Non-Bonus Complaint My problem with Omni casino

[VjanaK10]

Omni casino keeps asking me to send them a notarized copy of my ID card.
I would be glad to do that but the problem is that Czech laws prohibit any kind
of notarization or certification of any identification documents. I tried
to notarize my ID but I was always refused and told that it is not possible:
not at the notary office, not at the post office. So I explained this to Omni casino
support but they keep asking for this same notarized copy. They treat me
as if I lie to them. I am kinda exhausted trying to explain them the facts.

Here is an example of my communication with the Omni casino support today (07.01.2014)

Omni Casino: thank you for holding
Omni Casino: we are awaiting your Notarized ID
Omni Casino: your withdrawal will not be processed until we receive this
Jana: I think i explained to you the situation
Omni Casino: Jana, nothing has changed with the request
Jana: but you don't understand
Omni Casino: the Notarized ID is still required'
Jana: In Czech Republic its not possible to make Notarized ID you don't agree with that ?
Omni Casino has left the conversation. Currently in room: Jana.

 

[homerbert]

If in your country really impossible to get notorized ID - they just suckers, scammers, call them as you want. Not accepted for accredited casino.
If its possible, but you just fraudster, so you just sucker, scammer, we can call you as we want. Not accepted on casinomeister.

 

[HIGHIQ]

the last time i was asked a utility bill where my firstname is written in full and not shortened .. just crazy for words sometimes... as all bills comes in with shortened firstname and full in family name...

but after i send them screenshot of ewallet they accept it where my proof of adress was comfirmed...

sometims they give u really a hard time.. for acredited casino yes it was...

 

[bigjohn]

The next thing to do would be to message their rep. and try to work it out that way. https://www.casinomeister.com/forums/members/ is the reps. page, go there and send a private message.

If that fails to resolve your problem you can file a PAB, which is Casinomeisters dispute resolution system. The PAB faq. can be found here; https://www.casinomeister.com/forums/help/pab-rules/. If it gets that far make sure you read and understand how the PAB works, what is expected of you, and what you can do to make sure the process run smoothly.

Best of luck to you.

 

[Googobucs]

How are these guys accredited and with an 8.9 rating at that? Seems like I see someone complaining about them frequently, and asking for notarized documents is just plain BS.

 

[chayton]

You'll hear complaints about any casino from time to time - even the really good ones. Also most casinos have something in their terms about being able to ask for extra docs if the need arises.

Notarized docs aren't the norm at Omni - I seem to remember sending my standard docs and not having any problem at all. I have a feeling there's probably a reason that they're asking in the OP's case, probably suspected fraud.

John is correct, the only thing for it is to have the OP contact the rep first and if that doesn't work, file a PAB.

Are there any other members from Prague here, I wonder....?

 

[hakapuku]

Notarized docs aren't the norm at Omni - I seem to remember sending my standard docs and not having any problem at all. I have a feeling there's probably a reason that they're asking in the OP's case, probably suspected fraud.

It is a common practice at many Playtech casinos to ask for notarized ID. Many of them will also ask to send a hard copy to some addresses in Philippines or Bulgaria.

 

[chayton]

It is a common practice for many Playtech casinos to ask for notarized ID. Many of them will also ask to send a hard copy to some addresses in Philippines or Bulgaria.

Many Playtechs? Come on....! I've been playing at Playtech casinos since I started gambling online. NOT ONCE have I been asked for notarized ID. Or to have my docs mailed to some PO Box in the Philippines.

Although of course I steer clear of shady operators (like Winner casino) and I have to admit, Playtech has more than their fair share of those.

But IMO Omni is definitely not one of them and shouldn't be painted with the same brush.

 

[hakapuku]

Many Playtechs? Come on....! I've been playing at Playtech casinos since I started gambling online. NOT ONCE have I been asked for notarized ID. Or to have my docs mailed to some PO Box in the Philippines.

Although of course I steer clear of shady operators (like Winner casino) and I have to admit, Playtech has more than their fair share of those.

But IMO Omni is definitely not one of them and shouldn't be painted with the same brush.

You miss the point presented by the OP: the problem is not with Omni casino asking for notarized ID. The problem is they require it from somebody who can not get it because of the limitations of law. I remembered there was a thread in the past about this situation. Here I found it.

https://www.casinomeister.com/forums/threads/notarised-docs-in-czech-republic.50199/

 

[VjanaK10]

OC Elliott was informed about this thread.

 

[Googobucs]

You'll hear complaints about any casino from time to time - even the really good ones. Also most casinos have something in their terms about being able to ask for extra docs if the need arises.

Notarized docs aren't the norm at Omni - I seem to remember sending my standard docs and not having any problem at all. I have a feeling there's probably a reason that they're asking in the OP's case, probably suspected fraud.

John is correct, the only thing for it is to have the OP contact the rep first and if that doesn't work, file a PAB.

Are there any other members from Prague here, I wonder....?

