Rival Has Bad News for Canadians

February 2, 2009 (InfoPowa News) — Online gambling marketing affiliates were surprised last week to receive notifications from the Rival Internet gambling company, believed to be owned by Canadian residents, that it intended to exit the Canadian market by February 1st, 2009.
 
The notification advised that, beginning February 1st, 2009, Canadian players will not be allowed to register new accounts with any Rival-powered casino. Existing Canadian players will not be permitted to deposit in the casino from this point on, and will be ineligible for any bonuses.
 
Apparently, Rival executives made the decision to cease operations with Canadian players because of a request from many of their suppliers located in Canada. For various reasons, these suppliers have asked Rival to sever ties with Canadian players and Rival has agreed. It does not specify exactly what type of suppliers it refers to.
 
"February 28, 2009 at midnight EST will see all existing Canadian player accounts suspended indefinitely," the notification goes on. "Players have been urged to use the month of February to complete any wagering on active promotions and withdraw funds from their accounts. Any funds left in their account after February 28th, 2009 will not be cashable and the player will not be allowed to login to their account," the advisory controversially informs.
 
The notification advises affiliates with Canadian-facing campaigns: "If you have campaigns running that are directed strictly at Canadian players, they will no longer be effective beginning February 1st. Paradise 8 and Cocoa Casino will continue to promote and accept players from the USA and every other country in the world with the same vigor and as always."
 
The notice is signed off by Jaxon Lam of the affiliate marketing team.