SBR review: BetOnSports

BetOnSports settlement checks

Two BetOnSports players reported receiving 4.63% of their balances today. The players were issued a cheque via the mail attached with a letter from Antiguan liquidators. The letter specified that the enclosed payment must be cashed by September 28th, 2011.  | BetOnSports settlement notice

BetOnSportsWagers sportsbook site enters the SBR Rating Guide at F

Rating Change: BetOnSports

BetOnSports BetOnSportsWagers - SBR initiates rating coverage at F

Rating Change: SportsWager

SportsWager BetOnSportsWagers - SBR initiates rating coverage at F

BetOnSportsbook enters the SBR Rating Guide with an F rating.

Rating Change: BetOnSports

BetOnSports BetOnSportsBetting - SBR initiates rating coverage at F

Rating Change: BetOnSportsBetting

BetOnSportsBetting - SBR initiates rating coverage at F

Rating Change: 007Sportsbetting

007Sportsbetting BetOnSportsBetting - SBR initiates rating coverage at F

New SCAM Sportsbook enters the SBR rating guide

BetOnSportsOnline (SBR rating F) Warning
This scam operation continues to steal from players. The book’s owner has contacted SBR refuting the scam label but fails to fulfill new promises to pay.

Player: Every time I call customer support at BetonSportsOnline. I am still getting the run around.  The person they say I need to speak with, Alonzo, is never there when I call and never calls back when I leave a message.  They do not respond to emails, neither do they assist you in anyway when you use the Live Chat function.  I don’t know where they are at as far as processing withdrawals.  I would definitely withdraw out all my funds if I could get to them.
View list of sportsbooks affiliated with BetOnSportsOnline

BetCRIS (SBR rating A+) discussing bailing out non-US account holders with BetOnSports.

Sources tell SBR that the deal is not yet finalized. BetOnSports has made news in Costa Rica this week for failing to pay employees as promised. BOS has owed its fomer employees for 50 days. The book initially assured its 1,450 staff members that they would receive their earnings after three weeks.

10.06.2006 8:11 PM Update: BetCRIS offers "relief package" for non-US BOS clients. Players can find terms and details here.

BetOnSports Plc

sportsbook, Yishengbo enters the SBR rating guide at D-. BetOnSports continues to cheat players through its remaining active sportsbooks. SBR has received multiple complaints from American-based bettors who were ejected from Easybets (SBR rating D-) after solidifying MLB future wager wins. EasyBets was known for offering generous future betting odds to attract its clients.
 
Bettor: "Bill, The voided wagers were still pending.  EasyBets stiffed me on the Mets winning the NL East division - which is already a foregone conclusion, and I’ll get cheated big if either San Diego or San Francisco win the NL West." 

SBR Bill Dozer reports:

BetOnSports PLC-owned EasyBets (SBR rating D-) cheats players out of winning MLB future wagers. The sportsbook has alerted it’s US-based clients that their accounts will be closed and all pending wagers will be voided.

Player: "I just received this e-mail from easybets.  It’s a real shocker, and doesn’t seem legal or ethical.  I need your advice and help.  How can they cancel pending bets (such as several baseball season future that are about to pay off, for example)?  Are these not contracts they have entered into and must honor?  If they decide to cease dealing with people in the US, why can’t they stop accepting new bets, but still pay ones they have accepted upon settlement?"

Sportingbet Plc Chairman detained; company freezes shares

Statement regarding Chairman

Whilst visiting the US on non-Sportingbet business, Mr Peter Dicks, aged 64, Non-Executive Chairman of Sportingbet Plc, was detained by US Authorities at approximately 2.00am BST on Thursday, 6 September 2006.

A hearing for Mr Dicks is scheduled for 2.00pm BST.

Pending clarification of the situation the Board has sought immediate temporary suspension of Sportingbet’s shares.

Further information will be issued in due course.

