MG blocking players from states BORDERING Kentucky

[Westland Bowl]

Microgaming is TEMPORARILY blocking players from states that border Kentucky until the player proves residency in the bordering state rather than in Kentucky. I got this from Wild Jack casino:

Due recent changes in Kentucky legislation, as of Thursday, November 6th, we must temporarily block accounts of players whose IP addresses trace to a state bordering Kentucky.

Since your IP address traces to Virginia, which borders Kentucky, your account will be included in this list.

In order to unblock your account, we need documentation from you indicating your residence in Virginia . Please forward a valid picture ID (such as a driver's license) and utility bill showing your current address to [email protected].

At the Jackpot Factory, trust and integrity are the foundation of our relationship with you, and we are committed to helping you in any way we can. Please rest assured that once your documents are accepted, you may continue playing at the Jackpot Factory without any further interruption.

If you have any questions feel free to contact us anytime at [email protected].

Thank you for understanding in this matter.

All the best,

Mary Wise
Wild Jack Casino
A Jackpot Factory Casino

At least I can send documentation to verify that I do not live in Kentucky so that is not too bad. It's not all MG or the casino's fault. Still, to have to go through this....ugh!

 

[winbig]

Microgaming is TEMPORARILY blocking players from states that border Kentucky until the player proves residency in the bordering state rather than in Kentucky. I got this from Wild Jack casino:



At least I can send documentation to verify that I do not live in Kentucky so that is not too bad. It's not all MG or the casino's fault. Still, to have to go through this....ugh!

That is insane. Not only are they using an imperfect method of tracking where a user resides, they're also blocking BORDERING states? WHAT THE )#($*@#($*@)#($*@# ARE THEY SMOKING?

 

[LaurieJim]

well i guess in screwed now (tennessee) hello!!!!!!!!......bordering state this is such a shame, you would think the govenor of kentucky would worry more about whats going on in his on state, such as fixing those pot hole ridden roads or the unemployment rate in his fair state, i dont know who i blame more the dumb ass govenor of ky or mgs, its not fair at all to those affected by this imo........................laurie

 

[pubjoe]

I think it's because the ip address is an imperfect method of tracking that they are asking for documents to be sure.

 

[alfred666]

WHAT THE )#($*@#($*@)#($*@# ARE THEY SMOKING?

I didn't even know that that strong stuff grows on the Isle of Man ...
Maybe they should change their business model, as it looks like there is not much left from their original (casino services) soon anyway.

But seriously, these measures are just RIDICULOUS !!

 

[pubjoe]

Maybe I'm missing something. Isn't providing ID and p.o.a the norm anyway? I've done it for most casinos I've ever joined (I'm in the UK) and the ones that ask for it are rarely even kind enough to state the reason why ...Often just a big red "account suspended, please contact CS" at a log-in attempt - with no accompanying phone or email contact.

MG aren't closing accounts, they've just openly stated to a customer that as his ISP is bordering near a recently banned state, they'd like confirmation that he is safe to play rather than take any chances.

Basically they've just asked for ID, with a courtesy email explaining why.

 

[winbig]

MG aren't closing accounts, they've just openly stated to a customer that as his ISP is bordering near a recently banned state, they'd like confirmation that he is safe to play rather than take any chances.

No, they are blocking accounts. It says so in the first sentence.

Due recent changes in Kentucky legislation, as of Thursday, November 6th, we must temporarily block accounts of players whose IP addresses trace to a state bordering Kentucky.

Since your IP address traces to Virginia, which borders Kentucky, your account will be included in this list.

 

[pubjoe]

No, they are blocking accounts. It says so in the first sentence.

...until they receive ID from the account holder. Do I have that right?

I'm just not sure what the panic is about. As I said, it's probably because ip tracking is imperfect that they need to take the precaution. I know it's a hassel, but I've played at casinos that have blocked my account until they receive ID. Why not just send it in?

 

[Simmo!]

I think it's because the ip address is an imperfect method of tracking that they are asking for documents to be sure.

Yes I agree. When I downloaded Geo IP software a while back and looked into providing legal information by State, the documentation stated it could only be 80% accurate and anyone resident within x miles or so of a State border may be using an IP assigned to an out-of-state ISP.

