Platyech Not Showing Courage

[The Watchdog]

Well,

I thought they would fight a little bit more. One of the gambling software companies I respect the most seems to be backing off the US market by restricting their operators to provide service to US customers...

Can some one confirm this?

Old / Expired Link

This is not going to be an easy thing to implement on Playtech's behalf

 

[sneakattack]

I really hope thats not true, everyday it seems like the casinos that are backing out have done so, and everyday you find out more have backed out.

 

[Westland Bowl]

If this is true, Playtech STILL haven't updated their news/press releases on their website. I haven't yet received any emails from other Playtech casinos (other than Bet Fred and Kiwi. Bet 365 haven't sent an email but did lock my account "for security reasons" which I assume is due to the bill).

 

[suzecat]

I have received two of these in the past few days:

Dear xxxxx,

Due to the imminent passing of the Federal Unlawful Gambling Enforcement Act by the United States Senate on September 30, 2006, we will not accept wagers from residents in the United States. We regret to inform you that, consequently, we are closing your gaming account.

Your balance, minus any uncleared bonuses, is available to you. You may access your account and instruct the withdrawal of such balance.

We appreciate your patronage, and apologize for any inconvenience caused. We hope to be able to offer to you our services again in the future.


Prestige Casino

 

[The Watchdog]

Not good

I find their lack of faith disturbing, as someone wise said...

Playing their game is not good, once all this show is over how do they expect to reopen to the US market or come back against industry monsters who stayed in battle??

too bad they went Public, probably the main reason of their attitude

 

[bossplayer]

The Playtech statement said: "The company has requested that its existing licensees block transactions from players residing in the U.S. as soon as practically possible following the act's implementation.

Well, if playtech cant get its casinos to pay customers.... I doubt that they will stop taking customers money. All you will be left with are the ones that for the most part are the most shady.

 

[Simmo!]

What will be interesting is whether the casinos stick with Playtech, or look for another provider who continues to allow US bets.

This whole thing must be making casinos think. Do they want to be chained to a software provider that in turn is bound by shareholders? Most businesses try to minimise the effect outside forces have on their operations. Microgaming & RTG must stand to be benefactors in this regard I would have thought.

 

[vinylweatherman]

Law

I doubt Playtech can enforce this "request", as there are probably licencing agreements already signed and paid for, but, hey what the hell, at least those casinos will get to feel what it is like to be on the receiving end of retrospective changes in T & C

At least, by making the request, Playtech will have done what is necessary to protect shareholder interests, and will undoubtedly refuse to renew contracts with casinos that ignore the request.

As long as MG and RTG don't abandon the US there is hope for some reputable casinos to still be available, and I am sure our old friend Warren, Oliver (or whatever), will be only too glad to continue to accept deposits from the US.

 

[The Watchdog]

What will be interesting is whether the casinos stick with Playtech, or look for another provider who continues to allow US bets.

This whole thing must be making casinos think. Do they want to be chained to a software provider that in turn is bound by shareholders? Most businesses try to minimise the effect outside forces have on their operations. Microgaming & RTG must stand to be benefactors in this regard I would have thought.

If Microgaming doesn't fall in to the guys leaving the US market, I predict major buisness improvment on their side.

Lets face it, Wager Logic, Playtec and MG are the big guys... RTG could have been big back in the day... With Playtech and Wager Logic out of the way, after this soap opera with the US quiets down, no one will be able to Stop them..

RTG should start moving things if they are planning on staying in battle and perform some major upgrades in order to stay alive.

Any casinos reporting migrations? Would be nice to be aware...


....
Old / Expired Link

 

[suzecat]

Here's the link to RTG's client list: Old / Expired Link

 

[jetset]

The Playtech withdrawal story is accurate - the company made an official and public announcement to that effect on Friday morning.

Boss Media has done pretty much the same thing.

That leaves licensees with a choice - stay with the provider and turn US business away, or seek another and less panic stricken provider (probably one that is not shackled by publicly quoted status and the need to bow to knee jerk investors)

 

[Mousey]

Prestige (they are Playtech now, aren't they? it's been so long....) is the only Playtech to send me a letter closing my account. How many other Playtechs have sent out these letters?

Playtech's announcement makes it very difficult for players. For example, my current favorite Playtech, La Isla Bonita, has not closed my account (or at least they haven't sent me a letter saying so). On the other hand, I'm not receiving promo emails as usual from them, either. So, in my way of thinking, I'm taking a big chance depositing with them. Being a Playtech, w/d take no less than 4 days, even for established players. And what happens if I deposit and then they suddenly decide to lock U.S. players out? There's my money, stuck, languishing in their mandatory cash out pergatory.

 

[spearmaster]

Officially, as far as I know, Playtech *requested* that its current operators stop servicing the US market - it did not *require* them to.

That being said, undoubtedly there will be some disadvantages for operators who do not toe the Playtech line - so the request is probably as good as a requirement.

However, some licensees obviously aren't taking action right away, this could be for various reasons - for example, changing software providers.

 

[aka23]

The Playtech withdrawal story is accurate - the company made an official and public announcement to that effect on Friday morning.

So "USA Casino" will not allow US players? I wonder if they will change their name.