For further information please contact:

Smithfield (media) Tel: 020 7903 0669
George Hudson Tel: 07803 603 130
Link to Sportingbet Plc statement

Players who are adverse to risk may wish to withdraw their funds from all Sportingbet and World Gaming operated sportsbooks. SBR does not expect Sportingbet to follow the path of BetOnSports which did not have player funds in reserve. Trading is expected to resume shortly. View sportsbook list here.

Players reminded to use one password for each wagering account

Former employees of BetOnSports (SBR rating D-) are selling client lists containing all user information originally provided to the book. Other sportsbooks and their third party marketing departments use this information to spam potential customers. Some player databases may also include client passwords, which can be dangerous for those using one universal password for all sportsbooks. Bettors should use a unique password for each individual online account.

TotalSportsbetting, also known as TSbets, (SBR rating F+) closes; Sells accounts to BetTheWorld (SBR rating F)

Earlier August report on BetTheWorld:
SCAM ALERT: BetBTW (SBR rating F) fly-by-night sportsbook lying to players. BetTheWorld initially told SBR that they have been located in San Jose on 1st floor of building 2 in Oficentro and have been there for over two years. After SBR visited the building only to find that no one there has heard of the book, BTW told SBR they work out of a house where they have a staff of two employees. The book’s General Manager went on to say that their clerks are in residential houses throughout the world patched into the server through their home phone lines. BetBTW is offering 100% match bonuses to a list of players who were supposedly victims of the BetOnSports debacle. Players should avoid BetBTW and their exorbitant offers. This book will likely be closed before the start of the regular NFL season.

SBR Bill Dozer reports:

EZ Sports SCAM Group pushing football-focused sportsbooks. This is the time of year when stiff bookmakers are most likely to target new unsuspecting bettors. Players recently alerted SBR to unrated EZ Sports sportsbook sites such as BettingSportslinesFootball. BettingSportslinesFootball enters the SBR rating guide at F.

SCAM ALERT: BetBTW (SBR rating F) fly-by-night sportsbook lying to players.

BetTheWorld initially told SBR that they have been located in San Jose on 1st floor of building 2 in Oficentro and have been there for over two years. After SBR visited the building only to find that no one there has heard of the book, BTW told SBR they work out of a house where they have a staff of two employees. The book’s General Manager went on to say that their clerks are in residential houses throughout the world patched into the server through their home phone lines. BetBTW is offering 100% match bonuses to a list of players who were supposedly victims of the BetOnSports debacle. Players should avoid BetBTW and their exorbitant offers. This book will likely be closed before the start of the regular NFL season.

EasyBets

downgraded from D to D-. EasyBets is part of BetOnSports Plc which today announced that it does not have all player balances.

BetOnSports blaming processors for inability to pay.

The manner in which BetOnSports handled the US District Court indictment has been scrutinized by everyone familiar with the situation. Now that the sportsbook has announced it will close and does not have all player funds, the finger pointing has ensued.

Recent reports suggested that BOS was unable to pay players because funds were inaccessible. An Associated Press news release published yesterday on Yahoo News stated "...because of the judge’s order on July 17, some payment processors, or e-wallets as they’re known, have stopped doing business with BetOnSports." AP News interviewed an unnamed BOS executive who stated, "BetOnSports has no way to transfer the bulk of the pending wagers or deposits to gamblers."

Today’s shareholder statement infers that the book’s ability to pay players depends on future earnings and "the Company’s ability to persuade banks and cash processors to release its funds." View full shareholders statement.

Neteller tells SBR that was not the case with its BOS merchant service. Once a sportsbook chooses to cease operating, Neteller’s policy is to freeze the merchant account. BetOnSports made its intention to suspend operating clear when it released a statement shortly after the indictment was unsealed.

Sportsbook operators and industry analysts tell SBR that BOS overreacted to the affect the indictment would have on the company’s public stock value. BetOnSports Plc is believed to have ceased operating in order to freeze share prices. This left financial processors with no choice but to follow with a suspension on merchant transfers.