 

[winbig]

...until they receive ID from the account holder. Do I have that right?

Correct.

I'm just not sure what the panic is about. As I said, it's probably because ip tracking is imperfect that they need to take the precaution.

Yes, they do need to take the precautions, but there's a lot of casinos that have NOT contacted players (Villento and the VPL group, to name two) to let them know that their account has, or is, going to be blocked. There's no real "panic" going on, but this situation is a huge clusterf***. Even with the IP bans in place, there's no way they can block 100% of all Kentuckians, or 0% of people that aren't in Kentucky. So in other words, it's useless that they're even doing this in the first place. Mark my words, come December's forfeiture hearing, the attorneys for Kentucky are going into court with solid evidence that Kentuckians can still gamble online, and Beshear is going to win.

I know it's a hassel, but I've played at casinos that have blocked my account until they receive ID. Why not just send it in?

I've been gambling online at numerous casinos over the past 3+ years and have never had an account blocked simply because they wanted ID.

I'm not saying that there's not going to be exceptions, but it's rare...

 

[mecan49]

I don't often say much in the forums, but today is the day! I just signed into both my MG casinos. Had no issue! But again I'm in Texas. Not to say that it cant happen here. It seems when one state does something the other follows suit. So with all this going on, i'm interested to know if the players that are allowed to play at the casinos are going to continue? or Are you. as I am concerned about the withdrawal issues that are likely to arise.

Cheers

PS ? I thought JAckpot factory group was out of Israel?

 

[mecan49]

I don't often say much in the forums, but today is the day! I just signed into both my MG casinos. Had no issue! But again I'm in Texas. Not to say that it cant happen here. It seems when one state does something the other follows suit. So with all this going on, i'm interested to know if the players that are allowed to play at the casinos are going to continue? or Are you, as I am concerned about the withdrawal issues that are likely to arise.

Cheers

PS ? I thought Jackpot factory group was out of Israel?

 

[pubjoe]

Thanks. I suppose I haven't felt the frustration that US players are feeling. I imagine it must be a nightmare being treated like a suspect all the time.

And yeah, I have had at least 2 accounts blocked, that I can remember (ladbrokes and vc), and maybe more that wanted ID before I could deposit. Usually it's been soon after opening the account, but with ladbrokes it was after playing high stakes poker, long after I opened the account. Actually, thinking about it, ladbrokes handled it really badly, it took me a long time to work out what was going on. I had a 3,000+ balance and I couldn't log into the account (big red "account suspended"). On every phonecall I made to them, I would be told conflicting reasons why. It took me about 5 weeks to get the hold thing sorted out. I could only guess what the reason was, presumably I didn't satisfy an identification check for whatever reason and they deemed my poker and casino play unusual compared to my previous account history. But I was never treated with any reasonable explanation, tbh, I was treated like a piece of shit.

Anyway, I'm so used to providing ID, if not pre-deposit, then pre-withdrawal. So any reasonable explanation to ask for it (with the courtesy to explain whats going on) would not really bother me.

 

[silcnlayc]

I just received an email for my faxback forms from 2 casinos stating I am bordering Kentucky and I have to send proof of my residence again...

Not their fault (the casinos) ..just doing a little CYAing for themselves...

Dear XXXXX

We'd just like to inform you that due to recent legal actions in the state of Kentucky there have been certain changes to gaming legislation that affects your state. In order to continue to provide you with gaming excellence we will now require both an ID document and a Utility Bill as soon as possible from you in order to comply. This is simply to ensure that you do not run into any problems when logging into your preferred casino.

We sincerely hope that you will understand that we wish to legally abide to all gaming laws in order to carry on offering you total gaming pleasure!

We would also like to ensure you that this is simply protocol and that our hands are unfortunately tied in this matter. We're deeply sorry for the inconvenience.

Please remember that there is nothing to worry about and that we will continue to give you the best gaming around at any one of our several casinos!

For your troubles we're going to give you 20 FREE SPINS ON KATHMANDU which will become effective immediately once we receive your documentation!


