Problems with GOTO tonight?

[Bette Midler]

I've been having problems logging into my GOTO account since about 4:30 PM ET this afternoon. I hit the login link on the Java frame at the bottom of the screen and all it did was load a blank white page with no logo or login fields.

I called at 5:00 PM ET and no one there seemed to thing there was a problem at their end, so I tried logging in using another computer. Same problem. Also, I noticed their live lines page showed no changes tonight, and even though things are slow with the movers on sabbatical, GOTO was still were listing the Cubs at -138 at game time when everyone else was between 144 and 150. Something must be amiss.

I've been trying to call them again since 8 PM ET and have gotten nothing but busy signals. Has anyone else had problems accessing their account at GOTO or getting in touch with them by phone?

Hopefully this is just a minor telecom fart and nothing serious. Would like to hear from anyone who has an account with them whether they've been able to get through this evening. Thanks.

[rfd]

BM,
Had no problems today, just accessed their site and they have tomorrow's lines up and nothing seems unusual.

rfd

[Bette Midler]

RFD,

Did you access the lines via your account or the live lines link from their java frame? I can also see tomorrow's lines, but I cannot access the account login page. Anyone else having problems getting into their account or contacting GOTO by phone? I'm still getting busy signals at 10:30 PM Eastern.

[rfd]

BM,
I accessed through the login page using account # and password. I called GoTo and they did say they were having problems - some people were getting through and some weren't. They are working on it.

rfd

[Bette Midler]

Thanks. I couldn't even reach them via phone. Hopefully the problem will be resolved by tomorrow. They are one of my favorite outs.

[walleyek]

Bette, I just signed up with GOTO. Have you experienced prompt pay outs? I don't like their Monday-only withdrawal rule. Also, I don't think they have run lines on baseball, do they? Thx.

[Underdog7]

Just a comment. A book who only has once a week payout should be rated "dead last".

Now, a book who has rules of sending once a week deposit only equivalent to once a week payout, I would say that is "pretty even". Thank you all.

[Underdog7]

Whoops I forgot. GoTo is one of the few I'd known that if you request for a W. Union withdrawal on Monday (which is the only day of withdrawal), you will get your dough on Wednesday. Now that is waaayyyyyyyyy beyond my understading.

[Bette Midler]

Walleyek,

I've only been with them since the beginning of this baseball season, and have not yet made a withdrawal, but I'm sure others in this forum could answer that question for you quite affirmatively.

Regarding Monday only payouts, I can certainly understand where UD7 is coming from. With the vast number of other books offering payouts 5 or 6 days a week, some players will be inclined to take their business elsewhere.

For myself, I like the fact that GOTO offers overnight 10c lines with dime limits. I also am not disuaded by the Monday only payouts, probably because before the internet took over, I used to play with the locals and we always settled week to week, with Mondays closing out each week. Its simply something I was used to and have come to accept it more agreeably than some others.

These days, however, I think the Monday only payout policy, employed by virtually every Unified Gaming shop, is outdated and probably a vestige left over from the old days when local shops would settle their accounts once a week. In today's "buyers" market, customers are certainly more discerning and won't hesitate to vote with their feet if a shop is too restrictive with their payout options. I think this is one reason why Island and Sportbet will be switching over to 6 day a week payouts come football.

[rfd]

I've had an account with GoTo for years(actually since before they were known as GoTo)and they have always been one of my favorites. The only negative has been the once a week payout. It never really bothered me but the policy is simply not competitive in a very competitive business.
Also GoTo now has a new deposit/withdrawal option called NetTeller(http://www.neteller.com/nethelp/custhelp.cfm)which uses a "smartcard". This looks good to me at first glance. Does anyone know anything about NetTeller or smartcards in general,specifically how will the Feds try to screw this up like they are trying to do with all other methods of transfer.

Thanks,
rfd

[FatBoy]

I received the e-mail from goto about neteller. Looks interesting, but I went to the website and tried to get a list of merchants. Couldn't. You have to hook up a cable between your mouse and serial ports (to access the card).

They don't specifiy how you get your money. As far as i'm concerned, if the card doesn't work in an ATM, its nothing more than a credit card processor. The one redeeming aspect would be a centralized processing outlet (if alot of books signed on).

[This message has been edited by FatBoy (edited 07-20-2000).]

[walleyek]

The one payout per week policy is indeed lame and antiquated. I also do not like their agonizingly-slow web site. It's frustrating looking at the lines, deciding what to play, making the bet, and then finding out that your "screen has expired". Their software, which is also used by 5 Dimes and others, has to be replaced. It's inferior the alternatives out there.

[reno]

I play with 3 books that use the Unified Gaming software: Go To, Island, and Sportbet. At the beginning of baseball season, I was happy with the speed of the software. However, even though I recently paid to double the speed of my already fast cable modem, I am no longer happy with the software speed. Something has happend between the beginning of baseball season and now to slow down the software.

[walleyek]

I agree completely, Reno. Most of the time I have to get down on a game at the last minute and get back quickly so my wife doesn't know I'm doing it. I can't wait for slow software. That's why I really like Carib and Olympic. I truly believe they are the most efficient sites for getting down on a game.

[sportshobby]

For Island and SportBet you can play over the phone, using the IslandXpress screen for lines. Reno, I know you've been frustrated with the screen so far, but I can see daily improvements in speed and accuracy. I'm guessing that some kinks are still being worked out.