Geisha Lounge locks USA accounts, takes balance

[dresden]

I have been playing at Geisha Lounge for a few months. Everything was fine. I found out their entire group had left the USA market. They left either yesterday or today.

I had a balance of $1075 from a 50% coupon on which I deposited $200. My account was locked. I called. The problem is they are voiding my entire balance over the intitial deposit amount of $200. This is because I have not yet finished the wagering requirements. I had no chance to finish them. The casino gave absolutely no advanced warning.

This is a very poor show on their part. They are making money on this decision. Here's why: I like to make large bets and if I hit a nice win I stop and then make smaller bets. Because of this, I tend to lose entire deposits often. The balance in question was my second deposit on one of their promotional campaigns where one can receive the same offer several times. I lost my entire first deposit. So, I took a big risk and lost. Then, on the second, I took a big risk and won. They, because of this decision, have taken no risk and are winning. They get to keep my first deposit but don't have to pay out on the second. I'm sure others are being takenin the same way. Who knows how much the casino is profiting form this decision.


How can this be acceptable action from a CM accredited group? I don't think it can be.

 

[mikepipe]

Locking accounts and taking the balance without prior warning and giving you the chance to play is unacceptable.

 

[dc9999]

The RTG licensee "shenaningans" appear to be continuing unabated - now at even their once reputable sites.

AND...since Montana Disputes is now defunct, and Hastings BV still a mere shell, it looks as though players are at the mercy of the individual casinos.

What a shame...again, it's time for folks to STOP patronizing any RTG sites until they clean up their act!

I know many of you like their entertaining slot machines, and superb graphics, but geez,,,,if stunts like this are being pulled with greater frequency ,,what's next?

And don't be comforted if you're not a US citizen, thinking that only Americans are impacted...TOTAL BS...

If RTG profits continue to dwindle due to the loss of US gaming revenue, don't you think you're potentially at risk to NOT get paid if you have a big hit? I sure do.....and I don't care what RTG site you patronize.

Time to hold ALL licensees accountable, and of course RTG themselves...

 

[soflat]

I stopped playing that group a few months ago when they put the No-USA sign on their website.

But if they were allowing you to deposit, claim bonuses, and play then there is no excuse. It's not like internet gambling was outlawed yesterday. It's just another rogue RTG group in my opinion.

 

[silcnlayc]

Most coupon bonuses have a time limit for wagering at RTG's and MG casinos. I saw it in the T&C's somewhere. I saw some with 48 hour limits, some with up to 7 days that you must meet the wagering requirements and If not met in this amount of time, any winning funds are forfieted I believe. It's in the "fine" print somewhere. You might want to check the T&C's on this for that particular coupon.

 

[vinylweatherman]

Wager Junction

As Geisha lounge is Wager Junction, you can PAB to Casinomeister, and he can take a look after ICE.
If this is happening at accredited RTG casinos, then this is looking bad for the player, as we have to trust the casinos based on their past behaviour.

At the very least, they should have contacted affected players beforehand, and disabled all coupon codes on their accounts so they could not enter into any more promotional commitments. Failing this, they should at least credit the winnings element unless published terms were breached.

Casinos are still saying they want US players to fight this (the ones that have not pulled out yet), but it seems that when they finally decide they have to pull out they seem to think it OK to screw the players caught up in it.

This is something that needs to be sorted out NOW with the remaining casinos that accept US players. They must give a cast iron guarantee that if they havr to pull out of the US market, they will pay those players their entire balance rather than screw them in order to make the last few drops of profit.

This is the same stunt that Cryptologic pulled last year, locking accounts without notice and confiscating winnings and bonuses from accounts that still had a promotion attached.

Casinos should now be prepared for US players to deposit, wager, and withdraw in a single day from any promotion offered, it will not indicate "bonus abuse", but fear of getting screwed if the casino management change their minds about the US market overnight.

Don't bank on a quick resolution though, as everyone is at ICE, although some reps may have a laptop and be able to look in occasionally.

 

[dresden]

Most coupon bonuses have a time limit for wagering at RTG's and MG casinos. I saw it in the T&C's somewhere. I saw some with 48 hour limits, some with up to 7 days that you must meet the wagering requirements and If not met in this amount of time, any winning funds are forfieted I believe. It's in the "fine" print somewhere. You might want to check the T&C's on this for that particular coupon.

Yes, you are right. In the terms for this offer it says "*Wagering requirements must completed within 14 days after coupon code redemption." I redeemed on 1/17 and was locked on 1/23. That's only 6 days, well within the time allotted.

 

[dresden]

It's not like internet gambling was outlawed yesterday.

Or ever.



