EOG EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MAIN MAN FROM PINNACLE SPORTS

Pinnacle Sports Closed To Americans Due To Internet Gambling Bill



January 11, 2007

Since 1998, Pinnacle Sports has been doing online business with US citizens who enjoy gambling, but when American gamblers signed onto their accounts this morning, they were informed they could no longer place bets with this sports book located in Curacao.

Pinnacle's "main man" gave EOG an exclusive interview this morning and here is some of what he had to say:

"It is with sadness that we have chosen to leave the US market, but we are so grateful for all the customers we've acquired throughout the years"

When asked why Pinnacle Sports elected not to give any advance notice, he stated the following:

"We didn't want anyone to have time to take shots at us."

He started to reflect at this point:

"When the U.S. focuses on something and says 'enough," and when they go to 'war,' no individual company can possibly win in a fight of this nature."

"Since the Internet Gambling Bill went into effect, we have lost the ability to do business with many quality banks."

"Fortunately, 35-40% of our current gambling business is non US driven, and perhaps more importantly, we are experiencing stronger growth in Europe and Asia, than we are in the United States."

"So why live in fear?"

To conclude, all US citizens are encouraged to ask for their balances as soon as possible. Pinnacle assured Eye on Gambling that everyone will be paid promptly.

The following message is posted on their web site:

Effective Immediately...

After careful consideration, Pinnacle Sports have chosen to voluntarily exit the U.S. market. Accordingly, wagers will no longer be accepted from clients within the U.S. as of Thursday, January 11, 2007.

Those clients who are affected will be required to withdraw their balances using the Cashier of their account. We assure all our clients your balances are available and Pinnacle will continue providing our international clients our same great value.


written by Kenneth Weitzner

-- EOG.com
 

Mr. Smith

EOG Master
Re: EOG EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MAIN MAN FROM PINNACLE SPORTS

who are the bookies out there with a spine?

pinnacle just wet their pants over virtually nothing. nobody is coming to invade countries over arresting a few bookies.
 

patswin

EOG Veteran
Re: EOG EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MAIN MAN FROM PINNACLE SPORTS

I think alot of people are missing the main point here. Without being able to work with banks these books can't survive.

"Since the Internet Gambling Bill went into effect, we have lost the ability to do business with many quality banks."

Most importance sentence in this article. Banks will not work with these offshore companies anymore because of the pending legislation. So while we as gamblers are focusing on the banking aspect from a deposit and withrdrawl aspect there is another more important aspect as well. Banks won't deal with offshores who take US action. Plain and simple. I expect more A+ books to follow. How can they not?
 

rainbow

EOG Master
Re: EOG EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MAIN MAN FROM PINNACLE SPORTS

who are the bookies out there with a spine?

pinnacle just wet their pants over virtually nothing. nobody is coming to invade countries over arresting a few bookies.
DONT EVER THINK THAT THESE PEOPLE DONT KNOW WHAT THEY ARE DOING...
 
Re: EOG EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MAIN MAN FROM PINNACLE SPORTS

I think alot of people are missing the main point here. Without being able to work with banks these books can't survive.

"Since the Internet Gambling Bill went into effect, we have lost the ability to do business with many quality banks."

Most importance sentence in this article. Banks will not work with these offshore companies anymore because of the pending legislation. So while we as gamblers are focusing on the banking aspect from a deposit and withrdrawl aspect there is another more important aspect as well. Banks won't deal with offshores who take US action. Plain and simple. I expect more A+ books to follow. How can they not?

ABSOLUTELY!!!!!

I can't stress to you how frustated Pinnacle is about the current banking environment...

It SUX!

I also forgot to mention that Pinnacle Sports will transfer your money to many other online sports books they do business with...

THE SHRINK
 

dirty

EOG Master
Re: EOG EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MAIN MAN FROM PINNACLE SPORTS

Guys I think your forget that Many Foreign Banks buy US debt....They have Branches in this Country under different names than many of us Use every day. The US has Banks in other countries that they use... Bank of Scotland has Several Banks under different Names right here in the US and books use this Bank....


