affiliate email, the 2 spammers I have reported have broke at least 5 of them between them, both are still active affiliates, so do we take it you allow spam, no matter what your emails say?

Any sign of my opt in yet (or double opt in as the email today states)?

This is why he's yet to respond:

Casinomeister said:
Spot on.

Hi Alex, you need to sort this out right away. These affiliates need to have their accounts terminated - period. No warnings, no slap on the wrists. They know exactly what they are doing. Show them no quarter, and you will gain respect from both the player community but from affiliates as well.

It's not only dodgy, it's in many cases unlawful.

Because suddenly it's a serious matter with genuine ramifications. Casinos that allow affiliates to act like assholes can end up seeing the entire business fall apart.
This isn't some joke or lighthearted silliness, it's a disgrace and a shame on any rep who stands idly by and allows it to happen.

colinsunderland · Apr 27, 2017

Valhalla said:
This is why he's yet to respond:

Because suddenly it's a serious matter with genuine ramifications. Casinos that allow affiliates to act like assholes can end up seeing the entire business fall apart.
This isn't some joke or lighthearted silliness, it's a disgrace and a shame on any rep who stands idly by and allows it to happen.

Well I think Alex is happy for it to happen, still no reply yet he was online an hour after my last post.
Not the first thread he has ignored after questions were asked about them allowing spam either.

colinsunderland · Apr 28, 2017

dave1888 said:
Here's another incidence of false advertising by one of your affiliates Casumo.

Four expanding stars on Starburst when the maximum is 3. So they're actually manipulating the slot to show 4 stars with clever editing or something.

That's 3 crimes by my count false advertising, manipulating netent software/fake game play and video editing to show impossible wins!

I think these affiliates need screening!

That exact advert is still live on facebook tonight, more proof that Alex doesn't give a fuck about his scummy affiliates doing what they like

xhttps://www.facebook.com/MobileCasinoClub/videos/1897134823843209/

When was the £277000 win on Starburst at Casumo made Alex?

xhttp://www.mobilecasinoclub.co.uk/casumo/new/casumo-starburst-latest-big-win/index.html

affiliate redirect with btag in place

xhttps://www.casumo.com/affiliate/?destination=registration&btag=656596_B7331B50AEEB4BAF88EE660A0587A77A&click_id=689481&pid=608671&bid=1545

Lets have a look at the same affiliates fake Casumo page, where it asks you to enter your email address to claim your sign up bonus, yet the source code actually shows you are subscribing to a spam list. (Email list provided by

You do not have permission to view link Log in or register now.

)

xhttp://www.mobilecasinoclub.co.uk/casumo/

Code:

<div class="row form text-center">

									<form action="[B]https://app.getresponse.com/add_subscriber.html[/B]" accept-charset="utf-8" method="post">
									<!-- Email field (required) -->
									<input type="email" name="email" placeholder="Your E-mail" /><br/>
									<!-- Campaign token -->
									<!-- Get the token at: https://app.getresponse.com/campaign_list.html -->
									<input type="hidden" name="campaign_token" value="n2U4K" />
									<!-- Thank you page (optional) -->
									<input type="hidden" name="thankyou_url" value="http://track.iwgrft.biz/click"/>
									<!-- Forward form data to your page (optional) -->
									<input type="hidden" name="forward_data" value="" />
									<!-- Subscriber button -->
									<a class="email_submit">
									<input type="submit" value="Claim now"/>
									</a>

You are a disgrace to the industry Alex, you clearly know about this (as it was pointed out earlier in the thread) but haven't done a thing about it.

Hidden opt in's to spam lists? Seriously?

You were online at 1.56pm again today, but still no response, says it all really.

Just voted with my money and closed my account with you. Spamming twats.

frogrest22 · Apr 28, 2017

Casumo also steal deposits from a previously self excluded player, who was encouraged to sign up by numerous pieces of affiliate spam sent directly to the their mobile.

Despite signing up with the same name , DOB, City and phone number; they were unable to detect the account that had been self excluded a couple of years previous.

They simply don't care how they get their money.

cncas2123 · Apr 28, 2017

What it really shows is that they dont care where the customers come from, they just want their money.
I agree 100% that Casumo have had plenty of opportunity to respond to the questions asked, and they should hang their heads in shame.

Lemon · Apr 28, 2017

colinsunderland said:
View attachment 77963

This advert looks like the sort of thing you see from people trying to flog Herbalife, Juiceplus or any other MLM/Pyramid-scheme product. All about selling people hopes and dreams and then shipping them shit.

Fuck right off.

colinsunderland · Apr 30, 2017

New advert from the spammers above

xhttps://www.facebook.com/MobileCasinoClub/videos/1898129503743741/
Casumo must have an exclusive version of Hansel and Gretal to be able to get 5 chests

Link takes you to

xhttps://mobilecasinoclub.co.uk/casumo/lps/starburst.html

Best welcome offer ever, make a deposit and get £600 free and 200 free spins. No wagering requirement stated or min deposit so presumably a tenner deposit and you can withdraw £600, is that right Alex?

interlog · Apr 30, 2017

Further to the above.... if you scroll down to the blurb it says:

This piece of content is written by casumooffers.co.uk to promote the online casino operator, Casumo.

Whois:

Domain name:
casumooffers.co.uk

Registrant:
Casumo Services Limited

Registrant type:
Unknown

Registrant's address:
c/o Ports Group AB, Kalkylvagen 3
Molnlycke
SE43533
Sweden

Link to this Swedish Company:

You do not have permission to view link Log in or register now.

