Sad Day for the GPWA Forums

[Shay]

While I'm on a roll...
There was paper commissioned by an anti USA gambling entity sometime back in 2006 (?), which identified a number of key people in the industry. They coined that group, the 'Online Gambling Cartel'. Members of the elite group were people such as, Corfman, Caselli (IGB), Dominique and others.

I usually have all manner of backups, so if I can find that PDF (on a backup HDD) I'll throw it up on a server, so people can read it.

Edit:
This is probably why some people have been hell bent on trying to discredit me for years. I've got a memory like an elephant, especially on all the dodgy shit that's gone down (but been swept under the carpet) in this industry.

I'd be very interested in reading it.

 

[slotplayer]

The GPWA is a US based organisation, that has to deal with UIGEA and unlicensed and untouchable programs using tinpot licenses in dodgy jurisdictions.
It's doubtful that they have ANY experience in taking a class action on a gambling matter to a UK court - or anywhere

Apologies to anyone offended by that statement (operators, GPWA staff, affiliates and Americans) ... i know it's a huge generalization ...
But the US approach to online gaming is a basket case (nah, nah, nah pretend it's not there ) ... and there is little legal precedence or procedure to share.

This is why the fledgling UK affiliate group (which is very, very quiet - stillborn?) mentioned at the GPWA thread may become a very useful resource if it gets established.

I don't think anyone is offended.

 

[DaftDog]

Whether you like the GPWA management style or not I still feel it is a great place to post your opinion about any subject you want and to reach a wide audience of respected people in the gaming industry.

You may feel let down by their lack of action on some matters and rightly so. No organisation is perfect. Personally I feel the good aspects of the GPWA forums far out-way the bad and therefore I will continue to visit and post their. I try hard not to hold grudges as it is a waste of energy.

My intent was not to create a GPWA bashing thread but rather to vent my frustration at their handling of my "tongue-in-cheek" thread I mentioned in my first post here.

Let's not burn bridges, as two independent forums are better than one.

 

[AidanLCFC]

@thebookiesoffers - I noticed you requested your Private GPWA membership to be terminated. Did they action that request for you?

I only ask because for years after being kicked out, they had no qualms using my email addy for promotional emails from their sponsors. Hence, my personal data was obviously not deleted on my private membership termination.

I told them to delete my account, completely but they just removed private membership, probably so they can still spam me

 

[NoLuckNeeded]

There is a huge difference between "not being perfect" and claiming to be an affiliate watchdog while handing out seals to anyone who will pay the fee. If you want to affect change in the industry support sites like AGD who actually do something to protect affiliates.

 

[DaftDog]

There is a huge difference between "not being perfect" and claiming to be an affiliate watchdog while handing out seals to anyone who will pay the fee. If you want to affect change in the industry support sites like AGD who actually do something to protect affiliates.

I don't see where they claim to be an affiliate watchdog but I did find this:

With over 20,000 registered members, the Gambling Portal Webmasters Association is the only professional organization of its kind. We are committed to supporting the success of our members, and all of our programs are designed based on this objective. Membership in the organization is free and is made possible by the support of our sponsor affiliate programs.

Members don't have to pay for a GPWA seal but affiliate programs do have to pay to be listed there. I don't think they deny this. They are after all just a business just like us.

 

[NoLuckNeeded]

I don't see where they claim to be an affiliate watchdog but I did find this:
Members don't have to pay for a GPWA seal but affiliate programs do have to pay to be listed there. I don't think they deny this. They are after all just a business just like us.

That's a very good point and I appreciate the information. I have not been to the site in a decade. My opinion is tainted due to the fact that as a newbie I promoted prominent site approved brands that later screwed me over quite hard. I still get emails from their sponsors who I know to be shady.

I am glad they got your account situation worked out. I am sure it was just a misunderstanding.

 

[Biti]

They have a code of conduct for both affiliates and affiliate programs. If you have such a code, you should use it. Just my 2 cents.

No flame intended, but if a brand has a GPWA-seal, it's a sign to me that I have to take double care.

 

[slotplayer]

I don't really get the complaints.

 

[slotplayer]

I don't see where they claim to be an affiliate watchdog but I did find this:



Members don't have to pay for a GPWA seal but affiliate programs do have to pay to be listed there. I don't think they deny this. They are after all just a business just like us.

I've Googled for their rate card a couple of years ago. I saw the sponsor rates.

 

[falseadoom]

@TheGooner - Lets be brutally honest here, the GPWA accepts just about any gambling sponsor who ponies up with cash. Yet, it's supposed to be an association which protects the interest of its members. The two couldn't be further apart, even if they tried. Reverting back to sponsorship's, it would seem, little to no auditing is conducted on said paid sponsors. Reiterating, as long as they can pay the fee, that seems to be the only governing prerequisite at the GPWA.

Regardless of where they're based, their protocols for checking sponsor's, at the very least, hold a severe lack of Duty of Care.

Lets take the "hacker" topic as an example. I believe it took two plus (2+) years for them to finally drop BP. Even though, there was literally oodles of factual, hard proven facts that BP were working with the "hacker". Naivety is one thing, but that buck doesn't stop at the feet of the GPWA. With all that proof, they continued to support, and essentially give ongoing credence to criminal activities, by one of their sponsor's.

