PIVGame License Yanked by Malta Gaming Authorities
Malta’s Lottery and Gaming Authority has published an online notification confirming the removal of LGA licensure for PIVGame Limited, parent of PIVGame and PokerInVenice, a multi-platform, single-wallet skin. Under the Maltese directive, PIVGame has been ordered to stop all gaming operations and registration of new players.
In addition to its own small “Poker in Venice” skins, which remain in operation on eNet and Merge networks (the latter as Onfire). The PIVGame concept was created as a way for players to create and fund a single account, from which to play on several different networks.
PIVGame, according to various published reports, had established presences on several small and medium networks. The known network list includes Cake/WinCake/Revolution, Merge, iPoker, Ongame, eNet, Instadeal, Play2B and Ideal, though some of those are no longer in operation.
While an interesting concept in a vacuum, it proved troublesome to networks themselves and their need to have and demonstrate control over their finances. Developments such as the PIVGame multi-platform funding strategy may have contributed to some networks increasing their restrictions on player-to-player transfers, or banning them altogether, as happened with the iPoker Network and its punting of Muchos Poker earlier this year. Muchos, at one time, had a business relationship with PIVGame, but the two entities underwent an acrimonious split in late 2012.
The Malta notification was issued on November 25th, though the PIVGame site shows no attempt of complying with the decree and may instead be a “cob Web” site, with no current updates. It should also be noted that the Malta seals of registration are held in generally low regard throughout the online-gambling world, and the LGA in particular has a track record of not addressing the issue of a troubled licensee until it’s far too late for consumer-protection measures to have real effect, as demonstrated with the LGA’s delayed response to the demise of the once-valued Purple Lounge card room.
Nonetheless, the PIVGame website, for its part, still appears to be capable of accepting players, and as of December 1st, still displays the Malta LGA seal of approval on its home page, though that licensure is no longer valid. The following screen grab was taken in conjunction with the writing of this report:
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(body of LGA release follows)
Suspension of PIVGame Limited’s Licences
The Lotteries and Gaming Authority (hereinafter the ‘Authority’) is hereby notifying that PIVGame Limited’s (hereinafter ‘PIVGame’) remote gaming licences, namely LGA/CL1/509/2008, LGA/CL1/646/2010, LGA/CL3/509/2008 and LGA/CL3/646/2010, have been suspended as of 25th of November 2013.
PIVGame has thus been directed to suspend all gaming operations, cease to register new players, not take any further deposits, not offer any games falling under the Authority’s licences, provide registered players access to their accounts and to settle all players’ dues.
Furthermore the Authority hereby notifies that any websites operated by PIVGame or associated with PIVGame and which make reference to the Authority or the above-quoted licences are not approved by the Authority. Due to its suspension of licences, PIVGame is therefore not authorised to continue conducting gaming by means of distance communications under an Authority licence.
Players who deem to have any outstanding payments due to them on the mentioned licences are to send an email to [email protected] and should submit the following information:
1. Name and Surname;
2. Registered Address;
3. Date of Birth;
4. Copy of Passport or ID Card;
5. Telephone Number;
6. User Name; and
7. Screenshot of Balance or any pending Cash Outs (if not available an estimated balance is to be submitted).
The Authority notifies that no further information shall be released at this stage in order not to compromise any investigations that may need to be performed by the Authority and/or any other competent authority.
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