Aug. 1 the closure date
According to the latest announcement from a veteran online sportsbook-casino group comprising VIP.com, BetGameDay.com and Nine.com, players will have three experienced veteran sites less to enjoy: "We are closing. We recommend that you play out your balance or request a payout prior to August 1st. In the event that you have any questions please contact customer support," it was stated. No public statement has been made so far to explain reasons for the shutdown.
The group has been in the business since its beginnings back in the nineties. VIP.com was started in January of 1997, and during the course of time, it acquired other sites, forming a rather popular group among players.
However, with the advent of UIGEA, the group was sold off, along with other US-facing operations like MyBookie.com and BetCom.com, for a nominal price to Stockdale Investment Ltd., based in Curacao.
In related news, another online gambling veteran seems to be in trouble. Namely, the respectable English Harbour group of online casinos issued a worrying statement on its .com site, which reads: "We recommend that you play out your balance or request a payout prior to August 1st. In the event that you have any questions please contact customer support."
This caused confusion among players, as prior to this the group issued a report that: "E.H. Gaming Ventures closed all of its casinos to new player registrations on May 16, 2011. The casinos remain open to existing players."
On the other side, with UK players reporting that they are able to access a UK version of the site, speculations arose that the .com shutdown is directly related to the American actions.
On July 8, an EH representative posted on a renowned forum: "We just wanted to clear the air that EHCasino's is still operating for its customers. Yes some changes has happened over the past couple months with no longer accepting registrations. We are also faced with the same challenges every operator is faced with and that is reliable deposit options for our players. We are continuing to work through this period with hopes of getting some alternatives soon. Until then customers are able to continuing playing with their balances or request cashouts if they choose. We are not blocking our customers from their funds."
This may explain something, but the outcome of the situation with this reputable group still remains to be seen.
