Colosseum group back to its old tricks

[caruso]

I thought this group had improved and decided to ditch these shabby tactics.

Wrong.

I got the following email:

Dear XXXX clr00XXXXXX,

Greetings Gladiator from the mighty empire!

Your loyal service has not gone unnoticed!
The Emperor wishes to reward you for your allegiance.

This weekend, the Emperor is giving you...(promo details).

So when In Rome, do as the Romans do and win big!

Note that the email is clearly personalised with my name and account number (removed here, obviously).

I phoned up to check on unclear terms:

CS: "I'm sorry sir, your name isn't on the list of players entitled to this promotion"

ME: "Err, then can you tell me why I'm currently looking at an email with my NAME and ACCOUNT NUMBER at the top?"

CS: "Well, it must have been sent out by mistake, sir."

ME: "Be a bit of a shame if I'd gone ahead, deposited, played and lost, only to be told this after the fact, wouldn't it?"

To the Colosseum / Grand Hotel / Vegas Slots rep at Casinomeister (where these casinos are ACCREDITED, lol) who I know reads the forum: why do your casinos CONTINUE to send out these fake, "personalised" emails, only to tell the players they're "not entitled"? Is it beyond your people's capacity to run an honest operation? Didn't you stop these rogue tactics, which you were maxing out on a couple of years ago - a while back? Why have you started again?

Where is the note in the email which says "plese contact CS to confirm entitlement"? Where is there ANY indication that these "personalised" promos are anything other than the emails claim them to be?

Do you have any explanation?

 

[Mallorca]

I got the same email yesterday from Colosseum with the same promotion,my name and account number at the top as well.

 

[elscrabinda]

Fight them over this. Different trick than they tried to pull on me (refusing on grounds of bonus abuse after playing and losing 250) but just as underhand.

Mention this site and they'll give in. They're spineless like that. Happy to rip off players until they think it'll give them bad publicity

 

[samoas]

Colosseum Casino used to be my favorite

Not anymore. Their promotions have dwindled down to practically nothing. Occasionally get a 10%-20% weekend bonus and that's it. I wrote a lengthy, yet objective letter to my VIP rep to report why my play has dramatically dwindled there and they gave me a $10 credit for my "loyalty". I was not looking for hand out, an explanation and/or acknowledgement of my gripe would have sufficed. After playing probably tens & thousands of dollars there over the years, $10 was an insult. I did play it and haven't been back.

My opinion is as the online-gaming industry grows, they must grow with the business and potential customer base. The time has come that there are better, reputable gaming sites that are willing to offer more lucarative incentives to their loyal players. I used to play there almost daily. I asked to be removed from the promo list a few weeks ago. Just got one Friday.

I will give them credit for efficient customer support. (my personal experiences) Unfortunately, they have gone downhill when it comes to loyalty or appreciation.
*edited for spelling

 

[KasinoKing]

My opinion is as the online-gaming industry grows, they must grow with the business and potential customer base. The time has come that there are better, reputable gaming sites that are willing to offer more lucarative incentives to their loyal players. I used to play there almost daily. I asked to be removed from the promo list a few weeks ago. Just got one Friday.

My sentiments exactly!
I really can not fathom one logical, sensibly reason why so many casino's offer great sign up offers for new players who will just take this once-off bonus and run, rather than offering decent repeat offers to loyal customers.

(As a matter of interest, I signed up a Colosseum a few months ago. Luckily made $270 profit from their S.U.B. and have not been back since! They have not even made the slightest attempt to tempt me to re-deposit there)

Is it just me & samoas who thinks this is a totally crazy way to run a casino?

What do other posters think?

===================
Caruso, Sorry - bit 'off topic'
Can I assume from your original post that your point is that you had already been 'banned' from promotions at this casino?

 

[caruso]

No, not at all. The point is simply as stated above: that personalised email incentives are mailed out to players who they subsequently claim do not qualify and are not on the mailing list, in spite of those emails containing name and account number.