Playford7 · Apr 30, 2017

Another case of a online casino behaving abhorrently. No ethics or morals or accountability.
I'd say the majority of places online don't give a flying rhino where and how they get there money
There practices show this regularly.
It's a disgrace it's allowed to happen time and time again and nothing is rarerly ever done about it...as this shows.

cncas2123 · Apr 30, 2017

Playford7 said:
Another case of a online casino behaving abhorrently. No ethics or morals or accountability.
I'd say the majority of places online don't give a flying rhino where and how they get there money
There practices show this regularly.
It's a disgrace it's allowed to happen time and time again and nothing is rarerly ever done about it...as this shows.

Agree with all of this, and also agree with everything that #ColinSunderland has written on this thread, and its obvious that Casumo arent going to do anything except for burying their heads in the sand and hope it all blows over.
Its at times like this you wish that there was some kind of regulator looking after this industry and taking action.......... but unfortunately we have the UKGC who dont give a toss as long as they are getting the licensing revenue.

Playford7 · Apr 30, 2017

cncas2123 said:
Agree with all of this, and also agree with everything that #ColinSunderland has written on this thread, and its obvious that Casumo arent going to do anything except for bury their heads in the sand and hope it all blows over.
Its at times like this you wish that there was some kind of regulator looking after this industry and taking action.......... but unfortunately we have the UKGC who dont give a toss as long as they are getting the licensing revenue.

That's just the thing. The bury the head tactic does work and does go away eventually.
I don't think for one second they care it's wrong as long as they keep getting money from whatever practice.
Might be proved wrong and Alex might appear and declare he's started a online casino jihad on those involved.....but I doubt it

syrus2 · May 1, 2017

cncas2123 said:
Agree with all of this, and also agree with everything that #ColinSunderland has written on this thread, and its obvious that Casumo arent going to do anything except for burying their heads in the sand and hope it all blows over.
Its at times like this you wish that there was some kind of regulator looking after this industry and taking action.......... but unfortunately we have the UKGC who dont give a toss as long as they are getting the licensing revenue.

UKGC take no actions unless, there is a formal complaint based on demonstrable facts in the context of enforcement and legislation. Not to mention a proof of relationship between the two parties as well as lack of interest from casinos side related to his attempts in order to resolve this problem, is required.
There is no coapration in the world (including a casino) who has any obligation to make a statement in a public forum, with regards to his actions against this kind of jokes.

in other words, Casino has the right to make no statement if they do'nt want to.

Although, I hope they have time to do that .
because personally, i agree with some points which has been mentioned in previous posts.

colinsunderland · May 1, 2017

syrus2 said:
UKGC take no actions unless, there is a formal complaint based on demonstrable facts in the context of enforcement and legislation. Not to mention a proof of relationship between the two parties as well as lack of interest from casinos side related to his attempts in order to resolve this problem, is required.
There is no coapration in the world (including a casino) who has any obligation to make a statement in a public forum, with regards to his actions against this kind of jokes.

in other words, Casino has the right to make no statement if they do'nt want to.

Although, I hope they have time to do that .
because personally, i agree with some points which has been mentioned in previous posts.

They have no right to be accredited either, and as part of being accredited is to deal with spammers, then I think its probably in their interest to do so :thumbsup:

syrus2 · May 1, 2017

colinsunderland said:
They have no right to be accredited either, and as part of being accredited is to deal with spammers, then I think its probably in their interest to do so

Fair doss !!

I may be wrong, but i think that would be Bryan's decision.
Maybe casino tok sum actions sofar, which we are not aware of it ? Who knows !!

As much as i respect your opinion as well as agree with some points you've already mentioned. I think it would be the best if Bryan contacts with the casino in question (which is a casino with a very good reputation) in private to discuss this matter. (if he wishes and has time to do that of course).
But , that's just my personal opinion.

lockinlove · May 1, 2017

Bryan doesnt need to discuss anything in private, he made his opinion pretty clear. Take the garbage out.

Reading through this thread is a little disturbing and Alex reeks of arrogance. I dont mean to be overly zealous but I think this is grounds for the casino to lose its accreditation since its clear Alex is ignoring everyone and approving of these ads.

I think it's safe to assume this false advertising is getting quite a few sign ups since its seems the rep is choosing that over this place.

colinsunderland · May 2, 2017

Hey Alex, seeing as you are reading the thread but ignoring it, you might want to read this

You do not have permission to view link Log in or register now.

About time the UKGC started doing something about dodgy affiliates, and the casino's who allow them to do what they do.

Matti · May 5, 2017

interlog said:
Further to the above.... if you scroll down to the blurb it says:

Whois:

Link to this Swedish Company:
You do not have permission to view link Log in or register now.

Have been following this thread but have until now choosen not to comment. The lack of communication from Casumo has however pissed me off. So here we go.
Regarding the company Ports, this is the same company that Casumo use to handle their Domains. Coincidence? I don't think so especially after Alex is so reluctant in answering. I think that the "affiliate" is actually Casumo themselves.

@Alex: You need to respond to this thread. I have always believed Casumo to be a company runned with high ethics. You now need to stop dodging and take this thread as serious as it is.

cncas2123 · May 5, 2017

And the silence from Casumo is deafening..............

Playford7 · May 5, 2017

The silence says it all. Ignore everybody posting for a while, go back to the drawing board to come out with some crappy excuse then hope it all goes away.
To many casinos do this because simply they can, and they totally get away with it. It's the only industry I know that can rip people off, lie and cheat and totally be vague from what they do.
There are good outfits out there, some brilliant ones, look no further than dan (robo-rep) at videoslots, I've had great experiences with betat, also smaller casinos like Spinstation and casino room.
the fact this Alex ignores this speaks volumes about the whole practice inside casumo. That can't be denied.
Accreditation should be revoked until a satisfactory answer is told to paying players like myself, we deserve this. Not private chats, not burying heads in sand certainly not acknowledging the thread then deciding upon silence.
Disgusting behaviour from a so called 'accredited casino' pfffft

colinsunderland · May 8, 2017

More casumo affiliate spam, sent to an email address that was only ever used to sign up for supercasino, wonder if alex will get proof of opt in for this spam list as I'm still waiting for the previous one.