I could cite many other instances where, paid sponsor programs, are given carte blanche. I've lost count to how many wayward sponsor programs have breached the GPWA sponsor T&C's, yet nothing happens. The only time the GPWA seems to care, is when a paid sponsor reneges on their payment of fee(s). They're dropped pretty damn quickly then

Anyway, I agree the UK affiliate group (being spearhead by a number of Super Affiliates), seems like we (affiliates) could finally have a bona fide association who genuinely will put affiliate's and members welfare first and foremost. As apposed to using members as cannon fodder, (numbers) to increase their bank balance and alike.

Funny thing is they accept any affiliate program, yet make it very hard on affiliate to join unless they list every darn domain they own (related to gambling or not)

 

[AussieDave]

I like chocolate ice cream, while others, may enjoy strawberry. Both are debatable opinions.

On the other hand, some aspects of the GPWA's chosen conduct, is divergent to the stance they would have affiliate believe. Lets take an extract from their meta description:
with reputable online casinos and gambling sites

Reputable means:
Having a good reputation and able to be trusted.

GPWA Aff Seal extract:
They don't plagiarize the work of others and they don't spam.

And lastly, Code of Conduct for Sponsors:
gpwa.org/sponsor/codeofconduct

Reiterating, GPWA affiliates are held accountable for their actions. Yet, sponsors, who should be held to a higher standard of integrity, honesty and reputation (noting the Code of Conduct), are permitted to do practically anything they like, even participate/be associated with illegal/criminal acts... I honestly can not comprehend, how woefully dodgy choices like these, can be set aside, and in the same breath, say the GPWA is beneficial to affiliates.

Aside from a means for affiliates to mingle with each other, and keep abreast of the latest rogue program (which btw) is usually still a GPWA sponsor, there's not much there, that is not here at AGD. Least here, the powers that be listen, and rogue programs eventually get thrown in the Doghouse.

 

[Guard Dog]

Just read through that entire debaucle. We certainly have had our share of spammers that get through and terrorize AGD for a night or maybe a couple of nights at times. We have a nice little button in XenForo (forum software) that bans them (IP, username, sends to StopForumSpam and others) and removes their posts. I know spam isn't the complete issue everyone is having - but it is something that, when I see, I have to try to decide if they are just not smart in their posts... don't know the language... or are trying to get enough posts for a link.

Usually it is the last option. However, at AGD as I think most know, it is a manual intervention to allow links. That may help deter wanna-be-spammers as well.

Regardless, I agree that multiple forums are best. No one should have all the power.. it would eventually get abused, IMO. It is the reason that I set up a certification team as well (to vote on terms) - no unilateral decisions. Doesn't make us perfect or any better than another, IMO. Just a decision made when setting up AGD in 2006.

Carry on and please don't roast them too hard!

 

[DaftDog]

Whether you like the GPWA management style or not I still feel it is a great place to post your opinion about any subject you want and to reach a wide audience of respected people in the gaming industry.

You may feel let down by their lack of action on some matters and rightly so. No organisation is perfect. Personally I feel the good aspects of the GPWA forums far out-way the bad and therefore I will continue to visit and post their. I try hard not to hold grudges as it is a waste of energy.

My intent was not to create a GPWA bashing thread but rather to vent my frustration at their handling of my "tongue-in-cheek" thread I mentioned in my first post here.

Let's not burn bridges, as two independent forums are better than one.

I regret making this post as I have now lost all respect for GPWA.

I've just seen their Recognition for September's Active Members thread and it just goes to prove that you spam the crap out of their forum with crappy posts like: "Hello Username, how are you today. I hope you are well. Yes I agree with you 100%. Take care. " and get to position three on this list of theirs.

What a fnukcig joke.

 

[Frank]

I regret making this post as I have now lost all respect for GPWA.

I've just seen their Recognition for September's Active Members thread and it just goes to prove that you spam the crap out of their forum with crappy posts like: "Hello Username, how are you today. I hope you are well. Yes I agree with you 100%. Take care. " and get to position three on this list of theirs.

What a fnukcig joke.

I really just wanted to reply "Kind thanks for your comment hope you have a good day" but then realised I didn't want to dilute this thread with worthless replies

 

[Biti]

Uhm, does it matter for that link if you're 3rd on the list or the last one? He could have made it with fewer posts. He doesn't look like a spammer.

 

[DaftDog]

Uhm, does it matter for that link if you're 3rd on the list or the last one? He could have made it with fewer posts. He doesn't look like a spammer.

Yes, I think it does definitely matter. This member was actually striving for the GPWA home page link. If you read this entire thread and the thread I linked to in my first post, then you'll understand what I am on about. You'll also then see that I am not the only member here, or at the GPWA, who feels that this person is spamming the forums with numerous nonsensical posts.

 

[Biti]

Yes, I think it does definitely matter. This member was actually striving for the GPWA home page link. If you read this entire thread and the thread I linked to in my first post, then you'll understand what I am on about. You'll also then see that I am not the only member here, or at the GPWA, who feels that this person is spamming the forums with numerous nonsensical posts.

Agree that a homepage link is different than a link in the thread, but if he wanted to achieve that, he could easily post some more I guess. I mean, making 10 posts a day cost you 5 minutes perhaps.

 

[AidanLCFC]

Don't forget the meaningless "congrats" posts in that thread, really, you need to congratulate someone for posting on a forum

 

[KasinoKing]

Don't forget the meaningless "congrats" posts in that thread, really, you need to congratulate someone for posting on a forum

Good point - congratulations!

KK