Poker Host Nightmare!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[CasinoKim]

Problem in detail: Hi its Kim OLeary CasinoKim. I have to tell you about the NIGHTMARE that happened to me on 3/20 after placing 2nd in a huge tourny at poker host. Here goes: I won my way to a WPT event through a satellite. I played in it on 3/20, the tourny started at 4:00. 1st place was supposed to go to Reno for the WPT. But since the total prize pool was5612, less than the prize package worth 6,100 according to their web site

You do not have permission to view link Log in or register now.

look at WPT section line 9 we were competing for money instead. Thats how it was posted in the lobby the whole tournament and that was what we all tought as players. I made it to second place. The announced prize pool was as follows: 1st, 2806.00 , 2nd 1683.60, 3rd 1112.40. The first place winner was ChicoEJ, then me CasinoKim3, Third was hitman. When the tourny finished, the money was posted to my account. I went to the cashier to withdraw my winnings via mastercard. Then logged off poker host. I then when back on to Poker Host to the cashier to reverse the withdrawal and use a different withdrawal method to cash out my winnings via neteller. I called to see if that was a problem, and POOF The money was no longer there I spoke with 2 customer service people, then to a manager named Daniel at first, then he transferred me to another manager named Gus. I told them all my story about the disappearing. They told me that it was a mistake, I never should have gotten the money in the first place and It was a winner take all tournament. It was not posted that way after using a few not so nice choice words to Gus. I fought with them for 2 hours about this I dont know if they took the money away from the 3rd place finisher hitman or not. But they refuse to pay me. They cancelled my pending withdrawal and now I have nothing I told them that I was a member of several poker clubs, including this one and that I would certainly let them know what happened to me. Gus response was well since you are use to how these things work, I should know that only the top finisher gets its all. I will be calling my lawyer Monday about this, and I told them that as well. I went into my transaction history at poker host, and printed it out,it shows that the money was there and the pending NETELLER withdrawal is there. After arguing with Gus more, and a few more phone calls later, They did not let me log into poker host, and I can no longer access my Transaction history I thankfully have everything printed out including the picture of the payout screens and amounts with my camera at the tournament. End result for me is no money to bad for you I have sent you a screen shot of the tournament in a seperate mail. I also have the backing of Poker Analysis This is the link to that topic, the screen shot is also there:

You do not have permission to view link Log in or register now.

you guys help me or direct me to someone in the higher up department since they refused me that information Thanks, Kim OLeary

 

[Zacaroni]

Hi, I'm the admin over at PA and stand behind CasinoKim 100%. I asked her to come here in hopes of getting this resolved. Here is what I acquired;

I finally got to the bottom of how it went down.

When Poker Host does not get enough entrants for a tourney for a trip or even a satellite entry into another tournament, they payout cash, 3 places.

In this particular tournament, they collected $5602 of the $6100 to pay for the WPT trip. So it was a cash prize. The rules and my screen shot back it up. So the game is played and the cash is paid out into the players accounts.

Gino, the manager, brainstorming, thinking it would be better advertisement saying HEY THIS PLAYER IS GOING TO THE WPT, yanked the money out of 2nd and 3rd places bank accounts and added $500. Then awarded it to the 1st place winner.

Sure 1st place is happy, but 2nd and 3rd got screwed in the process.

Very bad business decision on Gino's part!

Now he won't fess up to his mistake! :axeman2: You can't twist and manipulate rules to your liking anytime you please.

Here is the screenshot of the payout that they stole the the money from.

Link Removed ( Old/Invalid)


Now if you talk to Gino from PH, you will hear these stories.

It was posted in chat that there was one winner. LIE
The 3rd place winner agreed to this. LIE

Please Help!!

 

[pokeraddict]

https://www.casinomeister.com/forums/threads/pokerhost-is-a-joke-be-careful.7349/?t=7349 is another complaint on this board about Pokerhost.com.

Pokerhost has had many complaints in its young existance. Searching 2+2 will give you several complaints about situations they allegedly mishandled and locking accounts with substantial money in them. They are owned by a low rated sportsbook named SBG Global. Sportsbookreview.com gives them a D. I get junk snail mail weekly from these guys, that in itself is enough of a reason to not do business with them. All of these complaints are just icing on the cake. This is unfortunate as there are so few poker rooms that get accused of stealing money but yet this one on a few months has had more then any room in the last year. Prima is probably the only one that can rival them in these type of complaints, but Prima is the 4th largest poker room, Pokerhost is a nobody so the % of complaints per customer is completely out of whack.

