Email from Coinbase asking if I'm using their services for "gambling purposes"

**pabonaparte** · 03-25-16, 02:25 PM

Move to Colombia lol

**capone1899** · 03-25-16, 02:47 PM

Suggestion: you're an idiot for not using a intermediate wallet like blockchain

**Courtesywipe** · 03-25-16, 02:48 PM

With all the recent feedback regarding moving funds via Bitcoin, Coinbase & Circle specifically, I get the feelng this method will not be around for the duration. It would be nice to have a way to funds that would last.

**pinnerpsk** · 03-25-16, 02:52 PM

Originally posted by capone1899

Suggestion: you're an idiot for not using a intermediate wallet like blockchain

Thanks for the quality feedback pal.

**hello1234567** · 03-25-16, 02:59 PM

Got my account closed yesterday. Circle seems like they are beginning to shut down all the accounts they can related to gambling.

**temple2010** · 03-25-16, 03:02 PM

Lmfao.

Originally posted by pinnerpsk

Thanks for the quality feedback pal.

**themike78** · 03-25-16, 03:04 PM

Originally posted by Courtesywipe

With all the recent feedback regarding moving funds via Bitcoin, Coinbase & Circle specifically, I get the feelng this method will not be around for the duration. It would be nice to have a way to funds that would last.

Only a matter of time before it goes away. It's going to be the exact same thing that happened to Neteller. I wish it would last but it's not going to.

**VeggieDog** · 03-25-16, 03:17 PM

Originally posted by Courtesywipe

With all the recent feedback regarding moving funds via Bitcoin, Coinbase & Circle specifically, I get the feelng this method will not be around for the duration. It would be nice to have a way to funds that would last.

When one door closes, another opens. Degenerates are a resourceful group. We'll always figure out a way to get our fix.

**Scorpion** · 03-25-16, 03:30 PM

How do they know about ur accounts transactions to gambling sites? They can trace ur transactions?

**raiders72001** · 03-25-16, 03:32 PM

Originally posted by pinnerpsk

Earlier today I got an email from Coinbase asking if I was using their services for gambling purposes. (Of course I am

). I replied back and told them I trade bitcoin and will often send and receive bitcoins as part of my job doing web design contracts.

Received this message back:

-Can you clarify what website/service your recent bitcoin transaction was sent to?
-Please provide documentation to help support your statement. We accept documentation in “.pdf”, “.png”, or “.jpg” formatting.
-Thank you for your assistance with our due diligence review process.

I probably sent and received 10 transactions that ultimately totaled 3-5BC. Also I wasn't using an intermediary at the time

. I was just sending BC straight from Coinbase to the book. Any suggestions here?

Most get closed for not using an intermediary.

**raiders72001** · 03-25-16, 03:46 PM

Originally posted by Scorpion

How do they know about ur accounts transactions to gambling sites? They can trace ur transactions?

Blockchain.info is a wallet. The blockchain shows proof of all transactions. All transactions are recorded on the blockchain. When you sign up at Circle, they have all your personal information.

Most bitcoin transactions are for gambling. If there are an inordinate amount of transactions at a bitcoin address, Coinbase assumes that address is being used for gambling although they are not 100% positive. The amount of transactions that we make is miniscule compared to a bitcoin sportsbook.

Coinbase is a big exchange located in the US. They aren't going to take a chance on someone transferring directly to a gambling site.

There are some big bitcoin sportsbooks as well as dice sites. These sites are going to be flagged unless precautions are taken. Most big bitcoin gambling sites take precautions and as long as you change up your deposit address at that sportsbook, you are fine. It takes one click to change a deposit address if not given a new one every time.

**Optional** · 03-25-16, 03:49 PM

Originally posted by pinnerpsk

Earlier today I got an email from Coinbase asking if I was using their services for gambling purposes. (Of course I am

). I replied back and told them I trade bitcoin and will often send and receive bitcoins as part of my job doing web design contracts.

Received this message back:

-Can you clarify what website/service your recent bitcoin transaction was sent to?
-Please provide documentation to help support your statement. We accept documentation in “.pdf”, “.png”, or “.jpg” formatting.
-Thank you for your assistance with our due diligence review process.

I probably sent and received 10 transactions that ultimately totaled 3-5BC. Also I wasn't using an intermediary at the time

. I was just sending BC straight from Coinbase to the book. Any suggestions here?

I'd reply that you choose bitcoin partly due to the privacy aspect and you are not about to compromise yours or your business partners privacy by handing over information about anyone.

They will probably close your account anyway but you don't have a lot of options left at this stage and it might be worth a try. They could be bluffing to get you to admit/confirm it still.

**raiders72001** · 03-25-16, 03:53 PM

Originally posted by Optional;25491113[U

]I'd reply that you choose bitcoin partly due to the privacy aspect and you are not about to compromise yours or your business partners privacy by handing over information about anyone.[/U]

They will probably close your account anyway but you don't have a lot of options left at this stage and it might be worth a try. They could be bluffing to get you to admit/confirm it still.

Agree 100% and everyone should take that approach. Perfect answer.

**raiders72001** · 03-25-16, 03:56 PM

Electronic currencies are here to stay whether it be bitcoin or an improved version.

**Scorpion** · 03-25-16, 04:19 PM

Originally posted by raiders72001

Coinbase is a big exchange located in the US. They aren't going to take a chance on someone transferring directly to a gambling site..

Any site not located in the US that will let users transfer to/from US banks?

**pinnerpsk** · 03-25-16, 04:27 PM

Originally posted by Optional

I'd reply that you choose bitcoin partly due to the privacy aspect and you are not about to compromise yours or your business partners privacy by handing over information about anyone.

