Sportsbook Review: Bookmaker

2/8/2012 09:12 AM
Industry news update (video)
SBR Forum video analyst Peter Loshak breaks down the latest sportsbook industry news in the below piece:

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2/4/2012 04:28 PM
VIP Sports player still waits for $500 payment
A former VIP Sports (SBR rating B-) player writes to SBR with a payment complaint. The player says that he was supposed to be sent a $500 check to settle his account with VIP Sports last year. The player has shared communication with VIP Sports that indicates a specific courier method as well as tracking number. This payment was never received. The VIP Sports customer service box is no longer being managed, after the sportsbook (along with sister sites Nine.com and BetGameday) shut its doors on 1 August 2011.

On September 5th, SBR reported that GTBets (SBR rating C) would honor all VIP group players' balances. GTBets is a new Curacao based bookmaker managed by former VIP managers and using the VIP servers and software. The sportsbook mirroring VIP is an attempt to capitalize on the good name the brand once held. SBR has confirmed that GTBets has honored more than $35,000 in payments, which was believed to be all outstanding requests. SBR will speak with management concerning the $500 botched check withdrawal.

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2/3/2012 05:53 PM
Scam alert: 21KBet Sportsbook not paying players
21KBet Sportsbook (SBR rating D-) is not paying its players. The Malta-based sportsbook is currently behind on €25,143 in payments to players. The last reported payment, made via bank transfer, was for €670. Of twenty-six players owed, seven are waiting for banktransfer, one Paypal and the rest Moneybookers.

SBR reported on 4 January 2012 that 21KBet blamed Moneybookers for not being able to issue payments via that method, claiming that it had no access to deposited funds. Moneybookers refuted part of 21KBet's assertions, stating that the bookmaker was not a registered gaming merchant. 21KBet declined to comment on why it could not pay players via an alternate method, or why players that deposited via other methods are also not being paid.

On January 16th, SBR reported that the Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LGA) of Malta issued a statement denying that 21KBet holds a gaming license.

21KBet is no longer communicating with SBR and is providing only generic updates to players on the status of their funds. SBR advises all users to avoid the blacklisted sportsbook.

21KBet 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.

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1/28/2012 11:45 AM
21KBet players now owed €25,143
A 21KBet (SBR rating D-) player says that his account has been frozen. The player was lured in by a 100% bonus, deposited €300 and increased his balance to €940. The player noticed that after 12 December 2011, he could no longer access his gaming account. The player sent a series of emails to 21KBet to discuss his account and has been given contradictory answers.

On January 16th, SBR reported that 21KBet players are owed €24,203. SBR also reported that the Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LGA) of Malta categorically denied licensing the bookmaker. 21KBet's last known payment to a player was made via bank transfer for €670. 21KBet is currently listed in the scam sportsbook blacklist.

21KBet 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.

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1/21/2012 03:07 PM
Digital Gaming Solutions' (DGS) casino certified for fairness
Digital Gaming Solutions' (DGS) casino has been successfully audited by Jacobson Gaming LLC. Headquartered in San Jose, Costa Rica, DGS is one of the gaming industry's most recognizable softwares. DGS services online sportsbook and casino operators with state of the art betting software and support. DGS clients include industry titan bookmaker Sportsbook (SBR rating A+).

Jacobson Gaming LLC was founded by Dr. Eliot Jacobson, PhD. The company certifies casino games for fairness and tests the intergrity of software based random number generators. Dr. Jacobson's company issues the Certified Fair Gambling seal to companies that pass an exhaustive auditing process for game fairness, including RNG and statistical testing. Jacobson Gaming has certified software companies across the globe. SBR spoke with both the owner of DGS software, as well as Dr. Jacobson to confirm the successful audit.

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1/20/2012 04:32 PM
TowerGaming winnings confiscation dispute
Two unrelated TowerGaming (SBR rating D+) players claim that their winnings have been confiscated. Each player has a similar account of the sportsbook debiting their balances, allowing only for their deposits to be returned. TowerGaming stated that their welcome bonus was intended for recreational bettors only.

One player shared a transcript that shows "LisaT"—a TowerGaming representative—abruptly disconnecting a chat session.

TowerGaming chat


The two players state that €381 in winnings have been removed. SBR is following up on this complaint.

On 13 January 2012, SBR reported that GR88 Sportsbook (SBR rating D+) was introduced to the SBR ratings guide. GR88 is powered by OddsMatrix, which also runs TowerGaming, BoogieBet, BetCave and others. OddsMatrix was first covered by SBR in July of 2009 for its relationship with defunct bookmaker BetOnBet (SBR rating F).

Players in need of sportsbook assistance are asked to fill out a sportsbook complaint form. Alternatively, players may reach Sportsbook Review by writing to help@sportsbookreview.com or by dialing 1-830-255-4677 during normal business hours.

