US Microgaming Players: June 1st

[Simmo!]

Hi guys

A thought occurred to me. Bearing in mind the UIGEA becomes enforcable on June 1st and the fiasco that followed the partial MG pullout in 2006, it might be advisable to ensure that your Microgaming casino accounts are emptied in advance of this date.

If (and it's only an 'if', although it is very possible) MG were to stop all US play on or around this date then a) they are unlikely to announce it and b) getting funds out might be difficult.

Just a thought.

Cheers,

Simmo!

 

[butterflyboogie]

Thanks Simmo

As always, thanks Simmo for your thoughtful consideration in matters here on casinomeister.com . You are an asset to this forum!

Linda

 

[vinylweatherman]

Beat me to it

I have been advising this move for some time now, but in various disconnected posts. This thread brings this together, and we shall watch to see what happens.

Bear in mind that there is a delay between SUBMITTING a withdrawal, and it being processed. US players should aim to get PAID before June 1st for any SIGNIFICANT balances, although they can have SMALL balances that they don't mind having mired in the bureauocracy of an unnannounced pull-out such as was seen with Crypto and Neteller.

MY prediction is that US players will suddenly find they are locked out on the first working day or two past 1st June, and will have to get their balances out manually via email. FURTHER, any BONUSES where WR have not been completed are likely to be CONFISCATED, so US players should aim to complete all WR prior to June 1st, even if they DON'T intend to withdraw.

There is always the chance that there will be another operator revolt, and MGS will NOT be able to enforce a total shut down to US players right away. MGS may even have to concede operators having "sister" casinos operating under US friendly software as part of an agreement to pull out of the US, else operators might decide to ditch MGS altogether, and run with another software that is popular among US players. This could well be RTG.

 

[felicie]

Operator revolt? Has there been one previously then? are you saying the operator goes against microgaming just to keep american business? interesting thank you. my playing days will be pretty much done if we are left only with.......what we are left with (wink) Haven't come back from burnout on those yet but maybe someday.

 

[Mousey]

It should also be noted that if banks are forced to enforced this idiotic UIGEA that they may not cash checks or money orders from casinos processors. Even if we go to Wally World and get a check cashed, it might bounce once it gets to the bank clearing house. Wire transfers may also be blocked (in both directions).

We may also face (more) problems getting money to and from QT -- even though they are NOT a casino, but a web wallet. Just because they are a 'middle man' and not a casino may not be enough to save us/them from this mess. (Remember NETeller! grrrrrrrrrrrr)

so not only is there reason not to leave money in MG... we should also be wary of leaving more than just a bit to play on in QT.

Chicken little? Maybe. Maybe not. But it's more important for me to have my money in my hands than taking the chance it might be left moldering in some casino or QT where I can't get to it.

 

[Simmo!]

There is always the chance that there will be another operator revolt, and MGS will NOT be able to enforce a total shut down to US players right away.

There are already movements in this regard. Jackpot Factory have an agreement with Jackpot Capital, Belle Rock have an agreement with Slottastic and there may well be others. These must have been done with approval from Microgaming. The second half of 2010 will be a time of major upheaval I'm sure.

I don't know if any of you noticed, and it may mean nothing, but there was also a PR earlier this year about ex-Mastercard staff securing big funding to set up up a US-facing processor. Either very risky, or maybe they know something we don't.

 

[vinylweatherman]

There are already movements in this regard. Jackpot Factory have an agreement with Jackpot Capital, Belle Rock have an agreement with Slottastic and there may well be others. These must have been done with approval from Microgaming. The second half of 2010 will be a time of major upheaval I'm sure.

I don't know if any of you noticed, and it may mean nothing, but there was also a PR earlier this year about ex-Mastercard staff securing big funding to set up up a US-facing processor. Either very risky, or maybe they know something we don't.

I suspect this was down to the threat from some operators to ditch MGS altogether. MGS have a "no other software" agreement with operators, that forbids them from running both an MGS casino and one using a different software. The revolt I remember was Intertops, who opened "Intertops RED" under RTG after MGS pulled out of the US the first time around. MGS did not like this one bit, and forced the closure of Intertops GREEN, the MGS casino, and threatened to "pull" their newer Royal Joker MGS casino. Royal Joker was passed over to Jackpot Factory for management, which was enough to comply with MGS rules at the time. This must have set a precedent, enabling other agreements, such as JF & Jackpot Capital, and Belle Rock & Slottastic, which allows these brands to refuse interested NEW US players, but not lose out altogether, but rather try "sorry, WE can't take you, BUT we recommend you try.............."

