amendment from my statement re: ANW, Regal Affiliates & Progressive Contribution Fees

[Nicolas-Johnson]

I would like to make an amendment to what I said here:
https:// www. affiliateguarddog. com/forums/400-affiliates-rival-charging-affiliates-contributions-progressive-jackpots-t2266.html#post12924

I said what I did in all honesty, as that was what was explained to me since Day 1 (and I confirmed it worked that way, as I personally test an affiliate system before I work with it)

However, there was a change by our software provider which affected the way ANW is calculated. It went from being: "Deposits - Payouts - Chargebacks" to "Deposits - Payouts - Chargebacks - Progressive Contributions"

Based on our internal reports it appears the change was effective March 2009.

This was something that not only affected affiliates, but the way operators manage funds. As another affiliate manager explained; this is something that affected many operators, if not all.

We understand the need to treat our affiliate partners with respect and honesty, which is why the previous ANW calculation of Deposits-Withdrawals-Chargebacks will be put back in place by our provider so that affiliates are no longer charged for progressive jackpot contributions. This change will be effective Feb 1st 2010.


I have to apologize; there is no excuse for ignorance, but due to internal company miss-communications, I and all the managers that work for Vegas Regal Casino and Regal Affiliates were not aware of this change.

We will of course re-fund all amounts deducted from affiliates for progressive jackpot contributions. All affiliates that were affected by this issue will receive the funds back ASAP. We are going to take up to a week to calculate the amounts owed, contact the affiliates, inform them of what has happened and get them paid.

We have also had an internal meeting and talked with our provider so that we are, in every degree possible, up to date on the latest happenings to avoid such a regrettable situation from happening again in the future.

Again, my apologies, I would never knowingly partake in any form of under-handed affiliate treatment, nor would any of the employees, managers, and investors of Vegas Regal Casino and Regal Affiliates. We have a commitment to transparency and honest business. Even if it means admitting to a miss communication as serious and embarrassing as the one that happened.

Kind Regards,
Nicolas Johnson

 

[GFPC]

I must admit I really respect this post! Awesome stuff !!! It is so pleasing to see honesty come first for a change!!!

Let this be a lesson for many other affiliate programs!! A nice stepping stone.

Thank you for being upfront and honest!

Steve

 

[Pokerkeep]

Nicolas,

What a refreshing change!! Awesome outcome! It is such a pleasure to read something positive from a program for a change.

If I ever get my shit together and build a casino portal, you sir, will be my first contact!

 

[GamTrak]

Thanks Nicholas!

I'm waiting for next week to see how this all plays out, but I always have and certainly do appreciate all that you do for us in your role as affiliate manager as you are a good guy. Keep up the great work!

Also thank you Steve for bringing this to our attention in an organized and understandable manner. When it comes to numbers, I turn "blond"! hehe

 

[NDN]

Nicolas, are you able to confirm whether or not ALL Rival programs have agreed to issue a refund for this or if it's just Regal Affiliates that will be issuing refunds?

 

[bonustreak]

Thanks for stepping up to the plate Nicolas and Regal Affiliates!
So yes this option was in place since the start up of well the very first test drive program 400affiliates and once they decided to add progressive slots to the casino that is when they should have notified affiliates they had intentions of removing these fees from our earnings plain and simple.

So glad to see a Rival take responsibility and correct this issue. As they say it comes down to the operator.

I think 400 will also try to make ammends lets give them a chance.

 

[dendrite]

This could end up being a land-mark event that allows us affiliates to see who, out of all the Rival brands, we should really be promoting

Top marks to Nicolas and Regal Affiliates for being first off the block. I am now seriously looking at promoting them

I think this would be a good time for ALL reputable Rival affiliate managers to step up to the plate and let us know what their position is. So, I wait with anticipation to see:

1) Who else addresses the issue and how long it takes them, and;

2) Who simply carries on as normal without letting us know their position here

 

[Engineer]

Dendrite, I completely agree.

 

[Guard Dog]

I agree with Dendrite on this one... and very well done Nicholas. Keep up the good work - Regal has certainly got my attention now.

 

[JSM_Jaxon]

Message from 400

We understand Nick’s excitement about being the first to release information about potential changes to the way we structure our progressive system. However, this statement was made prematurely, without all the facts known and the decisions settled.

As operators, we all received Rival’s official email which stated that any changes made to progressives (that would affect Affiliates), would be Rival-wide. No Rival Casino may operate independently on this matter. Beyond that, any decisions to change our progressives will be made only after every White Label has given their consent on the matter. At the time of this writing, this has not yet occurred.

We have been in regular contact with Rival since this issue was first brought to light, and have been integral in pushing its resolution. Currently we are running audits and discussing our options to get this situation resolved in a way that is fair to our Affiliates. We did not post any information regarding this matter as it would have been premature and without all the facts.

400Affiliates will make a statement once the official decision has been made. We are all in this together, and we assure you we are doing all that we can to influence this situation in a positive direction for us all.

Regards,

400affiliates.

 

[belgamo]

GREAT JOB NICOLAS!

It's also no wonder Vegas Regal is the number #1 player voted rival casino.

 

[Nicolas-Johnson]

Hi Jaxon,

My statement about the change in how ANW is calculated was based on an email I received. If I miss understood I apologize. However, regardless if I misunderstood something, we here at Regal Affiliates have decided we will NOT charge affiliates for progressive contributions, even if we need to do manual adjustments.

Also, about refunding affiliates, that was a decision made by our management, and one that we will come through on. I'm sorry I wasn't more clear about this whole issue in my previous post.

Also, my post applies ONLY to Regal Affiliates and Vegas Regal Casino. I'm not authorized nor would it be ethical for me to speak for any other brand, individual or entity.

Kind Regards,
Nicolas Johnson

 

[GFPC]

Nicolas,

What a refreshing change!! Awesome outcome! It is such a pleasure to read something positive from a program for a change.

If I ever get my shit together and build a casino portal, you sir, will be my first contact!

If you need help Terry with Casino stuff - let me know.. maybe it will help you avoid some of our errors when we first started.


Need a helping hand.. im here buddy!

Steve

 

[Herd]

We understand Nick’s excitement about being the first to release information about potential changes to the way we structure our progressive system. However, this statement was made prematurely, without all the facts known and the decisions settled.

You sound very cocky - you're not getting any fans here.


> No Rival Casino may operate independently on this matter.

It seems that Regal and a few other programs have already made the changes. Seem to me they are able to do it independently of Rival. Why can't you?


You and Rival making a decision on whether you charge for progressive or not, is an easy choice. Regal and other programs were able to step up easily and acknowledge the mistake.