JF is closing off the US to NEW registrations

[Pinababy69]

Not sure if I missed this earlier in the thread, but Belle Rock are starting to close all US Player accounts:

Belle Rock looks after Lucky Nugget, Jackpot City, Gaming Club & River Belle.

Thanks Simmo, I think it was tossed around in this thread, but nothing definite.....beyond the new US signups statement.

Not good news for you Lots0....so sorry.

 

[Webzcas]

Then as sure as eggs are eggs, the other MGS powered casinos will step in line and follow Belle Rock's lead.

 

[Mousey]

Not sure if I missed this earlier in the thread, but Belle Rock are starting to close all US Player accounts:



Belle Rock looks after Lucky Nugget, Jackpot City, Gaming Club & River Belle.

Yes they are. So why are they still sending me promo emails?? 'Come play with us... If you need to reinstall your software go to.... To take advantage of this offer simply deposit...'

Yeah. Right. Sure. Be right there. 'pressing Uninstall button'... Gimme just a minute .....

Someone tell me who owns Vegas Slot... MiniVegas? Has anyone heard anything from them as to US players? (We know how much we can count on the casinos to let us know WTF is going on.)

 

[jetset]

Comes up fine from here.

Honestly, in light of what is going on with the UIGEA, if I were a US player. I would withdraw my balance now from any MGS powered casino and wait it out through 1 December. I wouldn't attempt to make any deposits until a few days after then.

And that date is coming up fast - you've got two weeks

Yep - if they can't be bothered to communicate with the players why give them the time of day?

 

[lots0]

Belle Rock is currently closing active US accounts in what they call their "Phase one" of leaving the US market. If your from the US and you ask a customer service rep about a "Bonus" or any other type of customer service request, you can expect to have your account closed by them and your money refunded.

So the short term was really short...

Belle Rock is leaving the US like their butt is on fire...

And I find that really odd, because of the finalized UGIEA regulations have in fact legalized the transfer online gambling funds in a backhanded sort of way and the Kentucky case is not going to stand the review by the Appellate court or any other legal challenges.

As far as Belle rock goes... As long as they pay me the thousands and thousands of dollars they owe me...
All I have to say to Belle rock is...

Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out...

 

[Pinababy69]

As far as Belle rock goes... As long as they pay me the thousands and thousands of dollars they owe me...
All I have to say to Belle rock is...

Don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out...

Lots0, I know from your posts that you had alot of faith in Belle Rock and their casinos, and I'm guessing you promoted them heavily..and probably gave them premium space on your site(s)? Did you have any non U.S. customers at all? If so, with you being a U.S. affiliate, how will they deal with your future earnings? And if not....couldn't you consider extending your reach into the European market? You surely know enough about SEO and targetting to reach whomever you'd like. Or, like some of us, are you just fed up with the whole mess?

Sorry for the slight derail guys, but this does affect more than just Lots0 as well. Him maybe more, because it sounds like he put alot of energy into Belle Rock. But there are some other good affiliates out there, who once they lose these solid casinos, aren't left with alot to offer the U.S. player. And what happens? Yep, the unscrupulous affiliates work their way even higher up the food chain, promoting the worst of the worst.

Anyway, was just curious Lots0, as I know your SEO abilities somewhat.

 

[RobWin]

This is all some purdy damn conflicting info here then considering I just received an email earlier from my favorite payment processor (the one you have to be invited to join) saying that MC was back and I could now again use all my MC's that I had registered there to deposit with....sooooo !!

It looks like maybe MC has just read thru the Treasury Dept.'s final rules and have decided to start making some fee money again...

Still don't know why everyone is freaking out over this...

 

[Pinababy69]

Still don't know why everyone is freaking out over this...

With Belle Rock pulling out completely Rob, you still don't think the other MG's will follow..in due course? And the post that Bryan made? I think it's pretty good advice. Anyway, whatever happens, I hope that everyone is taken care of...and gets what is due them, in good order.

 

[Westland Bowl]

.....Belle Rock is leaving the US like their butt is on fire...

And I find that really odd, because of the finalized UGIEA regulations have in fact legalized the transfer online gambling funds in a backhanded sort of way and the Kentucky case is not going to stand the review by the Appellate court or any other legal challenges.

I took find the whole Microgaming saga very odd, slightly amusing. They seem to be playing Chicken Little "the sky is falling!" The only thing I can think of that would give logic to Microgaming's actions is they heard(?) the US Justice Department is going to do some "midnight prosecutions" or "midnight confiscations" while they still have the current administration in office. That last sentence is only speculation on my part, NOT based on fact.

Why leave the US market when in just a little while they can breathe easier?

 

[Simmo!]

Somewhat ought to do a slot called "Bush Politics" or something. You could have the "UIGEA" bonus round where you have to try and sneak a Bill through before a clock chimes Midnight. If you succeed, you get a "Backhander" award.

