SBR review: BetPhoenix

BetPhoenix payout feedback wanted

A BetPhoenix (SBR rating C) player reports that after more than two years, his $129,000 balance has nearly been withdrawn in full. The player tells SBR that the payment plan was at times slow-moving, with each payout request being accompanied by a $100 fee. A second BetPhoenix player reported publicly on a $100,000 balance being paid by BetPhoenix over a period of seventeen months. SBR notes that the two players were deemed non-recreational by the sportsbook. SBR encourages users who bet both big and small to submit payout feedback from BetPhoenix Sportsbook.

BetPhoenix.com website down

Update 9:45AM CST: BetPhoenix is back online. The BetPhoenix (SBR rating C) website is currently off-line. SBR will update this report as more information is learned on the website status. Users with BetPhoenix feedback are encouraged to write to Sportsbook Review at help@sportsbookreview.com. Players may also post in the Sportsbook & Industry forum at SBR.

BetPhoenix payout dispute

A BetPhoenix (SBR rating C) player states he has been attempting to be paid £3,000 for approximately three months. The player claims he first requested payment prior to New Year's. He was initially to be paid through Moneybookers in two batches, in line with an alleged £2,500 cap per week. The player placed the first payout request and was told he could place the remaining payment request after a week.  The player followed the sportsbook's instructions and his full balance was to be paid via Moneybookers in approximately 10 to 14 business days. Mid-January, the player followed up as no funds were received to Moneybookers. He was told that there were processor issues, but that he could expect the funds soon. In February, a botched bank transfer was allegedly made, which the player did not recieve. As of March 31st, 2012, he has still not been paid.

A second BetPhoenix player reports having a $38,000 balance and being on a payment plan. The player had received $5,000 a month previously, but received only $3,000 toward his balance in March. The player claims that he was told that being the slow season he could only receive $3,000 with a $100 fee.

BetPhoenix players with payment feedback are asked to write to help@sportsbookreview.com, or file a sportsbook complaint form.

WagerChief update

A BetPhoenix (SBR rating C) manager confirms sister site WagerChief's technical outage. SBR is told that the WagerChief website is expected to be back up within one hour. SBR initially reported on the WC outage on December 28th.

BetPhoenix player submits bonus dispute

Update: BetPhoenix restored the player's wagering limits to a reasonable amount. The matter is considered resolved.

A BetPhoenix (SBR rating C) player writes in with a bonus dispute. The player tells SBR that he deposited $10,000 and received a $3,000 bonus. He claims to have rolled over approximately $77,000 of the required $208,000. After logging into his account to place an NBA wager, the player noticed that BetPhoenix cut his limits to $50 max. SBR will ask the sportsbook to either cut the player loose (paying all winnings + prorated bonus amount) or to restore reasonable limits on the account for completion of the rollover. SBR will update this report.

[quote]BetPhoenix player: I logged into my BetPhoenix account to day to bet NBA now that the season is underway again and I saw that my account had been limited to $50 a bet. I have currently done about 77k of the 208k rollover which needs to be done in order for me to clear the bonus that I got when I first signed up about a year ago on the recommendation of a friend of mine who I met at the local casino. There is no way that I can complete the rollover reasonably at $50 a bet so I am asking if they will allow me to get pro-rata on the bonus that I have earned so far and send me the remainder of my balance back to me. I read over the SBR forums on the recommendation of my mate and I see that this is often the way that these disputes have been handled. Would you please consider contacting BetPhoenix on my behalf and asking them if they would do this? I think it would be fair to both them and myself.

The bonus I was issued was $3000 and I originally deposited $10k but have made a bit of profit since I first deposited - maybe that's why they limited me to $50 per bet. Maybe you could ask them to give me $1110 of it, which is the amount that I have earned so far (37% of $3000) and ask them to send the remainder of my balance back to me? My current balance is $21,689.61 so perhaps you could ask them to send me $19799.61 of it back, which would include my balance of $18689.61 plus the pro-rata amount of $1110 for the bonus that I have done so far.[/quote]
BetPhoenix players with feedback or complaints are asked to submit a sportsbook complaint form, or dial 1-830-255-4677 during normal business hours to speak with a Sportsbook Review dispute analyst.

