Wizard
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May 15th, 2014 at 3:45:45 AM permalink
Day 16. It just keeps getting worse and worse for me.

It is no big secret that I advertise Internet casinos, which have a difficult time paying US banks. So, I had been using the Laiki bank in Cyprus, which I have fully disclosed to the US government. In March, 2013, there was a run on the banks on Cyprus and I ended up losing 82,000 Euros. My other 100,000 Euros was moved to the Bank of Cyprus. I was restricted to withdrawing that 100,000 a little at a time. I still have 15,000 Euros in "old money" in there. Meanwhile, the bank reassured account holders that after the "haircut" that new money was safe and could be withdrawn without restriction or delay. Otherwise, who would put money in?

Reluctantly, and lacking better options, I sent in new money. They had no problem accepting these deposits. However, when I asked to withdraw this new money on April 29 nothing happened for a week. I asked why and they asked me for payroll documents, which was the kind of thing they previously only asked for regarding withdrawing "old money." So I sent them. Then they asked a whole slew of other questions about my business. I answered them all honestly, to no reply, and am still waiting.

It has now been 16 days since my withdrawal. This seems at best unfair that they decide to undertake an account review as soon as I make a large withdrawal. At worst, it seems like the kind of stonewalling that might happen if they were in financial trouble again.

In other news, I spent most of my funds at hand for the update you see on the Odds site. Maybe it is that this is a slow time of year or just bad variance, but revenue actually went down after the site update. So, we're trying some new advertisers for traffic outside of North America.

Meanwhile, my US funds are running dangerously low. If the Bank of Cyprus doesn't make good on my withdrawal soon I will have to seriously consider selling my house and/or my sites. Add to all this that my father died on April 25. I just don't know what I'm going to do.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
odiousgambit
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May 15th, 2014 at 3:51:18 AM permalink
Wow, Michael, this just sucks beyond all belief for you. Wish their was something we could do.

Extremely selfish personal plea: don't sell your sites!
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!”   She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
MidwestAP
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May 15th, 2014 at 4:11:26 AM permalink
Michael, I'm very saddened to hear this. It's obviously an understatement to say you're going through a rough stretch.

I know there have previously been suggestions made by others about making some features on WOO available by subscription only. If you did so, you can count on me to sign up. Or, if there are other ways that are suggested to raise funds, count me in.
AxelWolf
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May 15th, 2014 at 4:19:01 AM permalink
Quote: Wizard

Day 16. It just keeps getting worse and worse for me.

It is no big secret that I advertise Internet casinos, which have a difficult time paying US banks. So, I had been using the Laiki bank in Cyprus, which I have fully disclosed to the US government. In March, 2013, there was a run on the banks on Cyprus and I ended up losing 82,000 Euros. My other 100,000 Euros was moved to the Bank of Cyprus. I was restricted to withdrawing that 100,000 a little at a time. I still have 15,000 Euros in "old money" in there. Meanwhile, the bank reassured account holders that after the "haircut" that new money was safe and could be withdrawn without restriction or delay. Otherwise, who would put money in?

Reluctantly, and lacking better options, I sent in new money. They had no problem accepting these deposits. However, when I asked to withdraw this new money on April 29 nothing happened for a week. I asked why and they asked me for payroll documents, which was the kind of thing they previously only asked for regarding withdrawing "old money." So I sent them. Then they asked a whole slew of other questions about my business. I answered them all honestly, to no reply, and am still waiting.

It has now been 16 days since my withdrawal. This seems at best unfair that they decide to undertake an account review as soon as I make a large withdrawal. At worst, it seems like the kind of stonewalling that might happen if they were in financial trouble again.

In other news, I spent most of my funds at hand for the update you see on the Odds site. Maybe it is that this is a slow time of year or just bad variance, but revenue actually went down after the site update. So, we're trying some new advertisers for traffic outside of North America.

Meanwhile, my US funds are running dangerously low. If the Bank of Cyprus doesn't make good on my withdrawal soon I will have to seriously consider selling my house and/or my sites. Add to all this that my father died on April 25. I just don't know what I'm going to do.

AP
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
GWAE
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May 15th, 2014 at 5:56:59 AM permalink
I have to really say that I appreciate everything you do. I also appreciate that you talk openly about these financial type of issues. Most people would just sit back and not say a word and when things got too bad they just walk away and we never have a clue what happened.