Kevin

SBR Bill Dozer reports: BetonSports (SBR rating D-) to announce closure

Inside sources tell SBR that BetonSports Plc will close its US-facing Costa Rican operation. The announcement to shareholders is expected at 7:00 am UK time.

Update from Mall San Pedro: All hourly employees dismissed.

8.10.2006 (2:04:23 PM): Tomorrow’s shareholder statement said to reference disbursement of "player balances" within 60 to 90 days. SBR will continue to pursue further information regarding fate of player funds. BOS Plc is expected to maintain relatively small Asian-focused sportsbook, EasyBets (SBR rating D).

BETonSPORTS plc terminates CEO

Company Statement:
"BETonSPORTS plc Makes Announcement Regarding CEO
LONDON -- The Board of Directors of BETonSPORTS plc announced that on 24 July 2006 the contract under which David Carruthers acted as CEO of the Company was terminated. As a consequence, the Board has removed him as a director.
This action was taken as a consequence of Mr. Carruthers continued detention by US authorities. Clearly, while he remains in the custody of the U.S. Government he is unable to perform his duties. Further the company has been unable to speak directly with Mr. Carruthers."
Londonstockexchange.com

SBR reports from the San Pedro Mall:

SBR interviewed clerks outside the BetOnSports (SBR rating D-) San Pedro Mall offices today, who said they were called back to work after a brief vacation. Although nothing should be concluded from this, it is encouraging news. Even more encouraging is that SBR has confirmed that new clerks, who are scheduled to start on the wagering floor this football season, are currently undergoing training. "Now Hiring" signs remain outside of the sportsbook.

EasyBets (SBR rating D) users should request payouts immediately

EasyBets, which was acquired by BetonSports (SBR rating D-) in May of 2005, is currently operating while BOS has frozen all accounts. With the future of its parent company uncertain, EasyBets bettors are advised to request their funds. The following URLs are domains of Easybets: 007bets.com, easybets.com, easy248.com, eb248.com, 248eb.com, 248vip.com, 248vip.net, 248cn.com.

BetOnSports(SBR rating D-) remains closed. Update; eGaming Review is reporting:

 
David Carruthers’ lawyer requested a postponement of his bail hearing. The hearing will be held instead in the federal district court in St Louis, Missouri. No date was set.

BetOnSports(SBR rating D-) expected to be offline at least until the weekend.

The sportsbook will confront the USA which issued an order for BOS to stop all transactions with US residents. The US has also ordered BOS to return all money to its US citizen clients. More information is available in the SBR Player Forum.

iGotsports tied to recently indicted BetOnSports owner Gary Kaplan.

Two fraudulent watchdog sites tied to the same group. The fraudulent web sites are ReviewSportsbooks.com and SportsbookAudit.com. BetOnSports and Gary Kaplan were recently indicted for fraud for setting up other bogus watchdog sites that recommended their sportsbooks. IGotSports SBR rating is lowered from C- to D. 

Rating Change: BetOnSports

BetOnSports <A class=ab href="http://www.sportsbookreview.com/Search/default.aspx?Search=betonsports&amp;Area=Site&amp;Submit=Home">BetOnSports downgraded from D to D-</A>

BetOnSports(SBR rating D) stock exchange trading halted as BOS&rsquo;s board issues the following statement:

 
From the BetOnSports Board of Directors: The Board have also noted that in a Press Release issued by the Department of Justice in the course of the evening of 17 July UK time, reference is made to a  temporary restraining order having been obtained by the US Department of  Justice against BETonSPORTS. The release states that a civil complaint has been filed in federal court to obtain an order requiring BETonSPORTS to stop taking sports bets from the United States, and to return money held in wagering accounts to account holders in the United States and that a  temporary restraining order was issued yesterday. A hearing in the civil case has been requested within 10 days. Reference is also made to the FBI  issuing letters to four telephone companies, instructing them to stop providing phone service to the Internet sportsbooks and casinos operated by BETonSPORTS.

BetOnSports(SBR rating D) CEO arrested in Dallas on Organized Crime(RICO) related charges.