BetGoTo payment complaint reported

A BetGoTo (SBR rating D-) player has written SBR with a payment complaint. The player tells SBR that he has received some small payouts over the course of three years from the slow-pay sportsbook and casino group, but is currently waiting on approximately $2,700 since October of 2010. The player reports sending numerous emails to BetGoTo to attempt to receive an update on his withdrawal status.

On August 1st, 2009, BetGoTo entered the SBR sportsbook ratings guide under slow-pay sportsbook group GoToEntertainment, which is most known for powering GoToCasino, Enterbet, and dozens of similar brands. The group is headquartered in San Jose, Costa Rica, staying below the radar and operating off mailer lists. The family is not believed to have many current active players. GoTo briefly operated out of the BetPhoenix (SBR rating C) facility in 2010 before being ejected. During the Go-To stay, BetPhoenix paid $10,000 to delinquent accounts.

 On December 10th, 2010, a GoToEntertainment group player reported not being paid two Moneybookers withdrawals totaling $5,000. Since then, SBR has received little from GoTo group players. Those with feedback are urged to write to help@sportsbookreview.com, or to submit a sportsbook complaint form detailing their situations. Alternatively, players may dial 1-830-255-4677 during normal business hours to speak with an SBR dispute analyst.

BetPhoenix correlated parlays wagering dispute update

On September 7th, SBR reported that a BetPhoenix player's account was frozen. The player held a balance of $7,226 with the sportsbook. The winnings were derived from correlated parlay play; BetPhoenix (SBR rating C) was accepting IF Bet wagers for Major League Baseball that gave the player an overwhelming edge against the house. Correlated parlays typically involve a number of high expectation combinations, sometimes including obvious errors like the ability to bet the same team for the first half and game. While the player was unwilling to disclose his complete balance history, he did concede having withdrawn more than what was lost placing the correlated wagers; most recently depositing $326 and withdrawing $850.

BetPhoenix confirmed that the player's balance account was frozen and then negatively adjusted to account for the play. The mistake and the inability to identify the error are believed to be attributed to a large reduction in staff for budget reasons. The BetPhoenix lines staff is said to be smaller than its been in years.  | Read more

BetPhoenix correlated parlays wagering dispute

A BetPhoenix (SBR rating C) player reports that his account has been frozen. The player holds a $7,226 balance with the sportsbook. The player was placing MLB correlated parlays. SBR is investigating this sportsbook complaint and gathering facts such as the deposit history, wagering history, and most importantly what type of correlated parlay this was. A correlated parlay could involve a number of high expectation combinations, such as an obvious sportsbook error like offering the ability to bet on the same team in the first half and for the game per event. The sportsbook allowing extremely low-risk bets over the long term creates mediation challenges, especially when offered over an extended period of time. The BetPhoenix player reports that after logging into his account on September 5th, he was prompted by a message which reportedly stated that he would not be given any action until it was determined "how much you robbed from us".

The sportsbook's mistake and the inability to identify the error early on is likely attributed to the BetPhoenix staffing cuts for budget reasons. The sportsbook lines staff is said to be at its lowest in years and to be stretched with added responsibilties. | Forum discussion: BetPhoenix dispute
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BetPhoenix player receives balance following Moneybookers Request

A BetPhoenix (SBR rating C) Moneybookers player confirms payment. The player originally asked for a £2000 payment via Moneybookers in March of 2011. BetPhoenix suggested the player open a Neteller account at the time of the withdrawal request but the player was unable to use that option. After continued discussion, BetPhoenix ultimately suggested that the player settle for a different payment method and agreed to asses the same lower would-be fees of  Moneybookers. The player reported receiving £2,110 today.