No terms and conditions mentioned either as usual with their affiliates.

Outdated URL (Invalid) . casumo.com / affiliate/?destination=registration&btag=656671_E23A9793AAFA4FE9A6C3DFB3C70EFE4D&pid=618018&bid=1545

colinsunderland · May 9, 2017

New advert for casumo today, 200 free spins and £1200 bonus, which is the standard sign up offer, except on this lying affiliate's advert - NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED
Alex, I know you are reading these posts, but not replying because you are the one allowing the spammers and liars to do this, As I said earlier in the thread, any decent casino would instantly close these affiliates down, but as Casumo are obviously not a decent casino, you allow them to continue.

You do not have permission to view link Log in or register now.

Tirilej · May 9, 2017

This thread has been running for weeks now. Nothing is happening and it's just like with the other threads where Casumo didn't care at all.
This time we won't tolerate that an accredited casino are behaving like this, and even are sending spam themselves, as Matti pointed out.

Bryan, isn't it time to take them off the accredited list until the spam has stopped?

nutnut · May 9, 2017

Tirilej said:
This thread has been running for weeks now. Nothing is happening and it's just like with the other threads where Casumo didn't care at all.
This time we won't tolerate that an accredited casino are behaving like this, and even are sending spam themselves, as Matti pointed out.

Bryan, isn't it time to take them off the accredited list until the spam has stopped?

It's quite clear Casumo don't care, so much so I'm bored of seeing new posts about this.

So either Bryan doesn't care either, or does care and if so remove them and close this thread. Because either side doing nothing is tedious now.

interlog · May 9, 2017

colinsunderland said:
More casumo affiliate spam, sent to an email address that was only ever used to sign up for supercasino, wonder if alex will get proof of opt in for this spam list as I'm still waiting for the previous one.

No terms and conditions mentioned either as usual with their affiliates.

Outdated URL (Invalid) . casumo.com / affiliate/?destination=registration&btag=656671_E23A9793AAFA4FE9A6C3DFB3C70EFE4D&pid=618018&bid=1545

View attachment 78147

More bullshit as well in that email stating that they are the fastest. They certainly aren't from my experience as my last withdrawal took some 10 hours. Pretty decent but I know at least one casino that is faster.

Playford7 · May 9, 2017

colinsunderland said:
New advert for casumo today, 200 free spins and £1200 bonus, which is the standard sign up offer, except on this lying affiliate's advert - NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED
Alex, I know you are reading these posts, but not replying because you are the one allowing the spammers and liars to do this, As I said earlier in the thread, any decent casino would instantly close these affiliates down, but as Casumo are obviously not a decent casino, you allow them to continue.

View attachment 78174

You do not have permission to view link Log in or register now.

Sadly it's a fact that a overwhelming majority of casinos behave in a shady way.
If the rep is reading these and not replying as suggested, if I had a say (which I don't) there accreditation would cease. It's totally unacceptable. How it's allowed to continue boggles the mind frankly.
There must be a reason nothing is being done about this?..
As long as these casinos have there income they are not at all concerned where it comes from.
Absolutely shameful. Really it is.

The Dude · May 9, 2017

Casumo removed from Accredited Section

They were given fair warning.

Casumo Casino is now in the Grey Zone ex-accredited casino section. You can read their updated review here: Casumo Casino Review.

Using deception in advertising, whether it is intentional or collateral damage from an affiliate, will not be tolerated. Accredited Casinos are expected to keep its affiliates in check. One way to do this is to fire their asses as soon as these affiliates break the code of no spam, no deception, no bullshit. These spamming affiliates know exactly what they are doing, and a proper affiliate program will show them no quarter. This is not a time to tell someone "please don't do that" - it's time to give them the boot.

Casumo is welcome to come back as an Accredited Casino once these spam complaints cease for 60 days. Hopefully they can get it together to make this happen.

Also, I expect our members to keep the comments mellow without profanities. Do not dis the iGaming reps or any other member. Thank you.

Simmo! · May 9, 2017

I had an interesting related conversation with (a very friendly to be fair) chap at Casumo the other day about SMS messages. I started recently receiving texts for Casumo using a goo.gl URL. I initially assumed it was them but there was no opt-out or STOP option so I went to live chat and asked them to remove my number.

The chap on chat explained he couldn't because it wasn't them but an affiliate so I found out the affiliate tracker and passed it on. However he said he was powerless to act because the affiliate had acquired my number from another source which could have been a legitimate opt-in (pretty sure it wasn't as I always dish out a false mobile number but his view was from Casumo's angle so I got that).

I suggested they rethink the way they handle things like this - they could at least approach the affiliate or even build in a T&C for affiliates that says their brand can only be represented with the messages that adhere to gambling regulations but he seemed reluctant to get involved if I'm honest.

It's a shame when a decent brand gets tarred by a bad brush but there are surely ways to protect yourself. If an affiliate sees T&C's that says their earnings can be withheld they probably won't act this way.

Playford7 · May 9, 2017

Casinomeister said:
They were given fair warning.

Casumo Casino is now in the Grey Zone ex-accredited casino section. You can read their updated review here: Casumo Casino Review.

Using deception in advertising, whether it is intentional or collateral damage from an affiliate, will not be tolerated. Accredited Casinos are expected to keep its affiliates in check. One way to do this is to fire their asses as soon as these affiliates break the code of no spam, no deception, no bullshit. These spamming affiliates know exactly what they are doing, and a proper affiliate program will show them no quarter. This is not a time to tell someone "please don't do that" - it's time to give them the boot.

Casumo is welcome to come back as an Accredited Casino once these spam complaints cease for 60 days. Hopefully they can get it together to make this happen.

Also, I expect our members to keep the comments mellow without profanities. Do not dis the iGaming reps or any other member. Thank you.

