GrandeVegas Free Chip Nightmare

pmutts

Dormant account
PABnonaccred
Joined
Sep 23, 2011
Location
North Texas
About 6 weeks ago I was playing on a "Free Chip" at Grande Vegas. Generally speaking, the service at Grande Vegas is good and although I have only had one decent win there, I was paid in a reasonable time period. That was over a year ago and surely they are up on me now as I'm classified VIP! This is usually not a good thing for those who like to win.

GV frequently has "raffles" for Free Chips worth usually worth $25. Their Terms and Conditions are max withdrawal of 5x the value of the chip and they require 60x WR on all free chips. If you are lucky enough to clear the wager requirement on the bonus, the software immediately subtracts the amount in excess of the maximum withdrawal the instant you place the final wager needed to satisfy the WR. If you find yourself in this situation, USE AUTO-PLAY to complete the WR. In the settings, have it stop when your balance is reduced by a dollar amount sufficient to trigger the STOP.

On to my story. After an especially terrible weekend of lousy luck, I received notification of being a LUCKY RAFFLE WINNER and I was awarded a $25 free chip.

I hit a feature on Sea Captain very early on that took me to about $250. I switched to the "Coat of Arms" slot and hit the 15 free games feature betting probably $150 and that went well and I raised my bet to $2.25. After about the 3rd spin, I hit something I have never hit on Coat of Arms before:

Reel 1: White Knight Reel 2: White Knight Reel 3: White Knight Reel: 4 White Knight (at this point I’m already crying :( ) And of course Reel 5: White Knight. The final Chime. The bell rings and I’m awarded 8 respins.

So I have to sit there and watch this beautiful perfect and perfectly WORTHLESS spin repeat itself 8 times to the tune of $3400.00. I haven’t had a $3400 spin in at least 2 years if EVER.

Well, I knew full well when I chose to play on the $25 free chip this was a possibility—as there is ALWAYS this possibility when playing in any situation where your maximum win is capped. It’s still painful however—especially when you have been on a losing streak of the duration and magnitude that I have.

So, having already accepted the fact that I would see only $150 at a maximum for this incredible hit went to the cashier after Auto-Playing down the balance to $150 from almost $4000. I thought I would be able to withdraw it to the horrible MyPaylinq but they had vanished from this site like the others.

Upon calling support, I was informed that I could either accept withdraw from Western Union for a $65 fee deducted from my $150 for an $85 net win which in hindsight is what I should have done.

My other option was to try to play the $150 back up to $180 so they could cut me a check and send it by courier. It had to be $180, no more and no less. This is because there is a minimum withdrawal of $150 by check with a $30 fee.
I protested long and hard and in vain. Why couldn’t they just send me the DAMN CHECK for $150? To continually come on to your players as VIPs only to treat them like this over a few lousy dollars is beyond any good business judgment that I can fathom.

No, I was basically given no other alternative but to try to get the $150 back up to $180 so they could cut met the lousy $150 check. By the way, the casino refers to this as a “one time courtesy.”

Of course, I never had a prayer. I couldn’t hit two 10s on any pay line. I hit a couple of features that paid absolutely nothing. In spite of my most concerted and conservative efforts, my $150 became NOTHING!

I called support back and I was speaking to Alex each time. He was very nice and apologetic but of course he wasn’t the decision maker. I asked them to pay me my $150 many times but I was refused. No exceptions. Finally I asked them if they were unwilling to pay me the money would they at least give me a FREE CHIP worth $150 which would give me a shot (however minuscule) to actually win something worthwhile and this request was also refused. After my insistence and persistence I demanded to speak to the manager making the decisions.

Her name was Priscilla I believe. She was completely unempathetic to the situation in her tone and demeanor. She kept telling me they have a 5x cash out rule on all free chips which I probably knew before she ever did. This conversation---I had already accepted would not result in anything but more frustration and disappointment that lovely $25 FREE CHIP had already caused me. All I was asking for was a FREE CHIP for another shot and finally, finally I pried a $100 free chip which she begrudgingly added to my account and I promptly lost a few days later when I felt foolish enough to subject myself to the same potential frustration.

It appears I’ve written a short story here and I knew if I were to share this experience on CM it would become a novel. But it is done and now I am glad I took the time and the effort to share my very negative experience here on Casino Meister.
The moral to the story is: THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A FREE CHIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
"There is no such thing as a free-chip"... if you live in the USA :mad:
It seriously sucks for you guys over there who just want to have a little flutter online.
Over here in the UK I can withdraw to Neteller, Skrill, or have the cash sent direct to my bank - no hassles, no fees.

