Care
Hi
I wonder what is the best way to manage money to/from casinos.
Should I always use euros since my bank and visa account are euro accounts? Also my neteller account is in euros. So by using euro also in all casinos one would avoid currency conversion fees? I wonder if I should drop using visa and use neteller or moneybooks only since that way probably easier to keep track of transfers.
This would be a good idea, but make sure you read the terms regarding what currencies may be used. Many casinos stipulate that players must use their home currency or, if not available, one designated by the casino, which is usually the Dollar. Quite a few casinos don't like players from Finland, and this is usually in their banned countries list. The ban is usually on bonuses, but sometimes on play altogether.
It has now become clear that any country that "represents only a small portion of our overall market", can be screwed over with little damage (so they think) to their overall business. Just look at Neteller, ban Canadians (big market), but give them over 2 weeks notice; ban Turks (tiny market), no notice at all, funds trapped in casinos and Neteller don't care. They have now shafted everybody over the debit card, however the remaining large market has alternatives, but a small number of clients only had the ATM card as a withdrawal option - thus more trapped funds. Casinos will do the same thing when it comes to screwing over a minority of players, especially if gaming is illegal(ish) where they live.
Following from this, you should consider whether Neteller values the Finnish market with respect to how you can withdraw funds. If the Finnish authorities make similar moves to those of Israel and Turkey be aware that Neteller will most likely pull the plug with NO notice to yourself, leaving funds possibly trapped in casinos. Visa is likely to land you with transaction fees if they decide to regard the transactions as cash advances. This has happened here in the UK over the last year or so, meaning that Visa deposits to casinos, even in the same currency, will incur a fee and/or interest.
Moneybookers would seem the best bet if you already have an account with them, they seem less arrogant than Neteller, and often follow rather than lead; so if Neteller suddenly bans Finland, you will have an opportunity to get out through Moneybookers before they follow suit. So far, it seems that almost all processors have followed the Neteller lead, but with a time lag.
