[superhans]

Over the Cheltenham festival, the above companies (all part of the same group) ran the following promotions

12bet - 4 x £30 bets = £30 Free Bet
138bet - 7 x £10 bets = £25 Free Bet
Fun88 - 3 x £25 bets = £25 Free Bet

The T&Cs had no mention of using all 3 sites.

Withdrawals since Cheltenham had sat in pending, customer service advised they were busy, and would be resolved asap.

Received today (same email from all 3) -

Dear Customer,
Following checks for bonus abuse and fraudulent activity, our Fraud Department has determined that your account is in breach of our Terms and Conditions, specifically clause 15.2 shown below:
15.2 In the event that we suspect that you or any other Player is abusing or attempting to abuse a bonus or other promotion, or is likely to benefit through such abuse we may block, deny, suspend, withhold or cancel the account of any such Player, including Your Account if we determine that you are involved in such.
Consequently, we have cancelled your winnings and will refund your deposit without any further delay.
Once this is complete your account will be closed.
Kind regards

Deposit balance has not been returned to Skrill, and all 3 accounts have been closed an unable to log in

Owed £700ish. Hundreds of UK customers have had the same. Total balances withheld easily £200k

Will fill out a complaint form later. Are SBR in dialogue with these guys?

[joey1963]

How do I file a complaint on SBR ?

[althelegend]

Fill in the form : sportsbook complaint

[SBR Forum]

Thank you guys. We've received over a dozen complaints this morning on this issue and are reviewing and will escalate to management contacts, and let you know of any questions we may have for each of your cases by email. Once we know more, we'll update the forum.

[superhans]

National UK News stories -

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...-accounts.html

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/horse-...olding-7669877

[Bearly_Legal]

Lots of info on social media. The directors and senior staff at TGP Europe are all having their details and mugshots put all over twitter. This really isn't going to end well for them. Aside from the fact they've stolen thousands of people's money, they've also libelled each and every one of them by openly accusing them of fraud. And they'll be out business as soon as the UKGC removes TGP's licence. And if it doesn't, I'll have my local MP on it.

[Optional]

Lots of info on social media. The directors and senior staff at TGP Europe are all having their details and mugshots put all over twitter. This really isn't going to end well for them. Aside from the fact they've stolen thousands of people's money, they've also libelled each and every one of them by openly accusing them of fraud. And they'll be out business as soon as the UKGC removes TGP's licence. And if it doesn't, I'll have my local MP on it.

UKGC Does Anything About It?

Yes $3.00
No $1.35

[arber1]

Max bet on "No $1.35" please Optional. Can't resist a bit of value.

[superhans]

Statement from the CEO. Doesnt look like they are going to budge

http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-...ival-1-7830189

Small claims it is. Once UGGC and IBAS have done their thing (nothing)

Just fail to see how them emailing me a promotion, me taking part in said promotion can be 'unusual activity'

[Optional]

And this about the CEO, "Mr Kimber is a previous head of eGaming for the Isle of Man government before moving over to the private sector."

He should know exactly what he can do or not.

Still, got to wonder if the bad press and lack of confidence this will bring is really worth it for them.

[Bearly_Legal]

And this about the CEO, "Mr Kimber is a previous head of eGaming for the Isle of Man government before moving over to the private sector."

He should know exactly what he can do or not.

Still, got to wonder if the bad press and lack of confidence this will bring is really worth it for them.

Kimber's head of compliance also, according to his Linkedin account, used to work for the IOM government. I find this sinister in the extreme. It's frightening how much undue influence these two must have with the IOM Gambling Commission.

Anyway, Kimber's lying his arse off in that interview. The UKGC had no clue what was going on until people started phoning them up in droves yesterday lunchtime. Did the IOM regulator? Who knows, although probably, since they've washed their hands of it for non IOM resident customers.

This will have to go to court. And Kimber and his shyster cronies will be going to jail.

[JayZ]

Anyway, Kimber's lying his arse off in that interview. The UKGC had no clue what was going on until people started phoning them up in droves yesterday lunchtime.