 

[Zacaroni]

One of PH's defense on this is their tournies that don't generate enough cash still only pays one place. So I decided this email was in order! I wrote them an email identical to the situation, told them I won 1st place and thought I was suppose to get all the money!

This email is evidence against Poker Host where they stole the money from 2nd place winner CasinoKim3 and 3rd place hitman in the March 20 WPT satellite.

Thank You Very Much!
====== Please reply above this line ======

Satellite

Dear Mr.Mitchell


Thank you for your email, and for choosing Pokerhost your final destination for online poker action.

We apologize for the inconvenience, when a satellite, doesn't cover enough players, the buyin is given in 50% 30% 20% percentages, only if there are enough players then the seat is given.

Please do not forget that we are having a $100,000 Guaranteed Tournament which will be hosted on April 10th, at 5:30pm EST. The buy in is $100+$10 with one rebuy and no addons. Working in your favor, we will have satellites and qualifiers that are scheduled throughout the day.


If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our support team for immediate attention via live chat, our toll free number 1-866-POKER11, or at [email protected].


Working to achieve your best interests,
John Len
Customer Service
Available for 24 hour telephone support at 1-866-POKER11

Ticket Details
=========
Ticket ID: QSW-43525
Tracking URL: Outdated URL (Invalid)
Department: Customer Support
Created On: 22 Mar 2005 03:15 PM
Last Update: 22 Mar 2005 03:15 PM
Status: Closed

<ticket no="QSW-43525"/>

 

[555YY]

hello casinokim,

i saw this thread here and at wol, you have my sympathies. the situation is maddening but i'm sure you will be paid in the end, as PH is clearly in the wrong here.

if you haven't done so, i suggest strongly that you post the same thread at the popular poker boards such as: 2+2, rgp, and fullcontactpoker, and make sure you keep it active. those forums are composed mainly of poker players, which can do most damage to PH's business, there's no way they can stand that kind of public scrutiny. aside from that, these forums also have lots of poker industry insiders who might/or might not be able to help you

i also suggest writing an email detailing your situation to cardplayer, as they are the most popular poker magazine online, and they can bring alot of negative publicity. also tell PH that you will bring media exposure to their site if need be, this is kind of thing news media loves: the rights and wrongs and of online gambling when a poker site rips you off, one piece would tear their business apart...

good luck!

 

[CasinoKim]

Thank you for your support everyone! I have already posted this in about 10 other forums more or less. Feel free to post it also in any other forums you can think of. I put it in about 3 forums a day. I have already talked to ESPN radio, magazine, channels in Boston 4-5-and7, Card player Magazine and every person on page 10 in the new issue, I heard back from Lou Kreiger on this, I have also contacted All in Magazine, Bluff magazine, online poker news magazines, and other venues. I do have the backing of one of these magazines but would rather not say which one right now until a plan goes through with them. I spoke with a magazine rep several times already about this situation.

Also look at this link:

You do not have permission to view link Log in or register now.

Thanks again Everyone!

What do you think about this Casinomeister? I put this on pitchabith too

 

[Zacaroni]

Where is Casinomeister at?

This has received frontline attention from many sources of media, yet remains unresolved.

Now that everyone has their goodies in the pot, I want to hear what the cook has to say.

 

[The Dude]

Where is Casinomeister at?

This has received frontline attention from many sources of media, yet remains unresolved.

Now that everyone has their goodies in the pot, I want to hear what the cook has to say.

I'll try to check more on this tomorrow - been pretty busy

 

[Dreamer]

Kim,
Am I going to be seeing you on the evening news? I live in Worcester and get the Boston channels... Sorry to hear of this. I am glad I am not a member there. Seems like they are trying to have their cake and eat it too. Not good. Let's hope this is not a trend for the future. More bad news in today's newsletter. With the poker explosion, I feel this is a very bad policy for online poker sites. Don't they realize they are hurting themselves in the long run? There is plenty of money to be made out there, and more people are coming on board every day... How stupid!