I assume you mean that your Bovada income is down since that is the only advertising on the site. Do you think it has something to do with the placement of the banner? I think it was mentioned in the other thread when the new site went live that it is kind of hidden. When you go to the site the banner is below the important things. If you are going there for a calculator, the link is up top and you never look down any further for the ads. I would change it so the ad is more visible.
Expect the worst and you will never be disappointed. I AM NOT PART OF GWAE RADIO SHOW
Nareed
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May 15th, 2014 at 7:18:34 AM permalink
You don't deserve this, Mike. I hope things get resolved soon.

Have you tried to have your attorney contact the bank? If you know a stock broker or a financial advisor, they may have some advice to offer.
Donald Trump is a fucking criminal
Zcore13
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May 15th, 2014 at 10:21:58 AM permalink
Quote: Wizard

Day 16. It just keeps getting worse and worse for me.

It is no big secret that I advertise Internet casinos, which have a difficult time paying US banks. So, I had been using the Laiki bank in Cyprus, which I have fully disclosed to the US government. In March, 2013, there was a run on the banks on Cyprus and I ended up losing 82,000 Euros. My other 100,000 Euros was moved to the Bank of Cyprus. I was restricted to withdrawing that 100,000 a little at a time. I still have 15,000 Euros in "old money" in there. Meanwhile, the bank reassured account holders that after the "haircut" that new money was safe and could be withdrawn without restriction or delay. Otherwise, who would put money in?

Reluctantly, and lacking better options, I sent in new money. They had no problem accepting these deposits. However, when I asked to withdraw this new money on April 29 nothing happened for a week. I asked why and they asked me for payroll documents, which was the kind of thing they previously only asked for regarding withdrawing "old money." So I sent them. Then they asked a whole slew of other questions about my business. I answered them all honestly, to no reply, and am still waiting.

It has now been 16 days since my withdrawal. This seems at best unfair that they decide to undertake an account review as soon as I make a large withdrawal. At worst, it seems like the kind of stonewalling that might happen if they were in financial trouble again.

In other news, I spent most of my funds at hand for the update you see on the Odds site. Maybe it is that this is a slow time of year or just bad variance, but revenue actually went down after the site update. So, we're trying some new advertisers for traffic outside of North America.

Meanwhile, my US funds are running dangerously low. If the Bank of Cyprus doesn't make good on my withdrawal soon I will have to seriously consider selling my house and/or my sites. Add to all this that my father died on April 25. I just don't know what I'm going to do.



Sorry about the troubles you are having. That sucks.

You mention the revenue on WOO. I don't know how much real feedback you have gotten besides people here patting you on the back, but in my opinion the new layout and look are terrible. I have definitely reduced my visits there. The old design was easy to navigate and looked clean. The new version seems cluttered and like a poorly designed wordpress site (not sure if it is using wordpress or not).

I would seriously consider some changes to make it friendlier to the eye. I know someone spent some time on it, so I apologize to them for the criticism.


ZCore13
I am an employee of a Casino. Former Table Games Director,, current Pit Supervisor. All the personal opinions I post are my own and do not represent the opinions of the Casino or Tribe that I work for.
odiousgambit
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May 15th, 2014 at 10:22:10 AM permalink
Why didn't banking in Canada work for your business?
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!”   She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
AxelWolf
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May 15th, 2014 at 10:34:34 AM permalink
How about a poll asking if people have signed up for Bovada, if not why, and if so why. This may help gather some useful information.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
MidwestAP
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May 15th, 2014 at 10:50:28 AM permalink
Quote: Zcore13

Sorry about the troubles you are having. That sucks.

You mention the revenue on WOO. I don't know how much real feedback you have gotten besides people here patting you on the back, but in my opinion the new layout and look are terrible. I have definitely reduced my visits there. The old design was easy to navigate and looked clean. The new version seems cluttered and like a poorly designed wordpress site (not sure if it is using wordpress or not).

I would seriously consider some changes to make it friendlier to the eye. I know someone spent some time on it, so I apologize to them for the criticism.


