Online bingo's best recognized

Richard · **Posted:** Wed May 28, 2008 8:38 pm

The following is from our GPWA Newsletter

Quote:

Online bingo's best recognized
23 May 2008
LONDON, England -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- The Online Bingo Industry is finally receiving the recognition it deserves by rewarding the best in the online bingo industry at this years Official Bullet Business Online Bingo Awards 2008 sponsored by Paysafecard. The awards, which will be taking place alongside the Annual Online Bingo Summit (17th – 18th June 2008) will be the first time individual online bingo companies are recognised for there successes in the Online Bingo Industry specifically.
With seven categories covering Best Newcomer, Best Online Bingo Portal, Best Marketing Campaign, Best Affiliate Program, Online Bingo Software and the much coveted Online Bingo Operator 2008 the awards have also set aside a special recognition for Innovation… and about time too it seems!
Seven recognised industry experts were brought together by Bullet Business in order to select the categories and to decide on the nominees for each category. "The panellists make up a representation of the online Bingo industry right now – a snapshot of the current market, with representatives from operations, technology, supplier, affiliate, analyst and association" Said Ravi Virpal, Director and Organiser for the Bullet Business Awards and Summit and continued "The aim has always been to give the Online Bingo Industry the recognition it deserves as a stand alone industry whilst also recognising the companies that have pushed to make this happen… This is a very exciting event and a big deal to anybody in the Online Bingo Industry".
The panellists include Michael Braga of Mice & Dice (Jackpot Joy), Phil Fraser of Which Bingo, David Hunter of Paysafecard, Jessica Luthi of Affiliate Program Advice, Steve Cook of Parlay Entertainment, Steven Baldwin of The Bingo Association and Ravi Virpal of Bullet Business. Following hours of discussion and deliberation the seven panellists settled on the categories and nominees.
Highlighting the need for an Industry Awards Michael Braga said "Within the last 12 months Bingo has entered the national consciousness thanks to the effects of the smoking ban and the proliferation of advertising hence the Awards this year are even more relevant and timely than previous. We are starting through this process to distinguish Bingo as its own industry sector, its own entity".
In support Phil Fraser added "For too long online bingo has been seen as a small adjunct to the online gaming market. The fact that there are awards specifically for the online bingo does indeed make a major contribution towards recognising the Bingo industry as a stand alone industry".
Recognising the need to separate Online Bingo from the other Online Gaming products David Hunter stated "Previously Bingo would typically be grouped in with Casino and/or lotto type games, whereas Poker and Sports betting would be given separate reference. Now we can see Bingo being recognised as an important vertical sector in its own right".
Commenting on the selection and nomination process Phil Fraser stated "The categories cover the depth and breadth of the online bingo business as it stands today in 2008. The selection process was vigorous, well debated and received contributions from a wide range of sources."
Steve Cook, MD for Parlay Entertainment, said: "The Bingo Awards are in recognition of the phenomenal growth of the online bingo industry and an acknowledgement of the key players that aspire to be the best of the best and stand out from the rest! All the nominations show a strong category of excellence and those that excel in providing a quality customer experience. There is tough competition in the market between online brands that is also driving the bingo industry to new heights".
Collectively the panel have agreed that there is a real need to recognise the best in Online Bingo. The final selection process belongs to the delegates at this years 3rd sell-out Online Bingo Summit. "Now that the categories have been set and the nominees have been recognised, it's up to the 250+ delegates to decide by using their onsite voting card" said Virpal "We have a fantastic evening planned with a networking cocktail party, awards dinner, ceremony and then it's off to the iGaming Social After Party to celebrate with the winners".

Richard · **Posted:** Wed May 28, 2008 9:15 pm

For many reasons this article made me see red! Did you note the absence of any groups that represent the interest of the ones that make the whole Bingo Industry possible. The Players Seems all the Bingo Industry rewards is those who promote sites that are known to cheat players and the software producers, that make this all possible.

My blood pressure is soaring and when I get it under control and gather my thoughts I will address this issue properly.

Sissy · **Posted:** Thu May 29, 2008 12:51 am

Quote:

"We have a fantastic evening planned with a networking cocktail party, awards dinner, ceremony and then it's off to the iGaming Social After Party to celebrate with the winners".

