SBR SCAM ALERT

ATTENTION ONLINE SPORTS BETTORS ...

Free Service for Internet Users seeking Protection from
Offshore SCAM Sportsbooks

Online Sportsbook scams are a multimillion-dollar business. Over the last 5 years we've seen players lose millions of dollars, not because their bets lost, but because they sent money to scam sportsbooks. Here at Sportsbook Review, we rate every known sportsbook and issue SCAM Alerts to protect you and your money. Before you even think about sending money offshore, check the SBR SCAM Alert and the Rating Guide.

Don't be the next victim. Be aware of these common scam tactics you may encounter.

1. New Sportsbook with Large Bonuses (25%, 40% or more) - this is a very common tactic of new operations that don't know what they are doing. They open a new sportsbook (especially around football season) and offer large bonuses to get players to sign-up. Their business model is flawed from the beginning and will eventually lead to financial troubles, slow/no-pay disputes and eventual shutdown. Also beware of offers that combine High Bonuses with Reduced Juice, or Lines (odds) that are way out there. Obscure or soft lines can only mean one of two things: a lack of volume or that the book itself is gambling on events.

Promotions with high bonuses are also used by well-known scam operations to entice unaware players to deposit funds in their sportsbooks.

Remember: If a promotion looks too good to be true, it probably is.

2. Telemarketing or Cold-Calling - is a sign of desperation that the book may be getting ready to run for the hills. Scam telemarketers will use a variety of tactics to get their hands on your money. Some try to bully you, while others will charm you. In many cases it is a single high-pressure call or other pressure tactics requiring immediate decisions (usually to make a deposit). Watch out for anything that sounds fishy.

Remember: If a promotion over the phone does interest you, insist written information be sent to you before agreeing to make the deposit.

3. Outright SCAM Sportsbooks - usually open up right around football season. This type of scam operation is know as the deposit-only sportsbook because they do whatever it takes to get you to deposit your money with no intention of ever making pay-outs. The easiest way to spot a fake is to look for an address or phone number. If the site lists a phone number, call it and ask for their address. If they do not readily give you a valid address, consider them suspect and do further research before making a deposit. These rogue operations often use large bonuses, spam email and other shady tactics to lure players.

Remember: In this completely unregulated industry, you have to do extra research because there are no safety nets and only you are responsible for your funds.

Sportsbook Review recommends that players only make deposits at sportsbooks rated B- or higher. Once you find a sportsbook, stay up-to-date on scam operations, relevant events and business deals within the offshore sports gambling industry. Things change on a regular basis. That's why SBR offers a variety of RSS feeds and news wires you can use to access breaking news on scam operations, management changes and rating guide upgrades and downgrades.

SCAM ALERT

01.06.10 (07:47 AM CST) WagerWeb (SBR rating C-) confiscation of $9578.60 determined to be theft.
On December 21, 2009, SBR provided an update on this dispute. WagerWeb claimed that the player won a net of $9578.60 on correlated parlays, and that it had warned the player not to make this type of wager in the past. WagerWeb seized this money from the player's balance. SBR asked the sportsbook to, at minimum, provide proof that the player was warned, but was unable to.

The player provided a wager log that shows he started betting on August 23rd, 2009. From August 23 to October 24th, 2009, the player put in numerous bets consisting of mostly correlated parlays. The player lost and made redeposits on September 26th, October 4th and October 17th, 2009. With each redeposit, WagerWeb reviewed his play and gave him deposit bonuses. At one point, the player was down $11,000 betting correlated parlays (which WagerWeb was allowing during the losing streak). The player did not move past even until October 24th, at which point he was showing a net win of $3752. Correlated parlays accounted for a net win of $4302.

If WagerWeb had only confiscated $4302 (the player's net win from correlated parlays), it still would have been an unjust confiscation. Although WagerWeb's rule states that it does not accept correlated parlays, it had no problem honoring them when this player (and other players) were losing for months. WagerWeb's software permits line managers to designate what games are eligible for same-game parlays - if WagerWeb did not want to accept correlated parlays, it could have set its software to disallow any bet type it did not want. WagerWeb's selective enforcement of this rule allows it to free-roll players as evident by at one-time beating this player out of $11,000. Any practice that allows a book to accept wagers the Sportsbook can win, but the player cannot is unfair and unethical.

In addition to confiscating $4302 from the player's net win in correlated parlays, it stole another $5276.60. When it was pointed out to WagerWeb that the player won only $4302 from correlated parlays, it made no attempt to justify the additional theft.

01.03.10 (10:48 PM CST) AtotalSportsbook enters the SBR rating guide at F. AtotalSportsbook is a new sportsbook from the Costa Rica-based EZ Sports Group. All EZ Sports-affiliated books currently carry an F rating due to refusing to honor big winning wagers in the past.

10.04.09 (11:03 PM CST) BetFirstClass reserves right to cancel winning parlays and keeping losers?
A player reported that he placed a correlated parlay of a side and total in an NFL game. After BetFirstClass (SBR rating C-) graded the wager as a win, the player states it was cancelled. BFC cited the fact that the parlay picks were on correlated outcomes and not allowed despite the player's funds being at risk and the software allowing the wager. BetFirstClass' own rule acknowledges that the sportsbook is aware it is taking these bets while not honoring them.

Clients Betting on Correlated parlays run the risk of having funds deducted from the account. Balances and this can & will be done via mgmt here at betfirstclass on an Individual Basis. If you wager these type parlays, you are playing at your own risk. This includes any N.H.L Parlays where the Puck line is correlated to the total (if 6 or less)

Player:

Its bullsh*% the bets can be placed in their software and then they can re-grade after the game is over. Something to take note of... I spoke with the owner and it looks like they are standing firm on the issue.

Players should use caution when dealing with sportsbooks that expect players to govern themselves using their terms of service instead of making the proper investment in sportsbook software. SBR will inquire with BFC about both the general policy and rule and the player complaint.

09.17.09 (09:46 PM CST) DailyDime Sportsbook now under BTG gaming.
DailyDime (SBR rating D-) moves from no-pay Futurebet Group to the BTG Gaming Group. DailyDime will be reevaluated once BTG flagship sportsbook, Dimeline Sportsbook (SBR rating D+), addresses all payout delays and customer service complaints. Despite BTG issues, players with any Futurebet turnkey site, that is able to relocate to a new sportsbook host, have new hope of being paid. Futurebet (now rebranded as IGS) is one of the largest scams involving online betting.

09.13.09 (11:08 PM CST) New Dimeline Sportsbook player slow-paid $6,000
A Dimeline Sportsbook (SBR rating D) player reports a $4,000 withdrawal pending since May and an additional $2,000 since June. Recent slow-pays, absent and poor customer service, and disputes over exorbitant bonuses, lead SBR to again advise players to avoid Dimeline Sportsbook.

I have been extremely patient had have been waiting on THREE separate withdrawals from this outfit; the oldest aging since May02/2009. Here they are:
5/2 - $2,000
5/26 - $2,000
6/05 - $2,000
I have records of all my correspondence with Robert who was very communicative at first. His last broken promise came on 8/13/09 at which time he assured me a wire would be sent to my bank. I was promised a bank wire because the checks were "lost." That bank wire never came and now my emails to support go unanswered. Please contact me if you need any further information as I have documented all of my communication with this book.

09.06.09 (04:39 AM CST) Is WBEXonline Shilbet (SBR rating F) in new clothes?
SBR Forum posters point out that new sportsbook, WBEXonline, very much resembles Shilbet. Both used the same server with very similar IP addresses. Shilbet was known for offering weak lines and targeting UK players while operating from Costa Rica, as is the case with WBEX. Poster Champi also points out that the sportsbook has copied bwin (SBR rating C-) website url tags and rules pages. Whether a reincarnation of scam-book Shilbet or a new book run by inexperienced management, WBEXonline shows classic warning signs of a sportsbook that will eventually fail, taking player funds with it. | WBEXonline discussion

09.04.09 (11:16 AM CST) Additional Casineto slow-pay complaints received
On 8/14 SBR first reported on six Casineto (SBR rating D-) slow-pays. Two players confirmed payment in that time, and eight new slow-payment complaints have since been received. One player requested a $500 payment on June 15th to his Moneybookers account. The request was "approved" by Casineto but funds have not been received. Another player requested Moneybookers payment on June 20th for a mere $58 and also has not been paid. SBR will continue to press Casineto for answers, but players have received only generic email updates such as the following-

Casineto: "We are sorry for the delay in transferring your money. The processing of withdrawals is still in progress. Hopefully this week this will be completed. After this we will be able to transfer your money to you! We ask for your patience and understanding in the meantime! Sincerely, CasiNETo Support Team".

09.03.09 (10:14 PM CST) BookTheBet fails to pay winning player
A player using small problem sportsbook BookTheBet (SBR rating F) reported that he has been waiting for his funds for over six months. SBR has received a handful of no-pay cases each year from BookTheBet players. BookTheBet ownership also operates PornSportsbook.com (SBR rating F).

I have held out from posting this but after 6 months of trying to collect my money I am out of patience. I am owed $4927.56. BookTheBet has done nothing but lied to me, make empty promises, hang up the phone ignore me et. I have been told the check is in the mail at least 6 times. I have been told I would receive phone calls from the owner which never happens. I was told George would fly to Florida and meet me to pay me. I even went so far as to wait for him at the restaurant which we agreed to meet. Of Course he never showed. George who is the only one who answers the phone but, claims he is not the owner has done nothing but lie and steal my money. I have been in touch with Tony Block who I believe is financing the operation and his attitude is appalling. Supposedly the business was sold and they are starting anew but the "new owner" will not pay me and just offers me some ridiculous rollover bonus but only If I post excellent reviews about his company before he grants me this rollover, which even if I won I still would never get paid. What a Joke! I will be doing everything in my power to recover my money and I warn everyone please do not fall victim to this book. George and Book the Bet are stealing my money. I am offering a $1000 reward to whoever can collect my money for me or is the person responsible for putting this book out of business. They should not be allowed to stay in business and steal. I have all the proof necessary to back this post up. If anyone wants emails or phone logs please contact me. STAY AWAY FROM BOOKTHEBET.

08.28.09 (05:23 PM CST) WeBetNow enters the SBR rating guide at F
WeBetNow is the latest sportsbook to emerge from the Costa Rica-based EZ Sports Group. EZ Sports will launch new brands before football season each year to market to unsuspecting players. Players are advised to take note of the F rating assigned to all sportsbooks in the EZ Sports Group and ignore the seemingly generous promotions.

08.23.09 (11:33 PM CST) VietLuckyBet tries to catch victims with huge bonus offers
Scam sportsbook VietLuckyBet (SBR rating F) offering 70% free-play bonuses, up to $700. Players should avoid this scam and all too-good-to-be-true offers. When players ask about the sportsbook's lineage and backing they are lied to. VietLuckyBet claims they are affiliated with DonBest.

08.20.09 (11:25 PM CST) Houstonbet (SBR rating F) back under new names
Sources tell SBR Houstonbet / Vietnamese Sportsbook is back online using the websites VietLuckybet.com and VietBetCali.com. The deposit-only scam that targets Vietnamese-speaking bettors is apparently using any turnkey service provider that will accept it. The current host is an unknown service provider in Costa Rica. The original website, Houstonbet.com was hosted at Evo Data Processing, the provider known for owning stiff sportsbook, Lazerwager (SBR rating F).

08.14.09 (12:15 PM CST) More Casineto slow-pay complaints reach the SBR mailbox
Six Casineto (not rated) slow-pay complaints have been filed by bettors. The reports date back to May 30th, when one player requested $1400 via Moneybookers. He has yet to be paid. Another player is being slow-paid on a $2,000 Moneybookers payment requested June 22nd. The amount owed to players is over $15,000. Casineto has cited "technical issues" as reason for payment delays. Casineto Sportsbook is located in Costa Rica, and lists a physical UK address on its website which is a mail forwarding service in the UK. Players should avoid this sportsbook. History suggests there is a high probability that this new sportsbook will fold or have ongoing problems.

Casineto response to players:
We are sorry for the delay in transferring your money. We have been facing technical problems, their solution is in progress. We transfer your money as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
CasiNETo Support Team

08.11.09 (09:05 PM CST) Enterbet blames "company restructuring" for latest slow-pays
Enterbet (SBR rating D-) to player:
Sorry for the delay in responding. Your payout is still being delayed due to some company restructuring. I have been asked by accounting to let you know that payments will come but they will not be available in the short term. The companies resources are committed to paying down former employees and keeping the operations running. Please remain patient and contact me back in about two weeks for an update.
Current players are hopeful that Enterbet is buying time before football season begins. The GoTo Entertainment Group routinely puts players on payment plans during the much slower baseball season as they await new deposits and credit revenue.

08.11.09 (08:25 PM CST) Bet365 wager complaint

Update 8.18.2009: After reviewing additional information about the player's claim, SBR has found that the player has not supplied any credible evidence that Bet365 has altered his wager. This dispute has been closed. SBR is currently speaking with Bet365 management about live betting disputes where wagers were altered by the house after it was final.

Update 8.13.2009: Bet365 has responded to SBR stating that this player's wager was not changed. Bet365 has provided evidence on its behalf suggesting the player has doctored the image to support his claim. Bet365 has also agreed to revisit confirmed cases of altered in-game betting. SBR will report on the result of Bet365 reviewing these bets and will reevaluate Bet365's rating at that time.

Bet365 changes winning wager to losing wager; costs player $18,000
A player wrote SBR complaining about an in-game tennis bet placed at Bet365 (SBR rating C). The player states that on July 2nd he risked $18,000 at 1.14 odds on Andreas Beck in the third set. The player provided a screen shot showing the original wager. When Andreas Beck won the match, the player found his wager was changed to a bet on the losing opponent, Dominick Meffert. The players wager was then graded as an $18,000 loser, instead of a $2,052 winner. Bet365 had no comment.
In the last year Bet365 has altered player's wagers in live betting, changing spreads they deemed to have been offered erroneously to "correct" market odds after the event. This essentially gave players wagers they did not place and replaced winning bets with losers. Bet365 does not list a policy that suggests they may alter in-game wagers. Players should avoid in-game wagering at Bet365. Bet365 has stated that this action is taken with professional traders who are aware of the market and the line being incorrect.

08.09.09 (10:44 PM CST) Oddsmaker burns three more winners with promotion fine print
Oddsmaker (SBR rating D-) software allows players to place parlays with their promotional funds but if the user places even one small parlay before a winning run, the sportsbook will cite the no-parlay fine print when the player requests a payout. Winnings will then be confiscated. The fine print regarding parlays is on the book's rules page but not supplied with the marketed promotional material. Oddsmaker previously told SBR it would honor winnings earned prior to the point the first parlay was wagered, would add the rule to the correct website pages, and clarify the rule in its terms of service. The book has not made these changes and players continue to waste winning picks on an account that cannot yield a profit. Players who have added to their balance with deposited funds have also had winnings removed despite having their own funds at risk and enough deposited cash to cover winning wagers.

Player #1:

I was given $100 "bonus" from a flier I received in the mail that did not mention any stipulations, however I later found out, that the bonus amount must be wagered 10x, which is wagering a total of $1000 or more, and that you must subtract $1500, and the remaining balance could be cashed out, or continue to wager with it. I did all of this and now have a total of $3,283.81, in my account so after subtracting out their $1500, I should have $1,783.81 to my name. I was refused payout because I supposedly made an illegal parlay which apparently was not part of of the deal, why then was I allowed to make this bet and never warned that this bet was illegal until I tried to make a cashout!?

Player #2:

When i attempted to withdraw $1500 from my oddsmaker.com account, my entire account of $1749 was frozen and my funds seized. They claim I broke a bonus regulation although this was not bonus money and i had been making similar winning and losing bets for a month on their website with no problems.

Player #3:

I recieved a bonus from oddsmaker. I have been playing it and i clicked live chat to inquire why a wager didn't show up from the day before. The Rep 'andrew" quickly said i violated the terms and conditions by placing a parlay wager over a month before out chat knowing that i can only view back 30 days of wagers. He quickly then took all of the money out of my account and ended the chat session.

08.01.09 (11:52 PM CST) BetGoTo enters the SBR Rating guide at D-
BetGoTo.com is part of the slow-paying Costa Rica-based sportsbook group GoToEntertainment. Slow-paid GoTo players report that progress has not been made. Some are hopeful that new NFL bettor deposits will be used to fund their delinquent payout requests. Players are advised to avoid all GoTo brands.

07.29.09 (08:10 PM CST) Bet33 Group upgraded from F to D-; debt remains
Bet33 (SBR rating D-) and sister sportsbooks were upgraded to D- to reflect a lesser risk than the typical F rated sportsbook. SBR has not received any Bet33 nonpayment reports since late 2005 when they were added to the SBR Rating Guide. Bet33 was built with stolen player funds from stiff sportsbook Apex Sportsbook (SBR rating F). SBR has had annual conversations with ownership about paying the five year old debt. The conversations had not resulted in payment. Bet33 players are unlikely to be paid if they win a high five figure sum after a large winning run.

07.28.09 (10:45 AM CST) LasPalmas slow-pays continue; players owed over $124,000
LasPalmas (SBR rating D+) players report being owed over $124,000. The slow-pays began in January of 2009. LasPalmas stated they had processor problems in February after multiple payout complaints surfaced. Players were assured things were fine and told they could expect to receive funds at the beginning of March. At the start of March a few players were sent small payments, but large balance holders were left to wait and continued to be fed generic email responses. The Las Palmas Group, which includes eHorse and eHorse-X, is no longer willing to discuss player complaints with SBR. The largest payment LasPalmas has made this year was via book-to-book transfer of $40,000 on 4/15/09 to a player's Bookmaker.com (SBR rating A+) account. Interbook transfers have since been discontinued as LasPalmas payout delays increase. The largest pending payout is more than $34,000 which SBR reported on 6/17/09.

07.27.09 (08:08 PM CST) Scam sportsbook will not comment on latest theft
As predicted, BetCascade (SBR rating F) did not answer email or its phones when SBR inquired about its most recent victim. SBR will issue regular warnings against scam sportsbook BetCascade.

07.25.09 (01:37 PM CST) More BetOnBet Warning Signs
Following unanswered inquiries sent to OddsMatrix about their slow-pay turnkey licensee BetOnBet (SBR rating D-), OddsMatrix removed all mention of the sportsbook from its references and deleted all press releases regarding BetOnBet launches and product releases. OddsMatrix first wrote to SBR offering to discuss any matter regarding books "powered by OddsMatrix." Players should aggressively pursue withdrawals from the sportsbook. BetOnBet customer service is currently blaming additional security checks for delays.

OddsMatrix.com:

OddsMatrix Ltd of Vincenti Buildings, Suite 713, 14/19 Strait Street, Valletta is a limited liability company registered in Malta (Registration Number: C44411), a member of the EU since May 2004, that operates under regulation and license from the Lotteries & Gaming Authority of Malta, license no: LGA/CL2/497/2008 issued on 3 February, 2009.

07.23.09 (05:26 PM CST) Dorobet owned by Oddsmaker and BetonUSA principals
Sources tell SBR new German Sportsbook Dorobet (not rated) is from the owners of BetOnUSA (SBR rating D-) and Oddsmaker (SBR rating D-). The company is expected to make a marketing push after it adds its casino software.

07.21.09 (04:02 PM CST) Betonbet enters the SBR rating guide at D SBR first reported on Betonbet payout complaints July 14th. The sportsbook states that their operation is licensed under the Lotteries and Gaming Authorities (LGA) of Malta, however it is actually licensed under OddsMatrix, a turnkey whitelabel platform that provides software and processing for those without their own resources. OddsMatrix states that is will assist if a licensee user has a problem. SBR has written to OM asking if they guarentee all player funds including winnings.

If you have any complaints on sites operated under our class 2 license in Malta, I am happy to assist you.
We do not have any stakes in any of the sites where the spors book is offered, nor do we operate our own brand. However, in case of the operators using our license, we hold the players sportsbooks funds in case of any break downs.

Betonbet users have submitted over 20 slow-pay complaints this summer. Betonbet management has not communicated with SBR. Betonbet players are advised to take note of the slow-pay problems, and avoid making any further wagers until the processing issues are resolved. Malta has hosted many failed operations as of late. Players who where unaware of the recentl failed LGA-licensed books believe the Matla stamp of approval creates an undeserved sense of security. | View player feedback.

07.19.09 (11:25 PM CST) SportsbettingTime enters the SBR rating guide at F. SportsbettingTime is a new sportsbook from the Costa Rica-based EZ Sports Group.

07.19.09 (12:32 AM CST) Shilbet off-line day 11. The sportsbook's players write to SBR daily reporting that their funds were lost when the sportsbook disappeared. Shilbet spent its last two active months cheating players in various ways including altering wagers. SBR is researching the possibility that Shilbet is attempting to open a new sportsbook under a different name.

07.17.09 (09:05 PM CST) HighRollerOnlineCasino enters the SBR Rating Guide at F. HighRollerOnlineCasino is the newest site from sportsbook website mass-producer EZ Sports Group. SBR will attempt to identify many new sportsbooks from scam operation EZ Sports prior to football season. The group has used a new batch of website domains to hook players through search engines and is offering a turnkey program for new bookmakers. The EZ Sports network of sportsbooks will heavily advertise bonuses from 25% to 100%.

07.16.09 (11:46 PM CST) GotoCasino relying on deposits from football bettors to pay current balance holders?
GotoCasino (SBR rating D-) continues to stall players who request significant withdrawals. Over the last five years it was common for the sportsbook to put winning players on payment plans. GoToCasino's actions suggest owed bettors may receive funds from deposits from unsuspecting new football bettors.
Player:

I have stopped betting as you asked I have $4070.00 please help Pablo who says he is a manager but I know who owns GotoEntertainment told me I wont get paid till football season. First he told me I wont get paid till March Madness, then Hockey playoffs the Basketball playoffs. Its been over 20 weeks since I requested a payout. Pablo is a con artist.

07.12.09 (11:13 PM CST) Warning: SBR continues to reguarly receive Worldbet (SBR rating F) no-pay complaints. Since we last reported on Worldbet in October, SBR has received, on average, four complaints per month. In the past month, the number of complaints has increased. There has been one confirmed payout out of the last 33 to file compaints. Worldbet no longer replies to SBR and most player withdrawal inquiries.

Player: Hi I have been trying to get my money from world bet but with no success. I wish i would have checked this site before ive made my deposit there. Im trying to withdraw 300 euros. Is there anything i can do about this??? looks like my money is lost...thank you for advise.
Player: I did a withdrawal in WorldBet, however it was refused and after a months asked me the documents. I sent them and for more than a month I do not receive respond to numerous emails that I have sent.
Player: I have a pending withdrawal of £135, not receiving any emails back from them, the £135 just sat waiting to be confirmed.
Player: I finally went on a winning run for 800 euros and have not receive reply to my request 4 mos before!

07.11.09 (11:42 PM CST) BigCitySportsbook enters SBR rating guide at F
BigCitySportsbook is one of many new brands in the Apex Sportsbook Group. Apex Sportsbook closed with player funds over four years ago. The same owner has recently put the website back online with the many other new sportsbook brand names. Apex is expected to continue to launch new brands that will be added to the SBR Blacklist. Apex, which uses the company name RDGcorp, is actively selling out-of-the-box turnkey sportsbooks and websites.

*NOTE- bigcitysportsbook.com is not to be confused with Betbigcity.com, which is an unrelated betting website.

07.10.09 (11:59 PM CST) Broke no-pay sportsbook BetCascade still scamming players
A player from BetCascade (SBR rating F) reports joining and first depositing to the sportsbook in October of 2008 and losing those funds and subsequent deposits. He made his last deposit in February of 2009 before going on a winning run. He attempted to collect over $4000 in March. Unfortunately the player was unaware that BetCascade owes millions of dollars to its former players. Cascade continues to advertise bonuses and wagering promotions on its website.

Player:

I had been playing with Cascade since last Oct.09 ,without any problems at all .Well,would it have anything to do with not cashing in a winning ticket ?I went broke with that offshore at least 4,or 5 times ,sending money through moneygram ,I believe ,each time ... packages of 300 to 800 .
The last I sent them was Feb.29th,09,1000.00(without double checking),Lennie ,I believe "gave me" a 30 % rollover bonus.So at that time, I have 1300 or so in my kitty .
From that point on, my luck, or skill changed to the better, finally. At some time in late March my figure was close to + 7000.
After College Basketball season, I informed Nancy Robinson (officer of deposits and withdrawals),I would like to withdraw my balance ,setting at 4300 +,and that I would not be playing any Sports until the 09 Football season .
Well that was around April 8th, and after a several calls to Lennie and Nancy ,I could see that nothing was being sent to me, even through May ,and up until June this year. So once again I made call after call to Lennie and Nancy,wanting an explanation !The two both claimed they were having serious trouble with their prossessor ?I reached Lennie on his cell phone (Nancy no longer is reachable) in mid-June,and I asked him straight up"are you going to honor this debt",he said he was ,and then I asked him to" give me his word" ,he also agreed to that !I do have what I believe is concrete evidence of my claim .I then waited about 10 days to hear some positive news,nothing happened,also, Lennie is no longer answering his phones ?
I then send an email to Cascade Sportsbook in late June, informing them.... I will tell the whole story to a National known Sports Forum ,viewed by thousands of followers,and one that most likely, will embarrass Cascade to the extent they will lose many customers, maybe their entire business ! This, I will do ,unless I am paid by July 6th, 09,or at the very least ,informing me that you are making arrangements for the payoffs !
The figure now stands at 4000.53. Of course I heard nothing ,now I am reaching out to SBR for help!

07.04.09 (05:02 PM CST) SCAM Alert: Two players were scammed out of a total of $6300 at Southernwagers.com (not rated). Southernwagers is a "pay-per-head" site, where anyone can act as the sportsbook. Two different representatives of Southernwagers.com have stiffed players. The first complaint in November 2008 was for $3300 in winnings; the most recent was June of 2009. Southernwagers states "it is not our problem. The agents handle all the money - we just operate the lines service." One of the two players as well as a third who did not take the bait, tell SBR that they were solicited to join the sportsbook through the Yahoo! Rivals.com posting forum. Players are advised to avoid unproven sportsbooks and bookies, especially those offering credit. Sportsbooks without an advertising budget commonly offer credit accounts to bettors they do not know. This in itself should be a warning sign that the sportsbook is unlikely to pay after a big winning run.

Just to give you a final update on my situation, the agent changed his story once again and told me, via text, that I was not going to get paid my $3,000 and to F off. He now will not return any of my calls, texts, or emails and is completely blowing me off. If you could do that fraud wire you mentioned earlier to prevent others from encountering this BS, I would appreciate it. Again, thanks for trying to obtain my winnings for me and keep up the solid work you guys do at SBR

07.01.09 (10:58 PM CST) Shilbet (SBR rating F) continues to confiscate balances without explanation and lock players out of accounts. The Costa Rica based soccer sportsbook has not responded to SBR inquiries since threatening legal action.

06.28.09 (11:30 PM CST) Shilbet not paying or answering winner emails
Multiple Shilbet (SBR rating F) no-pay complaints are received this weekend following last week's reports of fraud. Players are advised to attempt withdrawals and warn other players about Shilbet.com.

06.27.09 (11:06 PM CST) PremierRacebook enters the SBR rating Guide at F
PremierRacebook.com is a new sportsbook website from the Apex Sportsbook (SBR rating F) Group. The most heavily marketed sportsbook from the operation is Bet33 (SBR rating F).

06.26.09 (09:38 PM CST) Shilbet SCAM: Evidence of fraud mounts
SBR received complaints from 19 players against Shilbet (SBR rating F) complaining of widespread fraud and balance confiscations. The first wave of complaints occurred after the June 10th, 2009 soccer match between Ecuador and Argentina. Shilbet offered odds of 4.0 on Ecuador, and did not lower the odds as the rest betting market moved against them. Multiple players bet on Ecuador at 4.0, and won their wagers. When Ecuador won the match 2-0. Shilbet changed the winning wagers of twelve players to a losing halftime bet on Ecuador (the halftime score was 0-0). Of the eight players that confirmed risk amounts, $10,438 in winnings were stolen.

SBR also received three complaints on the grading of the June 18, 2009 match between England and Spain (under 19). All three players complained that their wagers were changed from full game to first half wagers, resulting in winning wagers becoming losers. Two of the players had $900 in winnings stolen (with the third player’s amount in question).

SBR received several complaints about the grading of tennis matches. Several players bet on the June 24, 2009 tennis match between Schiavone and Larcher de Brito. The player backed Schiavone, but after the match the wager was changed to Larcher (making it a losing wager). The player provided screen shots of the altered wager here. As a result of this switch, the player lost $1,550. Another player complained of his winning wager being changed to a losing one on the June 24, 2009 tennis match between Dushevina and Vesnina (the amount has not been verified). Supporting screen shots were included in the Shilbet discussion thread here .

SBR received seven complaints that Shilbet closed a player’s account for “violating their rules,” and then confiscated the balances. $10,015 was confiscated from five of these players (two have not yet provided the amounts stolen). No further explanation was given to the players, and Shilbet is not responding to player emails. Shilbet initially stated that players were simply making errors and were mistaken on how their software worked. Shilbet stopped responding to SBR after the complaints and evidence against Shilbet accumulated.

06.23.09 (10:28 PM CST) Oddsmaker (SBR rating D-)management tells SBR they are reviewing the decision not to pay player winnings of $8,500. | Oddsmaker.com decision

06.22.09 (06:12 PM CST) Shilbet (not rated) players submit screenshots suggesting Shilbet has purposely graded wagers wrong.

Since the Shilbet report on June 17th SBR has received multiple complaints of winning wagers graded as half time losing bets. SBR concluded that Shilbet, at minimum, fails to properly label wagering options and wagering tickets. Shilbet has threatened both SBR and its players with legal action in attempt to minimize the exposure of negative feedback.

Player:

I placed bets on the 4.0 Quote in Equador (Game Equador X Argentina)Total bets in Equador: $405. Equador won 2-0 so I win $1620.They don´t pay saying that the odd was for haft time result and i should pay more atention. As I never had any problem with them I belived that was my mistake. A few days later the same happen in the game Spain U21 X England, but in this game I'm sure that the odds were for full time and complain with then... two days later they put the money in my account. Last friday i decided to withdraw some money from my account and they don´t pay. I have try several times to withdraw money and don´t receive nothing (they usually make payments in a few hours after request). Today I receive an email saying that my withdraw request was rejected. My account balance is $1075,50. And I also want that they pay me the $1620 from the game Equador X Argentina. This money is mine they are literally stilling my money!

Player:

On my email of shilbet.com answered:
"About your inquire, the bet was placed on half time result and not full time result, therefor the outcome is correct.
You can see it for yourself in your "My sent forms" section, just click on the event and you will see two number under the notes section, 2 and 8. 2 means 3way bet and 8 means half time result bet."
But when I did bet there was not 8! Shilbet.com changed my wager too in the same manner, from full time result to half time result, making my winning wager lose. Help me please to get my winning, or the expended money.

06.20.09 (11:01 PM CST) SBR reader reports LegendRacebook.com. Legend Racebook is yet another sportsbook skin from the Apex Sportsbook/Bet33 platform. This URL is meant to attract players looking for LegendZ (SBR rating A+) Racebook.

06.19.09 (11:49 PM CST) SCAM ALERT: Imposter sportsbook site from Apex Sportsbook owner
BetPhoenixSports.com is designed to con players into believing they are actually playing with B+ rated BetPhoenix (BetPhoenix.com). The new cyber-squatting website uses the Phoenix brand but operates on the Bet33 (SBR rating F) wagering platform. This is not the first time Robbie has tried to impersonate and capitalize on the reputation of other sportsbooks. Apex owner, Robbie (AKA Zach), is operating legendsportsbook.com which has attracted bettors looking for the real Legendz (SBR rating A+).

06.18.09 (08:27 PM CST) Oddsmaker.com steals $8,500 in winnings from player
In May of 2009 a player accepted a promotion offering $500 in free bets with a five time (5x) roll over (play-through) on his winnings that could not be withdrawn for 30 days. The player went on a winning streak and promptly turned the $500 in free plays into an $8,400 cash balance. The player told his father about the promotion. The father pursued the free-play from his residence in a different town but was denied due to the sportsbook targeting only specific bettors. The winning player was told that his winnings from the promotion will not be paid due to Oddsmaker (SBR rating D-) taking issue with the fact that he shared the promotion with a third party without authorization. SBR has made its position clear that the matter of a third party's inactive account is not relevant to his winnings. Oddsmaker has confirmed the facts of the player's complaint and stated they will not pay him his May winnings because he "lied" about being authorized to refer others to the promotion and was "rude and arrogant" to the Oddsmaker.com staff.

