Open letter to eCogra and Grand Prive

After requests from GAU members we have decided to contact both Grand Prive and eCOGRA with our members concerns. It appears that, although the investigation by eCOGRA and the decision to ask for the said investigation by Grand Prive is a step in the right direction, many feel it is not being conducted correctly. With this in mind here is an open letter to both parties.

To Whom It May Concern,

Reference: eCOGRA investigation of Grand Prive affiliate program.

Due to concerns raised by many GAU members, we are obliged to contact you with a view to both parties reconsidering certain parts of the investigation.

Firstly, some of our members feel that the deadline of December 21st 2009 is too soon, it should be extended to a later date. We would suggest that the deadline be moved forward to the 31st of January at the very earliest. Perhaps an alternative arrangement could be made, would not Grand Prive be prepared to honour all claims after the deadline on the same basis that is agreed as a result of the investigation with claims made by the deadline? This is all without taking in to account the fact that Grand Prive should be able to email all affiliates requesting they make a claim, why can this not be done?

Simply relying on forums and watchdog organisations to advertise the investigation and need to claim by Dec 21st 2009 will not give affiliates ample time to claim.

Can either party suggest a reason why a claim needs to be made? The consensus of opinion within the GAU membership is that the reason is less than honourable. Whilst conducting the audit should eCOGRA not raise claims for affiliates who are due remuneration but have not filed a claim?

Secondly, if and when it is found that some affiliates are due remuneration from Grand Prive it has not been made clear how the situation will be resolved. Will Grand Prive be paying up to date? If so what date? Will Grand Prive then reopen their affiliate program and continue to pay on lifetime revenues or will the payment be a severance pay? If it is to be a severance payment will there be a consideration for lost future revenues? If so, how will this be calculated? Will each case be dealt with individually or will an agreement be made between Grand Prive and eCOGRA on a severance payment calculation?

It is also apparent from our membership that the requirements of the claim form are, in many cases impossible to meet. If an affiliate is unable to meet all of the requirements of the claim form will this disallow their claim?

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.

Whilst the GAU management believe that eCOGRA will conclude this investigation in a fair and just manner, we also believe that for both eCOGRA and Grand Prive, it would be sensible to involve at least one third party organisation. This would help to prevent any future issues arising with regards to the outcome of the investigation.

If either party wishes to reply to the GAU regarding anything contained herewith, please consider any discussions to be completely confidential.

Best Regards,

Paul White

Chairman GAU

paul@gamblingaffiliatesunion.org