The sportsbook has been accused by many players of theft and has received numerous SBR downgrades recently. Apparently these theft reports are not related to the current indictment according to eGaming Review.

BetOnSports Plc follows industry trend; consolidates brands

BOS’ newly acquired sportsbooks, and former VO-Group properties, BeverlyHillsBookie.com, VirtualSportsbookInternational.com and VirtualBookmaker.com are scheduled to move clients to MVPSportsbook (SBR rating D) tomorrow. PopularPoker-Sportsbook will consolidate its bettors under PlayersSuperbook (SBR rating D). Players may find they are locked out of their account for an extended period, as is the case with sister books, RockIslandSports (SBR rating D) and BettorsTrust (SBR rating D). These websites have been off-line since July 2nd for "routine maintenance."

SBR office Tours:

View photos of IGotSports (SBR rating C-) here. The sportsbook is located in a three-floor office building in San Francisco de Calle Blancos, San Jose, Costa Rica. The Operations Manager, Kyle previously held the same position at BetOnSports. IGotSports tells SBR that the primary owner is Brad Mitchell who previously managed Jaguar Sports, although the consensus from IGotGaming employees and industry insiders in Costa Rica is the operation is financed by Gary Kaplan, founder and former owner of BetOnSports.

Beware of MVP Sportsbook (SBR rating D) agents soliciting deposits

An MVP Sportsbook ’agent’ is calling post-up customer lists offering deposit bonuses. One player complains his MVP account was deleted after winning $2338.  The player declined the initial deposit bonus offer, but was given a $3,000 line of credit. He went on to win $2338.00. The ’agent’ tells SBR that he will not pay because the MVP phone clerk was not supposed to let him wager the amount he did, and claims the bettor targeted "a weak clerk." The agent also claims the player’s winning bets do not count because the player agreed to "settle" once he had lost $1000. However, the line of credit gave the player ability to lose up to $3,000. Players should avoid dealing with phone solicitors or verify offers are directly from the sportsbook. Those seeming to represent MVP may only be part of BetOnSports’ ’per-head’ service.

Rating Change: BetOnSports

BetOnSports <A class=aa href="http://www.sportsbookreview.com/Search/default.aspx?Search=Betonsports&amp;Area=Site&amp;Submit=Home">BetOnSports Group</A> downgraded from C- to D

New complaint of funds confiscation against BetOnSports (SBR rating C-).

The bettor lost $23,000 to the sportsbook since May 12th before his last deposit on Thursday of $4,000. The player claims the clerk offered him a 30% sportsbook bonus if he would be willing to double his usual deposit of $2,000  to $4000, which he did. The bettor went on to bring his balance to $20,984.87. On Saturday the account was frozen; the sportsbook telling him he was suspected of being part of a "syndicate." Today, $15,600 was sent to his Neteller account, $5,384 less than his balance. The player also holds accounts at BetOnSports Plc sites, MVP Sportsbook (SBR rating C-) and Millennium (SBR rating C-), and  states he has lost $8900 combined.

Update: BOS Management tells SBR they will once again be reviewing their decision on both cases today.

Rating Change: BetOnSports

BetOnSports downgraded&nbsp;from C to&nbsp;C-

Millennium Sports (SBR rating C) confiscates portion of player&rsquo;s winnings and bonus

On Sunday, 6/04/06, the bettor made a $3,000 deposit, received a $1,200 (40%) reload bonus, then made a winning wager that risked his $4,200 balance on the Anaheim Angels, bringing the account balance to $10,920. Today, Millennium closed the account and sent him $6,414; confiscating the sportsbook bonus as well as 28% of proceeds from the winning wager. Just as is the case with an unjust confiscation of free-play bonus winnings, the player could have risked his funds for the desired return at a different sportsbook. This player has lost over $23,000 to Millennium Sports and has received 9 reload bonuses during one month as a losing client.
The bettor also holds a one week old account at sister book, BetOnSports (SBR rating C), who has reduced his limits from $10,000 to $1,000; thereby increasing the amount of wagers he must make to complete his rollover from 9 to 90. The book has taken this action after two winning plays, despite the player’s willingness to bet normal limits via phone only. Management states that if the player refuses to accept the new wagering limit BOS will remove the bonus and 33% of the two winning wagers he made after this initial deposit. Customer Service Manager Jamie tells SBR these decisions are final. SBR will contact BOS COO C

Rating Change: BetOnSports

BetOnSports Group downgraded from C+ to C

BetOnSports (SBR rating C+)

wager cancellation policy drawing complaints.

