It was recently called to our attention that pokerchipper.com is using ChipGuide content (images, descriptions, format) on their version of the ChipGuide, which is called PCCG.
Looking back to June 6th of 2023, a post to TheChipBoard.com, by Dan Madrigrano indicated that he had scraped all the content off TheChipGuide.com. [see screenshot of 6/6/23 TheChipBoard post below]
More recently, in conjunction with the CCA Board, the MoGH Board and their legal representative, Michael Siskin, an investigative action into these circumstances was conducted, and a resulting course of action(s) was formulated. Said action(s) were to issue a formal Cease and Desist request, and follow that up with a DMCA Takedown Notice, in the event of a failure to abide by the requested Cease and Desist.
Dan Madrigrano did offer to remove any images, individually, if we, as an organization, provided substantiating proof. Of course, it is extremely impractical to file a complaint for each of the 190,000+ images of casino chips from the United States that were taken from the ChipGuide.
Therefore, Pokerchipper.com did not comply with the Cease and Desist request, and we are now taking the additional steps to have ChipGuide content removed from PCCG, much of which was provided exclusively for ChipGuide usage, and for which pokerchipper.com has no authority to use.
The ChipGuide is a community project with the community (casino memorabilia collectors) providing images of their items for use on the ChipGuide. The issue with PCCG is that they never asked for and never received permission to use any content from the ChipGuide. It was just taken without any authorization. This is not about sharing or wanting exclusive use of casino history. The ChipGuide has a webpage with over 20 links to other casino collectibles websites, we recognize that we cannot be the only source of casino history. The ChipGuide regularly gets request to use ChipGuide content, typically for a reference book. The ChipGuide is pleased to share our content when it is in the best interests of the hobby and permission is requested.
The issue here is unauthorized use of ChipGuide content. It has nothing to do with sharing or wanting to be the only provider of casino history. Sharing means that permission has been given to use something. There is another word that is used when taking something without permission.
We thank you for your understanding while we get this sorted out.
Screenshot of 6/6/23 TheChipBoard post
danmadrigrano.jpg