JF is closing off the US to NEW registrations

[lots0]

BelleRock and their casinos are out of the US as well...

Please be advised that, with immediate effect ReferBack, representing Belle Rock Entertainment, is withdrawing from the USA and will no longer be representing any casinos or poker rooms in that market.

I'm out of business as well...

 

[Pinababy69]

Lots0, does that refer to JUST new US signups? Or do they mean they are completely pulling out of the US market? Can you clarify for us, if you don't mind?

And I'm sorry to hear how much this has affected you as well. I've always considered you one of the "good guys". You know what I mean.

 

[dominique]

At this time it LOOKS LIKE all micros will stop accepting new US players starting Monday or a little later.

LOOKS LIKE.

There will be more info tomorrow.

So far, existing players are still welcome and no sudden blocking is planned, but it is said that eventually most MGS casinos will not be allowing any US players.

I am quite sure MGS is going to make this exit smooth and troublefree for existing players, and I highly doubt withdrawals will be any more trouble then than usual.

Fortune, Belle Rock, Little Vegas, Playshare, and Jackpot Factory have already made announcements to that effect. I expect others to follow tomorrow.

All of this could be reversed quickly depending on the outcome in Kentucky and other pending legal situations.

 

[lots0]

From what I have been told, dominique is correct.

BelleRock has just stopped accepting new players from the US.
The existing US players will not be locked out.
That is the very last word I have heard from BelleRock.

I've always considered you one of the "good guys".

Thank You, that means a lot to me.

 

[Pinababy69]

but it is said that eventually most MGS casinos will not be allowing any US players.

I am quite sure MGS is going to make this exit smooth and troublefree for existing players, and I highly doubt withdrawals will be any more trouble then than usual.

That's exactly what I figured would happen, and why I posted what I did this morning.

I'm sure you're right Dom, but I can't help but think back to the Casino Action debacle, where so many people "in the know" were aware that the group was going under, yet no one said a word to players. And those players were still allowed to deposit almost up until the end. Then one day they go to log in, and they can't, nor can they access the banking facility to withdraw funds, etc.

And then more recently, we have Intertops having their players locked out. Whether it was done by MG directly, or by Intertops themselves, is irrelevant. The bottom line is that players were given no advance notice, and as a result, loyalty points and bonuses were forfeited. They should have been given a chance to tidy up their affairs before being locked out, even if it were only a couple of days notice.

I seem to remember that Roxy/Splendido also gave US players zero notice when they pulled out of the US completely. I personally think they are a good group, but that's just not right. Not IMO anyway.

So again, if I were a US player who plays at any MG casino, I would limit my deposits to small amounts, withdraw any remaining balance or winnings as soon as my session ended, and claim any unused bonuses or loyalty pts as soon as possible. No insider info here, just a personal opinion.

 

[jetset]

Having now had the opportunity to speak to most of the larger Microgaming licensee groups I can confirm Dom's post above; from next Monday no further new US registrations will be accepted, and this originated - I'm told very reluctantly - from the operators and not Microgaming.

The reasons I was given are pretty much along the lines I speculated on in my earlier post here.

It appears at present that there are no immediate plans to extend this ban to existing players, but as other posters here have noted, and recent circumstances have again underlined, the US situation is a delicate and dynamic one that can quickly change.

Should that happen in a negative way, I am confident that Microgaming will stick to its track record of ensuring that the players are paid, as will the mostly well established licensee groups, but who can tell what unforseen obstacles could arise so the cautious approach urged by others here is probably good advice.

Whether this situation would change with a favourable appeal against the Kentucky nonsense is at this stage a matter for speculation - everyone certainly is watching developments there closely.

 

[Simmo!]

...and this originated - I'm told very reluctantly - from the operators and not Microgaming...

I don't quite get that bit. If it was the operators, why didn't they just do it for themselves on an individual basis...why go to MG for a block? There's bound to be at least one operator that would prefer to hold out.

 

[thisisvegas]

I don't think this is a payment processing based reason otherwise they wouldn't keep any of the existing players as well and shut them all out.

My personal opinion is that Microgaming is going to float on the London Stock Exchange and it's the same situation as Playtech and any other publicly traded company that had to deal with UIEGA. This would force all the operators to not accept new US players, otherwise I'm certain there would be many who would reject the decision. Let's see what really does happen, the timing would be bad and maybe the shares would be worth taking up knowing everyone else was brought down recently?