BetonSports tells TheRX.com poster that it reserves the right to cancel wagers on sports odds that are about to change. Sportsbooks often subjectively label these types of wagers as "betting steam". The industry standard dictates that the only time it is acceptable for a sportsbook to cancel a wager is when the line posted is a gross error and is addressed before the event begins. This is commonly referred to as a ’Bad line’ or ’erroneous betting odds’. Sportsbooks are entitled to deny service to players but confirmed wagers should not be susceptible to cancellation at the book’s discretion.
5/27/2006 1:21:33 PM Update: BetOnSports tells SBR that as of today, this policy will no longer exist and all confirmed wagers will be honored.

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.

SBR mailbag:

Player experiences improved service from MVPSportsbook (SBR rating C+) after move to the BetonSports facility completed last month.

"Hello. I do not need any assistance  but want to relate my experience with mvpsportsbook.com
2 days after the Superbowl this year I decided to withdraw a good portion of my winnings- it was very frustrating as it had to be processed by phone and Accounting  was always away or too busy to take the call- it took a good portion of a week to get a withdraw processed
 By contrast yesterday I decided to withdraw funds, and they now process the withdraw request on-line and  it was in my account exactly when they said it would be there- within a day- very pleased with the turn- around"

SBR Bill Dozer reports:

Costa Rica sources report BetRoyal (SBR rating D) in early negotiation stages to sell to larger competitor, BetonSports (SBR rating C+).

Rating Change: BetOnSports

BetOnSports Plc&nbsp;Group upgraded; from C to C+

SBR Bill Dozer reports:

The VO Group including MVPsportsbook(SBR rating C) and V-Wager(SBR rating C) experiencing technical difficulties as it moves into the BetOnSports(SBR rating C) building. BetOnSports purchased the VO Group at the close of 2005.  Players report missing pending wagers from their account history as well as slight delays with withdrawals. The sportsbook tells SBR that players may call for a complete record of their active plays and states that the migration should be complete by the end of next week.

SBR Bill Dozer reports:

BetOnSports(SBR rating C) agrees to credit player for winning soccer wager at intended odds.

SBR Bill Dozer reports:

BetOnSports(SBR rating C) cancels bettor’s winning soccer wager after match. The sportsbook claims the price of the wager was listed incorrectly due to human error, while the player states the odds offered were comparable with other sportsbooks. SBR is speaking to BetOnSports about paying winnings at what they believe to be the correct price. BetOnSports management is expected to reassess this decision, understanding that voiding winnings after funds are risked is unacceptable.

Player to wagering department: "Receiving no notice by email, phone or messageboard though  hours and even a day passed before the events I betted on took place leads to only one conclusion: The odds offered by you where perfectly alright when I placed my bets. There was no no flipping of lines at that time. Id was only after the results where clear, that the process of denying my bets started. Instead of balancing their  book properly your colleagues accepted and by their odds even teased and aquired bets on the "underdog" result of the two events. This is the explanation why nothing at all happened until the games where finished. Even then no contact with me as the customer, just quietly deleting the bet from the account. I am more than sure, that if the results would have beeen like your colleagues expected and I had lost my bets, nothing at all would have happened and the bets would be on the account as lost."

BetonSports(SBR rating C) considers paying a player they once stiffed for $400,000.