Due to Oddsmaker's poor reputation they are required to target players with big bonuses who may be uneducated about the industry. SBR routinely receives complaints from players who are lucky enough to go on a winning run only to find the sportsbook has created a reason to deny winnings. Oddsmaker partnered with no-pay scam group Futurebet, now known as IGaming Software (IGS), in 2007. After Futurebet stiffed the majority of its licensee (turnkey) sportsbooks and kept its player deposits, it changed its brand name and website from Futurebet.com to IGamingSoftware.com. Shortly before it stole licensee and player funds it made Oddsmaker and BetOnUSA (SBR rating D-) its main revenue sources. IGS staff denies association with Futurebet despite the obvious signs such as site similarities, management, and using the same unique server. SportsbookUSA (SBR rating F), was the one licensee owned by Futurebet and continues to operate as a deposit-only sportsbook site. | Oddsmaker discussion

06.16.09 (10:51 PM CST) SunValleySportsbook enters the SBR rating Guide at F
SunValley is the second new sportsbook skin from the Apex Sportsbook Turnkey system to enter the SBR Rating Guide within the last week.

06.15.09 (07:05 PM CST) PlayTraders enters SBR rating guide at D-
PlayTraders is a licensee of IGaming Software (formerly called Futurebet) which operates from Vancouver, Canada. PlayTraders is a sister sportsbook of Oddsmaker (SBR rating D-). Oddsmaker is currently paying the majority of its players although SBR will soon report at least one new case of stolen player funds. Sister sportsbook, SportsbookUSA (SBR rating F) has failed to pay players for years. SBR continues to receive no-pay complaints daily despite IGaming and Oddsmaker ownership no longer marketing the soiled brand. Futurebet has stolen hundreds of thousands if not more than a million from players and licensees.
Forum: Futurebet | SportsbookUSA | Oddsmaker

06.13.09 (11:19 PM CST) MetroSportsbook enters SBR rating guide at F
MetroSportsbook is one of many new brands in the Apex Sportsbook Group. Apex Sportsbook closed with player funds over four years ago. The same owner has recently put the website back online with the many other new websites names.

06.12.09 (07:58 AM CST) Defunct Apex Sportsbook (SBR rating F) back online
Apex websites, ApexSportsbook.com and ApexSportsbetting.com, return online five years after closing and stiffing players. The Apex websites were utilized as handicapping and betting tips sites by Apex owner, Robbie, AKA Zach, marketed his new sportsbook ventures including his next sportsbook operation Bet33 (SBR rating F). ApexSportsbook is now one of many skins running on the Bet33 platform. Bet33, and even some players, have argued that the sportsbook should not have an F rating because the book has been online over three years and has not had any payout complaints filed against it. Bet33, its sister sites, and it's pay per head service, Realbookie.com, were built using the stolen funds from the original Apex Sports customers. Robbie has been asked multiple times in recent years to consider repaying his former customers.

06.08.09 (02:24 PM CST) MinnesotaCasino enters the SBR Rating guide at D- MinnesotaCasino is part of the slow-paying Costa Rica based sportsbook group GoToEntertainment.

06.04.09 (07:26 PM CST) Dimeline Sportsbook (SBR Rating D+) threatens to confiscate player’s funds because he made negative comments about the bookDimeline Sports (SBR Rating D+) threatens to confiscate player’s funds because he made negative comments about the book.
Dimeline Sportsbook threatened to confiscate a player's winnings of $4,450 because he posted negative remarks at SBRforum. The player complained that Dimeline was unable to pay him through Moneybookers, his method of deposit, and agreed to instead accept a check. On June 3rd the withdrawal request was accepted and scheduled to be processed. On June 4th Dimeline Sportsbook management discovered the player's statements, and demanded that he issue a retraction if he wanted his money. Dimeline then cancelled the withdrawal as the player refused to retract his statements. The player has been locked out of his account. SBR has verified the player's report with DimeLine. The player is hopeful the sportsbook will again process his payment tomorrow and put an end to the unprofessional behavior. | Player on DLS

Dimeline Sports Update: Bonus and winnings confiscations
Three players originally filed complaints that the sportsbook had confiscated bonuses and winnings. The sportsbook pointed to the fact that the players, though they wagered over $100,000 and had their limits lowered, were not recreational and were undeserving of their deposit bonuses. The end result was removal of bonus funds while being forced to complete the rollovers that accompanied the promotions. If the players refused to continue wagering they were told their winnings "from the bonuses" would be withheld. The confiscations went on to effect seven players who all elected to bet their money per management instead of giving up a portion of their winnings. DimeLine Sports now has a history of holding funds hostage and treating players unfairly.

06.03.09 (05:57 PM CST) GoldVictory no-pays continue; LGA of Malta states it is taking legal actionGoldVictory no-pays continue; LGA of Malta states it is taking legal action
GoldVictory (SBR Rating F) players continue to report no-pay complaints to SBR. The F rated sportsbook currently owes over a reported $100,000 in player funds. The Lotteries and Gaming Authority of Malta (LGA) stated that legal action has been taken against a director of Gold Victory Limited. The criminal proceedings are to take place in the Maltese Law Courts.

“Please note that one of the Directors of Gold Victory Limited is currently facing criminal proceedings in the Maltese Law Courts. The Lotteries and Gaming Authority feels that any further statements on its part could compromise the current legal proceedings, hence it will not comment pending the resolution of the court case. Once the proceedings are decided the Authority will be in a position to update the public with the developments of the case.”

Players should be aware that the involvement of the LGA and legal proceedings may not have any impact on their cases. The LGA was unable to assist when Maltese-licensed BetChance (SBR Rating F) stiff many of their players and BetChance remains in operation.

GoldVictory has ceased taking action on any wagers and displays the following message on their website:

"We regret to inform you that for the time being all Sportsbook and Casino games have been suspended temporarily. We are working with the Lotteries and Gaming Authority of Malta (LGA) to verify
the precise nature of the situation.

Any updates regarding the situation will be posted here. Our sincerest apologies for the inconvenience caused. "

GV Team

Players are discouraged by the above message and see it as confirmation that their funds will not be returned. GoldVictory Players who have not yet done so are encouraged to write SBR to have their voices heard. | Gold Victory discussion

05.29.09 (08:33 AM CST) EZBets Sportsbook (SBR rating D-) cancels players winning NBA wagerEZBets (SBR rating D-) sportsbook voids $2,727 winning wager
EZbets voided a winning wager on the 4th quarter of a Denver Nuggets Basketball game. EZbets and the Sportsbook.com Group which services it, routinely offers NBA wager before each quarter. Management at EZbets says the wager was listed incorrectly, referencing the third quarter which was already completed:
Nuggets4Q
Trailblazers3Q
The player questions what the result would have been if his wager had lost. Player:

I placed a wager on the 4th quarter Nuggets vs Trailblazers OVER 48 (Bet ID 279316418)Risking $3000 to win $2727.27. The wager was graded as NO ACTION although the line was correct and posted after the end of the 3rd quarter. They claim the line was incorrect and posted as:
xxxNuggets4Q
xxxTrailblazers3Q
I have also lost wagers on the same game 1st half, 2nd quarter and 3rd quarter. ALL were graded as losing wagers for a total of about $4000 (they claim that all these wagers was posted correctly). Although it was posted as xxxTrailblazers3Q, the line was intended to be for the 4th quarter as there is the xxx in front of Trailblazers, also the time frame indicates that this wagers was for the 4th quarter total. If it was for the third quarter, it would have said xx instead of xxx as it was on my 3rd quarter wager which said xx. These guys know exactly that this should have been graded as a winning wager,but just deny it. They are the most dishonest sportsbook ever. this happened also several times with me grading winning wagers as NO ACTION IN THE PAST claimimg that it was a past posted, specially with the wagers to win a big amount of money. Please help me with this issue as soon as you can...

05.28.09 (10:55 PM CST) Sister books, Sportsbetting.com, Racebook, and Win4Real (SBR rating C-) confiscate player's winnings and depositSister books, Sportsbetting.com, Racebook, and Win4Real confiscate player's winnings and deposits
The player opened accounts at all three sportsbooks in June of 2008, depositing and playing consistently for five months. In November his accounts, which showed a profit of approximately $20,000, were frozen. The sportsbook cited a rule saying the player could only have an account at one sportsbook in the Sportsbetting.com Group. SBR has advised the sportsbook to pay the player for all wagers it booked since the player's funds were at risk. Bookmakers should have the ability to limit a player's action but should not retroactively void winning bets. Thus far Sportsbetting (SBR rating C-), Win4Real (SBR rating C-) and Racebook (SBR rating C-) have not agreed to pay the player for winning wagers, or even the winnings on the first of the three accounts joined. $9,500 in player deposits remain in possession of the sportsbook without an explanation, six months after closure. At the conclusion of this dispute, the Sportsbetting.com Group will be reevaluated. | Sportsbetting.com Discussions

05.25.09 (03:18 PM CST) Evebet (not rated) voids player's four month old winning wagerEvebet (not rated) voids player's four month old winning futures wager

I placed a bet on 12th January, 2009 for £200 at odds 2.60 on Manchester United to win the English Premier League (Soccer).
At the time they were quoting the best odds on the market for this and to be honest the odds quoted were quite generous but not ridiculously so.
The market was decided 24 hours ago in my favour and I should have seen returns of £520 to my account.
However, to my amazement the bet was cancelled immediately upon the result being known and the £200 stake returned to my balance.
If they feel they made an error on the line they should have cancelled it at the time but we are talking 4 months ago when placed.
The bet ID is 563XXX - for some reason in the text of the bet it shows Sunderland v Tottenham as well as Soccer - League Winner - Manchester United at 2.6 but this is just a transposed piece of text which happens on their site, I don't know why.
I also placed a bet on Real Madrid in March to win the Spanish League at odds 7.00 which was also decided yesterday - this bet was a loser and the odds for this were again slightly generous at the time but, unsurprisingly , this was treated as a lost bet.

SBR has emailed Evebet asking why it has not honored the wager or credited the player for winnings at what it believes to be the correct market price. The player also complained that Evebet has not answered his emails on the matter.

05.24.09 (11:24 PM CST) VegasSammie added to the SBR Rating Guide at F under the GameCities GroupVegasSammie added to the SBR Rating Guide at F under the GameCities Group

05.23.09 (11:39 PM CST) BetCities and IrishGambling enter SBR Rating Guide at FBetCities and IrishGambling enter SBR Rating Guide at F
The sportsbooks are on a platform and turnkey service called GameCities. Gamecities is a sub-licensee of Futurebet. On Thursday SBR reported that a BetCities player was robbed of his winnings. New victims are likely to come forward. SBR will investigate the small sportsbook company host and index related sportsbooks in the SBR rating Guide. GameCities tries to make money by offering a poor sportsbook product to website owners. After they sell the setup and service to new "sportsbook owners" support may stop or is very poor. Its parent company uses the same scam on larger players and has robbed its webmasters leaving them unable to pay their players. | Fake testimonials from Gamecities.com:

05.21.09 (09:05 PM CST) BetCities Sportsbook (not rated) confiscates player's winningsBetCities (not rated) confiscates player's winnings
BetCities tells the player that it has decided not to service players from Greece and has retroactively voided his account activity. The player had won 297 Euros before being told his winnings would be confiscated and his deposit returned to him. BetCities has processed ten withdrawals to this player in the past.

Our company has made a new decision in which we are unable to process any transactions and will not be accepting any players from your geographic location. This decision was made due to many suspected fraud activities in the area. Due to this we will be refunding you all deposits made after your last withdrawal and closing your account.

05.18.09 (03:14 PM CST)

Player vs. Win4Real (SBR rating C-)
Win4Real offered a proposition wager on the total amount of free throws made by NBA basketball player, Aaron Brooks, in a single game. The player took the under on a total set of 2.5 free throws made. Aaron Brooks played in the game and did not make or attempt a free throw. The wagering ticket provided by the player shows only the stipulation that the player must play. Win4Real, a sportsbook in the Sportsbetting.com (SBR rating C-) Group, gave an illogical response to the player's complaint:

As per the update from our Grading department, the Free Throws under 2.5 indicates that Aaron Brooks should at least score below 2.5 but not zero(Under 2.5 indicates that the score must be less than 2.5 and Zero is not considered under 2.5).
You must have notice that Aaron Brooks did not score the Free Throws, which indicates that the score is Zero and hence the bet has been graded as Noaction.

SBR has inquired with management on the player's behalf. Bettors who were not paid on a bet of under on the total free throws by Aarron Brooks are invited to contact SBR.

05.13.09 (07:57 AM CST) DimeLine Sportsbook confiscating winnings and bonuses from winning players

DimeLine Sportsbook (SBR rating D+) confiscating winnings and bonuses from winning players

Dimeline offered exorbitant bonuses up to 100% with a limit of $2,000 that attracted players in a UK-focused betting forum. The four players to report to SBR wagered well over six figures. The sportsbook took notice of the play and lowered their betting limits. After the players continued to win, their accounts were frozen. The sportsbook claimed that using a line comparison service, similar to SBRlines.com, made the players nonrecreational and ineligible for the bonus given. Dimeline's line manager labeled bets on their soft lines (lines that are late to update along with betting market leaders such as Bookmaker (SBR rating A+) and Pinnacle (SBR rating A+) ) as "steam plays." Three of four of these players came from the same website but are unique accounts that have wagered from their individual locations. DLS has proposed paying the players half of their winnings rationalizing that they had double the funds to work with at the start of the account. All bonuses, despite amount rolled over, will be removed. Four Dimeline players had their accounts disabled and over $36,000 has been frozen since late April and early May. Dimeline was downgraded from C- to D+ and will be downgraded further if the book maintains its decision not to honor all winnings. Dimeline has been dowgraded from C- to D+ | View player's report

05.09.09 (11:13 PM CST) PhillyCasino enters the SBR rating Guide at D-.

PhillyCasino enters the SBR rating Guide at D-. PhillyCasino.com is one of many sportsbook brands from slow-paying Costa Rica-based sportsbook group, Goto Entertainment. Goto's newest sportsbook website targets bettors in Pennsylvania.

05.06.09 (11:19 PM CST) BasketballBettingGames enters the SBR Rating Guide at F.

BasketballBettingGames enters the SBR Rating Guide at F
BasketballBettingGames.com is the fourth new EZ Sports Group sportsbook to be rated since April. EZ Sportsbooks have stiffed users on large winning wagers. SBR will continue to identify and warn players about EZ Sports-hosted books.

05.03.09 (11:26 PM CST) SCAM ALERT: AlohaSportsbook enters the SBR Rating Guide at FSCAM ALERT: AlohaSportsbook enters the SBR Rating Guide at F. Aloha Sportsbook is the latest new sportsbook from former owner, Robbie AKA Zach, of failed stiff book Apex Sportsbook (SBR rating F). Robbie recently started recommending his own book through his fake rating sites AskTheBookie.com and A1-Sportsbook.com.

Aloha sportsbook, is the number one internet sportsbook. A1-Sportsbooks.com is proud to recommend Aloha Sportsbook for internet sports betting. Read our review of Aloha Sportsbook at A1-Sportsbooks.com. AsktheBookie recognizes Aloha Sportsbook as a trusted internet sports betting site.

05.01.09 (04:47 PM CST) Scam Alert: Beware of SBGglobal Kentucky Derby Bonus OffersScam Alert: Beware of SBGglobal (SBR rating D-) Kentucky Derby Bonus Offers
SBG Global is emailing players with deposit bonus offers of up to $6,000. The offers that seem to good to be true, might be. SBG recently stole players' winnings on the Formula 1 World Championships. Players made valid wagers on a driver at 70-1 that were canceled and replaced with an offer of the same bet at odds of even money. Offering high odds on future bets without the intention of honoring the wager is a common scam. It allows a sportsbook to take a lot of action on an event and upsetting only a small percentage of those who wagered on the race.

04.30.09 (07:34 PM CST) Iwager (SBR rating D-) cancels player's wagers; blocks account history Iwager (SBR rating D-) cancels player's wagers; blocks account history
The player made winning in-game NBA wagers. Iwager canceled winnings of $3941, claiming the wagers were not for live in-game wagers, but were all past-posted bets that were offered accidentally while the game was taking place. Iwager closed the player's account, and refused to allow the player or SBR to view the wagering ticket which would reveal whether the bet was a past-posted play or a valid in-game bet. Iwager is a licensee of the Sportsbook.com family, Jazette Enterprises Ltd.

04.29.09 (02:11 AM CST) Gold Victory (SBR rating F) no-pay complaints fill the SBR mailbox.

Gold Victory (SBR rating F) no-pay complaints fill the SBR mailbox. No new informatin is offered from the sportsbook. Gold Victory's standard email response is: All the information that is currently available is present in our website goldvictory.com. We are working with the Lotteries and Gaming Authority of Malta (LGA) to amend the situation. Once we correct this situation all customers will be paid out and informed via email. Sportsbook Review now has over 40 Gold Victory, including sister site KickBets (SBR rating F), complaints that refrence deposits of over 100,000 USD. One invidivual player is reporting a balance of 24K USD. SBR is seeking information from Malta Gaming Authorities.

04.26.09 (11:01 PM CST)

IndyCasino enters the SBR rating Guide at D-. IndyCasino.com is one of many sportsbook brands from slow-paying Costa Rica-based sportsbook group, Goto Entertainment.

04.24.09 (11:06 PM CST) SCAM sportsbook Houstonbet (SBR rating F) adds new website VietnameseSportsbook

SCAM sportsbook Houstonbet (SBR rating F) adds new website VietnameseSportsbook.com
Houstonbet, which is soliciting deposits from Vietnamese speaking bettors, has added a new website, VietnameseSportsbook.com. The original website, Houstonbet.com is hosted at Evo Data Processing, the service provider known for owning stiff sportsbook, Lazerwager (SBR rating F).

04.22.09 (01:23 PM CST) SBG Global Sportsbook unjustly cancels Formula 1 World Championship betsSBG Global (SBR rating D-) cancels futures wagers on Formula 1 World Championships
Three players wrote SBR with similar complaints. Each player had wagered on Jenson Button to win the Formula 1 World Championship at the odds of 70:1. At the time these wagers were placed the betting market, including Bookmaker (SBR rating A+),The Greek (SBR rating A+) and Betfair (SBR rating A+), was offering similar betting odds. SBG waited until Jenson Button won the first two Formula 1 races, voided the wagers, and offered to reinstate the bets at 10:1. SBG is wrongly applying the "gross or obvious error" rule to these bets. The line was not offered in error. SBGglobal bettors are victim of outright theft. This sportsbook has a long history of cheating players. SBG management would not discuss the cancellations with SBR.

04.16.09 (08:47 PM CST) Gold Victory (SBR rating F) no-pay complaints filed at faster pace as players take notice of new website notificationGold Victory (SBR rating F) no-pay complaints filed at faster pace as players take notice of new website notification and SBR reports. GoldVictory's website now states: We regret to inform you that for the time being all Sportsbook and Casino games have been suspended temporarily. We are working with the Lotteries and Gaming Authority of Malta (LGA) to amend the situation. Once the situation is amended, all customers with pending withdrawal/s will be paid out. Any updates regarding the situation will be posted here. Our sincerest apologies for the inconvenience.
It is common for Malta-licensed sportsbooks to work on payment plans with the Lotteries and Gaming Authority but it is rare that players receive their full balance as a result.

04.15.09 (08:56 PM CST) GoldVictory (SBR rating D-) Sportsbook off-lineGoldVictory (SBR rating D-) Sportsbook off-line
The sportsbook's website currently states "We are currently updating our servers. The website will be temporarly unreachable. As soon as the update is finished, it will be up and running again.'' Odds are high that players will never be able to log in to their Gold Victory account again. | Player discussion

04.14.09 (09:56 PM CST) GoldVictory (SBR rating D-) removes most sports markets

GoldVictory (SBR rating D-) removes most sports markets
The no-pay sportsbook has removed all daily betting options, including soccer, with the exception of snooker. Players should continue to pursue their funds and document current balances with account screenshots. SBR has received no-pay complaints from players owed since February. Gold Victory complaints total approximately $40,000. In March the sportsbook made a cryptic statement (below) suggesting the company was dealing with ownership issues or possibly attempting to sell to another bookmaker.

GoldVictory 3/31/09:

Kindly note that goldVictory will be in position to supply specific information in the coming days. During this stage any information may be used on forums to cause further alarm which is unnecessary. goldVictory assured each client that all payments will be processed according to the order they where received and that all payments will be processed without any exception. goldVictory is sorry for the delay and for the trouble that may caused to SBR but at this stage it is inevitable.

04.13.09 (06:42 PM CST) SCAM Update: Houstonbet (SBR rating F) hosted and serviced by same operation that owned stiff sportsbook, LazerWager (SBR rating F).

SCAM Update: Houstonbet (SBR rating F) hosted and serviced by same operation that owned stiff sportsbook, LazerWager (SBR rating F). Both sportsbooks were hosted by GPS Global SA. GPS has a Vietnamese-speaking staff that hosts sites such as 6868sp.com. | Read more about no-pay sportsbook Lazerwager.

04.11.09 (01:47 PM CST) SCAM Alert: New fraud sportsbook Houstonbet targets Vietnamese-speaking players.

SCAM Alert: New fraud sportsbook Houstonbet targets Vietnamese-speaking players
Houstonbet is a fly-by-night sportsbook using customer lists stolen by former employees at legitimate sportsbooks to target Vietnamese-speaking bettors. They offer large bonuses without the intention of paying winners. One player won $19,000 and was denied his withdrawal before his winnings were confiscated. Houstonbet stated the winning bets were invalid because he used more than one computer IP address. Houstonbet does not have rules restricting computer usage by the player and has not cited any other player violations.

04.09.09 (11:52 PM CST) HighRollerSportsbetting enters the SBR Rating Guide at F

HighRollerSportsbetting enters the SBR Rating Guide at F. HighRoller is the second new EZ Sports Group sportsbook to be rated this week. SBR expects to identify many new sportsbooks from scam operation EZ Sports this month. The group has used a new batch of website domains to hook players through search engines and is offering a turnkey program for new bookmakers.

04.06.09 (12:06 AM CST) SCAM Alert: Bet506 Sportsbook

SCAM Alert: Bet506 Sportsbook enters the SBR rating Guide at F
Bet506 shares phone numbers with multiple sportsbooks in the EZ Sports Group. The sportsbook recently launched an email marketing campaign offering 25% bonuses and free half point promotions. Players are advised to avoid Bet506 and affiliated sportsbooks.

03.31.09 (11:50 PM CST) GoldVictory downgraded to D; sportsbook's response suggest internal business issues

GoldVictory downgraded to D; sportsbook's response to complaints suggest internal business issues
Gold Victory's latest response is typical of a slow-paying sportsbook that is searching for investors and/or is for sale. Payout complaints continue to arrive daily.
GoldVictory:

Kindly note that GoldVictory will be in position to supply specific information in the coming days. During this stage any information may be used on forums to cause further alarm which is unnecessary. GoldVictory assured each client that all payments will be processed according to the order they where received and that all payments will be processed without any exception. GoldVictory is sorry for the delay and for the trouble that may caused to SBR but at this stage it is inevitable.

03.29.09 (09:42 PM CST) Gold Victory (SBR rating D+) states it is unable to fill four week-old withdrawal requests.Gold Victory (SBR rating D+) states it is unable to fill four week-old withdrawal requests. SBR has been contacted by 14 players concerned that they have not yet been paid by GoldVictory.com. Five of these players submitted withdrawal requests in the first few days of March. The second group emailed SBR complaining that they have not received information on withdrawal requests submitted mid-March. GoldVictory.com lists payout times at 48 hours for Neteller and Moneybookers, the e-wallet methods used by all who submitted complaints. Alternate payout methods have not been offered. SBR has contacted Gold Victory multiple times this month but the book has not addressed its current issues as it has in the past. Gold Victory told some players via email that a "backlog" in withdrawal requests was the reason behind the delay. The vague response leaves players wondering if some type of administrative action is delaying the processing of payment or it the sportsbook simply does not have the funds in its e-wallets. Moneybookers and Neteller can be normally be processed instantly by books servicing only non-US players. The sum of money owed to these players is over 15,000 euros. GoldVictory also owns Martial Arts betting site, Kickbets (SBR rating D+).

Gold Victory's standard response to players:
Thank you for your email. Please note that at the moment we are still caught up with a backlog of requests, which we are trying to process as soon as possible. We will inform you via email when your payment has been released. Thank you for your understanding in this matter.
SBRforum: GoldVictory Discussion

03.28.09 (03:44 PM CST) Sports Betting & Handicapper Scam : SBR investigatesPlayers report BetUS and Tout collaborating on Scam: SBR investigates
Sportsbettingchamp.com, a website promoting pro capper, John Morrison and the "John Morrison Chase Betting System”, is working with BetUS (SBR rating C-) to scam players.

How the scam works: When players sign up with BetUS through the Sportsbettingchamp.com website, BetUS identifies that player as a “Chase system” referral. When that player wants to make a play released by the tout, BetUS deals a unique, higher-priced line on that game for that specific player. It is similar to a grocery store changing price tags after they find out what you were sent to purchase.

For example, on March 23, 2009, the “Chase system” told the players to bet on the Los Angeles Clippers. BetUS and most books were offering a spread of +15 for this game. Most BetUS players, including those referred to BetUS through other professional handicapper websites received the fair line of +15. Players who were referred to BetUS from the Sportsbettingchamp's website were offered a line of +13.5.

Other recent examples of dealing inflated lines only to the tout’s subscribers include:
March 7, 2009: Golden State Warriors +6 (vs +8)
March 3, 2009: Toronto Raptors +6.5 (vs +8)
March 1, 2009: Toronto Raptors +4.5 (vs +6)
February 24, 2009: Charlotte Hornets +5.5 (vs +7)

In every case, the alternate line is only on games released by the tout, and always hurts the player following paying for the pick. The BetUs customer essentially pays much more than he or she realizes. BetUS’s tactic of moving the line against these players means that instead of charging the normal -110 for these wagers, BetUS is effectively charging these players -140 – four times the usual bookmaker commission.

Players are advised to use caution following any tout that suggests you use a particular sportsbook. SBR has received many complaints over the years involving touts that gain the bettor's confidence before taking part in various sportsbook scams.

03.24.09 (10:25 PM CST) Sportsbook.com (SBR rating D-) backtracks on plans to repay balance confiscation victims

Sportsbook.com (SBR rating D-) backtracks on plans to repay balance confiscation victims
SBR provided Sportsbook.com with account information for players, who were cheated over the past two years, in hopes that new management would follow through with plans to pay users back for stolen funds. Although some managers at Sportsbook.com want to see this debt cleared, Sportsbook.com tells SBR that board discussions have stalled and there are currently no plans to pay owed customers. SBR estimates Sportsbook.com and sportsbooks that the group service stole over $500,000.

Forum: Sportsbook.com Reopens Cases | SBR: Sportsbook.com | SBR: Correlated parlay confiscation

03.17.09 (09:41 AM CST) bwin (SBR rating C) refuses to refund confiscated NBA wager winnings

bwin (SBR rating C) refuses to refund confiscated NBA wager winnings (3/12/09 report). During further discussion bwin changed its reason for canceling the bets from an "obvious line error" to leaving the game on the board after scheduled post time. bwin stated the player placed his wagers between one and five minutes after the game was scheduled to start. Canceling a winning wager after the game due to the fact that the sportsbook left the line up a few extra minutes is unacceptable. The practice allows the sportsbook to take wagers the player does not have a chance of winning. More importanly, SBR has shown bwin management that the game did not start until 8 minutes after the hour (NBA odds history) which is common in the NBA. bwin owes this player funds for his winning wager. The sportsbooks rating is currently under review. Players are encouraged to report all wager grading issues to SportsbookReview.com.

03.16.09 (10:37 PM CST) BetDOS enters SBR rating guide at D-BetDOS enters SBR rating guide at D-
BetDos is serviced by "Max," who formerly hosted and serviced scam sportsbooks AtlantisBets and DunHillCasino, and owned and operated BetBones and Premiumbettor. Max now uses his resources to service new sportsbooks--one being BetFirstClass (SBR rating D). BetFirstClass ownership was unaware of BetDos but the sportsbooks share the same IP address and database server. A username from one of the sportsbooks will also work on the other book's website. BetDos has not yet answered SBR's inquiries. As with all new turnkey sportsbooks, BetDos should be avoided.

03.14.09 (08:44 PM CST) AustraliaCasino enters the SBR rating Guide at D-

AustraliaCasino enters the SBR rating Guide at D-. AustraliaCasino is part of slow-paying Costa Rica-based sportsbook group, GoTo Entertainment.

03.08.09 (11:47 PM CST) New SportsbookUSA (SBR rating F) victims learn they will likely not be paid

New SportsbookUSA (SBR rating F) victims learn they will likely not be paid
SBR continues to receive requests for help from players who are unaware that the sportsbook has owed other players for years. SportsbookUSA is owned by Futurebet Gaming which closed many of its hosted sportsbook brands, stiffing players and business partners in the process. A select few of the brands, namely D- rated BetOnUSA and Oddsmaker, are now more than deposit-only sportsbooks. The two sportsbooks partnered with Futurebet in late 2007 shortly after it began shedding debt by stiffing sportsbook website owners it serviced. It then changed its official company name to Igaming Software.

SportsbookUSA player: I came across your contact info on a message board. I requested a withdrawal from sportsbookusa.com about a month ago and am getting no response and phone # appears to be disconnected. I have a cousin who works in the industry and he had told me quite awhile back that they were legit. I am concerened now though. Can you help?

03.07.09 (11:57 PM CST) CrystalCasino enters the SBR Rating Guide at D-CrystalCasino enters the SBR Rating Guide at D-. The sportsbook is a sister site of BetOnUSA (SBR rating D-) and hosted by Futurebet.

02.25.09 (10:41 PM CST) JonWood Gaming (SBR rating F) off-lineJonWood Gaming (SBR rating F) off-line
The former Futurebet sportsbook became a poker-only gaming site before going off-line this month. JonWood has apparently closed while owing at least one player.

02.24.09 (11:02 PM CST) MDcasino enters the SBR rating Guide at D-

MDcasino enters the SBR rating Guide at D-. MDcasino is part of slow-paying Costa Rica-based sportsbook group, GoTo Entertainment.

02.20.09 (01:32 PM CST) Fiestabet confiscates players winnings after concluding two players are working togetherFiestabet confiscates players' winnings citing circumvented limits; downgraded from C to D+
Fiestabet has voided wagers placed in two accounts citing circumvented limits and claiming the two players wagered on many of the same plays at the same time. SBR has argued that the sportsbook should not have the opportunity to void wagers after the result. The sportsbook has no evidence suggesting the accounts are not operated by two valid account holders. SBR also stated that it is not uncommon for players to handicap games together or follow published plays, and the sportsbook is welcome to limit or close the accounts at any time. Fiestabet has also refused to pay the two players a split of the maximum wager allowed for one account. The complaint is not uncommon. Sportsbooks looking for reasons not to pay big winners have unjustly cited syndicate play. | Poster discussion: Fiestabet Huge Problem

02.19.09 (10:03 PM CST) BetGolf enters the SBR rating Guide at D-

BetGolf enters the SBR rating Guide at D-. BetGolf is part of slow-paying Costa Rica-based sportsbook group, GoTo Entertainment. SBR verified a $500 payment to an owed player from GoTo's Enterbet (SBR rating D-) last week.

02.16.09 (08:26 PM CST) Player vs. GameBookers (SBR rating B-) Player vs. GameBookers (SBR rating B-)
Gamebookers lowered a players wagering limits. The player sends a profanity laced email in protest and requests a withdrawal of 851 Euros on 2/9/09. On 2/10/09 the player sends a new obscenity-filled email to the Gamebooker's cashier, calling them thieves and demanding his funds. Later that day the player is informed that his account is closed and funds have been seized per "management's decision." SBR is currently attempting to contact parent company Party Gaming management and will update this report.

02.13.09 (10:33 PM CST) GoToCasino (SBR rating D-) player told sportsbook does not have funds to payGoToCasino (SBR rating D-) player told sportsbook does not have funds to pay
Player: hi, i requested my payout by way of fed ex, i requested $500 from my account and i have been told at least a dozen times by goto that they are waiting on some funds to come in befor they can send me a payout
The player requested his funds one month ago. Players owed above six figures have been told that payouts are "backed up from football season." SBR has added sister sportsbook, LasVegasOffShore to the SBR rating guide at D-.

02.04.09 (11:10 PM CST) CasioAsia enters the SBR rating Guide at D-.

CasinoAsia enters the SBR rating Guide at D-. CasinoAsia is part of slow-paying Costa Rica-based sportsbook group, GoTo Entertainment.

02.02.09 (07:27 PM CST) BetFred confiscated freeplay winnings

A player deposited at Betfred (SBR rating B-). He made wagers in an attempt to earn a freeplay. The player was awarded the £50 freeplay promotion and won £1000 as a result.