You could also have a free spins round where you keep getting free spins until the Governor Beshear symbol comes up on the middle reel where you then have 5 spins left (like the Pig symbol on the new Casinomeister slot), but if you get a Barney Frank symbol they keep going.

And the symbols could be States. When you get 3 of the same State in a row, it gets blocked. Block 13 States and you trigger the UIGEA bonus round.

I'm up for royalties by the way, Microgaming ...

 

[RobWin]

Somewhat ought to do a slot called "Bush Politics" or something. You could have the "UIGEA" bonus round where you have to try and sneak a Bill through before a clock chimes Midnight. If you succeed, you get a "Backhander" award.

You could also have a free spins round where you keep getting free spins until the Governor Beshear symbol comes up on the middle reel where you then have 5 spins left (like the Pig symbol on the new Casinomeister slot), but if you get a Barney Frank symbol they keep going.

And the symbols could be States. When you get 3 of the same State in a row, it gets blocked. Block 13 States and you trigger the UIGEA bonus round.

I'm up for royalties by the way, Microgaming ...

Awesome idea Simmo...:notworthy That would be one hell of a retribution slot...now please pass the bong back over here...

 

[RobWin]

With Belle Rock pulling out completely Rob, you still don't think the other MG's will follow..in due course? And the post that Bryan made? I think it's pretty good advice. Anyway, whatever happens, I hope that everyone is taken care of...and gets what is due them, in good order.

Is there an email or formal letter somewhere that I have missed stating that Belle Rock is totally leaving the US market and even existing players will no longer be able to play there ?? or, is this just hearsay ?? If there is then I have missed it or not received it and again I'm one of their so called VIP players there and even today they sent me my usual weekend bonus offers to play there...

 

[lots0]

Why leave the US market when in just a little while they can breathe easier?

That was my question to Belle Rock... Haven't received an answer.

I could understand them getting ready for the worst, it would just be smart business. But with everything looking to break our way... Why leave now?

Lots0, I know from your posts that you had alot of faith in Belle Rock and their casinos, and I'm guessing you promoted them heavily

Yup I did on both counts. The guys at BelleRock took years earning my trust and in all that time I only saw good things from BelleRock, not saying they were perfect, they were not, but they EARNED my trust by years of taking the high road and always acting with the utmost professionalism.
That is why I find the way they are acting now to be very very odd...

Anyway, was just curious Lots0, as I know your SEO abilities somewhat.

Awww shucks...
To be honest a huge part of SEO is knowing your market, I don't know the market outside the USA very well. So I will be looking for a replacement for BelleRock... But that is easier said than done.
Right now I am looking at Silverstone Overseas Ltd (ThisisVegas) as a replacement. (Some player feed back on what online casino you guys would recommend would be great... PM me )

@Simmo... Great idea... I think it might really work... lol

 

[RobWin]

For those who find their CASINOS unaffected, could you try accessing Playcheck and Cashcheck, as these are run from subdomains of the "blocked" microgaming.com
For example: playcheck6.microgaming.com/goldwhatevercrapcasino/.....

Yep, just checked 7 of my MG casinos and I could still access the "Playcheck" and the "Cashcheck" facility just fine...

 

[Pinababy69]

Is there an email or formal letter somewhere that I have missed stating that Belle Rock is totally leaving the US market and even existing players will no longer be able to play there ?? or, is this just hearsay ?? If there is then I have missed it or not received it and again I'm one of their so called VIP players there and even today they sent me my usual weekend bonus offers to play there...

Simmo is the one who posted it....so maybe we should tickle him til he gives up his source?

In any event, if he's gotten that info from somewhere, it's good enough for me.

 

[Pinababy69]

To be honest a huge part of SEO is knowing your market, I don't know the market outside the USA very well. So I will be looking for a replacement for BelleRock... But that is easier said than done.
Right now I am looking at Silverstone Overseas Ltd (ThisisVegas) as a replacement. (Some player feed back on what online casino you guys would recommend would be great... PM me )

And that shows you how much I know about SEO.

RE: This Is Vegas, I'll drop you a PM later on with my own thoughts. Although I don't play Rivals anymore, TIV was one of only two that I did play at. You should talk to Nashvegas as well, as he plays there quite a bit I think. And is pretty much a high roller (judging from his screenshots, and balances, lol)....so if they treat him well, it might be a good indication of how they treat others. If he withdraws large sums, and is getting paid no problems, that's a start.

 

[lots0]

Rob,
Here is a quote from a email I received from BelleRock management.

In the short terms players will be able to continue placing wagers, however the long term view is to become 100% independent of US purchases and play with our focus being solely on rest of the world where we are already getting the majority of our business from.

In a different email, a general one that was mailed to all affiliates there was this...