Great story by the way - but for the wrong reasons :(

KK
 
"There is no such thing as a free-chip"... if you live in the USA :mad:
It seriously sucks for you guys over there who just want to have a little flutter online.
Over here in the UK I can withdraw to Neteller, Skrill, or have the cash sent direct to my bank - no hassles, no fees.

Great story by the way - but for the wrong reasons :(

KK

Too true that. And as far as free chips go...I've always wondered if you could hit a minor jackpot on a .25 bet and I found out this past weekend with my $25 VIP Daily Bonus chip. I hit the minor on Loch Ness Loot for $373 about 10 spins into my $25 chip. Haha, I just stared at it with big eyes like WTH. The good news is I quickly did the WR and cashed out so minus my $9 Paymycard fee my free chip netted me $241. In all honesty if I hadn't had that limit I'd of probably played the whole thing back anyway. It does suck though KK that we have no way of "instantly' getting our money. It means we have to play forever and decide "Is this amount enough to be worth all the hassle". Most times it's not and then we just keep playing until it's gone. Ah, the life of a gambler...
 
I'm failing to see why Grande Vegas are the "boogey man" in this story.

You're obviously an existing player, and hence you KNEW what the restrictions were, and you KNEW that there are costs and restrictions on cashouts for US players.

You're shitty because you didn't make the $180, and didn't take the WU option. If you had, you would be $85 in front.

I don't actually have a problem with you being shitty about losing it all, or not cashing out to WU, or hitting a big win on a max cashout chip. I DO have a problem with you blaming the casino for it....in fact, it is ridiculous IMO.

You know the lay of the land as a US player...and believe me I sympathise with you. You went ahead and played the $25 with your eyes wide open, and it didn't work out for you. That's life. It happens to everyone at some point. If you had hit another monster or something with your $150, you would be saying WOOHOO!! and how awesome GV was and how you're glad you kept on playing....see my point?

IMO the casino has done nothing wrong here and doesn't deserve the crud you're tossing at it. Not only did they give you the $25 to start with, but they gave another $100 chip afterwards! Sheesh! How much more do you want? Why do you think the rules should be broken for your personally, when everyone else has to suck it up? I get the frustration about the big win and max cashout part, but the rest of it is just childish IMO.
 
"Shitty" ??? Did you read my post Nifty?

I'm failing to see why Grande Vegas are the "boogey man" in this story.

You're obviously an existing player, and hence you KNEW what the restrictions were, and you KNEW that there are costs and restrictions on cashouts for US players.

You're shitty because you didn't make the $180, and didn't take the WU option. If you had, you would be $85 in front.

I don't actually have a problem with you being shitty about losing it all, or not cashing out to WU, or hitting a big win on a max cashout chip. I DO have a problem with you blaming the casino for it....in fact, it is ridiculous IMO.

You know the lay of the land as a US player...and believe me I sympathise with you. You went ahead and played the $25 with your eyes wide open, and it didn't work out for you. That's life. It happens to everyone at some point. If you had hit another monster or something with your $150, you would be saying WOOHOO!! and how awesome GV was and how you're glad you kept on playing....see my point?

IMO the casino has done nothing wrong here and doesn't deserve the crud you're tossing at it. Not only did they give you the $25 to start with, but they gave another $100 chip afterwards! Sheesh! How much more do you want? Why do you think the rules should be broken for your personally, when everyone else has to suck it up? I get the frustration about the big win and max cashout part, but the rest of it is just childish IMO.

I am not "shitty" thank you. I assume that's an Aussie expression that hasn't made it to the states. "Shitty" would perfectly describe the demeanor of the woman I spoke to at GV.

You missed the multiple points of my post completely. I'm not blaming GV for anything other than their asinine, poorly conceived, and potentially counter productive marketing strategy. Also, I myself said I should have taken the WU option. But, I should not have HAD to take it.

Nifty, do you truly fail to see just how "SHITTY" these policies are towards the loyal "VIP" patron? You are actually going to defend the "shitty," ambiguous rules that make it impossible for a player to collect even 5x the value of a "Free Chip?" Really? This is a prime example of what is wrong with the management philosophy of the vast majority of even "accredited" online gaming sites. The good old "take it or leave it" philosophy.

I even asked if they would cut me a check for $120 before deducting the $30 fee and the answer was a flat NO. I did not want to play the balance that was $4000 back up to $180 to get their "shitty" $150 check.