Bet £10 or more (excluding free bets) on your NEXT five bets (bets 2, 3 ,4 ,5 & 6) and you will receive an extra £50 free bet. Please note that all 5 individual bets must be £10 or more and placed on different selections in order to qualify for the second part of the free bet offer. Void bets do not qualify

BetFred then determined that the player did not qualify for the freeplay, because one of the player's prior bets was "non-qualifying" for the bonus. BetFred stated that the freeplay was awarded in error and that it overlooked that one of the wagers was the same as a wager already placed. The sportsbook removed the freeplay winnings from the player's account and has refused to speak with SBR on the matter. The player had the funds available to make the same play on his own.

02.01.09 (11:02 PM CST) ThePointSpread Sportsbook enters the SBR rating Guide at FThePointSpread enters the SBR rating Guide at F. ThePointSpread is the latest sportsbook to enter the SBR rating guide as part of the Futurebet scam operation.

01.30.09 (11:09 PM CST) Numerous Sportingbet complaints received

Numerous Sportingbet (SBR rating D+) complaints received
SBR has received 12 Sportingbet complaints from players showing that the sportsbook will not honor earned bonuses. Recipients of this promotion were targeted directly by Sportingbet. Sportingbet has told some of these players that they do not fit the profile of the player the book wants and will not receive their deposit incentive. Sportingbet-owned gaming site, Superbahis (SBR rating D+), has refused to honor its cashback poker program to a player owed 250 Euros. A Sportingbet horse bettor is owed a £100 horse wagering refund due to horse-falling promotion. Sportingbet has refused to credit the bonus citing "unusual betting patterns." Sportingbet players have also complained that the book has refused to grade soccer matches, citing an investigation of the outcome. SBR has confirmed that investigations by league governing bodies do not exist. Sportingbet rules support the players' claims that these wagers should have been graded months ago. Sportingbet is encouraging these bettors to allow the winning wagers to be graded as no-action so refunds can be applied. Sportingbet will not estimate when the wagers may be graded. The former owner of Sportsbook.com (SBR rating D-) is no longer responding to SBR's inquries on behalf of players.

01.26.09 (06:54 PM CST) WagerWeb (SBR rating C) continues to rough sharp players WagerWeb (SBR rating C) continues to rough up veteran bettors
Last year SBR received multiple complaints from "sharp players" that the sportsbook was confiscating funds in the amount of free-play bonus losses, when deciding it no longer wants to take the players' wagers. In March of 2008 WagerWeb agreed not to confiscate cash in the amount of losing freeplays and refunded users for the debits. This month WagerWeb has declined service to a player, after giving him a reload freeplay bonus. The free-play was lost but WagerWeb reverted to old policy, telling the player he would have to pay it back from his cash balance. Since sharing his complaint on the SBR posting forum, WagerWeb has lessened the punishment to a debit of only part of the free-play amount. SBR will again insist that WagerWeb agrees not to arbitrarily charge players for taking part in promotions and request that this player be paid in full.

01.25.09 (11:58 PM CST) JapanCasino enters SBR Rating Guide at D-
JapanCasino is the seventh Goto Entertainment sportsbook to enter the SBR rating Guide within the last three months. The Costa Rica-based operation is currently slow-paying multiple large winners. SBR has received two player reports of $500 installment payments in response to four figure withdrawal requests last week. SBR again began receiving slow-pay complaints from large GoTo Sportsbook winners in the middle of 2008.

01.24.09 (01:58 PM CST) DailyDime enters the SBR rating guide at D-DailyDime enters the SBR rating guide at D-
DailyDime.com is hosted and serviced, with the same website IP address and company license as AceCity (SBR rating D) and Oddsmaker (SBR rating D), by Futurebet. The Futurebet flagship sportsbook prior to partnering with Oddsmaker and BetOnUSA (SBR rating D-) was SportsbookUSA (SBR rating F). SportsbookUSA has stole hundreds of thousands, if not over a million, from its players. SBR still gets at least one email a week from new SportsbookUSA players who are asking for help collecting winnings. Players should avoid all affiliated sportsbook brands.

01.17.09 (11:55 PM CST) No-pay exchange AllSportsMarket (SBR rating D-) closes No-pay exchange AllSportsMarket (SBR rating D-) closing; owner claims balances will be transferred to company shares in new venture "soon." AllSportsMarket owner outlined company problems in a message to balance holders but did not mention its failure to pay users. Players have been waiting for funds since 2007. The message states that AllSportsMarket will close due to legal issues and user account balances will be transferred to stock in a new sports investment exchange product in the future.

01.16.09 (11:51 PM CST) SBR mailbag:
Player: Hello SBR, I see on BetPTS.com you rate them a A+. I cant find anything about them in the sbr rating guide. Is this book safe? Will they pay me if I win big? - JF
Hello JF,
No. This is not an A+ rated sportsbook, but a blacklisted sister sportsbook of the defunct LazerWager (SBR rating F). LazerWager began stiffing players in March of 2008. The faked SBR endorsement below is used by the sportsbook to fool its visitors. PTS pretends to quote SBR using a review written for The Greek (SBR rating A+).

01.15.09 (11:09 PM CST) GoToCasino (SBR rating D-) player confirms receiving portion of his withdrawal todayGoToCasino (SBR rating D) player confirms receiving portion of his withdrawal today
Player: I actually got $950 today. Jan 15th. They still owe me $5880. They do this to me every time but like I said I always end up loosing all the funds in my account, I am so disgusted that I don't feel like gambling I would rather clean toiletes. The only way I got this money because I would call every hour on the hour for 10 days and harass the staff to make sure they pay me.
SBR advises all players waiting for delinquent payments to avoid wagering other funds in the account. A slow-paying sportsbook will pay a player who is betting last since it still has a chance at winning the bettor's funds.

01.12.09 (11:06 PM CST) Players at scam sportsbook SportsbookUSA (SBR rating F) giving up on funds

Players at scam sportsbook SportsbookUSA (SBR rating F) giving up on funds
Frustration has taken its toll on many players at Futurebet-owned SportsbookUSA. Although the sportbook continues to offer customer service for active players and bonuses for new players, it will not service players requesting funds. Customer Support simply apologizes saying they do not have a timeline for when money will be available. Futurebet is a business partner of BetOnUSA (SBR rating D-) and Oddsmaker (SBR rating D-). These sportsbooks should also be avoided at all costs.

Player: They now owe me over $9K. Tried to get my $3,818 for over two years now. Just cancelled it and have been playing with the money. Unfortunately winning! What should I do, anything? I feel like my hands are tied, should I just quit trying?

Player: I have been waiting on a payout to my neteller account of £1,681.22 (British pounds) since 12th April 2008!! All customer service say is that it is pending, being worked on by the accounts department, sorry for the delay blah blah blah. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

01.11.09 (11:14 PM CST) Beware of Bet911 (SBR rating D-) offersBeware of Bet911 (SBR rating D-) offers
The slow-paying sportsbook is offering 30% cash bonuses along with other discount offerings such -105 reduced juice specials and free half point Tuesdays. Players should avoid all questionable and unproven sportsbooks, especially those marketing overly generous promotions this time of year. As football comes to a close many players will be requesting payouts and testing the financial strength of these sportsbooks. Many sportsbooks will market these offers irresponsibly, knowing that if the ball does not bounce in their favor, players will not be paid. Bet911 has already shown they can not fulfill payout requests of large winners.

01.09.09 (07:47 PM CST) On-lineSportsbook.com (SBR rating D-) website domain expiresOn-lineSportsbook.com (SBR rating D-) website domain expires
On-lineSportsbook, the subject of Tuesday's withdrawal complaint report, is currently off-line. Slow-paid players became nervous when they saw the expiration message from the website hosting company. They were not contacted by the sportsbook. Balance holders can still log in and view their account at On-Linesportsbook's parent sportsbook, GotoCasino (SBR rating D).

01.06.09 (11:54 AM CST) Two On-LineSportsbook (SBR rating D-) players file new payout complaintsTwo On-LineSportsbook (SBR rating D-) players file new payout complaints
The sportsbook told users that it is waiting for access to player-deposited funds collected by credit card processors. Blaming third parties for not having access to funds is a common excuse and one used by stiff sportsbooks LazerWager (SBR rating F) and BetCascade (SBR rating F). However, GoTo Entertainment sportsbooks commonly puts large winners on payment plans. Players are hopeful the book will get through these latest issues and begin to make payments. The two players have requested over $3,000 and have balances of over $15,000 combined.

01.05.09 (11:46 PM CST) Owner of Apex Sportsbook (SBR rating F) scam building new sportsbook, BetPinoyOwner of Apex Sportsbook (SBR rating F) scam building new sportsbook, BetPinoy
The new website, which is part of the Bet33 operation that was built on the stolen funds of Apex Sportsbook players, states that it's "The most trusted sports betting site in the Philippines." BetPinoy is not in the Philippines nor is the incomplete website known by people in the Philippines. The website will likely be used to target specific players on customer lists by phone.

01.04.09 (08:42 PM CST) SSP International (SBR rating F) player reports new one year no-paySSP International (SBR rating F) player reports new one year no-pay
Player: I have a big problem with a withdraw on SSP. It's about 600. Now I read that you can maybe help me. I try to withdraw my money since over 1 year. I called them several times but they told me everytime another story and I would get my money in the next weeks.I was waiting. Then I tried it with emails and I threat them with a lawyer (was just a bluff) but there was now answer. One day I reached with an email that my money was back on my SSP-Acount. After that I tried again to pay out. This is now one moth ago. And I'm still writing for my money. Maybe you have some experience in such cases and you can tell me what I can do now. | SSP history

01.03.09 (11:07 PM CST) HawaiiCasino enters SBR Rating Guide at D-HawaiiCasino enters SBR Rating Guide at D-
HawaiiCasino is the fifth Goto Entertainment sportsbook to enter the SBR rating Guide within the last two months. The group is developing many new websites in an effort to allow its staff and marketers to better target players in specific locations. The Costa Rican-based operation is currently slow-paying multiple large winners.

12.21.08 (11:32 PM CST) Bet911 sportsbook player receives payment prior to more delaysBet911 (SBR rating D-) $10,000 winner reported initial success with a $1,000 installment plan that began in October, but the sportsbook failed to pay over the last month. The player first complained in June that Bet911 was unable to pay $10,000 without explanation. Owed 911 players are concerned that their chances to be paid will end with along with the busiest part of the year, football season.
Player: My contact does keep me informed. Apparently, money is tight. simple as that. At the moment i am hoping payments will begin again soon.

12.20.08 (12:20 AM CST) Worldwidebet is added to the SBR rating guide at FWorldWideBet added to the SBR rating guide at F. WorldWideBet.com is one of the many mass produced sportsbook brands from scam operation, Futurebet. Futurebet will use its white label program to target bettors who don't realize the new books are affiliated with the notorious scam artists. SBR will continue to search for new futurebet-serviced sportsbooks and immediately warn readers.

12.16.08 (05:42 PM CST) BetGun (SBR rating D+) players report sportsbook confiscationThree unrelated BetGun (SBR rating D+) players report confiscation of winnings as well as deposits. The sportsbook claims each account holder shares an IP address with another user. BetGun justifies its action by simply stating that this is a "very serious rule violation." BetGun has not cooperated with SBR or players when asked for wagering and account user history.

12.12.08 (07:34 PM CST) BamaSportsbook enters SBR Rating Guide at D-BamaSportsbook enters SBR Rating Guide at D-
BamaSportsbook is the fourth Goto Entertainment sportsbook to enter the SBR rating Guide this month. The group is developing many new websites in an effort to allow its staff and marketers to better target players in specific states. The Costa Rican-based operation is currently slow-paying multiple large winners.

12.08.08 (12:14 AM CST) GoToEntertainment and On-LineSportsbook also new sportsbook sites indexed under the GoTo Group in the SBR Rating Guide. GoToEntertainment and On-LineSportsbook also new sportsbooks indexed in the SBR Rating Guide under the GoTo Entertainment Group. Both books received an initial rating of D-.

12.05.08 (07:19 PM CST) Parier.net enters the SBR Rating Guide at D-.

Parier.net enters the SBR Rating Guide at D-. The sportsbook is operated by the sportsbook.com Group, which uses the company name Jazette Enterprises Limited. Like all sportsbook.com books, Parier is located in Costa Rica and not in Gibraltar as the address at the bottom of the website suggests. Parier caters to French players and uses World Gaming Software.

11.30.08 (11:42 PM CST) Oddsmaker (SBR rating D-) freezes player's account after $8,000 withdrawal requestOddsmaker (SBR rating D-) freezes player's account after $8,000 withdrawal request
The player states Oddsmaker locked his account in mid-November after an argument with a live chat representative. He is told that only a manager named Tony, who has not been available, can make decisions on his account. Oddsmaker has not responded to SBR inquiries.
12.02.2008 (2:02 PM CST)
Update: Oddsmaker tells SBR they have completed an investigation of the player's account, opened the account, and is processing his withdrawal request.

11.26.08 (11:13 PM CST) Newly rated scam sportsbooks taken off-lineNewly rated scam sportsbooks taken off-line
All-Sportsbook (SBR rating F) and 1SportsWagering (SBR rating F) were added to the blacklist this summer. SBR warned players of scams ran by sister sportsbooks under parent operation EZ Sports.

11.24.08 (08:59 PM CST) 2003Betting (SBR rating F) closed2003Betting (SBR rating F) closed. 2003Betting, part of the EZ Sports operation, stole over $25,000 in winnings from players in 2005.

11.23.08 (11:31 PM CST) MalvernSports enters the SBR Rating Guide at D-MalvernSports enters the SBR Rating Guide at D-. The sportsbook is operated by the Sportsbook.com Group, which uses the company name Jazette Enterprises Limited. As with all Sportsbook.com books, MalvernSports is located in Costa Rica and uses World Gaming Software.

11.20.08 (01:27 PM CST) Oddsmaker (SBR rating D-) bonus scam costs another player $1,500Oddsmaker (SBR rating D-) bonus scam costs another player $1,500. The player player placed parlays and striaght wagers when betting with his Oddsmaker try-us-out bonus money. A player has a parlay in his acount history will see his account set to zero when he eventually requests a payout. The sportsbook routinely allows players to make winning plays for months despite the fact that a parlay wager early in the account history will be reason to deny payout requets. The fine print regarding parlays is on the book's rules page and not supplied with the promotion. Oddsmaker previously told SBR they would honor winnings prior to when the first parlay wager was made, would add the rule to the correct website pages, and clarify the rule in its terms of service. The book has not made these changes and players continue to waste winning picks on an account that cannot yield a profit. Players who have added to their balance with deposited funds have also had winnings removed despite having their own funds at risk and enough deposited cash to cover the wager.

Oddsmakers.com sent me an email for a free $200 account which had no strings or restrictions. Over the months between baseball and football wagers, I built it up to $2,000, then lost some where I currenty have juslt under $1,500 sitting in a real money account. I wanted to request a $500 cashout as I was laid off from my job. When I talked with live chat requesting one, they said I couldn't have one since I didn't meet the so-called conditions of terms.
Now, when I went back to check my real money balance, they wiped it out completely showing 0 balance just because I asked for a PIN. Why didn't they wipe this out long, long, ago, why wait until I ask for a PIN over 8 months later?

11.19.08 (07:14 PM CST) SouthernWagers (not rated) stalls player's $3,300 payment since October 6thSouthernWagers (not rated) stalls player's $3,300 payment since October 6th. The player states he was solicited through the Rivals.com message board. The sportsbook wrote the player in mid October claiming he accidently sent his check to the wrong person.
Player: This book is a scam. The guy who runs it goes by the name of A***** . He strings you along for payment for days, weeks, and months on end. It's an individual bookie but I wanted to spread the word for other people who may be scammed by this bum. I am owed six thousand dollars and was promised payment since Sept. 30. My payment was once 3300 and has since gone up as he kept letting me bet.

11.15.08 (09:44 PM CST) New sportsbook CashBox98 from owner of F rated sportsbook, Bet33New sportsbook CashBox98 from owner of F rated sportsbook, Bet33
CashBox98 is a new sportsbook from the owner of Bet33 (SBR rating F), who previously owned and operated stiff sportsbook, Apex Sports (SBR rating F-). All players who inquire with SBR about any of the books on the growing list of Bet33-related sites are told how the company was built on the stolen funds of Apex clients. Apex Sportsbook quit an SBR-monitored payment plan in June of 2004. Ownership began booking bets with credit players one month later and established this new operation late in 2005.

11.14.08 (11:05 AM CST) SBR mailbagSBR mailbag
Q: SBR, have you any information on OrlandoCasino. I dont see them on the rating site. They have 50% bonus. Is it legit?? - Andrew

A: OrlandoCasino is sister site of OrlandoSportsbook (SBR rating D-) and is also part of the GoTo Entertainment Group. GoTo's flagship sportsbook, Enterbet (SBR rating D-) was lowered to D- in July after a third slow-paid player was put on a payment plan. Players continue to write to SBR complaining of being stalled. SBR advises players to resist the bonus and avoid this sportsbook.

11.12.08 (10:25 PM CST) Scam sportsbook BetChance (SBR rating F) back in businessScam sportsbook BetChance (SBR rating F) back in business
It was been three months since BetChance was telling its players that it was insolvent and offering a settlement offer like the one below:

We have tried to contact you during the week to inform you about the money in your betchance Betting Account. betchance Limited (betchance.com ) is closing and we are giving the following options to clients;
Option 1: To pay 30% of the total amount (betting account plus pending withdrawals) in the next two-three weeks.
Option 2: To pay the total amount you have in your betting account but divided in 15 months payments.
Please give us your reply as soon as possible, by email, or send us the phone number where we can contact you, in order to notify us of your decision.
When we’ll receive the option you choose, we will send an agreement by email, which has to be signed by both betchance and the client, and afterwards the payment will be processed. For any further information you require, do not hesitate to send us an email on info@betchance.comor contact us by telephone on 00356 21489941.

Regards, betchance Limited

The sportsbook is now advertising new bonuses and offering a full wagering menu. Some players report that BetChance is still refusing to pay and pushing them to accept a settlement of 25% of their balance. It appears the sportsbook is marketing to Italian speaking players that may not be aware of the theft of bettors in other countries.

11.11.08 (02:40 AM CST)

RCSbet confirmed as member of Futurebet Group. RCS enters SBR rating guide at F.

11.09.08 (11:01 PM CST) RCSbet (not rated) player complains of being owed $5,450 for six monthsRCSbet (not rated) player complains of being owed $5,450 for six months. The player states he was waiting for his funds since January 2008 and has won over $5,000 betting NCAA football in 2007. RCS appears to be a member of the scam group Futurebet. SBR intends to verify affiliation and initiate rating coverage shortly.

11.07.08 (10:49 PM CST) RevolutionaryPoker Sportsbook enters the SBR rating guide at F RevolutionaryPoker Sportsbook enters the SBR rating guide at F. RPS is the fourth member of scam sportsbook group, Futurebet to enter the blacklist in the last month. Futurebet is a scam sportsbook operation in Vancouver, Canada that has parented hundreds of slow-pay and no-pay sportsbooks. The group is known for robbing both players and its turnkey book owners while hiding behind different brand names like the ones listed here. Futurebet now calls itself iGamingSoftware a.k.a IGS. SBR received a payout complaint last month from a bettor owed $52,900 from SportsbookUSA (SBR rating F), formerly the operation's flagship brand. History shows it is unlikely the player will see any of his winnings or deposit.

11.06.08 (08:52 PM CST) SBR Justin reports: BetSuperior player balance confiscation

SBR Justin reports: BetSuperior (SBR rating D+) player balance confiscation
On April 10th, an employee of BetSuperior enticed a large bettor he knew from working at a previous sportsbook, with a credit line of $5000. The player lost this in the casino, and paid off his debt to the house. Over the following two weeks, the player made additional deposits totaling $8500. He made some sports wagers but most of his action was in the BetSuperior casino. During that time, the player and the BetSuperior account representative corresponded numerous times about the casino. The player's limits were raised to $500 per hand, and the rules were adjusted to reduce the house edge to be more comparable to that of blackjack on the Las Vegas Strip. The player gave Superior high volume play, some nights putting over $1 million in action. During that period, the sportsbook gave him multiple bonuses totaling approximately $18,000. One of these bonuses was a $5,000 credit that was applied with no deposit requirements. At the end of the week two the player went on a significant winning streak bringing his balance up to $120,000. The sportsbook then confiscated the balance. BetSuperior management claimed that the sportsbook employee, who was managing the account and authorized to give bonuses, should not have applied these bonuses and that the player's balance would be reduced to zero as a result. BetSuperior also claimed that the player and employee were in cahoots, and cheated at Blackjack by modifying the software. No proof of this claim was offered, despite SBR's offer to analyze the player hand history. BetSuperior has since been rebranded as BetSportsWeb (SBR rating D+).

11.03.08 (10:23 PM CST) JackDaddysSportsbook enters the SBR rating guide at FJackDaddysSportsbook enters the SBR rating guide at F. JDS is the second member of fraud operation, Futurebet to enter the blacklist this week. Futurebet is a scam sportsbook factory in Vancouver, Canada that is known for robbing both players and its webmasters while hiding behind different brand names like those listed here. Futurebet now calls itself iGamingSoftware, or IGS, and will deny it has any relation to Futurebet when questioned by individuals interested in owning their own sportsbook.

11.01.08 (05:09 AM CST) New post-up sportsbook coming from owner of F rated sportsbook, Bet33New post-up sportsbook coming from owner of F rated sportsbook, Bet33
999LuckyDay is a newly built sportsbook website from the owner of Bet33, who previously operated stiff sportsbook, Apex Sportsbook (SBR rating F). Bet33 ownership routinely argues that they and related books should be rated higher than F since it "has been over four years" since the last known player was stiffed. Bet33, which was built on these stolen player funds, and its affiliated sportsbooks will remain blacklisted until ownership continues with payment plans initiated four years ago.

10.30.08 (09:10 PM CST) PokerSouls enters the SBR rating guide at F. PokerSouls enters the SBR rating guide at F. PokerSouls, also known as CasinoSouls, is one of the many mass produced sportsbooks from scam operation, Futurebet. Futurebet will use the different brands to target bettors who don't realize the new books are affiliated with the notorious rip-off artists. SBR will continue to search for new futurebet-serviced sportsbooks in an effort to warn players.

10.28.08 (07:42 PM CST) Bet1128 (SBR rating D+) player complains the sportsbook confiscated his balance of over $37,000 Euros the week of August 24, 2008Bet1128 (SBR rating D+) player complains the sportsbook confiscated his balance of over $37,000 Euros the week of August 24, 2008. He was one of five complaining players that won over $100,000 Euros combined betting on Olympic boxing round-robin parlays. Bet1128 closed all the player accounts and seized all balances including deposits, claiming they were a betting syndicate. Bet1128 does not claim the players exceeded the maximum stake per bet with multiple accounts, bet from the same location or at the same time, or exceeded the one-day maximum win amount of $150,000 Euros. Their sole explanation was:
"Our customer XXXXX YYYYY has been linked to a group of punter. It’s our right to protect ourselves against this kind of strategy, which is unfair and deemed as cheating by our terms and conditions. We are able to prove the link of these players and ready to show to the relevant body. We are looking forward to receive official request from all the person involved in the affair, in order to clarify our position as soon as possible."
Bet1128 failed to provide valid reasons for their actions. The sportsbook states that an IBAS investigation is pending. Bet1128's rules do not prohibit players from sharing wagering information. The player admits to knowing the other sports bettors and states he did not initiate or take part in an investigation with third party, IBAS.

10.22.08 (11:21 PM CST) ClicknGamble & Capilleira scam continues

ClicknGamble (SBR rating F), part of the same operation that hosted stiff sportsbooks: BigjuicyOdds (SBR rating F), DragonWager (SBR rating F) and BetCSL (SBR rating F), player complains of no-pay. ClicknGamble is soliciting players who were victims of Capilleira-serviced sportsbooks. A Victim of BigJuicyOdds reports being targeted by ClicknGamble.
Player: I received a call from Joey on september 8, 2008, he first wanted me to post up, then he decided to take 4 of my players plus myself and give us a 1000.00 credit and settle up each tuesday.i agreed and the first week i was +1502.00. He sent the payout on wednesday and i received it thursday. the next week i was up 4820.00 and he said theguy that was backing him (a professional tour poker player) got hit hard and did not want me nor my players action and that he had never stiffed anyone and i would receive my money and he would notifiy me when the package had been sent and give me the tracking number. that has been about a month and one-half. i emailed him about three weeks ago and he again said he would let me know when the package had been sent. i have now emailed him several time and phoned him and he doesn't answer nor respond to me emails. just wanted to let you know so you can warn other players. Email address joeyjeaney@clickngamble.com and joeyjevaney@yahoo.com. phone numbers 1-702-425-5074 and 1-702-499-3093

10.21.08 (07:32 PM CST) BestHockeyBetting enters the SBR Rating Guide with an F rating.

BestHockeyBetting enters the SBR Rating Guide with an F rating
BestHockeyBetting is part of the EZ Sports Group. The most recent complaint came from a player who was with sister book Vegas-Sportsbetting (SBR rating F). The player won almost $5,000 on a Giants Super Bowl futures wager. After requesting his winnings he was locked out of his account and told the line was a mistake. The group has stiffed big futures winners in the past claiming the line was offered in error and will not be honored. The scam allows the book to take continuous action on multiple teams throughout the season, eventually stiffing only those who bet on the championship team. BestHockeyBetting's homepage highlights generous futures odds on which team will win both NHL conferences and the Stanley Cup. Players should avoid Best Hockey Betting and its sister EZ Sports books at all costs.

10.14.08 (09:06 PM CST) AverageJoeBets enters the SBR rating guide at FAverageJoeBets enters the SBR rating guide at F. AverageJoe, also known as B4Bsports, is one of the many mass produced sportsbooks from scam operation, Futurebet. Futurebet will use the different brands to target bettors who don't realize the new books are affiliated with the notorious rip-off artists. SBR will continue to search for new Futurebet-serviced sportsbooks in an effort to warn players.

10.08.08 (11:06 PM CST) BroburySports enters the SBR rating guide at D-

BroburySports enters the SBR rating guide at D-

BroburySports is a Costa Rica-based sportsbook that uses the Sportsbook.com (SBR rating D-) hosting and service center. Bettors are advised to steer clear of the Sportsbook.com group which has scammed many players last year for at least $300,000.

10.04.08 (03:49 PM CST) New MayaGaming (SBR rating F) player complains of waiting for $2500 for two months.

New MayaGaming (SBR rating F) player complains of waiting for $2400 for two months. It is unlikley the player will see any of his funds. MayaGaming, not to be confused with MayanSports (SBR rating D+), is one of the Futurebet operated sportsbooks that remain online only to collect player deposits. Many of the lesser Futurebet brands that are not deemed optimal websites for marketing were left on autopilot, existing only to take player funds. Futurebet swallowed hundreds of thousands in deposits shortly after refocusing all resources on new partner which operates Oddsmaker (SBR rating D-) and BetOnUSA (SBR rating D-).

10.03.08 (11:01 PM CST) PlayFast (SBR rating F), sister sportsbook of no-pay scam BetCascade (SBR rating F), copies SBR article and claims affiliation with SportsbookReview.com.

PlayFast (SBR rating F), sister sportsbook of no-pay scam BetCascade (SBR rating F), copies SBR article and claims affiliation with SportsbookReview.com.
PlayFast website: By 2003 Playfast.com had become the undisputed leader arming players with industry inside-information and information on dishonest bookmakers... Top sportsbooks are eager to quickly and fairly resolve complaints submitted to SBR, recognizing SportsbookReview as the player's voice. | SBR's article
Playfast opened as a sportsbook in early 2008. Both Playfast and BetCascade are under the same operation which owes millions of dollars to bettors.

10.01.08 (06:26 PM CST) SCAM ALERT: LazerWager (SBR rating F) operation taking wagers through live dealer online casinosSCAM ALERT: LazerWager (SBR rating F) operation taking wagers through live dealer online casinos. The company owns websites such as DealFourRealCasino.com and Deal4Real.net where the gambler can play against and converse with a live dealer. TheLiveDealerCasino.com, owned by parent company GPS Global, is attempting to outsource the live dealer service to other gambling operators. When SBR visited the LazerWager facility in February to discuss its failure to pay, we toured the live dealer casino room. Management stated that the value of the video camera equipment was more than the "low 6 figures" owed to LazerWager victims. LazerWager's parent company also operates its pay per head service called Evolution or EvoDP.com. Evo Data Processing hosts and services the following sportsbook websites:
betbooky.com
betc2c.com
betges.com
betwinnerlive.com
blackysports.com
ibetaaa.com
lasportsbet.com
lawager.com
msbparadise.com
onyxsports.net
risk2bet.com
sgbets.com
skytownsports.com
tagbets.com
ubet1688.com
win898.com
win989.com

09.30.08 (11:17 PM CST) Sportingbet (SBR rating C-) refuses to grade Russian soccer wagers placed over six months ago.

Sportingbet (SBR rating C-) refuses to grade Russian soccer wagers placed over six months ago. The sportsbook states they are investigating the validity of the result despite being unable to refer to any official league investigation and that wagers with other bookmakers have been graded days after the match. Sportingbet has encouraged players to request the wager be canceled and have their risked funds returned. Sportingbet players also continue to complain about the books refusal to honor documented wagering incentive offers. Players report being offered a risk-free wager of 50£. If the bet loses and the player seeks to collect refunded losses, customer service has offered the canned response "Interactive Sports (CI) Limited has the right to cancel or withdraw this offer or change any of its terms at any time and without cause/notice".

09.29.08 (09:17 PM CST)

Deposit-only sportsbook MayaGaming (SBR rating F) nabs new victim
Player: I have an account at mayagaming.com and when I tried to withdraw in May 2007 i was not paid. Asking them about this problem they told that the payout is pending for the first two responses, after that they stopped to respons to my mails. I found out about your site and I hoped you can help me ! Is this site a scam? Do I have any chances to get back my money? I thank you in advance for your response!
Futurebet now calls itself iGamingSoftware or IGS and will deny it has any relation to Futurebet when questioned by prospective clients. Players can identify these fly-by-night websites by the platform's IGS ClickCashier banking system. Examples include https://account.clickcashier.com/oddsmaker/ and the unbranded version used by MayaGaming, https://account.clickcashier.com/IGS/. Players aware of an unrated clickcashier casino or sportsbook are urged to contact SBR.

09.28.08 (11:13 PM CST) OnyxSports, an Evolution Sports Data Processing sportsbook, enters the SBR rating guide at F

OnyxSports, an Evolution Sports Data Processing sportsbook, enters the SBR rating guide at F. Onyx is post-up sportsbook from the same operation that hosted Lazerwager (SBR rating F). BetGES and IwagerBig, also sister books of Lazerwager, have been downgraded from D- to F.

09.27.08 (03:11 PM CST) Lazerwager (SBR rating F) officially folds with player funds; parent company scams continue
Lazerwager again cites frozen funds of third party processors as reason for finally calling it quits. The book used the processor excuse again despite only transferring two partial withdrawals to players since last year's Super Bowl. LazerWager blamed a credit card processor that froze post-up funds in February. LazerWager admitted that it made the mistake of relying on one processor to collect all monies and that without player deposits it did not have the needed funds to pay winners. The sportsbook lied to players saying that it would be transferring money from other business ventures. During the stalling and false promises of 2008, the sportsbook marketed aggressively to get new deposits from unsuspecting bettors. The Lazerwager staff told SBR prior to payout issues that the book is owned by GPS Global SA, also known as Evolution Sports Data Processing (evodp.com). The sportsbook shares the same server with many other betting sites.

SCAM ALERT: The image below was taken from Lazerager sister sportsbook, Prime Time Sports website today. The F rated sportsbook pretends to be rated A+ by SBR and quotes a review written for The Greek (SBR rating A+).

All Evolution Sports Data Processing (evodp.com), AKA GPS Global SA, sites should be avoided. SBR is currently researching all websites under the operating group in an effort to warn players. They will be listed in the latest SBR scam report.

09.25.08 (11:20 PM CST) AllSportsMarket (SBR rating D-) homepage online again

AllSportsMarket (SBR rating D-) homepage online again; accounts remain inacessible. The exchange-style sports betting website has been offline since early September. Two players report being owed funds since late 2007. ASM gives users who try to log in the following message:

AllSportsMarket.com: A temporary suspension of trading activity is required while we restore account data. We anticipate to return service shortly, so please check back soon. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding.
September 25 - 10:10am -The AllSportsMarket Management Team

09.21.08 (10:17 AM CST) Scam Alert: Palacebet.com (SBR rating F-) back online.Scam Alert: Palacebet.com (SBR rating F-) back online. The sportsbook website was taken down by the host provider after repeated scam reports. Although the sportsbook no longer offers online banking, players should beware of solicitation for Western Union deposits for too-good-to-be-true offers.

