07.03.2009 (03:45 PM CST)
WagerChief acquired by BetPhoenix
Costa Rica-based WagerChief (BR 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.

07.02.2009 (11:04 PM CST)
BetDOS (SBR rating D+) management reports parting ways with scam sportsbook owner
BetDos was identified as a sportsbook using turnkey service provider MXA Systems in March. Shortly after discussing their rating with Sportsbook Review and learning more about Max, the owner of MXA and the scams he has been involved in, BetDOS reported moving to BLR software and their own server and database. Max was the host, and in some cases owner, of scam books such as DunHill Casino (SBR rating F), Atlantisbets (SBR rating F), BetBones (SBR rating F) and PremiumBettor (SBR rating F).

07.01.2009 (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.

06.30.2009 (09:34 PM CST)
Bet2Win Sportsbook enters the SBR Rating Guide at D+
Bet2Win is a sister sportsbook of DonCarbone Sportsbook (SBR rating D+) and PlatinumSB (SBR rating D+). Each sportsbook shares the same marketing, wagering and customer service departments. SBR is currently speaking to Bet2Win  management about revisiting a confiscation complaint from 2006 by a third sportsbook label in the group, BetWho (SBR rating D+). The operation is located in Costa Rica and uses DGS sportsbook software.

06.30.2009 (06:04 PM CST)
BetEd back online; FiestaBet still off-line. No reason was given by BetEd as to their phone downtime, but the website is back online after experiencing server and ISP issues. FiestaBet (SBR Rating C-), which shares resources with BetEd, continues to be offline.

06.29.2009 (10:56 AM CST)
Server issues result in BetEd (SBR C+) off-line for second day.BetEd's phone lines are functional but callers are sent to voice mail after a brief hold time. BetEd.com site message says the book expect "to be online shortly." BetEd management states there is an issue with its main Internet Service Provider, as well as well hosting facilities. FiestaBet (SBR Rating C-) which shares resources with BetEd is also offline.

06.28.2009 (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.

06.27.2009 (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).

06.26.2009 (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.

06.25.2009 (11:52 PM CST)
10Bet (SBR rating C) credits player for cancelled wager shortly after SBR contacted management. The bettor's complaint was originally reported on June 11th.