Update: Betfair Situation Gets Frantic

Situation gains on seriousness due to veiled threats and non-specific charges

Due to a promo which was allegedly bungled, Betfair has recently become the object of sharp player criticism on message boards throughout the industry. This week, upon completing investigation into individual player accounts, the company made a new move in form of what many see as autocratic emails to its players.

What could be learned from players is that the emails they received included a refusal to correspond further on the issue, veiled threats regarding negative account balances but little in the way of specific charges beyond a general claim of T&C contravention. A typical example of such an email can be read below:

"Dear xxxxxxx,

"We have now had the opportunity to review your account activity in relation to our recent ‘Happy Hour’ promotion, and we thank you for your patience during that time.

"As a result of our investigation, and in light of our finding that you have acted in contravention of Betfair Casino’s Standard Terms and Conditions, we have debited your account with a sum equivalent to the bonus funds and winnings associated with the ‘Happy Hour’ promotion in which you participated. Your account has been re-activated and is now available for you to use.

"As your Betfair account held insufficient funds to accommodate such a debit, your account will now show a negative balance. Please fund your account with the negative balance amount of -GBPxxx at the first opportunity. Failure to do so by 26 November 2010, may result in us taking the appropriate action to recover this sum from you.

"Whilst we are aware that this was not the outcome you were hoping for, we do now consider this matter closed, and shall not enter into any further correspondence in connection with it.

"Kind regards
Betfair Casino"

A public statement from Betfair is still expected, as the issue has continued to inspire discussion on online gambling forums. According to some players, they have been referred to the company's licensing jurisdiction - the LGA in Malta.

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