The Scam: Fake professional handicappers refer players to palacebet. The player signs up at the site and sends his deposit to Palacebet. His balance is instantly controlled by the pro handicappers, who are referred to by the book's customer service as "the player's Sports Advisors." The bettor is then promised a line of credit so he can bet larger sums on the "advisors' syndicate picks." He is told he must cover a $4,000 transaction cost for a bank wire from the touts to his account (which never occurs since the book simply adjusts the available balance in the software) and is promised it will be reimbursed to him upon cashing out. If the player is lucky enough to survive the "syndicate picks" that are designed to eat away his bankroll, he is asked to deposit another $4,000 in transaction fees before he can have access to his funds including the money he deposited. A player who complained to SBR was told he had to pay $4,000 maintain access to his account after winning $20,000.

09.20.08 (06:55 AM CST) BettingStar24 (SBR rating D) reopens; players advised to withdraw fundsBettingStar24 (SBR rating D) reopens; players advised to request funds
The sportsbook posted vague messages on its website earlier this week about transferring player accounts and informing users that customer support would not be offered during this time. No time line for a resolution was offered. BettingStar24's website displays a new message stating that negotiations allowed the sportsbook to reopen. It is not uncommon for Malta-licensed sportsbooks to struggle with internal business issues before eventually closing for good. PlayBanks and BetChance each showed signs of stumbling including intermittent payouts, temporarily removing account access, and/or announcing new ownership before eventually closing for good. Players are advised to test BS24's withdrawal process and avoid the book while it handles internal issues.

09.14.08 (12:36 PM CST) SpyCasino (SBR rating F) sportsbook closes with player funds

SpyCasino (SBR rating F) closes with player funds
Futurebet's SpyCasino was accepting deposits until as recently as late August and has owed players since late 2006. During the last year the sportsbook served as a deposit-only scam site for Futurebet. The domain name has expired and players are no longer able to see their account balances. SpyCasino was the second Futurebet-operated site to close with player funds in two weeks. USDbet (SBR rating F), which primarily marketed to sports forum posters, also went off-line with a debt to players. Futurebet now claims to be IGaming Software and unaffiliated with the Futurebet brand. Oddsmaker (SBR rating D-) and BetOnUSA (SBR rating D-) are the main sources of revenue for the group.

09.09.08 (04:12 PM CST) AllSportsMarket (SBR rating D) website off-line; player complains of 8 month no-payAllSportsMarket (SBR rating D) website off-line; player complains of 8 month no-pay
The betting exchange has seen little activity since one of its owners, also a minority owner of the failed BetEmpire (SBR rating F), was arrested in Italy on unrelated charges. SBR rules scans show the ASM website was last online September 4th.
Player logs withdrawal request responses:
12/10/2007 11:44:00 AM Customer Support Wrote: Dear Mr. ****, We are currently delayed with the payment queue so your withdrawal is not scheduled to go out yet. I apologize for the inconvenience this may cause. I will notify you personally when your payment is issued. Kindest regards, Christina ASM Client Support -Accounting
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2/27/2008 4:35:00 PM Customer Support Wrote: Your withdrawal is scheduled to go out in one of the upcoming batches. Unfortunately, I cannot give you a date as I am only informed by the accountants as each one is issued. I will see if I can get more detailed information for you. Christina
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3/19/2008 5:27:00 PM Customer Support Wrote: I do not have an update for you. I will contact you when I do. Christina
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5/13/2008 9:42:00 AM Customer Support Wrote: I'm sorry, but there is really nothing more for me to say. I understand your frustration and you are in your right, but there is nothing more I can do about this. You will be contacted when your payment is issued. Christina
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8/3/2008 12:07:00 AM Customer Support Wrote: Hi ******. Your withdrawal is still in the queue. I will inform you when it is issued. Christina

09.04.08 (11:27 PM CST) USDbet (SBR rating F) officially closedUSDbet (SBR rating F) officially closed?
The sportsbook wrote SBR less than three months ago to say they were going to begin paying users.
Dear Bill, usdbet is under new management and finally doing its own processing. Software will remain the same, however the problem was with processing not the software. We are paying out all pending withdrawals, so please redirect players who have contacted you with withdrawal problem to this mailing address: mail@usdbet.com. Thank you. Best regards, James usdbet.com

The sportsbook's site has redirected visitors to Yahoo.com since August. Emails to USD have not been returned. USDbet has been unable to pay players since August of 2007.

09.01.08 (10:50 PM CST) MaxOnlineSolutions enters the SBR rating guide at D-

MaxOnlineSolutions enters the SBR rating guide at D-. MOS is part of the GoTo Entertainment Group. Goto's flagship sportsbook, Enterbet was lowered to D- in July after a third slow-paid player was put on a payment plan. That player has received two monthly installments of $500 each and is waiting for the third installment that was due in August. MaxOnlineSolutions is located in San Jose, Costa Rica.

08.29.08 (01:23 AM CST) BetFirstClass (SBR rating D) software and host provider identified as BetBones Max.

BetFirstClass (SBR rating D) turnkey host provider identified as BetBones (SBR rating F) operator. The BetBones group scammed players under different brands at the end of 2007. BetBones ran a handicapper scam just before closing, stiffing hopeful victims as well as its employees. BetFirstClass.com owner states that he was unaware of the history of no-pay books on the platform. Previous scams also included F rated sportsbooks BetWGN, SunsetSports, Atlantisbet and DunHillCasino.

08.27.08 (11:35 PM CST) No-Pay Sportsbook back online No-Pay Sportsbook back online
BetCSL (SBR rating F) players reported payout problems in January of 2007. The sportsbook was taken off-line by the turnkey provider, Capilleira. Two more Capilleira sportsbooks have since closed without paying users. The sportsbook website has reappeared in time for football. Players should avoid CSL and all Capilleira sportsbooks.

08.18.08 (11:48 PM CST) SBR mailbag:
Q: SBR, I have gotten two copies of InsidersBettingDigest. It has BetUs as its sportsbook of the year and backs them financialy. They say "This year there is Only One Sportsbook That We Are 100% Confident In Recommending. As proof of our confidence in this sportsbook, we will be extending the Insiders’ Betting Digest Guarantee and financially stand behind our pick, good for up to $100,000 against non-payment due to lack of funds or business failure" Is this magazine for real? Thanks Dan
A: Hi Dan, Insiders Betting Digest has been giving BetUs that "award" for at least four years. The mag is actually owned by BetUS marketing. Before BetUs consolidated its sister books under BetUS.com, it had a Top 4 list of BetUs, SportsGambling, BetReduction and OmniSports. You were rightfully skeptical. BetUS is currently rated D+.

08.11.08 (10:35 PM CST) SCAM ALERT: BetCascade-operated PlayFast launches sportsbook

SCAM ALERT: BetCascade-operated PlayFast launches sportsbook
PlayFast.tv served as a contest site from no-pay sportsbook, BetCascade (SBR rating F). The site now functions as an advertisement for new sportsbook and gaming site, PlayFast.com. The sportsbook is hosted on BetCascade servers and uses the Cascade phone number. BetCascade continues to take wagers and market to new players despite being insolvent and owing millions to users.

08.05.08 (07:47 PM CST) BetChance sends a "client contract" to owed players

BetChance (SBR rating F) sends a "client contract" to owed players saying they will provide payment within 20 months and asks the player to agree he/she will not sue the gaming company. Players should ask the sportsbook if it intends to steal account balances if this agreement is not signed under duress. The agreement gives the sportsbook reassurance that the player does not intend to pursue the sportsbook and meaninglessly suggests that by signing it, the player has waived the right to pursue funds. BetChance previously offered 30% (now 25%) or payment in full within 15 months. in 2007 players agreed to payment plans which were not honored. SBR will contact Malta Gaming authorities to ask if the latest BetChance payment promise is the result of influence of the regulating body. Malta and its Lotteries and Gaming Authority have not proven to offer added player security to date. Defunct sportsbook Portlandbet (SBR rating F) is also confiscating a piece of player balances. | see BetChance agreement

08.03.08 (11:48 PM CST) Oddsmaker (SBR rating D-) promotion stings new player

Oddsmaker (SBR rating D-) promotion stings new player
Player: i got this $100 promotion from them and went 5-0 and won $2300 and when i try to withdraw they said that i violated the promotion because i cannot parlay. The letter never stated that i can't parlay..now i am out of $2300 and they cleared out my account completely....very sad day
Oddsmaker previously told SBR they would honor winnings prior to when the first parlay wager was made, would add the rule to the correct website pages, and clarify the rule in its terms of service. The book has not proceeded with these changes and players continue to waste winning picks on an account that cannot yield a profit. Oddsmaker.com operates one of the largest bettor email marketing campaigns and uses multiple tactics like this to attract the most players with minimal overhead.

07.29.08 (11:28 PM CST) Portlandbet (SBR rating F) stealing funds; website now off-line

Portlandbet (SBR rating F) stealing funds; website now off-line
The sportsbook was taken off-line two days ago after cashing some players out only part of their balance. Portlandbet is unjustifiably categorizing the amount of the rollover requirement applied to the signup bonus as the player's debt to the house. This means that after the book deducts the bonus, players are receiving less than their deposits and winnings. Many players have deposited only days before the sportsbook's wagering platform was deactivated. Portlandbet is no longer responding to email.

Player 1: i have had a withdrawal processed for half my balance of 5212.76 Have not received it yet), the other half was taken as turnover of bonus not met, i think i may have met turnover levels and have emailed them so (you can't access all your bet history via website, unfortunately)

Player 2: Hello, i deposited 150 Euro on 24th June after i signed up. They gave me 150 Euro Bonus. Account Balance was 706.95 Euro. I tried to cashout 706.95 Euro on 9.July They gave me only 353,47 € today.

07.27.08 (11:40 PM CST) ExtremeBet enters the SBR rating guide at F

ExtremeBet enters the SBR rating guide at F. ExtremeBet is the first Futurebet Group, now called iGaming Software (website), sportsbook to enter the SBR Rating Guide in July. SBR will continue to look for sports betting sites affiliated with the scam group which is known to recycle sportsbook brands prior to football season. Do you know of a Futurebet book that is not in the Sportsbook Review Rating Guide? Write to SBR.

07.25.08 (11:31 PM CST) Betway (SBR rating F) slow-paying players

Betway (SBR rating F) slow-paying players
The sportsbook, which has confiscated funds and cheated players out of winnings, is slow paying two SBR readers. Both players are waiting for Moneybookers payments initially requested in late May and early June. Betway has claimed that it had sent the funds via Moneybookers to one player but the e-wallet returned the funds back to them. Betway displays a familiar pattern of a book in financial trouble, first looking for reasons to recover winnings from sharp players, and later stalling and making slow-pay excuses.

Player: They went on to say I hadn't logged in to Moneybookers, so MB returned the money to them. I had logged into MB, and regardless, that is not MB policy.
My second withdrawal initiated on June 28th was returned to my account on July 17th stating "We're emailing you to follow up on your inquiry of July 07. Unfortunately, due to a miscommunication, we did not manage to notify you that on July 17 your withdrawal was sent back to us by Moneybookers in a timely manner. According to Moneybookers, the email address you specified for your withdrawal (**********@hotmail.com) has not been registered with us. The funds were returned to your Betway account and are now at your disposal. In order to enable you to correct your payment details we have also reset your withdrawal options, so you will be able to specify your Moneybookers email address again

07.23.08 (11:34 PM CST) SCAM Alert: GoRake enters the SBR Rating Guide at F

SCAM Alert: GoRake enters the SBR Rating Guide at F. GoRake is a new poker room and sportsbook from Futurebet, now calling itself IGaming Software. Futurebet is servicing multiple no-pay sportsbooks like SportsbookUSA (SBR rating F) and USDbet (SBR rating F). USDbet, which remains online as a deposit-only sportsbook website, is marketing 100% bonuses. GoRake shares the same IP address as flagship IGaming site, Oddsmaker.com (SBR rating D-).

07.22.08 (11:33 PM CST) Betway continues to steal player winnings; players report theft of deposits

Betway (SBR rating D-) continues to steal player winnings; players also report theft of deposits
The sportsbook initially told players their winnings were void due to their style of play. Betway targeted users who wagered in order to meet the rollover requirement for the bonus as fast as possible before withdrawing. Players have since reported that the sportsbook is closing accounts and confiscating winnings as well as deposits without attempting to explain its actions. This progressive level of theft is often a sign of financial problems. Balance confiscation is likely the sportsbook's only answer to dealing with winning players. Betway does not appear to employ a risk management department or attempt to safeguard promotions against non-recreational players. Users are advised to withdraw their funds as soon as possible. The sportsbook has been downgraded to D-, one month after a downgrade from C.

07.21.08 (11:43 PM CST) Player files $500,000 complaint against BetRoyal (SBR rating D-)

Player files $500,000 complaint against BetRoyal (SBR rating D-)

SBR Justin investigated the available facts of the complaint. In 2004 a group of players were invited by BetRoyal management to trade prices and betting odds at BetRoyal against other sportsbooks . The manager who had made the arrangement had taken a position with BetUS (SBR rating D+) before this issue emerged.

BetRoyal management would often solicit sharp players to bet off action they did not want while offering them special low juice, or even no juice lines, to increase liquidity. For example, if the sportsbook felt it had too much exposure on one play or wanted to gamble on the other team, it would make the applicable vig pricing appealing for their players that were known to trade on the sports betting market. The sportsbook was aware that at least two individuals were placing wagers on this account. The deposited funds initially lost but the invested $85,000 in deposits eventually earned a balance of $586,000. Several days before SBGglobal (SBR rating D-) completed its buyout of BetRoyal last year, the Royal website was taken off of the servers. When the site returned on the SBG platform, all winnings were removed from the account.

During the investigation, Royal, which was known for odd player arrangements and high risk bookmaking models, claimed that it had an agreement with the account holder that he would never take out winnings – only deposits. Royal claimed that the players were using some sort of hedging strategy where they would guarantee that they lost money at Royal, and won at other books. Royal offered no solid proof of this, often referring to the deal as something arranged independently by the manager that had moved on. The account holder denies there was any such agreement to “not withdraw winnings.” He rightfully points out that such an arrangement is not logical and describes a scenario where the account could only lose money. SBR told Royal that their explanation was not believable. The account holder believes BetRoyal erased the winnings in order to take $500,000 in liabilities off the books before selling to SBG Global.

07.19.08 (10:41 PM CST) Vegas-Sportsbetting Player reports no-pay dating back to September 2007

Vegas-Sportsbetting player reports no-pay dating back to September 2007
The bettor requested $400 through Neteller in September and has since requested the remainder of his $1,500 balance. The Vegas-Sportsbetting (SBR rating F) website gives him the message that he is not allowed to have more than one "pending withdrawal." Emails to the scam operation have bounced and the phone representative continuously claims management is not available to address the payout request. The player explains how he was duped by Vegas-Sportsbetting:
I have tried contacting them through 'live chat' help but when you eventually are told you have an operator, as soon as you mention 'withdrawing' money, they disappear and no further dialogue takes place. The email address they give for support just bounces back. I currently have over $1500 in the account. I must confess to not realising there are so many bogus sportsbook in operation, in the UK where I reside you never get these sort of problems. I actually work for the Racing Post - national daily racing/sports paper - and will be writing up my experiences with this firm, and advising everyone to check out your ratings and reviews about any sportsbook before opening an account and departing with money with these firms. They are very clever. The NFL markets in particular are frequently updated, giving the impression that its a very workable and therefore trustworthy operation.
This group of sportsbooks is known for scamming players on future wagers and failing to pay winners. Players can view a list of all sister sportsbooks of Vegas-Sportsbetting here.

07.17.08 (11:08 PM CST) Oddsmaker (SBR rating D-) refuses to settle wager dispute

Oddsmaker (SBR rating D-) refuses to settle wager dispute; acknowledges fault
The player was told his wager, which was an NBA bet placed in June, would be re-entered into the system to reflect the wager he intended to make. The player was told after the game by the sportsbook manager that the Oddsmaker customer service representative was wrong and the bet he said he would change could not be altered.

Player: I did an if-win on the Celtics last week and if it won, then i had the yankees-
both won- but when i entered the wager on the celtics, the wager was wrong- it said i had the over- I called before game time- the customer service manager said he would fix it. he never did. I had their financial executive call me and say that whoever told me they would fix it was lying. he said they dont speak good english and shouldnt have told me that it was fixed- he said that he admitted that probably happened but since I am up on their sportsbook, they wouldnt be doing anything for me regarding this.
i am not sure why it matters if i am up on them. I am up $59. This was a $2400 swing!! I know you cant do much about it, but warning others will be great! thanks

07.15.08 (11:41 PM CST) All-Sportsbook enters the SBR Rating Guide with an F rating.

All-Sportsbook enters the SBR Rating Guide with an F rating. All-Sportsbook is part of the EZ Sports Group. The most recent complaint came from a player who was with sister book Vegas-Sportsbetting (SBR rating F) five months ago. The player won almost $5,000 on a Giants Super Bowl futures wager. After requesting his winnings he was locked out of his account. The group has stiffed big futures winners in the past. The scam allows the book to take continous action on multiple teams through out the season, eventually stiffing only those who bet on the championship team. All-Sportsbook.com already has its very generous NFL futures odds up.

07.14.08 (11:50 PM CST) New player reports frustration with no-pay sportsbook, LazerWager (SBR rating F)

New player reports frustration with no-pay sportsbook, LazerWager (SBR rating F)
Tues, June 24 - talked to Rachel and she said I can get $1,000 via Moneybookers but the processor is down and to call back next Monday

Mon, June 30 - re-requested payout for $1,000 with Eve (General Manager) she said it will take 72 hours

Wed, July 02- talked with EVE and she said she expects the payout to happen today by 4PM

Thur, July 03 - spoke to Eve again and she said Fri by the latest

Tues, July 8- Eve said Moneybooker payouts take 7 -10 business days, 7 days is July 10th, 10 days is July 15th

Thur, July 10th - talked to Eve and she said no payout today because I am not on the payout report

Fri, July 11th - spoke to Eve and she said they don't do payouts on Friday and then hung up on me.

Fri, July 11th - spoke to Eve again and she swears the payout will happen next Thursday, July 17

Players have been waiting for payment since February of 2008. The scam sportsbook started making false promises of rectifying the situation when SBR had first visited five months ago. Lazerwager then sent a memo to its contacts and players in May stating that payouts would resume and that investors had funded the sportsbook. SBR confirmed two small partial payments at that time. The sportsbook has since continued to market, has remodeled its website, and is offering new sign-up bonuses. Players should be warned that Lazerwager is a scam sportsbook that is using player funds to operate.

07.06.08 (11:44 PM CST) Golden8Sports enters SBR Rating Guide at F as part of Atlantic West Gaming GroupGolden8Sports enters SBR Rating Guide at F as part of Atlantic West Gaming Group
A player reported receiving a deposit bonus offer from the sportsbook by phone. The last player to file a no-pay complaint from an Atlantic West sportsbook did so in April. He had $5,000 in AWG's BookYourBet (SBR rating F) and has not been paid or given a response to his inquiries about his funds.

07.04.08 (02:36 PM CST) BetWay continues to confiscate winnings; lowered to DBetWay continues to confiscate winnings; SBR lowers rating to D
Betway offers free-plays as an incentive for bettors to deposit. After the players have met the wagering requirements and request a payout the sportsbook confiscates winnings and sends back the deposit. A losing player never realizes he never had the chance to win the house's money. The sportsbook cites bonus hunting and taking advantage of the sportsbook's offers without intending to gamble further. Betway attempts to brand this type of play as the "money method."

BetWay: You have been positively identified as a participant of the "Money Method" scheme and therefore we have locked your account, cancelled all your bets and returned your initial deposit to your eWallet account. We will keep your account locked and will lock any future accounts you register."

07.02.08 (08:39 PM CST) BetChance (SBR rating F) wagering offline

BetChance (SBR rating F) deactivates accounts; continues emailing to players with take-it-or-leave-it settlement offer

BetChance is no longer pretending to take bets or allowing players to look at their balance. The book's homepage gives players' the message that the "operation is suspended for technical problems" and it "apologizes for any inconvenient.." The Malta-licensed sportsbook baited players with large deposit bonuses and advantageous lines and pricing. Some players have been pursuing their funds from BetChance for nearly one year. History suggests, despite what BetChance offers or arranges with players, the book will continue to stall and will not pay. Multiple players have stated that their opinion is the book will only pay if somehow leveraged to do so by The Lotteries and Gaming Authority of Malta and will hold out hope for their full balance. The LGA issued small payments to players on behalf of no-pay sportsbook Playbanks in March, months after the book had closed.

BetChance email to players:
We have tried to contact you during the week to inform you about the money in your Betchance Betting Account. Betchance Limited (betchance.com ) is closing and we are giving the following options to clients;
Option 1: To pay 30% of the total amount (betting account plus pending withdrawals) in the next two-three weeks.
Option 2: To pay the total amount you have in your betting account but divided in 15 months payments.
Please give us your reply as soon as possible, by email, or send us the phone number where we can contact you, in order to notify us of your decision.
When we’ll receive the option you choose, we will send an agreement by email, which has to be signed by both Betchance and the client, and afterwards the payment will be processed. For any further information you require, do not hesitate to send us an email on info@betchance.comor contact us by telephone on 00356 21489941.

Regards, Betchance Limited

06.28.08 (11:57 PM CST) New Bet911 (SBR rating D-) player complains of stalled payout

New Bet911 (SBR rating D-) player complains of stalled payouts
The sportsbook was downgraded to D- earlier this month after two players filed new payout complaints. Bet911 shows signs of trying to survive until it can obtain funds from new players at the start of football season. Like USDbet (SBR rating F), the small sportsbook's marketing efforts were directed to players on posting forums. Bet911 advertisement banners currently promote a 100% bonus.

Player: I currently have over $10000 in my account with them (account xxxxxx same e mail). I have been a customer for several years but this seems to count for nothing. I send e mail requests asking for a breakdown of how and when I will get paid which either remain unanswered or get misdirected within Bet911 (apparently). If they do reply it is never to my question but offering me the 'opportunity' to request a payout. Woi I'm so honoured. Their 'opportunities' have resulted in me receiving only $2000 in the last four months.

06.27.08 (11:34 PM CST) OrlandoSportsbook added to the SBR Rating Guide at DOrlandoSportsbook added to the SBR Rating Guide at D. Orlando is a new site from the GoTo Entertainment Group. Goto Sportsbooks are currently slow-paying three winning players.

06.26.08 (11:47 PM CST) BookTheBet (SBR rating F) player reports new no-pay case

BookTheBet (SBR rating F) player reports new no-pay case
Player: I have an account with bookthebet.com. The person I have been dealing with the last year is named George. The 1-800 number goes directly to his Cell Phone in Costa Rica. I have always been able to get a hold of him. I have over $6000 In my account and now for the last 14 days when I call it goes directly to his voicemail and I receive no response to my emails. The site is still operational though accepting bets.

The last BookTheBet victim reported being stiffed $7,000 in May of 2007. BookTheBet ownership operated PornSportsbook (SBR rating F) until earlier this year. The book is now off-line.

06.25.08 (06:53 PM CST) http://www.sportsbookreview.com/SR.aspx?S=4SportsPicksNew Live Betting Odds Service, LinesMover, operated by 4SportsPicks (SBR rating F) management. MajorWager moderator Clevfan spotted Linesmover's phone number on SBR's overview of 4SportsPicks.com which now uses the website, ForSportsPicks.com. The most recent scam from the 4Sports Group was through deposit-only F-rated betting sites PlayersBigWorld, Playing24Hours and SportsPlayingWorld. 4Sports moved these books with it from SportsCallCenter F.A. turnkey service before starting their own operation. Within months players were contacting SBR for help with over five-figures in total payout requests. 4Sports management, also management for Linesmover, told players they are only a service provider. 4Sports also serviced eWinner when it closed with player funds in 2004.

06.24.08 (09:42 PM CST) Nine new withdrawal complaints filed in 2008 from Europlay players

Nine new withdrawal complaints filed in 2008 by Europlay players
The sportsbook was downgraded to F today after the ninth Europlay victim of 2008 reported his account in delinquent status. These recent no-pay complaints total an amount owed of over $11,000. Requests date back to 2007. One player has contacted the Trade Commissioner at the Austrian Embassy. He was told the bookmaker is not listed as a registered business. It is unknown if the book has an office in Austria. SBR has confirmed the book's server is in the country. SBR is currently requesting banking information from players in an effort to gain more information about the operation's status.

Trade Commissioner : We refer to your e-mail of 17 April 2008 and fear that you have fallen victim to a website (http://www.europlay.at) which has been set up with fraudulent intention. We have made our own investigations and ascertained the following facts:
A similar website http://www.europlay2000.net already exists and is run by the Austrian company Unternehmensgruppe Lindenau using the trade name Europlay Sportwettcafes. They are located at Andritzer Reichsstrasse 56, A-8045 Graz, Tel. 0043 316 697869, Fax: 0043 316 697869-12, email: office@europlay2000.net, and are not connected in any way with Europlay International.
With regard to Europlay International in Austria we could not trace a company by this name. The telephone number 0043 3182 62230 is not a Graz telephone number. At the address Münzgrabenstrasse 86, A-8010 Graz, used to be a company by the name of BT-Montage Schlosserei, Maschinen- u. Rohrleitungsbau GmbH which has moved to Salzburg and is now insolvent. What business is currently located at this address, we do not know. We have passed your e-mail to the regional Chamber of Commerce in Graz. We are sorry that we are unable to give you a more favourable reply.

06.23.08 (06:34 PM CST) BetChance (SBR rating F) player reports that the sportsbook informed him it will close

BetChance (SBR rating F) player reports that the sportsbook informed him it will finally close
The player states the no-pay sportsbook called to offer him a settlement of 25% of his balance or the possibility of being paid in 20 months. BetChance has been unable to clear delinquent withdrawal requests for almost a year while teasing owed users with email updates about new ownership and small sporadic payments to a fortunate few. Most players do not expect to see any of their funds and now believe the empty promises and positive updates were part of the scam to remain operational in Malta while collecting from new depositors.

06.22.08 (11:15 PM CST) 1SportWagering enters the SBR Rating Guide with an F rating

1SportWagering enters the SBR Rating Guide with an F rating. 1SportWagering is part of the EZ Sports Group. The most recent EZ Sports complaint came from a player with sister book Vegas-Sportsbetting (SBR rating F) in February. The player won almost $5,000 on a Giants Super Bowl futures wager. Shortly after requesting his winnings he was locked out of his account. The group has stiffed big futures winners in the past. The scam allows the book to take continous action on multiple teams through out the season, eventually stiffing only those who bet on the championship team. The majority of the EZ future bet bettors never realize they risked funds with nothing to gain.

06.21.08 (11:25 PM CST) USAsportsbook enters the SBR rating guide at F

USAsportsbook enters the SBR rating guide at F. USAsportsbook is the second Futurebet (now called iGaming Software) sportsbook to enter the SBR Rating Guide this week. SBR will continue to look for sports betting sites affiliated with the scam group. Futurebet is known to recycle sportsbook brands prior to football season.

06.18.08 (10:51 PM CST) New sportsbook, PokersDNA, enters rating guide at F

New sportsbook, PokersDNA, enters rating guide at F
PokersDNA is the newest Futurebet Scam sportsbook to enter the SBR Rating Guide. Futurebet now calls itself iGamingSoftware or IGS and will deny it has any relation to Futurebet when questioned by prospective clients. Players can identify these fly-by-night websites by the platform's IGS ClickCashier banking system. Examples include https://account.clickcashier.com/oddsmaker/ and the unbranded version used by PokersDNA, https://account.clickcashier.com/IGS/. Players aware of an unrated clickcashier casino or sportsbook are urged to contact SBR.

06.17.08 (11:22 PM CST) 1LuckyGambler enters the SBR rating guide at D-

1LuckyGambler enters the SBR rating guide at D-

1LuckyGambler is a Costa Rica-based sportsbook that uses the Sportsbook.com (SBR rating D-) hosting and service center. Bettors are advised to steer clear of the Sportsbook.com group which has scammed many players over the past year. Sportsbook.com is four months behind in payment to some players due to a lack of processing resources.

06.16.08 (10:22 PM CST) Scam book USDbet (SBR rating F) soliciting new players in cannot pay.

Scam sportsbook USDbet (SBR rating F) soliciting new players it cannot pay

USDbet has been unable to pay players since August of 2007. The sportsbook advertised on sports betting forums while complaining about its blacklist status on SportsbookReview. Once its processor refused to give the book player funds it collected on its behalf, USDbet stopped answering player emails. USDBet.com continues to take deposits and will likely aggressively market bonuses prior to the start of football season. Players should be aware of these scams that utilize money-first gambling portals to appear to be legitimate operations.

Player: Hi, I've been using USDBet for 2 months now, and I've won quiet a bit of money. They appeared to be a creditable looking website, I've been able to get answers to question regarding bonuses and different betting types via email, but when it comes to making a withdrawal, I don't get any response.

I actually spoke to someone once via there live chat once, and they said there withdrawals wont be activated for 3/4 weeks due to a change in management (but they keep accept deposits?!?!?)

There live chat very rarely works, and there 1800 number rings out. (Although, rarely, I actually do get someone on the live chat, but I've tried over 200 times and I've only gotten through twice). This is starting to really #$%! me off. Is there anything you can do to help me?

USDbet migrated to Futurebet from the Sportsbook.com Group in December of 2006.

06.14.08 (10:56 PM CST) Oddsmaker cancels winning bets; cites bonus terms

Oddsmaker (SBR rating D-) cancels winning bets; cites bonus terms
A new player accepted a free $200 account offer from Oddsmaker. He also deposited $500 in order to increase the amount of money he could risk at once. The sportsbook confiscated all winnings including money won from the player's deposit. Oddsmaker states that the player made a parlay which is against the bonus terms and the reason for management's decision.

Player: I got the letter offering a $200 bonus for signing up. $200 is too little to play so I added $500 cash at the same time. That gave me $700 to play with. I ran it to $3600 winnings that weekend when I inquired how much of it was available for withdrawal they told me none that I had broke the rules by betting a parlay. I made a good 20 straight bets before any parlay and then another 20 bets after that.

All those bets were in the $100-$300 range. When they refused to pay I asked if they were going to refund my $500 if I had lost. Of course not, so what they were saying is I risked $500 cash with no chance of winning and they weren't going to let me know I broke the rules or was playing for nothing until 1) I went broke 2) I tried to make a withdrawal.

In my mind the bet I broke the rules on (which I was unaware of) should have voided the $200 and either 1) they notify me 2) All bets from then on were good. In reality considering I never lost the $200 all bets should have counted. They continued to let me make numerous bets and run up the figure and if I hadn't inquired can you imagine if I had ran it to 10 or 15 large how much more pissed I had been. You know in this business you go hot and cold I got hot at the wrong time with the wrong book. I probably lose $30,000 to $40,000 a year. To win back 3,000-4,000- is a good weekend. What really pissed me off is I had bets pending. When I called and those bets weren't honored after all was said and done I was really irked. They told me my figure would be reset to $500 after ALL pending bets were graded.Go figure. Thanks for your help.

06.13.08 (11:48 PM CST) New player victim to sportsbook impersonator

New player victim to sportsbook impersonator
Player: After hearing about how good Legendz was and that you gave it an A+ rating I decided to join. I went to LegendsSportsbook.com and sent 250 bucks! It wasnt until 2 week later when i tried to get there from SBRlines did i realize they were two different websites! I checked the rating guide and realised a scammer has my money.

Robbie, formerly of defunct Apex Sports (SBR rating F) is operating legendsportsbook.com which has attracted bettors looking for the real Legendz (SBR rating A+). SBR has warned players since 2006 of LasPalmasSportsbook.com after readers reported depositing in what they believed to be LasPalmas (SBR rating B-). Bettors should also beware of OceanSportsbook (SBR rating F) and AmericasBookie (SBR rating F). Both are part of this network of scam sites.

06.11.08 (09:21 PM CST) Third Enterbet (SBR rating D) reports slow-pay in two months

Third Enterbet (SBR rating D) reports slow-pay in two months
The player, who tells SBR this is only his 2nd payout request in seven years as a customer, asked for a $1500 payout in April but only received $500 one month later. Enterbet tells the player that challenges with "processing" are to blame. The sportsbook has at least two other players on payment plans which have not been honored. Enterbet, part of Goto Entertainment, has been known to stall owed players until football season when deposits begin to fund the sportsbook. GoTo Sportsbooks have taken up to two years to settle with players.

Player: I was given this website to check on a sports book that I am having difficulty getting my funds from. I am hardly a large player; I had a balance of $2000 when I made a withdrawal request for $1500. The information posted on the website says that withdrawals are processed on Monday's. I requested my withdrawal the first week in April of this year. After a month I did receive a $500 payout, and now over a month beyond that I still wait for the rest of my request.

I am constantly told, in a nice manner I might add, that the laws limit their Western Union payments in amount and number per week. I guess I find this hard to believe. It seems a scam. Honestly I have been a customer of Enterbet ( I am not sure if the owners are the same now) for 7 years, and I have only had one winning campaign before this year. That year, three years ago, I was paid by a check sent to my home address.

I would appreciate any help you can offer me and any clarification of laws and rules that I am not privy too. I would also love to have a list of sports books who you have found reliable and honorable.