What Happens when if you own US Debt to help the economy of your Country cause that Check comes in every month, or you have Billions of Dollars in Assets tied to the US. You can't take the Risk of having the US Shut you down and quit Writing those checks, insuring your Money if you own Branches in the US, etc... I am sure it is getting Increasingly more difficult for some of these off shores to Move money around...


I am sure more will come forward in the next few days
 

trytrytry

All I do is trytrytry
Re: EOG EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MAIN MAN FROM PINNACLE SPORTS

Shrink, what is that list of Books? The cashier section does not show those books listed. thanks!! Great inside interview this AM by the way. well done.
 

RealSlimShady

EOG Dedicated
Re: EOG EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MAIN MAN FROM PINNACLE SPORTS

who are the bookies out there with a spine?

pinnacle just wet their pants over virtually nothing. nobody is coming to invade countries over arresting a few bookies.




Put yourself in the owner's shoes for a second. He's probably worth at least a hundred million now and while shutting down US bettors may cut his profits by 50-80%, he will still make a good amount of money annually. If he thinks that by staying in the US market, he has a legitimate chance of getting arrested, it's not a bad decision. I think you'd probably make the same decision if you were in his shoes.
 

Mr. Smith

EOG Master
Re: EOG EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MAIN MAN FROM PINNACLE SPORTS

the management of pinnacle, whoever they are, cant come to the USA for vacation. you know what, they probably still cant.

not sure what they think they are accomplishing. the tide against pandering to the deeply conservative knumnuts in the USA clearly turned with the last election. the democrats dont want them certainly and even the republicans can easily see pandering to them has backfired.

now is not the time to be bailing out. its a good time to keep your head down and book and certainly stay the hell out of the USA, but not a good time to bail.
 

Apple

Banned
Re: EOG EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MAIN MAN FROM PINNACLE SPORTS

Thank you Ken.. You were the first one to get down to the bottom of this and I appreciate it..
 
Re: EOG EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MAIN MAN FROM PINNACLE SPORTS

I'm as sorry as anyone to hear this news but at least The Shrink was on top of this as much as anyone could have been today.
 
Re: EOG EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MAIN MAN FROM PINNACLE SPORTS

Shrink, what is that list of Books? The cashier section does not show those books listed. thanks!! Great inside interview this AM by the way. well done.

trytryty,

Simply write to csd@pinnaclesports.com to inquire about this and they will be happy to help out...

Reload and gynecologist,

Thank you. I have always had a great relationship and tremendous respect for Pinnacle...

I am very sad that they made this decision, but I do understand...

THE SHRINK
 

dirty

EOG Master
Re: EOG EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MAIN MAN FROM PINNACLE SPORTS

Well Neteller has already said they are pulling out.... and who knows who else..Kinda of a premature statement there Ihavebeenaround.... Glad you got that Crystal Ball out and can tell what these other guys are going to do
 

Apple

Banned
Re: EOG EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MAIN MAN FROM PINNACLE SPORTS

Ken

Should U.S customers fear the worst sir?
 
Re: EOG EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MAIN MAN FROM PINNACLE SPORTS

trytryty,

Simply write to csd@pinnaclesports.com to inquire about this and they will be happy to help out...

Reload and gynecologist,

Thank you. I have always had a great relationship and tremendous respect for Pinnacle...

I have a lot of respect for them also. They set the biggest standards in this industry. They should still have a lot going for them internationally and I am sure they will maintain that good reputation.
 

patswin

EOG Veteran
Re: EOG EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MAIN MAN FROM PINNACLE SPORTS

Thanks Shrink, I appreciate the info. All of this stuff is finally making sense to me. Banks won't deal with the offshores that take US customers. Kind of simple really. I am pulling balance at all my outs
 

patswin

EOG Veteran
Re: EOG EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MAIN MAN FROM PINNACLE SPORTS

Ken

Should U.S customers fear the worst sir?

