AskGamblers - Player friendly or Casino friendly??

[JWHOLLAND]

AskGablers has been one of the most "trusted" sites for online casino reviews and player experiences as long as I can remember. They were supposed to be Player friendly, but somehow it seems like they are more leaning towards Casino friendly.  

First of all, they tend to delete reviews after a while (experienced it on my own skin), and remove anything that might cause problems for the casino itself, especially if its a big one.

Second, every casino you open, first you see a list of praises (The box with Player Reviews which even has a smiley attached) and all positive reviews. That is already decieving info, since not everyone scrolls down to read all the reviews. They also make sure that every casino, no matter how shitty it is, always has more positive then negative things listed.

Third, their info about the casino is often wrong and doesn't match the one of the casino itself. Restricted countires, withdrawal frame, mobile or no mobile app, and similar. I know they are not to blame if casino doesn't process a withdrawal within the timeframe, but still.

Fourth, and most important, they made it so that Casino can reply to your review, but you can't reply back. So what does casino PR managers do after a bad review??

Basically whatever they like. They take advantage of that as much as they can, and as much as they are obviously allowed to. No matter how bad your review is, if they reply as they usually do like "Hey, we are so sorry for the bad experience you had with our casino, please contact us on email and we will correct any potential mistakes. Apologies" the review loses weight and has no real effect. Instead, player who is about to join the casino and stopped by to read some reviews first, will actually think that the casino will deal with all their issues. Classic contra-effect. 

I for example, submited a negative review, and they responded to my post in the same manner pretending that they will correct it. My first 3 emails were not responded, and then after they did respond, a whole month later, they simply wrote, there is nothing that can be done, and stopped answering my mails. And there was no way for me to show that my issues mentioned in the review still weren't resolved. 

There are some other things bothering me as well about AskGamblers, but i'll stop myself here. 

Second opinion anyone?

@J_B_T See my post above, in addition for askgamblers: I've raised similar concerns in there Forum feedback, with crystal clear evidence of duplicate reviews, all by new accounts ( created- 1 casino review- zero activity after).

Also suggested an edit for Trada casino review page: removing ' accepts dutch players', as it is illegal and even in violation of Trada terms ( players at risk of not getting paid if they win big, combined with criminal prosecution by NL government). Ofcourse rejected, referring that NL is not restricted in Trada terms. I cannot believe why players are not protected.. This is deception, by its very definition. 

 

[Xxxxwildingxxxx]

They will delete your post if you put a casino down to much , and have aa opinions on how you punctuat a post and delete if it's not clear. And edit your post to. You can't always say what you hunk about a casino because it can get removed and that Sad really casino first

 

[JWHOLLAND]

Yup... Strong accusations should always be backed up with strong evidence. I can of course live with moderators holding members to this, and prevent 'fake news/claims'  . But as Xxxxwildingxxxx also noticed: there is obvious bias in play, and valid arguments -supported by evidence- potentially damaging for casino are often censored.

 

[J_B_T]

I mean the very thing that you HAVE to enter at least 150 characters in the "What do I like about the casino" section speaks for itself. Also, there is a strong suspicion that Askgamblers allows certain casinos to enter fake positive reviews..so every time a real player posts a bad review, they will just follow up with 3 positive ones in return and reduce or even cancel any damage. 

 

[JWHOLLAND]

@J_B_T Catena Media, a company that has strong connection with gambling operations, and in fact runs several, is current owner of Askgamblers.. They even state the 'use of the site for marketing at request by customer'.  To my knowledge its role/ownership, is anything but clearly presented on the site.. nor do they report any conflict of interest.. Real tradecraft, in my opinion, and many gamers will not be aware of this.. 

Nothing wrong in using this as a marketing tool, but it should be made clear for visitors, as they claim 'player driven'.. 

below is copy past of section, that can be fined here: https://www.catenamedia.com/app/uploads/2019/08/Catena_Media_Interim_Report_Q2_2019.pdf

"



WHAT BROUGHT REVENUE
DOWN IN THE SECOND QUARTER
Second quarter revenue turned out below our expectations. There are four primary causes:

• May and June are traditionally weak months for sports
  
• New, rapidly implemented regulations in the UK
  
• Regulatory impact in France
  
• Large player winnings at casino, which had a negative
  
  impact on the revenue sharing
  
• Still no improvements in Sweden
  

 "

 

[BoracicLint]

If they aren't doing a good job in your opinion right now, as far as players for the U.K. are concerned, then you have to blame the UKGC., as they have imposed conditions and limitations for all the Casinos that are under their wings, regarding the handling of complaints. But maybe ask the U.K. players on CM where they went before the UKGC finally got of their ass? (and they are still not doing a great job, i.m.o.) For everybody else, or U.K. players that don't necessarily play at UKGC licensed Casinos, CM is still doing a great job. Also, if you visit places like CM, the whole idea is that you learn to do your own research, and don't end up playing in clipjoints (regardless of where they are licensed) so that you don't end up needing mediation.

