Golden Casino has advised its players that it is to leave the US market with effect from December 1st, which is the date on which US banks must cease processing online gambling transactions as the UIGEA regulations comes into effect.
Vegas Technology powered Golden Casino is widely believed to have been set up by the Golden Palace group in order to access the US market after the UIGEA was approved by Congress in 2006.
The notification to players advises them that from December 1st the online casino will not be accepting new accounts from US residents.
The decision to leave the US market may also be connected with recent reports that e-processors believed to have been associated with Golden Casino have been the subjects of US federal enforcement actions.
Existing accounts do not appear - at this stage anyway - to be affected by the decision, but exchanges on player message boards are already speculating on the advisability of leaving accounts open, especially where these contain credit balances.
The company has assured both players and affiliates that all monies owed will be paid.
Source: InfoPowa News
Ed's note: Further to this report, it appears that the casino is in the process of changing ownership, with the new owners unwilling to accept U.S. based players. An email we received from management confirms this:
I’ve just received confirmation that in light of recent events one of our clients, Golden Casino, is in the process being sold and under the new ownership, Golden Casino will no longer be accepting new players as of December 1, 2009 (Ed: we assume this refers to players from the US only). Please note, however, this decision does not affect existing Golden Casino players ...
This client’s decision does not affect the other 3 brands we represent (Online Vegas, Go Casino and Crazy Slots). The operators of these properties have reaffirmed their committment to continue operating within the US market
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