This was a long-standing issue with this group a while back. It appeared to get resolved - I had no more problems. Now, it's resurfaced.

It seems that running an honest, efficient operation is too much for these people.

Fight them over this. Different trick than they tried to pull on me (refusing on grounds of bonus abuse after playing and losing 250) but just as underhand.

I won't be fighting the matter, as there is nothing to fight - other than my irritation at the re-emergence of this. The intention was to make people aware of what's happening, no more. That, and to elicit a response from the group rep, whom I notified by PM. I won't hold my breath, though.

 

[elscrabinda]

Sorry Caruso,

I misread your first post. I thought you HAD gone ahead and deposited and lost. Obviously you can't fight to not be banned from bonuses.

 

[KasinoKing]

No, not at all. The point is simply as stated above: that personalised email incentives are mailed out to players who they subsequently claim do not qualify and are not on the mailing list, in spite of those emails containing name and account number.

I agree it's well out of order to send e-mails like this, but I'm still more than a little bit confused!

If you have not been 'banned' from receiving promo's:
a) What made you suspect you were not entitled to this one?
b) For what reason are you not entitled to it?

 

[Bruce Hamilton]

As a matter of interest, I signed up a Colosseum a few months ago. Luckily made $270 profit from their S.U.B. and have not been back since! They have not even made the slightest attempt to tempt me to re-deposit there

I just received an email from First Web Casino with a tempting offer to redeposit... If I deposit and wager $100 by Saturday night, they'll credit me $50, and all it has is a combined 5x WR. I recently took them for $495, guess they want some of it back.

 

[caruso]

This has got unexpectedly confused.

Obviously you can't fight to not be banned from bonuses.

I'm not - just, it would seem, this one. On the face of it, the reason they "peronalise" these things is so that they target the right players with what they want to offer. The more reaslistic / cynical view is that they do it to elicit deposits under false prestenses.

If you have not been 'banned' from receiving promo's:
a) What made you suspect you were not entitled to this one?
b) For what reason are you not entitled to it?

a) I didn't suspect; I phoned up to check on terms, and the CSR kindly informed me I "wasn't eligible" - see paraphrased chat in my first post.

b) For what reason was I "not entitled", having received email with name and account number? I'd be delighted to find out myself. Maybe the Colosseum rep can let me know - I PMed him / her yesterday after posting.

Actually, I was thinking: I wonder what Ecogra's stance is on, err...

1) Eliciting deposits under false prestenses...
2) Deceptive / false marketing...
3) "Bait & switch" tactics...

...etc? I'll have a look into it, and consider filing a complaint with them. I've just about had it up to the eyeballs with this jerkoffs and their deceptive tactics. They need a wake up call.

 

[VegasVIP Lounge]

Dear Player!

Caruso, could you please send me your account details so that I can check into this problem?

Thanks
Adri Sinclair.

 

[VegasVIP Lounge]

Dear Players,


I would like to take this opportunity to relay some information from the casino, and the Group in question.

The Group in question is one with the lowest wagering requirements on their bonuses, on the net! That puts them under a lot of industry pressure in itself, but they stick it out and make very few, if any, changes regarding that! That in itself, they feel, is an insentive!

To Mention this site, and they will give in is not the way forward, as many of these things can be resolved without any threats or what could be termed as black-mailing.

I have always been available to assist, but as many of you who have contacted me are aware, I do not work FOR the group, merely WITH them and the players. Many players can also vouch for the fact that I do a thorough job, and advise the casino(s) in mention as to what I feel the solution to many of the surrounding problems should be. None of the players felt the need to advocate an aggressive behaviour, and many of them had their problems resolved quickly and efficiently without having to resort to the measures as advocated above.