You may be right that there is a valid reason for this request. When i start seeing the same accredited casino name coming up with questionable tactics it makes me raise an eye brow.

I don't think Ommi ever answered to this thread, which IMO is unacceptable for a highly rated accredited as well.
https://www.casinomeister.com/forum...al-limitations-at-omni-casino-playtech.60215/

 

[HIGHIQ]

i sometimes even raise my eye brow sometimes in a question mark.. how about that! in every shape u can imagine sometimes...


i wish sometimes some of the casino really deserve a asskick from a higher power ... for the trickery they use on the players...

 

[chayton]

You miss the point presented by the OP: the problem is not with Omni casino asking for notarized ID. The problem is they require it from somebody who can not get it because of the limitations of law. I remembered there was a thread in the past about this situation. Here I found it.

https://www.casinomeister.com/forums/threads/notarised-docs-in-czech-republic.50199/

Hmmm. In that other case Max said he would work with the casino on an alternate method, but the thread seemed to just fizzle out. I wonder if they ever came up with a solution?

 

[maxd]

Thanks for the reminder. FWIW I have now updated that other thread as follows (here):

Much later: of course I forgot to update this. As I recall that case the casino decided to move forward based on the player having provided a few select bits of ID. In other words they accepted the Czech "no verification" situation and worked around it to their satisfaction.

That pretty much sums it up. I could dig out the actual case records if needs be.

Please keep in mind that I'm working on year-end reports and suchlike these days so I might not notice and/or respond to further posts without being prodded a bit. Feel free to PM, email, or Report Post if there's something you want me to see/respond to sooner than later. Sorry in advance for any inconvenience caused.

 

[Nifty29]

In my experience, Omni are one of the good guys on the block.

Tarring them with the same brush as some other rogue Playtechs is just pointless pot-stirring "casinos are evil (but I keep playing anyway)" nonsense.

Of course, it doesn't mean errors can't be made, but I'm fairly confident Omni has a good reason for wanting extra certification.....just as I'm sure they'll work with the OP to sort something out if possible.

 

[OC Elliott]

Hi Everyone,

VjanaK10, I got your PM and link to this thread, thanks for sending it over to me.

Please send me your Omni Casino username via PM as soon as possible so I can have this looked into.

Kind Regards,

Elliott.

 

[Janek12]

Are there any other members from Prague here, I wonder....?

I can confirm that it is prohibited by law in the Czech Republic to notarize a citizen's ID card.

However, it is possible to make a notarized copy of one's birth certificate. But birth certificate is one of the most fundamental documents (for example, one gets the citizen's ID card based on it) so sending a notarized copy of a birth certificate in a hardcopy format ANYWHERE is a terrible risk IMO.

I am curious what the resolution will be.

 

[vinylweatherman]

I can confirm that it is prohibited by law in the Czech Republic to notarize a citizen's ID card.

However, it is possible to make a notarized copy of one's birth certificate. But birth certificate is one of the most fundamental documents (for example, one gets the citizen's ID card based on it) so sending a notarized copy of a birth certificate in a hardcopy format ANYWHERE is a terrible risk IMO.

I am curious what the resolution will be.

I find this an odd situation. It appears that the law here has not taken account of modern technology and ways of doing business. It looks like the prohibition is intended to make ID documents MORE secure, not less secure. With other countries, a notarised copy of a passport is obtained, and this is then sometimes posted to the casino. However, it presents a risk if it gets stolen as it isn't merely a copy, it's a NOTARISED copy, which has the legal force of the original, a problem if in the wrong hands. Czech law realises this, and thus it is illegal to expose such documents to this risk by making a copy that has the legal force of the original, yet is not the original.

Czech law in this respect considers that the ONLY way to verify someone's ID is in person, the way it has always been done before the internet age. There may also be cases where the original, not a copy, has to be sent off. This is also the case here in the UK, sometimes an original ID document or other document must be posted, a copy, no matter whether or not notarised, just will not suffice.

The work around for Czech players is for the casino to employ their own Czech member of staff (or agency) who verifies the player in person, visually checking the original documents, and that they are presented by the person entitled to bear them. This is MORE secure than the usual method, and would prevent much of the fraud casinos are subjected to through the faking of notarised documents, perhaps via collusion with those who's documents are being misused.

Since casinos can't make a valid and legal request for notarised documents from a Czech player, they cannot use the refusal to supply one as any kind of evidence that the player is up to no good. If anything, a Czech player who CAN provide a notarised passport is the one scamming the casino.

The workaround for expats in the same position is to make a regular copy, and inform whoever wants it that this is all that can legally be supplied.

There is a very strong case for requiring all Czech players to pass verification prior to making a first deposit, or being allowed access to a free chip. If this ends with the casino not being satisfied, they will have the option to refuse registration because they cannot use notarised ID to allay their suspicions.

What is the position though if a Czech player travels abroad and asks a non Czech notary to notarise their documents, which would probably be perfectly legal under that countries laws.