MY concern is that non-US players could suffer if there is a sudden move to ditch MGS software and move to, say, RTG; since even WE will lose access to the MGS versions of the casino, and all the games we like (or have a love/hate relationship with).

Further evidence today from Red Flush.

Due to "unforseen circumstances", their Lara Croft promo will end this Sunday, and adventures 5,6, & 7 have been cancelled. The winner of the current adventure will win the $20K cruise.

Interestingly, adventures 5 (well, the very end) - 7 would NOT have been available to US players were there to have been an overnight lock out on June 1st, and this would no doubt have lead to a PR disaster were large numbers of US players suddenly told they could no longer play for the main prize.

This could be down to Red Flush preparing for the possibility of having to lock out their US players on June 1st, and by ending the adventure early, US players have time to compete for the main prizes, receive them, complete any WR, and cash out.

There is normally a gap between these big promos, and the next one would have been well into the summer, and after the effects of June 1st were known.

It is also possible that MGS have ALREADY TOLD operators to plan for a June 1st shut down for ALL US players, which will go ahead UNLESS there is a last minute reprieve for UIGEA implementation.

 

[footdr]

Not to worry.....

I doubt it will change anything and we will continue to receive the occassional calls from the bank and so on.

Below is link to Nelson Rose article:

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[felicie]

I hope you're right but just case, is there anyone interested in starting up a pen pal relationship with a fun, trustworthy American gal?

 

[FourTeller]

Bearing in mind the UIGEA becomes enforcable on June 1st and the fiasco that followed the partial MG pullout in 2006, it might be advisable to ensure that your Microgaming casino accounts are emptied in advance of this date.

Thought this would already be big news at CM but, since I haven't seen any related threads in the 'online casinos' section yet, I'll post in this one. A number of casino sites are already reporting a US Microgaming pullout by 1 June 2010 as fact - however, it seems that American players aren't being shut out altogether but being moved to what appears to be an almost identical software platform. Not sure about posting direct links to other affiliate forums but the Google results for +Microgaming +"June 2010" currently brings them up on the first page.

Edit: Never mind, just noticed the Casinoshare thread where the issue is being discussed in more detail...

 

[amalita]

Thanks!

Thank you! I was not aware of any of this. Best luck to all!

 

[Simmo!]

I think it's pretty much a certainty now, although the various "migrations" that are going on should mean your balances get transferred too. But I'd play it safe for a few days as the cashout methods might change at the new setups.

 

[lots0]

As a lot of us were, I was involved in the last UGIEA F-Up with a migration from RTG to MGS... it was messy.

I don't think this migration from MGS to "MGS-US" platform will be as messy. This time, unlike the almost totally unexpected UGIEA there has been time to plan and hopefully get things right this time.

 

[felicie]

Is anyone getting free chips to try out the new software? I wouldn't think it would kill them. especially for people like me that have been depressed for weeks over this whole thing. sigh.......

 

[lost2much]

I just got off of chat at CR and they confirm that MG is pulling out of the US as of June 1. They also say that I will continue to be able to play there with most of the original games still available. She told me the only change I should notice is that when I withdraw, I will need to re-enter my QT account info. So, we'll see I guess

 

[Mavin1]

I just got off of chat at CR and they confirm that MG is pulling out of the US as of June 1. They also say that I will continue to be able to play there with most of the original games still available. She told me the only change I should notice is that when I withdraw, I will need to re-enter my QT account info. So, we'll see I guess

A bit confused by what you are saying. Did chat say they are pulling out of the US but you can still play with them, or did they mean you will be migrated and the only difference will be to enter your QT info?

 

[lost2much]

The way they put it Mavin, MG has sold their US facing entities (not sure if the various operators bought it or what), but they said most of the original games would still be there. They didn't elaborate on the issue of deps/withs., just that if I use QT I will have to re-register it upon withdrawl. Not sure what that means either. Hope there isn't any issues with "re-registering" my QT account????