Concerning this promotion, Caruso, and everyone else, whos had the invitation, will be accredited with this promotion, once they have fulfilled the Terms & Conditions, Tomorrow 16August 2005. As always, when a promotion has been send intentional or in err, the casino honour the promotion for as long as the player comply with the T & C.

About new promotions and enticing events happening: Colosseum Casino informed me that they are introducing CASH prizes, with NO STRINGS attached (yes, you heard me no wagering of any sorts) within the next few days. As you have mentioned, they realised that there is a need amongst the players for fun and just enjoy the casino this has been mentioned in their last newsletter.

The group now consider this matter closed and dealt with. Should there be more players who has received the loyalty promotion please ensure to give me your name and account numbers, and I will ensure that you get top priority.

Kind Regards
Adri Sinclair.

 

[jetset]

Adri, you have on a number of occasions stated that you do not work for casinos, but WITH them. That's fair enough if you can assist players, but for the record, does that imply that you are an affiliate?

If not, what is the nature of your relationships with casinos, and with which online casino managements do you have comms which enable you to assist players with legit problems, please ?

 

[elscrabinda]

To Mention this site, and they will give in is not the way forward, as many of these things can be resolved without any threats or what could be termed as black-mailing.

I don't like sinking to that level any more than anyone else but when driven to it after hours of frustrating email tennis then it is a surprising panacea.

Its a shame that you have to advocate using mediators to settle simple disputes which could and should be sorted out immediately.

 

[VegasVIP Lounge]

Jetset- In answer to your question....

Dear Jetset,

I am the Senior Marketing Manager for a company that handles, certain advertising duties on behalf of this group, amongst others. Due to the fact that many of the advertising happens on many public forums and websites, we offer an extended service to monitor and assist the players as we feel that in part, we are a active instigator in the industry, and partly responsible for the welfare of the players, as well as our clients.

On this forum, and at least two others, I am the representative for this group. On other forums, my colleagues would assist their particular assigned clients and players.

I have been in the industry since 1997 on various levels, one of which is Marketing and the other, which is consultative in public relations for many different groups of online (and offline) casinos.

The only way I assist, is by helping the likes of Brian and other forum owners should they be involved or the players directly, as I have direct relations with top management of the individual properties.

Having said all of that, as I am not part of that Top-Level management team for the groups, nor part of the casinos, I do not have any power to make decisions regarding certain issues and matters. The operators will only take my advice to a certain level/degree which they do more often than not but in the end, as always, they have the final say.

Jetset, as much as I feel that your question is legitimate, I also feel that I would prefer not to have the spotlight on myself yet I understand that in the industry there is a need for understanding and, of course, trust. I recognise your journalistic skills, and therefore know that resistance is futile.

I hope that this clarify things for everyone, and would like to extend the invitation again to let me try and assist you when you need help with certain problematic situations with the Vegas VIP Lounge Group.

Kind Regards
Adri Sinclair.

 

[caruso]

I emailed a request to confirm that, receipt of email notwithstanding, I WASN'T entitled. Response:

After carefully checking our records, we regretfully confirm you that
you are not eligible for this promotion as it is for selected players only.

I included the original email invitation in the message so there could be no doubt I received it. They read the email, saw I was clearly "selected" - and then told me it was for "selected players only".

Onwards:

To Mention this site, and they will give in is not the way forward, as many of these things can be resolved without any threats or what could be termed as black-mailing...None of the players felt the need to advocate an aggressive behaviour, and many of them had their problems resolved quickly and efficiently without having to resort to the measures as advocated above.

Clear up one important point for me here, if you please: is this an accusation of "blackmail" on my part? If so, you need to substantiate the allegation - from where in my initial post is this conclusion drawn? My post, as usual, was a factual warning about deceptive practices. I want nothing in monetary terms. I'm certainly not about to go through the contrived charade of depositing for a promo which, in the normal, corrupt course of events, I would be denied, but that I will receive on the basis that I posted at Casinomeister and apparently indulged in "blackmail"!

The group now consider this matter closed and dealt with.