GYno I think other places follow suit. Unless they can get financial banking from a non US bank for private funding I think all of them will shut us off. Can't see how they can survive with no financing.
 

ynot

EOG Dedicated
Re: EOG EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MAIN MAN FROM PINNACLE SPORTS

Will futures bets still be graded and paid after the superbowl?
 
Re: EOG EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MAIN MAN FROM PINNACLE SPORTS

GYno I think other places follow suit. Unless they can get financial banking from a non US bank for private funding I think all of them will shut us off. Can't see how they can survive with no financing.

Definitely will change the business model. More underground and more credit shops no doubt. Back to the days of picking up and paying in the bar at the bowling alley.

Thanks for the info Ken. I hate to lose Pinnacle. No more NBL basketball outs.
 
Re: EOG EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MAIN MAN FROM PINNACLE SPORTS

While its a definite blow to the players to lose a GREAT, RELIABLE, LOW-VIG shop like Pinnacle, the industry is simply too big to be stopped -- all this did was open the door for another 50 books to gain market share.

Will these books be as reliable and well-run as Pinnacle? Sadly, no... But all this law will prove to do is CHANGE the market and possibly LIMIT it -- but it will not DRY UP the market.
 
Re: EOG EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MAIN MAN FROM PINNACLE SPORTS

fyi,

I will be going to a dental apppointment now, but I will return later to answer more questions...
 
Re: EOG EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MAIN MAN FROM PINNACLE SPORTS

Is this list of books top secret? I wrote to Pinny several hours ago and imagine they're swamped. Any suggestions besides BJ as I have some there?
 

Almost Allright

GO Bucks!!!
Re: EOG EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MAIN MAN FROM PINNACLE SPORTS

Oh man this is really going to sting come baseball season. No one but Pinny when it came to bases.
 
Re: EOG EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MAIN MAN FROM PINNACLE SPORTS

Pinnacles payment processing was not that great to begin with so the fact that they are having issues getting banks to play ball does not suprise me. What does is them deciding to leave during playoffs and before super bowl.

This will open the door for other sportsbooks to step up. There is no doubt about that. Someone will eventually build a better mouse trap.

Today is a very sad day in the offshore world.
 

dirty

EOG Master
Re: EOG EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MAIN MAN FROM PINNACLE SPORTS

LMAO ... pinny paid neteller in under a hour Tops and they were not that great.... spit OJ all over my keyboard
 
Re: EOG EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MAIN MAN FROM PINNACLE SPORTS

They were AWESOME with Neteller. But their credit card processing and EFT solutions SUCKED!

Most NEW players do not use NETeller. So when I say processing I am referring to CC/EFT etc. Not NETeller. If you cannot get new players in and your prefered payment solution (NETeller) is leaving US soon. What is the point of staying in US?

Also, Pinny will have a solid rep to re-enter US market down the road if they go that route.

Pinnacle was the fastest at PAYOUTS. I agree with you on that Dirty.
 

ZZ CREAM

EOG Master
Re: EOG EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MAIN MAN FROM PINNACLE SPORTS

Pinnacles payment processing was not that great to begin with so the fact that they are having issues getting banks to play ball does not suprise me. What does is them deciding to leave during playoffs and before super bowl.

This will open the door for other sportsbooks to step up. There is no doubt about that. Someone will eventually build a better mouse trap.

Today is a very sad day in the offshore world.
BEFORE THE SUPER BOWL?


Sounds like a wise move by me.......ask any local.......when is the most dangerous time of the year to operate and get busted?
 
Re: EOG EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MAIN MAN FROM PINNACLE SPORTS

So I guess by closing up today they saved themselves from getting busted closer to the Super Bowl?

If they want to bust Pinny, they would still do it.
 