Well fair play.
That's a bold move and one that is justifed.
It's a shame as casumo in my optinion have the best selection of games by far.
If it wasn't for this fiasco, the charges upon deposit I'd be happy to play more regular.
That said...I have Deposoted tonight for novo's and lost!.

dunover · May 9, 2017

Great casino, great shame. Most of this shite takes place on Faecebook and antisocial media which is effectively the Wild West when it comes to BS. As much as I like the Casino, the bottom line is that income and revenue appears to have assumed more importance than ethics here in Casumo's case.

Zero tolerance would have nipped it in the bud, cut the blood supply and parasite dies which is what they should have done immediately to the moron affiliates posting this garbage.

Has anybody collated this BS, bagged it up and reported it to the UKGC yet?

colinsunderland · May 9, 2017

Simmo! said:
I had an interesting related conversation with (a very friendly to be fair) chap at Casumo the other day about SMS messages. I started recently receiving texts for Casumo using a goo.gl URL. I initially assumed it was them but there was no opt-out or STOP option so I went to live chat and asked them to remove my number.

The chap on chat explained he couldn't because it wasn't them but an affiliate so I found out the affiliate tracker and passed it on. However he said he was powerless to act because the affiliate had acquired my number from another source which could have been a legitimate opt-in (pretty sure it wasn't as I always dish out a false mobile number but his view was from Casumo's angle so I got that).

I suggested they rethink the way they handle things like this - they could at least approach the affiliate or even build in a T&C for affiliates that says their brand can only be represented with the messages that adhere to gambling regulations but he seemed reluctant to get involved if I'm honest.

It's a shame when a decent brand gets tarred by a bad brush but there are surely ways to protect yourself. If an affiliate sees T&C's that says their earnings can be withheld they probably won't act this way.

And thats pretty much the reason there is so much spam from certain casino's. You might have opted in, but then what he should have done is contacted the affiliate and got proof of your opt in for you, just like I asked Alex for more than once on this thread. The fact they won't is proof in itself they know the affiliates are spamming, but are happy for the extra business, and don't care where it has came from. Look at the page I liked to earlier in the thread where you have to enter your email address to sign up to Casumo, but in fact its signing you up to an affiliate mailing list. Bet all those customers have 'opted in' to the spam mails too.

Theres a reason you get spam all the time for certain casinos, Casumo, LeoVegas, Karamba to name a few, because they are happy to get business that way. How often do you get spam promoting SkyBet? Rarely, because they will close affiliate accounts immediately if there are spam problems. Same as deceptive adverts, plenty on this thread from around 2-3 weeks, all for the same casino, you don't see them for decent casinos who actively close affiliate accounts for that type of thing though.

Well done to Bryan for removing them from the accredited list, however I doubt we will see them return, this thread proves they don't care as long as they get the money, and spamming and dodgy adverts obviously get more customers than being accredited on here does, if Alex was bothered he would have replied to the thread long before now, and stopped the affiliates doing what they are doing.

Big :thumbsup:

to Bryan for standing up to them as its the only way to put a dent in spam.

colinsunderland · May 9, 2017

dunover said:
Great casino, great shame. Most of this shite takes place on Faecebook and antisocial media which is effectively the Wild West when it comes to BS. As much as I like the Casino, the bottom line is that income and revenue appears to have assumed more importance than ethics here in Casumo's case.

Zero tolerance would have nipped it in the bud, cut the blood supply and parasite dies which is what they should have done immediately to the moron affiliates posting this garbage.

Has anybody collated this BS, bagged it up and reported it to the UKGC yet?

Last time I emailed the UKGC (twice in fact) I got an auto email saying they would get back to me in so many days, I'm still waiting 9 months later, despite sending follow up emails.

Playford7 · May 9, 2017

dunover said:
Great casino, great shame. Most of this shite takes place on Faecebook and antisocial media which is effectively the Wild West when it comes to BS. As much as I like the Casino, the bottom line is that income and revenue appears to have assumed more importance than ethics here in Casumo's case.

Zero tolerance would have nipped it in the bud, cut the blood supply and parasite dies which is what they should have done immediately to the moron affiliates posting this garbage.

Has anybody collated this BS, bagged it up and reported it to the UKGC yet?

As bad as there conduct is. They are not the only casino so 'highly' rated that behaves this way.
There all at it.
The simple fact of reverse withdraws says exactly what these casinos want.
Ok we spend our money and lose, it's a gamble. A casino is there for that. Can't blame them granted.
But...when they try every trick in the book to avoid paying by silly terms, use silly streamers to get sign ups and affiliate rogue crap as mentioned before, how's this acceptable, look at guts,if folk on here hadn't kicked up a fuss u really think they would of given a shit?...no chance. There protecting a interest, i wish the new rep All the best..

dunover · May 10, 2017

colinsunderland said:
Last time I emailed the UKGC (twice in fact) I got an auto email saying they would get back to me in so many days, I'm still waiting 9 months later, despite sending follow up emails.

Yep, pretty much the same here, still waiting after 10 months for my escalated Level 2 complaints to get a response, a different matter to this one.

jetset · May 10, 2017

dunover said:
Yep, pretty much the same here, still waiting after 10 months for my escalated Level 2 complaints to get a response, a different matter to this one.

So much for the "consumer protection" the Gambling Commission CEO keeps trotting out, then!

vinylweatherman · May 10, 2017

Having looked at their website, the UKGC offer no (obvious) way for consumers to lodge complaints with them directly, so of course they are not going to know about the extent of such problems.

When it comes to spam, particularly SMS spam and opt-in rules, it is the ICO who take the complaints. When it comes to dodgy advertising, INCLUDING social media such as Facebook, it is the ASA. Both bodies should collate and forward gambling related complaints to the UKGC.