 

[dominique]

I don't quite get that bit. If it was the operators, why didn't they just do it for themselves on an individual basis...why go to MG for a block? There's bound to be at least one operator that would prefer to hold out.

You are mixing up two seperate events - the blocking of Kentucky and surroundings and the closing of casinos to US players.

 

[Simmo!]

You are mixing up two seperate events - the blocking of Kentucky and surroundings and the closing of casinos to US players.

No - I'm not Dom, Jetset said above he was told that this latest one was an operator decision.

Incidentally: I'd suggest those who play slot tournaments register with all the casinos who do them now so that at least you have the option to play them at a later date.

Also, a little tip: register via the Flash version of the casino - it's quicker and you don't have to download every one

 

[dominique]

First item - a few days ago - Microgaming blocks Kentucky. Many others (non Kentuckians) are affected and all hell breaks lose on various levels. This WAS done by microgaming and I spoke to some casinos who were quite upset about it.

Second item - a couple days later - Various operators of microgaming casinos decide to stop taking new US players. This is NOT an IP block by microgaming, this is only applicable to new players. No blocking involved here.

These two are seperate, consecutive occurrances and while one may have been triggered by the other, they are not the same action and only one includes blocking by MGS.

 

[Simmo!]

This is NOT an IP block by microgaming, this is only applicable to new players. No blocking involved here.

These two are seperate, consecutive occurrances and while one may have been triggered by the other, they are not the same action and only one includes blocking by MGS.

I know all that You're confusing me LOL. I guess I should clarify: my question was, why would all the operators suddenly want to block the USA on a certain day when it's such a huge part of their business? It has to be an MGS decision - or at the very least a recommendation from them that threatens the licences, surely?

 

[jetset]

Hi everyone,

I would like to clarify my posting. This decision is from the Jackpot Factory group and NOT from MGS. Unfortunately, I dont always get the messages as I should. According to my sources in the industry many other MGS casinos will be making similar announcement during the next few days. I think everyone has just come to the conclusion that accepting new US players simply isnt worth the headache especially with the whole IP tracking and documentation issues discussed a few days ago.

I will repeat that were still more than happy to host our existing players and will continue to operate business as usually. Pinababy69, were certainly not planning on closing off the US to our existing players and all account balances are always going to be available to our players.

Mousey, I appreciate your comments regarding player notification. Ive mentioned this several times before but to me the most important thing for this industry is transparency. No reason to keep our customers out of the loop on important issues.

All the best,

David Brickman
VP Player Affairs
Jackpot Factory Casino Group

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

I think the above confirms what I have been told privately by several licensees, but the point is surely moot now; the central point here is that come Monday 10th November all new US registrations will be stopped by Microgaming licensees for the forseeable future.

 

[jetset]

I don't think this is a payment processing based reason otherwise they wouldn't keep any of the existing players as well and shut them all out.

My personal opinion is that Microgaming is going to float on the London Stock Exchange and it's the same situation as Playtech and any other publicly traded company that had to deal with UIEGA. This would force all the operators to not accept new US players, otherwise I'm certain there would be many who would reject the decision. Let's see what really does happen, the timing would be bad and maybe the shares would be worth taking up knowing everyone else was brought down recently?

That's interesting speculation, but if accurate it will be one of the best kept secrets this year, as these things involve so many people that there is usually a leak and rumours fly around....which hasn't been the case as far as I am aware.

But considering the possibility, why would MGS want to go public, and especially in this rather depressing economic and political environment?

I doubt that the company needs additional capital, and one advantage of staying private is freedom from having to publicly report commercially sensitive information every five minutes.

Private companies can usually move faster and are more flexible, too - useful attributes in a dynamic market and the conditions that the industry is currently experiencing.

If MGS did list I believe I would have to take a flutter...there's a lot of industry experience and expertise in that Isle of Man company!!!

It's a fascinating thought....

 

[Pinababy69]

If MGS did list I believe I would have to take a flutter.....

Take a flutter? Does that mean buy stock? Economics dummy here.

 

[dominique]

I know all that You're confusing me LOL. I guess I should clarify: my question was, why would all the operators suddenly want to block the USA on a certain day when it's such a huge part of their business? It has to be an MGS decision - or at the very least a recommendation from them that threatens the licences, surely?

Reading back, I think we just stumbled over the word "blocking".

With all the state restrictions and now the blocking of Kentucky and surroundings the US market has shrivelled a lot for MGS casinos.