ZCore13



I'm not complimenting the new site just to make anyone feel better, I genuinely like it better. So far I've found what I've been looking for without any problem. I think it looks cleaner, more polished, and all around an improvement.
thecesspit
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May 15th, 2014 at 10:58:47 AM permalink
You should A|B test the new site and old to discover if one or the other does generate more traffic (and more BoVada sign ups).
"Then you can admire the real gambler, who has neither eaten, slept, thought nor lived, he has so smarted under the scourge of his martingale, so suffered on the rack of his desire for a coup at trente-et-quarante" - Honore de Balzac, 1829
Beardgoat
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May 15th, 2014 at 11:12:27 AM permalink
Quote: AxelWolf

How about a poll asking if people have signed up for Bovada, if not why, and if so why. This may help gather some useful information.



I signed up for bovada last week and listed wizard of odds website when asked how I heard about Bovada
Wizard
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May 15th, 2014 at 11:27:25 AM permalink
Quote: Beardgoat

I signed up for bovada last week and listed wizard of odds website when asked how I heard about Bovada



Thank you! That is ultimately what puts rice on my table and sends my kids to school.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
AxelWolf
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May 15th, 2014 at 11:28:03 AM permalink
Quote: MidwestAP

I'm not complimenting the new site just to make anyone feel better, I genuinely like it better. So far I've found what I've been looking for without any problem. I think it looks cleaner, more polished, and all around an improvement.

I agree. However It does look more like a regular site and less like an odds site.

I doubt the site has anything to do with less sign ups and more to do with Bovada's cut in pay-tables and bonuses. They cut the weekly bonuses in half, they cut the full pay Jokers and others, AC is now open for gaming.

If He takes on some other casinos, I have a feeling it will be a good thing for him. I cant wait to hear what other casinos he will be endorsing.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
AxelWolf
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May 15th, 2014 at 11:29:01 AM permalink
Quote: Wizard

Thank you! That is ultimately what puts rice on my table and sends my kids to school.

Just clicking on your link and signing up will do correct? No need to add anything to the referred by who section?
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
Zcore13
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May 15th, 2014 at 11:34:34 AM permalink
Quote: AxelWolf

I agree. However It does look more like a regular site and less like an odds site.

I doubt the site has anything to do with less sign ups and more to do with Bovada's cut in pay-tables and bonuses. They cut the weekly bonuses in half, they cut the full pay Jokers and others, AC is now open for gaming.

If He takes on some other casinos, I have a feeling it will be a good thing for him. I cant wait to hear what other casinos he will be endorsing.



Site design makes a HUGE difference in clicks, time on site, income and much more. There are tons of studies on "hot spots" on sites and where eyes naturally go to, what features make things easy on the eyes, easy for first timers to navigate, enough initial information without causing overload, etc, etc, etc.


ZCore13
I am an employee of a Casino. Former Table Games Director,, current Pit Supervisor. All the personal opinions I post are my own and do not represent the opinions of the Casino or Tribe that I work for.
terapined
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May 15th, 2014 at 11:44:54 AM permalink
Quote: Wizard

Thank you! That is ultimately what puts rice on my table and sends my kids to school.



Wow, I had no idea of the importance of the Bovada link for you. At work now, will definitly click on the link at home and sign up.
Its the least I can do after reading the Cyprus bank story.

Cmon people, it this helps the Wiz, hop on the Bovada bandwagon.
FleaStiff
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May 15th, 2014 at 11:52:28 AM permalink
At least in Iceland the legislature made the bankers take the losses NOT the depositors.

Their whole economy suffered but at least its clear now, bankers can not take depositors money, the bank owners suffer any losses.

Iceland still remains a clannish society with a good bit of "Russian" mob influence but the banks pay promptly on a depositors money.

Cyprus? If you want an escape from rainy weather in the UK its fine. Particularly if you are a female who wants some uncomplicated arrangements for a male companion for a week of fun in the sun, Cyprus is great. Its a known Sex Tourism destination.
However, who in their right mind would bank there?
AcesAndEights
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May 15th, 2014 at 11:53:18 AM permalink
Terrible news, Wizard. Unfortunately I don't think I help your bottom line at all, since I already have a Bovada account and so have no reason to click through the ads or sign up a new account. Have you considered putting up a donation link on WoO/WoV? This would probably not be a big revenue stream, but I would consider donating a reasonable amount considering the free services you offer to the gambling community. Aside from analyzing new games to determine the house advantage and strategy, you also offer free information on potential advantage plays, like the half point parlay cards during NFL season.