Re: EOG EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MAIN MAN FROM PINNACLE SPORTS

BEFORE THE SUPER BOWL?


Sounds like a wise move by me.......ask any local.......when is the most dangerous time of the year to operate and get busted?

My infamous phone call from Western Union banning me from being able to use them happened on Super Bowl Sunday last year. No coincidence I am sure.
 

ZZ CREAM

EOG Master
Re: EOG EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MAIN MAN FROM PINNACLE SPORTS

So I guess by closing up today they saved themselves from getting busted closer to the Super Bowl?

If they want to bust Pinny, they would still do it.
Maybe, but probably not. Especially after the G achieved what it already wanted. With no expense and no extraditions and such.
 
Re: EOG EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MAIN MAN FROM PINNACLE SPORTS

The government takes years to build a case against someone. BoS got taken down for shit they did in 2002. DC was moving in and out of the country at will up until he got pinched. They had a grand jury investigating BoS all that time. So, Pinny closing today won't prevent them from getting popped by the Feds.

If the Feds want Pinny, they will go after them whether they stated open for this SB or not.
 
Re: EOG EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MAIN MAN FROM PINNACLE SPORTS

trytryty,

Simply write to csd@pinnaclesports.com to inquire about this and they will be happy to help out...


THE SHRINK


Apparently not that happy.......


Dear Sir,

Please kindly use NETeller to withdraw funds from your Pinnacle Sports account as we do not recommend any other Sportsbook.

Thank you for your cooperation.


Regards,

Customer Service Department
Pinnacle Sports
 

Bucky

EOG Dedicated
Re: EOG EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MAIN MAN FROM PINNACLE SPORTS

Sure is surprising there was no leak. Can you imagine the busload of funds they must have gased up Neteller with to make these payouts with today. Enough to pay off all the Americans? What kind of money do you think it will take to pay every American today?

But, let's at least consider the possibility they were not making money hand over fist from American customers. Maybe, their net was way down from what it used to be? Any chance pros were pounding their buy back numbers with value the last 3-4 months and they were actually losing money.

The chances of them or anybody else in the industry disclosing exactly what is going on to anybody with an interview is about 1 in a 100. There has to be a heckuva a lot more to this story. The biggest sportsbook on the planet closed up overnight - hard to believe.

But, what the heck, this may actually help the rest of the books. Although it might reduce their volume a great deal - it may reduce the amount of sharp action they get if Pinny isn't around to buy back with. Their hold may get a lot better without Pinny being a factor with the USA customers.

But, Pinny - thanks for everything - you were a great book!


So Long - we'll see ya - have a good one - come back when you can stay longer - don't let the door hit you in the butt on the way out.:whatever:


:+waving-5 :+waving-5 :+waving-5 :+waving-5 :+waving-5
 

Bucky

EOG Dedicated
Re: EOG EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MAIN MAN FROM PINNACLE SPORTS

One other thing that didn't pass the smell test at the time but??? In October Pinny's money lines and 1/2 time lines were no longer on Don Best. Don Best says technical problem Pinny was having.

Sounded like BS then and really sounds like BS now because moneylines and 1/2 times are the land of the sharps and they must have been getting beat there.

But, the 40% of the customers might be getting them 100% of their profit and they were just breaking even in the USA?????? And since they don't need the practice bookmaking and supposedly they are really good players why do it anymore???? They might actually be getting that big that a bad Super Bowl for Mega Millions could toasterize them????
 

rainbow

EOG Master
Re: EOG EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH MAIN MAN FROM PINNACLE SPORTS

The government takes years to build a case against someone. BoS got taken down for shit they did in 2002. DC was moving in and out of the country at will up until he got pinched. They had a grand jury investigating BoS all that time. So, Pinny closing today won't prevent them from getting popped by the Feds.

If the Feds want Pinny, they will go after them whether they stated open for this SB or not.
AFTER 5YRS THEY CAN?T DO NOTHING...
 
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