Honestly Nifty, I thought even you would see the utterly absurd nature of this scenario but you missed the point completely. Am I surprised? No.

GV should have just cut me the check for $150, or even $120. They did not. Am I surprised? No. This is a prime example of the complete disconnect with the people running these sites and the people who continue to play in them. In not doing so they made a business decision that failed to look at the big picture. That one little check of $150 would have without question ended up coming back to them 10 - 20 fold in my future deposits. Now, it will go to INET Bet, or a local B & M. I may play there again but it will be awhile.

And I will also point out that their sister casino (in whatever way they are related), Jackpot Capital makes the maximum withdrawal $180 on any free chip of less than $50 in order to avoid this happening to a player. I believe Slotastic may also be doing it but GV certainly has not followed suit. If the GV rep here on CM happens to read this post, may I suggest you follow suit to spare this aggravation to any more of your VIP Players?

Also, I am not after your "sympathy" or that of anyone else. I remarked the woman at GV displayed no EMPATHY. There is a big difference. The reality was she was she came off as a bitch.

More than anything, I made this post was to share with other members of this forum one of the countless pitfalls inherent to online gaming and to do in a post that most would find interesting and enjoyable. I did not post it to bash GV nor did I post it looking for validation of my opinions and feelings by you or anyone else.

To that end, I hope I succeeded.
 
I didn't know nifty was an Aussie!

That explains a lot!

I rate VWM and NIFTY as 2 of the best posters here.


There is only one difference I have never seen VFW being condescending sarcastic or even ventuire into any personalities. So ti got to be cultural .

I am sure nifty does mean to dig into anyone but sometimes posters beg the answer Nifty usually gives and saves a lot of us the trouble or answering.

I tend to think and am tempted to write some of the "sarcastixc" post thast Nifty posts but was aware of getting a post like CM just did!

I hope this does not discourage Nifty from giving his valuable input.

To the OP, I never realized that JC and Slotastic had those exceptions to max payout on a 25 free choip I was aware that we in UIS could not cash out
so I just disregard the free chip.

Secondly, I am sure once the WR is met, regardless of the amount of the free chip, your account is reduced to the max payout
 
I think there is a cultural issue here.

The word "shitty" in Australia simply means "annoyed" or "upset". It is not an insult, nor is it in any way confrontational. Its used in everyday conversation and isn't even considered swearing.

Sorry, but whining about one single word is....well it is what it is. Considering pmutts didn't even know what the word means.

I did NOT intend that single word to offend, for the reasons set out above. I'll take a rap on the knuckles for doing the wrong thing.....as I have before....but not in this case where I did nothing wrong except tell another member a POV they didn't like hearing.

@pmutts

I didn't say their policies are wonderful. I said you KNEW before you played. If you don't like the terms, don't play. Attacking the casino afterwards just because they applied the same rules to you as they do to everyone else is unreasonable.

As I said, if you had won a nice sum from that $150 you either most likely wouldn't have even started a thread, or if you did it would have been about how lucky you were and how cool GV is etc. In other words, you're annoyed because you lost, and you're venting your annoyance in the wrong direction.
 
I know full well what you meant

I think there is a cultural issue here.

The word "shitty" in Australia simply means "annoyed" or "upset". It is not an insult, nor is it in any way confrontational. Its used in everyday conversation and isn't even considered swearing.

Sorry, but whining about one single word is....well it is what it is. Considering pmutts didn't even know what the word means.

I did NOT intend that single word to offend, for the reasons set out above. I'll take a rap on the knuckles for doing the wrong thing.....as I have before....but not in this case where I did nothing wrong except tell another member a POV they didn't like hearing.

@pmutts

I didn't say their policies are wonderful. I said you KNEW before you played. If you don't like the terms, don't play. Attacking the casino afterwards just because they applied the same rules to you as they do to everyone else is unreasonable.

As I said, if you had won a nice sum from that $150 you either most likely wouldn't have even started a thread, or if you did it would have been about how lucky you were and how cool GV is etc. In other words, you're annoyed because you lost, and you're venting your annoyance in the wrong direction.

The word did not offend me in the least. You fail to see the entire point completely. I did not write this post in hopes that I might gain your agreement or favor Nifty. I knew you would weigh in--you ALWAYS do!

Also, I did not write the post to bash Grande Vegas. I simply wanted to share my extremely frustrating experience with other members of the forum about something that simply should have NEVER happened and hoped I would be able to do so with your incessant attempts to draw me in to a debate!