BetPhoenix has been inconsistent with eWallet payouts over the course of the year. The issues first started in the second-half of the 2010 football season. The downward spiral led to four rating adjustments since February. Users report $30,654 in delinquent pending payouts.

UPDATE: There are no longer outstanding Moneybookers complaints on file.
 | Read more

BetPhoenix slow-pays update

A BetPhoenix (SBR rating C) player reports payment. On May 1st, 2011, the player requested a €689 withdrawal via Neteller. The payout was not paid in the quoted time-frame of 10-14 business days advertised for eWallet payments. After emailing and going to BetPhoenix live chat everyday for the better half of two months, it was suggested that the player accept an alternate payout method. The player agreed that he no longer wished to wait for Neteller, and reported receiving payment on Friday, July 15th, 2011.

Since SBR's last BetPhoenix report four weeks ago, an additional five slow-pay complaints have been reported. Players report waiting for $34,102, with the earliest payout request made in mid-March of 2011.

SBR advises players be persistent and to contact BetPhoenix CS on a daily basis, noting a desire to be paid an alternate method to avoid the now extreme eWallet payout delays. Players may ask to speak with "Tino", the individual now responsible for handling the management of the BetPhoenix day to day operations as well as overseeing the payout department. BetPhoenix players with payment disputes are asked to fill out a sportsbook complaint form.  | Read more

Rating Change: BetPhoenix

BetPhoenix downgraded from C+ to C

Rating Change: BetPhoenix

BetPhoenix downgraded from B- to C+

BetPhoenix payouts update

Update — A new $2,500 slow-pay complaint has been filed. A player tells SBR that he requested a $2,500 payout via Moneybookers on April 14th, and has not received payment. BetPhoenix was lowered from C+ to C on June 29th, 2011.

A new BetPhoenix (SBR rating B-) slow-pay report has been made. A player states that he requested $916 via Neteller on May 2nd, and has yet to receive his funds. BetPhoenix advertises both Neteller and Moneybookers as withdrawal options, though players are not being paid within the advertised payout times. The BetPhoenix banking page lists a 10-14 business day time-frame for eWallet payments. In total, seven BetPhoenix players report being owed $18,345.

BetPhoenix has recently underwent a software change. The BetPhoenix sportsbook and racebook platform are now powered by Digital Gaming Solutions (DGS).

BetPhoenix payouts update

Seven BetPhoenix (SBR rating B-) players report payment delays. The players are owed $20,445, with the earliest request being made in mid-March of 2011. SBR expects BetPhoenix management to give a weekly update regarding the eWallet players payout statuses this week.

BetPhoenix account dispute, slow-pays update

A BetPhoenix (SBR rating B-) player with a balance of $2,659 reports that his account has been frozen since December of 2010. The player tells SBR that he is being accused of placing bets for an account-holder that was previously banned for having a debt against the house. The player has conceded that he had a relationship with the third-party, but claims that his account action is his own. BetPhoenix has been unable to produce actionable evidence showing that the player specifically signed up, deposited, and wagered for the banned third-party. The sportsbook and player claim that each other are unreachable by phone, and have remained at a standstill. SBR has requested that BetPhoenix unlock the account in the absence of evidence establishing guilt.

BetPhoenix players continue to report difficulty being paid via eWallet. To date, there are five outstanding withdrawals totaling $18,735. The earliest payout request was made in mid-March of 2011. The most common complaint of BetPhoenix players is the way the sportsbook enforces the one payout per week restriction. BetPhoenix lists a 7-10 business day time-frame for e-wallet payment, though does not allow players to request additional withdrawals until after a given request is filled. Players have pointed out that this tactic essentially triples the one payout per week time-frame.

SBR will update this report. | BetPhoenix player feedback
 | Read more

BetPhoenix eWallet payouts update

UPDATE: Two players received payment by Moneybookers yesterday afternoon. SBR will update this report.