According to today's Racing Post, the UKGC states it was first informed on Tuesday:

"They did alert us to a problem as they saw it and on Friday afternoon we started to get calls from concerned punters.
"We are monitoring the situation very, very carefully but would remind punters we have no power to get their money back but can impose a range of sanctions putting conditions on the licence, with revoking any licence the very last step."

[Optional]

remind punters we have no power to get their money back

Man this line sounds lame after hearing it from them in the Canbet scandal.

Good question is WHY on earth the regulator has no power to make orders??

[JayZ]

The UKGC operates as though it is still the 19th century, with both caveat emptor and bets being struck between gentlemen of honour in smoked-filled clubs.

Fortunately the general law is a lot stronger these days with bets being legal contracts and most of the crapola in bookies T&Cs unlikely to pass through unfair contract laws either.

Both Fun88 and 12Bet have demanded details of all the closed accounts from TGP Europe and they say they are going to assess all the data themselves. Possibly in the end it is TGP Europe that will come out worst.

[superhans]

Interesting development on twitter/facebook

"FUN88 have requested a thorough report from TGP Europe Ltd, which operates FUN88 in the UK, in respect of FUN88 customers who have had their UK accounts closed due to suspected non-compliance with the terms & conditions applicable to their accounts. FUN88 will review all circumstances and in the event any bets have been incorrectly disallowed, customers will be paid their winnings. FUN88 are working with TGP Europe Ltd to review the operation of all accounts where customers have been effected. It is hoped this process will be completed sooner rather than later and FUN88 appreciates the patience of UK customers in this regard."

Similar from 12bet. Nothing from 138bet as yet. Seems the Asian HO are not going to let the crooks at TGP damage their brand and reputation. Fingers crossed its not just a ploy

[Bearly_Legal]

According to today's Racing Post, the UKGC states it was first informed on Tuesday:

If this is correct, that something very sinister is going on. I was told on the phone by a UKGC staff member that its top brass were having a meeting with TGP Europe on Friday afternoon. If the UKGC was aware of the stunt Kimber was pulling, why would they need a meeting with TGP? Only explanation for that is that the person I was talking to was lying. And I would suggest that under confidentiality terms, the UKGC wouldn't have told a journalist of it's dealings with TGP. The UKGC is notoriously slow to say or do anything publicly.

[Bearly_Legal]

Interesting development on twitter/facebook



Similar from 12bet. Nothing from 138bet as yet. Seems the Asian HO are not going to let the crooks at TGP damage their brand and reputation. Fingers crossed its not just a ploy

If it is a ploy, then the Chinese top brass are smearing themselves in the same excrement that Kimber and his scumbag mates took a bath in. I can't see why they would do that, unless they're in on the whole thing with TGP, IBAS, the Isle of Wicker Man regulator and the UKGC, and are desperate to try and make it look like they're trying to fix the mess without acutally doing anything.

[JayZ]

Man this line sounds lame after hearing it from them in the Canbet scandal.

Good question is WHY on earth the regulator has no power to make orders??

This image seen on twitter is to the point of the UKGC:

[Bearly_Legal]

You're so damn lucky I didn't have a mouthful of tea when I read that.

Anyways, some good news. I've been in conversation with the IOM Police, who having read up on this shitstorm, say there's enough to start a criminal investigation.

[dpeti]

(last week bethard become a 10bet clone like 12bet earlier some months ago )

[Optional]

You're so damn lucky I didn't have a mouthful of tea when I read that.

Anyways, some good news. I've been in conversation with the IOM Police, who having read up on this shitstorm, say there's enough to start a criminal investigation.

Keep us updated on this as I did not think IoM police would act unless they have evidence of the regulator themselves being negligent.

[JayZ]

Isle of Man Constabulary advice:

The Isle of Man Constabulary has received a large number of complaints over the weekend relating to issues people are having with online-betting companies that are registered on the Isle of Man. Complaints are from both local, and nationally in the UK.
We would ask that if you are experiencing problems to please follow this advice:
Please contact Action Fraud via their website at www.actionfraud.police.uk to lodge your complaint online or speak to an advisor. Action Fraud is the UK's national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre. In addition, you can also contact your local Police Station, but Action Fraud should be your first point of call. If Action Fraud are content that criminal offences have been committed they will then contact the Isle of Man Constabulary for any assistance they require.