I was not even aware they claimed to have prohibited USA players.
In fact, on 1/19 I recevied this email:

On September 30, 2006, the United States Congress passed the Unlawful
Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006. This Bill was signed by
President Bush on the 13th of October 2006. As a result, Neteller has
informed us that they will no longer be accepting Neteller & Neteller
InstaCash transfers to any online gaming merchants. NOTE: This new policy will
NOT affect Neteller & Neteller InstaCash depositors outside the United States

We recommend that you use Credit Cards (Mastercard &/or Visa),
Click2Pay, Echeck & Money Transfers in order to facilitate further deposits
into your gaming account. For more information about these casino deposit
methods, please visit our Banking Page or feel free to contact us and
we will gladly send more information on to you.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused regarding this matter.

Good luck and best regards,
Geisha Lounge



This is explaining to USA players how to deposit in the wake of the Neteller pullout. Hardly the act of a casino prohibiting players from the USA.

 

[jerrylee]

I had a balance of $1075 from a 50% coupon on which I deposited $200. My account was locked. The problem is they are voiding my entire balance over the intitial deposit amount of $200. The balance in question was my second deposit on one of their promotional campaigns where one can receive the same offer several times. I lost my entire first deposit.

dresden, can you explain more?

amount of first deposit: also $200? lost you say
amount of second deposit: $200.
You said they void entire balance over $200, so that means you still get to keep the $200? Are they refunding that to you via your preferred payment method?

 

[belgamo]

As I have not recieved a peply to several emails and have attemped to call numerous times and have listened the recordimg while waiting for over a half hour each time. Have not been able to get into my account and anm wondering on what is going to happen to my withdrawel?

Thursday, January 18, 2007 11:30 am
Dear tony,
Username : belgamo

This letter is to inform you that we've received your wire transfer withdrawal request of $1,000.00

There may be a charge for the wire transfer. Please view our banking page for more information regarding fees.

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

Please note that if your cashin exceeds a certain amount you will be required to complete the Fax back form (

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

, and fax it through to us on our Toll free fax line, along with the other information required, mentioned on the form prior to your cashin being processed.

Also note that these details will only be requested once and and any future cashins will be processed immediately.

If you feel like playing some more you can reverse your withdrawal through our banking interface and put money back in your account again.

If we can be of any further assistance please do not hesitate to contact us.

Best Regards
Geisha Lounge Team

Geisha Lounge Casino - For those who expect more!


What is going on? Will I see these funds? Thanks Tony

 

[dresden]

dresden, can you explain more?

amount of first deposit: also $200? lost you say
amount of second deposit: $200.
You said they void entire balance over $200, so that means you still get to keep the $200? Are they refunding that to you via your preferred payment method?

Yes, that is all correct. I was told the original $200 only would be returned. I was also told it would be sent via check which could take up to 20 days. I originally deposited via Neteller. They have confiscated $875.

 

[dresden]

Casinomeister, do you have a stance on this issue? Do you think the casino took the proper action?


Wager Junction rep., do you have any comments on why resolving the situation in this way was deemed appropriate?

 

[vinylweatherman]

Wager Junction

I don't know what the hell is up with these guys, but I had a problem on Saturday which should be a very straight forward CS matter.

1) Phoned, impossible to get through.
2) Live Chat - never connects
3) E-mailed on Saturday - got autoresponder - but now Monday PM and no reply.

4) PM to rep - not seemingly back after ICE, but maybe tomorrow, point is, this is an issue that should NOT require the rep in the first place, just CS to answer the damn phone or reply to E-mails. How long IS it going to take to get rid of the "teething problems" with the new Talisma kit installed last year

 

[The Dude]

I just noticed this thread now, and I'll be on this first thing in the morning. I saw the rep in London a few days ago, and I don't think he was aware of this thread either.

 

[vinylweatherman]

I should be fuming

Just now, I got a reply from KS regarding my E-mail on Saturday.

Problem solved? Not a chance

They are unable to trace my account, and ask me to send them my login and registered E-mail.

I should be fuming because........ In my original E-mail I included my account login, and it was sent from my registered E-mail (although I didn't spell that out). I also forwarded the original error mail from the casino software, which gave the error code for my problem, and, drum roll please, MY LOGIN AGAIN

Well, I am fuming now, but not due to this issue, but because in replying to the E-mail and posting here, I HAVE MISSED STARGATE SG-1

 

[AussieDave]

Well, I am fuming now, but not due to this issue, but because in replying to the E-mail and posting here, I HAVE MISSED STARGATE SG-1

I'm sure if you look hard enough you'll find a copy floating around the net, somewhere

 

[vinylweatherman]

I'm sure if you look hard enough you'll find a copy floating around the net, somewhere

Not so easy now. I used to use WinMX, which had them all, but this died, and I have yet to find a replacement that does not end up being a scam.
It's repeated again though, so not too bad, unless I miss that too!