BetPhoenix (SBR rating B-) update.

On April 11th, SBR reported that six BetPhoenix players were being slow-paid a total of $14,900. The players' requests consisted primarily of Moneybookers and Neteller. BetPhoenix has slowed in eWallet payment time, drawing criticism from non-US sports bettors and leading to two recent sportsbook rating downgrades. | BetPhoenix complaints  | Read more

BetPhoenix slow-pay update

BetPhoenix (SBR rating B-) players report being slow-paid $14,900. The six players are each waiting for either a Moneybookers, Neteller or check withdrawal. The oldest delinquent request was made on March 8th. The check request is unique given that BetPhoenix management stated payout issues were experienced primarily by eWallet users.

BetPhoenix was downgraded twice by SBR in light of their ability to make timely payouts to players in their advertised methods. | BetPhoenix players comment on delays

BetPhoenix player: [quote]Requested a $2,000 withdrawal on Mar 23, and I was told that it would take 7 to 10 business days to process (even though the website at that time said that the processing time was 3 to 5 days). I also was told that this was the only withdrawal method available (even though the website says that person to person transfer is available).

I contacted customer support via chat last week and was told that I would receive my check that week. However, the money is still in my account this morning and has not been sent. I contacted customer support via chat again this morning, and was told that it would be processed this week (today is the thirteenth business day.) [/quote]

BetPhoenix Sportsbook payout update

On March 27th, SBR reported five players' BetPhoenix (SBR rating B-) complaints. Two of those players have confirmed receiving payment. The first player received a $4,000 check requested on March 8th; the second a £2,000 Moneybookers withdrawal initiated on February 25th.

Since SBR's update, a new BetPhoenix complaint has been reported. A player tells SBR that he has been unable to get a manager's update on when he will receive his next $4,000 payment. The player describes calling and sending numerous emails without a response back.

BetPhoenix management yet to provide comment in April regarding these complaints. In total, four players are owed $16,058 with the earliest payout requested on February 24th.

BetPhoenix update

Five BetPhoenix (SBR rating B-) players report being slow-paid. Four of the players requested their payouts via Moneybookers or Neteller. The fifth player asked for a $4,000 withdrawal by check on March 8th.

The fifth complaint contradicts statements from the BetPhoenix camp that payment delays are only experienced by eWallet users. The delinquent withdrawals total $19,220*. | BetPhoenix complaints

*Amount includes conversion of £2000 to $3,220.  | Read more

BetIslands added to SBR sportsbook ratings guide

BetIslands.com has been added to the SBR sportsbook ratings guide at C-. BetIslands is managed by Jon Kreta, who founded WagerChief (SBR rating B-) in December of 2008. WagerChief was acquired by BetPhoenix (SBR rating B-) in July of 2009. In January of 2011, Jon officially left WagerChief to take over the BetIslands brand.

BetIslands is a turnkey on the DPT Sports Group platform, which also powers Jazz Sports (SBR rating C-), ABC Islands (SBR rating C-), and LooseLines (SBR rating C-).

DPT provides BetIslands with hosting, wagering and IT support. BetIslands performs its own processing, and does not accept players outside of the US and Canada. | BetIslands SBRforum statement

BetPhoenix players complain of longer than advertised payout times

BetPhoenix (SBR rating B-) has struggled to pay players via advertised eWallet methods, such as Neteller and Moneybookers, within their listed time-frames. The delays were first reported by users in July of 2010. Management initially assured SBR that this would not be a problem once they funded their eWallet merchant accounts. Currently there is no time table for how long these payouts will take or if Phoenix will update its website which already lists 7-10 business days for what is an instant method when using a funded account.

In light of their inability to service players by eWallet, BetPhoenix has offered to fill player withdrawals through bank wire, an option that many do not wish to accept since each time winnings come back to their checking account there are fees for country taxes as well as currency exchanges. Players then have to redeposit to Neteller or Moneybookers and then wait for it to clear, if they want to move their gambling funds to another sportsbook.