I will be watching to see how this one turns out, best of luck!

 

[Dreamer]

Just has a thought, you should post this in in rec.gambling.poker newsgroup. It's the place to be for poker players... If you can't access newsgroups (AOL cut them off), you can go through:
Link Removed ( Old/Invalid) to read and post...
GL!

 

[CasinoKim]

LOL Dont think the news can help me. It a jurisdiction thing i was told! Also, I just got banned from full contact poker for my post so I am laying off forums for a bit. Thanks for your support.

 

[paul02085]

Why would they ban you at Full Contact Poker?

Isnt that Daniel Negraneau's site?

 

[The Dude]

LOL Dont think the news can help me. It a jurisdiction thing i was told! Also, I just got banned from full contact poker for my post so I am laying off forums for a bit. Thanks for your support.

I hate it when places ban players that join forums like this and voice their dissent. CasinoKim feels ripped off with nowhere to go. I wouldn't worry about it since you have a legitimate gripe. The unfortunate thing is that these guys are located in Costa Rica where most of the "clip joints" are located. Very, very, few legitimate businesses are "licensed" there. I could number them on two hands. And most of these enterprises chose to be located there because it was easy, and they didn't know any better.

Info on POKERHOST.COM - For the record:

Registrant:
Innovative Systems Inc.
Saret Free Zone
Alajuela, Alajuela 4002
CR
5064404800

Domain Name: POKERHOST.COM

Administrative Contact:
Alvarez, Manfred
Saret Free Zone
Alajuela, Alajuela 4002
CR
5064404800

Technical Contact:
Alvarez, Manfred
Saret Free Zone
Alajuela, Alajuela 4002
CR
5064404800

Record last updated 07-17-2002 09:20:43 AM
Record expires on 02-12-2006
Record created on 02-12-2002

Domain servers in listed order:
NS1.INOVASYS.NET 66.165.166.133
NS2.INOVASYS.NET 216.82.119.3

pokerhost.com = 216.82.119.31

Advanced View of 216.82.119.31

31 domains found on 216.82.119.31
Showing all 31.

Website
www.Basketball-gambling-picks.com
www.Basketball-online-gambling.com
www.Basketballbettingsportsbook.com
www.Basketballgambling.info
www.Basketballgamblingpick.com
www.Basketballgamblingpicks.info
www.Basketballgamblingpicks.us
www.Basketballonline-gambling.com
www.Basketballonlinegambling.info
www.Basketballonlinegambling.us
www.Basketballonlinesportsbook.com
www.Betonnba.info
www.Betonnba.us
www.Bettingnba.info
www.Bettingnba.net
www.Jkmccarthysports.com
www.Nbabetting.us
www.Nbabettingsportsbook.com
www.Nbabettingsportsbook.info
www.Nbabettingsportsbook.net
www.Nbabettingsportsbook.us
www.Nbaonlinegambling.info
www.Nbaonlinegambling.net
www.Nbaonlinegambling.us
www.Nbaonlinesportsbook.info
www.Nbaonlinesportsbook.net
www.Nbaonlinesportsbook.us
www.Pokerhost.com
www.Sportsprof.com
www.Wager-basketball.com
www.Zbestsystems.com

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

This gives you an indication of what other sites are connected to Pokerhost.com so you (second person plural) can join them or avoid them - whatever.

When you joined the tournament, were you notified beforehand that you may be ineligible for a second place win? Did they have this stated in their T&Cs? If you don't want to post, feel free to PM or email me. Thanks!

 

[CasinoKim]

Yes it is his site. I posted my origional thread there, I logged back in 2 days later to read the replys and got a message to contact admisistraion about my account because I was banned.

 

[CasinoKim]

No There was no indication messages etc that I would not be getting my money. I urge you to please please read this link. There is more information on this link than I could possibly write in this posting.

You do not have permission to view link Log in or register now.

 

[The Dude]

Yes it is his site. I posted my origional thread there, I logged back in 2 days later to read the replys and got a message to contact admisistraion about my account because I was banned.

Well, you won't get banned here unless you are a fraudster or if call me naughty names

 

[paul02085]

I would post this at The Prescription and mention the sportsbook pokeraddict referred to earlier.