 

[Mavin1]

The way they put it Mavin, MG has sold their US facing entities (not sure if the various operators bought it or what), but they said most of the original games would still be there. They didn't elaborate on the issue of deps/withs., just that if I use QT I will have to re-register it upon withdrawl. Not sure what that means either. Hope there isn't any issues with "re-registering" my QT account????

Thanks lost2much. I guess the QT will just have to be re-verified then with the new software, maybe it is one of the things that doesn't migrate.
I have made a withdrawal by wire from CasinoShare US and am anxious to see how that goes. It was moved off pending quickly, but not sure how long the "work in progress", will take.
At this point, like any MG, I have not been asked for docs, so that's a good thing.

 

[Mavin1]

Is anyone getting free chips to try out the new software? I wouldn't think it would kill them. especially for people like me that have been depressed for weeks over this whole thing. sigh.......

Hi Felicie, nope, no free chips at CS US, just deposit bonuses. But you can deposit at the lowest amount of $20.

 

[lost2much]

Yeah Mavin, MG sites usually don't ask for documents if the withdrawl is under $1500. Above that and you have to start jumping through hoops (id, docs, etc.)

 

[lost2much]

Casino Rewards has completed the change. The only game gone that I will miss is the original Thunderstruck! DAMN!

 

[mecan49]

I recieved an email from Jackpot factory group tues 5-25-2010 after contacting their support.The email Stated that as of May25, 2010 that they would no longer be accepting or supporting US players. I was then advised that the US players would go to AllSLOTS US casino to play, using my old account #. My way of finding this out was that over the wkend deposited, and Tues it said my acct was LOCKED! They gave no prior notice about the switch. I had to contact THEM to be told about the switch.

 

[vinylweatherman]

I recieved an email from Jackpot factory group tues 5-25-2010 after contacting their support.The email Stated that as of May25, 2010 that they would no longer be accepting or supporting US players. I was then advised that the US players would go to AllSLOTS US casino to play, using my old account #. My way of finding this out was that over the wkend deposited, and Tues it said my acct was LOCKED! They gave no prior notice about the switch. I had to contact THEM to be told about the switch.

This is what I meant by "this is a mess" in an earlier post. Although better than my expected outcome (a total lock out), it seems problems like this are ocurring. Another issue is the failure of the new software company to even have a NAME yet - rush job or what!!! Surely any legitimate company has to have a name, and these are simply "made up" anyway, and are just like the name you give to a child when it is born.

Remember the artist "Prince" who had this mad idea to ditch his stage name and replace it with a symbol. It was a PR disaster, and he was constantly referred to as "the artist formerly known as Prince". In the same vein, this new software company with no name has been christened "Microgaming US", since we HAVE to have a name to identify it when discussing it, otherwise we would have to call it "the new software company licensing MGS games".

"Microgaming US" will quickly stick, if it hasn't already done so, and this too might be uncomfortable for Microgaming - too close an association than they would have liked.

 

[nisosbar]

"Microgaming US" will quickly stick, if it hasn't already done so, and this too might be uncomfortable for Microgaming - too close an association than they would have liked.

They even ban the infamous 13 states that MG did, and nobody else ever did.

 

[slotplayer]

Casino Rewards has completed the change. The only game gone that I will miss is the original Thunderstruck! DAMN!

so where are you playing now? Is there a new us casino for cr players?

 

[Simmo!]

Casino Rewards has completed the change. The only game gone that I will miss is the original Thunderstruck! DAMN!

The rumour is that Thunderstruck won't go over but that there are up to 60 more that will plus new games will, at some point, be developed specifically for the new software.

 

[lost2much]

I'm still playing at Golden Tiger (one of the CR sites). I went through the game list and that's how I knew TStruck was gone. The CS there still tells me that all will remain the same.

 

[jimb123]

MG / Casinorewards / Golden Tiger

I'm still playing at Golden Tiger (one of the CR sites). I went through the game list and that's how I knew TStruck was gone. The CS there still tells me that all will remain the same.