And ALL this without so much as one word in recognition to the ones paying for the party :-k

.

dynamitewoman · **Posted:** Thu May 29, 2008 12:20 pm

How amazing that they boosted up the online bingo phenomenon to a comparative status of the casino and sports betting arena all by themselves! They are all sitting around in their fancy duds , patting each other on the back, accepting kudos ( thanks to the average bingo player that deposits daily and generously) without so much of a hint of recognition to their source of "pride and profit".
It seems like they are applauding the complex rules, outrageous playthrus, and inherent right of all sites to manipulate and control every feature that provides the house edge to create huge profits.
How about policing the industry a bit? How about NOT promoting the sites that are historically known for cheating players? How about stepping out of their fantasy world that allows all of them to be wined, dined and pampered on the backs of the bingo player? How about looking into the corruption and deceit that enables players to be treated like a minor annoyance instead of their main source of income?

********************************
will be the first time individual online bingo companies are recognised for there successes in the Online Bingo Industry specifically.

Very interesting... Recognized for their successes? I wonder if this includes fair gaming, active and cooperative support to players, reasonable policies that allow player input, Across the board regulations that consider the depositing client, enforced procedures that require licensing and monitoring of sites to be a reality and not a proposal in the works year after year, and most of all a standard and mandatory rule of respect for the player that provides them with their daily bread?
Anyone can have success if they are allowed to cheat, manipulate and have complete control of all the factors that produce that "sucess".
When you have given yourself the right to have the last word along with the right to alter or modify without notice anything that will make you a "winner", How can you NOT be successful, unless you are a complete moron or are incapable of counting stacks of money? What a joke!

NAVYMANS-MOM · **Joined:** Fri May 25, 2007 9:29 am **Posts:** 694

that this is all happening in London where they have sites such as AlphaBingo and BingoSky and have done nothing to stop those sites from closing accounts just for having players with the balls to post their free-speech opinions in a public forum such as BPU.

What about all the other sites that have UK ties, but are free to go about the business of corruption from an off-shore location?

What about recognition for sites and people working their asses off for the protection and rights of the players, such as BPU?

Also, interesting is that Parlay Entertainment is a huge part of this and their software 'features' specifically indicate that their software can be easily manipulated by the license holder, giving the bingo site all of the advantage and odds and none to the players who are depositing hard-earned money.

Yeah, I think I'm gonna puke after banging my head on the desk a few times over this.

Richard · **Posted:** Sat May 31, 2008 1:16 pm

Steve Cook, MD for Parlay Entertainment, said:

Quote:

"The Bingo Awards are in recognition of the phenomenal growth of the online bingo industry and an acknowledgement of the key players that aspire to be the best of the best and stand out from the rest!

It seems to me the so called key players could do a lot to clean up the Bingo Industry and deal with the bad sites and operators that are giving the Industry a bad name. BPU is a vital part of this Industry because We are one of the few Bingo Player Advocates sites that exist to protect players and hold sites accountable for their actions.

One of the most important aspects to this industry is the Players! Without them, there would be no Bingo Industry. Yet! Which of the Key Players are representing the Players? As time passes, more and more Key Bingo Industry Leaders are becoming aware of BPU’s presence. But non, except the GPWA openly recognize us for what we do here. Oftentimes, we feel we are outsiders in our industry! We have a thankless job and not thought of kindly by many Industry People because we step on a lot of toes and tell it like it is.

BPU has, in the past, criticized Phil Fraser and WhichBingo for displaying Banners of Sites known to cheat players. It does not matter if he is receiving any revenue form the banners. What matters is unsuspecting players, see these banners and the possibility exists that they may end up depositing there. Phil is a perfect example of a Bingo Industry Key Player who could do much to protect players from the Industries Rogue Sites, but he does not like to be told not to run certain Banners. I have often told him to just consider the evidence against any particular site, but to no avail. In My opinion! Players will never fully respect WhichBingo until they set an example and stop promoting sites that are known, by the players, to be crooked.

