Confusion over fate of internet poker network

The LGA, Malta’s online gambling regulator, has suspended licencing for the Melita Gaming Network along with True Money Games Ltd (TMG) for reasons not clear at the time InfoPowa went to press.

The notification advises:  Suspension of Melita Gaming Network Limited Class 4 Licence

The Lotteries and Gaming Authority hereby notifies that the licence LGA/CL4/262/2006 held by Melita Gaming Network Limited has been suspended as of 12th May 2011.

Melita Gaming Network Limited operated a Class 4 licence.

Players who deem to have any outstanding payments due to them on the mentioned licence are to send an email to complaints@lga.org.mt and should submit the following information:

1. Name and Surname
2. Registered Address
3. Date of Birth
4. Certified True Copy of Passport, or ID Card or Driving Licence (by email or post)
5. Telephone Number
6. User Name
7. Amount of Claim of Balance or pending Cash Out
8. Screenshot of Balance or any Cash Out’s pending (if not available estimated balance)

A similar notification follows for True Money Games Ltd (TMG) who operated on a Limited Class 3/4 licence on Melita Gaming Network’s platform through the domain name www.truemoneygames.com.

A statement to players from PlayWSOB.com, the online backgammon site for World Series of Backgammon, who shared a platform with TMG Ltd (Melita Gaming Network) said:

“In recent days it has come to our attention that our technology provider, the Melita Gaming Network (TMG Ltd) based in Malta may have “critical financial problems” following the sudden departure of senior management, including CEO Mr Trevor Ellis and colleagues.”

“Concerning the liquidation of our technology provider, Melita Gaming Group and Network, who are a totally separate company from WSOB :

If you had a cash account, please visit the Maltese Gaming Authority for specific information about how to recover your funds or follow the link for the WSOB statement and feedback from other players.  In the meantime, we are working on a new online backgammon solution for our 1000s of players which we will be announcing soon.”

From the WSOB perspective, we are of course extremely surprised by these developments and angry at the extremely concerning lack of dialogue from the Melita Gaming Network or Group”.

Unconfirmed speculation on the message boards is that the Melita Gaming Network has allegedly shut down.