1. #1
    soustek
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    Centrebet Czech republic

    Dear *****,

    Centrebet has recently reviewed its operations and has decided to wind down its activities in Czech Republic. Consequently your account will be closed with immediate effect.

    Centrebet would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your custom and wish you the very best for the future.

    Kind Regards,

    Centrebet

  2. #2
    brettels
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    Did you have any $ in there that they haven't given back?

  3. #3
    FourLengthsClear
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    They have withdrawn from the entire Continental European market.

  4. #4
    brettels
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    Why??? Hopefully no one loses money from this, they have been reputable enough to pay out closing accounts, unless someone reports otherwise!

  5. #5
    FourLengthsClear
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    Quote Originally Posted by brettels View Post
    Why??? Hopefully no one loses money from this, they have been reputable enough to pay out closing accounts, unless someone reports otherwise!
    It is a strategic decision and I am 100% sure they will make good on all balances.

  6. #6
    brettels
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    Fair enough, strange strategy IMO but whatever makes them happy! Might actually have something to do with the Ladbrokes rumor?

  7. #7
    FourLengthsClear
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    Quote Originally Posted by brettels View Post
    Fair enough, strange strategy IMO but whatever makes them happy! Might actually have something to do with the Ladbrokes rumor?
    My thought was actually the opposite i.e that they were going to buy out one of the smaller euro-books but operate them separately. Time will tell, I suppose.

  8. #8
    brettels
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    What are you on about? I think we are thinking different things maybe?

  9. #9
    FourLengthsClear
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    Quote Originally Posted by brettels View Post
    What are you on about? I think we are thinking different things maybe?
    Indeed, that is way I said "My thought was actually the opposite"!

    I was referring to Centrebet (not Ladbrokes) buying out a book that specialises in these markets.

  10. #10
    brettels
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    Centrebet can't buy out anyone they are owned by sportingbet who are apparently getting bought out by ladbrokes(if true?)! The sportingbet take over of Centrebet isn't that old either, wtf is going on?

  11. #11
    prop
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    This seemed inevitable since May, and was then planned for a couple months now. Kind of odd if this was first notice to clients but should be fine with payouts. I know there's increasing pressure in that market as they try to protect the legal options but "i think" still have Pinnacle, BWIN, Ladbrokes, Unibet, Expekt, Bettson for foreign options that you shouldn't need to worry too much about paying if they do later exit.

  12. #12
    shari91
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    Quote Originally Posted by brettels View Post
    Centrebet can't buy out anyone they are owned by sportingbet who are apparently getting bought out by ladbrokes(if true?)! The sportingbet take over of Centrebet isn't that old either, wtf is going on?
    Ladbrokes stopped talks with Sportingbet back in October because they didn't want to deal with any fall out from Sportingbet's illegal Turkish book so this wouldn't be because of them.

    My *guess* is this has something to do with Sportingbet now cleaning up their operations and streamlining things - which they started with mass layoffs when they took over Centrebet. Online gambling in the Czech Republic is a bit of a mess... the Finance Minister is facing charges for accepting bribes in exchange for handing out gaming licences and foreign books are operating there illegally. Politicians are looking at completely overhauling their laws in the next year or two - possibly making them more like France - because their domestic books are angry that they're limited to offering sports betting while the "rogue" books ignore those laws and are offering casino games and poker without the government taking much action to stop them. Since Sportingbet.cz is still in operation (from what I know) and they just had their business about Turkey splashed across the finance sections of every major newspaper, it would make sense for them to want to lay low a bit and only have one site there now. Again... just my speculation though.

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