Roxy And Splendido Exit U.S.A.

Published: Tuesday, May 29, 2007 Online-Casinos.com

ROXY AND SPLENDIDO EXIT U.S.A.

US players constitute "insignificant" amount of business for casino group

Marketing affiliates for online gambling operations Roxy Palace, Casino Splendido and Roxy Poker were informed by the owners this week that the three venues would be withdrawing from the US market with effect from June 1st 2007. The sites were formerly available to American online gamblers resident outside the 11 states which expressly forbid online gambling.

Interestingly, bearing in mind the previous dominance of US players in the market, the owners say that the contribution of bets from US players to their operations currently comprises "...an insignificant amount to the group and most affiliates have low exposure to that market."

The communication goes on to assure affiliates that Roxy properties are well established in non-US foreign language and English speaking markets, having been active in marketing in this sector for three years. At present the casinos are offered in English, French, Italian, German and Dutch, and over the next month several other languages will be added.

The real downside for Roxy et al players, however appears to be the owner's lack of communication with the US players who use these venues. Professional online gambling companies shutting out US players in the past have ensured a sufficiently generous time window exists for them to withdraw their funds in an orderly manner, and the arrangements for this have been explained in emails to players giving them details of the exit plan from their perspective.

This does not appear to have been done and, only days away from the announced exit date, this is a sad reflection on the company.