Really? That's good of you. Well, here's the news: I don't. I'm not REMOTELY interested in the money, the promo or whatever else. You are eliciting deposits under false pretenses. You were doing so years back (I am painful testimony to the fact, including fully two complaints submitted to Bryan), and you're STILL doing it. Whoopee that the 10% of forum readers will get satisfaction. I know they will, and it isn't about them: it's about all the others who don't read the boards and who WON'T get "satisfaction".

Until you put an end to this corrupt practice of bait & switch, the matter is not remotely "closed and dealt with".

Regards,

Caruso The Blackmailer.

 

[VegasVIP Lounge]

Caruso - Apology!

Dear Caruso,
Nowhere did I make the accusation that you, or anyone else was blackmailing the casino (or myself), I merely tried to explain that THAT is how it could be seen in such a light.

To Mention this site, and they will give in is not the way forward, as many of these things can be resolved without any threats or what could be termed as black-mailing

The fact is, that ALL players who received this invitation by the casino, WILL be credited, with or without a call to the CS in the event of them fulfilling the T & Cs! The casino management assure me that there were no switch and bait tactics, as there was an honest, internal mistake, with information provided to the CS!

Caruso, I would personally like to appeal to you as a fellow human being to acknowledge that mistakes happen often and that the true test of character comes in how it is dealt with.

IF you read into my post that I, or the group/casino, accused you of blackmailing etc, please, again, accept my apology for my inability to express myself correctly.

 

[jetset]

Thanks for the prompt and open response, Adri although I would have preferred it had you identified your marketing company and specified the online casinos that you represent. That way players know exactly who to contact to resolve issues when they are going nowhere with the casino/s itself.

There was no ulterior or hidden motive in my question btw, I sought clarification of your position and the level of your contacts to get an idea of your efficacy in addressing disputes that are not being correctly tackled by casino personnel.

In my personal view, as long as you can help to speed up the resolution of genuine complaints with certain casinos I don't really mind in what capacity you are employed. I guess it makes some marketing sense to try and help players with problems through an outsourced marketing outfit, but I would have thought that a more efficient resolution channel at each casino, achieving access to some decision-capable member of management would be a more direct and sensible solution.

However, that's not the reason for my post, and you have offered an explanation to Caruso regarding the promo emails he seemingly should not have been sent.... so on with the debate!

 

[mary]

Vegasviplounge is a website that markets for the "Colosseum Group" of casinos.

Adri Sinclair is Senior Marketing Executive at the Vegas Poker Casino; I got that from a press release that's all over the 'net.

There's no excuse for sending out "personalized' promotions to people who will be disallowed from collecting winnings but sure will be free to lose.

I hope eCogra takes a look at this.

 

[caruso]

OK, I accept there was no suggestion that anyone was blackmailing or trying to blackmail anybody. I'm a bit touchy with that kind of thing, lol.

The fact is, that ALL players who received this invitation by the casino, WILL be credited, with or without a call to the CS in the event of them fulfilling the T & Cs! The casino management assure me that there were no switch and bait tactics, as there was an honest, internal mistake, with information provided to the CS!

The problem is that history does not bear this out. I won't go into the gory details, but I have had a LONG history of problems with this group - and Bryan can attest to two of them since he was in the middle (the usual "you're not entitled" crap that I simply wasn't going to take, having already deposited, played and lost). Mistakes are one thing, but mistakes that happen over & over & over are another. They aren't mistakes. It's either GROSS incompetence (HTF can you send a personalised email to a player, then say he shouldn't have received it - and almost EVERY single time the same scenario??) or deception. Gross incompetence is not a realistic explanation when the same incompetence is excercised every single time, so it can only be deception. The fact that I will be paid, because if I run into problems I know where to go for help, is not the point. Most people don't. Most people will deposit, lose...and get nothing, without the knowledge of the help channels. THIS is the issue that needs addressing - not paying the handful who read the boards.