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1/17/2012 12:11 PM
PulseBet, SynBet remain off-line with players' funds
A PulseBet (SBR rating F) victim writes in. The player tells SBR that he was scammed out of $2,000; after building his bankroll up, the player took a break from wagering only to return to find the sportsbook off-line. On 17 November 2011, SBR reported that both PulseBet and sister sportsbook SynBet (SBR rating F) remained online, despite a public admission of insolvency. Both websites went off-line shortly thereafter. Many of the scam shops' customers were users from TheRXforum. TheRX introduced the previously unheard of sportsbooks on 16 August 2011, advertising SynBet as a platinum sponsor.

Players are owed a minimum of $21,000, according to sportsbook complaints filed by users of PulseBet and Synbet.

SBR advises readers to exercise extreme caution playing with new bookmakers. The sportsbook ratings guide, as well as the scam sportsbook blacklist, are intended to educate readers on the risks associated with each company.

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1/12/2012 01:51 PM
VIP Sports player never paid balance
On 15 July 2011, SBR reported that VIP Sports (SBR rating B-) would close its doors. The Curacao based bookmaker announced that as of August 1st it would no longer be in business. VIP, along with sister sportsbooks Nine.com and BetGameDay.com instructed players to withdraw their funds by that time. Many seasonal players were taken by surprise when logging on for football season and realizing that the VIP brands were defunct. SBR exhausted all avenues in contacting former VIP personnel and eventually procured a statement that players would be paid. GTBets.com (SBR rating C) surfaced the same week, using the same website skin, web server and telephone number as VIP Sports. SBR interviewed GTBets.com and learned that the sportsbook acquired the VIP software, hardware and retained key management. GTBets.com attempted to solicit VIP's former clients into depositing; an attempt to capitalize on the brand and kickstart its own business venture. GTBets.com later agreed to pay VIP Sportsbook, BetGameday and Nine.com players that did not request their funds prior to the 1 August 2011 deadline. A total of $45,995 was owed to players and reportedly paid. GTBets assured SBR that it had attempted to contact all players that held unpaid balances with the VIP brands.

SBR has received a new complaint from a player that states he was never paid a $1,590 balance. SBR is contacting GTBets management to discuss the player's claim. VIP Sports players in need of assistance should submit a sportsbook complaint form, or write to SBR directly at help@sportsbookreview.com.

UPDATE 26 Jan 2012: The player's deposit ($1,590) was made in November of 2009. The player does not recall wagering with the sportsbook, and has no further information to document that a balance was maintained at VIP. SBR has asked the player to provide more information, and considers this matter closed.

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12/30/2011 12:13 PM
Sportsbook.com payout dispute update
SBR reported on October 25th, 2011 that a Sportsbook.com (SBR rating D-) player was having difficulty withdrawing $6,800. On November 1st, an update report was published to highlight Sportsbook.com management addressing the complaint. Sportsbook.com stated the player's request had been unsuccessful due to not providing adequate ID documents. The player states the payment has failed again. SBR is following up on the complaint.

On September 28th, 2011, SBR published a report that sportsbook.com moved non-US players to Global.sportsbook.com - an operation headquartered in Malta that acts as a sublicense to WinUnited Ltd, the company which powers online bookmaker Youwin Sportsbook (SBR rating D-).

Sportsbook.com 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.

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12/22/2011 08:42 AM
Election odds: Romney the favorite for Republican nomination in 2012
Yahoo Politics forecasts that Mitt Romney has a 65.6% likelihood of victory in the 2012 Republican primary. Fellow candidates Newt Gingrich's chances are declining, while candidates Ron Paul and Jon Huntsman have failed to gain steam. Mitt Romney's chances are attributed to his popularity in Iowa; a key state in determining who will ultimately receive the Republican nomination for President. Yahoo's figures are helped by prediction market data supplied by Betfair (SBR rating A-). Curacao based bookmaker Pinnacle Sports (SBR rating A+) has Mitt Romney as better than a 2 to 1 favorite (-221) to receive the nomination, while Canadian bookmaker Bovada.lv (SBR rating A) has Romney at -200.

To win the Republican nomination

• Pinnacle Sports: Romney -221
• Bovada.lv: Romney -200 | Gingrich +450 | Paul +700 | Huntsman +1400
• SBR Points Sportsbook: Romney -250 | Gingrich +500 | Paul +800 | Huntsman +1350

Yahoo Politics:

To discuss the 2012 election, political betting odds and more, swing by the SBRforum Politics & Economics section.