Now under new management BetonSports is hoping the long belated payoff will help put an end to the "stiff" label that has haunted them for years. Ken Weitzner, of the EOG.com, has reported the gambler will receive hold-harmless type agreements and hopefully payment relatively soon. BetonSports stiffed the player out of $400,000 claiming he was a "professional". BetonSports’s SBR rating has suffered and a few of the more respected watchdogs and gaming portals have refused to accept their advertising.

Rating Change: BetOnSports

BetOnSports raised from C- to C

BestLines Sports (SBR rating B-) controlling interest bought by former BoS executive.

Look for BestLines Sports to move out of the old PanAm building within 60 days. The new partner told SBR in a meeting in Panama City that he intends to invest millions of dollars in a new facility, marketing and personnel. Although preferring to remain anonymous, this operator was one of the few well respected operators that came out of the Greg Champion era of BetOnSports. This book is worth keeping an eye on however players should wait until their move and reorganization has taken better shape before trying.

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.

Rating Change: BetOnSports

BetOnSports upgraded from D+ to C-

SBR Bill Dozer reports:

Gibraltar (SBR rating C-) confiscates player’s winnings from free-play wager that was awarded upon sign-up. The BetonSports family of books has been known to void bonuses, and winnings from those bonuses once deciding they no longer wish to service successful bettors. Unjust confiscation of funds was a large factor in Gibraltar’s downgrade from C to C- earlier this year although management partially reversed its decision.

SBR Bill Dozer reports:

BetonSports (SBR rating D+) customer files slow-pay complaint. The player reports that his account has been debited $2,000 for a Neteller payout that he has not received.

"I currently have a balance with them of 5,280. I called up Monday asking for a payout and some lady told me that they would call me back because they are still looking over my account because of some scores of games. Of course they never called me back. Ok next day which was Tuesday i get a guy from the payout department named Devin. He was a really nice guy he took my info. and he told me i would send me a neteller payout by midnight last night. Of course it never came. I called today and they were like it should have gotten there already meaning the Neteller payout. My account balance reads 3,280.  I have no idea what is going on right now and i can’t even sleep."
UpDate 9/22/05: Player receives $2,000 payout via Neteller

Players reporting getting advertisements from scams attempting to fool players into thinking they are from SBR.

Rule 1) This site, the real SBR, has never sent an email advertisement.
Rule 2) Look for these scams to only recommend one book, their own of course, or books in their family.

Here is partial list of scam sportsbook review type sites:
BetOnSports’s scam review site = www.sportsbookaudit.com ( notice any similarities to the real SBR?)
BetRoyal’s scam review site = www.sportsbookreview.net (familiar website address)
BetUs’s scam review site = www.bestsportsbookreview.com (20+ sites involed in this scam network)
ESB’s scam watchdog site =  www.LVSN.com

Sites are supposedly run by so-called affiliates or advertisers as a cover-up. In fact, they are either run directly by the book or put a fake affiliate between them. Many also give hosting and ad budgets as well as their email lists further proving their ownership or that they approve and support the scams. BetOnSports reportedly directly buys radio advertising for their scam site.

SBR Bill Dozer reports:

BetonSports fine print stings player for $2190. A BetonSports (SBR rating D+) player complains that two days after winning $4690 on a 2-team parlay, $2190 has been deducted from his balance. The funds were deducted because BoS lists the max payout for a 2-team parlay at $2,500. However, the software allows the player to risk more than what would net the maximum winning payout. Players who have lost a parlay with BoS should look to see if they are entitled to a partial refund on losses of wagers where winnings would have earned an amount above what BoS was willing to pay. SBR advises players to read all rule pages thoroughly.

SBR Bill Dozer reports:

Player denied payout from SportsWageringOdds (SBR rating F). Management is telling the player he must continue wagering before he can receive a payout despite the fact that he has met the roll-over requirement for his bonus. SportsWageringOdds is the newest member of the EZ Sports Group and SBR’s Blacklist. This group includes scam sportsbooks, BetonSportsOnline (SBR rating F) and EZSportsbetting (SBR rating F).