Anyway, I would completely understand if you were reluctant to put up a donation link, either for reasons of personal/business pride or just because you don't want it to look like you are asking for a handout. But it's something to consider.

On a different note, have you looked for a "straight" job like the one you briefly held with LVS? I know they screwed you over, but it seems that a respected gaming mathematician like yourself might have some prospects in the gambling mecca that is Las Vegas. This is purely curiosity on my part; of course if you'd rather not discuss your personal employment situation that is your prerogative.

Quote: Wizard

In other news, I spent most of my funds at hand for the update you see on the Odds site. Maybe it is that this is a slow time of year or just bad variance, but revenue actually went down after the site update. So, we're trying some new advertisers for traffic outside of North America.


Sad as it seems, this doesn't surprise me. As a rule, Internet users don't like change. So when a site goes through a major change, even if it's a better design with new features, often times users just won't visit the site for a while because they don't want to deal with learning the new site. When I worked at a big internet company, we had this problem all the time. Our navigation bar design was ancient and looked horrible, so we invested a lot of time and money in redesigning it. When we A/B tested the new design, it tested very poorly against the old design (with respect to revenue, which was the only metric that mattered at this company). For a smaller project, with those results, the project would have been scrapped. But this project was so huge and the old design was so bad, that they rolled it out anyway, just with a very slow release schedule.

Anyway, I know that probably won't take the sting out of it for you, but sadly it's not uncommon.
"So drink gamble eat f***, because one day you will be dust." -ontariodealer
socks
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May 15th, 2014 at 12:18:03 PM permalink
Wow, I'm sorry to hear that. After you shut down gamingmath.com last year, I imagined you had some super secret source of income I/we didn't know about.

Fwiw, I also like the WoO redesign, but I really only go there for the content, so it hasn't effected my rate of visitation at all.
Buzzard
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May 15th, 2014 at 1:00:44 PM permalink
FREE ADVICE is always worth the price. I hardly ever visit that site anymore. Did on a regular basis when you had the ask wizard feature.
Shed not for her the bitter tear Nor give the heart to vain regret Tis but the casket that lies here, The gem that filled it Sparkles yet
SkittleCar1
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May 15th, 2014 at 1:04:47 PM permalink
Sorry about losing your dad. :(
Wizard
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May 15th, 2014 at 1:05:55 PM permalink
Quote: terapined

Wow, I had no idea of the importance of the Bovada link for you. At work now, will definitly click on the link at home and sign up.
Its the least I can do after reading the Cyprus bank story.



Thanks, but what they mainly care about is depositing customers. It also doesn't escape their notice that my players don't lose much. That is the price I pay for teaching people how to gamble properly.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
beachbumbabs
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May 15th, 2014 at 1:08:02 PM permalink
Quote: Buzzard

FREE ADVICE is always worth the price. I hardly ever visit that site anymore. Did on a regular basis when you had the ask wizard feature.



I'm going to disagree with this from personal experience and in this particular case. WoV and WoO have been inVALuable to me, and if Mike were charging, I'd gladly pay. That's the miracle of this forum and the Wizard's group of websites; it's worth a ridiculous amount in research, archives, resources, and networking to the right people, and I'm living proof of it. My/our game opened at the Venetian an hour ago. That simply doesn't happen if not for this place.
If the House lost every hand, they wouldn't deal the game.
DRich
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May 15th, 2014 at 1:09:32 PM permalink
Wizard, I am sure you have spent a lot of time thinking about options but wondered if you had considered BitCoins. I have personally never used them but I believe the premise behind them was exactly to avoid these types of situations.
At my age, a "Life In Prison" sentence is not much of a deterrent.
Wizard
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May 15th, 2014 at 1:13:27 PM permalink
Quote: AcesAndEights

Anyway, I would completely understand if you were reluctant to put up a donation link, either for reasons of personal/business pride or just because you don't want it to look like you are asking for a handout. But it's something to consider.



Thanks. It isn't out of the question, but I would have a lot of personal pride before I started to beg for donations. Besides, I did once before, when the site was going through a rough time around 2002. The number of people who made a donation? Two.

Quote:

On a different note, have you looked for a "straight" job like the one you briefly held with LVS? I know they screwed you over, but it seems that a respected gaming mathematician like yourself might have some prospects in the gambling mecca that is Las Vegas. This is purely curiosity on my part; of course if you'd rather not discuss your personal employment situation that is your prerogative.