 

[The Dude]

You do not have permission to view link Log in or register now.

is a members only site

 

[CasinoKim]

And To Top It All Off, Poker Host Is Telling Everyone That I Am Trying To Blackmail The Company By Doing This!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[peralis]

click.. click and one more click... they are off my sites.. never to return!

Sorry that you are going through this Kim.

 

[555YY]

casino kim, i wouldn't worry too much about getting banned at fullcontact, what what i've personally seen and read, daniel negreanu got a good head on his shoulders

i'm sure if he knew the whole situation he would help you out if he could

its prolly just some ignorant forum admin who didn't take the time to read thru the whole info and thought you were being 'too subjective'

but if a pokerroom or a casino is wrong, THEY'RE WRONG, so keep on preaching the truth

also, if i were you, i'd send a personal email to d.n and ask for reinstatement

 

[Zacaroni]

Happy Easter everyone!

Few updates. I've been talking with the general manager, Manfred to no avail. The guy is thick headed and is never wrong.

I did find out that Gino, the manager running the show, is the old manager from Desert Poker. Those that remember, went under and screwed a bunch of players out of their money. I seen these similarities when PH first opened and even posted about it in our forum.

About 4 days ago, they added to their terms on the website, that the management reserves the right to change the rules anytime they want!

Also they have a $100,000 guaranteed tourney coming up with a $100. entry. Since they only have 93 signups after 2 months of advertising, they just added yesterday to the rules, minimum 200 entries for guarantee!

Their is nothing cut and dry here. A surprise around every corner.

Though it don't look good for Kim, I'm sure they'll self destruct.

Third place joined our forum too. He's shows confusion towards the payout also. He can't spell good so it's like reading chinese!

Cheers!

 

[Annorax]

Happy Easter everyone!

Few updates. I've been talking with the general manager, Manfred to no avail. The guy is thick headed and is never wrong.

I did find out that Gino, the manager running the show, is the old manager from Desert Poker. Those that remember, went under and screwed a bunch of players out of their money. I seen these similarities when PH first opened and even posted about it in our forum.

About 4 days ago, they added to their terms on the website, that the management reserves the right to change the rules anytime they want!

Also they have a $100,000 guaranteed tourney coming up with a $100. entry. Since they only have 93 signups after 2 months of advertising, they just added yesterday to the rules, minimum 200 entries for guarantee!

Their is nothing cut and dry here. A surprise around every corner.

Though it don't look good for Kim, I'm sure they'll self destruct.

Third place joined our forum too. He's shows confusion towards the payout also. He can't spell good so it's like reading chinese!

Cheers!

Wow. Just wow.

As much as I'm going to get flamed for revealing the existence of this forum, Kim should post this here:

You do not have permission to view link Log in or register now.

.

 

[CasinoKim]

Hi, Its actually posted there and in a few hundred others!

 

[pokeraddict]

Was this ever resolved? There appears to be more complaints against Poker Host as they changed a $100,000 added tourney to need a minimum 200 players after many players had signed up. There have been other complaints against them beyond this as well. I would advise everyone to stay away from this place. It has been a long time since a poker room had this many complaints, especially a start up.

 

[The Dude]

Was this ever resolved? There appears to be more complaints against Poker Host as they changed a $100,000 added tourney to need a minimum 200 players after many players had signed up. There have been other complaints against them beyond this as well. I would advise everyone to stay away from this place. It has been a long time since a poker room had this many complaints, especially a start up.

One of the operators was to get back with me - he never did. Time to send him a polite reminder...

 

[CasinoKim]

No addict it has not been resolved as of yet! But, the all great and wize :notworthy Casinomeister is still working on it, so I still have a small glimmer of hope. I will keep everyone posted.

 

[Annorax]

No addict it has not been resolved as of yet! But, the all great and wize :notworthy Casinomeister is still working on it, so I still have a small glimmer of hope. I will keep everyone posted.

Are they even talking to you or Bryan? If they aren't, I'd say that's proof of roguery right there.

 

[The Dude]

Are they even talking to you or Bryan? If they aren't, I'd say that's proof of roguery right there.

I've been in contact with them; they've sent me a series of screenshots and information that I haven't had time to thoroughly check out yet.