06.09.08 (10:14 PM CST) GamblingSaloon (SBR rating F) closes with player funds.

GamblingSaloon (SBR rating F) closes with player funds. Account holder "Mike" tells SBR the site is now off-line leaving no instructions on collecting his $300 balance. GamblingSaloon was an Interactive Gaming Systems Group sportsbook. IGS took the remainder of its small turnkey hosted sportsbooks off-line earlier this month.

06.08.08 (11:24 PM CST) KingsTreasureCasino enters the SBR Rating Guide at F

KingsTreasureCasino enters the SBR Rating Guide at F

KingsTreasureCasino is a newly rated sportsbook from Futurebet which is now calling itself IGaming Software. Futurebet is servicing multiple no-pay sportsbooks like SportsbookUSA (SBR rating F) USDbet (SBR rating F) and MonkeyBet (SBR rating F). MonkeyBet and USDbet remain online as a deposit-only sportsbook websites and are marketing 100% bonuses.

06.07.08 (11:35 PM CST) BetWay (SBR rating D+) confiscates earned free-play winnings

BetWay (SBR rating D+) confiscates earned free-play winnings

BetWay claims at least five players followed the directions of a third party website on how to utilize bonuses and cashout in the shortest amount of time possible. Although this is not the type of play the sportsbook hopes to gain from the promotion, Betway does not have rules against betting with the intention of earning bonuses quickly and utilizing the sportsbook only for that reason. In email discussion Betway refers to this action as "the money method." SBR has asked Betway to reconsider honoring all wagers and allow SBR to advise on the promotion's terms and conditions. BetWay has been downgraded from C to D+.

BetWay to SBR: In the case of the 5 accounts in question, we remain firm that the evidence is clear that these players came through a site which openly teaches players how to abuse bonuses.

BetWay to user: After analyzing Metododiheiro.com, we have seen that the "Money Method" promotes a step-by-step guide and workshop for systematic abuse of free bet bonus offers on 50+ Sportsbook sites. Betway were not aware of Metododinheiro.com and the promotion of this scheme until recently.

06.05.08 (11:56 PM CST) Bet911 no-pay and no response; downgraded to D-

Bet911 no-pay and no response; downgraded to D-
The sportsbook has not responded to player an SBR requests for a promised payment of $1,750. A second player reports a 3.5 week $740 slow-pay. Bet911 last responded to SBR and assured payment in March. Bettors are reminded to avoid small unproven sportsbooks that may be attempting to hold on until they can begin collecting deposits from new football bettors. Sportsbooks that focus on U.S. sports are entering the slowest part of the betting year.

05.29.08 (09:49 PM CST) InstantActionSports (SBR rating C) sportsbook confiscates earned bonus, winnings

InstantActionSports (SBR rating C) confiscates winnings, earned bonuses
The sportsbook sent an email to two account holders stating that they will not honor a "50% moneybookers bonus and winnings from the bonus due to sharp play" after the bettors won wagers and already completed their rollover wagering requirements. SBR has contacted sportsbook management stating that retroactively voiding wagers and deducting bonuses after the requirements have been met is considered theft. SBR has asked IAS to reconsider this decision and employ better risk management and more appropriate bonus terms. SBR advises sportsbooks to identify undesireable play as soon as possible and prorate the bonus before parting ways with the customer. The players have pointed out that they would have placed the wagers at a different sportsbook with deposited funds had IAS declined to service them. A final decision from InstantAction is expected tomorrow.

05.20.08 (08:36 PM CST) BetCascade Scam continues over one year laterBetCascade (SBR rating F) Scam continues over one year later
The most recent scam report comes from a player who deposited in April and says he was promised a payout of over $4,000. Like other players who have been waiting since April of 2007, he was told his payout "would arrive soon." Cascade's excuse for taking deposits while unable to pay owed players from the previous year was "new investors" were responsible for new marketing and deposits and the old Cascade would save money from bookmaking services to pay on delinquent account balances. Cascade has paid just over $22,000 to SBR readers since it initially stopped processnig payout requests. The total the book has since taken in deposits is unknown.

05.16.08 (11:00 PM CST) JustForBettors, ClicknGamble & BetCasinoAndSports downgraded from D- to F.

JustForBettors, ClicknGamble & BetCasinoAndSports downgraded from D- to F. The sportsbooks, along with Ultimate-Odds (SBR rating F), make up the last four Capilleira sportsbooks that remain online. Ultimate-Odds and BetCasinoAndSports are expected to close to the public in the near future. Recent history suggests that if these books do close it is likely large balance holders will not receive their money.

05.15.08 (06:17 PM CST) Capilleira Group sportsbooks reach SCAM statusCapilleira Group sportsbooks reach SCAM status
Operation management initially told SBR that they were not responsible for its anonymous licensees. After the closure of the first no-pay book, DragonWager, Capilleira management told SBR it would require its licensees to keep deposits on hand so not to facilitate theft. Capilleira management also told SBR that it would stand for all player balances at two of its brands, WagerDaily and Ultimate-Odds. In March a WagerDaily player reported that he was owed $23,364 and the sportsbook was off-line. The player was able to log in to his account through Ultimate-Odds where his balance was still showing as available. Capilleira management initially told the player that it would pay him in installments and take responsibility for the "book owner's" debt.

Capilleira: I will pay you 10% of the balance starting April 1^st and it will be sent by bank wire and this will be adhered to strictly.

Capilleira's owner failed to pay as promised and has avoided the client. WagerDaily reached a peak rating of C- before the first complaint from BetCSL was received. Capilleira-hosted books such as BetCSL, DragonWager and BigJuicyOdds have stiffed players thousands.

05.14.08 (09:41 PM CST) Logans enters the SBR rating guide at D-.

Logans enters the SBR rating guide at D-. Logans is the second Sportsbook.com-hosted sportsbook to enter the SBR rating guide this week. Logans is advertising the same $10 free bet promotion that other Sportsbook.com serviced books are offering. As is the case with other brands, it does not mention that the use of the promotion is prohibited when it has been accepted at other seemingly independent sportsbook.com licensees. The group has labeled the used of multiple bonuses at their different books as abuse and confiscated player funds from winning accounts.

05.13.08 (09:47 PM CST) Ebets enters the SBR rating guide at D-.

Ebets enters the SBR rating guide at D-. Ebets is a Costa Rica-based sportsbook that uses the Sportsbook.com (SBR rating D-) hosting and service center. Ebets is currently calling players from customer lists to offer 25% bonuses. Bettors are advised to steer clear of the Sportsbook.com group which has scammed many players over the past year.

05.12.08 (07:57 PM CST) Futurebet sportsbooks to survive lethal partnership?

Sportsbooks to survive lethal Futurebet partnership? DimeLine Sportsbook offers updates on customer service and payout complaints while lifeless sportsbook, USDbet, claims it is under new management and players will see it pay again.

USDbet (SBR rating F) has failed to respond to players and SportsBook Review since informing SBR it was victimized by Futurebet in October of last year and did not have player funds. The sportsbook's management suggests there is reason for players to be optimistic.

USDbet: Dear Bill, USDBet is under new management and finally doing its own processing. Software will remain the same, however the problem was with processing not the software. We are paying out all pending withdrawals, so please redirect players who have contacted you with withdrawal problem to this mailing address: mail@usdbet.com. Thank you. Best regards, James USDBet.com

DimeLine Sports (SBR rating D) tells SBR it will address complaints and that the book is close to upgrading its customer service department.
DLS: Apparently after reading your forum there are still some complaints regarding payouts from Dimeline. Our payouts are completely current and if here are clients who have not been paid it is a mistake. Please let the players know to contact me directly at aglende27@gmail.com and I will take care of this. Also I wanted to let you know that we are a few weeks away from providing our own customer support and completely being out from futurebet's horrible support team. We are also launching our poker network by June 1, 2008 and bringing back Neteller which will speed up the payout process for international clients. If you notice there are no payout complaints from USA clients.
SBR currently has three slow-pay and customer service complaints from DLS users. DLS has thus far survived a partnership with Futurebet, which stole bankrolls and profits from the majority of its licensees. BetOnUSA (SBR rating D-) was the last book to join the no-pay network. BetOnUSA is believed to have taken over the Futurebet software source code and partnered with the network which did its last cash-grab on turnkey sportsbooks and their players.

05.11.08 (09:44 PM CST) Slow-paid Enterbet (SBR rating D) player receives $250; put on payment plan

Slow-paid Enterbet (SBR rating D) player receives $250; put on payment plan
The player tells SBR he was asked not to disclose the terms of the payment plan but states he is finally receiving favorable results and expects to paid in full by the beginning of the NFL season. Enterbet management has not responded directly to SBR's inquiry regarding this player. The account holder told SBR he was originally told that payouts were stalled because he was a "sharp player" and Enterbet was a book that aimed to service recreational bettors. The user is owed over $5,000. | Initial report

Player: The gentleman Palbo, is telling me that I had been label a wise guy player. And because of that, I will be slow paid. He tells me that I will not see another payout before the start of next NFL season. Along with that, he has reduce my online wagers from as much as $2k, to $50.

05.07.08 (02:12 PM CST) BetUS (SBR rating D+) informs player of $18,300 confiscation

BetUS (SBR rating D+) informs player of $18,300 confiscation
The bettor made his first deposit of $1,000 in April which he lost. BetUs contacted him to give him a $100 bonus which he also lost. The player made a second deposit of $1,000 on April 18th. He then made winning parlay wagers that brought his account to $18,300. He was told by management that the BetUs credit card processor has informed them of a chargeback dispute with poker site, Ultimatebet, that it also services. The player claims BetUs told him in order to get a payout he would have to settle the dispute with Ultimatebet. The player sent Ultimatebet $2,000 which cleared the credit card dispute and reopened the account in good standing. After resolving the issue with Ultimatebet, BetUS told the player they are keeping his winnings.

Player: On 4/10 i made a deposit of 1000, on 4/18 i made a deposit of 1000. I made a 5 team parlay on 4/18 - mets,nationals,brewers, cardinals -1 1/2, and indians that paid off around 13k...on the same day i made a 2 team parlay, indians -1 1/2 and whitesox -1 1/2 that paid off around 3k...(a few smaller bets also but not significant) the next day i went to withdraw and they froze my account...when they unfroze it for an hour a week later when i cleared up everything i made a few bets and won another 1600 mostly on the laker-nuggets game 3...On April 29th I spoke to Dan and he told me he is "confiscating my account", "we dont want your business" and he will reverse the 2 charges that i made BETUS

05.04.08 (09:04 PM CST) DunHillCasino head for hills with player funds

DunHill heads for hills with player funds

The deposit-only operation closed its other scam sportsbook, AtlantisBets (SBR rating F-), last month. DunHill Casino (SBR rating F-), which closed sometime this past week, stole at least $20,100 in deposits since entering the SBR rating guide at F in March. It is likely a new sportsbook website without a tainted reputation is already online and soliciting deposits with the help of fake professional handicappers. Sources in Costa Rica are searching for more information about the con artists and their online scams.

05.03.08 (03:13 PM CST) BetSBI (SBR rating D+) fails to pay scammed players after repeated promises

BetSBI (SBR rating D+) fails to pay scammed players after repeated promises
A BetSBI (Sports Betting International) representative contacted multiple players setting them up with a line of wagering credit. Players won approximately $2,000 and filed a complaint with SBR when their contact was no longer answering his phone. The sportsbook's manager told SBR that the agent gave other players credit as well and those players lost over $15,000. Since those players refused to pay the agent he was unwilling to pay the unrelated winning account holders. The sportsbook's manager gave multiple dates for when it would step in and pay the players if the issue could not be resolved directly with the agent. After assuring both the players and SBR that the accounts would eventually be paid, SBI has gone back on its word. Players should be aware that BetSBI, which claims it no longer has post-up players, works with rogue agents and may be facilitating a scam.

05.01.08 (08:33 PM CST) BetChance (SBR rating D-) scam continues after scattered payouts

BetChance (SBR rating D-) scam continues after scattered payouts
Many players who filed a complaint reported payment at the start of April. BetChance failed to pay players at the close of 2007 and beginning of this year. The sportsbook was upgraded from F to D- in April to reflect the possibility of payment. Players have since wrote to SBR strongly objecting to the sportsbook having a rating above F-. BetChance payouts have not continued while its marketing campaign has. BetChance is telling players they are only able to withdraw the amount they deposited. The result is new players depositing in an effort to win money the book will not pay.

Player to BetChance: I am still waiting on a response to my email from 31st January 2008 (10 weeks ago !!!). Furthermore there are 5 open withdrawals over 5000 Euro in total. Please let me know within 7 days when you will payout this amount. Please regard that sportsbookreview.com has changed your rating from F to D- on 7th April and I think that you won't be pleased if your rating will changed again to F.

04.27.08 (10:51 PM CST)

SCAM ALERT: New online casino, FruitnLoot launched by ownership of closed sportsbook scam Apex Sports (SBR rating F-). Stolen Apex player funds were used to start these new casinos and sportsbooks such as Bet33 (SBR rating F).

04.23.08 (06:23 PM CST) Bet29 (SBR rating F) website off-lineBet29 (SBR rating F) website off-line. The sportsbook left some players hopeful during the month of March with a website message stating: "site is in maintenance, we apologize for any inconvencience. We will back shortly." The Bet29 website is no longer online. Before the sportsbook left with player balances it blamed user credit card fraud for payout delays. Players have not been able to contact the sportsbook since early March.

04.21.08 (10:06 PM CST) BetOnSportsbook enters the SBR Rating Guide with an F rating.

BetOnSportsbook enters the SBR Rating Guide with an F rating. BetOnSportsbook is part of the EZ Sports Group. The most recent EZ Sports complaint came from a player with sister book Vegas-Sportsbetting (SBR rating F) in February. The player won almost $5,000 on a Giants Super Bowl futures wager. Shortly after requesting his winnings he was locked out of his account. The group has stiffed big futures winners in the past. The scam allows the book to take continous action on multiple teams through out the season, eventually stiffing only the backers of the championship team. The majority of the EZ future bet bettors never realize they risked funds without a chance of winning.

04.20.08 (09:51 PM CST) BetCasinoAndSports, new Capilleira sportsbook, enters the SBR rating Guide at D-

BetCasinoAndSports, new Capilleira sportsbook, enters the SBR rating Guide at D-
Capilleira closed the majority of its post-up sportsbooks in March following the collapse of BigJuicyOdds (SBR rating F). Capilleira hosted the website and provided wagering and some payment processing for its webmaster client. The turnkey provider left only Ultimate-Odds (SBR rating D-) online. BetCasinoAndSports is now one of two active Capilleira books indexed in the SBR rating guide.

04.19.08 (08:06 AM CST) PitBossPlayer, second F rated Futurebet book to enter the rating guide this week.

PitBossPlayer, second F rated Futurebet sportsbook to enter the rating guide this week. The new rating guide entry is the result of a player reading the warning for BetBig247 (SBR rating F), matching the customer service phone number, and inquiring with SBR. Players are urged to steer clear of any book they believe may be affiliated with Futurebet. One of the group's phone numbers often used is 800-809-9460. Email may use the domain @PlayerSupport.com.

04.17.08 (10:19 PM CST) SCAM Alert: BetBig247 enters the SBR Rating Guide at

SCAM Alert: BetBig247 enters the SBR Rating Guide at F. BetBig247 is a new sportsbook from Futurebet, now calling itself IGaming Software. Futurebet is servicing multiple no-pay sportsbooks like SportsbookUSA (SBR rating F) and MonkeyBet (SBR rating F). MonkeyBet, which remains online as a deposit-only sportsbook website, is marketing 100% bonuses. The Futurebet Group is currently the largest sportsbook scam online.

04.16.08 (07:35 PM CST) No-Pay book, LazerWager (SBR rating F) continues to advertise while stalling owed players

No-Pay book, LazerWager (SBR rating F) continues to advertise while stalling owed players
LazerWager management told SBR during our office visit in February that the book was waiting for a refund from its credit card processor and if it was not apparent that the funds would be returned, ownership would provide money needed to pay users. LazerWager then told SBR that payment should be expected in early April. Over the last month the book has maintained that the funds are being transferred. During this time LW continued to advertise to players it cannot pay. It has become clear the book hopes to market its way out of this debt and stay out of its own pockets. LazerWager should be considered a scam company currently funded by player deposits. LazerWager staff has told SBR that the book is owned by GPS Global SA, also known as Evolution Sports Data Processing (evodp.com). | SBRforum Discussion

04.13.08 (08:52 PM CST) SCAM ALERT: New DunHillCasino (SBR rating F-) victim SCAM ALERT: New DunHillCasino (SBR rating F-) victim owed $15,000
The player reports depositing through Western Union to Nicaragua and Costa Rica, and again through credit card before going on a five-figure winning streak. The player states that his calls are routed to a Costa Rican cell phone and management is not available. DunHill is a is a spin-off of scam operation AtlantisBets (SBR rating F-).

Player: The other fact that i found intresting is that you have a lot of noise on the background like cars, and buses looks like it is that we are calling to a cellphone. and a lot of spanish environment and the guy who answers the phone have very very very BAD English and he think that we belive that "Mike, Charlie, etc.." are in meetings all the time.

04.08.08 (11:20 PM CST) Bet1128 (SBR rating C-) voiding wagers after lines change in player's favor

Bet1128 (SBR rating C-) voids wagers after lines change in players' favor
SBR received five complaints from Bet1128 players who had valid bets canceled in 2007. Bet1128 has claimed that linesmakers made "an obvious error" when they fail to move the line with the betting market.

Player on 3/13/08: Yesterday I was treated unfairly by bet1128 (bet1128.com - former Paradisebet). They voided my bets on Chilean League match Palestino vs Huachipato claiming there was a mistake in the odds. This however clearly was not the case. True that at the time I placed these bets their odd for away team was above market average. Their were among the last to keep it that high. But this was caused by general line movement on this game yesterday morning and surely not by oddsmaker's mistake. I placed two bets around 06:30 GMT and they voided them almost three hours later when these bets were indeed in quite a contrast with market average odd. I intervened by sending an e-mail and on live chat service but to no avail. I am not expecting you to waste your time to take up this case with them as I am fully aware they have a history of such practices and the chance to reverse the decision (one bet would be won) is minimal. My main point is that a wider public read this and know what they can expect from this sportsbook.

Player 2: The draw was available at 3.6-3.8 in a few places and Huachipato at 5.5-5.80 in a few places as well. What it happened is that there was a very big move on the odds in that match and they got caught as many other bookmakers.But instead of honour their odds as everyone does they just claim that their odds were wrong and they void all bets. I think this is totally unacceptable and I would like you to make public their decision in your website and review their rating accordingly.

04.06.08 (08:53 PM CST) BookYourBet (SBR rating F) player requesting payouts for one month

BookYourBet (SBR rating F) player requesting payment for one month
BookYourBet is the last Atlantic West Gaming sportsbook online. Players who had a balance with sister books that have disappeared will likely find their balance by logging in. All AWG books were connected to the same database. This player found his $5,000 previously held with AWG's DublinDownSports. BookYourBet, today downgraded to F, has not answered phones or emails.

04.05.08 (09:34 PM CST) New brand from Futurebet operation, BetEmBig (SBR rating F) traps new victimNew brand from Futurebet operation, BetEmBig (SBR rating F) traps victim
Player: I've recently found out that betembig is associated with futurebet and i noticed that the customer service is almost identical with some of the other futurebet sites that have had major payout problems. I requested a thousand dollar payout (by the way the customer service is suspiciously nice)and one customer service guy told me they are having problems with their accounts department while another told me that it could take a few months to process my withdrawl. I have a strange feeling that I have been scammed here, because these guys have a bad reputation to say the least.

All new Futurebet brands will enter the rating guide with an F rating. Turnkey sportsbook owners who are working outside of the Futurebet scam to make payment arrangements with players should contact SBR.

04.05.08 (01:58 AM CST) New BetOnUSA (SBR rating D-) player comes forward with claim for $29,000

New BetOnUSA (SBR rating D-) player comes forward with claim for $29,000
BetOnUSA stiffed multiple players for at least $200,000 when moving its websites from the Sportsbook.com Group (Jazette Enterprises Ltd) to already slow-paying operation, Futurebet. This latest claim is for just over $29,000. BetOnUSA has told winners that these large debts belong to the Sportsbook.com Group. In late 2007 BetOnUSA forced a player to settle for slightly more than half of his six-figure casino jackpot, claiming that Sportsbook.com, who was providing hosting and software to BetOnUSA at the time, was responsible for those funds.

Player: In summary, when Betonusa.com went down last year, my account balance was $21,723 and the sum of 3 pending checks I did not receive amounted to $7381. Once the plug was pulled at BETONUSA I never did gain access to my account again, so the above figure represents my best estimate of the balance based on a diary of my wagering activities. The figure for the 3 checks is accurate and I will be more than willing to provide withdrawal receipts if requested. When the site came back up, I could not log into my acount and my balance disappeared.

04.01.08 (11:04 PM CST) Sportsbook.com's SportFanatik (SBR rating D-) player accepts $10 free-bet bonuses; book confiscates $820

SportFanatik (SBR rating D-) player accepts $10 free-bets; book confiscates $820
Sportfanatik shares the same ownership and management as Sportsbook.com (SBR rating D-). The Sportsbook.com Group regularly refers to these $10 free-bet offers as a reason the bettor is not entitled to his/her balance, claiming the user violated the bonus rules or "the spirit of the promotion." The scam is always used on winning players who are often debited for more than they have received in bonuses over the life of the account. Even long-time Sportsbook.com account holders should use caution. The book has proven it will attempt to increase profit margins by stealing funds from players with positive balances who are no longer perceived to be profitbale. Other recent scams include voiding winnings on parlays and stealing five and six figure balances from winners who used different sportsbooks within the Sportsbook.com family.

Player: I have a problem with sportfanatik in that my account has been disabled ,there was a small balance of $20 and a pending bet of 800/1000 San Antonio for NBA champs ,reason being they are accusing me of playing both sides in the weekly free $10 bet . I have an acc with Hollywood as well but I didn’t realise they were connected , I thought it strange that they would offer the same proposition but I did take the free bets most weeks ,as I had no opinion of the propositions I mainly ticked the boxes at random and obviously at times they would differ . For at least a year I have only been taking the free bet with sportfanatik and one is only allowed 1 free bet per week so it is strange that this complaint should surface now . I fail to understand how they can adopt such stringent measures and if they are legally entitled to cancel my bet and confiscate my funds. Hoping that you can assist in this matter

03.31.08 (08:25 PM CST) Online Scam sportsbook to use new brand to lure victims?

SBR confirms DunHillCasino is part of scam sportsbook operation AtlantisBets (SBR rating F-)
SBR has already published a press release on the AtlantisBets scam. DunHillCasino was added to the Sportsbook Review rating guide at F- today.

03.29.08 (12:37 AM CST)

SCAM ALERT: SBR investigating new sportsbook, DunHillCasino. Sources suggest the book is owned by scam operation AtlantisBets (SBR rating F).

03.22.08 (09:22 PM CST) SCAM Alert: LazerWager (SBR rating D-) marketing to new players it cannot pay

SCAM Alert: LazerWager (SBR rating D-) marketing to new players it cannot pay
LazerWager continues to market to new players and acknowledges that if a player hits a big parlay they will have to wait for investors to fund the sportsbook before being paid. LazerWager management maintains that delinquent accounts will be current in mid April. LazerWager's most recent marketing campaign included a phony press release offering Paris Hilton a job for $100,000, $20,000 less than the estimated amount owed to bettors.

03.21.08 (05:58 PM CST) Warning: BookYourBet (SBR rating D-) back online

Warning: BookYourBet (SBR rating D-) back online
The sportsbook's parent company, Atlantic West Gaming, took its family of sportsbooks off-line in December. One player reports $7,500 disappearing with the sportsbook BookYourBet. After three months the player can again access his balance. SBR to inquire about player funds.

03.17.08 (01:48 PM CST) BigJuicyOdds (SBR rating F) sportsbook ownership tells management "the tap has been turned off." BJO off-line.

BigJuicyOdds (SBR rating F) ownership tells management "the tap has been turned off." BJO off-line
It appears the sportsbook's ownership is refusing to fund the operation and player balances will be stolen. The sportsbook built good will with players after bailing out a group of SBGglobal (SBR rating D-) victims late last year and continued with overly generous offers and incentives. BigJuicyOdds poker players will likely lose over $12,000 as well. SBR will communicate with BJO management as more information is know about the situation.
Update 3:35 PM: BJO poker players previously credited through new third party poker network. Debt to players figured to be much less than amount in free money accounts credited to SBG victims.

SBR was included on and email from BJO management to ownership.
"How many times were you told and asked again and again? We kept on saying to you that you are giving away too much. You can’t give away 100k and expect to get that back in a few weeks. You went from -105 to -103 to even money then back to -103 then bailing out all these players, then onto crazy bonuses. Now you finally have players depositing, we finally convinced you to start setting some limits to bonuses etc, we were gaining the players trust that we worked our *** off to achieve and you pull the plug!!! Did you finally realize the liability of this venture? Did you finally fully understand what it is you are doing? This was asked countless times, always with a reply from you “no worries, I want BJO to be the biggest sportsbook out there.” We had to shut the site down Richard, we simply couldn’t take the chance and allow players to deposit money and not be able to pay them their winnings"

03.15.08 (10:03 PM CST) MyMoneyCashier scam report prompts stiff processor to resurfaceMyMoneyCashier scam report prompts stiff processor to resurface
MyMoneyCashier's front woman, "Gabriela" called more than one of the books MMC stiffed to say she sent a partial payment and would like to start doing business again. Gabriela claimed that on the following Monday she would email the current office address and new payment information. No payments or information was sent to these merchants. The sportsbook operators tell SBR that the theft will not affect payment to their players but believe the processor, which is no longer using the website MyMoneyCashier.com, is trying to work with other smaller books under a new name. My Money Cashier is the newest scam from professional thieves formerly behind the VipBetZone (SBR rating F- ) Sportsbook Group.

03.14.08 (04:37 PM CST)

SBRforum members discuss new sportsbook, CreditWagering (not rated). Players are advised to use caution with the anonymous play-now, pay-later sportsbook.

03.11.08 (06:30 PM CST) LinesMaker (SBR rating C-) and Sports (SBR rating D-) give player back confiscated funds.LinesMaker (SBR rating C-) and Sports.com (SBR rating D-) refund player's confiscated funds. Management of the Sportsbook.com Group tells SBR the player's funds were taken because he wagered the "free bets" for an extended period without giving the house action. Winning players are advised to use caution at Sportsbook.com Group books.

Player: I've had these two accounts for approximately 18 months and normally play the weekly $10 bets only after I've made a few bets during the week, maybe 40% of the time. I guess that in February, there weren't really any games to my liking so a little bored, I played the free bets and won about $20 each at Sports.com and Linesmaker. I did not use the two accounts to place bets on opposing sides of the free bet and I didn't receive any warnings before the accounts were disabled. Thanks again for your help

03.10.08 (05:36 PM CST) Sports.com (SBR rating D-) and Linesmaker (SBR rating C-) close player's accounts; confiscates $1,765

Sports.com (SBR rating D-) & Linesmaker (SBR rating C-) close player's accounts; confiscate $1,765
The Sportsbook.com -hosted sportsbooks are known to give multiple promotions and bonuses over long periods of time only to confiscate funds if the user is deemed to be unprofitable claiming he/she "took advantage" of an offer or did something "not in the spirit" of the promotion. This player was told he took part in "free bet abuse" which is the label given when a player uses two $10 free bets on opposing teams or has simply collected multiple free bet credits at different Sportsbook.com-hosted brands over an extended period of time. Sales agents tell players during the sign up process that each book is a separate entity, is not affiliated with other brands, and that bonuses and accounts with different Sportsbook.com-hosted brands are allowed. The Sportsbook.com group's risk management department audits winning accounts looking for reasons to confiscate the amount of money the player has won through its time with the book. The scam affected many players in 2007 when the operation debited accounts thousands in winnings on correlated parlays. Sportsbook.com kept player losses from those same wagers.

Linesmaker ownership is expected to reverse the decision of its turnkey provider as it has in the past. SBR has asked both sportsbook brands' decision makers to review the claim.

03.06.08 (06:17 PM CST)

No-pay sportsbook, BetCascade (SBR rating F) managing to attract new depositors

Player: I signed on with them about a month ago and sent $2500. then sent $1700 when I lost, then finally won about $6,080 dollars. I guy named Justin said he was sending the money on that Tuesday, never received and no return call from him. I spoke to the manager named by Lenny, he keeps telling me that I will get paid, well its been 2 weeks, and he keeps feeding me bull****. PLEASE HELP.

The troubled book has paid just over $22,000 in 11 months to some of the 72 SBR readers that have filed a complaint. The total player debt reported to SBR is nearly 1.3 million.

03.05.08 (08:55 AM CST) No-pay bookmaker Bet29 (SBR rating D-) takes website off-line

No-pay bookmaker Bet29 (SBR rating D-) takes sportsbook off-line. Owed players became less optimistic in March when the sportsbook was taken down and a message was posted stating that the "site is in maintenance, we apologize for any inconvencience. We will back shortly." Bet29 is not answering phones or email.

03.03.08 (06:41 PM CST) SBRforum Poster Tiger432, latest victim of Atlantisbets (SBR rating F), warns others

SBRforum Poster Tiger432, latest victim of Atlantisbets (SBR rating F), warns others
Tiger432: Atlantisbets.com is a big fraud scam. They took me to the cleaners for thousands of dollars. This was a hard lesson for me to learn, but I don't want what happened to me, happen to anyone else. I was introduced to Atlantisbets.com through this guy named Mike Helay (well that's what he said his name was). He was a suppose to be an expert sports prognosticator betting on basketball games. He said he was from Reno, NV and he has a NY accent, fast talker and very slick. He talked me into opening up a personal account with Atlantisbets.com online for $2,500.00 at first... Full post

03.01.08 (08:35 PM CST)

CrystalCasino enters the SBR rating guide at D-. Crystal's web server shares the same IP address as Oddsmaker (SBR rating D-) and is the newest sportsbook from the Futurebet Scam Group to enter the SBR Rating Guide.

02.29.08 (06:57 PM CST)

SBR visits LazerWager (SBR rating D-) office to discuss withdrawal issues
The sportsbook's management tells SBR that a single credit card processor, which has taken the majority of its deposits, is refusing to release the funds to the book and hasn't done so since January 15th. Lazer tells SBR that if the credit card processor does not release the funds they will invest more money in the book and a best case scenario would be some players receiving payment in early April. SBR asked LazerWager the obvious question. Why would they not save their reputation and the players from waiting by funding the business now since players will purportedly be paid regardless? The manager we spoke with was unable to address this question on behalf of its anonymous "ownership." Players should be concerned due to the fact that the book is unable or unwilling to pay, making this more than a processing issue. Lazerwager is currently still taking deposits from new players. SBR estimates the debt to Lazer users to be just over $120,000.

02.27.08 (11:37 PM CST) AtlantisBets (SBR rating F) scam lands new victim

AtlantisBets (SBR rating F) scam lands new victim
The sportsbook's scam handicappers con another player into deposting money to AtlantisBets. The book works with the cappers to sell the player on making a deposit into the no-pay book with promises of matching deposits by the capper and winning picks. Victims of AtlantisBets are asked to contact SBR with bank wire information.

Player: I bank wired $5,000, funds were supposed to be matched by capper. Were not. Asked to send another $10,000, and I wired two $5,000 transactions for a total of $15,000. Then was promised "promotional money" by a guy named "Jeremy", who says he works with casinos in Las Vegas and they give him promotional money. Asked to send another $15,000 in order to "activate" account. Called Atlantis bets to withdraw my $30,000 and guy there named "Mike" (Costa Rica), says "Jeremy" has attached the account as a "promotional" account and that he will not release any funds. Now they want more money in order to release funds.

02.24.08 (11:45 PM CST) Oddsmaker (SBR rating D-) player places $50 losing parlay; book takes $1,018.75

Oddsmaker (SBR rating D-) player places $50 losing parlay; book takes $1,018.75
The player used a $100 promotional offer to build his account to $1,018.75. He then learned he overlooked a rule stating that parlays are not allowed. He also learned that the consequence of breaking this rule, which is not listed, is voiding all bets. Many players who bring the account over $1000 find that Oddsmaker finds a reason to void their winnings. Oddsmaker told SBR last month that they planned to update their terms of service but has yet to do so.