BetonSports (SBR rating D+)

acquires Easybets (SBR rating C-). Easybets management tells SBR that the book’s staff will remain in place and there will not be any managerial changes. It is unlikely that players will experience any immediate changes in service. Easybets reportedly was acquired for 5 million in BetonSports Plc shares and $10 million in cash.

SBR Bill Dozer reports:

BettorsTrust (SBR rating D) scamming players with bonus offer? Player reports receiving a free $200 parlay wager with his initial deposit. The bet won $600 and was added to his balance. Weeks later BettorsTrust management tells the player that they no longer want him as a customer and are closing his account. No other explanation was provided. The book confiscated the player’s $600 in winnings citing that he had not met the bonus requirement of being a customer for 30 days. BettorsTrust is part of the BetonSports (SBR rating D+) family.

In a filing made today to the London Stock Exchange: BetOnSports (SBR rating D+) admits total wagers (referred to as "handle") has fallen a shocking 27%.

BetOnSports is paying a potentially lethal price for a business model that sought to bring in as many new players as possible while offering a bland sportsbook product along with some of the worst customer service in the industry. To lose 27% of betting handle in an environment where the players are doing pretty well is an ominous sign of what is to come. To make matters worse, BetOnSports also admits to being unable to bring in new clients due to new regulation that prohibits gaming ads. Is BetOnSports the Enron of the sportsbook industry? The extreme loss of recent betting handle will mean BOS will need to take immediate steps to cut expenses such as layoffs. Secondly, management needs to quickly focus on customer support, a long neglected area of operation at BOS. If BOS can not slow the quickly evaporating business, highlighted by the 27% drop in betting handle, and is unable to replace their declining business with new customers then we could see this operation imploding. We would anticipate the common stock to continue its slide which started yesterday with a 50% fall.

Rating Change: BetOnSports

BetOnSports Downgraded from C to D+

BetOnSports (SBR rating D+) stock share price collapses, down 50% today.

Downgraded by SBR on 10/24/04 on reports of fraud and embezzlement of senior management, BetOnSports is again downgraded on reports they will lose millions of dollars in the current quarter and possibly for the year. Players should use caution as the situation with BetOnSports is likely to worsen before getting better, assuming it gets better.  

SBR mailbag:

The following is one of two slow-pay complaints SBR recently received from BetOnSports (SBR rating C) players.
"Just thought I'd tell you about my payout request. I requested an Oct. 31 Neteller payout.  I started bugging them about it maybe 2-3 days later. I was promised that it would be in my account by the end of the day November 5.  Nothing.  I called early November 6 and was promised again by the end of the day.  As the end of the day neared on the east coast I began calling. They told me I needed Jonathon, the manager.  First call: at lunch, an hour later: at lunch, a half hour later: not at his desk, a half hour later: payouts are closed.  What a joke, these guys are really pissing me off."

Rating Change: BetOnSports

BetOnSports lowered from C+ to C

What is going on at BetOnSports (SBR rated C)?

Sources tell SBR that the marketing director is under internal investigation for illegal kick backs. There has been a spike in complaints into SBR including some serious slow pay complaints. CEO’s of several of the largest sportsbooks have told SBR they are worried and expect a management shake-up any day. SBR’s opinion is not as bleak as some insiders and for now will maintain a respectable C rating for BetOnSports. SBR agrees BOS is having a poor year but the excessive pessimism so far is backed up only by a few slow pay reports and internal management problems related to fraud.

SBR Bill Dozer reports:

Money Plays Casino (SBR rating F+), part of GoTo Entertainment, stalling player owed $3,000 for over 3 months. Management states the client is on a payment plan yet does not have a planned date for payment or set amount.
Sports Betting Lines (SBR rating F+) slow-paying customer since 10/7/04. Player has received sporadic emails over the last two weeks falsely claiming payment has been sent. Phone lines and live-chat are currently down.
BetOnSports (SBR rating C): Two players report being slow-paid. One player is waiting 10 days for FirePay payment while another is waiting for a credit card withdrawal from 9/17/04.
Bets4All (SBR rating D-): Complaints continue to mount. Downgraded to D- 

BetOnSports (SBR rating C+) marketing scam starts to unravel with new information.

