EcoCard Retreats from U.S.

It had been a while since an online funding method decided to pull out of the U.S. market.  It seemed like those who were going to already did, and those who remained would remain indefinitely.  Now EcoCard has joined the ranks of former options for Americans. 

While no official statement has been made by the company yet, David Brickman of Jackpot Factory, an online casino, bingo, and poker group which uses the Microgaming software platform, has confirmed the move.  "I'd like to clarify the EcoCard issue,” Brickman said.  “EcoCard has informed us, and I'm sure other casinos as well, that they will be pulling out of the US gaming market and replacing their EcoCard payment option with a new option. They will transfer their existing US customers over. Only players who have accumulated $500 or more in (gaming) transactions will be invited to move to the new payment method." 

So, it looks like, while potential new customers are out of luck, many current EcoCard account holders may still have an option.  It also appears from the statement that EcoCard may be able to avoid a Neteller debacle and actually get Americans their funds. 

EcoCard has never been a widely use payment method for online gaming.  Only a handful of sites accepted it and it was very heavy in fees.  Nonetheless, it was one of the few halfway decent options out there for U.S. gamers, so it is sad to see it go.