anyone in the know

[DOGS THAT BARK]

have any lowdown on 1st Stakes situation?

[Bookiebar]

Net bookies firststake.com issue warning over future

Published: 07/02/2001 (News) BRUCE JACKSON
FEARS over the financial health of another
internet betting site were heightened yesterday after the company behind firststake.com warned service providers about its future.
Shares in the Bristol-based firm remain suspended and calls to its directors went unreturned yesterday.
This follows the crash of internet bookmaker betachance 16 days ago, with punters owed pounds 30,000, and concerns raised over another site, inter-bet.
Firststake plc has been involved in
on-off talks with Bowman International Sports Limited for some time, and Friday's annual meeting announced new negotiations with Bowman-but yesterday indications were that these had broken down.
The company, which has betting shops in the Bristol area, was understood to be in talks with another possible suitor yesterday. This is believed to be Gala, the
bingo hall owners, who are interested in the betting-shop operation, leaving the website with an uncertain future
A website message added: "On the
advice of the company's advisers, firststake's shares will remain suspended pending a further announcement. But it's business as usual for all our valued customers."
The Racing Post has received complaints about the inter-bet site, with one punter threatening to contact BBC's Watchdog to highlight his plight.
Darren Atherton claimed his account had been closed after an argument over a price offered and then cancelled without repayment of funds to his credit card.
His attempts to pursue the matter,
including a bombardment of emails, failed to bring a response from the firm and the site went offline for a while last week.
Inter-bet is not covered by the independent betting arbitration service (IBAS) because it is run by offshore bookmakers.
Betachance pulled the plug on January 22, but punters have been promised their money "by the end of next week".
Conrad Allen yesterday issued a statement clarifying his involvement with
betachance. The Newmarket trainer said the sports-days.com website, of which he is a director, offered a pounds 99 free bet with
betachance for Shadowfaxracing members for six weeks up to the end of September last year.
The statement added: "Betachance is wholly unconnected to Sportsday Ltd, Mr Conrad Allen or any members of his family. He is not a member of the board of
directors of betachance nor has he had any involvement with betachance, save as outlined.''
nAnyone who has had problems with
internet betting firms can email the
Racing Post with details at editor@
racingpost.co.uk.

[Bookiebar]

By the way it appears multisports (another arm of 1ststake) is still accepting bets.

From tipex.com ..

"Multisports have split with Firststake and may be bet with directly (presently only for deposit customers - tel 01236 752828). Due to uncertainties highlighted in today's Racing Post" (the article above)

[DOGS THAT BARK]

Thanks Bookiebar:
If I may would like to repost your findings elsewhere for benefit of several golf punters who are signed up with them.
Appreciate your quick response.

[Bookiebar]

Post away!

[Bowman International]

Gary Bowman, Founder and Chairman of leading offshore bookmaker Bowman International, re-confirmed today (8 February 2001) that he withdrew from the deal with Firststake plc on January 24th, 2001.

Further discussions regarding the acquisition of the Firstake business did take place but did not lead to a deal.

With annual revenue exceeding $200m from its operations in Manchester, the Isle of Man and Mauritius, Bowman International will continue to be a leading independent offshore bookmaker.

Bowman International will focus its energies on enhancing its core telephone business and exploring other opportunities in the industry.


[This message has been edited by Bowman International (edited 02-08-2001).]

[REALITY]

FROM THE FIRSTSTAKE WEB SITE AT:

WWW.FIRSTSTAKE.COM


Dear Customer,

We are sorry to inform you that owing to financial difficulties the Firststake.com website is no longer active and your account with us is now closed.

We are, however, extremely pleased to inform you that we have negotiated an exclusive deal with Sportingbet.com (UK) plc who are willing to honour your funds on deposit.

Sportingbet.com is a tax-free, publicly traded company on AIM, part of the London Stock Exchange with its British gaming licence in Alderney, Channel Islands. They have over 60,000 customers from over 100 countries and have been trading since 1998.

All you have to do is set up an account with www.sportingbet.com and then contact their customer services department on 01481 825030 or via [email protected] with your old firststake.com ID number and name as it appeared on your account, along with your new sportingbet.com account details. Your previous deposit balance at firststake.com will then be transferred to sportingbet.com. Unfortunately, it is not possible to transfer/honour any open bets you have with Firststake.

Sportingbet.com will welcome you as a customer to what I think you will find is a first class service with a wide range of sports events and bet types on offer. Should you wish to withdraw your funds from sportingbet.com, sportingbet.com merely ask that you trial their excellent service by placing a minimum bet of £20 beforehand; please note also that withdrawal requests cannot be processed by sportingbet until the 19th February.

We are clearly disappointed that we were unable to continue trading but do thank you sincerely for your custom these last few months. We also appreciate Sportingbet's support in honouring your funds and wish you good luck.

Firststake.com


Your Next Steps


1. Set up an account with www.sportingbet.com


2. Make a note of your new Sportingbet Account ID number, Username and Password


3. Contact the Customer Service department on 01481 825030 or by emailing [email protected]


4. Tell the Customer Service operator your former Firststake.com Account ID Number and full name as it appeared on your account, and your new Sportingbet Account ID number and UserName.
(Customer Services will not ask you for your new Password - this is for your confidential use only).


5. Your previous balance at Firststake.com will then be transferred to your new account at Sportingbet.com








[This message has been edited by REALITY (edited 02-08-2001).]

[DOGS THAT BARK]

Thank you gentlemen.Reality received email concerning same. Thanks
Will miss 1st Stake. Great out for golf punters,in fact was the best in my opinion.

[FatBoy]

Looks like they're only transferring balances as of 2/6. This does not include any open bets. It looks like they are lost. Just my luck, as I have 1 unit Davis Love e/w. I'm sure he's a lock to win it now.

[DOGS THAT BARK]

Ditto Fats I ate all pending also.Fortunately I took Love @ Sportingbet despite 4 pay as continuing luck facor from last week.
Have you got transfer yet? It appears they messed up and transfered pounds to U.S. dollars on 1 to 1 basis with me.