Almost every relevant problem can be prevented. And that's what CM taught me, and 1000's of other players. Where do you think some of the more knowledgeable streamers got their info? I'm pretty sure CM at least contributed in some way. And of course there is a huge difference in 'being shady' and 'not doing a great job for U.K. players'

But let's give it a rest. We can certainly agree to disagree on their usefulness, but I would appreciate it If you could please refrain from calling them shady, as they are far from it.

I too,am a member of Casinomeister and I too think they are NOT a heavily casino friendly site over the clients.They are a well established site with players and contributors from all over the world. Because they tend to have contacts with so many casinos I believe a few shady ones slip through the net,including Slotty Vegas and they seem to have a soft spot for Trada,who I believe are as shady as hell based on my experiences. But overall CM is a good site and one which CG should look to for both pros and cons as it continues to grow. There is never only one correct answer,there  can be a few. 

 

[JWHOLLAND]

@BoracicLint There is not such a thing as being partially independent while claiming unbiased.. I totally agree with Trada casino, they are fraudulent, scamming people, but they maintain 1st place as recommending operations. 

These sites should give a full disclosure regarding financing structure, and potential conflict of interest. They do not do that, while if they are independent, its information that would only emphasise and proof this claim.. Not the case.. zero logic not to provide this.. unless there are terms/services in exchange for funding operations, not to be disclosed by public. 

 

[asmeister]

I filed a complaint through CM, didn't get anything for it but at least they ran the cause and tried. 
 

I don't really mind these casino sites moderating reviews at times, if done with good taste. Of course it's a different thing when you're deleting and editing somewhat objective reviews (positive or negative). I try real hard to not sound like an elitist bastard, but considering the amount of morons in the world it's pretty justified. It's not really the fault of the casino if some idiot doesn't read the terms,  breaks the rules and writes an unfair scathing review. 

(not to suggest anyone posting here is guilty of the above)

 

[BoracicLint]

I filed a complaint through CM, didn't get anything for it but at least they ran the cause and tried. 
 

I don't really mind these casino sites moderating reviews at times, if done with good taste. Of course it's a different thing when you're deleting and editing somewhat objective reviews (positive or negative). I try real hard to not sound like an elitist bastard, but considering the amount of morons in the world it's pretty justified. It's not really the fault of the casino if some idiot doesn't read the terms,  breaks the rules and writes an unfair scathing review. 

(not to suggest anyone posting here is guilty of the above)

I agree to a point regarding terms and conditions but some casinos make their conditions deliberately obscure that even some lawyers would struggle to understand them. That's not the fault of the player necessarily given how many different nationalities play at casinos and the multitude of languages and laws involved.

 

[asmeister]

I agree to a point regarding terms and conditions but some casinos make their conditions deliberately obscure that even some lawyers would struggle to understand them. That's not the fault of the player necessarily given how many different nationalities play at casinos and the multitude of languages and laws involved.

true, but the least some people should do is at least try to CTRL+F the forbidden games and maxbet. Hell, I know what I'm talking about, I've had money cheated off me through terms and conditions. Live and learn. 

 

[BoracicLint]

true, but the least some people should do is at least try to CTRL+F the forbidden games and maxbet. Hell, I know what I'm talking about, I've had money cheated off me through terms and conditions. Live and learn. 

Me too my friend.

 

[Guest]

askgamblers.com has a specific section called trusted online casinos. You can play in many of them and in case you got  problem, you an file a complaint which is going to be resolved 100%. Askgamblers.com saved thousands of euros by filling up a complaint and getting it resolved. Moreover, it has a live chat where you can ask anything. Also sites that created bad reputation like bgo etc most of them went blacklisted due to this fact or shady practices. What do you think about casinogrounds.com which is bought by leovegas.com? 

I use the AskGamblers complaint service recently, submitted all my evidence etc. AskGamblers found in my favour and got me my 1100 EUR withdrawal paid out.

So I'm pretty happy with them ?

me too on multiple occasions and with shady online casinos as well. But for some reason is hated by casinogrounds.The most prolific and clean site

 

[JWHOLLAND]

Everything on AG (even the name) implies a player driven site, while it is an extended marketing tool. It is real tradecraft.. I've posted a forum thopic on AG regarding multiple fake reviews ( duplicates within same operation brand, more reviews from same user on 1 joint,  single accounts  inactive after that did only 1 thing: post review . Supported with screens.. Got banned from the site.  

Lol.. they are a joke