=====
Many of my favorite games at MG Golden Tiger are gone as of last nite. 1. Take away progressives. 2. Take away NEW GAMES 3. Take away alot of my favorites (Hitman, First Past Post, Thunderstruck, Silver Fang --> all 4 which I've won fairly big wins on). 4. And then the 48hr withdrawal HOLD time... ugh, do they just hate U.S. players now or what?

Support says its in response to USIGEA or whatever. Why do 3dice, RTG and RIVAL support us in full? Why does MG allow us to play some games but not others? Either let me play it all or let me play nothing. Don't throw me a bone after 1million VIP points earned and $50,000+ spent.

Support said that they 'might' add some other games to make up for it. They better or I'm done with CasinoRewards and MG for good.

What a joke.

Too bad.. because, and this sounds silly, but MG software is the only one where you can hit a bonus round and "save" it for later. I sometimes will play through my session and save 6 to 10 bonus round and then go back to them and play them all at once the next day with my family so we can all watch. 3dice, RTG and the others either timeout or if you leave and come back the free spins were played for you.

Heck, I could hit a huge round, lose my internet connection for 3 days and still go back and play MG free spins. So I'll miss that. Plus having played MG for 3 or 4 years.. I may not like them much, but I do trust them to pay me and that's key. I hope things dont get worse come June 1st.

I've had little to zero luck at the other casinos so far -- only 1 cashout this year having tried 7 to 10 other non-MG casinos and that was 3dice for a mere $330.

 

[vinylweatherman]

=====
Many of my favorite games at MG Golden Tiger are gone as of last nite. 1. Take away progressives. 2. Take away NEW GAMES 3. Take away alot of my favorites (Hitman, First Past Post, Thunderstruck, Silver Fang --> all 4 which I've won fairly big wins on). 4. And then the 48hr withdrawal HOLD time... ugh, do they just hate U.S. players now or what?

Support says its in response to USIGEA or whatever. Why do 3dice, RTG and RIVAL support us in full? Why does MG allow us to play some games but not others? Either let me play it all or let me play nothing. Don't throw me a bone after 1million VIP points earned and $50,000+ spent.

Support said that they 'might' add some other games to make up for it. They better or I'm done with CasinoRewards and MG for good.

What a joke.

Too bad.. because, and this sounds silly, but MG software is the only one where you can hit a bonus round and "save" it for later. I sometimes will play through my session and save 6 to 10 bonus round and then go back to them and play them all at once the next day with my family so we can all watch. 3dice, RTG and the others either timeout or if you leave and come back the free spins were played for you.

Heck, I could hit a huge round, lose my internet connection for 3 days and still go back and play MG free spins. So I'll miss that. Plus having played MG for 3 or 4 years.. I may not like them much, but I do trust them to pay me and that's key. I hope things dont get worse come June 1st.

I've had little to zero luck at the other casinos so far -- only 1 cashout this year having tried 7 to 10 other non-MG casinos and that was 3dice for a mere $330.

It's not 100% foolproof though. I had a recent error where accumulated tokens on games such as Tomb Raider and Wealth Spa were all deleted. Presumably, all "held" bonus round would have suffered the same fate.

Support told me this DOES happen, even if rarely, and untangling it can be quite a problem.

I am surprised that MGS still seem to "call the shots" with this new software provider, making them exclude the 13 states just as MGS did, but other softwares are either all in, or all out. The further fact that this software has gone live BEFORE even the basic matter of a NAME for the new providing company has been sorted out makes me believe this is NOT really a new company after all, but an arms length offshoot of MGS in all but name, allowing them to still stay in the US, but offering them deniability.

If the provider has no name, how do operators know who to contact?


It also seems odd that the most POPULAR game of all, Thunderstruck, has been removed, yet this is one of the OLDEST games. MGS wanted the US version to be different, but why remove the POPULAR games, rather than games that US players show little interest in.

 

[Tdoggy]

not up to date

Wow is it really that time? Us Americans are truly being banned now?

What happened to Freedom!!! I can serve my country at age 18! But not buy beer until 21!

I can gamble at all the land casinos I want but not online!!!

I can buy Cigarettes which are addicting as can be and probably kill me!!!

I can put "my money" in "my bank account" but I can't use in on what I want unless they approve it!!! What a joke.....



America the Beautiful indeed

 

[footdr]

What the big deal Microgaming?

when I logged in to grandbay I found only deposit method for me was credit/debit card, no Quicktender.