 

[winbig]

Not so easy now. I used to use WinMX, which had them all, but this died, and I have yet to find a replacement that does not end up being a scam.
It's repeated again though, so not too bad, unless I miss that too!

Read your PM VWM...don't want to derail the thread

 

[dresden]

I just noticed this thread now, and I'll be on this first thing in the morning. I saw the rep in London a few days ago, and I don't think he was aware of this thread either.

Any news or thoughts Meister?

 

[belgamo]

Still waiting for my withdrawel , from the 18th. This is not my first withdrawel with them. Had no problems in the past, but getting worried now.

 

[dc9999]

This is one of the select few "grade A" RTG licensees, so if they too have been reduced to the below board likes of most of their RTG cousins, I think ALL RTG players are in for a MAJOR free fall.

Watch this one very carefully........

 

[vinylweatherman]

Rep

......and where is the rep! (Could be at another conference, but there is no way we can know unless they tell us).
Normally very quick to respond to stop these issues from escalating, but nothing. Getting very little progress from CS, as though they have fired pretty much everybody, and have only a few people overwhelmed with simply routine issues.
Another decent RTG seems to be showing minor cracks in a usually lightning fast service - I only notice because of how good their service normally is, any other casino and I would not be expecting anything till early Saturday.
I know where both offices are based, and know damn well it is not down to a "public holiday".

 

[belgamo]

Recieved email and PM issue seems to resolved , everythings sounds good for me on my end, will wait and see if payment arrives and post back. I just think with confrences in London and all the other stuff happening (US pullout) ,they are just temporarily under siege.

 

[dresden]

I just think with confrences in London and all the other stuff happening (US pullout) ,they are just temporarily under siege.

That great and all but we have two very different problems. You have a delayed payment. I have a locked USA account with no warning, no chance to finish the wagering amount and confiscated winnings. I have not heard anything from CM or the rep. about this. Again I'll ask, how can these actions be tolerated from an "accredited" casino? What is the point of playing at an "accredited" casino if they are permitted to take your winnings because they decide they do not want to service your market anymore? I thought they were supposed to be safer.

 

[winbig]

That great and all but we have two very different problems. You have a delayed payment. I have a locked USA account with no warning, no chance to finish the wagering amount and confiscated winnings. I have not heard anything from CM or the rep. about this. Again I'll ask, how can these actions be tolerated from an "accredited" casino? What is the point of playing at an "accredited" casino if they are permitted to take your winnings because they decide they do not want to service your market anymore? I thought they were supposed to be safer.

What's even more troubling is the fact that the rep has posted to another thread today, but ignored this one.

https://www.casinomeister.com/forums/threads/king-solomon-100-reload-bonus-not-credited.16222/

 

[The Dude]

That great and all but we have two very different problems. You have a delayed payment. I have a locked USA account with no warning, no chance to finish the wagering amount and confiscated winnings. I have not heard anything from CM or the rep. about this. Again I'll ask, how can these actions be tolerated from an "accredited" casino? What is the point of playing at an "accredited" casino if they are permitted to take your winnings because they decide they do not want to service your market anymore? I thought they were supposed to be safer.

I've already pointed this thread out to the Casino Rep. He should be on this - I'll contact him again.

 

[Wagerjunction]

issues

Tony - belgamo

i have aked the Casino for an explanation re your situation and was advised as to the following by the accounts department :

Hi Greg,

This player was one of the last batch of players that was paid via wire from our gaming merchant account.

As wire details were sent and updated in system, prior to change of US legislation.

I have checked our bank and this wire has gone off our Bank Account .

Wire was processed on the 26/01/2007

Went off bank on the 31/01/2007.

I have called the bank there has been no returns. Our consultant at the bank says, that if there should be a problem, and it returns, it will depend on player bank, as it has left our bank and they have not received any rejections as yet.

Please ask player to check his bank account. Funds should have reached him by now.


Dresden i will get back to you in due course re your issue .

 

[Wagerjunction]

Dresden

Dresden , I am not to sure who told you that we would be removing balances but I have confirmed with the Casino that you will be getting paid your entire balance . They have apparently received documentation from you less than 48 hours ago and will be releasing the funds to you in due course.

I realise that the timing of the move to stop all play from the USA was not great - to be fair it is never a great time to ban a market that we have been in since the start of online gaming. It has caused massive headaches to all concerned with players worrying about whether they are going to get paid and Casinos bombarded with mail ,live chat and calls .