Player: About three months ago OddsMaker direct mailed me with an offer to open an account and get a $100 Free Bonus upon registration. I opened an account and turned the $100 bonus into $1,018.75. I then contacted OddsMaker's "LIVE Chat" to learn when I was able to withdraw money from the account. Service advisor "Pamela" told me that I had to hit $1,500 through straight bets only, e.g. no parlays or teasers, before I could make a withdrawal. I told "Pamela" that I only played straight bets with one exception being a sole $50 parlay that was a losing ticket. Upon learning about the one parlay, "Pamela" chose to reset my account, e.g. nullified all my winnings, citing that I violated the bonus disclaimer. I am totally stunned to say the least about the resetting of the account as I was not aware of the straight bets only rule. Surely, this can't be right. I placed only one parlay and it is just totally unfair and unacceptable to me that this leads to a nullification of all bets placed. Indeed, the parlay was a loser and was played after the $100 Free Bonus had been turned over a number of times on straight wagers. I worked very hard turning the $100 into more than $1,000 just for OddsMaker to undo this by a very harsh, unfair and unreasonable rule interpretation. The terms of conditions related to this particular bonus (copied in below) does indeed NOT state that any rule violation - no matter how petty - leads to total nullification of all wagers placed. I can understand if I lose my $100 Free Bonus, but to have all winnings taken away because of a $50 parlay loser makes absolutely no sense to me and I think that OddsMaker is totally out of line by doing so.

02.22.08 (11:53 PM CST)

BetBeyond enters the SBR Rating Guide with an F rating. BetBeyond is part of the EZ Sports Group. The most recent EZ Sports complaint came from a player with sister book Vegas-Sportsbetting (SBR rating F) last week. The player won almost $5,000 on a Giants Super Bowl futures wager. Shortly after requesting his winnings he was locked out of his account. The group has stiffed big futures winners in the past.

02.21.08 (11:34 PM CST) Bet29 sportsbook (not rated) slow-pay

Bet29 (not rated) slow-pay
A Bet29 player has waited since November for 5000 euros and has requested another 10000 in December, January and February for a total of 35000 euros. The book initially blamed a surge in user credit card fraud for their inability to pay. The book has since failed to meet new self-set deadlines and answer the player's emails in January and February.

02.19.08 (11:26 PM CST) SBR scam alert saves AtlantisBets (SBR rating F) victim $5,000

SBR scam alert saves AtlantisBets (SBR rating F) victim $5,000
The player had an Atlantis account with $5,000 already deposited but was able to stop a Western Union payment on an additional $5,000. The bettor was instructed by the "pro handicappers" who also work with the scam book, to send the funds. This player is now unable to reach the scam-cappers or book management and fears that the book will zero out his account, as reported by the previous victim.

02.18.08 (10:34 PM CST)

EZ Sports Group's Vegas-Sportsbetting (SBR rating F) hitting another player with Futures bet scam?
This group attracts victims with a professional looking webpage and enticing odds. Offering extremely generous payoffs on future bets and then voiding the winning wager due to a "bad line" is one of the EZ Sports book’s biggest cons. This allows the book to take a healthy amount of wagers during an entire season, while having no intention of paying out. The book is able to take in large amounts of cash, eventually upsetting only a small percentage of those bettors, most never realizing they were swindled. Past victims include those who took the Detroit Pistons and the Los Angeles Lakers to win the championship.

Player: I didn't realise that Vegas-sportsbetting was a scam book part of the EZ group until just now when I checked your site. I did so because I had backed the NY Giants there and requested a $4575 withdrawal last week. I had no problems loggin in then, I requested the withdrawal (to Neteller) and waited. I didn't see anytihng happen from my Neteller end so I tried to log in now to vegas-sportsbetting and I cannot get in. They have obviously blocked my account. I have tried and tried to log in and it wont work. What kind of recourse do I have now?

02.17.08 (10:34 PM CST)

Zwinner enters the SBR rating guide at F. Zwinner is the latest fly-by-night gaming site from Interactive Gaming Systems to be rated by SBR and should be avoided. IGS is known for selling their turnkey start-up sites to small investors who hope to get rich overnight. When the sportsbook fails to make money and attract players, the disgruntled owner may refuse to further fund his investment. IGS client support then tells the player they only operate the site for an owner who refuses to pay. The company is better known to players by its customer service name, PlayerCenter. IGS is sometimes confused with Futurebet's new label, IGaming Software.

02.14.08 (05:13 PM CST)

Europlay (SBR rating D-) players complain of no-pays dating back to summer 2007

SBRForum Poster: ...I joined and deposited €400. I placed a series of bets for the "sure bet" and Europlay refused my bet, as a result I lost a lot of my money. I then did some research and found this site and the sportsbook review section which showed Europlay to be a D-. I have tried repeatedly to withdraw my money, they haven't responded to my e-mails and I cannot contact them by phone. Player Discussion

02.13.08 (08:33 PM CST) Scam Alert: No-pay book AtlantisBets (SBR rating F) involved in scam to defraud players.

Scam Alert: No-pay book AtlantisBets (SBR rating F) involved in scam to defraud players. Pay-service “Handicappers” offers player selections in exchange for a percentage of winnings. Players are promised that if the plays lose, the lost money will be reimbursed. After the player loses money with his bookie, the player is asked to deposit money at AtlantisBets where it will be matched with the handicappers’ “promotional money." AtlantisBets and the touts threatened the player after SBR began the investigation. His balance at AtlantisBets was zeroed out, and withdrawals refused. The sportsbook initially told SBR the funds were removed from the account for a payout. It is common for scam books and touts to work together to bring money in, especially via the anonymous transfer method, Western Union.

02.10.08 (11:16 PM CST) SCAM Alert: 8888Sports enters SBR Rating Guide with F rating under 4sportspicks GroupSCAM Alert: 8888Sports enters SBR Rating Guide with F rating under 4sportspicks Group
This warning comes two months after sister sportsbook site SportsPlayingWorld (SBR rating F) informed users it would be keeping all account balances. 8888Sports players who question the book's management will be told that the operation is "only a call center that provides service to sportsbooks."

02.09.08 (11:13 PM CST)

BetEmBig (SBR rating D-) is the latest sportsbook to enter the SBR rating guide as part of the Futurebet scam operation.

02.07.08 (01:38 PM CST) SCAM ALERT: Bet-1.com

SCAM ALERT: Bet-1.com

Bet-1 is a new book from owners of BetCasinoSport (SBR rating F) which closed with player account balances early last month. The scambook began offering huge 40% sign-up bonuses in December while slow-paying current players. Bet-1 is trying to attract victims with -105 reduced juice. Now that the scam has been identified it is likely Bet-1 will fold and create a new fly-by-night site to pursue player deposits.

02.06.08 (05:27 PM CST)

AmericanFootballBetting & LasVegasBetsonline enter the SBR Rating Guide with an F rating. The books are new listings for no-pay scam group, EZ Sports. The group includes stiff sportsbooks, BetonSportsOnline (SBR rating F) and EZSportsbetting (SBR rating F).

02.05.08 (08:39 AM CST) BetChance (SBR rating F) player confirms 2480 EUR paid. This marks the largest payout reported of a total amount just above $4000USD since the book first stopped processing payouts in September. Delinquent withdrawal requests remain over $100,000.

02.04.08 (09:42 PM CST)

Scam book owner of Apex Sportsbook (SBR rating F-) opens new racebook website, Bet33Racebook. Bet33Racebook markets the racing arm of Bet33 (SBR rating F). The company also launched a new casino called FruitInLoot Casino. All sites in the Apex/Bet33 family that are financed with stolen Apex player funds, are on SBR's blacklist.

02.03.08 (11:22 PM CST)

AceCity enters the SBR Rating Guide at D-. AceCity is a sister book of Oddsmaker (SBR rating D-). OddsMaker ownership has closed its less successful sportsbook brands in the past while stiffing large players. Oddsmaker sister book BetOnUSA (SBR rating D-) recently forced a player to accept about half of a six-figure casino jackpot win. Players are advised to avoid AceCity.

01.30.08 (09:15 PM CST) MyMoneyCashier operated by VIPBetZone (SBR rating F-) Scammers

MyMoneyCashier operated by VIPBetZone (SBR rating F-) Scammers
VipBetZone's scam was first identified by SBR in 2004. The book closed with player funds for good in 2005 before owners opened other deposit-only blacklisted scam books such as BetNowOnline, GoWagers, SelectWagering and BetGateway. MyMoneyCashier, which stiffed multiple books, was operated by Gabriela who handled accounting at VIPBetZone. Gabriela is the sister of VBZ owner, Mauricio, who is the administrator listed for websites affiliated with the missing financial processor.

01.29.08 (05:28 PM CST) Gaming processor MyMoneyCashier.com closes operation; owes multiple sportsbookGaming processor, MyMoneyCashier.com closes operation; owes multiple sportsbooks
Sources in Costa Rica tell SBR that the MyMoneyCashier has vacated its offices. The processor worked with high-profile sportsbooks in at least three countries. Bookmakers are asking Gabrielle, AKA Gabby, to contact them in order to address what amounts to a substantial debt.

01.29.08 (03:18 PM CST) Scam Alert: 877eWinner & ForSportsPicks

Scam Alert: 877eWinner & ForSportsPicks
Both 877eWinner and ForSportsPicks are operated by former owner of defunct 4SportsPicks and host of stiff scam sportsbook, Playing24Hours (SBR rating F). Both betting sites have entered the SBR Rating Guide as members of the 4SportsPicks Family.

01.28.08 (06:17 PM CST) Payments recorded from insolvent sportsbooks

Payments recorded from insolvent sportsbooks
BetChance (SBR rating F): Third player reports payment in two weeks. This latest withdrawal was in the amount of 500 Euros. The book owes SBR readers over $100,000 USD.

BetCascade (SBR rating F): Three players reported a total of $2,113 received in 2008. Cascade currently owes $1,270,123 to SBR readers. The book paid 13 SBR readers installments totaling just over $19,000 since withdrawal processing first stopped in April of 2007. Both books are accepting new players and deposits.

01.25.08 (08:35 PM CST) MonkeyBet (SBR rating F) owner abandons sportsbook

MonkeyBet (SBR rating F) owner abandons sportsbook. Monkeybet, which remains online as a deposit-only sportsbook website for the Futurebet operation, is marketing 100% bonuses. The Futurebet Group is currently the largest sportsbook scam online.

01.23.08 (06:45 PM CST) PokerPoka enters the SBR Rating Guide at D-.

PokerPoka enters the SBR Rating Guide at D-. PokerPoka is a new sportsbook and poker room from Futurebet, which is servicing multiple no-pay sportsbooks like USDbet (SBR rating D-) and Monkeybet (SBR rating F). USDbet & Monkeybet stated that the operator has frozen their funds and refuses to pay them or their players.

01.22.08 (11:06 PM CST) First payout activity observed from BetChance (SBR rating F) in nearly five months

First BetChance (SBR rating F) payout activity observed in nearly five months
Two players confirmed receiving payouts less than $500 USD. The book sent the following message prior to payment:
Thanks for your collaboration and support during these months. Betchance would like to inform you that your withdrawal has been processed. Also note that all the company's problems have been solved. Within few weeks we will offer new offers and services through our website. You are welcome, to visit betchance.com!
Players should avoid being optimistic until more substantial withdrawals are issued. This message was similar to what the book sent with very small payouts last September. The sportsbook owes over $100,000 to SBR readers alone. These two payments were made via bank wire.

01.21.08 (07:03 PM CST)

DimeLine Sportsbook (SBR rating D) players complain of new payout delays

Three players have reported new payout delays of nearly one month. A handful of DimeLine players did confirm receiving four-figure payouts in the first half of December but SBR has not received withdrawal confirmations since. Each of these three players have met a new one-time rollover requirement that the book applied after it was robbed by its business partner, Futurebet. The users have been emailing DLS, which is the only way to communicate with accounting, but have not received responses.

Player: I have requested a $2000 withdrawal (out of $5600 in my account with them) on 4 September 2007 - that is over 4 months ago.Despite many emails requesting the payout over and over again they did not respond to my emails.In December after complaining about them on SBR they said that they require 1 more roll over before I can get my money (although I have already done my full rollover with them prior to that) - so I decided that I have got nothing to lose and I have done the additional rollover as they requested. I finished that 1 extra rollover late December and I requested again by email the $2000 which I asked for in September - but I simply do not get any reply to my emails... Bill - do you think you can help here at all?

01.11.08 (08:39 PM CST) Sportsbook.com Group steals $5,677 from player

Sportsbook.com Group steals $5,677 from player
The player held accounts at Sportsbook.com (SBR rating D-), Sportsbooks.com (SBR rating D-), Sportfanatik (SBR rating D-), and PlayersOnly (SBR rating D-). He was debited for the amounts won over the life of the account totaling $5,677. Sportsbook.com cites "bonus abuse" as the reason for stealing these funds. The Sportsbook.com operation often labels players who have won money and utilized promotions in more than one of the many sister sportsbooks as bonus abusers. Sportsbook.com and sister Jazette books do not have rules against using multiple brands and using their promotions. It is often encouraged through cross marketing and the sales departments which market each website as an independent sportsbook.

Player: I did everything above board and was having a good season of NFL picks and now they've stolen from me. I guess I should have known better since you had it listed as D- but they'd fixed their payout issues over the last few months and I had never had other problems with them over 5+ years of active use. However, I have no email to send you since they didn't even bother to email me.

01.10.08 (10:36 PM CST) Oddsmaker (SBR rating D-) voids player's $800 winnings from free $100 promotion

Oddsmaker (SBR rating D-) voids player's $800 winnings from free $100 promotion

The player was able to use the book's free $100 promotional offer to win $800 for a total balance of $900. He then placed a parlay bet bringing the account over $1000. Parlay wagers are against the promotion's terms and conditions. Instead of canceling the winning parlay, all wagering activity was erased and the bettor was "reset" to the original $100. Oddsmaker's sister book BetOnUSA (SBR rating D-) is known for marketing free money offers to certain users and finding reasons to avoid paying those who manage to reach the required $1,500 mark. | Complaint & Promotion Terms

01.09.08 (04:28 PM CST)

BetCasinoSport (SBR rating F) closes with player funds
The sportsbook was in no-pay mode and refusing to communicate with players in December. SBR first issued a warning about the hit-and-run sportsbook in September. BCS has been aggressively emailing bonus offers since August.

Note: Bet33 (SBR rating F) owner, Robbie M., tells SBR that the IP address for BCS matches the site owned by a former programmer and was not affiliated with Bet33. Robbie previously owned Apex Sportsbook and refuses to offer a payment plan for Apex victims. Robbie argues his rating should be higher because there hasn't been a no-pay in three years.

01.08.08 (10:11 AM CST) BigJuicyOdds (SBR rating D+) poker network, Dynamic Gaming Solutions (DGS) folds

BigJuicyOdds (SBR rating D+) poker network, Dynamic Gaming Solutions (DGS) folds
BJO states that the provider has closed with licensee and player funds. BJO also tells SBR it will be transferring all poker balances to a new network provider, Dobrosoft. The migration of accounts is expected to take three days. Players can also request a payout or a balance credit in the BigJuicyOdds sportsbook, which is separately operated. Players with other poker brands may be less fortunate. JunglePoker.com is owned by the Dynamic Gaming network and is not expected to settle accounts. G2Gpoker, a poker-only gaming site, has previously stiffed players as part of the Futurebet Gaming network.

12.31.07 (12:27 AM CST) Oddsmaker (SBR rating D-) & Futurebet tries to scam potential book owner under new name

Oddsmaker (SBR rating D-) & Futurebet tries to scam potential book owner
The sportsbook operation blatantly lies to an individual interested in owning a gambling site, trying to convince him that IGamingSoftware is not the new name for, or affiliated with, Futurebet. "IGS Ron" tells the potential site owner that Oddsmaker is one of the books that IGS owns and it is not Futurebet, forgetting that the Oddsmaker cashier page is labeled as "Futurebet payment systems." Futurebet Gaming stiffed the majority of its white label webmaster clients in 2007 while moving Oddsmaker and BetOnUSA to the gaming platform which it renamed IGamingSoftware or "IGS." The partnership with Oddsmaker and sister site BetOnUSA is the primary source of revenue for Futurebet ownership.

Dear Sir/Madam, I was contacted by Mr.Ron **** from FutureBet now(IGS), and he tried to pull off a similar scam with me as well, but thanks to your website I was saved, I am ready to testify at any point if you wish because you just saved I don’t know probably 500K of mine and I am very glad that I checked your website. I have sent a copy of my conversation with him in an email just so that you know that he is still active and doing this. He had called me last week and given me figures for starting up a casino from scratch which are as below:

70,000   Software
20,000   Reserve
15%        Monthly Royalty
1500       Monthly Maintenance

Thank you once again SBR! | See email exchange

12.23.07 (10:43 AM CST) BetChance (SBR rating D-) no-pay complaints steadily continue
The sportsbook's users have filed complaints since July 2007. Requests for assistance peaked in late September and October during the Malta-based book's marketing campaign. SBR currently has 74 complaints totaling $106,386. Players also report that the book fails to respond to emails and receiving generic responses to inquiries by phone such as "we are working on it" and "we hope to have answers in the coming days." Requests to communicate with management by SBR and players have been declined. Two small withdrawals were last confirmed in late September.

12.15.07 (11:52 PM CST) PremierSportsbetting listed at F in the SBR rating guide as part of the Apex Group.

PremierSportsbetting listed at F in the SBR rating guide as part of the Apex Group. The former owner of Apex Sportsbook (SBR rating F-), now going by the name Zach, is also the owner of such books as Bet33 (SBR rating F) and Totalbets (SBR rating F). Zach repeatedly tells SBR that there have been "zero no-pays in years" but has not been willing to pay Apex victims who he stiffed before beginning his new venture.

12.10.07 (11:43 PM CST) BetCasinoSport (SBR rating D-) phones down, players report slow-pay
Two months after the sportsbook was offering extremely high 40% cash bonuses up to $5,000, two players complain of Western Union no-pays totaling $1,000. Players also complain of not being able to reach the BCS staff. Both phone lines are down and email has not been returned.

12.09.07 (11:23 PM CST) SCAM ALERT: 88Sports
88Sports.com is yet another website from the scam operation that hosted Playing24Hours (SBR rating F). Playing24Hours players report being told to use 88Sports to access their accounts when P24H first went off-line in November. Both 88Sports.com and similar site, 444Sports.com state they are a play-for-fun sportsbook but will offer real money play once the player has joined. Once 88Sports has account details it will solicit the player more aggressively with large bonuses through other sister sites like Playing24Hours.

12.07.07 (11:23 PM CST) Sports Betting Scam

444Sports enters SBR Rating Guide with F rating under 4SportsPicks Group
This 444Sports warning comes one week after sister site Playing24Hours (SBR rating F) informed users it would be keeping all account balances. 444Sports players who question the book's management will be told that the operation is "only a call center that provides service to sportsbooks."

12.05.07 (07:51 PM CST) Premiumbettor (SBR rating F) closes; stiffs player $17,500

Premiumbettor (SBR rating F) closes; stiffs player $17,500
The player joined Premium after receiving a free winning pick by someone posing as a professional handicapper over the phone. The tout told the bettor that he had more plays and asked him to deposit $5,000 with PremiumBettor where the player would put in the bets given to him by the pro capper. The bettor was initially told that a $5,000 deposit would allow the duo to access a line of credit of $30,000. After depositing the first $5,000 the player was conned into depositing an additional $5,000 in $2,500 increments for "fees." The account grew to $17,500 before the website went off-line. The tout pretended to be surprised by what happened and a victim himself, even advising the player to read about this scam gaming group at SportsBookReview.com. PremiumBettor was a BetBones scam operation. Also off-line is sister site UbetAndWin (SBR rating F) and GamblingDogLine (SBR rating F).

12.03.07 (06:13 PM CST)

SportsCallCenter.com tells SBR it will take scam sportsbook websites Palacebet (SBR rating F-) and SportsPlayingClub (SBR rating F-) off-line and that the operations have already been closed. SCC states it is only a service center and tries to avoid working with dishonest books. SportsCallCenter, which has hosted these post-up scams as well as 4SportsPicks (SBR rating F) and e-winner (SBR rating F-) states it will no longer service post-up (deposit-required) sportsbooks.

12.02.07 (09:49 PM CST)

SCAM ALERT: WagerNascar is a new sportsbook from operators of SportsPlayingClub (SBR rating F-). WagerNascar also shares the same SportsCallCenter.com hosting server as scam book, Palacebet (SBR rating F-). SBR continues to actively search for sportsbooks affiliated with these deposit-only gaming companies.

11.28.07 (11:39 PM CST)

USDBet (SBR rating F) player reports new no-pay complaint. "USDbet has owed me $1300 since august, i have heard nothing from them." "I have just read your info on futurebet. is there anything that i can do." USDbet is still offering "100% sign up bonuses." The sportsbook's owner has replied to SBR inquiries only to say that his hosting and service provider will not release the book's funds. SBR has received eight new payout complaints in the last two months. Five months ago USDbet ownership complained that they deserved a higher rating, claimed it had no instances of slow payouts, and that gambling forums had labeled USD the Most Underrated Sportsbook.

11.27.07 (08:22 PM CST) Playing24Hours (SBR rating F) snags $64,200 from victim; closes website, phonesPlaying24Hours (SBR rating F) snags $62,518 from victim; closes website, phones
The sportsbook has multiple phone lines and servers running scam sportsbook websites. The book solicits players from customer lists with huge bonuses and generous promotions but has no intention of paying. This player deposited $20,000 and has never withdrawn. He is asking the book to send him back the money he invested. Related scam books are PlayersBigWorld (SBR rating F), SportsPlayingClub (SBR rating F), and Palacebet (SBR rating F).

11.26.07 (08:52 AM CST) HansaBet (SBR rating C) closing sportsbook; plans to void betsHansaBet (SBR rating C) closing sportsbook; plans to void bets
HansaGaming posted a notice on its website this morning saying that it will no longer be taking sports wagers. Hansa states that if pending wagers cannot be graded by November 30th, 2007 the wagers will be voided. Players that stand to lose desirable bets are asked to contact SBR so we may contact the sportsbook on the player's behalf. Hansagaming claims it is refocusing its business plan on the poker and casino product. Players expect higher operating standards from Bowmans International LTD, the former owner of one of the original sportsbooks, Bowmans.com. Hansagaming only services non-US gamblers. Bowmans' Line Manager, Scott K. parted with the company before HansaGaming was launched.

Note: Hansagaming-owned BlondeSports (SBR rating C) is taking the same actions.

11.25.07 (11:48 PM CST)

BraveBeeSports (SBR rating D-) is the latest Futurebet operated sportsbook to enter the SBR rating guide.

11.24.07 (11:58 PM CST)

NYCsportsbook & EZbets identifed as part of Sportsbook.com Group. Both NYCsportsbook and EZbets have been downgraded from D+ to D-. Two new reports of theft were filed this week by players at books affiliated with Sportsbook.com.

11.23.07 (04:08 PM CST) Sportsbook.com (SBR rating D-) steals $10,000 from player claiming he was abusing bonuses

Sportsbook.com (SBR rating D-) steals $10,000 from player claiming he abused bonuses. The player took offered deposit bonuses over a three year period from three different books that are hosted and serviced under Sportsbook.com. Sportsbook.com classified accepting these bonuses as "bonus abuse" despite the fact that rules against accepting offers from the multiple Sportsbook.com-service books do not exist and that the player followed the listed terms of service when joining. Sportsbook.com confiscated the funds shortly after the player's profit grew beyond what he had received in bonuses over the life of these accounts. All bonus requirements were met and previously withdrawn. Sportsbook.com terms of service do not refer to a rule allowing the book to audit account and bonus history to see if promotions were used "in the spirit of the bonus." This has been a reoccurring complaint from Sportsbook.com users over the past few months. Sportsbook.com has used other illogical reasoning to take money back from winning users. SBR is currently collecting data on a player case where over $150,000 was confiscated. The timeline of player and book activity will be published early next week.

11.22.07 (09:49 PM CST) Newly rated sportsbook SportsPlayingClub (SBR rating F) already scamming players. SPC states it is "powered by Playing24Hours" (SBR rating F). Playing24Hours is another mirror site of PlayersBigWorld (SBR rating F) which has already stiffed users. Although SportsPlayingClub uses SportsCallCenter.com and the others are hosted on a different server and operated by former management of stiff books eWinner (SBR rating F-) and 4SportsPicks (SBR rating F), it would appear the two hosting facilities are working together or are one in the same. 4Sportspicks has previously used Sports Call Center SA servers and phones. | Related: Palacebet

11.21.07 (06:24 PM CST)

SafariCasino, MayanSports and BetTheGlobe upgraded from F to D. The books' owner reports paying all players with privately held funds due to Futurebet's unwillingness to pay. Futurebet is withholding its licensee's funds while refusing to pay its users. Some Futurebet sportsbooks have closed down while others are attempting to work out deals to move player balances to other sportsbook operations, like Linesmaker.co.uk (SBR rating D+) has done. SBR expects only Futurebet-owned SportsbookUSA (SBR rating F) and new Futurebet partners BetOnUSA (SBR rating D-) & Oddsmaker (SBR rating D-) players to receive payments from the Futurebet cashier. Players should avoid these scam books which have proven they are not opposed to stealing funds.

11.20.07 (11:39 PM CST) SportsPlayingClub enters the SBR rating guide at FSportsPlayingClub enters the SBR rating guide at F
SportsPlayingWorld is a new book launched by SportsCallCenter F.A, the same company that operates Palacebet (SBR rating F-). Palacebet is a scam sprtsbook that preys on new players. The report below was published six months ago.

PalaceBet: Scam sportsbook ran by Scamdicappers and SportsCallCenter F.A.
The Con: Fake professional handicappers refer players to PalaceBet. The player signs up at the site and sends his deposit to PalaceBet. His balance is instantly controlled by the pro handicappers, who are referred to by the book's customer service as "the player's Sports Advisors." The bettor is then promised a line of credit so he can bet larger sums on the "advisors' syndicate picks." He is told he must cover a $4,000 transaction cost for a bank wire from the touts to his account (which never occurs since the book simply adjusts the available balance in the software) and is promised it will be reimbursed to him upon cashing out. If the player is lucky enough to survive the "syndicate picks" that are designed to eat away his bankroll, he is asked to deposit another $4,000 in transaction fees before he can have access to his funds including the money he deposited. A player who complained to SBR is told he must pay $4,000 to keep his account active after winning $20,000. PalaceBet is hosted and serviced by SportsCallCenter F.A. in Costa Rica and also services DreamWager (SBR rating D-).

11.18.07 (11:47 PM CST)

PlayersBigWorld (SBR rating F) players unpaid
When calling the customer service number on the website owed players are told that the book is no longer residing there and the call center no longer handles withdrawal requests. Office management claims they were only a service provider to the sportsbook and are now passing messages to the owner of PlayersBigWorld via cell phone. The book was built on the 4SportsPicks (SBR rating F) website and server. SBR will investigate where the book is currently hosted and confirm any reports of payment. PlayersBigWorld entered the rating guide as an F rated scam operation in September.

11.15.07 (04:23 PM CST)

Globet (SBR rating D+) still taking losing bets after games are over

The sportsbook is known for holding wager orders until after the sporting event is over. The practice is most common with bets placed in the late evening. Globet requires that all wagers are manually confirmed before the player officially has a bet and claims its staff is sometimes unable to confirm all wagers before the office closes each day. This leaves players wondering if their wager on early morning games are active. Globet has the obvious advantage of accepting or denying the wager after the game has started or finished. The book does not employ a night staff.

Player: I also had the problem with late hours bet when they accepted the next morning when the bet had already lost!!!They replied to me that i should have send them a message (via their site) before the start of the game and request to cancel the bet!

11.12.07 (11:55 PM CST)

TheSportbook, MTL Sports Bet & College-Basketball-Lines enters the SBR Rating Guide and Blacklist rated F. These sportsbooks are new listings under no-pay scam group, EZ Sports. | EZ Sports Reports

11.11.07 (01:26 AM CST) Sportsbook.com (SBR rating D-) confiscates $10,000, cites free-play bonus abuseSportsbook.com (SBR rating D-) confiscates $10,000, cites free-play bonus abuse.
Player: Hello…..I need help with a sportsbook complaint. I had around $10,000 at 6 different sportsbooks within the sportsbook.com group. They said they froze my accounts for “free bet” abuse and seized all funds…..I only made $200 - $300 off of freebets over the last two years….and they took $10,000. I can see if they wanted to take the $200-$300, but 10K? Is there anything that can be done?

Sportsbook.com is claiming the use of bonuses at multiple Sportsbook.com-managed books is "bonus fraud" and reason to confiscate winnings. A second player has submitted a claim to SBR for $50,000 . The player was told $50,000 would not be paid because he circumvented limits on some of his wagers by using affiliated sportsbooks to place the same bets. The same player was also debited over $30,000 when Sportsbook.com scammed multiple users, stealing parlay winnings.

Player: I have always used my own name, address, email, credit cards, etc. It was
plain who I was at all times. I don't see how I should be expected to keep track of which books are allowed and which aren't, especially if that information isn't expressed anywhere.

Sportsbook.com and sister Jazette books do not have rules against using multiple brands and utilizing their promotions. It is often encouraged through the sportsbook sales departments which market each website as an independent sportsbook. Sportsbook.com states that it will adress these reports in detail.

11.04.07 (11:39 PM CST)

More Futurebet Group sportsbooks off-line: F rated BetAndWinNet, FunPlexCasino and Bignutzz. Other Futurebet brand owners are expected to take their websites off-line this week.

11.03.07 (11:25 PM CST)

Linesmaker.co.uk (SBR rating D+) closes, says Futurebet claiming insolvency

The sportsbook's homepage gives users the following message:
"The gaming platform provider for this website is claiming insolvency and is no longer able to provide services". The website also states that player balances will be honored and users must contact the book at fbrescue@linesmaker.com to make arrangements. The message does not say if balances will be moved to Sportsbook.com-serviced Linesmaker.com (SBR rating D+) or if players will be given the option for an immediate payout. Other Futurebet-serviced sportsbook users will not be as fortunate.

Note: Linesmaker.com ownership tells SBR they would not be part of voided correlated parlay scandal. Any players who believe their LM account was debited due to the Sportsbook.com Group winning parlay confiscations should contact SBR. Linesmaker was not downgraded to D- along with most of the Sportsbook.com Family.

11.02.07 (11:44 AM CST)

Oddsmaker (SBR rating D-) confiscates $1,500 balance
A player was able to take a $100 free-cash offer and bring his account up to $1,500 with six winning wagers but was told his winnings were void because the same player account was previously credited with the $100, which was lost. The sportsbook requires players to reach a balance of $1,500 before they may withdraw winnings derived from the bonus money. Oddsmaker's sister book BetOnUSA (SBR rating D-) is known for finding reasons not to pay players who manage to make the $1,500 mark and for "mistakenly" crediting the same accounts twice or more, sometimes years after the bettor has first lost the bonus money. Crediting players who have already received the bonus gives the book a free shot at bringing in inactive customers who never actually have a chance to win. The sportsbook is aware of which players are receiving the offer as it is targeted to specific players and is not marketed to the general public.

10.31.07 (11:08 PM CST)

Dimeline (SBR rating D) "bailing out" Dimeline?
Dimeline is claiming withdrawals will resume but only after a 1x rollover (play-through of balance one time) requirement is completed. The situation illustrates the added liability of books that are working with unsavory turnkey and sportsbook host operations. DimeLineSports was one of the many Futurebet books that lobbied for a higher rating stating that they were independent, in full control and took full responsibility of their book. Although this action is unfair, players who are newly aware of the Futurebet situation will likely be happy to bet their balance in an effort to escape a Futurebet licensee.

DLS email to Player:
Sir- We have been dealing with a financial issue for the last two months. A company called futurebet was hired to handle all player funds for the last two years. In the last two months they have decided to stiff our players. We are now taking the initiative to pay all players out of pocket. We want you to know that you will be paid by us out of pocket but we are requiring you to rollover your cashout amount ($1,300) at least 1x before a cashout can be made.
We are bailing out Futurebet because we want our players to be paid. The good news is we are now offering Western Union and Money Gram payouts to expedite your withdraw time once the 1x rollover has been met. Now that we are processing payouts independently we will have no issues with withdrawal delays and lack us customer service regarding withdrawals.
Please if you have any questions feel free to reply to this email and we will help you out from here on out. We are very sorry for this inconvenience caused by Futurebet and we are dedicated to paying our players.
The funds are now in your account.

10.30.07 (11:00 PM CST) Sportsbook.com complaints grow

Sportsbook.com (SBR rating D-) attempted to lessen the severity of their parlay winnings confiscations by announcing they will credit players for losses during the same period. However, SBR is collecting account information from players who have not been credited for losses. Players who have standing losing correlated parlay wagers will be added to a new list to be given to Sportsbook.com management.

10.28.07 (09:50 PM CST) HiRollerbets (SBR rating F) wagering off-line

HiRollerbets (SBR rating F) wagering off-line. The book's homepage gives users a message suggesting that HRB is dealing with legal issues. "Due to strong goverment restriction the site will be temporaly unaviable for the next 90 days until futher notice. Players will be contact individually by one of our representatives."
Sister sportsbook, UwinBets (SBR rating F) is also unaccessible but claims server problems as the reason. "Due to server maintance your account history is not available online, all wagers will be taken over the phone for the next couple of hours. we apologize for the inconvenience. Uwinbet Management"
This is another reason for bettors to avoid sportsbooks in the BetBones Group.