It has been slow progress, but another operator just copped a £300,000 fine for failing to prevent affiliates from doing what they are currently doing with the Casumo brand. It is the FIRST such fine issued by the UKGC, but it shows that this "industry standard" hands-off approach to affiliates who bend and break the rules but bring in the traffic isn't something that operators can claim to have no control over. The UKGC have seen through the BS and levied a fine. It could mean that a few more are already in the pipeline, but it would be even more if it was made easier for consumers to report such matters.

The ICO are probably the best bet when it comes to spam, especially SMS spam with no means of opting out. This is because the ICO are already cracking down on this for every type of lead generating outfit, not just casino affiliates.

The ASA police the content of adverts, but they don't really have teeth, they usually issue "don't do it again" wrist slaps, and pass on the gravest cases to other bodies that have a full set of teeth. The ASA do pass on gambling related advertising concerns to the UKGC.

Who knows, maybe one day a dodgy affiliate will pick the wrong victim to spam the crap out of, a senior UKGC official perhaps. I bet that will trigger a real crackdown.

syrus2 · May 10, 2017

well , this is one of the Common problems , when it comes down to troubles/discords. ... between citizens or private organisations . (the so-called , civil law ).
majority of people always interpret their personal opinion as only true yardstick that should be maintained.
usually gonna end up in frustration and misunderstandings between two parties. ( Unfortunately ).

dunover · May 10, 2017

vinylweatherman said:
Having looked at their website, the UKGC offer no (obvious) way for consumers to lodge complaints with them directly, so of course they are not going to know about the extent of such problems.

When it comes to spam, particularly SMS spam and opt-in rules, it is the ICO who take the complaints. When it comes to dodgy advertising, INCLUDING social media such as Facebook, it is the ASA. Both bodies should collate and forward gambling related complaints to the UKGC.

It has been slow progress, but another operator just copped a £300,000 fine for failing to prevent affiliates from doing what they are currently doing with the Casumo brand. It is the FIRST such fine issued by the UKGC, but it shows that this "industry standard" hands-off approach to affiliates who bend and break the rules but bring in the traffic isn't something that operators can claim to have no control over. The UKGC have seen through the BS and levied a fine. It could mean that a few more are already in the pipeline, but it would be even more if it was made easier for consumers to report such matters.

The ICO are probably the best bet when it comes to spam, especially SMS spam with no means of opting out. This is because the ICO are already cracking down on this for every type of lead generating outfit, not just casino affiliates.

The ASA police the content of adverts, but they don't really have teeth, they usually issue "don't do it again" wrist slaps, and pass on the gravest cases to other bodies that have a full set of teeth. The ASA do pass on gambling related advertising concerns to the UKGC.

Who knows, maybe one day a dodgy affiliate will pick the wrong victim to spam the crap out of, a senior UKGC official perhaps. I bet that will trigger a real crackdown.

I doubt it, as that would mean the UKGC official would likely be a member of another casino and therefore may know something about the product they are supposed to be regulating.

CasumoAffiliates · May 10, 2017

We are sorry to learn that we have been removed from the Accredited Section, since the Casinomeister Forum has always been of a high priority to us and so far all problems have been resolved in a timely manner or are currently being investigated. We constantly monitor the Forum and deal with whatever issues in the threads and all questions and queries. We absolutely care. However, in this particular case, we do feel that things have been blown out of proportion. We believe this is partly down to ourselves as communication could have been better. Early in the thread, we found ourselves in quite a complicated situation when dealing with the spam complaints didn’t seem to be enough. We had players dictating terms and suitable punishments for Affiliates. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work like that. Punishments for Affiliates will be decided in-house, not on the Casinomeister Forum, and it has escalated in such a way that we would like to take this opportunity to reiterate certain points.

Starting with the fact that we have clear T&C’s in place. The Affiliates that were in breach of these T&C’s have been contacted and reprimanded and commission will be withheld. On top of that, an urgent newsletter has gone out to all of our Affiliates reiterating our rules, regulations and principles regarding communication, mailers and how to avoid spam at any time.

All Affiliates involved have been contacted and advised to change their marketing strategy. The players have been removed from their mailing lists, even though one account was able to show proof of the opt-in time and date. Currently, the other two affiliates have been provided with a deadline. These two affiliates have been told to stop sending traffic and we have absolutely no problem with closing these two individual accounts if they cannot provide us with proof of opt-in. This is a T&C that we feel strongly about.

On a separate note, we have claimed the casumooffers.co.uk domain and shut down the website as the affiliate was not following our T&C’s.

Although quiet in this thread, we have not been sat around idly; we know our responsibilities being licenced by the UKGC and MGA. We do not take spam or misleading information lightly and we are in fact taking action behind the scenes.

This entire situation has made us feel quite helpless, since we feel we have taken all the proper steps. Decisions have been discussed on a company wide level and actions have been taken accordingly. As a matter of fact, there have been instances of us closing Affiliates down for shady advertising, but we will not discuss this on a player forum. We need to follow strict rules, since this can be quite a tricky and sensitive matter. Once we are notified of an Affiliate breaking the rules, we will internally decide on the repercussions and we will not have this decision be made for us by the Forum members. Punishments range from a warning and a fine (withholding commission for example) to complete closure of the account. Needless to say that the type of punishment depends on the severity of the offence, the affiliate’s track history (repeated offender or not) and a range of other factors.

We are of course happy to assist with any player issues, whether they are spam related or not, but we will refuse to be dragged into a public debate on suitable punishments for affiliates.

lockinlove · May 10, 2017

I appreciate the response.

However, it took you being removed from the accredited list to chime in. It was less than 24 hours and you have found time to post but for some reason you werent addressing a single thing for a very long time. You have had members practically begging you for answers and explanations and you choose to not take part in this thread.

