OK...this may be merely speculative, and somewhat off-thread but very relative to the topic of payment processors and the recent changes with MG transactions. Please know that this is based strictly on opinion from what I have seen when researching and all quotes are indicated as such with accompanying resources/website links. My comments and questions on this post is of an "editorial" nature. Sorry, just wanted to make that part clear
Brian, please also feel free to tell me what your take is on this.
In light of the recently announced (Feb. 7) acquisition of Netgiro Systems AB by DataCash Group PLC, who also acquired Proc-Cyber Services (Microgaming's primary payment processor) in June of last year, do you think that this has had an impact/effect of U.S. players' transactions?
Consider the following: (any areas marked in red I have highlighted for emphasis)
Although the significant changes did not take place until beginning two or three months ago, (certainly brought about by the passage of the SAFE Port Act and its provisions concerning online gambling), DataCash issued this statement shortly after the Act's passage concerning U.S. gaming:
From: Outdated URL (Invalid)
The Board of DataCash Group has noted the share price reaction to the passing by Congress of the Safe Port Act and makes the following comments:
The Group currently receives approximately 30% of its revenues from US originated payments down from 45% in December 2005. For the avoidance of doubt, the Group does not and has not supported sports book betting transactions originating in the US. The Group strategy has been to reduce the dependence on US gaming and further evidence of this trend can be shown by the growth rates of the non-US gaming business as a percentage of DataCash's total growth pro rata over the past 12 months, currently running at 74% compared to the US gaming growth rate of approximately 26%.
Of course, I am sure that we would have been playing and depositing as easily as we were a year ago without the passage of that Act. However, I can see the nonchalant attitude towards the U.S. player database (especially since this big-money acquisition was announced), and the "cover your a*s" undertones in the statement.
Just odd, too, that two weeks ago (around Feb. 7th, the announcement date) is when I started having problems depositing.
I may really be reading into things, but with all the changes lately, I would not be surprised. I hope that my take on the following is not what I think it may be...
Taken from:
MAJOR INITIATIVE TO ADDRESS RESPONSIBLE ONLINE GAMBLING PROCEDURES PROPOSED
LONDON - A new global initiative and international code of conduct to address responsible online gambling procedures is under discussion by the industry following a top-level roundtable discussion held at a recent London trade show. The roundtable, convened by market leading software developer Microgaming, discussed the need to review what is currently being done by the industry and how a single common code might be created and implemented globally. The resulting draft code of practice is likely to cover individual operating sites as well as software providers. ....
...Roger Raatgever, CEO, Microgaming, comments, "Contrary to some reporting on this industry, much is already being done to address issues surrounding responsible online gambling. However, we recognise that the current situation of having a number of codes of practice covering a diverse range of areas is not ideal for the industry or the players. The formation of one clearly defined international code demonstrating best practice with a unified voice will strengthen communication to both the players and the industry as a whole."
Sounds great...but this is my worst fear...
Translation: "some Microgaming casinos still accept U.S. players, some do not...we need to follow one rule across the board, primarily with the passage of the SAFE Port Act and the ambiguity surrounding it and payment processors, etc."
Result: Microgaming licensees are to restrict U.S. players PERIOD.