That's not out of the question either.

Quote:

Sad as it seems, this doesn't surprise me. As a rule, Internet users don't like change. So when a site goes through a major change, even if it's a better design with new features, often times users just won't visit the site for a while because they don't want to deal with learning the new site.



Maybe that is it. Everyone complained how hard it was to find anything on the old site, but I knew where everything was, and I'm still finding my way around the new site.

I remember once PinnacleSports tried a new look. Personally, I hated it compared to their old look, which they still have. They must have had a lot of complaints, because after a few days the old look was back.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
odiousgambit
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May 15th, 2014 at 1:13:28 PM permalink
Quote: terapined

Cmon people, it this helps the Wiz



except they apparently pay him through the Cyprus bank

Quote: FleaStiff

who in their right mind would bank there?



Ouch!
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!”   She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
Wizard
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May 15th, 2014 at 1:15:14 PM permalink
Quote: FleaStiff

However, who in their right mind would bank there?



You try to find a foreign bank account, as a US citizen, with less than a million dollars and see what few s**t banks will take your money.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
AcesAndEights
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May 15th, 2014 at 1:35:56 PM permalink
Quote: Wizard

Thanks. It isn't out of the question, but I would have a lot of personal pride before I started to beg for donations. Besides, I did once before, when the site was going through a rough time around 2002. The number of people who made a donation? Two.


Well, your audience has increased a lot since then! Not to mention this site (Wizard of Vegas) didn't exist back then. With this forum, a real community has built up, whereas before you basically just had a reference site and accepted email questions.

Before I joined WoV, I probably wouldn't have donated if I saw a link up on WoO while I was looking up a game. But now that I feel like part of the community here, and have benefited from establishing relationships here on your dime, I would think a lot more seriously about pitching in.
"So drink gamble eat f***, because one day you will be dust." -ontariodealer
MidwestAP
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May 15th, 2014 at 1:38:31 PM permalink
Quote: AcesAndEights

Sad as it seems, this doesn't surprise me. As a rule, Internet users don't like change.



This isn't even a site design thing as much as a human nature thing. Humans gravitate toward familiarity and are averse to change. Why is McDonalds so successful? Certainly not because of their food, but because they know what to expect from the experience.

Give it some time and I predict you'll get the same level of traffic back on the site. By the way, I also have a Bovada account based almost entirely on Michael's endorsement of the site.
MidwestAP
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May 15th, 2014 at 1:45:13 PM permalink
Quote: AcesAndEights

Well, your audience has increased a lot since then! Not to mention this site (Wizard of Vegas) didn't exist back then. With this forum, a real community has built up, whereas before you basically just had a reference site and accepted email questions.

Before I joined WoV, I probably wouldn't have donated if I saw a link up on WoO while I was looking up a game. But now that I feel like part of the community here, and have benefited from establishing relationships on your dime, I would think a lot more seriously about pitching in.



+1
odiousgambit
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May 15th, 2014 at 1:47:49 PM permalink
Quote: MidwestAP

I also have a Bovada account based almost entirely on Michael's endorsement of the site.



got one when it was Bodog. Just checked and user etc still works. Unfortunately never intended to deposit any money, so this may have been a zero for the WoO pocketbook.
the next time Dame Fortune toys with your heart, your soul and your wallet, raise your glass and praise her thus: “Thanks for nothing, you cold-hearted, evil, damnable, nefarious, low-life, malicious monster from Hell!”   She is, after all, stone deaf. ... Arnold Snyder
AxelWolf
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May 15th, 2014 at 1:53:45 PM permalink
Its not like McDonald's coming back constantly to the site really dose not drive money to the site. He only gets paid ONCE per person who signs up for BV. People who come to the site and linger really do not add $$$ to his pocket. Sure you can conciser other things like the longer they stay the more of a chance they will eventually sign up. I Do agree some of the home page might be to busy.

Personally I think he should take a more aggressive advertising campaigns towards Bovada and a few other places.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
AxelWolf
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May 15th, 2014 at 2:00:32 PM permalink
Quote: odiousgambit

got one when it was Bodog. Just checked and user etc still works. Unfortunately never intended to deposit any money, so this may have been a zero for the WoO pocketbook.