[Bearly_Legal]

As expected, the UK Gambling Commission has said "It's not our problem, bruv."

http://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk...-Homepage.aspx

[JayZ]

The new CEO @ UKGC has made what are at least encouraging noises about what they might look at in the future. She has been there since November coming from Ofgem. Still it is probably like turning a tanker round and they are completely un-reactive to quick moving events at licencees.

Don't read these when drinking tea or any other beverage, taken from a speech a couple of months ago:

[Bearly_Legal]

If the UKGC wern't so mind numbingly inept and unfit for purpose, they might be quite amusing.

[superhans]

The Isle of Man Constabulary have been in contact with TGF Europe Limited in respect of recent complaints we have received from account holders of on-line betting accounts which fall under the TGF Europe Limited umbrella.
Updates regarding accounts and monies outstanding will be given to account holders directly by the Company in due course.
Due diligence has been followed according to the regulator and at this time we do not consider there to be any criminal investigation required.
If monies are not returned and people still believe they have been subject of crime they should re-contact the Isle of Man Constabulary through the normal channels.
Thank you

[Bearly_Legal]

The IOM Plod, the IOM regulator, the UKGC, and Kimber are presumably all having a knees up in the local grand lodge.

[superhans]

Be a full party once IBAS get their ticket booked

Probably sweet talking the small claims judge as we speak

[Bearly_Legal]

The only light at the end of the tunnel is:

"Updates regarding accounts and monies outstanding will be given to account holders directly by the Company in due course."

This does at least indicate that the IOM police have been told that customers will be getting told something regarding money stolen from them, although with the IOM police, IOM and UK regulators saying TGP has done nothing wrong, neither they nor the Chinese parent company has any reason to refund anyone. The only reason they would refund people is to save the image of the company, although the UK market is small change to them compared to China and the rest of Asia. They could easily decide to disappear from the UK if they don't want to stump up.

[harry13]

Accounts are being re opened. Emails apologising for incident. Withdrawals allowed.

Not all accounts though.....just the ones with smaller balances.

[Bearly_Legal]

All closed 138.com accounts still closed. Management of 138.com appear to be doing nothing.

[harry13]

All closed 138.com accounts still closed. Management of 138.com appear to be doing nothing.

Was your biggest balance with them?
Mine is 12Bet by far and they are the only ones still closed.

[Bearly_Legal]

Mid 3 figures at 138, slighly less than I had at Fun88. Somewhat stupidly, I bet my last free £25 bet at both books on a 2-2 draw in the same La Liga match at stupidly high odds thinking "heck, it'll never come in". . .equaliser in the 91st fecking minute.

[JayZ]

Image of general apology message from Fun88:


Suggests everyone will be reopened.

[harry13]

Oh dear......12Bet refusing when all others have apologised.

CS (12Bet) Apr 5, 20:07 Dear *****, Thank you for contacting Customer Support. We have received your e-mail in relation to your cancelled withdrawal request. Our decision in relation to your bonus activity stands, in accordance with our Terms & Conditions. You are entitled to seek arbitration for your complaint via the following methods. If you are a UK resident: UK Licensed gambling operators are required to offer dispute resolution by an independent third party or ‘alternate dispute resolution’ (ADR) provider in line with LCCP social responsibility (SR) code 6.1.1. We have appointed the Independent Betting Adjudication Services (IBAS) as our ADR. Please direct unresolved complaints to them at telephone number +44 207 347 5883. Further details about IBAS can be found at http://www.ibas-uk.com/ If you are not a UK resident: Please direct your complaint to the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission. Further details can be found at http://www.gov.im/gambling/ If you are an EU resident: You may also use the European Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) platform. https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/odr/mai...main.home.show Thank you for your understanding. Regards, Serena Customer Support Team

Should you have any questions or concerns do not hesitate to contact our 24/7 customer support team.