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12/12/2011 04:00 PM
Smarkets added to sportsbook ratings guide
Smarkets (SBR rating C) is a Malta-based betting exchange. Smarkets opened for business in February of 2010. The Malta-based operation runs marketing out of London, UK, and employs a small customer service staff. The exchange does not accept US players. The exchange makes a profit by charging a commission ranging from 1 to 4% on customer net winnings. The business model is to offer punters a cheaper alternative to traditional vigorish imposed by conventional bookmakers. The CEO and Co-Founder of the company is Jason Trost. SBR posters have thus far reported positive experiences with the outfit. SBR knows of no outstanding Smarkets payment disputes.

Smarkets has been assessed with a preliminary sportsbook rating of C. Players with feedback at the exchange are encouraged to write to SBR through this sportsbook form or via email.

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12/2/2011 02:44 PM
TitanBet Sportsbook complaint #6
A new TitanBet (SBR rating C) complaint has been made by a player that says he had multiple wagers voided. The player has shared an email from TitanBet, which begins by stating that their odds were offmarket by approximately .70. The TitanBet email stated that a market was listed at 1.45 which was intended to be priced at 1.34.

TitanBet Sportsbook: "Since we offer a large quantity of markets on many events, it is impossible to monitor all the markets unless bets are being placed on the and so the wrongly priced market was not noticed until wagers were being placed on it. it was our intention to offer 1.34 and not 1.45."

SBR has confirmed that 1.45 was the fair, average starting price for the match. TitanBet listed the market on Anadolu Efes (a Turkish basketball team) on November 29th at 16:18 at 1.45. The odds were not updated until November 30th at 10:03. A bookmaker penalizing a player for their taking advantage of what's referred to as "falling asleep at the wheel" is considered unethical. This is the sixth TitanBet complaint where a player who had gotten the best of the sportsbook had action voided.

TitanBet support refused to discuss the complaints with SBR, citing privacy policy. SBR is now attempting to reach a member of TitanBet management for comment. SBR published a video warning bettors of the TitanBet practice on November 30th. | Watch the video

TitanBet's sportsbook rating has been lowered from C+ to C.

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11/28/2011 06:25 PM
TitanBet voiding wagers when line moves against the house?
Five TitanBet (SBR rating C+) players tell SBR that their wagers have been voided after the line moved in their favor. In each of the cases, SBR has verified that the odds were in-market, thus the bets should have stood.

TitanBet player: "At around 12.00 (local time) on the 24th of November i have placed a bet at 1.75 odds. The next morning when i woke up, my bet was voided and the odds had changed to 1.65. When placing the bet i checked other bookmakers and found the same market with odds between 1.57 to 1.75. This happened 3 times in the last 2 weeks, with them voiding bets and then changing odds to a little difference."

TitanBet support has refused to discuss the specific details of the player complaints, citing their privacy policy. SBR has pointed out that players authorize SBR to discuss their account complaints when filing the electronic sportsbook complaint form. SBR is attempting to go up the ladder to present the disputes to a senior member of TitanBet management. SBR will update this report.

Players in need of sportsbook assistance are asked to fill out a sportsbook complaint form. Alternatively, players may reach Sportsbook Review by writing to help@sportsbookreview.com or by dialing 1-830-255-4677 during normal business hours.

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11/3/2011 05:28 PM
BetIslands Sportsbook receives rating upgrade
BetIslands (SBR rating B) players have continued to report positive experiences with the sportsbook. Much of the positive feedback surrounds General Manager "Jon Kreta", who prides himself on attention to detail and VIP service of player accounts. BetIslands is the youngest sportsbook to occupy a top five-slot in the SBR posters sportsbook poll. The biggest hurdle has been website uptime - in June of 2011 the sportsbook experienced downtime due to technical outages within their building. Since that time, BetIslands infrastructure and website performance has improved.

As a result of their efficiency, BetIslands Sportsbook has received another sportsbook rating upgrade. The last upgrade made on August 5th was posted after SBR verified that the operation is backed by established industry bookmakers. SBR will continue to evaluate customer service and payout feedback as the sportsbook grows. BetIslands players with feedback are asked to write to help@sportsbookreview.com; alternatively players may voice their feedback within the SBR Sportsbook & Industry forum.

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11/1/2011 07:39 PM
Sportsbook.com dispute update
Sportsbook.com (SBR rating D-) management has addressed the payment dispute reported by SBR on October 25th, 2011. In that dispute, SBR reported that a player filed a payout complaint after a withdrawal of $6,800 was cancelled. The player stated that the funds were placed back into his account, however the player failed to communicate that the reason behind that was Sportsbook.com requested additional documents to verify his identity. Management confirms that there is currently no pending withdrawals from the player.

On September 28th, 2011, SBR published a report that Sportsbook.com moved non-US players to Global.Sportsbook.com - an operation headquartered in Malta that acts as a sublicense to WinUnited Ltd, the company which powers online bookmaker Youwin Sportsbook (SBR rating D-).