 

[CasinoKim]

Just to let you know, The screen shots and information that I told you about Bryan, was taken by a forum administrator for me. He posted my screen shots and transaction history. I couldnt do it on my computer.

 

[CasinoKim]

OK< HERE IS A KICK IN MY BUTT FROM POKER HOST!!!!!!!!! I received this email from an administrator from wpc. This happened at a tourny for LIPS last night at PH. Conveniently, it is not in their lobby anymore.

Yeah!! It was a fierce game!! You ladies are the best and it's going to be a fabulous event!! BigMamma wins and Poker Host IS THE BOMB!!

There was a MISTAKE.... it was supposed to be winner takes all and they would guarantee a seat. BUT, the tournament director messed up and put the seat in, then 3 places for a total of the prize pool! SO, Poker Host is honoring the mess up!!! Not only did we get a seat, but 2nd 3rd and 4th got some $$!! Whooot whoooot!!

Thank you Poker Host for being so gracious!! We really appreciate it!!!!

The prizes they paid in addition to the seat were:

2 $307.50
3 $184.50
4 $123

this is in addition to the main prize they gave worth $750 and they only had 41 players at $15 which doesn't add up to one seat.

Good luck!

OK, Now that was the email that I received. I obviously talked to Joey at Poker Host immediately after I read this!!! When I spoke to him. He said that the situation was totally different than mine!!!! I asked how, he said that they took responsibility for a mistake that they made. I told him that it was no different for my situation. He basically told me bottom line. To Bad. Now where is the justice in that!!!!!!!!!!

 

[The Dude]

Besides the information given to me by CasinoKim, this is what I have:

On march 20th. We held the WPT Reno main event with the prize been a guaranteed seat to the WPT Reno worth a total of $6,100 ($5,100 buy-in + $1,000 travel expenses). Like I said before this was a guaranteed prize and was a winner takes all tournament. All players were reminded of this by our tournament director thru table messages and chat messages during the tournament. Further more if you read the rules and regulations posted on our website

You do not have permission to view link Log in or register now.

the prize is clearly stated to be a seat to the WPT Reno. In regards to item 9 whichthe player mentioned in her email it states In the case of a qualifier in which the total sum of buy-ins does not cover the seat prize, players will play for the prize pool cash instead of the seat prize, unless guaranteed. Note that it says in the case of a qualifier and unless guaranteed what the player was playing was a main event not a qualifier and it was a guaranteed seat. She won her seat to the main event thru a qualifier. We didnt have any problems with any of the other players in regards to this. What happened is that when the system didnt cover the full amount of the seat it divided the pot and paid the first three places, but since we where guaranteeing the prize we went ahead and withdrew the money that was erroneously credited and paid only one prize of $6100 to first place. The pplayer was well aware that this was going to happen that is why she tried to withdraw the entirety of her balance only 15 sec after she finished the tournament. We even offered her a comp for the misunderstanding, but she refused.

And this as well:

As stated on our Website under link:

You do not have permission to view link Log in or register now.

(screenshot1), we are
giving out $5,000 + $100 for the tournament entrance and an additional
$1,000 more for hotel and airfare for a total promotion prize package worth
$6,100. This was a guaranteed seat from the beginning of the first qualifier
more than 2 months ago. I would have liked nothing more than to have had a
$7700.00 prize pool in which I would have been able to send EJ, our first
place winner, to Reno and pay the player a second place prize of $1,600.
However, the prize pool was approximately $5,600. Thus, it was $500 short of
the guaranteed prize. Due to an idiosyncrasy within our software which
prevents us from guaranteeing the seat unless the prize pool is met, it
appeared as though 1st place would receive 50%, 2nd place would receive 30% and 3rd place would receive 20% of the prize pool. This discrepancy was
noted several times throughout the tournament in the form of a table message
(screenshot2) and at the final table when the Tournament Director chatted
(screenshot3).
We have followed this same procedure of paying out guaranteed seat prizes
without incident from the beginning. Our first WSOP guaranteed seat
tournament only had a prize pool of $7,600, but again, as stated on our
website, the total promotion prize package is worth $12,500, $4,900 more
than the prize pool, but still guaranteed. Our first Ladies WSOP event paid
out the players the same way because the total promotion prize package was
more than the buy-ins.