Only place I can still play is with mini-vegas group and casinoshare.

Done with the other microgaming casinos for now other than the ones I listed.

Obviously the fact that they will provide some of their games under the new platform(grandprive however changed platforms all together) and take credit/debit cards indicates nothing really has changed other than they will probably no longer accepting quicktender, why not accept quicktender, how do they plan to pay winnings? with a riskier payout by check.

Nothing has changed with u.s. bank debit/credit cards and probably will not. there has been no new system implemented by the fed, etc. bank regulation wise; so whats the big deal?

anyone have new banking regulation information?

 

[slotomatic]

the one thing i don't get is this: a video slot is a video slot is a video slot. i can understand no progressives jackpots if they felt that was an issue, but by what logic is one slot allowed and not another (or no new games, as has been the case all year w/MG), with all other things being equal? stupid.

 

[Simmo!]

the one thing i don't get is this: a video slot is a video slot is a video slot. i can understand no progressives jackpots if they felt that was an issue, but by what logic is one slot allowed and not another (or no new games, as has been the case all year w/MG), with all other things being equal? stupid.

I never got the "no new games" logic either. The "brand" games like Tombraider/Hitman/Hellboy etc - you can see why those aren't coming over as the brand owners might have issues. Some of the "big" games like Thunderstruck are alledgedly being held back to differentiate the MG product from the new one.

But hey, all this is bound to change over time. It's only precautionary til everyone knows the effects/impact of the UIGEA and what the politicians are doing I'm sure. I'd look on it as "prep work" for eventual regulation.

What you have to remember here is that the USA has effectively given MG and other software providers a choice: tow the line or forget getting a US licence if it opens up. I'm sure they'd just give you guys everything if they could within the law. The politicians that passed the UIGEA are the people who f*cked it up for everyone in the States, not the software providers.

 

[max1mike]

If (and it's only an 'if', although it is very possible) MG were to stop all US play on or around this date then a) they are unlikely to announce it and b) getting funds out might be difficult.

Just a thought.

Cheers,

Simmo!

you couldn't have been more correctafter making deposits at go wild all week, log in this AM to find i'm locked out, followed by this email hours later:


"Dear Mike,

We are very sad we have to inform you that as of 00:00 GMT June 1st US members cannot log in to their Casino accounts. This is solely a Microgaming's decision and unfortunately it is final.

It is truly a sad moment, since we enjoy your company during your stay with us.

We will surely notify you should there be any changes in the future.

Please feel free to contact our chat support should you have any questions or concerns.
--

Kind Regards,

GoWild Casino
Customer Service "

 

[Marcie Mac]

Well, just went into my favorite (and only for years) MG casino and hit the Flash Player - and the following came up:

Dear clients,

We inform you that the Flash mode will no longer be available to clients residing in USA. You may continue to play with us downloading the new software. In fact, a new platform is active where you can use the same account and password which you used to use on the flash game.
To continue to play and win as usual, you can download the software from:

Looks like I am going to have to download - I liked the flash player aspect as I didn't have a download taking up a lot of memory. So, will see, if its going to be a pain the the tush to deposit/withdrawl - if so won't play anymore till this whole US Gambling thing is settled

Uggg..

Marcie

 

[gloria460]

You guys need to be careful about depositing. I looked at some of the codes they use to get the deposit to go thru and it makes me uncomfortable bc they look like real online places. Some bogus stuff could go thru without you being aware of it.

I think I'll just wait til the dust settles a bit as my only choice is rtg and rival now. I'm not interested in playing a watered down version of mcg.