Are you in Canada? If not I would think you can Make a Bovada Account and then make a deposit. I know someone who made a Bovada account as they thought it would help, but they didn't make a deposit for a long time, they finally deposited then contacted Bovada and asked them to make sure Mike got credit for it. They said yes, but who knows.
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
Wizard
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Wizard
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May 15th, 2014 at 2:01:42 PM permalink
Quote: AxelWolf

Personally I think he should take a more aggressive advertising campaigns towards Bovada and a few other places.



I'm probably going to do that. I am already advertising 32Red for outside North America and some other casinos for New York and Maryland.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
MidwestAP
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May 15th, 2014 at 2:02:30 PM permalink
Quote: AxelWolf

Its not like McDonald's coming back constantly to the site really dose not drive money to the site. He only gets paid ONCE per person who signs up for BV. People who come to the site and linger really do not add $$$ to his pocket. Sure you can conciser other things like the longer they stay the more of a chance they will eventually sign up. I Do agree some of the home page might be to busy.

Personally I think he should take a more aggressive advertising campaigns towards Bovada and a few other places.



I wasn't claiming that coming to the site alone drives revenue, I was simply addressing what I thought others were expressing, that the new design itself is decreasing traffic, and by extension Bovada sign up's. And if that's true, I contend it has more to humans being change averse than to fundamental flaws in the design but will eventually rectify itself as individuals get accustomed to navigating the updated site.
JimRockford
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May 15th, 2014 at 2:11:04 PM permalink
In my opinion the testimonial style Bovada ads that were displayed in the side margins on the old site were powerful. I don't know if there is any industry more suspicious than online gambling. There is an air of integrity conveyed on the odds site, so a personal pitch for Bovada from the wiz can be persuasive. I don't see those ads on the new site.

Edit: I take it back. After looking around over there, I see that the Bovada endorsement copy is still there.
"Truth is ever to be found in the simplicity, and not in the multiplicity and confusion of things." -- Isaac Newton
Buzzard
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May 15th, 2014 at 2:23:05 PM permalink
Quote: beachbumbabs

I'm going to disagree with this from personal experience and in this particular case. WoV and WoO have been inVALuable to me, and if Mike were charging, I'd gladly pay. That's the miracle of this forum and the Wizard's group of websites; it's worth a ridiculous amount in research, archives, resources, and networking to the right people, and I'm living proof of it. My/our game opened at the Venetian an hour ago. That simply doesn't happen if not for this place.

gee babe I was talking about my advice that he post the questions more often even if someone else does the answering and Mike just verifies.
Shed not for her the bitter tear Nor give the heart to vain regret Tis but the casket that lies here, The gem that filled it Sparkles yet
beachbumbabs
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May 15th, 2014 at 2:24:56 PM permalink
Quote: Buzzard

gee babe I was talking about my advice that he post the questions more often even if someone else does the answering and Mike just verifies.



Sorry, Buzz, I misunderstood you were referring to YOUR advice. I thought you were referring to the website.
If the House lost every hand, they wouldn't deal the game.
thecesspit
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May 15th, 2014 at 2:54:43 PM permalink
Quote: JimRockford

In my opinion the testimonial style Bovada ads that were displayed in the side margins on the old site were powerful. I don't know if there is any industry more suspicious than online gambling. There is an air of integrity conveyed on the odds site, so a personal pitch for Bovada from the wiz can be persuasive. I don't see those ads on the new site.

Edit: I take it back. After looking around over there, I see that the Bovada endorsement copy is still there.



Hence the need for A|B testing (and maybe it was already done). It allows you to find out this sort of thing cleanly and easily. Make a change, see if it affects sign ups/click throughs or not. Or if behaviour on the site changes. It's hugely effective, and from what I've read by the subjects, the best way to maximize revenue web sites.

I use bodog.ca. But not to the extent that Mr Wizard will be able to do much more than buy a cheap coffee. Or he already has with my sign up dollars.
"Then you can admire the real gambler, who has neither eaten, slept, thought nor lived, he has so smarted under the scourge of his martingale, so suffered on the rack of his desire for a coup at trente-et-quarante" - Honore de Balzac, 1829
1arrowheaddr
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May 15th, 2014 at 2:55:43 PM permalink
I'm sorry to hear about this Wiz. Hopefully you won't have to physically go to Cyprus to make this right.
Wizard
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May 15th, 2014 at 3:05:31 PM permalink
Quote: 1arrowheaddr

I'm sorry to hear about this Wiz. Hopefully you won't have to physically go to Cyprus to make this right.



