m88 - restricted due to location?

[cairnx]

been using all day with no problem, but now getting this message and cant login - any thoughts?

[horsekeeper]

UK no more....via e-mail:

Dear Valued M88 Members,


Greetings from M88 - Asia's Best Online Gaming!

We just recently identified that we can no longer provide service and/or accept transactions in UK. Our apologies for the inconvenience caused. Remaining funds in your M88 account will be settled accordingly. Kindly reply this email for the withdrawal information or visit us in a Live chat...

and they have the audacity to sponsor Man City and still not accept UK players...

***M88 is proud to officially announce that we are the Official Partner of MANCHESTER CITY Football Club!***

[cairnx]

yep - copy of my livechat -

Kassy: Hi Sir. We just recently identified that we can no longer provide service and/or accept transactions in UK. Our apologies for the inconvenience caused. Remaining funds in your M88 account will be settled accordingly.
steve: i trust that outstanding bets will be honoured
Kassy: Yes Sir, we will settle the remaining accounts and we will email you. May I please have your registered email address?
steve: cair@@@ets@yahoo.co.uk
Kassy: Alright Sir. We will be dsending you an email right away.
steve: to confirm, you are saying that no one in the uk will be able to have an account with m88 , but that existing bets for future dates will be honoured
Kassy: Sir please hold I am checking with our relevant department.
steve: thanks
Kassy: Sir for members of UK who still have balance with M88, we are going to let you withdraw your remaining balance.
steve: sorry, i`m not sure i understand - as i can`t access the website, I can`t withdraw - are you going to send the funds available now and then automatically as and when bets settle ?
steve: if you are closing to everyone in the uk, would it not have been simpler to send everyone an email saying no more bets can be accepted, but allowing access to accounts until all bets had settled ?
Kassy: It is like this Sir, we no longer provide and accept transactions in UK Sir, this is why you cannot access the website. There are restrictions in your country. So what we are going to do is let you withdraw your remaining balance we will notify you for the arrangement of your remaining funds Sir.

steve: such a shame - have enjoyed playing with you guys - can you tell me what the restrictions are that now prevent you?
Kassy: I believe Sir its your country's gaming acts.
Kassy: All I Know Sir is that we have no choice, it has something to do with U.K's gaming acts. So we have to comply.


So, will the other asians have to follow suite?

[cairnx]

I have also been told I must request a withdrawal and send screenshots of my moneybookers account and a copy of my passport before it will be actioned.

Crazy, its not like there is any other option other to withdraw, they should send account balances back to customers without needing them to request it - rubs salt in the wounds !

[U4EA]

UK gaming acts? Has something changed?

[horsekeeper]

UK gaming acts? Has something changed?

Stolen from MSE: http://www.easier.com/92291-planned-changes-to-remote-gambling-laws.html

All gambling operators selling into the British market - whether based in the UK or abroad - will have to obtain a licence from the Gambling Commission, under plans announced today by John Penrose, Minister responsible for gambling regulation.
The changes mean that for the first time ‘remote gambling' (gambling through remote means, such as the internet, telephone, television or radio) will be regulated at the point of consumption not the point of supply, ensuring British consumers are always protected, no matter which online gambling site they visit.
Level playing field
"All overseas operators will be subject to the same standards and requirements as those based in Britain, as well as being required to inform the Gambling Commission about suspicious betting patterns to help fight illegal activity and corruption in betting," said Mr Penrose.
Currently any gambling operator who wants to offer their services in Britain must be licensed or regulated in either an European Economic Area (EEA) state or one of the states approved by DCMS on the ‘White List', the plans announced today will replace this system.

Maybe they were refused a license or didn't want to spend the money on one.....

[snoopy]

Really stupid question if they have to get a license from the Gambling Commision does that mean we should be careful in regards to US books? Given the fact that many of us have a lot of money in these offshore books?

[U4EA]

Well, I f***ing hope this doesn't mean the entire 88 group are going to withdraw from the UK market...

[ElPresidente]

No harm done, right? I hadn't ever heard about this site, but it looks quite boring as far as bonus and promotions go...

[horsekeeper]

No harm done, right? I hadn't ever heard about this site, but it looks quite boring as far as bonus and promotions go...

Used to have same odds as 12bet and Dafabet. When I joined a £100 max stake limit but changed to £250 a while ago.

From my records they used to have a 100% sub to £88.

They also used to do 20% reloads to £60, but last one for me was over 1 year ago.

Not too concerned about M88 going but am worried if others will follow suit and start excluding UK residents, but then it would be +ev to move to a different country with cheaper living costs and take advantage of those IW arbs again.