Vegas Partner Lounge

 

[Jackpot Factory]

Reply from David Brickman at the Jackpot Factory

Hi everyone,

Yes, things are getting pretty dicey in the US gaming market. Just to reiterate, any players who lives in a state surrounding Kentucky will have to verify their address with some documentation. We know the IP tracking isnt perfect so this was deemed the best way to filter players from states surrounding Kentucky.

I would like to say that if everyone just reads the information and responds accordingly they should not have any problem playing at the casino. The verification of address is a reasonable request which is done anyway quite often when players make withdrawals.

The Jackpot Factory gave our players as much of a heads up as possible and well do everything under our control to ensure that the process of receiving and verifying documentation flows smoothly and quickly.

All the best,

David Brickman
VP Player Affairs
Jackpot Factory Casino Group

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[vinylweatherman]

On Thursday, what about players from states bordering states bordering onto Kentucky, who have not been Emailed, but find their accounts blocked.

Next week, states bordering states bordering states bordering Kentucky

Week After - well who knows

The ONLY way (well, almost) to be 100% (ish) sure is to ban ALL USA IP addresses, and also those from COUNTRIES bordering onto the USA.

All the other states will see that it is now a simple step for them to drive MGS out of THEIR states too!

 

[winbig]

On Thursday, what about players from states bordering states bordering onto Kentucky, who have not been Emailed, but find their accounts blocked.

Next week, states bordering states bordering states bordering Kentucky

Week After - well who knows

The ONLY way (well, almost) to be 100% (ish) sure is to ban ALL USA IP addresses, and also those from COUNTRIES bordering onto the USA.

All the other states will see that it is now a simple step for them to drive MGS out of THEIR states too!

BITE YOUR TONGUE!

 

[LaurieJim]

BITE YOUR TONGUE!

guess ill be sending in my docs again, but this will be it..........right? laurie

 

[Jackpot Factory]

Update from David Brickman at the Jackpot Factory

Hi everyone,

Finally some good news.. MGS has decided NOT to implement this IP blocking on the states surrounding Kentucky which means players can access their accounts freely with no documentation. I am trying to get the official reason out of them but havent had much success. It is still unclear if this is simply a delay or a change in policy. I will keep the updates coming as I receive them.

All the best,

David Brickman
VP Player Affairs
Jackpot Factory Casino Group

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[vinylweatherman]

Hi everyone,

Finally some good news.. MGS has decided NOT to implement this IP blocking on the states surrounding Kentucky which means players can access their accounts freely with no documentation. I am trying to get the official reason out of them but havent had much success. It is still unclear if this is simply a delay or a change in policy. I will keep the updates coming as I receive them.

All the best,

David Brickman
VP Player Affairs
Jackpot Factory Casino Group

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You have your answer

They are pretty much pulling out of the USA entirely.

From Sunday, ALL new registrations from the USA will be denied. This gives them only legacy players, which will presumably lead to a shrinking player base, and they will find it easier to implement another way to check those players in bordering states.

Perhaps the easiest way would to be requiring ALL players to provide the documentation that is normally only asked for on withdrawal, but without the constraints of a short timescale. Denying NEW registrations prevents players arriving that need to be checked, and will also stop players in the banned states from figuring out a way to register from a "free" state.

The unwillingness of MGS to even keep the CASINOS informed shows that they have other things in the pipeline, and do not want to commit themselves to any particular course of action.

 

[KasinoKing]

You have your answer

They are pretty much pulling out of the USA entirely.

From Sunday, ALL new registrations from the USA will be denied. This gives them only legacy players, which will presumably lead to a shrinking player base, and they will find it easier to implement another way to check those players in bordering states.

Yep - what a shocker!

I just got back from a week's holiday (with no internet access) and the first thing I saw was a bunch of e-mails saying "No more USA players from ANY states allowed at MG casinos after Sunday!"

Frankly I'm still in shock over this. I never expected things to get this bad.

The only good thing is that with the shrinking player base and reduction in income, maybe MG will slow down their churning out of 2 or 3 crappy new slots every month!

KK

 

[jetset]

Hi everyone,

Finally some good news.. MGS has decided NOT to implement this IP blocking on the states surrounding Kentucky which means players can access their accounts freely with no documentation. I am trying to get the official reason out of them but havent had much success. It is still unclear if this is simply a delay or a change in policy. I will keep the updates coming as I receive them.