Instead of taking offense and as terms are being dictated to you, I suggest you take a step back and realize it's only members giving you feedback and letting you know we do not like this sort of stuff at all

Its fine that you guys deal with things in house and all but letting us know what you are going to do about it would help. Besides that, whatever it was you guys were doing was obviously not working as new misleading crap was popping up all over the internet.

Do you know why most of these accredited casino's dont have this issue and if they do, they go after right away? Because it is a serious matter and they realize it. And their tough no nonsense stance discourages people from doing this.

False advertising, allowing misleading information to entice others to sign up is a no no. And your responses have seemed incredibly soft and non caring. If you did close affiliate accounts why do you need to hide this from us? Why cant you reassure the community you are doing the right things? I find this very strange to be honest that you have taken the "we dont have to explain ourselves to you" stance. When actually, yes you do. We are your customers and we want reassurances you are doing right.

There is zero over reaction. Only under reaction by you.

I hope to see you guys take this more serious so you can get back on the accredited list. Good luck.

Tirilej · May 10, 2017

lockinlove said:
I appreciate the response.

However, it took you being removed from the accredited list to chime in. It was less than 24 hours and you have found time to post but for some reason you werent addressing a single thing for a very long time. You have had members practically begging you for answers and explanations and you choose to not take part in this thread.

Instead of taking offense and as terms are being dictated to you, I suggest you take a step back and realize it's only members giving you feedback and letting you know we do not like this sort of stuff at all

Its fine that you guys deal with things in house and all but letting us know what you are going to do about it would help. Besides that, whatever it was you guys were doing was obviously not working as new misleading crap was popping up all over the internet.

Do you know why most of these accredited casino's dont have this issue and if they do, they go after right away? Because it is a serious matter and they realize it. And their tough no nonsense stance discourages people from doing this.

False advertising, allowing misleading information to entice others to sign up is a no no. And your responses have seemed incredibly soft and non caring. If you did close affiliate accounts why do you need to hide this from us? Why cant you reassure the community you are doing the right things? I find this very strange to be honest that you have taken the "we dont have to explain ourselves to you" stance. When actually, yes you do. We are your customers and we want reassurances you are doing right.

There is zero over reaction. Only under reaction by you.

I hope to see you guys take this more serious so you can get back on the accredited list. Good luck.

Spot on lockinlove and very well said :thumbsup:

It's nice to hear that Casinomeister and to be accredited here is valued so highly, but sadly not us as members. It was a nice speach Alex but I also remember an earlier thread were you also ignored every single word we said. Now I know why. We were just members of a forum.

I guess this at least woke you up so we won't see so much spam in the future.

The Dude · May 10, 2017

Alex-Casumo said:
We are sorry to learn that we have been removed from the Accredited Section, since the Casinomeister Forum has always been of a high priority to us and so far all problems have been resolved in a timely manner or are currently being investigated. We constantly monitor the Forum and deal with whatever issues in the threads and all questions and queries. We absolutely care. However, in this particular case, we do feel that things have been blown out of proportion. We believe this is partly down to ourselves as communication could have been better. Early in the thread, we found ourselves in quite a complicated situation when dealing with the spam complaints didn’t seem to be enough. We had players dictating terms and suitable punishments for Affiliates. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work like that. Punishments for Affiliates will be decided in-house, not on the Casinomeister Forum, and it has escalated in such a way that we would like to take this opportunity to reiterate certain points.

Starting with the fact that we have clear T&C’s in place. The Affiliates that were in breach of these T&C’s have been contacted and reprimanded and commission will be withheld. On top of that, an urgent newsletter has gone out to all of our Affiliates reiterating our rules, regulations and principles regarding communication, mailers and how to avoid spam at any time.

All Affiliates involved have been contacted and advised to change their marketing strategy. The players have been removed from their mailing lists, even though one account was able to show proof of the opt-in time and date. Currently, the other two affiliates have been provided with a deadline. These two affiliates have been told to stop sending traffic and we have absolutely no problem with closing these two individual accounts if they cannot provide us with proof of opt-in. This is a T&C that we feel strongly about.

On a separate note, we have claimed the casumooffers.co.uk domain and shut down the website as the affiliate was not following our T&C’s.

Although quiet in this thread, we have not been sat around idly; we know our responsibilities being licenced by the UKGC and MGA. We do not take spam or misleading information lightly and we are in fact taking action behind the scenes.

This entire situation has made us feel quite helpless, since we feel we have taken all the proper steps. Decisions have been discussed on a company wide level and actions have been taken accordingly. As a matter of fact, there have been instances of us closing Affiliates down for shady advertising, but we will not discuss this on a player forum. We need to follow strict rules, since this can be quite a tricky and sensitive matter. Once we are notified of an Affiliate breaking the rules, we will internally decide on the repercussions and we will not have this decision be made for us by the Forum members. Punishments range from a warning and a fine (withholding commission for example) to complete closure of the account. Needless to say that the type of punishment depends on the severity of the offence, the affiliate’s track history (repeated offender or not) and a range of other factors.

We are of course happy to assist with any player issues, whether they are spam related or not, but we will refuse to be dragged into a public debate on suitable punishments for affiliates.

Since you chose at least two weeks ago to remain silent on this, then you should have contacted me to give me a heads up, and to have explained the reasons why there would be no response. I could have put the fire out. Instead, this thread escalated with even more ridiculous examples of deceptive and false advertising. What Casumo has shown is a disregard for our community and apathy towards being listed as an accredited casino. I guess it doesn't mean much.

You threw Casinomeister under the bus on this one. How many people so you think read this thread and thought that I was some tosser who was idly standing by while an "accredited" casino was (apparently) letting this go on? Two weeks - no comments - and meanwhile the branding of being Accredited by Casinomeister is depreciated.

On another note, I appreciate that you have taken measures to eradicate this problem. I hope that's the last we'll hear about this.

goatwack · May 10, 2017

Seeing that the ratings on CM are heavily influenced by its members, I feel that they have every right to voice their displeasure at casinos that don't work hard at pleasing its customer base.