 

[felicie]

Until last week, my bank card has been an MC for years and then a bigger (and I mean too big for their britches) took over my friendly little bank and sent me a visa debit last week. Over the weekend decided to play one last good one and decided to try to load my qt with my new visa what the hell. It worked, I played, I lost oh well. Yesterday went to buy groceries and trying to pay over $200, my new card was declined. grrrr.
today after waiting on hold for an hour on and off, (I know it was a holiday) I decided to just go to the bank where I sat for another 20 minutes while the bank girl was put on hold with same damn music! she then said Fraud had closed my new card. I said oh? any particular reason? she said for debits 'outside the country' that you may not be aware of. first one named was the pizza parlor up at the corner which is on my statement every month at least once LOL. I said yes I was aware of that one and last time I checked the top of my street was 'inside the country' btw. Then she asked about another debit from some name I'd never heard of and didn't match the description on my statement for the debit in question but I couldnt tell if she was trying to get info or just didn't know what she was doing so I just said the one for $??? and finally she said yes and I said I am aware of that one also it's good. she said oh I see you've had other ones also. I said I have a website and I may be buying and selling internationally, is this going to happen every time? should I get a different account? she didn't really answer me but said it was unblocked and open now so is there anything else? oh and later trying to pay my kid back the grocery money, tried to do simple transfer from my acct. to hers same bank and it said it would 'send' it today but would need up to 5 days to get it delivered! These people have all my money! Is it possible that they are the ones 'outside the country' ? LMAO We are so screwed.

 

[nisosbar]

Until last week, my bank card has been an MC for years and then a bigger (and I mean too big for their britches) took over my friendly little bank and sent me a visa debit last week. Over the weekend decided to play one last good one and decided to try to load my qt with my new visa what the hell. It worked, I played, I lost oh well. Yesterday went to buy groceries and trying to pay over $200, my new card was declined. grrrr.
today after waiting on hold for an hour on and off, (I know it was a holiday) I decided to just go to the bank where I sat for another 20 minutes while the bank girl was put on hold with same damn music! she then said Fraud had closed my new card. I said oh? any particular reason? she said for debits 'outside the country' that you may not be aware of. first one named was the pizza parlor up at the corner which is on my statement every month at least once LOL. I said yes I was aware of that one and last time I checked the top of my street was 'inside the country' btw. Then she asked about another debit from some name I'd never heard of and didn't match the description on my statement for the debit in question but I couldnt tell if she was trying to get info or just didn't know what she was doing so I just said the one for $??? and finally she said yes and I said I am aware of that one also it's good. she said oh I see you've had other ones also. I said I have a website and I may be buying and selling internationally, is this going to happen every time? should I get a different account? she didn't really answer me but said it was unblocked and open now so is there anything else? oh and later trying to pay my kid back the grocery money, tried to do simple transfer from my acct. to hers same bank and it said it would 'send' it today but would need up to 5 days to get it delivered! These people have all my money! Is it possible that they are the ones 'outside the country' ? LMAO We are so screwed.

In all my life, I never particularly hated banks, but these days, I really do - mostly the mega-banks. You can't even step into the interior lobby section where the ATM's are without being verbally assaulted by banks salespeople trying to get you to sign up, buy financial "products"/shell games, molest you - I'm doing everything by mail now.

 

[footdr]

All the above being said.....

In the last two days I have cashed-in over $1000.00 at mini-vegas group(already paid) and today allslots.

So, money is still to be won.

 

[venetian]

I agree! Last night I deposited $80 in Grand Hotel and had a crazy night on VP & one slot that is still left that I like. I ended the night at $4100 but all day MG has been offline, can't connect with the server. I am dying to continue to play but can't until they fix it. Anyone else experiencing problems today??

 

[22geminis]

usa whats happening to us?

I PERSONALLY THINK THAT SHUTTING DOWN THE USA AND INTERNET GAMBLING IS A BUNCH OF CRAP. WE HAVE INDIAN CASINOS IN OUR BACKYARDS WHICH ARE NOT REGULATED AND AT ONE TIME ILLEGAL. WHY DOESNT THE GOVERMENT JUST STAY OUT OF OUR BUSINESS AND LET US HAVE OUR FREEDOM BACK. THEY HAVE TAKEN SO MUCH AWAY FROM THE AMERICAN PEOPLE THIS IS NOT THE LAND OF THE FREE ANYMORE.JUST MY OPINION IM MAD ABOUT THIS WHOLE SITUATION.

 

[blacklabrador]

I am finding that Riverbelle is still 100% trustworthy and i dont see any change in the slot play since june 1st. They are more than willing to bend over backwards for USA players, so those that are having trouble on other casinos, I highly recommend giving them a try. I have been with them since week one and only have had one issue getting paid and thats when that silly law passed and most online gamblers had their winnings held back a month or so.