eCOGRA Approves Grand Prive Casino to Affiliates' Dismay

by Devon Chappell, News Staff Writer

June 3, 2009

What has been nothing short of a soap opera drama, the affiliate debacle surrounding the Grand Prive group of online casinos has gone to another Act, so to speak. The respectable player protection body, eCommerce Online Gaming Regulation and Assurance (eCOGRA), has apparently renewed it's "Safe and Fair" Seal of Approval for one of Grand Prive's online casinos - Bella Vegas, which is now on many a webmaster's rogue list.

Rightfully outraging many affiliates still waiting to be paid out their entitled earnings by the Microgaming-powered Grand Prive, eCOGRA has not yet responded to questions regarding their approval of Bella Vegas, which for all apparent purposes, denotes the recipient as being a fair, ethical and responsible online casino. Not to say that Bella Vegas, in particular, has done anything unethical toward it's players, the fact of the matter is this casino is owned and operated by the Grand Prive Group, who have unquestionably wronged their business affiliates.

It's one of those situations that begs the question, "If Grand Prive would decide to stop paying their lifetime affiliates, what would keep them from doing the same to their players?". Helping bring this concerning matter into light is APCW spokesperson, J. Todd, whose whistle-blower videos have become very popular with the online gambling community at large. One of Todd's more recent videos pointed out that affiliates continue waiting for an answer from these "sad sacks of crap" (of course, referring to Grand Prive).

Also raising up arms is the Gambling Portal Webmasters Association, where a long and engaging forum thread about eCOGRA's decision to approve Bella Vegas is currently active. Some of the points brought up here include a bulletin of eCOGRA's Operator code of Conduct, including the one that says operators will provide "Payment to Players" among a host of other responsible gaming practices. But since affiliates aren't necessarily players, the matter takes on more of a moral dimension. Will eCOGRA step up to defend the rights of affiliates and revoke Bella Vegas' seal of approval? Considering eCOGRA's prominent place in the industry, not to mention outstanding reputation, one would hope so.

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