The only site I ever seen Phil delete from his WhichBingo Directory was BingoPlayerUnion. You will not find us listed on his Bingo Resource page! You will however find Sites that Players have blacklisted, in his Editor’s Choice section. Which Bingo Directory, still lists Bingoisus, who recently Closed and ran off owing many players and affiliates thousands of dollars.

My question is: When is the Bingo Industry going to add a public discussion of How to clean up the Industries Rogue sites at one of their summit meetings? How hard could it be for Bingo Directories and Portals to stop displaying ads and Banners to sites that have mistreated and cheated its players? As I see it, Greed is the biggest threat to the survival of this industry.

dynamitewoman · **Posted:** Sat May 31, 2008 5:31 pm

http://playingbingo.co.uk/bingo-article ... rpal.shtml
From online bingo interview with the man setting up and organizing this party!
(interview in part)
Ravi Virpal: Having spoken with many online bingo operators I can say that the challenges are as follows:

a) Acquiring high-end big spending customers – this will continue to be a primary challenge for operators going forward.
b) Effective customer retention – It’s all good when you win a new customer but not so great when you lose them just as quickly. Retaining your customer base and encouraging loyalty is a massive challenge to the operator.
c) European expansion and picking the right markets to move into – As bingo picks up momentum in various European markets such as Scandinavia, the operators find it increasingly difficult to decide where best to place their investment.
d) Navigating the confusing legal landscape – this issue is huge with challenges that extend into advertising, payment and billing, legal gaming, differing jurisdictions and more… Operators need to be updated constantly.
***************************************************
And I have this to say, which is My opinion and thoughts:

OK, acquiring high-end big spending customers! ????????
There will no longer be a place for the bingo player that wants to enjoy the game as entertainment and meet a new friend or 2 in a chat room. The kind of player this man is talking about is a cutthroat, big time, in it for the cash and forget the stupid chat feature crap kind of player. They are hoping to edge out the player that has a few bucks to entertain themselves on the internet with a friendly bingo game. Talk about GREED!!
Effective customer retention????? UT OH! This looks to me like they actually mean big spending customer retention! Smells like an edge to those that will spend the most. That is already happening to some degree at most sites, but it looks like an escalation is in order. Perhaps if you are a small time player, it' s best to acknowledge now that you may be beaten down with new rules and policy geared towards the BIG spender.
I have a very simple and straightforward way to increase customer retention..treat the people paying your way in life with some respect! Stop ignoring them when they seek assistance, stop negating every issue they have with your "last word" will and testament, stop handing out huge bonuses to entice or placate them that mean absolutely nothing in the world of cash (where you are), Stop manipulating the software to your own ends, stop using phoney and trumped up excuses to not pay a loyal depositng client, and STOP using the online bingo game venue as an opportunity to deceive and cheat in the name of profit.

the rest of this speaks of developing ways to unify or circumvent legal guidelines or "in place mandates" to increase the profit margin of the KEY bingo operators and what location or demographic area is best for "picking". THIS ALL SPEAKS OF THE OWNERS AND OPERATORS AND DOES NOT ADDRESS THE DEPOSITING PLAYER IN ANY WAY,SHAPE OR FORM EXCEPT AS A POTENTIAL SOURCE OF INCOME.
WHAT A FARCE!
And before I go...

Mr. Virpal had this to say:
I am also fantastically excited by the Chat Moderators panel session – after all Chat Moderators have voices too! These guys are at the forefront of the numerous online bingo portals and it will be very interesting to hear about what they have to say!

THESE GUYS? Where has he been living? The majority of chat moderators at online bingo sites are females... mothers and wives and grandmothers all working for minmum wage or less and often long hours to keep their jobs. It would be interesting to hear what they have to say if it was truly a representative group of chat moderators at the party. Somehow, I doubt many of them can afford the ticket price or can get away from the household they are responsible to maintain.
Why not a selection process that would allow some of the REAL chat moderators to be at the summit party? Why not pay their way or assist with that if you are so interested in hearing the front line truth about the status of bingo chat environments?
Get real! And that is the best advice I can hand out to secure a profitable and succesful future in the online bingo industry!