10.26.07 (01:04 PM CST) Online Gambling SCAM: Big World Casino Sportsbook Rated F

Second sportsbook, BigWorldCasino identified from BetCascade Scam operation
BigWorldCasino is the second book in two days to be identified as part of deposit-only sportsbook, BetCascade's operation. Each book uses the same software and server IP address. Players can log in to the BigWorldCasino platform with their Cascade account details. Players have pointed out that the sportsbooks refer to themselves as SBG Global (SBR rating D-) in their Terms of Service. This is the result of copying SBG's rules and poor editing. BigWorldCasino enters the SBR Rating Guide at F.

Cascade Victim: I was able to login to betsportsinc and bigworldsports with my cascade password and ID. My delinquent balance and history shows. This shows using same database and same security software. I originally posted this but removed so they cannot fix the problem and deny it.

10.26.07 (08:56 AM CST) Futurebet on verge of collapse; Online Gambling Scam SportsbookUSA to F

Futurebet on verge of collapse; SportsbookUSA and sister books downgraded to F
More Futurebet Sportsbook brands report that the operation will not pay book owners or their players. Brand owners who ignored Futurebet warnings now realize they have been marketing a scam operation and find themselves with player debt that they cannot pay. Futurebet has not passed earnings, from what has been a very favorable football season for the house, on to sportsbook site owners. Book owners who have been stiffed out of these profits must go into their pocket or stiff the players who managed to win.

Scam planned months in advance?
Futurebet Sportsbook brand owners tell SBR that the turnkey business reached a new low in the early part of 2007. The operation blamed problems on processor theft and stiffed employees in June. Despite the internal probelms sportsbook giant BetOnUSA (SBR rating D) chose to migrate to Futurebet just last month. SBR expects BetOnUSA, which briefly owned the World Gaming software source code, to take control of its second sportsbook platform once the many sportsbooks sites close. A paper sale of Futurebet-owned flagship SportsbookUSA is also possible. The chronic slow-pay book has been quiet while white labels see shrinking player bases and growing debt.

Futurebet-hosted Linesmaker.co.uk (SBR rating D-) to transfer balances to Sportsbook.com-serviced Linesmaker.com (SBR rating D-). Players who reside in countries that are prohibited by the Sportsbook.com Group will receive a check. Linesmaker.co.uk users should contact SBR. Futurebet Sportsbooks that have obtained their own processing or will move player balancesto a different book are also asked to contact SBR.

10.25.07 (06:51 PM CST) New sportsbook, BetSportsInc tied to no-pay book BetCascade (SBR rating F)

New sportsbook, BetSportsInc tied to no-pay book BetCascade (SBR rating F)
BetSportsInc is using the same server IP address and unique software platform as BetCascade (SBR rating F). Players will likely be told that the website has different owners and is only serviced out of the same facility. BetSportsInc enters the SBR rating guide at F. Players will be warned to avoid "BSI." Thanks to SBRforum member Jellybean for information.

10.24.07 (08:38 PM CST) Futurebet sportsbook owner tells story from inside no-pay scam

Futurebet sportsbook owner tells story from inside no-pay scam
Things have taken a turn for the worst for problem-gaming company Futurebet, which now uses the name IGS (IGaming Software) to shield itself from the Futurebet brand's reputation. The company recently lost ownership of its biggest asset, the DGN Poker Network, lost employees it would not pay, and now reports are surfacing from licensee partners that the sportsbook website owners are not receiving their funds and are left holding player debt. Many of these licensees such as USDbet (SBR rating D-) were warned by SBR to avoid partnering with the Vancouver-based operation.

Read horror story from another investor in Futurebet product.
...Later in 2006, we noticed withdrawals were taking over a month. The story from FutureBet at this time was that they had a credit card processor in the Philippines who had stolen $700K of their money and that they were going to pay everyone, but that it would just take time. FutureBet always has a new excuse for problems like this. At this point, our $500K a month handle had dropped like a rock as people were leaving us in droves. We were completely caught between a rock and a hard place. If we paid winners ourselves, we would probably never see the money again. If FutureBet paid our customers, the payments were taking months sometimes, resulting in people never coming back.

10.23.07 (10:38 PM CST) BigNutzz enters the SBR Rating Guide at D-. BigNutzz is new sportsbook from Futurebet, which is servicing multiple no pay-sportsbooks like USDbet (SBR rating D-) and G2Gbet (SBR rating F). USDbet claims that the operator has frozen their funds and refuses to pay USD players. G2Gbet has closed with player funds. G2G owners also blamed Futurebet for not paying and have started a new venture, G2Gpoker.

10.21.07 (08:49 PM CST)

BetRoyal (SBR rating D-) ends "fraud investigation;" steals winnings
BetRoyal confiscates what is estimated to be just over six figures in winnings from 18 players that were also subscribers to the same sports handicapping service. The book paid a tout to refer these players to BetRoyal. The players, which were clearly sourced from the pick service, made money playing the pay-for picks at BetRoyal. BetRoyal was later purchased by SBG Global (SBR rating D-) in June. SBG was asked if they wanted to continue doing business with these winning customers by both the pick service and the players' account manager. SBG management was able to review the account activity and reaffirm that they wanted to book action from these players. The house continued to lose on these plays until management froze the accounts for an "investigation." SBG is known for freezing accounts prior to confiscating funds. This tactic is used to guage backlash from users and the negative effect on current marketing investments; legitimze the claim that there may have been fraud and something to actually investigate, and to simply stall from having to deal with victims when they are most upset. | Recent SBG Global theft

10.20.07 (11:00 AM CST)

Jazette Enterprises Ltd-hosted sportsbooks downgraded from D+ to D- with exception of BetUSA (SBR rating C-) and Sportsbetting.com (SBR rating D+). Sportsbooks in this group that would like to discuss their rating may call 830-515-4122 or contact SBR by email.

10.19.07 (06:13 PM CST) Sportsbook.com: We will cancel winnings and pocket the losses

Sportsbook.com: We will cancel winnings and keep player losses
Sportsbook.com (SBR rating D-) tells SBR that they will not reverse the decision to confiscate parlay winnings. The Jazette Group has added insult to injury today by releasing a statement saying they may also keep player losses. The statement starts by referencing vague house rules and invites victims to ask for their accounts to be reviewed so Sportsbook.com can decide whether to retroactively cancel losing parlays as they did with winning wagers that took place after September 1st. The book has been accepting these types of wagers for years. The latest rash of complaints take the Jazette operation from inefficient error-prone giant to stiff-sportsbook status.

Sportsbook.com: If upon a second review of the account the decision remains that the customer repeatedly and knowingly exploited the system in order to place those wagers, then no further action will be taken. | Read Full Statement

10.22.2007 Update: Sportsbook.com now stating that all losses in this time frame will be refunded. Players should contact SBR to pursue credit for losses.

10.19.07 (01:23 PM CST) Sportsbetting.com will not take part in Sportsbook.com parlay scam

Sportsbetting.com (SBR rating D+) joins BetUSA (SBR rating C-) in stating that it will not confiscate winnings from correlated parlays, which was the original action taken by service provider, Sportsbook.com's (SBR rating D+) operation management. Any players that have found their SportsBetting.com account to be debited should contact SBR or Sportsbetting.com.

BetUSA has added the following rule to address the lack of software control over correlated parlays. Other Sportsbook.com sister sites are encouraged to add similar language and warn players via email that this new stipulation exists.

Correlated parlay betting: The results of certain events can be considered to be correlated. For example, in college football betting on a heavy underdog (eg 35 point underdog) and the under in the game is statistically correlated. If players consistently bet correlated parlays then management reserves the right to regrade wagers. Wagers will be split so that half the stake will go on the pointspread and half on the under in the game. This rule applies from 19 October 2007. This will only apply to those regularly staking $50 or more on parlays and is intended only to limit professional bettors who consistently bet correlated parlays.
SBR Rules Monitor: BetUSA

SBR continues to discuss this matter with Sportsbook.com management with little progress. Sportsbook.com has agreed to credit players for losing correlated parlays since September 1st. This is of little consolation for most victims because only winning account holders were robbed during a time period when Sportsbook.com noticed players beating the book for large sums. Players do not have the option to recover losses from periods prior when they may have sustained a losing run. The offer by Sportsbook.com, although possibly reducing the amount stolen, further illustrates why the actions are unjust.

10.18.07 (11:22 PM CST) BetRoyal (SBR rating D) locks 30 players out of their accounts citing "syndicate play."

BetRoyal (SBR rating D) locks 30 players out of their accounts citing "syndicate play." Royal Sports had advertised with a handicapper that was having a successful year before the book was purchased by SBG Global (SBR rating D-). The capper repeatedly warned what was now SBG's operation that he and his users were on a winning streak but the book said that it was not concerned because "all handicappers eventually lose." He and the players following his picks won in excess of six figures. The sportsbook now claims it is investigating the group for fraud and has frozen all winnings. SBR to interview the handicapper and contact SBG before updating in further detail. | Read SBRforum poster's report
editor correction: Pay-service handicapper counts 18 frozen accounts, which was confirmed by BetRoyal account manager. Five players file complaint with SBR.

10.17.07 (09:25 PM CST)

USDBet (SBR rating D+) ownership claims Futurebet has frozen its funds and will not process player withdrawals. SBR is seeking a response from Futurebet management. G2Gbet (SBR rating F), also a Futurebet licensee, stiffed users and closed down in August. USDbets was downgraded in December of last year after leaving World Gaming software and JEL hosting service for Futurebet.

10.13.07 (11:22 PM CST) PramidCasino SCAM

Email from BetOnUSA (SBR rating D) manager shows how neither Sportsbook.com (SBR rating D+) or BetOnUSA are claiming responsibilty for a player's near five-figure balance. This player's account was moved from BetOnUSA's operation with the brand PyramidCasino to Sportsbook.com's operation. Once BetOnUSA's group of sites moved to Futurebet and ended its relationship with Sportsbook.com, some larger balance holders saw their funds disappear. See BetOnUSA email to player.

10.10.07 (07:37 AM CST)

SBR collecting account information from BetCascade (SBR rating F) victims
Cascade balance holders are invited to provide their account information to SportsbookReview which will sponsor and organize action in an attempt to assist in collecting delinquent balances. Options include establishing a trust account in Costa Rica where Cascade would agree to fund the account weekly. Accumulated funds would be dispersed to players quarterly on a percentage basis. The second and more likely option is a class-action suit. An appointed representative for the group of owed players would pursue funds through the Costa Rica legal system. SBR has verified one payment to a BetCascade post-up player since March 26th. BetCascade.com is currently taking wagers and aggressively pursuing new customers.

10.08.07 (09:13 PM CST)

Failed sportsbook operation BetBones (SBR rating F) pumps out two more new sportsbooks for the 2007 NFL season. PremiumBettor & UBetAndWin both enter the SBR rating guide with an F rating. The company has proven to be insolvent and has stiffed its staff members at the end of 2006. At that time the sportsbook blamed a lack of investor funding. The sportsbook is now serving as a turnkey host which partners with small webmasters to build fly-by-night sportsbooks. Five of seven BetBones-related sportsbooks are now off-line.

10.07.07 (11:48 PM CST)

Player's PyramidCasino (SBR rating D-) $9,500 balance disappears
The sportsbook was part of the BetOnUSA Group (Empire Entertainment Ltd) before BetOnUSA moved its network of sportsbook websites under the Sportsbook.com Group (Jazette Enterprises Ltd) in December of 2006. When BetOnUSA chose to cut ties with Jazette and move its websites to the SportsbookUSA Group (Futurebet) last month they redirected PyramidCasino.com to land at BetOnUSA.com. Most PyramidCasino account holders can log in at BetOnUSA (SBR rating D). This player has been told by BetOnUSA that they have not received the funds from the Sportsbook.com operation and are not responsible for the balance despite owning the site, which now points to BetOnUSA. Sportsbook.com management claims the player debt belongs to BetOnUSA despite that funds were won when the site was managed by the Sportsbook.com Group and the player currently being able to log in to his zeroed out account using the Jazette-operated Sportsbetting.com (SBR rating D+). This is the second player to report that the two companies are playing hot potato with his balance. A player who won over $100,000 from BetOnUSA's casino has not been able to access the $85,000 that was remaining in his BetOnUSA account. Both companies claim the debt belongs to the other. BetOnUSA is owned by the same group that owns Oddsmaker (SBR rating D-). These issues serve as a reminder of the added risk that comes with playing at turnkey sportsbooks.

10.05.07 (05:46 PM CST)

131sport (SBR rating F) offline with player funds
The sportsbook, which previously operated under the name Honeybet and and Londonbet, stiffs player $41,000 and a second player for $5,320 before parking its website url. Read about one player's unfortunate experience here. This sportsbook is known for changing its name often in an effort to skim off winning balances. SBR is searching for this book under a new brand. Players who used any of the books above and were given a new website are urged to contact SBR.

10.04.07 (10:44 PM CST)

Beware of BetCasinoSport (SBR rating D-)
The sportsbook is stepping up its email campaign with 40% cash bonus offers up to $5,000. Spreading the word of high bonuses instead of investing in advertising is usually a sign that the sportsbook does not have the funds to make an initial investment and is unlikely to have the financial backing to survive a long winning streak by players, who are already ahead with bonus cash. It is common for these sportsbooks to fail, disappear and attempt to take another shot with a new name and similar bonus offers. SBR has also learned that BetCasinoSport shares the same server IP address as the website WagerParadise.com which is operated by the owner of Bet33 (SBR rating F) and stiff sportsbook, Apex Sports (SBR rating F).

09.29.07 (03:11 PM CST)

4SportsPicks (SBR rating F) owner opens online sportsbook PlayersBigWorld
4SportsPicks closed with debts to both players and operating providers before eventually serving only credit players out of the SportsCallCenter F.A. facility. The sportsbook operator is soliciting players again under Playing24Hours (SBR rating F), SportsPlayingWorld (SBR rating F) and its latest sportsbook venture, PlayersBigWorld. PBW entered the rating guide at F today. Former players of 4Sportspicks and Ewinner (F rated sportsbook that shared offices with 4SportsPicks) are likely to receive phone solicitations.

09.28.07 (06:13 PM CST)

Two BetChance (SBR rating D-) players confirm receiving small withdrawals. One player reports the sportsbook has stated that 25,000 Euros was made available for customer withdrawals. Both users have received only three-figure sums credited back to their credit cards. The book owes SBR readers well over $100,000 USD. Some payments were reported in the middle of August yet slow-pay complaints have been pending since July.

09.12.07 (05:04 PM CST)

Beware of bonus offers from slow-pay and no-pay sportsbooks
Dimeline Sportsbook (SBR rating D) is currently mailing bettors offers of 100% bonuses. The sportsbook hasn't paid some of its non-US bettors in two months. Over a dozen sports bettors have reported that BetCascade (SBR rating F), which has owed its players an estimated 2 million for almost 6 months, has called offering 20% cash bonuses.

09.10.07 (08:24 PM CST)

BigJuicyOdds enters the SBR Rating Guide at D-

Both books are operated by Capilleira’s sportsbook service. BetCSL (SBR rating F) and DragonWager (SBR rating F) also utilized the same operation. Both have stiffed players within the past year. DragonWager is now off-line while BetCSL remains and offers new deposit bonuses.

09.06.07 (11:44 PM CST)

HiRollerBets, a new sportsbook from BetBones (SBR rating F) ownership, enters the SBR rating guide at F. The operation closed down most of its sportsbook websites last year after "investors pulled out" and it was unable to pay employees. Only sister book GamblingDogLine (SBR rating F) remains.

09.05.07 (08:45 PM CST)

New sportsbook BetCasinoSport (not rated) soliciting players through email list marketing. BetCasinoSport is telling bettors they have been online for three years when in fact the domain registration shows the website has been online for just over one month. Players should beware of the many inexperienced sportsbooks and out-right scams that arise at the start of football. These operations hope to capitalize on the deposit season and are often out of business or operating under a new book name before the end of the regular season. SBR to verify oficentro building #3 address in Costa Rica and request company information from management.

09.03.07 (11:00 PM CST)

BetChance payout complaints increase; sportsbook downgraded from D to D-

Pending payout complaints rise from 29 to 49 since last report on August 22nd. Most players continue to complain that the book is not communicating with users and refuses to comment on the new statement found on its betting rules page that players may only withdraw up to the amount deposited. Two players have reported a payment plan involving small weekly installments of winnings.

09.01.07 (09:07 AM CST)

Easybet (SBR rating D) and PyramidCasino (SBR rating D-) sportsbooks merged under BetOnUSA (SBR Rating D). BetOnUSA is also on day eleven of being offline telling users they are switching software platforms. Thousands of players wait to gain access to their funds.

08.31.07 (11:54 PM CST)

The Premierbet (SBR rating D-) sportsbook website is now back online despite that the book's parent company, Interactive Gaming Holdings PLC, announcement that it is insolvent and the stock remains suspended. Debt to players is estimated to be well beyond the £400,000 that the sportsbook was seeking from investors. SBR continues to receive complaints daily. Phone calls and emails to the sportsbook are unanswered.

08.30.07 (11:05 PM CST)

AztecGaming (SBR rating D) off-line for three days
Aztec appears to be the latest World Gaming sportsbook to attempt to leave the Jazette Ltd-owned platform for the Futurebet/PlayerSupport turnkey hosting service. The domain name is now hosted on one of the Futurebet servers in Canada. Players have contacted SBR about their Aztec funds and report the site, absent of any notification message, has been down for over three days. Aztec Sportsbook will join I-Sportsbook.com (SBR rating D) and CasinoUnreal (SBR rating D) as the latest to make the switch to the slow-pay sportsbook operation. BetOnUSA (SBR rating D), which has been off-line for 9 days, is also said to still be in the process of moving all accounts to its new Futurebet platform but no further information has been provided. Players are unable to request payouts.

08.27.07 (11:24 PM CST)

USDbet next Futurebet sportsbook to be downgraded since G2Gbet (SBR rating F) closes and stiffs players. USDbet's owner has not responded to SBR emails and customer service, known as "PlayerSupport," is unable to give an estimate for when players may receive their funds. Futurebet continues to deny affiliation with G2G even after SBR has presented the confirmation receipts for deposits taken by the company for G2Gbet.com.
Soon-to-be Futurebet sportsbook BetOnUSA (SBR rating D) enters day six of being inaccessible to account holders. The former Sportsbook.com Group book may remain off-line for the rest of the week. SBR will continue to report on the Futurebet sportsbook operation in an effort to help players avoid being pulled in by the many websites and new football season marketing.

08.25.07 (02:01 PM CST) Scam sportsbook stiffs bettor

131Sport (SBR rating F), which previously operated under the name Honeybet and before that, Londonbet, stiffs player $41,000. Read about a player's unfortunate experience here.

08.23.07 (01:39 PM CST) Futurebet's G2Gbet Sportsbook stiffing users

Little hope left for G2Gbet (SBR rating F) victims
Former G2Gbet host and full service provider, Futurebet has denied that it serviced the failed sportsbook despite cached internet web pages proving otherwise. Futurebet was responsible for all services given to bettors under the webmaster domain name G2Gbet.com including software and accounting. In the past, SportsbookUSA, the Futurebet flagship sportsbook brand, has taken over account balances of failed Futurebet white labels. This does not appear to be the case with G2G. Many Futurebet employees report being laid off and others have reported not being paid their salary in over two months. Players can expect multiple downgrades of sportsbooks in the Futurebet Family. See SBR's full list of Futurebet Sportsbooks.

08.20.07 (10:58 AM CST) Sportsbook G2Gbet (SBR rating F) closes with player funds

G2Gbet (SBR rating F) closes with player funds
The Futurebet sportsbook has parked its domain G2gbet.com leaving no messages or contact information for owed players. Two customers report having four-figure account balances in the turnkey sportsbook. SBR to contact Futurebet flagship book, SportsbookUSA (SBR rating D-) about taking over these accounts. Players with balances should contact SBR.

08.13.07 (10:38 AM CST) Scam Sportsbook BlackDog offering credit accounts

SCAM ALERT: BlackDog Sportsbook falsely claiming to be part of 5Dimes (SBR rating A) and offering credit accounts. Players report being solicited by the book which uses the website BlackDogEG.com and the slogan "Got Credit?" Blackdog is attempting to gain business by misrepresenting itself and offering players the ability to bet without deposits. This scam usually ends with bettors being unable to collect winnings, often after already having paid the book for previous losing weeks.

5Dimes users will receive a warning message from customer service by email with the following statement:
It has come to our attention that another sportsbook has been soliciting customers claiming to be associated with 5Dimes. 5Dimes is NOT associated or partnered with any other offshore sportsbook. Any company stating they are working with 5Dimes in any manner is a fraudulent scam trying to steal player's money using the 5Dimes good name. There is only ONE 5Dimes. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter, please contact 5Dimes customer service.

08.10.07 (11:09 AM CST)

New sportsbook from the Futurebet Group LionsLounge enters the SBR rating guide at F. The majority of the Futurebet brands are currently unable to pay players, including the group's flagship book, SportsbookUSA (SBR rating D-) yet the company is creating more sportsbooks hoping to bring in new players for football season.

08.08.07 (05:39 PM CST)

Enterbet (SBR rating D+) locks accounts of at least three Asian players for over three months. Enterbet says it suspects the players of "bonus abuse" but has failed to provide any evidence of wrongdoing. Customer support tells SBR that the only manager who can make a decision on this matter is traveling and has been out of office for weeks.
Player: I request 5000usd payout before on 4/9 and they process on 4/9. Accounting managers are telling me that all international payouts for people from Taiwan, China, Taipei, A

ustralia

have been put on hold for an outgoing internacional investigation.

07.31.07 (03:32 PM CST)

Bets4All (SBR rating F) withholding payment due to suspicion of syndicate wagering

The player's original withdrawal was requested in May. The sportsbook revoked his bonus and is withholding funds, demanding that the player reveal how he made his picks. Bets4All users consistantly complain of the book's failure to fill payout requests and respond to email.

Bets4All to player: Dear Mrs. ******, To further continue with your payout, we need the written information from you where you have your betting tipps from. Please write us a list with all betting sources you are using to get to bet on a certain game. You may well discribe it with an example for one of your bets. Best wishes, The bets4all.com - Team!

07.27.07 (07:10 PM CST) PlanetRock Casino can not pay bettors.

PlanetRockCasino (SBR rating F) unable to fulfill payout requests.
The sportsbook has paid only $500 to two players who requested $1,000 in the first half of June. Player: "To date they have only given me $500 and alot of excuses. I have $2,000 in account and I want to gradually take it all out, but I know if I reqested it all at once I would never see it." PlanetRockCasino is part of the Interactive Gaming Systems family of turnkey books. IGS has hosted bankrupt fly-by-night bookmakers in the past, telling players their hands are tied and they only service the site owner whom they can not contact. IGS' PlayerCenter told SBR they were unable to comment when asked if PlanetRock was having financial issues. All IGS sportsbooks should be avoided.

07.28.2007 Update: PlanetRock sends player additional $250 towards $1,000 initial request. PlanetRock users are advised to request withdrawals immediately.
08.01.2007 Update: PlanetRock sends last installment of $250. Player #1 paid in full.

07.24.07 (02:09 PM CST) SCAM ALERT: BlackDog Sportsbook

SCAM ALERT: BlackDog Sportsbook offering credit line to BetRoyal (SBR rating D+) users.
SBR has received reports from bettors that have been solicited from new Costa Rican sportsbook, BlackDogEG.com and offered to wager on credit. A former BetRoyal employee is representing the book, calling and emailing players he previously serviced. This is an extremely risky proposition for the player as well as bookmaker and is considered a reckless way of bringing in action. SBR has received many complaints from players who have been scammed as a result of similar offers. SBR can rarely assist in these situations which are usually based on hearsay verbal agreements.

Player: i recieved an email from a steven p***** said he used to be at betroyal said he is at a new spot that lets you play on credit players pay when they are 25 %loser over thier line and credit and can withdraw when 25% winner , and they can even have some one meet for payoffs, im sure this is a rippoff so thought you might want to check it out,to inform people im sure im not the only one they contacted. thier # is 1 800 583 8524, thanks

07.22.07 (11:03 PM CST)

OnlineLasVegas enters the SBR Rating Guide and Blacklist rated F. The book is a new listing for no-pay scam group, EZ Sports. Players reported $5,000 in confiscated NFL future bet winnings in February from sister sportsbook EZsportsbetting (SBR rating F).

07.21.07 (08:15 PM CST) Scam Sportsbook Launch Foiled

Former 2WagerSports (SBR rating F-) ownership pulls plug on new sportsbook project Sportsbook Latin America (SBR rating F). Sportsbook.LA was the newest book from the company that stole funds as 2WagerSports and UwagerSports (SBR rating F-). SBR identified the under-construction Sportsbook.LA in November of 2006.

07.09.07 (03:30 PM CST) New Sportsbook SportsPlayingWorld enters the SBR rating guide at F

SportsPlayingWorld enters the SBR rating guide at F. The under-contruction sportsbook is operatated by Playing24Hours (SBR rating F) and 4SportsPicks (SBR rating F).

06.21.07 (06:48 PM CST) BetEmpire.com off-line

BetEmpire (SBR rating F) officially closed; stiffs players
The sportsbook's website displays a message saying that Empire has closed and that sister site, Superiorbook (SBR rating D+) "is offering players an opportunity to continue playing and keep their balances while using the same user ID and password." The notice, which is signed by manager Frederick Gray who left the company last month, makes no mention of the 15 time roll-over requirement for users who wish to make a withdrawal. Empire has been online for the past two weeks despite the "bailout" press release issued on June 8th.

06.12.07 (11:44 PM CST) New SCAM Sportsbook enters the SBR rating guide

BetOnSportsBetting enters rating guide at F. BOSB is the latest of the mass-produced EZ Sports scam-books to solicit an SBR reader. History suggests EZ Sports will launch a new batch of betting websites as football approaches. Players can read more about the scam group here.

06.08.07 (11:07 AM CST) BetEmpire (Empire Sportsbook) to close; won't pay players?

BetEmpire (Empire Sportsbook) to close; won't pay players?
SuperiorBook (SBR rating D+) has issued a press release titled "SuperiorBook.com- Acquires Betempire.com." The release states that players will be required to bet their Empire Sportsbook (SBR rating C-) balances 15 times through before withdrawing and calls the account transfer a "bailout program." SBR is attempting to reach both Superior and Empire contacts to find out the status of player accounts. Up until now, Superiorbook has been a licensee brand serviced and controlled by BetEmpire, using its accounting, hosting and BetEmpire's proprietary software, SportsPulse. It is unknown if BetEmpire is attempting to keep player balances as the NBA season ends by shifting balances within its own products, or, if the book is unable to pay and the former white label partner will carry on. | See Superiorbook press release

06.04.07 (05:19 AM CST) VegasBettingLines.net sportsbook part of EZ Sports Scam Group

VegasBettingLines.net enters the SBR rating guide at F. The sportsbook is part of the EZ Sports SCAM Group which continues to pump out new sportsbooks in order to have a bigger net in which to catch players. EZ Sports also sells partnerships to "investors" who are made to believe buying a sportsbook website for $6000 will be a profitable. MyGamingSite.com sells EZ Sports turnkey websites.
"Testimonial " - My friends are quite impressed when I tell them I'm an Internet casino owner – although some don't believe it's possible. Wait till they see the new car I'm buying with the extra money I've earned. That ought to turn some heads!

05.28.07 (04:36 PM CST) BookTheBet Sportsbook Denies Player Winnings

No-pay sportsbook, BookTheBet (SBR rating F) tells player he has not been paid because of negative comments posted about the book on the internet. The player has rolled over his funds an extra ten times but BookTheBet continues to make excuses for not paying and recently told the player he will not be paid unless he finds a way to retract the "slanderous lies."

Player to BookThebet: Hi Tony, Your right, I have done the 10 times roll over and the exstra 10 times roll over, but you never had the intention to make me the rest of the witdraw from last year in april, therefore I must strongly warn orther players from wagering at your books. Your service and language is alarming, and underlines that your book is a no pay book. I will remember you.

05.22.07 (06:56 PM CST) SportsCallCenter F.A. facilitates scam

SportsCallCenter F.A. refuses to assist scammed player. SportsCallCenter F.A. claims it has nothing to do with scam operation Palacebet (SBR rating F) saying it only services the website. However, Placebet is hosted on SportsCallCenter F.A. servers, uses SportsCallCenter F.A. clerks and handles all financial transactions for the "sportsbook owner." The player as well as SBR has contacted SportsCallCenter F.A. management verifying they are aware of the situation and asking for assistance in recovering the player's deposit, which SportsCallCenter F.A. had picked up via Western Union. Management refused to refund the user's deposit claiming the player must speak to the off-site third party that referred him.

05.18.07 (06:56 PM CST) SBR Sportsbook Advisory: Playing24Hours Playing24Hours (SBR rating F) refutes SBR report despite evidence; claims it is under new management. The sportsbook continues to call players offering large bonuses while using slow-moving lines. Players are strongly advised to pass on these too-good-to-be-true offers.

Playing24Hours: Playing24hours is former play24hours, under a new management thats why the partnertship that own this company, decide to change the name of the company, we use to offer our customers a 100% bonus with an 11 time rollover now we are offering a 50% bonus with a 7 time rollover so that means that we are not offering higher bonuses as you write in your review about us.

05.15.07 (06:21 PM CST) SCAM Sportsbook 4SportsPicks back under new name

4SportsPicks (SBR rating F) owner back accepting deposits and marketing under new name, Playing24Hours. 4SportsPicks bounced around Costa Rica creating new debt with both players and operating providers before the site closed to the general public, serving only credit players out of the SportsCallCenter F.A. facility. The sportsbook, which also uses the domain Play24.forsportspicks.com, has been calling bettors from their old client lists offering large bonuses. Playing24Hours has entered the SBR Rating Guide at F.

05.13.07 (11:52 AM CST) LuckyStreetCasino Sportsbook may be worse than bad luck

LuckyStreetCasino is the newest fly-by-night gaming site from Interactive Gaming Systems to enter the SBR Rating Guide at F. IGS is known for selling turnkey start-up licencese to small investors who hope to get rich overnight. When the book fails to make money and/or attract players, the disgruntled owner refuses to further fund his investment. IGS support will then tell the player that they only operate the site for an owner who refuses to pay. The company is better known to users by its customer service name, PlayerCenter.

05.12.07 (11:11 PM CST) WorldBet No-Pays Continue

One month after a rare resolution to a Worldbet (SBR rating F) withdrawal complaint, two users file new no-pay complaints. Despite no-pay history, SBR will again attempt to inquire on player's behalf.

Player: Dear SBR team, I am writing you about my problems with worldbet. I have an account on their website worldbet.com I have won some money(4500 EURO)and I have made a withdraw 12 Mar,2007 and since than I have no word from them I keep writing emails and sending faxes but nothing! I don't know what to do. I see that a lot of people have the same problem and this is making me worried. I hope that you can help me! If you have any information that I can use please contact me on this email. I grateful for any assistance.

05.11.07 (07:36 PM CST) PalaceBet SCAM

PalaceBet: Scam sportsbook ran by Scamdicappers and SportsCallCenter F.A.
The Con: Fake professional handicappers refer players to Palacebet. The player signs up at the site and sends his deposit to PalaceBet. His balance is instantly controlled by the pro handicappers, who are referred to by the book's customer service as "the player's Sports Advisors." The bettor is then promised a line of credit so he can bet larger sums on the "advisors' syndicate picks." He is told he must cover a $4,000 transaction cost for a bank wire from the touts to his account (which never occurs since the book simply adjusts the available balance in the software) and is promised it will be reimbursed to him upon cashing out. If the player is lucky enough to survive the "syndicate picks" that are designed to eat away his bankroll, he is asked to deposit another $4,000 in transaction fees before he can have access to his funds including the money he deposited. A player who complained to SBR is told he must pay $4,000 to keep his account active after winning $20,000. PalaceBet is hosted and serviced by SportsCallCenter F.A. in Costa Rica and also services DreamWager (SBR rating D-). The operation briefly serviced 4Sportspicks (SBR rating F) (until January 2007) and previously hosted defunct BigDaveSports.

05.09.07 (06:59 PM CST) 3Vig announces closure

3Vig (SBR rating F-) closed; customer support off-line
Visitors of 3Vig.com see the message: 3Vig.com has ceased operations. Owed players report no communication with the sportsbook.

05.07.07 (06:12 PM CST) SpyCasino Alert

Spycasino (SBR rating F) unable to pay players since December of 2006 and is expected to go off-line this summer. The sportsbook and casino is currently still accepting new deposits.

05.06.07 (03:04 PM CST) No Game for IGotGaming users

IGotGaming Group, including IGotSports (SBR rating F) remains off-line
Players will apparently be robbed from IGot, which originally blamed server problems for not putting lines up during the last two weeks of April. The sportsbook parked it's poker and sportsbook domains but has left the marketing .net websites live. Phone calls and emails remain unanswered.