I've thought about doing that. Blindsiding them with a personal withdrawal. However, a small part of my balance is "old money" that I can take out only a little at a time.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
FleaStiff
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May 15th, 2014 at 3:15:41 PM permalink
I've no idea what the terms of your Cyprus account are. Some accounts in Switzerland charge interest, they don't pay it.
If you must deal with a Cyprus bank I'd use it as a passthrough account never leaving anything more than a minimum balance in it.

Most Americans do not really want signature authority over a foreign back account because it gives them IRS audits but for you its a business necessity and I'd look into Iceland before Cypruss. Even Argentina with its annual riots and annual re-adjustment of currency values still has banks that always pay out your money on demand with no questions and no delays other than the ones that get imposed on everyone. I've heard Finnish banks are reliable and efficient. I have an Argentian friend and will ask him tonight his views on their banking problems.
Pokeraddict
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May 15th, 2014 at 3:29:12 PM permalink
I have several friends that need non-u.s. banks for affiliate accts. Malta and Panama are the two countries I hear often when they do not have enough to generate interest from a Canadian bank. Also, many banks in Canada are as conservative as U.S. banks when it comes to online gambling related accts.
onenickelmiracle
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May 15th, 2014 at 4:53:51 PM permalink
I would suggest adding links to your Youtube videos if not done already. Second idea move questions for wizard to videos. Third idea, lease out the forums setup to other people for their own sites. I really like how the site functions compared to vbulletin sites on my dummy(not smart) phone. It's easy to navigate.
I am a robot.
AxelWolf
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May 15th, 2014 at 5:02:29 PM permalink
Quote: Wizard

I'm probably going to do that. I am already advertising 32Red for outside North America and some other casinos for New York and Maryland.

I am fairly certain I played 32red years ago. I don't know how far they go back and check. I do know others that will sign up. Anything good? is it similar to BV? Why 32 RED? Will you give the the same endorsements?

US players?

Can you post an affiliate link ?
♪♪Now you swear and kick and beg us That you're not a gamblin' man Then you find you're back in Vegas With a handle in your hand♪♪ Your black cards can make you money So you hide them when you're able In the land of casinos and money You must put them on the table♪♪ You go back Jack do it again roulette wheels turinin' 'round and 'round♪♪ You go back Jack do it again♪♪
JohnnyQ
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May 15th, 2014 at 5:13:25 PM permalink
Quote: Wizard

Thanks. It isn't out of the question, but I would have a lot of personal pride before I started to beg for donations.



I understand that. But would you be open to accepting "mini/associate/lite" sponsors of this great website. ? I would do what I could do because I enjoy this site and it is valuable to me from a gambling standpoint as well.
There's emptiness behind their eyes There's dust in all their hearts They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
Pokeraddict
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May 15th, 2014 at 5:16:41 PM permalink
Quote: AxelWolf

I am fairly certain I played 32red years ago. I don't know how far they go back and check. I do know others that will sign up. Anything good? is it similar to BV? Why 32 RED? Will you give the the same endorsements?

US players?

Can you post an affiliate link ?



32Red is a very reputable Microgaming site. Bovada uses a modified RTG platform. 32Red does not accept U.S. players.
Tanko
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May 15th, 2014 at 5:25:20 PM permalink
Quote: Wizard

It is no big secret that I advertise Internet casinos, which have a difficult time paying US banks. So, I had been using the Laiki bank in Cyprus, which I have fully disclosed to the US government. In March, 2013, there was a run on the banks on Cyprus and I ended up losing 82,000 Euros.



So, why not advertise Vegas Hotel Casinos and others instead?

Anthony Curtis' Las Vegas Advisor links to every hotel on the Strip, plus shows, airfare and restaurants.

No foreign banks necessary.
Wizard
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May 15th, 2014 at 5:48:05 PM permalink
Quote: Tanko

So, why not advertise Vegas Hotel Casinos and others instead?

Anthony Curtis' Las Vegas Advisor links to every hotel on the Strip, plus shows, airfare and restaurants.

No foreign banks necessary.



I tried that on this site back in the early days.

Total revenue I made? $0.00.
"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow." -- Ecclesiastes 1:18 (NIV)
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