Richard · **Posted:** Sat May 31, 2008 6:40 pm

Gina! In that statement he also said:

Quote:

The summit will be discussing the above topics in real depth including case studies from the biggest operators on how they acquire and retain players, how to move off into new markets, operating legally and much more. It really is the only place to be to get the answers to today’s biggest online bingo challenges.

It’s nice to see that they do discuss stuff in depth. Only Problem is they only discuss issues that will line their pockets and many Players will continue to be cheated or mistreated by operators. Remember! Many players still have issues with UK based sites that will ban its players for posting in a public forum. They call that Risk Management The whole summit is a one way street in favor of the operators! Player issues are not of their concerns.

dynamitewoman · **Posted:** Sat May 31, 2008 8:41 pm

Perhaps it goes to the level of their introspection and self serving attitude being so overwhelming they call it depth.
I sure would like to hear the in depth discussion on operating legally. What they mean is how they can group together and form a commission that will Legalize what they need to. Where there is a will, there is a way.
Their focus is absolutely on increasing sales and revenue, and that is commendable and expected of any business, but to omit and neglect a factor that is the very source of that revenue is foolhardy. The player is NOT the side dish, they are the main course. Discuss in depth ways to provide a more comfortale and flexible atmosphere for the PLAYER, discuss how to initiate new bonus incentives that are not aimed at turning a player into housies for the site, discuss fair proposals that will allow the PLAYER to have actual input on a realistic level, discuss time frames and policy for responding to PLAYER issues, discuss arbitration allowances for resolution and mediation as opposed to cessation of communications, discuss the outrageous existing standard of playthroughs and rules so frought with complexities the average PLAYER needs a degree in contract law to decipher them.
Discuss how many site operators have "kept" PLAYER monies based on their evaluations and assessments as they see the issue without so much as a simple protocol of allowing a client to defend his position with a credible and valuable acknowledgement.
discuss ways to "police" your own industry to see that every site is operating a licensed, internally regulated operation that is fair by anyones standards throughout the gaming world, land structured or online.
Discuss imposing penalty and temporary closure for those sites that openly take advantage of the PLAYER when such a determination has been reached by a panel of site owners.
Keep the industry a safe and fair avenue of entertainment. I think that can be done in an equitable and profitable way without cost gouging,intimidation, threats, outrageous rules and total site domination.
I make these suggestions from my side of the fence, where I have been witnessing that a "new" approach to player retention and satisfaction is a number one priority in my book of bingo.

Richard · **Posted:** Sat May 31, 2008 8:54 pm

Well said! In case you all missed it, Ravi has joined BPU with the member name BulletBingo. Hopefully he will address us soon and we can see what one on the Bingo Insiders has to say about Player Concerns.

Sissy · **Posted:** Mon Jun 02, 2008 10:47 am

Quote:

Hopefully he will address us soon and we can see what one on the Bingo Insiders has to say about Player Concerns.

Or at least thank the players for this most luxurious trip with accomodations I could only dream of. LOL The players are the most important! Without them, the industry is NOTHING! When is someone besides BPU gonna see that?

It is not about who can hook and keep the most players. That can easily be done by treating them right. Make the rules fair. Give them their money when they win.... oops sorry that might make these summits have to stay at the Motel 6!