SBR has suggested that the BetPhoenix group update their website with accurate estimates for Neteller and Moneybookers to avoid false advertising. The BetPhoenix family, including BetPhoenix, Betmania, WagerChief, and Sports-1, have been downgraded yesterday to B-.
 | Read more

Rating Change: BetPhoenix

BetPhoenix downgraded from B to B-

Rating Change: BetPhoenix

BetPhoenix downgraded from B+ to B

GoToEntertainment player reports year long slow-pay

A GoToEntertainment (SBR rating D-) player reports not being paid for over one year. The player has a balance of $18,203 and two pending Moneybookers withdrawals of $5,000. On 7/19, SBR reported that the GoToEntertainment Group, which includes Enterbet and GoToCasino, left the BetPhoenix building and platform before a takeover deal was finalized. $10,000 was paid to delinquent GoTo account holders during GoTo's brief period in the BetPhoenix office.

BetPhoenix website down

BetPhoenix's (SBR rating B+) homepage is currently down. SBR will update this report as BetPhoenix comes back online.

Update 3AM ET: BetPhoenix has come back online. BetPhoenix tells SBR that a router issue caused the family of sites to go down.

WagerChief players report log-in issues

WagerChief (SBR rating B) players have reported being unable to log-in. WagerChief management confirmed the problem at SBRforum and said the technical issue should be resolved soon.

02:06pm CST
Update — BetPhoenix players report the same log-in problem. SBR will update this report once all BetPhoenix hosted sites are operational.

02:44pm CST
Update — BetPhoenix management states the log-in error has been fixed.

Jazz agrees to take over BetSportsWeb accounts, if...

The Jazz Sportsbook Group has agreed to take over defunct sportsbook BetSportsWeb (SBR rating D-) player accounts if BetSportsWeb can clear its current player debt. BetSportsWeb apparently gave up on its business with mounting debt and requires an investment in a server migration to stay in business. BetSportsWeb's homepage has been down since July 11th. The sportsbook reportedly owes $60,000 in delinquent withdrawal requests. | BetSportsWeb forum discussion
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Enterbet player waiting for funds since 2008 has new hope - UPDATED

Update, 9/04/2010: The GoToEntertainment Group including Enterbet and GoToCasino have been ejected from the BetPhoenix building and platform. BetPhoenix was hopeful it could provide motivation to GoTo to pay owed players and become profitable under the Phoenix umbrella. BetPhoenix paid over $10,000 to delinquent GoTo account holders during the month GoTo Entertainment was operating from the Phoenix building.

An Enterbet (SBR rating D-) player has written into SBR with new hope after reading the recent report that highlighted the GoToEntertainment groups move into the BetPhoenix (SBR rating B+) platform. BetPhoenix is not backing the GoToGroup but has told SBR that the hosting arrangement is contingent on GoTo paying owed players.

Enterbet player: [quote]Its been well over a year, since I last spoke to you about, slow pay/no pay enterbet.  To be honest, I had giving up all hopes of receiving my remaining balance of $1941.05.  Until I read your article, about betphoneix contingency to back enterbet, once all owed players has been paid.  I would hope, that this would be a chance for me, to finally be cashed out in full.  And ask that you would include my account, to the list, of slow pay, dating back as far as 2008.[/quote]

BetPhoenix website down

The BetPhoenix (SBR rating B+) website is currently down. Bettors are able to access the backup site of http://bettor2.betphoenix.com/login.asp. SBR will update as BetPhoenix comes back on-line.

Editor's note - BetPhoenix homepage is back on-line. 