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.

Whilst I truly applaud and appreciate your individual efforts to keep us all informed, David I have to say that as a communications exercise this whole thing is a dog's breakfast.

Microgaming really needs to get its @*?! together with a clean and clear public statement of intent that gives players a sensible heads up and timeline.

So far we've had the following, all within the space of days (and none of it in the form of an official Microgaming public statement):

1) We're banning all new US signups from November 10 but existing players can continue....unless they're in one of the banned states.

2) We're banning all new US registrations from November 10, but we're also excluding all US accounts from December 1st so please re-focus affiliate marketing efforts in other regions.

3) Because of the Kentucky mess, were banning all Kentucky players, and players from states contiguous with Kentucky.

4) Whoops - hold on everyone - no we're not going to ban contiguous states players.

We're not being given the courtesy of the rationale behind these moves or of who's in and who's out of the US market for what class of player (which is presumably at the discretion of individual casino groups?)

And the result is uncertainty and speculation that is worrying for players and damaging to business.

I'm really disappointed - I would have expected a better display of professionalism from such a major industry company as this.

 

[Webzcas]

I was in London when all this broke, along with many other industry people. I've just logged back on this morning and I am now extremely confused. Is it just new registrations being stopped from the US come Monday, or are the MGS properties going to also exclude existing US players? If there are plans for this to happen in the near future, it is only right the casino groups and MGS come out and tell us publically that this is the case. Not waiting for the judgement on Kentucky next month. Communication is key and this has been handled very poorly.

Personally I am extremely unhappy.

I agree with JetSet above, the onus is on MGS to come out with a clear definitive statement to set the record straight, for players and affiliates alike.

 

[vinylweatherman]

Honestly, when I made my prediction, I had NOT seen anything about the 1st December date that seems to have been put forward for the shutting down of all EXISTING US accounts.

Remember, the norm is to give NO NOTICE, so EXISTING US players know what they should be doing in the run up to 30th November, and they should remember to check their loyalty points too, lest other MG casinos "do an Intertops" and confiscate what you have already earned.

AFTER 1st December, if you can log into your accounts, MAYBE consider that they are not, after all, going to shut out existing players, but to be safe wait for the Kentucky case to reach a resolution.

 

[RobWin]

This is just crazy with all the conflicting info and absolutely no info from MG or eCOGRA for that matter regarding this...

And then we have this new MG Casino..."GoWild Casino", taking US registrations like there's no reason not to...

 

[Mousey]

Whilst I truly applaud and appreciate your individual efforts to keep us all informed, David I have to say that as a communications exercise this whole thing is a dog's breakfast.

Microgaming really needs to get its @*?! together with a clean and clear public statement of intent that gives players a sensible heads up and timeline.

.....

2) We're banning all new US registrations from November 10, but we're also excluding all US accounts from December 1st so please re-focus affiliate marketing efforts in other regions.
...

Bearing in mind that this thread was my first stop in my afternoon browse... where the devil did that cut off all USA players on December 1 date come from? Perhaps I overlooked it...

**sigh** What a freaking mess.

It is possible that this most recent 'train wreck' is related to the recent passing of the UIGEA regulations. We still have no clue as to what that will do to money transfers. That, along with the Beshear, King of the Internet stunt may have the casinos and MG in a tizzy. They may simply be cutting their losses before more poop hits the fan.

However... it would be damn nice to hear something concrete from MG. Most of us have 'been there, done that' with casinos shutting us out, NETeller locking up our money, etc., so it would kind of be nice to have some clue as to WTF is going on.

David, I realize you're trying to help and my frustration is not directed at you, but toward MG, eCogra, etc.

 

[vinylweatherman]

This is just crazy with all the conflicting info and absolutely no info from MG or eCOGRA for that matter regarding this...

And then we have this new MG Casino..."GoWild Casino", taking US registrations like there's no reason not to...:rolleyes:

Yes,

GoWild casino....

Licensed in Malta

Taking ALL US players.....


How come (Malta - forbidden to take US bets).

 

[jetset]

That is a very interesting point, and one which I had overlooked.