It seems we're good enough to elevate the likes of Casumo to accreditation but then should just slink off into a corner and shut up afterwards.

CM is a community-based forum, not a free advertising space. Casumo had a chance to get their house in order for weeks but have chosen to let it pass over. Of course people are going to be irate at the constant stream of spam.

Sounds like another company that uses the forum when needed, but doesn't like any criticism aimed at them.

Glad that actions have been taken here, as well as other casinos. Puts some meaning into the importance of attaining status on CM, not a running joke amongst casinos that think they can bin us off at a moment's notice :cool:

CasumoAffiliates · May 10, 2017

Casinomeister said:
Since you chose at least two weeks ago to remain silent on this, then you should have contacted me to give me a heads up, and to have explained the reasons why there would be no response. I could have put the fire out. Instead, this thread escalated with even more ridiculous examples of deceptive and false advertising. What Casumo has shown is a disregard for our community and apathy towards being listed as an accredited casino. I guess it doesn't mean much.

You threw Casinomeister under the bus on this one. How many people so you think read this thread and thought that I was some tosser who was idly standing by while an "accredited" casino was (apparently) letting this go on? Two weeks - no comments - and meanwhile the branding of being Accredited by Casinomeister is depreciated.

On another note, I appreciate that you have taken measures to eradicate this problem. I hope that's the last we'll hear about this.

As I mention in my direct message before, I was sure that I send you the private message a week ago. Really don't know what happened.

Regarding the all issues mentioned in this topic, they were immediatelly addressed and corrected. In addition, if any new ones emerges we will deal with them as well.

colinsunderland · May 10, 2017

Alex-Casumo said:
We are sorry to learn that we have been removed from the Accredited Section, since the Casinomeister Forum has always been of a high priority to us and so far all problems have been resolved in a timely manner or are currently being investigated. We constantly monitor the Forum and deal with whatever issues in the threads and all questions and queries. We absolutely care. However, in this particular case, we do feel that things have been blown out of proportion. We believe this is partly down to ourselves as communication could have been better. Early in the thread, we found ourselves in quite a complicated situation when dealing with the spam complaints didn’t seem to be enough. We had players dictating terms and suitable punishments for Affiliates. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work like that. Punishments for Affiliates will be decided in-house, not on the Casinomeister Forum, and it has escalated in such a way that we would like to take this opportunity to reiterate certain points.

Considering your action seemed to be removing someone who complained from the spam list, then it isn't enough. Allowing affiliates to spam shouldn't be allowed and, as seen in the recent BGO case, might end up costing you a lot of money.

Starting with the fact that we have clear T&C’s in place. The Affiliates that were in breach of these T&C’s have been contacted and reprimanded and commission will be withheld. On top of that, an urgent newsletter has gone out to all of our Affiliates reiterating our rules, regulations and principles regarding communication, mailers and how to avoid spam at any time.

Good, at least you are doing something now.

All Affiliates involved have been contacted and advised to change their marketing strategy. The players have been removed from their mailing lists, even though one account was able to show proof of the opt-in time and date. Currently, the other two affiliates have been provided with a deadline. These two affiliates have been told to stop sending traffic and we have absolutely no problem with closing these two individual accounts if they cannot provide us with proof of opt-in. This is a T&C that we feel strongly about.

Well I've asked on more than one occasion for proof of opt in, you have ignored me, so will ask aagain, you have my email address, please send it over. It should include IP address and the url where opt in was done.

On a separate note, we have claimed the casumooffers.co.uk domain and shut down the website as the affiliate was not following our T&C’s.

See below

Although quiet in this thread, we have not been sat around idly; we know our responsibilities being licenced by the UKGC and MGA. We do not take spam or misleading information lightly and we are in fact taking action behind the scenes.

Yet all the adverts and affiliates mentioned in this thread seem to be active :confused:

This entire situation has made us feel quite helpless, since we feel we have taken all the proper steps. Decisions have been discussed on a company wide level and actions have been taken accordingly. As a matter of fact, there have been instances of us closing Affiliates down for shady advertising, but we will not discuss this on a player forum. We need to follow strict rules, since this can be quite a tricky and sensitive matter. Once we are notified of an Affiliate breaking the rules, we will internally decide on the repercussions and we will not have this decision be made for us by the Forum members. Punishments range from a warning and a fine (withholding commission for example) to complete closure of the account. Needless to say that the type of punishment depends on the severity of the offence, the affiliate’s track history (repeated offender or not) and a range of other factors.

Thats fair enough, but lets have a look at some of the posts in the thread so far

24th April

https://www.casinomeister.com/forums/threads/casumo-affiliate-spam-problem.78519/

Affiliate still active, links still working, page says full terms and conditions below, they aren't.

28th April

https://www.casinomeister.com/forums/threads/casumo-affiliate-spam-problem.78519/

Affiliate still active, landing page exactly the same as it was then stating £277000 Starburst win as the latest win.

From the same post, probably the worst link on the thread

xhttp://www.mobilecasinoclub.co.uk/casumo/

tells you to sign up for Casumo by entering email address, signs you up to affiliate mailer, no opt in at all there as you aren't told what you are entering the email address for, still active, page unchanged, affiliate still active.

30th April

https://www.casinomeister.com/forums/threads/casumo-affiliate-spam-problem.78519/

Misleading advert, landing page takes you to xhttps://mobilecasinoclub.co.uk/casumo/lps/starburst.html where it still states it was written by casumooffers.co.uk, you have the domain so anyone reading it and doing a whois will presumably think it is actually casumo.

Yesterday

https://www.casinomeister.com/forums/threads/casumo-affiliate-spam-problem.78519/

This one I reported yesterday, xhttps://www.facebook.com/UnitedKingdomSlotMachineFans/videos/823082151177214/ £1200 bonus and 200 free spins, clearly states NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED, still active.