Debate is good at times. You often make very valid points and frequently, I agree with your position even if I do find your tone to be condescending, belittling, and sometimes downright nasty. There are many times when various posts NEED you to pounce on them in your special way but you need to learn to be much more selective about these instances. In other words--choose your battles more carefully.

In this case however, there is nothing to debate. I made every effort to be as fair and even handed given the circumstances about what occurred. Do you have to put your 2 cents in on every single post in this forum? You are not the supreme court nor even Judge Judy for that matter. I read just about every thread in the forum but I weigh in on only a few. Obviously you will weigh in on many more than I, however, please try to be more selective about why, when, and how.

I guess after all this I'll go ahead and PM the Rep here for VG and ask them to raise the max withdrawal on any free chip less than $50 to $180 the way Jackpot Capital has done.
 
I think there is a cultural issue here.

The word "shitty" in Australia simply means "annoyed" or "upset". It is not an insult, nor is it in any way confrontational. Its used in everyday conversation and isn't even considered swearing.

Sorry, but whining about one single word is....well it is what it is. Considering pmutts didn't even know what the word means.

I did NOT intend that single word to offend, for the reasons set out above. I'll take a rap on the knuckles for doing the wrong thing.....as I have before....but not in this case where I did nothing wrong except tell another member a POV they didn't like hearing.

@pmutts

I didn't say their policies are wonderful. I said you KNEW before you played. If you don't like the terms, don't play. Attacking the casino afterwards just because they applied the same rules to you as they do to everyone else is unreasonable.

As I said, if you had won a nice sum from that $150 you either most likely wouldn't have even started a thread, or if you did it would have been about how lucky you were and how cool GV is etc. In other words, you're annoyed because you lost, and you're venting your annoyance in the wrong direction.

In all fairness to Nifty I read that word as he said in his post as gentle, it pretty much reads as he said, It may not translate globally as politically correct but when I hear people from the USA use the term "retarded" which means to people from there as gentle as in a little stupid or not on the money I get it. Here it means someone that is mentally challenged, or be it a downs syndrome person, which until recently were refereed to as "Mongols" and that captured an entire race in Asia (Mongolia).

Yes we should use our words wisely but not define them by a single post and possible misapprehension, the post is valid but perhaps got a little side tracked.
 
The word did not offend me in the least. You fail to see the entire point completely. I did not write this post in hopes that I might gain your agreement or favor Nifty. I knew you would weigh in--you ALWAYS do!

Also, I did not write the post to bash Grande Vegas. I simply wanted to share my extremely frustrating experience with other members of the forum about something that simply should have NEVER happened and hoped I would be able to do so with your incessant attempts to draw me in to a debate!

Debate is good at times. You often make very valid points and frequently, I agree with your position even if I do find your tone to be condescending, belittling, and sometimes downright nasty. There are many times when various posts NEED you to pounce on them in your special way but you need to learn to be much more selective about these instances. In other words--choose your battles more carefully.

In this case however, there is nothing to debate. I made every effort to be as fair and even handed given the circumstances about what occurred. Do you have to put your 2 cents in on every single post in this forum? You are not the supreme court nor even Judge Judy for that matter. I read just about every thread in the forum but I weigh in on only a few. Obviously you will weigh in on many more than I, however, please try to be more selective about why, when, and how.

I guess after all this I'll go ahead and PM the Rep here for VG and ask them to raise the max withdrawal on any free chip less than $50 to $180 the way Jackpot Capital has done.

Could you be any more childish? "Supreme court"...."judge Judy". For goodness sake.

Like it or not, we ALL (including YOU) make judgements about what people post and why. Get a grip.

In addition, again like it or not, I can "weigh in" on whatever topic I see fit with whatever POV I deem fit and proper within the forum rules. The only people who can tell me otherwise are the mods and Bryan....and that ain't YOU.

You posted a moan/rant about something. I responded. Its not an "invitation only" thread. If you don't want contrary opinions, then maybe a blog is a better option for you. Whether you "only posted your extremely frustrating experience" or your latest scone recipe....it makes no difference. If you post in a forum, you ARE asking for responses/opinions whether you like to think so or not.

If you don't like how VG does things, then play elsewhere. Simple.
 
I give up

Could you be any more childish? "Supreme court"...."judge Judy". For goodness sake.

Like it or not, we ALL (including YOU) make judgements about what people post and why. Get a grip.

In addition, again like it or not, I can "weigh in" on whatever topic I see fit with whatever POV I deem fit and proper within the forum rules. The only people who can tell me otherwise are the mods and Bryan....and that ain't YOU.