GoWild could find itself in hot water with its jurisdiction, then?

 

[jetset]

@ mousey:

Yes - if you ask around you'll see at least two groups have suggested to affiliates that they are set to stop all US operations by December 1 (probably individual operator choices)

I've been shown the emails myself and they say:

QUOTE:

However, it has now emerged that MGS will not allow any new USA registrations at any casinos, as of Monday, 10 November 2008.

Overly cautious it probably is and certainly ill-timed with traditionally the busiest time of the year heading our way but this, unfortunately, is where the road ends regarding all US-based business. Clearly this development makes operating in the United States very difficult for us and, as such, XXXXXXXXAffiliates will close our US operations on 1 December 2008, with our final commission payment (for Novembers play) for all American players marking the closing of this chapter in the United States book. UNQUOTE

 

[vinylweatherman]

@ mousey:

Yes - if you ask around you'll see at least two groups have suggested to affiliates that they are set to stop all US operations by December 1 (probably individual operator choices)

I've been shown the emails myself and they say:

QUOTE:

However, it has now emerged that MGS will not allow any new USA registrations at any casinos, as of Monday, 10 November 2008.

Overly cautious it probably is and certainly ill-timed with traditionally the busiest time of the year heading our way but this, unfortunately, is where the road ends regarding all US-based business. Clearly this development makes operating in the United States very difficult for us and, as such, XXXXXXXXAffiliates will close our US operations on 1 December 2008, with our final commission payment (for Novembers play) for all American players marking the closing of this chapter in the United States book. UNQUOTE

A long winded and mildly vague way of putting it. Does not actually say that existing players will have their accounts closed, but as far as affiliates are concerned, there will be no payments based on play after the end of November.

Maybe PLAYERS are going to find out the hard way, on Dec 1st when they find accounts locked, having been told THIS month that EXISTING players will NOT be affected.

 

[Mousey]

So far, the only casino to directly inform PLAYERS of anything up front, so far, is Brickman (JPF). Precious little info it is, but I'll take what I can get. I'm just a player, not an affiliate. Everything else I'm reading is coming through "he said, she said", 'leaked' by affilates.

Maybe they don't want to start a 'run' on withdrawals which will happen if players receive emails from friendly MG casino support that they are shutting USA players out entirely. But there will be a 'run' on withdrawals when/if they DO lock us out, so what's the difference?

edited to add : Has there been any word from RTG (ha!) or Rival or 3Dice, etc. hinting/implying any US pull out?

 

[vinylweatherman]

So far, the only casino to directly inform PLAYERS of anything up front, so far, is Brickman (JPF). Precious little info it is, but I'll take what I can get. I'm just a player, not an affiliate. Everything else I'm reading is coming through "he said, she said", 'leaked' by affilates.

Maybe they don't want to start a 'run' on withdrawals which will happen if players receive emails from friendly MG casino support that they are shutting USA players out entirely. But there will be a 'run' on withdrawals when/if they DO lock us out, so what's the difference?

edited to add : Has there been any word from RTG (ha!) or Rival or 3Dice, etc. hinting/implying any US pull out?

Perhaps they are worried about a "run" on sign-up bonuses, and without the opportunity to confiscate unfinished bonuses and loyalty points. One common factor with the withdrawal from the US is that when the plug is pulled, often with no notice, US players are paid their balances, but over time (usually a few weeks), BUT they are told that any unreleased bonuses will NOT be paid out, and any loyalty points will lapse, even though had there been notice players could have redeemed them.

When Casino Action went belly up, I had 20 worth of loyalty points available, in the MORNING, I withdrew my final 200, and got it by Instant Neteller payment. In the afternoon, they had "officially" gone bust because MG had shut their servers. I was STILL able to see my loyalty points, and I tried to redeem them, but they went into a black hole, never to be seen again.
Had I known that morning, I would have redeemed them straight away, and been 20 better off. I expect some players lost considerably more loyalty points than this, especially if they were saving them up to buy goods in the exchange shop that Casino Action were running. I'll bet ordered goods never turned up either for some players.

 

[lots0]

Maybe the operators and MG are not telling players because nothing has been set in stone... yet.