dynamitewoman · **Posted:** Mon Jun 02, 2008 2:16 pm

We understand that bingo is gambling, and the chance that you might lose or win should be based on variables related to natural odds and statistics, not the ability of software to be corrupted or deviated through manipulation.
Most of the online bingo playing public is aware, or should be, that owners and operators have that accessibility feature to influence the outcome of any "gamble", and to beleive that is not a reality or relevant is to be blindly led into a no win situation.
The real gamble in online bingo is trusting the site operation to be without "tricks" or complexities that make it a fair proposition to both player and owner. The fact that hundreds of owners, operators and administrators can afford themselves a luxurious celebratory summit speaks of just who the real winners are in this venue.
Does the "best site" mean who has made the most money? Who has the largest client base? Who has been in business the longest? What exactly is the criteria for being the best? Does customer service, player satisfaction, and are technical and ethical standards at all applicable as a factor?
Speaking plainly as a bingo player, I have yet to find a site that is not a carbon copy, a template of same winners, same strong armed rules, self serving and ineffective communication policy, and each and every site reserves the right to be RIGHT with the last word. There is generally no valuable, unbiased and coherent arbitration unless a player involves a third party at their behest to intercede in the hopes of getting some respect and attention when an issue emerges.
Players are looking for an honest, unpretentious and fair gaming site. A site that is based on the true variables of gambling alone, not a corrupted version of house edged tactics that distort realistic chance.
Can not a software can be produced that will create an assurance that each and every player is a "real" registered in the flesh player, and not a bot or a housie for the site? Why arent house rakes a part of the information for each game? Why are there so many discrepancies and confusions and inexplicable unanswered questions surrounding game play? Why are support employees not able to answer simple technical and account questions without referring players to site administration? That is an open invitation to stalling, the runaround and elusive methods of putting a player off. Who gives any site the right to monitor and control a clients expressions and ideas outside the domain of the site under the umbrella of "risk management"? Is this the new acceptable phenomenon meant to further control players rights? If a site is fearful of a player making negative comments or inciteful remarks outside of the site property, why dont they try making a concerted and genuine effort to provide an atmsophere of communication, fair resolution and trust within their site domain? Might does not make right, it serves to alienate and cause dissension and hostility. Perhaps if sites stopped treating players like they were disposable, replaceable and clueless "income support" features, a "best site" would be a real and worthwhile honor and a well earned distinction.

Richard · **Posted:** Mon Jun 02, 2008 4:25 pm

I was hoping that our newest member BulletBingo, whose website: http://www.bulletbusiness.com/bingo08/ is dedicated to the 3rd Annual Online Bingo Summit, would have said a few words by now!

It just blows me away how those that are in a position, where they could make Bingo better and safer for players turn a deaf ear on the topic. I’m sure the Majority of the people that will be attending the event are hard working honest people. There are just so many aspects to Online Bingo, that no one person can be up on all that happens in the Industry. I’m sure there is many Key Bingo People, that never are in contact with or exposed to your every day Bingo Player.

Since the self proclaimed Bingo Guru, Phil Fraser, of Which Bingo is Anti BPU and heavily involved in this summit, I doubt that we will be hearing from anyone in that group! It’s sad when people that weld power, use that power only to fulfill their own agendas.

Anyone! Who cares to take the time to check us out will find we are a trusted and respected site. We have had many dealings with individuals, who upon getting to know and work with us, shared that they were warned, by others, to keep clear of us and not ever deal with us. There are those that feel threatened by us because it means changing their ways and a possible loss of income. I refer to this lot as Old School.

Someday! Someone will see that we are a great resource for the Bingo Industry. We are engaged in what is happening inside Bingo 24/7/365. We know who the good and the bad guys are. Directory and Affiliate Webmasters don’t always have the time to check the honesty of the sites whose banners they fly, we do! Sites will be more honest and treat players better if they know their banners will be taken off for misconduct. To date we have helped Players and Affiliates collect close to $46,000.

Sooner or later the Bingo Industry is going to have to deal with Issues that players have. We may be shunned by some of the Bingo Industries Old School Key Players,but we are here for the long run! Change will come. As far as the tactics we use to accomplish our tasks, Readers are reminded that we are working within an industry where there are No Rules or Regulations. We will continue to do what we can to hold Bingo Operators and Key Industry Players accountable for their actions, no matter what position they hold within the Industry.

I BEEN THERE · **Posted:** Mon Jun 02, 2008 9:09 pm

Quote:

Sooner or later the Bingo Industry is going to have to deal with Issues that players have. We may be shunned by some of the Bingo Industries Old School Key Players,but we are here for the long run! Change will come. As far as the tactics we use to accomplish our tasks, Readers are reminded that we are working within an industry where there are No Rules or Regulations. We will continue to do what we can to hold Bingo Operators and Key Industry Players accountable for their actions, no matter what position they hold within the Industry.

I have no doubt that BPU has made a ripple in the waves that feed some site(s). I also have no doubt they will make even larger ones in time.
I am very blessed to have found real people that want to do right by players and will do all they can no matter what big dog they go up against~!

Those Corporate shirts could give a rats a$$ who they step on to get recognition and should be ashamed to accept any without thanking those that line their pockets ~~~~~~!!

