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Online poker affiliates claim a relatively new room has been stiffing them. That room is CardSpike.com, launched last this past summer. A number of its affiliates and some industry observers have told Gambling911.com the new online poker room is owned by some individuals behind Casino Affiliate Programs, also known as CAP - an online gambling affiliate conference promotion group.
Payton O'Brien, Senior Editor for Gambling911.com questioned why anyone from CAP would risk their highly successful business model to engage in such a conflict of interest, not to mention the legal ramifications.
"We know and respect the folks behind CAP," O'Brien stated. "For whatever the reason there are quite a few people who have it out for CAP, which sometimes makes it difficult to separate facts from fiction. "The two people who are behind the program, claim that they do not own it but are only managing the affiliate aspects of the company through effectivemedia.com which is related to Casino Affiliate Programs," a source tells Gambling911.com.
What is known, however, is that CardSpike has been giving many of its affiliates the run around.
"Since the launch of CardSpike, affiliates have made a number of complaints," one of its affiliates claims. "There are still outstanding payments owing to rakeback players."
Angry CardSpike.com affiliates have also taken their anger to the TwoPlusTwo Posting forums.
"The fraudulent "safety seal" (paid for) at PAP/CAP (poker affiliate programs and casino affiliate programs) is a sham, this site is run by ******.
This company has told SOME affiliates to stop sending players, even though most affiliates and some players have not been paid or cashouts processed.
Why tell a select few affiliates to stop sending players? I believe this poker room was opened as a hit and run operation and frankly think the Cake Network should do something about it - and fast!"
The Cake Poker network hosts CardSpike.com.
While cashout issues tend to be the norm due to limited processing access for US facing online poker rooms, a number of the complaints filed have come from those affiliates operating outside the United States.
Nat Arem, who became widely known for his role in unveiling a cheating scandal involving Absolute Poker, has also warned affiliates and players alike not to patronize the CardSpike.com website.
"I want to make everyone aware, that, if you do sign up for a Cake Poker network rakeback account, do NOT do it at CardSpike," he warns on his own blog website. "CardSpike is a rogue skin on the Cake Poker network that has been delaying making payouts for months now. If you're going to sign up for rakeback on the Cake Network, do it either at Cake Poker or Players Only. There are many reputable rakeback operators who run rakeback on these networks."
Christopher Costigan, Gambling911.com Publisher