 

[RobWin]

Take a flutter? Does that mean buy stock? Economics dummy here.

It means to "take a gamble" Pina...

 

[jetset]

Update

U.S. PLAYER EXCLUSION LATEST (Update)

Microgaming spokesman comments on new US registration bar


Following emailed advisories to affiliates by several Microgaming-powered online gambling groups intimating that new US signups would not be entertained from November 10, InfoPowa today asked a senior Microgaming spokesman for comment on the issue.

He explained as a point of departure that as a software provider the Isle of Man based company does not dictate policy or corporate strategy to its licensees, all of which are independently owned companies.

Regarding the ban by licensees, he said: "Several of Microgamings clients, who represent most of the US licensee business, last week decided that the current commercial uncertainty of investing in business from the United States no longer justified accepting new player registrations.

"The US share of business has been declining for some time, and a number of licensees have already intimated to affiliates that they will no longer be taking US play.

"That is a decision for individual licensees, who act in the best interests of their companies

"Play from certain US states was in any event not accepted by Microgaming licensees, and has not been for some time.

"In the light of these decisions, Microgaming did not believe the volume of remaining business warranted the remainder of US-facing licensees keeping their systems available for new registrations, given the technical difficulties of maintaining an effective screening for all circumstances.

"After discussions with these remaining licensees, Microgaming will from today [November 10 2008] be implementing the decision not to accept new US registrations.

"Microgaming is confident that its licensees will be dealing with their players and affiliates in a fair and reasonable manner. In any event, industry player protection bodies such as ECOGRA will be prepared as usual to assist any players who have complaints.

"Microgaming cannot comment on the order for seizure of domain names by a court in Kentucky, as the matter is in the hands of lawyers."

The comments confirm earlier reports that the initiative for the ban originated with licensees discouraged by the continued and possibly worsening uncertainties of doing business in the United States.

The fact that licensees are independent of the software provider and make their own policy and business decisions perhaps also explains why some licensees have told affiliates that they will cease doing business in the USA from December 1, whilst others have not.

Eurolinx, Doyle's Room and Poker Host are the latest Microgaming licensees to join the ban.

Eurolinx this week advised its affiliates: "We regret to inform you that after long and careful deliberation, Eurolinx has decided to accept no new registrations from the US, effective immediately. The market has become turbulent, as evidenced most recently in the Kentucky case.

"All US players at Eurolinx will see no change; they can continue to play as per usual. However, there will be no new registrations allowed. Eurolinx will be concentrating its marketing efforts in the near future on under-serviced markets in Europe and Asia.

"The shift in market focus is only positive, as the US market was approaching maturity and growth was beginning to stagnate. By relocating the focus to new markets, Eurolinx seeks to educate new players to the game, thus keeping growth healthy and upwardly mobile. To poker players, the quality of the game is the most important factor, and the quality of the game is only improved when bringing new players to the game."

 

[Westland Bowl]

U.S. PLAYER EXCLUSION LATEST (Update)

Microgaming spokesman comments on new US registration bar
......

"The US share of business has been declining for some time......

"That is a decision for individual licensees, who act in the best interests of their companies

"In the light of these decisions, Microgaming did not believe the volume of remaining business warranted the remainder of US-facing licensees keeping their systems available for new registrations......

"Microgaming is confident that its licensees will be dealing with their players and affiliates in a fair and reasonable manner. In any event, industry player protection bodies such as ECOGRA will be prepared as usual to assist any players who have complaints......"

From Eurolinx: "The shift in market focus is only positive, as the US market was approaching maturity and growth was beginning to stagnate.....the quality of the game is only improved when bringing new players to the game."

I guess when there are more (losing) players, then the slots and blackjack are more "fair" at Microgaming. It appears that shrinking customer base is the reason for tighter slots, non-random blackjack hands, and less and less winners at Microgaming casinos. If online casinos can't bring an upright fair game to the tables like the reputable Las Vegas casinos, then get the hell out of here.

 

[Pinababy69]

I just got the Brightshare (Jackpot Factory) newsletter. Most of it is nothing new, about the no new US accounts, but I highlighted the part that is news to me.

Hi Lisa,

Today we are doing some major affiliate system updates (uploading a new version with less bugs) so Brightshare login and sign up will be down today sorry about that.

Secondly, as of yesterday Jackpot Factory has stopped receiving new player from the US by taking the following measures:

Removed United States from the country drop-down list on the registration form.