I can tell you and all the scare doomsayers that my group of Casinos will be honouring all cash ins and balances that have legitimately been won. I would not work for them otherwise and I have worked for them for a long time. They as with all companies have their issues - slow CS support is one but you cannot and will not ever fault them for non-payment.

If that did become an issue with this group - i would be forced to seek alternative employment, as I could not have that on my conscience.

We are having a torrid time on the CS front so please - if you are not getting any joy - come to me and I will be more than happy to look at the situation for you. I know you should not have to but that is the reality we are facing at the present time.

I am very sure that the CS situation will be under control in a few days

Best Regards
Greg

 

[mikepipe]

but - when will it be better at the cs front?

i have one account already closed, because i couldnt bear those incompetent and sometimes - sorry - stupid comments.
It was a pity, but---.

 

[vinylweatherman]

Reply

but - when will it be better at the cs front?

i have one account already closed, because i couldnt bear those incompetent and sometimes - sorry - stupid comments.
It was a pity, but---.

My minor problem was sorted out Thursday, and the rep mentioned an estimate of three weeks of overstretched CS - this is an ESTIMATE mind, and perhaps an allowance should be made for this as a minimum.
The fact that the CS who claimed that winnings were to be voided have been overruled certainly raises this group above others who seem to think it OK to void bonuses or winnings on accounts that were unable to complete required T & C before accounts were shut down.
US players should remember the casinos that did NOT screw them over the pullout, as well as those that did, for there may come a time when the US market opens up again, or some players will move to a country where play is allowed.
One example are the rich Arabs from Saudi - they come to London, and other European playgrounds, to drink and gamble, because it is illegal at home.
Even in Saudi itself, there are places where the authorities turn a blind eye to alcohol, as the foreign workers there are deemed essential by the Saudi state.

 

[winbig]

It really surprises me that they didn't at least brief their CS reps to what is going on. I'm sure the rep in question only looked at their (automated) system that showed that their account was closed, and that the player hasn't finished their WR; therefore telling the rep that all winnings are void.

Even so, there's no reason that they should have said that their deposit wouldn't be returned...

Talk about miscommunication....

 

[dresden]

Thanks for attending to this issue GrandAcesGeisha. Thanks to CM for bringing it to the rep.'s attention.

They have apparently received documentation from you less than 48 hours ago and will be releasing the funds to you in due course.
Best Regards
Greg

That is not true. I had been playing at Geisha Lounge for a bit and have received a cashout previously. My cashout would never had been processed had all my documents not been in.

Dresden , I am not to sure who told you that we would be removing balances but I have confirmed with the Casino that you will be getting paid your entire balance .

I would like to you clarify and confirm this statement please. Are you saying that I will be receiving my entire balance of $1075 even though I was not able to finish the wagering amount? And this will be paid how? Check? When can I expect it?

How can you look into my casino account when you don't know my username or real name? I would hate to think you a blowing smoke up my .....

 

[belgamo]

Recieved email and PM issue seems to resolved , everythings sounds good for me on my end, will wait and see if payment arrives and post back. I just think with confrences in London and all the other stuff happening (US pullout) ,they are just temporarily under siege.

Payment was recieved ,have never had a problem with this group. I hope they come back to the USA.

 

[vinylweatherman]

Reps

Some of the reps are bright enough to figure out what our login names are at the casino. With RTG you get to choose your own. Also, they may have helped in the past, and kept notes. I know of one rep who figured out what my account name was even though I didn't spell it out.

Dresden, I am sure you will get paid, as the rep has publically said so on the board. It may be that he was told that your documantation had been received 48 hours ago, but this may have been a CS error.
Naturally, till you have the payment, you will not be 100% convinced, so you need to agree a form that you are pretty sure you can bank.

 

[dresden]

Yes you are right vinylweatherman, the rep. did help me with an issue in the past at a different Wager Junction casino so that could be it.


Regarding the payment, I just wanted to make sure the rep. and I were talking about my particular situation. I was never claiming Wager Junction was not going to pay the balances of USA players. My case, as you know, was that I had unfinished wagering reqs. and was told all of my winnings were to be taken back. I want confirmation that even though the rep. knows I had unfinished wagering reqs. that I will be paid my full balance.


By the way vinylweatherman, I would agree to your idea that my deposit+winnings should be paid and a pro-rated amount of qualified-for bonus should be paid. I am not asking for more.

 

[Wagerjunction]

Smoke and Asses

Dreseden its all happening at the moment , i think i Pmed you but you will get the full balance .

BTW - i never look at mens asses or blow smoke at mens asses -

 

[dresden]

Didn't mean to imply anything...


I will post an update here once I receive the check.

 

[dresden]

Check received today. CM, please change title to "resolved." Thanks for your thoughts on this everyone.