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.

and this...

We regret any impact that this decision may have upon you, and would like to reassure you that the decision was not taken lightly. Recent experience has seen the USA becoming less and less profitable as market conditions have become ever tighter, to the point that continued activity in the USA has become decidedly unattractive to ReferBack.

At the same time, ReferBack has seen very substantial growth in other markets around the world, and is therefore able to assist affiliates wanting to re-focus or extend their marketing efforts beyond the USA.

There seems to be some criteria that I am unable to figure out, that has to be met before they will close your account. Most reports I have or have read have been about people contacting support with a question and they end up getting their account closed.

You can also expect if you have not logged on to your account in some time (three-six months. I'm guessing) that the account has already been closed. I saw this happening a couple of weeks ago to all my inactive US accounts.

It is just a matter of time at this point before BelleRock closes all US accounts.

 

[Simmo!]

Simmo is the one who posted it....so maybe we should tickle him til he gives up his source?

Damn that's easy...I'm too ticklish

Lots0 posted my source up there too anyway

 

[RobWin]

Rob,
Here is a quote from a email I received from BelleRock management.


In a different email, a general one that was mailed to all affiliates there was this...

and this...


There seems to be some criteria that I am unable to figure out, that has to be met before they will close your account. Most reports I have or have read have been about people contacting support with a question and they end up getting their account closed.

You can also expect if you have not logged on to your account in some time (three-six months. I'm guessing) that the account has already been closed. I saw this happening a couple of weeks ago to all my inactive US accounts.

It is just a matter of time at this point before BelleRock closes all US accounts.

Thanks for the post and clarification Lots0, I can also see another scenario in all of this too (probably cause I have a conspiratorial mindset though) but that would be that maybe this is just simply all a facade on the part of MG casinos saying they are leaving the US market for the benefit of anyone who comes here to read all of this that are not really our neighbors...eg: (DOJ, Tres.Dept, moles) as some of us know they have frequented this board before...

So with that said, I guess all any of us can really do is just speculate as to what might or might not happen until we actually see it happening with our own eyes...

 

[kauphy]

intertops and fl

hi i have asked fl over and over they r pob getting sick of hearing from me. but they say they are not pulling out of the u.s at all and intertops i just got a bonus from them thought the mail and was able to download them and log on and play my bonus. so they did not lock everyones account i guess caz i went on mine.

 

[jetset]

Thanks for the post and clarification Lots0, I can also see another scenario in all of this too (probably cause I have a conspiratorial mindset though) but that would be that maybe this is just simply all a facade on the part of MG casinos saying they are leaving the US market for the benefit of anyone who comes here to read all of this that are not really our neighbors...eg: (DOJ, Tres.Dept, moles) as some of us know they have frequented this board before...

So with that said, I guess all any of us can really do is just speculate as to what might or might not happen until we actually see it happening with our own eyes...

I imagine it's not just US officials who would find all these exchanges useful - by the look of things (and the lack of any signs of a cohesive approach) this would be a good place for the various MGS-powered groups and maybe even MGS itself to get an overview of WTF each group is planning to do LOL!

 

[RobWin]

I imagine it's not just US officials who would find all these exchanges useful - by the look of things (and the lack of any signs of a cohesive approach) this would be a good place for the various MGS-powered groups and maybe even MGS itself to get an overview of WTF each group is planning to do LOL!

LOL Jet, yea...you are point on with that statement !!

 

[Simmo!]

Just a thought, maybe Jetset has a view, but what is there to stop Microgaming launching a secondary business model where they provide re-branded (possibly even co-branded) games to other software companies? Could that not remove Microgaming's liability should that company then choose to sub-licence the games to casinos who take in the USA?

 

[jetset]

It's an interesting thought, especially this year when we have seen so many successful cross-platform partnerships between leading companies.

As to whether that would give an acceptable indirect entre to the US market....I don't know to be honest. I would guess you would have to have a lot of clear water between the market and the provider, off the top of my head.

But I imagine the idea would give uber-cautious lawyers kittens LOL!

I am not privy to Microgaming's inner workings and thoughts, of course, but my personal view is that when you are a leader in the industry, as they clearly are, you become a priority target.

That's perhaps illustrated by the unbalanced emphasis on MGS that those Chicago contingency lawyers gave in the Kentucky domains cases.

Becoming such a potentially lucrative and high profile target suggests to me that a company would have to be that much more careful of legal pitfalls - especially in a crazy, confused and inequitable legislative environment like that pertaining in the United States.

I'll bet their legal bills are horrendous....but essential. Unfortunately, corporate lawyers have a tendency to take the more conservative route, which can stifle entrepreneurial drives elsewhere in the organisation.

 

[dominique]

Grand Prive is closing it's affiliate program. Has anyone heard if they are closing their casinos too?