 

[marcsudbury]

I've done two cash outs at omni now and never had to send a single document in.. However both times have been just under 1k so not really a big one.

 

[Mouche12]

the last time i was asked a utility bill where my firstname is written in full and not shortened .. just crazy for words sometimes... as all bills comes in with shortened firstname and full in family name...

but after i send them screenshot of ewallet they accept it where my proof of adress was comfirmed...

sometims they give u really a hard time.. for acredited casino yes it was...

Was this Redbet by any chance? I experienced exactly the same situation...

 

[Nifty29]

I find this an odd situation. It appears that the law here has not taken account of modern technology and ways of doing business. It looks like the prohibition is intended to make ID documents MORE secure, not less secure. With other countries, a notarised copy of a passport is obtained, and this is then sometimes posted to the casino. However, it presents a risk if it gets stolen as it isn't merely a copy, it's a NOTARISED copy, which has the legal force of the original, a problem if in the wrong hands. Czech law realises this, and thus it is illegal to expose such documents to this risk by making a copy that has the legal force of the original, yet is not the original.

Czech law in this respect considers that the ONLY way to verify someone's ID is in person, the way it has always been done before the internet age. There may also be cases where the original, not a copy, has to be sent off. This is also the case here in the UK, sometimes an original ID document or other document must be posted, a copy, no matter whether or not notarised, just will not suffice.

The work around for Czech players is for the casino to employ their own Czech member of staff (or agency) who verifies the player in person, visually checking the original documents, and that they are presented by the person entitled to bear them. This is MORE secure than the usual method, and would prevent much of the fraud casinos are subjected to through the faking of notarised documents, perhaps via collusion with those who's documents are being misused.

Since casinos can't make a valid and legal request for notarised documents from a Czech player, they cannot use the refusal to supply one as any kind of evidence that the player is up to no good. If anything, a Czech player who CAN provide a notarised passport is the one scamming the casino.

The workaround for expats in the same position is to make a regular copy, and inform whoever wants it that this is all that can legally be supplied.

There is a very strong case for requiring all Czech players to pass verification prior to making a first deposit, or being allowed access to a free chip. If this ends with the casino not being satisfied, they will have the option to refuse registration because they cannot use notarised ID to allay their suspicions.

What is the position though if a Czech player travels abroad and asks a non Czech notary to notarise their documents, which would probably be perfectly legal under that countries laws.

Anyone wanting to know what the ACTUAL laws are regarding ID/notarization, and the legal ramifications, should consult a legal professional specializing in Czech law.

I'm sorry....were you actually asking a question in that last sentence? Or did I read that wrong...?

 

[ChillBill]

I'm fairly confident Omni has a good reason for wanting extra certification.....just as I'm sure they'll work with the OP to sort something out if possible.

Dude the OP posted the chat transcript, they (Omni) seemed about as willing to work on an alternative, as you'd probably be having a sex change!

 

[Nifty29]

Dude the OP posted the chat transcript, they (Omni) seemed about as willing to work on an alternative, as you'd probably be having a sex change!

Hey....don't knock it if you haven't tried it.

Live chat isn't the place to sort out these kinds of issues. Front line CSRs just don't have the clout to change policy on the run for certain players.

I was referring to management with my comment, as they have been willing to resolve issues in the past.

In my experience, relying on live chat for anything more than basic requests and questions is a waste of time (in general, not specifically at Omni).

 

[KasinoKing]

Anyone wanting to know what the ACTUAL laws are regarding ID/notarization, and the legal ramifications, should consult a legal professional specializing in Czech law.

My wife is Czech and has several Czech friends in the UK who work in law - so I could ask them.
But what's the point of that and all the speculation in this thread when we haven't given the casino rep the chance to look into this situation and come back with an answer?
I know Elliot personally and I'm sure he will do his very best to sort this out.

KK

 

[vinylweatherman]

Anyone wanting to know what the ACTUAL laws are regarding ID/notarization, and the legal ramifications, should consult a legal professional specializing in Czech law.

I'm sorry....were you actually asking a question in that last sentence? Or did I read that wrong...?

I did at least consult a Czech state website outlining what notaries can and can't do, which referred to the underlying Czech law. Translated to English of course.

I found it odd because elsewhere this seems to be "bread and butter" work for notaries, and is not confined to making withdrawals from online casinos. Here in the UK, it is often the case that the original document must be sent, not a certified copy nor notarised copy.

I also find it odd that the UK government doesn't seem to give a damn that it has increasingly become "normal practice" for the industry they have specifically made legal and are about to tax to ask players to post notarised copies of their British passport to places like the Philippines. The Czech government have the right idea, such documents are so sensitive that giving legal credence to mere copies undermines their security, or "uniqueness".

It really should be the CASINO that checks with a Czech lawyer in order to verify the claim made by a customer that it is illegal for them to comply with the request.