GoToEntertainment moves to BetPhoenix office and wagering platform - UPDATED

Update, 9/04/2010: The GoToEntertainment Group including Enterbet and GoToCasino have been ejected from the BetPhoenix building and platform. BetPhoenix was hopeful it could provide motivation to GoTo to pay owed players and become profitable under the Phoenix umbrella. BetPhoenix paid over $10,000 to delinquent GoTo account holders during the month GoTo Entertainment was operating from the Phoenix building.

The GoToEntertainment Sportsbook Group, which includes EnterBet (SBR rating D-), GoToEntertainment (SBR rating D-) and GoToCasino (SBR rating D-) has moved into the BetPhoenix (SBR rating B+) office and onto the same wagering platform. BetPhoenix is not backing the GoTo Group but tells SBR that the arrangement is contingent on GoTo paying owed players including the 6 players who have reported not being paid to SBR.

Player 1: A GoToCasino player reports being slow-paid $250 from an April 30th payout request.
Player 2: A GoToCasino player reported being slow-paid $250 from a February 3rd withdrawal request.
Player 3: A GoToCasino player reported being slow-paid from a $6,300 withdrawal requested in June of 2009.
Player 4: A GoToCasino player reported being slow-paid $650 from a March 1st payout request.
Player 5: A GoToCasino player reported being slow-paid $2017 from a late 2009 payout request.
Player 6: An Enterbet player reports being slow-paid $1500 from a November 2009 payment request.

In a recent letter to SBR, a GoTo group manager acknowledged the slow-pay delays:

GoTo: [quote]We are a couple weeks backed up on our payouts as always happens this time of year, but {name ommitted} payout will be sent next week. [/quote]

BetSportsWeb update

BetPhoenix (SBR rating B+) management has confirmed that BetSportsWeb will not be moving into their facility or joining their platform. BetSportsWeb (SBR rating D-) was a white label on the Blue Grass Sports platform; which will now operate out of BetPhoenix's headquarters. SBR will update this report once BetSportsWeb completes its move into a new building.

BetSportsWeb undergoes move to BetPhoenix platform

BetSportsWeb (SBR rating D-) is currently undergoing a move to the BetPhoenix (SBR rating B+) platform. BetSportsWeb is a white label on the Blue Grass Sports platform which has moved into the BetPhoenix building meaning BetPhoenix inherently becomes their host and service provider. SBR will inquire with BetPhoenix management on how they plan to handle their new relationship with slow-pay post-up sportsbook BetSportsWeb.

Bet911 player continued to place wagers

A Bet911 (SBR rating F) player who was unaware that the sportsbook announced it could no longer pay winners continued to place wagers up until June 22nd. Bet911 accepted the wagers despite its acknowledgment that the sportsbook would close and look for new ownership to pay player balances via an industry bailout. It was recently reported that BetPhoenix (SBR rating B+) took over at least one player's balance and instituted a 10X rollover as a good faith gesture. Many of Bet911's players already have accounts at most sportsbooks - this has effected their efforts to peddle their players to a larger sportsbook.

Bet911 player: [quote]If only I had read your site more regularly I would have known there was a problem with them. I had about £4,500 with them and until Tuesday 22nd June they were still accepting bets. Do you think I can wave goodbye to that money or is there any route I can take to try and retrieve it?[/quote]

BetPhoenix website currently down

BetPhoenix (SBR rating B+) is currently down. This is the second time this month BetPhoenix has encountered a website outage. SBR is following up with BetPhoenix.

Update - BetPhoenix came back on-line within 15 minutes.

WagerChief now accepting European bettors

WagerChief (SBR rating B) tells SBR that they are now accepting European players. WagerChief is a Costa Rica based sportsbook powered by BetPhoenix (SBR rating B+).

BetPhoenix website down

BetPhoenix (SBR rating B+) website is currently down. This is the second time in the last two months BetPhoenix's website has went down unexpectedly. BetPhoenix's mirror site of  http://bettor2.betphoenix.com is up. Players are able to place bets via telephone at 1-888-238-8018. SBR will update this report after learning more about the BetPhoenix main website outage.