05.03.07 (10:35 PM CST) USASportsCasino (SBR rating D-) in no-pay mode.

USASportsCasino (SBR rating D-) in no-pay mode. Turnkey customer service center is advising players to contact the website owner by email. Email inquiries have not been returned. One USA Sports Casino player writes: I am now being asked by their live chat to lower the requests so I the last few months I have requested $250 at a time. I have now 6 pending withdrawals, 5 for $250 and 1 for $269 which they are not paying. I have sent well over 60 emails and not one has been replied to.I have received 1 payment of $250 since 3^rd March 2007. Every time I ask live chat they say they can’t help and to contact gallowaycorp@aol.com which I have done at least 60 times already.

05.02.07 (12:42 PM CST) BookTheBet selling player info; still can't pay customer

BookTheBet (SBR rating F) victim owed $7,000. After repeated requests for a withdrawal over the course of nearly a year, the player agreed to wager his funds ten times before making another payout request. The player continued to win and remains unable to redeem his funds.

Player: "I have now been trying on year to get the rest of a withdraw from Bookthebet," "I december Tony send me an proposal of an new 10 times roll over, which I accpeted after some time. I have made the new 10 times roll over, but Tony will still would not make a withdraw even a small on. My question to you Bill, is there at all anything to do for me in this case, how can he have a license. If you look at below mail you can see that Tony acknowledge that he not had send me al the reuested whitdraw."

BookTheBet (sister site of PornSportbook (SBR rating F)) has recently been quoted on casino forums attempting to sell bettors' personal information.

Great List
Posted by: Anthony (---.hsd1.il.comcast.net)
Date: March 23, 2007 04:29PM

HI! I have a list of 2.5 million current gamblers. 60% are non USA and 40% USA. We are a small sportsbook and do not have the resources to market to this list the proper way. The list includes names, addresses, phone numbers, emails, balances, average bets, account numbers, deposits, and other information. I paid well over what I am asking for it. I am just trying to recover a portion of the money I spent. I am asking $7,000.00. the the complete list. Please contact me at anthony@bookthebet.com Thanks! (source: TheBlueLizardLounge)

04.27.07 (10:51 AM CST) BetCascade unable to pay players

BetCascade (SBR rating D-) debt to players increases
The sportsbook, which had told players it expected to be able to process withdrawals on Wednesday, remains unable to pay. Although Cascade ownership maintains that players will be paid there is no foreseeable date where it will be able to do so. No-Pay complaints reported to SBR, which date back to the end of March, are now estimated to total over $300,000.

04.25.07 (06:59 PM CST) Bets4All no-pay complaints

Bets4All (SBR rating F) claims new victims
The Austrian bookmaker was the subject of four no-pay complaints this month. Bets4All continues to try to wear players down so they will eventually give up pursuing their funds. One player reports initiating legal action against the sportsbook.

Player: I'd like to report a problem with this book. I requested a payout 4 weeks ago. They debited the amount from my account but did not make the payment. They have completely ignored the many emails I have sent them. On the telephone they say the person I need to speak to is not in the office but he will call me back - which he doesn't. One person I spoke to said they would not be making the payout and refused to give any reason. I asked his name, which he gave me. When I called again, the office said there was no person there by that name. I have called over twenty times, but they just play the same kind of games with me.

04.23.07 (08:00 PM CST) Bombabet cancels winning bet one day later

Bombabet (SBR rating D-) ignores latest complaint of canceled winning wager. The bookmaker deleted the $1000 winner the day after the event and has been unwilling to justify the action to the player who has called and sent numerous emails.

04.22.07 (11:34 PM CST) EasyBet enters SBR rating guide at D

Easybet added to the SBR rating guide at D as part of Jazette Gaming Group, which includes Sportsbook.com (SBR rating D+). Easybet is one of the many Jazette sportsbooks that has been unable to pay most players for over two months. (see forum topic: Sportsbook.com withdrawal delay)

04.19.07 (01:11 PM CST) GamblingDogLine enters SBR Guide at F

GamblingDogLine, a new sportsbook from BetBones (SBR rating F) ownership, enters the SBR rating guide at F. The book closed down some of its websites last year after "investors pulled out" and was unable to pay employees.

04.15.07 (11:43 PM CST) BetUs withdrawal complaints

BetUs (SBR rating D) players waiting two months for payment

BetUs payout complaints are similar to the Sportsbook.com (SBR rating D+) withdrawal issues on a much smaller scale. SBR has received 29 BetUs withdrawal complaints since mid-February of which four have been resolved. BetUs appears to be attempting to buy time by telling the majority of these individuals that they have entered incorrect banking details and must resubmit their payout request. Two others reported that their bonus roll-over requirement has been increased after initially having been met. BetUs tells SBR that they, like many sportsbooks, are experiencing issues with third party processors. The book states that many of these issues have been addressed and users who have been waiting nearly two months should receive funds shortly. SBR will continue to monitor payouts from the BetUs family (D rated SportsGambling, Omni, BetUs and BetReduction) of books.

04.11.07 (11:09 PM CST) RealVegasCasino enters SBR Rating Guide at F

RealVegasCasino listed at F in the SBR rating guide as part of the Apex Group. The former owner of Apex Sportsbook (SBR rating F-), now going by the name Zach as the current owner of such books as Bet33 (SBR rating F) and Totalbets (SBR rating F), recently contacted SBR to inquire about a new rating and settling debts to Apex players. There has been no response to balance information provided two weeks ago.

04.07.07 (02:37 PM CST) Sportsbooks report player attempting to impersonate SBR staff
Sportsbooks, as well as players, are always welcome to verify contact with SBR by calling SportsBookReview's office at 830-515-4122 or by email. The latest instance of a player falsely claiming affiliation to SBR comes from a Mr. Thomas K. who impersonated a staff member in order to have his wagering account re-enabled after being banned for using inappropriate language with phone clerks. The same individual has also conned inexperienced sportsbooks into granting him a line of credit with no intention of paying. Anyone applying for credit, claiming to be associated with, employed by or vouched for by SBR is attempting fraud.

04.06.07 (11:57 PM CST) JavaSportsCasino enters the SBR Rating guide at D-. JSC is operated by the same company as no-pay sportsbook, BetCSL (SBR rating F).

04.05.07 (02:23 AM CST)

New 3Vig (SBR rating F-) complaints filed

Two players report being locked out of funded accounts. The sportsbook's live chat is no longer online and email is unresponsive. 3Vig, which admitted to players it did not have their funds, is still accepting new players and offering a 30% signup bonus. Upon logging in, players are prompted to use the banking page to execute a Neteller deposit.

04.01.07 (11:23 AM CST) WorldBet (SBR rating D-) players submit 5th no-pay complaint in two months. The problem bookmaker has not responded to player complaints or SBR inquiries.

"Hi there, Ive recently requested a payout by moneybookers of roughly £1400 sterling. The money hasnt arrived and Ive sent numerous emails to Worldbet to try to get some idea of where the money is as its left the account. I have had no response whatsoever. I would appreciate any help or assistance you could offer on this matter as Im getting really stressed and worried about the payment. I only wish Id read your ratings before depositing there."

"I`ve found your site as I was trying to find more useful information about gambling. As I have now a problem with one of the bookies I`m contacting you....with the hope that you could help me. I have made a withdrawal from WORLDBET at the 12th of March. After that they`re not answering to my mails...they have no phone...nothing. And still the money-transfer is not placed."

"I have a little problem,and I don't know how I can resolve-it.It's about a bookmaker, worldbet.I have founded my account,and I win the first bet.Now,my account is "temporarly disabled",from 3 weeks ago.I send everyday a lot of mails,but all I receive is an automatic reply.I don't know for what my account is disabled. Now I write to you for ask you what can I do,because I think you know a way to resolve this.In my country,worldbet has a lot of customers,and a lot of them have problems.I think you can understand my mail;my english is poor,sorry."

03.27.07 (04:45 PM CST)

3Vig (SBR rating F-) to close with player funds

The sportsbook, which in the past two weeks has locked players out of accounts and canceled pending withdawals, sent the following email stating they will close and can not pay.

help@3vig.com: We are in the process of preparing an email to all our customers letting them know that we will be closing our doors. Our goal over the next 60 days will be to try and recover all our funds owed to us from our funding options that we have used. I am not sure how successful we will be, but our goal is to get customers like you 100% of the money owed. You have been a loyal and good customer, and you are for sure at the top of our list.

I know this is not good news, but the change in U.S. legislation and the problems with our funding options have put us in this situation. Unlike most places that close their doors and customers get nothing, our customers will get something, hopefully their entire balance.

03.19.07 (10:02 PM CST)

3VIG (SBR rating D-) players report slow-pays. The reduced juice sportsbook discontinued service to non-U.S. players months ago but blames difficulties with Neteller, the books only banking option, for current payout issues. According to emails sent to customers, 3Vig does not expect to be able to issue withdrawals for at least one week.

03.17.07 (09:50 PM CST)

Indonesia-based Pointbet (SBR rating F) off-line; estimated to have stolen millions. Pointbet.com was showing as a 'parked' domain yesterday morning, advertising other gambling-related websites. The domain is using a new server and IP address, suggesting the site was manually moved as opposed to experiencing technical issues- a common problem for Pointbet. Pointbet was blacklisted a little over one year ago after SBR confirmed the website was operating illegally from Batam Island. Many of the book's Asian handicap bettors were victims of AsianOdds & Game2bet which also disappeared just over one year ago.

03.11.07 (10:24 PM CST)

FootballSportsBetsOnline & ProFootballLinesAndOdds enter the SBR Rating Guide at F. Both sportsbooks are new SBR listings for no-pay scam group, EZ Sports. Players reported $5,000 in confiscated NFL future bet winnings in February from sister sportsbook EZsportsbetting (SBR rating F).

03.05.07 (10:06 AM CST) No-Pay bookmaker, Pointbet downgraded to F.
Players from around the world are writing in daily to ask what they can do to increase their chances of receiving payment and to help keep others from becoming Pointbet victims. Pointbet.com is still accepting deposits from unsuspecting players yet the last report of payment was received in December of 2006. Debt to players is estimated to be into the millions.
| Pointbet Discussion | Pointbet History |

01.29.07 (03:39 PM CST) Scam Alert: Poland-based scammers launch new deposit-only "sportsbook" SportsbookAction24. Seven days after the group’s (labeled as Cypress in the SBR rating guide) previous scam site ExecutiveSportsbookdr went off-line, players have asked about SBA24. The book is online solely to accept Western Union deposits, likely sent to Poland. The website will disappear in a matter of months with the victims’ funds.

12.24.06 (11:56 PM CST) EZ Sports Group scams new victim
EZ Sports is relatively successful at bringing in new depositors by mass producing sportsbook websites that utilize key search engine terms. The latest website responsible for a no-pay complaint is BettingSportsLinesFootball (SBR rating F).

Player: Unfortunately, I found your website after I had already deposited money with Bettingsportslinesfootball.com. I have requested a payout and they supposedly have processed it but I still have not seen any money. Is there anything I can do at all or am I just out? I’ve tried contacting them by phone, e-mail and live chat with no success. What should I do?

SuperbowlSportsGamblingOnline has been added to the SBR BlackList today. See the growing list of list of EZ Sports scam-books here.

12.04.06 (01:17 AM CST) SCAM Alert: ExecutiveSportsbookdr (SBR rating F-)
The scam was first documented operating through CypressSportsbook.com. The con artists have opened many sportsbook sites since to perpetuate the scam. Players are brought in through tout sites and are made to feel like they are getting a special deal for large VIP players. The sportsbook then sucks the player for all it can before he or she begins asking for the funds back. The group is known to request the bettor to send Western Union transfers to Poland. Below is an email sent to the player by Executive:

"Mr. ******* thank you very much for becoming a member of the internets premier sports wagering websites executivesportsbookdr.com . In setting up your account your referrer Tony made an error with the minimal deposit requirements for a Platinum Plus Member. All Platinum Plus accounts need to be at the minimal deposit level of $2,500USD. We will need to receive an additional $1,500 from you and your account will be activated immediately. After we receive your additional deposit today your ATM Card and Sports pager will be shipped to you immediately and you will receive everything no later than tomorrow November 29th, 2006 via Federal Express. Thank you for your business and we apologize for the error that was made on the start-up of your account. Thank you Sir. -Chad Halloran Accounts Mgr."

12.01.06 (04:09 PM CST) Bet7Moons (SBR rating F) players still unpaid after requesting funds three weeks ago. Manager Ron, formerly of RichCoastSports (SBR rating F)has stopped communicating with players. SBR Poster: What’s happen to bet7moons?

11.08.06 (10:58 PM CST) SBG Global (SBR rating D-) confiscates $56,660 before paying a take-it-or-leave-it "settlement" in the amount of $21,000.The account was opened with $800 by a woman who won $50,000 in the casino then withdrew $15,000. The woman’s husband verified with SBG Global that he was eligible to place wagers on the account before losing bets on sporting events bringing the balance down to $15,000. The following weekend he won wagers on college football and week 4 of the NFL, bringing the balance from $15,000 to $56,660. SBG zeroed out the account the following Monday morning, claiming the husband was not allowed to wager under the account. After the account holder filed the complaint with SBR, SBG altered the wording of the rules regarding third party account access.

Original text:
In the event that a third party places a bet or is thought to have placed a bet, said bet shall be valid, whether or not the alleged third party had the prior consent or knowledge of the customer. Under no circumstances will any bet be cancelled for that reason.

Post-confiscation text:
(iii) You shall not allow any third party to use your account, password or identity to access or use the Service or the Software and you shall be responsible for any activities undertaken on your account by a third party. You will not reveal your user name or password to any person or use any other person’s account, password, identity or means of payment to access or use the Service or the Software.

Notes: SBGglobal collected a copy of the couple’s marriage certificate and identification documents, originally stating that once proof of identity was provided the full balance would be paid. Management admits to knowing both husband and wife were using the account before the balance peaked at $56,660. The husband also held a losing account at SBG which has been dormant for months, with a zero balance and is in good standing. SBG allows for multiple users per household.

09.26.06 (06:15 PM CST) Scam Alert: BetBones (SBR rating D-) stiffs employees and closes siteOne employee tells SBR that they were told "gringo investors pulled out." Players with the book’s sister sites should attempt to redeem their funds.

09.17.06 (09:44 PM CST) Scam alert:Nt bet (SBR rating F-) is a new sportsbook from former owners of scam operation, Sunset Sports (SBR rating F-).

08.29.06 (11:09 PM CST) SCAM Alert:GoToSportsbetting (SBR rating F-) owner, Warner Frank Williams targets football bettors with new site GoToBetFootball.com. Mr. Williams has been behind many pump-and-dump scams including the ChangeABet (SBR rating F-) group of books, SunsetWager (SBR rating F), GoldPalace (SBR rating F-) and more.

08.24.06 (09:48 PM CST) SSP International (SBR rating F) claims to be back online with new ownership; players continue to report no-pays. The latest player to file a complaint has requested a small sum on July 28th, August 9th and 16th.

08.22.06 (01:53 PM CST) SCAM Alert:Sportsbook777 (SBR rating F) and Bet4Aces (SBR rating F) using new bonus programs to lure in new victims for football season.

08.21.06 (06:12 PM CST) SBR speaks with WagerWeb (SBR rating B) management
WagerWeb has agreed to prorate all bonuses in cases where the house termintates the original incentive agreement and relationship with player due to sharp play. Management tells SBR they will also allow such players to exceed its normal daily Neteller limits so the bettor has the ability to wager elsewhere. WagerWeb offers bank wire and checks for larger sums.

06.18.06 (02:29 AM CST) SCAM ALERT:Industry scammer continues to trick players into joining sportsbooks. Robbie McPhail is operating LegendSportsbook.com which has attracted bettors looking for the real Legendz (SBR rating A-). SBR warned players in March of Mr. McPhail’s LasPalmasSportsbook.com after readers reported depositing in what they believed to be LasPalmas (SBR rating C). Bettors should also beware of OceanSportsbook (SBR rating F) and AmericasBookie (SBR rating F). Both are part of this network of scam sites and are spamming email lists offering large bonuses.

06.11.06 (01:12 PM CST) SCAM ALERT:GoToSportsbetting (SBR rating F-) is a new sportsbook from former owners of stiff sportsbook Sunset Sports (SBR rating F-).

05.30.06 (12:18 PM CST) Western Union Sportsbook SCAM claims new victim
Poland-based con artists, previously behind CypressSportsbook (SBR rating F-) and CreditSportsbook (SBR rating F-), strike again as LasVegasSportsbookDK. The con follows the same course. A tout establishes a relationship with a gambler before referring the player to a sportsbook where he is promised a line of credit after an initial investment. The player is then asked to Western Union funds to Poland. History suggest LasVegasSportsbookDK.com will be off-line shortly and the handicapper phone numbers will soon be disconnected.

05.21.06 (01:50 AM CST) SBR Bill Dozer reports:BetOnSportsOnline (SBR rating F) ignoring player’s requests for $200 payout. The EZ Sports Group, which is known for stiffing large winners, has owed the bettor for over four months. CasinoCityOnline (SBR rating F) is the latest sportsbook scam from this company to enter SBR’s blacklist.

03.22.06 (08:45 AM CST) SBR Bill Dozer reports:Omni Sportsbook(SBR rating D+) reverses decision to add wagering requirements to bettor’s winnings before processing additional payouts. This was a common complaint from BetUs and Omni clients in years past. Forcing the player to risk his/her funds is a form of theft.

03.21.06 (04:38 PM CST) SBR Bill Dozer reports:Omni Sportsbook(SBR rating D+) player reports being told he must continue to wager before given access to his funds. The player states he has met his bonus roll-over requirement and has already received one withdrawal since his last deposit. See full complaint.

03.21.06 (01:22 PM CST) SBR Bill Dozer reports:CypressSportsbook scammers back in business as CreditSportsbook(SBR rating F-). The scam is initiated when a sports tout recommends the player invest in a credit line at a specific online sportsbook. The bettor is promised a large line of betting credit if he will make an initial investment. Once the player has sent money the scammers bill the player for additional "fees" and new "administrative costs" until the player has finally had enough and refuses to send additional funds. As was the case with Cypress Sportsbook, the players have sent funds via Western Union to a Yosef Levine. Recipient names also included Eva Rowinska; both were collected in Poland. Randy Levine was the recipient of a bank wire.
Players should use caution when utilizing Western Union due to its anonymous nature. Read about similar Western Union scams here.

03.20.06 (01:04 PM CST) SCAM ALERT:TotalBets operated by Robbie McPhail of the ApexSportsbook scam. This is a sister sportsbook of Bet33(SBR rating F). Totalbets is not to be confused with UK sportsbook, TotalBet.

03.15.06 (04:43 PM CST) SBR BillDozer reports:SBR meets with Bet4Aces(SBR rating D-); discusses affiliation with BetGateway. Edward, part of Bet4Aces ownership, tells SBR that they will take responsibility for its association with SCAM sportsbook BetGateway and settle all delinquent accounts. Edward assures SBR that Bet4Aces will "right this wrong" and contends that he is operating a legitimate sportsbook. Ownership acknowledges that the company was built on BetGateway’s platform, that they utilized the same servers and equipment, and employed a Gateway manager, but is adamant that the company was purchased and is controlled by new ownership. Edward went on to say that Gateway manager, Henry, is no longer with Bet4Aces and noted that Bet4Aces is in the Torre del Este building and not in the Law Offices of Mauricio Gomez like past reincarnations of VipBetZone scam sportsbooks. View Bet4Aces office photos here.

03.03.06 (04:09 PM CST) SBR Bill Dozer reports:RoverSportsbook(SBR rating F-) is a new book from the owners of scam operations such as SunsetSports, BetWGN, BetCNN, BetChanger and Changeabet. RoverSportsbook banners go through former Changeabet owner Michael Franklyn’s advertising network, SGNCOM.net, and share the same IP address, 64.202.189.170, with SunsetSports.

02.11.06 (11:51 PM CST) Warning:The following sportsbooks have been identified as part of SCAM company EZ Sports: SurvivorSportsbook, Sportsbettings and BasketballSportsbetting. SBR consistently receives no-pay complaints from sister sportsbooks, like BetonSportsOnline (SBR rating F). Read more about past scams from EZ Sports here.

01.28.06 (02:57 PM CST) SBR Bill Dozer reports:BetonStars(SBR rating D-) tells SBR they are waitng for a $10,000 deposit to clear its Neteller merchant account in order to pay slow-paid bettors. When asked how they planned to pay players beyond this relatively small sum, management replied: "We will have enough left over to pay other players". BetonStars players now fear that the book will rely on a profitable Super Bowl from the few clients that remain. SBR and slow-paid players were originally assured that this latest wire would clear on January 24th.

01.28.06 (11:33 AM CST) SBR Bill Dozer reports: WagerFree(SBR rating F-)owner makes final attempt to lessen severity of charges before impending arrest. Garet would like owed players to email him at wagerfree@yahoo.com with amounts owed.

Garet Bradford: "if and when you talk to the commish. let them know that anyone that wants to be paid need to make a request to this e-mail with there user name and password (from wagerfree) and the amount they are owed by march 1 so they can be set up on a payment plan. thanks"

This is likely a futile attempt to avoid the fallout of running a scam sportsbook within the US. Mr. Bradford has been quoted multiple times as saying he is bankrupt and does not have player funds.

01.27.06 (04:26 PM CST) SBR Bill Dozer reports: BetBookie and Phoenix Rising Group downgraded to Fas no-pay complaints continue to fill SBR’s mailbox. Customer service remains off-line and the sportsbook shows no signs of life. BetBookie victims had hoped that World Gaming was to take over the site as they did with AllSportsCasino. However, the different sites are being treated as separate entities, likely divided by ownership of player packages. World Gaming states that they currently do not have any plans to take over other Phoenix Rising sites.

"Hi. I have a quick question about betbookie.com. They actually owe me $8000 since late October of 2005. They gave me all these BS reasons for not giving me my funds. When I tried to call them today, it seems like they disconnected their phone service. Then I came to your site and noticed that they either sold or trying to sell their website. Is there any way to receive my money or is this money down the drain? Any suggestions or answers are welcomed. Thank you very much and I truly appreciate your website."

01.22.06 (10:31 AM CST) SBR Bill Dozer reports:SBR receives first report of theft from BetWGN (SBR rating F-), which is run by former ownership of ChangeABet (SBR rating F-) and the owners of SunsetSports (SBR rating F-). The lead man now goes by Michael Franklyn and was previously using the name Peter Cole.

01.19.06 (02:45 PM CST) SBR Bill Dozer reports:BetIsGlobal(SBR rating F-) new sportsbook from the VIPBetZone(SBR rating F-) Group. Past scam books include VipBetZone, BetNowOnline, GoWagers, BetGateway and most recently, Bet4Aces(SBR rating F-).

01.07.06 (11:50 PM CST) SBR Bill Dozer reports:QuakerCitySportsbook (SBR rating F) is the newest fly-by-night gaming site from Interactive Gaming Systems and should be avoided. IGS is known for selling their turnkey start-up sites to small investors who hope to get rich overnight. When the sportsbook fails to make money and attract players, the disgruntled owner refuses to further fund his investment. IGS then tells the player they only operate the site for an owner who refuses to pay. The company is better known to players by its customer service name, PlayerCenter.

01.05.06 (10:41 PM CST) SBR Bill Dozer reports: Telebet(SBR rating F-)has been off-line for over a week causing a new wave of panic from unsuspecting victims. Balances from players filing new complaints this week totaled over $100,000.

12.30.05 (02:19 PM CST) SCAM Alert:SunsetSports(SBR rating F-) and BetDealers(SBR rating F-) in the hands of scammers formerly behind stiff book, ChangeABet, and currently behind BetWGN. Frank, who sometimes goes by Michael Franklin or Frank Williams, is the lead conman. He has been opening and closing books, stealing from customers for years.

12.30.05 (12:58 PM CST) SBR Bill Dozer reports:BetDealers(SBR rating F) is new SCAM book from the failed SunsetSports owners. BetDealers is offering 20% cash sign-up bonuses to join while claiming they are not affiliated with any other sportsbooks.

Thanks to SBRforum poster AK for information contributed.

12.26.05 (11:57 PM CST) SBR Bill Dozer reports: Telebet(SBR rating F-)invests in software upgrades and new website to perpetuate scam. SBR offices still receive weekly calls from players who have been coaxed into depositing with EnglishSportsBetting, which is now branded as Telebet. The sportsbook has purchased customer lists and is aggressively calling players with promotional offers. Many inactive players have reported being offered to "upgrade their account" in order to receive premium bonuses. SBR will continue to post periodic ESB warnings.

12.25.05 (10:35 PM CST) SBR Bill Dozer reports: SunsetSports(SBR rating F) players left with more questions.Last week SBR confirmed with Sports-Gambling(SBR rating D+) management that the book, which is part of SBGglobal Group, would be taking over all Sunset player accounts at the start of this week. SBR has since spoken with SBGglobal’s General Manager who said the deal is not finalized and all accounts may not be migrated to Sports-Gambling. SunsetSports.com is now back online, claiming they are under a new company under different ownership. Sunset, which redirects to SunsetWager.com, tells SBR that customer accounts were divided according to "player packages" and some accounts will be moved to Sports-gambling. Sunset is telling account holders they must roll-over their balances 6 times before they can have access to their funds. Players are rightfully concerned that Sunset’s latest promises will not be fulfilled. It is more probable that this wagering requirement is the latest stall tactic for unmovable accounts than it is that a new owner chose to take over a no-pay sportsbook, service its frustrated bettors, and build the tainted brand.

12.15.05 (08:16 PM CST) SBR Bill Dozer reports:Sources in Costa Rica report that former ChangeaBet(SBR rating F-) ownership is back in business operating as BetWGN(SBR rating D-). Stiffed players who would like to attempt to reach management to discuss their ChangeaBet balance can ask for Frank at 1-866-257-2472.

12.14.05 (12:03 PM CST) SSP International(SBR rating F)website back online. Phones remain unmanned, client emails unreturned.

12.07.05 (11:20 PM CST) SBR Bill Dozer reports:Largest US-based online sportsbook scam, WagerFree(SBR rating F-), finally off-line. Nevada authorities have been investigating owner, Mr. Garet Bradford for fraudulent business practices and operating a gaming establishment without a license. Mr. Bradford’s elaborate con was able to survive for almost two years with the help of his lawyers who challenged authorities to prove that he was anything more than a Nevada-based hosting company for a peer-to-peer betting "club". It is unclear at this time if charges have been filed by the state or if Garet succumbed to the pressure of the investigation and angry victims. If and when charges are filed, SBR will support victims who choose to proceed with a class action lawsuit.

12.06.05 (12:06 PM CST) SBR Bill Dozer reports:Problem sportsbook SportsbettingTrivia(SBR rating F+) situation worsens. After legal issues and bad business practices were responsible for bringing down most of the book’s business, players reported sporadic payouts. Trivia now appears to be on the brink of collapse. The book is unable to bring in new business or pay current players. Phones are unmanned and emails are unreturned.

12.02.05 (12:33 PM CST) SBR Bill Dozer reports: Reno, Nevada-based WagerFree(SBR rating F-) scam to cease operating?Garet Bradford, the subject of an investigation by the Nevada Gaming Commission, tells players he will be closing his operation on December 7th if he does not receive funds from "investors". Garet claims his "business" will file bankruptcy, which will protect him from his debt to victims. However, WagerFree, L.L.C.’s business license was revoked on 12/1/2004. Players and SBR have contributed to the investigation against Mr. Bradford, which is likely responsible for WagerFree’s forecasted closure. One local player who has visited state authorities, reports receiving a partial refund of his balance.

Note: SBR does not condone personal threats when settling fraudulent business complaints. Players with a complaint should contact their local authorities as well as the Nevada Gaming Control Board at (775) 823-7250.

12.01.05 (06:49 PM CST) SBR Bill Dozer reports:SportsbookUSA(SBR rating D-) unable to process withdrawals, tells SBR payouts are delayed indefinitely. Players with SportsbookUSA and sister books under the Futurebet umbrella are experiencing longer than usual payout delays and the company is no longer able to put players on installment plans per SBR’s request. A sub-par football season for the bookmaker, as well as a change in management are likely responsible for the worsened situation. Futurebet accounting issues have been known to become progressively worse. Current customers should request their funds immediately. Below is an email to a player from Futurebet’s Player Support.

Hello *****, We thank you for your continued patience regarding the pending withdrawal situation with SportsbookUSA.com . We have been informed that SportsbookUSA has been experiencing major delays in settling player withdrawals. We will notify the casino operator that you have contacted us today regarding your pending withdrawal with SportsbookUSA.com. Thank you for choosing SportsbookUSA and we at Player Support wish you the best of luck in the future.
Sincerely,
Charlynn Player Support
help@playersupport.com

11.28.05 (10:52 PM CST) SBR Bill Dozer reports: Three sportsbooks disappear in last two weeks. FirstClassSportsbook(SBR rating F-), BetGateway(SBR rating F) and SSP International(SBR rating F) each decided that their scams have run their course. Players should be aware of reincarnations or sister sites of these phony bookmakers. BetGateway now operates as Bet4Aces(SBR rating F-) and is cold calling potential players. FirstClassSportsbook’s sister site, PlayersTime(SBR rating F) steals player’s $19,000 balance. Substantial balances are at high risk. Both books focus their maketing efforts on off-line advertising and on bettors who are less likely to be aware of their unscrupulous actions.

11.27.05 (11:37 PM CST) SBR Bill Dozer reports:Players fear SSP International (SBR rating F) has finally ceased operating. SSP’s excuses for withholding payment in 2005 included technical difficulties and claims that the company’s assets were frozen due to an impending sale. The website has been off-line for nine days and emails have not been returned.

11.22.05 (03:34 PM CST) SBR Bill Dozer reports:BetRoyal (SBR rating D-) stalling, hoping to avoid $18,000 payout? The player was initially told his $9,000 bank wire request was processed four weeks ago, yet his account balance was never debited. One week after the initial request the bettor asked for an additional payout of $9,000 to a different checking account. Three weeks after Royal confirmed that both withdrawals were cleared to be processed, customer service tells the client that they do not have any record of his withdrawal requests. The account balanace exceeds $22,000.

Players who are being slow-paid should not continue to wager with their sportsbook. Continuing to play encourages the book to deny payment, hoping that the stress and inability to bet elsewhere will cause the bettor to lose his funds.

11.22.05 (04:12 AM CST) SBR Bill Dozer reports:EnglishSportsBetting (SBR rating F-) steals $30,000 from player; $2,500 of which was deposited via Western Union. SBR receives many ESB complaints each month, but this is the first player to report opening a new account and depositing after the book’s latest claim of being under new ownership. In September ESB began branding under the name of their site’s url, Telebet. The bettor made his deposit two weeks ago.

11.21.05 (04:30 AM CST) SBR Bill Dozer reports:BetGateway (SBR rating F-) remains down through day 4. One player reports desperately trying to retrieve a balance of $120,000 for over two months.

10.29.05 (11:03 AM CST) SBR Bill Dozer reports:Player reports elaborate con involving Detroit radio station tout and CypressSportsbook (not rated). The details of the scam draw many similarities to the BetCharter(SBR rating F-) SCAM of 2004. This report is still unfolding.

10.24.05 (03:17 PM CST) SBR Bill Dozer reports:2003BettingSportsBook (SBR rating F) stiffing two players for over $25,000. The sportsbook is listed in the SBR rating guide as part of the EZ Sports Group. These sites attract victims with a professional looking webpage and enticing odds. Offering extremely generous payoffs on future bets and then voiding the winning wager due to a "bad line" is one of the EZ Sports book’s biggest cons. This allows the book to take a healthy amount of wagers during an entire season, while having no intention of paying out. The book is able to take in large amounts of cash, eventually upsetting only a small percentage of the bettors, most never realizing they were swindled.

10.22.05 (12:15 PM CST) SBR Bill Dozer reports:Marty Kidd shuts down his latest scam site UWagerSports (SBR rating F-). Phone lines and betting software have been off-line for a week and the book’s clerk had admitted to at least two stiffed players that they will be reopening with a new name because of negative press.

Do you know of an unrated sportsbook? Inquire about a new book by writing to assistance@sportsbookreview.com.

10.15.05 (02:51 AM CST) SBR Bill Dozer reports:Stiff sportsbook Ewinner (SBR rating F-) back online operating as a credit/agent sportsbook. Ewinner closed in September of last year, stealing over $60,000 from winning players. The book is still using the same phone line, 1-877-394-6637.

10.14.05 (01:53 PM CST) SBR Bill Dozer reports:88Sportsbetting (SBR rating F) promising payout plans to winning bettors who keep quiet about not being paid. Players report quietly waiting months but not receiving any of their funds. This is a common tactic that scam sportsbooks will use to avoid negative press during the busiest times of the year. After a few months the book may tell the player they do not have any record of this balance but will promise to examine their archives, as they attempt to buy themselves even more time.