Implemented IP monitoring on all new accounts new US players will be blocked based on IP. These players could be white listed if the player can provide a proof that he doesnt resides in the US.

All affiliate accounts that have been locked by mistake will be released. At the moment we have only 1 affiliate that was affected.

On Wednesday all Flash and progressive play will be blocked for US players. This includes:
Progressives in Viper
Flash play as guest / Real / demo by US players, based on IP. This includes the Flash links Brightshare provides to affiliates
Play for fun only fun casinos wont be blocked

Did I miss something or is this the first mention of ALL progressive and flash play being disallowed for the U.S.? What is the reasoning behind that? I'd guess they don't want a US player winning Mega Moolah, Major Millions, etc. The headache of trying to pay them could prove too much, or it may even become impossible.

But what's the flash play thing about? Too much of a load on the servers?

In any event, although David has been forthright to this point, this STILL sounds to me like a company planning on removing themselves completely from the US market at some point. Especially in light of the comments made by MG in Jetset's piece above.

EDIT: Just for the record, most of my affiliate accounts are still open, even though none of them are active.....not for a few years now. And I never did promote JPF, think I signed up with them just before I got out of it. But I still get the newsletters from most of them.

 

[Mousey]

some licensees have told affiliates that they will cease doing business in the USA from December 1, whilst others have not

Thank you Jetset. Perhaps I've missed it... we players need to know WHICH affiliate programs (specifically which casinos as I'm not familiar with the affiliate programs) are planning to block all US players Dec. 1.

On Wednesday all Flash and progressive play will be blocked for US players. This includes:
Progressives in Viper
Flash play as guest / Real / demo by US players, based on IP. This includes the Flash links Brightshare provides to affiliates
Play for fun only fun casinos wont be blocked

Thanks for your update also, Pina, as that does appear that JPF is also planning to dump us. If not, why close off access to Flash play... and does this mean blocking us from all progressives, even in the DL software?

Damn, I hate feeling so disoriented and unwanted.

 

[Pinababy69]

Thank you Jetset. Perhaps I've missed it... we players need to know WHICH affiliate programs (specifically which casinos as I'm not familiar with the affiliate programs) are planning to block all US players Dec. 1.



Thanks for your update also, Pina, as that does appear that JPF is also planning to dump us. If not, why close off access to Flash play... and does this mean blocking us from all progressives, even in the DL software?

Damn, I hate feeling so disoriented and unwanted.

As it says progressives in Viper version Mouse, I'd guess that means all progressive play, either Flash or download. It seems like JPF is trying to hang in as long as possible. I just hope they give you all some warning, if/when they decide to pull out completely.

I'm gonna start reading some of these affy newsletters more closely. Most of the time I delete them without even looking at them. If I come across any more info, I'll post it for you guys.

 

[vinylweatherman]

We are STILL being misinformed.

Many of these statements, INCLUDING those from on high, contradict the facts so far, and communications of intent/excuses from individual casino operators.

From the official MGS statement, they have formally dropped Intertops in the sh1t. MGS are saying that all that has happened so far was 100% down to the operators, thus it was 100% down to Intertops for deciding to give zero notice so that comp points and incomplete bonuses could be summarily confiscated using action by MGS as an excuse as to why they were unable to be more "fair" about it.

Microgaming is confident that its licensees will be dealing with their players and affiliates in a fair and reasonable manner. In any event, industry player protection bodies such as ECOGRA will be prepared as usual to assist any players who have complaints.

Bollocks

If I were Intertops management, I'd be pretty pissed off if it happened as you say. Other casino groups (such as JPF for example) gave their players ample notice before IP banning them, thus giving them the opportunity to play out loyalty pts/pending bonuses, etc.

MGS and Casinos,

QUIT LYING AND BLAMING EACH OTHER

IF accounts are closed, pay ALL MONIES owed, INCLUDING anything that has been earned, but happens to sit in a separate partition, such as loyalty points. BONUSES given in good faith, and accepted by players, should be paid out in normal circumstances - it is not the PLAYER'S fault they were offered something, and were locked out the following week, or even day.

As far as I can see, American players are being LIED to as to what is REALLY going on, and who knew what & when, and whose hands were tied or not by decisions made by the other party.

A proper investigation is needed into cases such as Intertops, to determine whether they INTENTIONALLY manipulated the developing situation in order to prevent US players from moving comps into their main balance, and play out any remaining WR to encash existing bonus credits (or leave them be and accept return of cash).