No one is trying to tell you what to do with your affiliates, however the FACT that pretty much every single reported fake advert, lie, spam is STILL active shows, without doubt, that you aren't doing enough.

Looking at the advert from yesterday, if someone signs up, then goes onto live chat and asks where their £1200 bonus is, are you going to give them it with NO DEPOSIT as the advert clearly states, or will you just blame the affiliate and say they have to deposit, even though you are aware of the advert?

We are of course happy to assist with any player issues, whether they are spam related or not, but we will refuse to be dragged into a public debate on suitable punishments for affiliates.

Asking for proof of opt in isn't a discussion on punishment but for some reason you seem reluctant to provide it either.

The fact is, Bryan posted asking you to sort it, since then you deliberately ignored every post on this thread, and lets be honest, its not the first thread about spam and Casumo is it?

colinsunderland · May 10, 2017

Alex-Casumo said:
Regarding the all issues mentioned in this topic, they were immediatelly addressed and corrected. In addition, if any new ones emerges we will deal with them as well.

You posted this while I was typing my post, and with all due respect, I have highlighted some which most certainly have not been corrected as, if you click the links, are still the same, active and misleading. When you say they were corrected what exactly do you mean, that you did nothing?

CasumoAffiliates · May 10, 2017

colinsunderland said:
You posted this while I was typing my post, and with all due respect, I have highlighted some which most certainly have not been corrected as, if you click the links, are still the same, active and misleading. When you say they were corrected what exactly do you mean, that you did nothing?

The links that you shared are no longer live. They are unique links and therefore simply cannot be deleted. However, if you visit the FB page, you will see that they are new and corrected campaigns.

In addition, we closed the sub-affiliate accounts and their campaigns will be paused until the problems have been fixed.

We do apologize for the lack of communication, but we did deal with every single issue. Because we got the feeling that the discussion wasn’t going anywhere, we decided to go ahead and take action internally, instead of continuing to “feed” the thread.

We guarantee to take you guys seriously and value the forum as a great source of feedback and criticism (preferably constructive

).

colinsunderland · May 10, 2017

Alex-Casumo said:
The links that you shared are no longer live. They are unique links and therefore simply cannot be deleted. However, if you visit the FB page, you will see that they are new and corrected campaigns.

In addition, we closed the sub-affiliate accounts and their campaigns will be paused until the problems have been fixed.

We do apologize for the lack of communication, but we did deal with every single issue. Because we got the feeling that the discussion wasn’t going anywhere, we decided to go ahead and take action internally, instead of continuing to “feed” the thread.

We guarantee to take you guys seriously and value the forum as a great source of feedback and criticism (preferably constructive ).

So the domain owner of mobilecasinoclub cannot remove this page

xhttp://www.mobilecasinoclub.co.uk/casumo/

or at least change the code so that when you enter your email address it isn't adding you to a mailing list without your permission?

Seriously?

If the affiliates have been suspended and and campaigns stopped why are the affiliate links to Casumo not giving a 404 message?

The Dude · May 11, 2017

Just to add - here is the urgent email that was sent to affiliates on the 27th of April:

Important Communication Reminder

Can we have your attention, please! We have recently noticed some discrepancies regarding acquisition communication sent to players (SHRIEEEK!). So from now on, before you sent out any type of communication, please be aware that we have some important rules in place that we feel strongly about, like Hulk Hogan strong.

"There are no rules, only systems of control disguised as choice." - Matrix Morpheus

Yeh, well, here's the exact breakdown of ours. We know you know, but just in case you're not sure that you know. You know.

- The sender of the email CANNOT be Casumo.
- Mention clearly in the text that it is in fact NOT Casumo sending out the mailer.
- Only send out VALID campaigns.
- It's NOT allowed to write anything along the lines of "You are a Winner", "You have Won", "You Win", etc.
- Only OPT-IN lists, preferably double.
- We need to approve the copy if you make ANY changes.
- The UNSUBSCRIBE link has to work and be respected.
- Targeting underage players is NOT allowed.

A send out that is not conform to all above, will be considered spam. Which, needless to say, is something you should avoid at any given time. No cool kids like a spammer.

Thank you for respecting our principles and as always, if you have any burning questions (questions, not sensations), feel free to contact your affiliate manager directly!

Cheers!

Casumo Affiliate Team

This doesn't sound like an iron fist coming down. If I were one of these spamming affiliates, I could have poked holes in these guidelines to get those links out by the 1000s.

Seriously?? No cool kids like a spammer?? How old are your affiliates? 12? :what:

Don't forget that I am one of yours - and I'm 58. Just call me gramps. :rolleyes:

Casumo Affiliate Spam Problem

RIP Colin

RIP Colin

Ueber Meister

RIP Colin

RIP Colin

Full Member

Ueber Meister

🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋

RIP Colin

Paleo Meister (means really, really old)

Permanent Ban: Too much flaming

Ueber Meister

Permanent Ban: Too much flaming

Banned User - repetitive trollish behavior

RIP Colin

Banned User - repetitive trollish behavior

Editing my post so I dont get in trouble

RIP Colin

Senior Member

Ueber Meister

Permanent Ban: Too much flaming

RIP Colin

RIP Colin

Still a Lady

Meister of Infractions

Paleo Meister (means really, really old)

Permanent Ban: Too much flaming

The artist formally known as Casinomeister

Paleo Meister (means really, really old)

Permanent Ban: Too much flaming

Unofficial T&C's Editor

RIP Colin

RIP Colin

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Unofficial T&C's Editor

RIP Brian

You type well loads

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Unofficial T&C's Editor

Dormant account

Editing my post so I dont get in trouble

Still a Lady

The artist formally known as Casinomeister

What's on your feeble-ass mind

Dormant account

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