It's gone on long enough. I thought you'd got over this - I went through a long period of "yes, you're entitled" (glory be) responses to my phone checks with CS - but it looks like we're back to square one.

I've attached screenshots of the personalised email, and the CSR response saying I never received it. This is what I've been through through time and time and time again with this group.

Moving on:

Old / Expired Link

The seal holder will ensure that players are not mislead through advertising or promotional activities...

 

[mucullus]

Just a side note: vegas vip lounge casinos don't hold the ecogra seal.

 

[VegasVIP Lounge]

Dear Mary,
As you can clearly see from my statement to Jetset, Yes, I am the Senior Marketing Executive for Vegas Poker Casino which is part of the Vegas VIP Lounge group. I am ALSO the Senior Marketing Executive for various offline Casinos, and other individual online groups/casinos. There is no denying that, and I did not try to deny it either. Colosseum Casino is one of the properties, amongst others, owned by this group. I have only recently (a year ago) acquired the responsibility of guiding and assisting this group.

Caruso, I am NOT sure what exactly you want the casino to do?! They have expressed their apology to you, and many other players. They have learned from their past mistakes (and I am FULLY aware of what the situation(s) is that you are referring too) and will, without hesitation, credit ALL the players that received the offer, and took up on it, as long as they are within the T & C's!

You or any other players would be welcomed to further suggestions. I will gladly make available to you my personal contact details, including a direct line to my desk should you, Caruso, wish to take up on this request. Please PM me.

I understand you are aggressively pro-active in protecting the players in the industry, and I truly admire you for your vigilance on this! This group, in particular, is trying very hard to sort themselves out. I am sure that, based on your past experience, you can see the positive attitude over the most recent months, and willingness to do whatever it takes to make (and enforce) certain changes.

I agree that this was a situation that could be easily prevented (yet, that is why they are called mistakes), and I am assured by the casino and group, that all measures and procedures will be taken in the future to have this not happen again.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind Regards
Adri Sinclair

 

[caruso]

VVIPL - My objectives in posting were to draw players' attention to this ridiculous, continuing charade from the Colosseum group of personalised email promos to which players are "not entitled", and to elicit a response from you on the matter. I require nothing from the casino - I never deposited for this and have no dispute.

I don't accept this as a mistake, sorry about that. Once, twice, thrice - yes. Over and over and over and over again, over a period of years, including two complaints filed with Bryan - sorry, no. Neither am I the only player this has happened to - there have been many. There is not the slightest doubt in my mind at this point that these are not mistakes.

If I file an Ecogra "complaint" about this, or at least draw their attention to the matter, I see no response other than "the casino made a mistake and will endeavour to not repeat it", so I'll doubtless be completely wasting my time. I may give it a shot, nonetheless, and report back any response.

If this thread serves to put an end once and for all to this ridiculous, childish, corrupt behaviour of eliciting deposits under false pretenses, it will have well served the purpose it was intended for.

I appreciate your feedback on the matter.

 

[jetset]

QUOTE: If I file an Ecogra "complaint" about this, or at least draw their attention to the matter, I see no response other than "the casino made a mistake and will endeavour to not repeat it", so I'll doubtless be completely wasting my time. I may give it a shot, nonetheless, and report back any response.UNQUOTE

If this casino was one of the eCOGRA seal operations I would urge you to bring it to their attention rather than merely assume that "I see no response other than "the casino made a mistake and will endeavour to not repeat it" If this behaviour is as repetitive as you point out, then it clearly merits closer attention.

However, as has already been pointed out, this casino is not part of the eCOGRA initiative.

I do, however agree with your position that repeated similar "errors" affecting many players points to deliberate misrepresentation and marketing rather than a genuine "mistake"

 

[caruso]

OK, for some reason I thought I'd seen an Ecogra logo there. Must have been that "ECO" stamp in the bottom right-hand corner.