GAU doubt over eCOGRA Grand Prive probe
The Gambling Affiliates Union has issued an open letter to Grand Prive and eCOGRA, which Grand Prive invited to investigate the closure of Grand Prive affiliates, expressing the GAU's concern that the investigation "is not being conducted correctly".
THE GAMBLING Affiliates Union (GAU) has issued an open letter to Grand Prive and the egaming standards group eCOGRA, which Grand Prive invited to investigate the closure of Grand Prive affiliates, expressing the GAU’s concern that the investigation “is not being conducted correctly”.
The letter regarding the investigation follows Grand Prive’s announcement last week that eCOGRA would investigate “any perceived shortcomings” regarding payments to affiliates following the closure of Grand Privé Affiliates on 1 December last year.
It expresses concern that affiliates may not receive full payment from Grand Prive or will be excluded from payment by Grand Prive’s Monday deadline for claims, and asks for third party involvement in the investigation to improve its credibility.
The letter reads: “Both eCOGRA and Grand Prive have asked for all leading watchdog organisations to report on this investigation. Should not some of these organisations be involved in the investigation, where their expertise is suited? We ask this question due to the fact that many of our members feel that the relationship between eCOGRA and Grand Prive may compromise the resulting conclusion of the investigation.”
As reported on EGRmagazine.com, the GAU revealed it was to boycott Grand Prive last month.
Speaking to EGRmagazine.com, chairman Paul White said: “The majority of affiliates feel that the relationship between eCOGRA and Grand Prive is too close. The GAU thinks the investigation would have more credibility with the involvement of a third organisation,” adding that this need not be the GAU but could be the APCW or Affiliate Guard Dog groups.
White added that all communication with Grand Prive would be handled in confidence.
The GAU missive also questioned why Grand Prive did not email all affiliates requesting they make a claim as “simply relying on forums and watchdog organisations to advertise the investigation” will not give affiliates ample time to claim, and asks why “eCOGRA does not raise claims for affiliates who are due remuneration but have not filed a claim?”
eCOGRA was not available at the time of writing.