They will probably close your account anyway but you don't have a lot of options left at this stage and it might be worth a try. They could be bluffing to get you to admit/confirm it still.

Thanks.

**big joe 1212** · 03-25-16, 04:48 PM

Coinbase suspended my account as of yesterday for "security" reasons. Makes no sense since I use blockchain every single time.

Guess I'll use circle now.

**GoldRush7** · 03-25-16, 05:05 PM

Curious to those who have had accounts suspended - how many transfers are you doing per week? And How much volume? This is very concerning, as this has been the easiest, most efficient method yet.

**raiders72001** · 03-25-16, 05:18 PM

Originally posted by big joe 1212

Coinbase suspended my account as of yesterday for "security" reasons. Makes no sense since I use blockchain every single time.

Guess I'll use circle now.

Did you transfer Circle to blockchain and then immediately to the sportsbook or did you ever delay the transfers?

I'm trying to figure this out since there's obviously been a recent change in procedure.

I don't think it has anything to do with amount of transactions or dollar amount.

**big joe 1212** · 03-25-16, 05:35 PM

I usually only do 2-3 transfers per month. Very low volume.

I do transfer coinbase to blockchain to book very quickly. So maybe that's it. They might be looking at the blockchain transactions?

**Jnas** · 03-25-16, 05:39 PM

If circle and coinbase keep this up they are going put put themselves out of business

**GoldRush7** · 03-25-16, 05:45 PM

Originally posted by big joe 1212

I usually only do 2-3 transfers per month. Very low volume.

I do transfer coinbase to blockchain to book very quickly. So maybe that's it. They might be looking at the blockchain transactions?

That doesn't seem like enough volume to "flag" you. I think you could be right that it has something to do with how quickly you moved the coins. Could also be that the book wasn't generating a new address, or used the same address more than once. I really have no idea though. I just took some out this afternoon, I may wait a day or 2 before transferring them to CB.

**jimmy007oc** · 03-25-16, 05:50 PM

What happen to the bitcoin in the account the got banned? can we move them or cash them out?

**GoldRush7** · 03-25-16, 06:05 PM

Just thought of this - Is it possible that they can track the IP address in which you are using to send/receive? In that case they may see that the same IP address had transactions to/from wallets they deem "questionable". I guess we can only speculate for now though.

**themike78** · 03-25-16, 06:36 PM

This whole b.s. with circle and coinbase reminds me of the other 2 money transfer places out there. You know the black one and the red one. Same b.s. that gets people banned from those companies. Gambling related money transfers. Same exact thing. I guess the bottom line is circle and coinbase are good places to buy bitcoin from and transfer to your bank account but not for gambling transactions. Very frustrating though.

**raiders72001** · 03-25-16, 06:39 PM

Originally posted by big joe 1212

I usually only do 2-3 transfers per month. Very low volume.

I do transfer coinbase to blockchain to book very quickly. So maybe that's it. They might be looking at the blockchain transactions?

This has to be it.

**themike78** · 03-25-16, 06:39 PM

I guess you can't blame them. It is the stupid U.S government they are worried about. If the government finds out they are helping with gambling transactions the feds will shut them down. When will this finally be legal? It's getting pathetic at this point.

**raiders72001** · 03-25-16, 06:41 PM

Originally posted by jimmy007oc

What happen to the bitcoin in the account the got banned? can we move them or cash them out?

Circle and Coinbase won't confiscate the money if you get banned. They let you cash out or transfer.

**raiders72001** · 03-25-16, 06:43 PM

Originally posted by themike78

I guess you can't blame them. It is the stupid U.S government they are worried about. If the government finds out they are helping with gambling transactions the feds will shut them down. When will this finally be legal? It's getting pathetic at this point.

The government knows that bitcoin transactions are used for gambling. They've known it for at least 5 years when bitcoins were used for drugs, sports books and dice.

The coin market cap on bitcoins isn't high enough to make it high priority.

Optional summed it up. Coinbase is looking for a reason not to ban you. Use a wallet in the middle and delay transfers.

**BrickJames** · 03-25-16, 08:14 PM

Blockchain

**QuantumLeap** · 03-25-16, 09:06 PM

I transfer from coinbase to my wallet on my computer. From there I transfer to Poloniex.com which is a coin investment web site.

When I was asked what I do with my BTC I answered that I invest at Poloniex.

From Poloniex I transfer to the sportsbooks.

**HappyHounds** · 03-25-16, 11:23 PM

^That's a good suggestion... you could use Gemini exchange as an intermediate wallet (super fast sending). Then you could explain all your transactions.

I've had this happen from both Circle and Coinbase. I'd just keep going with your story. Provide a little made up information and you might be fine. It worked for me with Circle

**Grivas_Digeni** · 03-25-16, 11:24 PM

Originally posted by Jnas

If circle and coinbase keep this up they are going put put themselves out of business

I thought Pokerstars or Pinnacle would go down after Black Friday. Didn't happen.

**Grivas_Digeni** · 03-25-16, 11:31 PM

Originally posted by themike78

This whole b.s. with circle and coinbase reminds me of the other 2 money transfer places out there. You know the black one and the red one. Same b.s. that gets people banned from those companies. Gambling related money transfers. Same exact thing. I guess the bottom line is circle and coinbase are good places to buy bitcoin from and transfer to your bank account but not for gambling transactions. Very frustrating though.

It's still pretty easy to deposit to 5 dimes with cards issued by many major U.S. banks. They charge a pretty hefty fee on deposits and I'm guessing withdrawals are even worse for the gambler. Why would Circle/whoever else be different? Of course they are trying to cover their ass by asking you questions 'to make sure we are in compliance' but will they really investigate and pursue your case if given a plausible explanation?

NOT UNLESS YOU ARE JUST STANDING THERE WITH A SMOKING GUN