Casino Cautions - GF blacklisted

14.03.2006

Getting blacklisted at a highly respected site like Mike Shackleford's The Wizard of Odds is a serious indictment likely to cause commercial damage, but that is what the entire Gambling Federation group has managed to achieve as a result of a ruling on a dispute that goes back to July last year.

Shackleford had been mediating for a player, ChrisB who had deposited in quick succession at 10 different Gambling Federation casinos, playing agressively and busting out on many deposits, but hitting on two and ending up with some $7000 in winnings.

The rewards were disqualified, with two reasons given, one after the other: First, the player had multiple accounts. This was subsequently disproved. The player had only one account per casino. Second, that he was guilty of a nebulous "scheme" which was contrary to the rules of the casino. This turned out to consist of high stakes wagering, with bonuses, going for a big hit or a bust - but none of these playing styles are barred in the T&Cs.

Finally, the trump card of the questionable casino was played :

"The Casino management reserves the right to withhold any funds if it suspects any foul play or manipulation with the Casino. It is recognised and agreed to by the Player that, in the case of any discrepancy whatsoever, management's decision on all matters will be final."

No need to give specifics or produce a shred of evidence - just an arbitrary disqualification and return of deposits. Shackleford says that as the final decision was made by GFED, the entire group must take the consequences.

He found that the player obeyed the T&Cs to the letter. Those T&Cs, which are drawn up by the operator may have prohibited him from opening more than one account at one casino.....but did not prohibit him from depositing and claiming bonuses at 10 different casinos in the GFED group at the time this took place.

GFED has been in hot water before. In February 2005 downloads from GFED casinos included malware (short for malicious software) that blocked access to some competing sites. CEO Fabiano Fogli claimed it was because those sites had misappropriated GFED's client database and spammed its customers. After they were caught GFED departed the IGC and apologised, stating their actions were based on "emotive judgement" and "not justified."

The Wizard has listed the following GFED casinos as part of his ban.

www.selectivecasino.com
www.videopokergrand.com
www.videopokerclassic.com
www.k2casino.com
www.grandslots.com
www.majorslots.com
www.spinninslots.com
www.sizzlingslots.com
www.casinofreedom.com
www.maximuscasino.com
www.commodorepoker.com
www.casinoitalia.net
www.casino.at
www.pinkladycasino.com
www.slotsexpress.com
www.jeuxdecesar.com
www.luckygatecasino.com
www.winnersonlinecasino.com
www.blackjackclub.com
www.pureslots.com
www.onlinecasinofever.com
www.goldencairocasino.com
www.monaconights.com
www.videopokersaloon.com
www.casino-hawaiiantropic.com
www.casinopokerlasvegas.com
www.maximuspoker.com
www.mr-casino.com
www.royalcitycasino.com