BetPhoenix officially acquires Skybook

Skybook (SBR rating B-) moved to the BetPhoenix (SBR rating B+) platform at the start of last month. The relationship began as a hosting and service arrangement. BetPhoenix told SBR today that they officially own Skybook Sportsbook and stand for Skybook player balances.

Skybook moves to BetPhoenix platform

Skybook (SBR rating B-) has moved to the  BetPhoenix (SBR rating B+) platform. SBR will reevaluate Skybook after confirming the business relationship between the two sportsbooks.

BetPhoenix website down - mirror site functional

BetPhoenix's (SBR rating B+) website is currently down. Players are able to access their accounts via the BetPhoenix mirror site at  http://bettor2.betphoenix.com. SBR will update this report as more information is learned on the BetPhoenix downtime.

Editor's note: BetPhoenix's main page came back on-line shortly after midnight. 

Sportsbook book-to-book transfer changes

BetPhoenix (SBR rating B+) and Youwager (SBR rating B) have agreed to begin book-to-book player transfers. BetPhoenix tells SBR they will soon begin transfers with other major sportsbooks but are no longer transferring to or from Matchbook (SBR rating B-).

BetPhoenix users report technical issues

BetPhoenix (SBR rating B+) users have reported technical difficulties accessing the website this week. There have been issues with downtime, timeouts, and freezes that have been reported on SBR Forum. BetPhoenix has attributed these problems to a recent ISP change. BetPhoenix has confirmed their network problems to SBR. BetPhoenix expects to be functioning normally by tomorrow afternoon.

BetPhoenix internet stable as of this morning

BetPhoenix (SBR rating B+) players have experienced spotty internet access this past week as the sportbook executed its move to a new internet service provider. BetPhoenix indicates that its casino and racebook platform are still experiencing intermittent downtime, but that access to the sportsbook is now fully restored. SBR has tested the login process and confirmed the sportsbook is currently functioning properly.

BetPhoenix expects online account access to be restored this evening

BetPhoenix (SBR rating B+) expects its website to be fully functional this evening. The sportsbook is moving to a new bandwidth provider. Its private source abruptly stopped offering its service to BetPhoenix. Phoenix will move to the same internet service provider used throughout the Costa Rican gaming industry.

Win Handicapping Contest and become a Super Bowl Linesman

SBRpicks.com is offering a contest where players can win a trip to Costa Rica to be a linesman at BetPhoenix (SBR rating B+). The Free Handicapping Contest will also offer weekly cash prizes.

WagerChief acquired by BetPhoenix

Costa Rica-based WagerChief (SBR rating C) has been acquired by BetPhoenix (SBR rating B+). The new sportsbook was previously hosted by IDSCA which offers bookmakers turnkey gaming solutions. BetPhoenix management states that they stand for player funds as of today. Independent management will try to build the brand under BetPhoneix ownership. Player account information and websites are expected to be transferred to the BetPhoenix servers within the next few days. Players are not expected to see an interruption in service as both sportsbooks use the same ASI software. SBR will reevaluate WagerChief after migration is complete.

BetPhoenix management tells SBR that it is actively pursuing other opportunities to acquire gaming companies, including poker and casino brands.

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+).

Rating Change: BetPhoenix

BetPhoenix upgraded from B to B+

Industry loses veteran linesmaker, Fernando

Fernando, who was only in his mid 50s, was best known by players for his years as Lines Director at Hollywood Sportsbook. Fernando was a talented line manager who first gained notoriety for his exceptional ability to set NHL opening odds. He worked with Hollywood for years until the sportsbook was sold to the Sportsbook.com Group in May of 2006. At its peak Hollywood was an A+ sportsbook that, under Fernando, was one of the few sportsbooks to join Pinnacle Sports (SBR rating A+) offering reduced juice.  Fernando was a line manager at BetPhoenix at the time of his passing. He reportedly suffered from a heart attack Saturday. We at SBR send our condolences to Fernando's friends and family.  | Read more

BetPhoenix Sportsbook (SBR rating B) tells SBR they are doing book-to-book transfers with Matchbook (SBR rating A

BetPhoenix (SBR rating B) tells SBR they are doing book-to-book transfers with Matchbook (SBR rating A). BetPhoenix says players must call in to make the request and may move their balance to and from BetPhoenix. Incoming funds will have a two time rollover requirement. Matchbook has a one time play-through requirement on incoming funds.