In regards to the WPT Reno Final Event on March 20th, the prize pool was short $500. This was not a mistake on our part and we never intended to pay the top three, but again, due to the fact the prize pool was not greater than or equal to the $6,100, the system paid the top three. We in no way treated 2nd and 3rd place unjustly or unethically. We did not award money and then decide to take it back. The seat prize was/and had been the intended prize pool from the beginning. I believe that just like the third place player and all our other players who have participated in our guaranteed events, the player saw the table message.

Screen shots are here:
Link Removed

So what it boils down to - the rules were posted and the manager was notifying players during the tourney of the discrepency. The problem is that they gave her the cash prize she would have won if the event wasn't guaranteed.

So the argument is now whether the cash prize, once given, can then be taken away.

Analogy: If you are in the grocery store and the clerk gives you too much change back, but as you attempt to leave they stop you. Are you obliged to give the extra change back? Some stores have policies that if they make a mistake ringing up the groceries, the item is free. Some don't - in Germany they would ask for the money back.

The casino offered to give CasinoKim a comp for the misunderstanding (I'm unsure of the amount - can't remember if it's posted or if CasinoKim stated what it was - sorry). But the size of this comp would have weighed on the issue whether or not CasinoKim was aware of the mistake or bug to begin with. According to the screenshot of the chat session, the "bug" was announced.

To eliminate further problems like this - the poker room needs to fix the bug and have players agree to the rules before hand.

It's a shame to see that there is another similar incident taking place with players being paid for the "mistake". I'm not sure how different this is to CasinoKim's situation. I hope the poker room can elaborate further on this.

 

[CasinoKim]

Someone at my other forum started a petition for me! I can't believe it! Here is the link. I really would appreciate signatures. Thank You!

leumas2k4 wrote:

go to this site and then sign the petition which i will forward ot pokerhost when the signiture list is big enough

You do not have permission to view link Log in or register now.

 

[winbig]

Just thought you should know the screenshot link isn't working....it returns a file not found error...

 

[The Dude]

Just thought you should know the screenshot link isn't working....it returns a file not found error...

Eh? No it doesn't.

 

[Tdoggy]

Think he means

Just thought you should know the screenshot link isn't working....it returns a file not found error...



Think he means when you go to the petition and click on the link that says screenshot. Because when I clicked on it came up as an error and not the screen shot.

Later Tdoggy

 

[CasinoKim]

You do not have permission to view link Log in or register now.

Try this one, he said he fixed it.

 

[winbig]

Yep, it works now

Hope this is resolved soon in your favor as well as the person that placed #3.

 

[winbig]

Here's your laugh for the day

I keep getting promos from pokerhost for some reason (unsubbed today), but this is quite a joke. Check out this conversation between me & support.

My response to their promotion email:

Pay out the money in question to 2 people, and I might
think about actually playing here.

Don't know what I'm talking about? Here:

You do not have permission to view link Log in or register now.

I would never play at any place that decides AFTER the
prizes are announced, AFTER the tournament is over,
AFTER the money is PAID, to change the payouts and
then proceed to take the money BACK that has been
already been paid out. I see many others agree with
this 100%.

Good day.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Their response: (here's your laugh )

Re: The Player's Portal

Dear Mr. xxxxxxx,

Thank you for choosing Poker Host for all your poker playing pleasure.
I can assure you that we here at Poker Host, strive to give the best
service to our clients possible. I assure you that we have a very prompt
and thorough payout procedure. I hope that you will continue to be
part of our site, and see for yourself what an enjoyable experience it is.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate
to contact our Support Team via live chat, our toll free number
1-866-POKER11, or [email protected].

Always at your service,


xxxxxx xxxxxxx
Customer Service
Available for 24 hour telephone support at 1-866-POKER11

 

[CasinoKim]

They are just un-freakin real! CasinoMeister, I hope you destroy them!

 

[winbig]

bump

Was there ever any resolution to this? Inquiring minds want to know

 

[CasinoKim]

Sorry to report............NO...... they have not resolved this. I am still out of my rightful winnings and nobody can seem to help me. Believe me Many people have tried!