Jackpot Factory are now beginning to contradict themselves too. On the one hand, all are agreed that NEW registrations from the US will cease, but EXISTING players can continue.

Having said this, only a couple of days later the screw turns again, ever tightening.

On Wednesday all Flash and progressive play will be blocked for US players. This includes:
Progressives in Viper
Flash play as guest / Real / demo by US players, based on IP. This includes the Flash links Brightshare provides to affiliates
Play for fun only fun casinos wont be blocked

Don't even TRY to convince us this is "business as usual" for EXISTING US players, it is removal of over HALF the existing facility, and December 1st (the rumour) is looking more like FACT, and may even be optimistic.

I would not be surprised if after FLASH is disabled, and then progressives, that EXISTING US players will then be told that access to the remains of the VIPER download casino will be blocked, and that they need to withdraw any funds etc (altyhough I expect some, like intertops, will perform a "midnight drop" on these players, preventing them getting out their comps, bonuses, and even completing any outstanding MPV tournaments they have entered).

MGS US players might as well throw in the towel now, and get out WITH any comps, bonuses, etc, and avoiding the mass evacuation that will no doubt hold up withdrawals, and look at what develops in the market over Christmas, by which time it should be clearer as to what other operators, such as RTG and Rival, are going to do. Come January, and a new president fully installed, the focus should change, and UIGEA regulations, flawed or not, will probably receive no further attention.

US players must remember that this situation is developing similarly to the fiasco surrounding Neteller, who tried to reassure players that their funds were safe, and it was pretty much "business as usual". Overnight it changed, but Neteller lied from on high that they were actually PROCESSING the repatriation of funds, while in fact they were doing nothing of the sort pending a lengthly trading process with the DoJ for the release of 2 hostages

Cryptologic was the same, Saturday - US players were told that they could no longer claim the monthly bonus, but were reassured that other than this, they could deposit, play, and claim any other promotion. Monday came, and their accounts were frozen, comps and bonuses confiscated, and they were then told that repatriation of their funds would NOT be the quick process it normally was through the cashier, but that they would have to engage in a lengthy process that was predicted to take around a month to get their deposits and available winnings returned. Better to have told the truth on Saturday, and released the REAL reason behind the sudden pulling of the monthly bonuses, such that Sunday could have been spent completing WR and making a cashier withdrawal (overnight?), before uninstalling the casino.

With this background, it is unlikely to be much different with MGS. Their attitude seems to be to milk every last drop from existing US players before they are FORCED out (rather than telling them now and losing the rest of November's profits), even though behind the scenes it seems that they have ALREADY reached a collective agreement with MGS to pull the casinos for ALL US players some time before Christmas.
One sign that it may be coming would be a distinct absence of any Thanksgiving related promotions, given this is on November 27th (and promos usually run through the weekend afterwards). If any MG casinos DOES run one, US players should get it done, milked for value, and balances withdrawn by the end of Sunday, so that they will NOT be caught off guard if they find EVERYTHING locked on the Monday.

Nothing seems to have come of attempts to get the Intertops rep to comment as to WHY US players were denied notice so they could redeem comps and play off bonuses (still "on the road"?), while MGS HQ is stating to the press it was nothing to do with them, but entirely a commercial decision down to the operator, Intertops in this case. Evidence is that MOST MG groups have NOT yet blocked existing US players, and many have given notice of intent to block only those in 14 banned states from Yesterday, and this at least allowed the weekend for the claiming of comps, bonuses etc, & making a cashier withdrawal.

Time will tell whether my take on the situation is correct, close, or way off

 

[brianzz]

Looks like this will be a blessing for rogue operations from RTG, Rival and these other shady operations that have popped up in the last week or so.

I've slowly started asking my MG casino accounts to be locked, one operator in particular I commented to that the playtime and win rate were horrific at best, their reply was it was my own fault, I was playing the wrong games I'll gladly leave those 2 accounts locked.

 

[Webzcas]

Don't even TRY to convince us this is "business as usual" for EXISTING US players, it is removal of over HALF the existing facility, and December 1st (the rumour) is looking more like FACT, and may even be optimistic.

Correct. It is only logical that by stopping new signups from the US, that the next step will indeed be blocking the existing US Player Base. The way forward would be to open to all of us affected, players and affiliates alike.

I really do hope the rumour concerning December 1st turns out to be unfounded. But I am not holding my breath.