BetPhoenix (SBR rating B) Sportsbook moves from the IQL sportsbook software to the ASI platform

BetPhoenix (SBR rating B) moves from IQL sportsbook software to the ASI platform. The sportsbook expects to be inputting data and fine-tuning the software through the evening but states that tonight's lines are posted and players can access their accounts. Users with a problem or feedback on the new platform are invited to email SBR.

BetOT enters the SBR Rating Guide at C

BetOT enters the SBR Rating Guide at C. BetOT is the second BetPhoenix-hosted turnkey sportsbook to be rated this week. Both BetOT and Sports-1 (SBR rating C) use BetPhoenix server hosting, facility, and software.

Sports-1 Sportsbook

Sports-1 enters the SBR Rating Guide at C. Sports-1 is a new sportsbook that uses the server hosting, facility. and software from BetPhoenix (SBR rating B).

Betmania officially acquired by BetPhoenix

Betmania officially acquired by BetPhoenix. BetMania began using BetPhoenix hosting and services in September with the intention of being moved under Phoenix ownership. The sportsbooks reported a drawn out legal process delaying the acquisition and leaving Betmania players to wonder about the status of their book and its financial position. Phoenix tells SBR that Betmania management will be retained and the sportsbook will operate as a separate brand.

Sportsbook Photo Tours: BetPhoenix

SBR Sportsbook Tours: View photos of BetPhoenix (SBR rating B) here. The sportsbook is located in a two floor complex near the airport in San Jose, Costa Rica. SBR toured the impressive facility, which is partly under construction, last week. BetPhoenix shares ownership with Diamond Sportsbook (SBR rating A+). Diamond is located in the Bookmaker (SBR rating A+) building, also in San Jose, Costa Rica.

BetPhoenix (SBR rating B) website under Denial of Service attack.

BetPhoenix (SBR rating B) website under Denial of Service attack. Players can contact the book by calling 888-238-8018 or 1-888-378-0888. BetPhoenix tells SBR that network administrators are working on blocking the attack. A denial of Service attack is caused by excessive requests to a website's server which in turn leaves little or no resources for legitimate user traffic. The sportsbook's information and databases are not "hacked" or compromised. In the event of a DoS attack bettors can find a list of all LiveChat links here as well as all sportsbook phone numbers here.
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BetPhoenix (SBR rating B) tells SBR that ownership of BetMania will be made official on Monday

BetMania (SBR rating D) move to BetPhoenix sports book platform complete.

BetMania (SBR rating D) move to BetPhoenix platform complete. Despite BetMania completing a migration to BetPhoenix's custom IQL software-based platform and server, Phoenix has not yet completed a deal to acquire BetMania and does not back player balances. Phoenix management tells SBR that BetPhoenix is currently a service provider for Betmania and players will learn if BetMania is under the Phoenix unbrella by October 2nd.

Rating Change: BetPhoenix

BetPhoenix <a class="ab" href="http://www.sportsbookreview.com/sbr/BetPhoenix">BetPhoenix</a> upgraded from B- to B

BetPhoenix (SBR rating B-) in discussions to acquire BetMania (SBR rating D

BetPhoenix (SBR rating B-) in discussions to acquire BetMania (SBR rating D). Sources tell SBR that if the deal goes through BetMania will be maintained as a separate brand under BetPhoenix operation.

Rating Change: BetPhoenix

BetPhoenix - SBR initiates rating coverage at B-