I BEEN THERE/ MISSY

Sissy · **Posted:** Tue Jun 03, 2008 10:20 am

Also, the anonymity of the actual owners of these sites is a HUGE concern of mine. Will this "Summit" with their new "legalizations" even discuss this part?

The players, who once again, are the foundation of the online bingo industry are required to produce a photo ID (with correct address), a major credit card (front and back), if the ID on the DL isn't correct , then PLAYERS must also send in a utility bill (current of course). PLAYER must present a working and valid phone number.

The sites on the other hand, throw up a vague but seemingly impressive "about us" link. Will this summit and all their "powerheads" address the fact that there are bingo sites on the net who are untraceable as far as license, ownership, or contact information.

A prime example of what I am talking about is BingoIsUs. Terry Barnes, CEO of Binglotto admitted to being instrumental (proof on request is available) in setting up BingoIsUs, thereby KNOWING who the site operators are. Barnes refuses to disclose any information that may help the players who are owed money, standing by his "reputation" earned while owning Binglotto. Wonder who gave him the stars? Bullet?

Phil Fraser, of Whichbingo, obviously one of the "important people" at the Bullet Summit, for a time provided banners for online searchers of new bingo sites, a link to BingoIsUs. I looked today and didn't find it there although Binglotto still is. That link was there for a good while after the site closed and "got the hell outta dodge".
Does he care about the players and employees who were ripped off for their money still in an account when this site disappeared? There is a place at Whichbingo where players can leave a review of a site, but does anyone get involved when a review is negative? Does Whichbingo care enough about the PLAYERS who clicked on their link to go to a particular site to follow up on their negative posts, to see if there is anything that can be done to change the review? Or do these players who made money for Whichbingo eventually find their way to BPU where something WILL be done. We can't always get results, but we never fail to at least try.

Do ANY of these people at this summit care about the PLAYERS? Or is it just another "keeping up with the jonses"?

IF these self proclaimed "leaders of the online bingo industry" cared about the PLAYERS, they would be advertising things like changing the policies of the rules within the bingo sites, abilities to manipulate the software by the operator, players who are left in the lurch when sites close, and so many more this would be a novel before I am finished instead of a mini novel.

What qualifications are required to be allowed to this "exclusive" meeting? Do you have to be a PLAYER? Obviously there are only so many "seats" available as the information on the site clearly shows " 170 attendees confirmed and only 2 available". Wonder how many PLAYERS will be there... but let's don't EVER forget they are paying for all of it.

Oh... the players are important to these folks livin it up at the fancy meeting. But they are important only in a respect of how to catch and hold them and how to obtain and KEEP their money. NOT as human beings, but as bank accounts.

BPU is the "black sheep" of the online gambling forums. We are called "one sided" , "hardheaded", "closed minded". We are the black sheeps because we are obviously the only online gambling forum whose main concern is the PLAYERS. Players are PEOPLE to us. They are real live human beings.

We are ridiculed, ignored, scoffed at and written off by the major "money making" forums in the industry. Why? It is because we won't conform, we can't be bought, we bring up things that would cost profit should they be changed. We speak out for the players when they have been wronged.
We have our own opinions but always allow others the right to theirs. We have a goal and a purpose that we are working toward.

Call us what you will, talk behind our backs, laugh at us. It won't make us go away. We want things FIXED. We want FAIR rules. We want software that cannot be manipulated or programmed by the operators. We want contact information leading to the OWNERS of these sites put ON the sites. We want to be responded to when a PLAYER......THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF ONLINE BINGO needs some extra attention to their concerns.

BPU and members do the work for these money mongrels. We piss people off. We bring up things they don't want to hear, issues they do not or will not attend to. We take the time to further explain the convoluted rules, to the best of our ability. Sometimes that is a job in itself, especially when the support team of a particular bingo site does not have a clue what their own rules are either.

NEWSFLASHHHHHHHHHH!!!! BPU will continue attacking any issue we can attack until someone finally mentions the fact that the PLAYERS ARE IMPORTANT!! THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THE ONLINE GAMING INDUSTRY.

Online bingo's best recognized

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