You posted a moan/rant about something. I responded. Its not an "invitation only" thread. If you don't want contrary opinions, then maybe a blog is a better option for you. Whether you "only posted your extremely frustrating experience" or your latest scone recipe....it makes no difference. If you post in a forum, you ARE asking for responses/opinions whether you like to think so or not.

If you don't like how VG does things, then play elsewhere. Simple.

BTW, Brian already admonished you because you deserved it.

Childish, me? Look in the mirror. You will be you and I will be me. But, you did not address a single point I raised. Nifty, I have much to improve on--we all do. I'll admit it. Can you?

I even complimented your contributions to this forum. I'm thinking you were never one to take constructive criticism very well.
 
Okay guys, please crank it down a notch. We have members from at least three separate continents that are participating in this thread, so there will be varying thresholds and limits of manners and word usage. Let's try to be in a more chillin' mode. Thank you.
 
Good point . . . I considered blogging my little tale

I guess this thread is down to disagree or not and at this stage is becomes mute, move on I guess.

Perhaps in hindsight is would have been more constructive.

BTW, I did PM the rep at JPC to ask him to increase the max withdrawal to $180 on all Free Chips valued under $35. at GV.
 
This kind of thing happens all the time in B&M casinos.

Wait a second ... no it doesn't.
 
I completely understand where Pmutts is coming from.

I too have experienced a similar scenario where the max cashout was
already attached to the free chip and all I needed was $20 or $30
more to do a withdraw but ended up losing it all. As frustrated as
you are Pmutts.. your not the only one that this has happened to.

The most interesting thing that I've gathered from this story however
was your ability to strong-arm a $100 free chip from CS.. Now that's moxie.
That being said.. If the casino gave me a free chip valued at $100 after losing
the $25 free chip I bitched about in the first place, my conscience wouldn't
allow me to create a thread like this and drag said casino's name through
the mud.
 
Would making a deposit of $30 to cover the cost of the cheque be a possibility when you have the max cashout of $150 available? Too late now I know, but perhaps something to suggest if another player finds themselves in a similar position?

I think I've read of players doing just that, but I can't recall which casinos.
 
Ok so you got a free chip, max cashout $150, but you cant cash out as you need to have a $180 in your account to do so, :confused: how the hell does that work. So basically they have you by the balls and your only option is to play it back to make it upto the 180.

Why does it have to be $180 BTW
 
I wouldn't get too comfortable with shady casinos paying out your little wins. Hustlers were using this tactic long before online casinos were around. Pool sharks would let you win and pay every time until you were confident enough to go for the big prize. Then you find out how good they really are. Prospectors would be allowed to find little bits of gold until they paid good money for a claim on the land only to find out there's not another ounce to be found. It's just bait. If you want to catch a big fish you need to sacrifice a few little ones.

You join one of these crooked casinos and they'll happily pay your little wins knowing you'll only toss it back in and then some. But eventually someone wins more than they're willing to sacrifice or more than they think they can quickly get back and then the excuses crop up. A good hustler knows when to cut loose his prey and move on. If they think you'll be silly enough to come back you might just get a string of endless excuses. Many times they'll just close your account and wash their hands of the situation but no matter how many little bits of gold they let you find, in the end they'll take your money and send you on your way.
 
New Gambler's Rule added to the books. When taking a ND bonus and have completed the wagering requirements. IF you are still unable to cashout due to not meeting cashout min. Check with the casino's management to see if they would make an exception. If not, If its feasable and after fees are deducted. Deposit the required amount to bring your balance to the min in order to cashout. :D
 
New Gambler's Rule added to the books. When taking a ND bonus and have completed the wagering requirements. IF you are still unable to cashout due to not meeting cashout min. Check with the casino's management to see if they would make an exception. If not, If its feasable and after fees are deducted. Deposit the required amount to bring your balance to the min in order to cashout. :D

You are so smart!!! I never thought of that. Will they allow that extra deposit to bring up the "minimum"?
 
You are so smart!!! I never thought of that. Will they allow that extra deposit to bring up the "minimum"?

From personal experience... no. Though it may depend on who you talk to at the casino - or just how much of a VIP you are. The small (under $50) freebies are just so much play money for most of us.

I toss emails or mailers with $25 freebies from GV or JC group into the trash.
 
I've also had similar issues with this casino playing a free $25 chip. When I tried to withdraw $155 US via check, the $30 fee put me below the minimum amount for a check ($150). And then when I got my balance to $180 I was prompt that I could not withdraw because I the max withdrawal is $125 (5X free chip). You lose either way.
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Meister Ratings

Back
Top