Poker News

5050POKER'S MALTA LICENCE SUSPENDED

Source: http://www.bluffed.net


Lotteries and Gaming Authority institutes a player complaints procedure

On Thursday, following news that Microgaming had pulled 5050Poker's software licence for contractual breaches involving financial obligations (see previous reports), the Malta regulator Lotteries and Gaming Authority announced that it had suspended the poker company's operating licence.

The regulator also notified players that a complaints procedure for owed players was available, prompting several industry observers to note that the LGA appears to have learned some lessons from the dismal manner in which the recent Purple Lounge demise was handled.

The LGA action was the latest development in a sorry two week history that saw the poker room go abruptly offline claiming unfair treatment on new table restrictions it alleged were imposed by Microgaming Poker Network.

The network responded by suspending 5050Poker's software licence, claiming contractual breaches, and that ultimately led to this week's termination of the 5050Poker contract by Microgaming....and the regulator's suspension of its operating licence.

The players, as usual, were left in limbo with many claiming that they had credit balances or withdrawals still in process, whilst 5050Poker muttered about liquidation assessments and legal action against Microgaming.

Despite the prompt suspension of the 5050Poker licence, the LGA is still coming in for player criticism over its alleged lack of licensee oversight - especially regarding segregated player accounts.

Recent failures of LGA licensees like Purple Lounge and Everleaf have left players with a marked lack of confidence in the LGA's willingness or ability to protect their interests.

Related News Tags: Microgaming, Malta, Purple Lounge