Cashing out after Whoring

[Mike_S]

I received a phone call from PP when I cashed out after getting bonus money. They wanted to know why I was cashing out so quickly, almost like they were not going to give me my money. I was transferred to several different people, very intimidating, and cashed out all but $100. Couple of days later I cashed it all out.
Question: Would it have made a difference if I was using Neteller? I like the whole idea of building a bank roll, but I almost feel guilty about it. Or that I am doing something wrong.
Any help on this is greatly appreciated

[richrf]

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the story. Seriously, the people who you were talking to are outsourced specialists whose job it is to keep your money inside Party Poker. They are probably commissioned based upon their ratio. It's not uncommon. You should have seen what I had to go through to close out my Compuserve account (this outsourced company happened to be in India - but it doesn't matter where they are located).

Intimidation is part of their training as is stubborn refusal and switching between departments hoping that you give up. These are tried and proven tactics. Ultimately, they should give your money back. I can't say they have to because each of these companies are based off-shore so theoretically, if you wanted to take legal action, it would be very difficult for you. However, they do have their reputation and they would not want to take a chance at this point - so they reluctantly as possible give up the money.

So, basically, you did nothing wrong other than you exercised your rights under the terms of conditions. There are specialists on the other end of the cord whose job it is to reverse your decision in any way possible. C'est business.

Cya,
Rich

[BradleyT]

I would tell them you're going to try Paradise or PokerStars and they'd probably give you some sort of bonus on the spot to keep your money with them.

[metsmaniac823]

Has anyone else had a similar problem, or any difficulties cashing out from sites?

I'd especially want to know from posters who followed Homer's bankroll builder, since there seems to be a good deal of depositing/withdrawing. I'm planning to attempt it myself in the next month or so. I've gotten calls from poker sites only to confirm the account's information when first depositing, never when withdrawing. Will they catch on or more importantly, will they care?

[richrf]

Hi,

I haven't tried any of these bonuses yet, but I went through the mathematics and time requirements, and decided to pass on the whole thing. I can do better packing bags at my grocery store (not sure it would be as much fun though). I've set my main priority on learning slowly at the levels that I can handle and enjoy (Paradise, for example, wants me to start at the .25/.50 level, and play, what amounts to over 400 hands to earn my bonus), and for me, I really don't need any of it. To go through Homer's model, I would probably have to give up all of my family and friends for a year. I'm too old for that. :-)

I like Paradise, but will politely pass on the bonus. When I am ready to deposit, I will start on the _no-rake_, no stress, micro tables, and work my self up, assuming I ever get beyond micros (maybe I am a terrible poker player - I don't know). I am also going to play a bit a PokerStars just for variety and observe the differences.

My recommendation, is to make sure you understand all of your commitments - i.e. monetary, time, etc., before you start Homer's tour, and don't forget you will be dealing with organizations that will use all types of tactics to get your money and keep it there. (I really don't want any gambling house calling me up at my home - especially if online gambling is illegal where I live.) They are all off-shore and can and will do pretty much what they want. I've noticed people who complain about their treatment being caller "whiners", so you are pretty much on your own. Start with the most well established ones, and ones that you understand well before yout proceed to far.

Homer's tour is interesting, but I think the full commitment needs to be thoroughly fleshed out so that newbies can understand it better. I am sure that the old-timers know exactly what they are doing and modify it based upon their experiences and knowledge. Also, remember, that there may be people on these forums (there are lots of forums on the Web) recommending things, and who knows who they represent, so always do your own homework. It will probably save you lots of problems in the long run.

My .02 for what it is worth.

Rich

[AncientPC]

You can believe the sky is falling like Rich, or just visit this thread.

Oh and by the way Rich, at some sites you get paid £5/table hour you play. At the current currency exchange rate that means you get paid at least $10/hour to play poker. Couple that with multiple tables and you can make $50 around a hour. I don't know where you live, but grocery baggers don't get paid $10/hour.

[richrf]

I would make just about $10/hour for bagging - a bit more if I upgraded to a cashier (I'm including benefits of, course). I think, though, I would make a bit less jamming hamburgers into cartons for McDonald's. Not sure how well I would do begging. I could always wear a sign: "Please help my family. Lost my money whoring." [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

Seriously, it is not the "amount of bonuses", but the amount of money that you make at the end that counts. And when I factor in the rakes, the blinds, and the fact that I am a "fish" (that is the word that you guys use to describe me, isn't it?), my guess is that at the end, I will be making negative payback - at least at these higher limits at this time in my poker life. So, for the time being, if I am looking to have fun, I will play at the micro limits with no rake, and if I am looking to make money, I will bag at the grocers.

Rich [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

[AncientPC]

The least you can do if you do not plan on clearing a bonus (and it doesn't expire) is to deposit the money, then cash out everything but what your comfortable with. That way you can slowly work off the bonus if you ever get around to it.

[AngryCola]

[ QUOTE ]
Seriously, it is not the "amount of bonuses", but the amount of money that you make at the end that counts.

[/ QUOTE ]

You know, the amount of bonuses contributes to what you make. For a newbie, these amounts can make up the substantial portion of your winnings.

But I know you don't want to hear anything about how online poker is at all profitable, so I digress.

[ QUOTE ]
and the fact that I am a "fish" (that is the word that you guys use to describe me, isn't it?)

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes.


*NOTE TO OTHER BEGINNERS*
Don't listen to rich.

[Mike_S]

Thanks Angry, So the bottom line is DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE PHONE CALLS, right? Just keep on whoring.

IMO if Rich took the time to played cards like he takes the time to write he would be pretty good.