The recent public offering of BOS has not slowed this marketing scam machine. The most recent scam involves copying SBR’s own Sportsbook Review.Com website and replacing the recommended list with all of BOS owned sportsbooks. BOS’s most recent scam. SBR lawyers in London to seek relieve and a permanent end to this scam.

Another BetOnSports (SBR rating C+) marketing scam?

The marketing manager of BOS, a Peter Wilson, who has said to receive kickbacks from radio buyers apparently had a new idea this year. It was to copy the Sportsbook Review copyrighted site and list all of the BOS owned sportsbooks on the recommended list. SBR has turned this matter over to legal council. BOS’s latest marketing scam.

SBR Bill Dozer reports:

NationalSportsGambling (SBR rating F) stiffing player $10,000 that was won on a future wager, picking the Detroit Pistons to win the NBA title. Months after the NBA season has concluded, the book now claims "the odds to win were too high and we reserve the right to cancel any wager as a bad line". A player from sister site BetOnSportsOnline (SBR rating F) reports being put on payment plans due to insufficient funds.

BetOnSports (SBR rating C) reaches its highest all-time SBR rating: C

Today's Sportsbook Review upgrade of BetOnSports comes after our re-evaluation found fundamental improvements in their operation. The BOS massive high risk marketing budget has been slashed in half and player complaints are at a 5 year low. While improvements seen through the first half of 04 are positive, we would still remind players that this operation is well known for poor customer service and heavy handed player policies.

Rating Change: BetOnSports

BetOnSports The RIO Group upgraded: BetRio raised from B to B+, Skybook raised from B to B+ and IISportsbook raised from B to B+. BetOnSports raised from D+ to C

Rating Change: Rio

Rio The RIO Group upgraded: BetRio raised from B to B+, Skybook raised from B to B+ and IISportsbook raised from B to B+. BetOnSports raised from D+ to C

Rating Change: Skybook

Skybook The RIO Group upgraded: BetRio raised from B to B+, Skybook raised from B to B+ and IISportsbook raised from B to B+. BetOnSports raised from D+ to C

SBR mail bag:

Player reports BetOnSports (SBR rating D+) that he is being slow-paid for $750, SportsInteraction (SBR rating D-) asking player to send in his Western Union deposit receipt from January 2003, before they will process his payout. Complaints from Gold Palace (SBR rating F-) Internet1x2 (SBR rating F) Apex (SBR rating F+) and BetCSI (SBR rating D-) also continue to pour in.

Rating Change: Sportsbook.com

Sportsbook.com Apexsportsbook.com lowered form D to F+ and Betonsportsonline.com, SBR Rating coverage initiated at F+

Rating Change: BetOnSportsOnline

BetOnSportsOnline Apexsportsbook.com lowered form D to F+ and Betonsportsonline.com, SBR Rating coverage initiated at F+

Rating Change: BetOnSports

BetOnSports Apexsportsbook.com lowered form D to F+ and Betonsportsonline.com, SBR Rating coverage initiated at F+

SBR mailbag this week is full of complaints:

Betonsportsonline.com (SBR rating - Not Rated) very slow pay - English Sports Betting (SBR rating F-) No Pay - Skybook (SBR rating B) glowing player review from satisfied customer - TCBETS (SBR rating B+) slight slow pay

SBR Bill Dozer reports:

EZsportsbetting/Betonsportsonline (SBR rating F) not processing withdrawals. They do not have player funds and are counting on football season to keep the lights on.

The success of SBR has created 100's of look-a-alike sites - These sites are owned by sportsbooks or their affiliates-players beware!A loyal viewer made SBR aware of this scam owned by BetOnSports(SBR rated D)

SBR receiving daily complaints about BetOnSports - FF writes questions BOS