Sportsbook.com 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. | Discuss Sportsbook.com move

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10/28/2011 03:07 PM
Best online sportsbook poll nearing completion
SBRforum posters are asked to cast their vote for the best bookmakers. The online sportsbook poll opened on October 1st, and runs for three more days through October 31st, 2011. Posters are invited to place votes for their top three sportsbooks with their highest rated book first. Six points will be awarded for the first choice, four points for second place and three points for third. After tallying up the final scores, the top five point earners will be displayed at the head of the forum under the Top Poster's Sportsbooks for October 2011. Vote here!

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10/20/2011 07:00 PM
Best Sportsbook Poll underway
SBRforum posters are asked to cast their vote for the best bookmakers. The online sportsbook poll opened on October 1st, and runs through October 31st, 2011. Posters are invited to place votes for their top three sportsbooks with their highest rated book first. Six points will be awarded for the first choice, four points for second place and three points for third. After tallying up the final scores, the top five point earners will be displayed at the head of the forum under the Top Poster's Sportsbooks for October 2011. Vote here!

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10/19/2011 11:16 AM
The risk of playing with poorly rated online sportsbooks
Mike just hit a $75,000 football parlay and already had plans on how he would spend the dough. A 50'' flat-screen was first up - then he was finally paying off the auto-loan he put off for so long. Next was a gift to his parents for putting a roof over his head eight years too long, well past most kids' home expiration date.

One problem Mike didn't account for in all of his planning - he would never see a red cent of it.

Mike made an account at Scam Book Xyz.com. After being on the ropes a few times, down to his last $200, Mike threw up a prayer. Except this was no Our Father; it was a Hail Mary, fourteen-team, NFL Sunday parlay. Chasing that ever elusive life-changing score, Mike won every game. That's when the music stopped and reality set in.

"Hi, I'd like to go about withdrawing my funds. What's the fastest possible manner I can do that?"

"Sir, the notes from management are that your account has been locked and is under review. Until the investigation is complete, no withdrawals are possible on the account, sir. May I assist in anything else?"

Mike's heart sunk in his chest. He had heard all the stories of scam sportsbooks but he blew off the advice of his friends and proceeded to part with his cash every second Friday of the month. After all, he was given a small reload bonus on every deposit. He doled out $300 at a time of his hard-earned, minimum wage paycheck and dreamed of that big score; the life-changer.

Mike would soon come to grips with what amounted to a cold shower. He failed to do his research and ended up with a scam sportsbook that had a history of not paying big winners.

________

The above anecdote is fictional, but it highlights a very real risk of playing with shady bookmakers. While online gambling is typically met with negative connotations in most circles, sportsbook players are no different than investors - from recreational players looking to have a good time, to middle of the pack grinders earning a little on the side to the full-blown professionals: A sportsbook deposit is an investment. Before making an investment to any online sportsbook, a player should consider the following:

How long has the sportsbook been in business?

Many sportsbooks pop up on the grid each year. Sportsbooks aiming to serve US customers typically surface prior to football season. These sportsbooks are at a disadvantage as they are attempting to drum up business in a tight, highly competitive market. To counter the reluctance players have trying out a new sportsbook, these companies usually promise to give away the farm - reduced juice, big starter bonuses plus reload incentives. The best measuring stick a player can use to gauge the safety of an operation is TIME. Any sportsbook can have a successful quarter or year; but can the sportsbook maintain a high level of service, fast payouts and good customer service season after season, year after year? SBR advises players to stick with online bookmakers that have been in business for a minimum of five years.

Are there any serious outstanding claims against the sportsbook?

The value of the internet is how quickly information spreads. A simple Google search of a company often yields relevant information for the player to consider before making his decision to play with an online sportsbook. SBR also provides an outlet for users to discuss sportsbooks without fear of censorship in the Sportsbooks & Industry section at SBR Forum. The SBR sportsbook ratings guide features over 1,000 online bookmakers - from various countries, with different platforms and business models. For a more refined look through bookmakers considered to be among the industry's best, the official sportsbook reviews written by SBR provide thorough operation overviews.

How willing is the sportsbook to discuss disputes with SBR?

A good online sportsbook is no different than any other company in the public eye - they strive to provide good service and to be regarded positively by consumers, knowing that good press leads to more customers, and more customers allow business to grow. One of the aspects that helps shape a sportsbook rating is their communication with SBR. In an industry rife with betting markets, wager types, bonuses and various payout methods, inevitably a dispute will arise where either the player or house is at fault. SBR logs player complaints in its industry news feed and posting forum, giving readers a chance to stay up to date with current online sportsbook news and disputes. Sportsbooks rated B+ and higher have historically been active in discussing disputes with SBR.

Players in need of sportsbook assistance are asked to fill out a sportsbook complaint form. Alternatively, players may reach Sportsbook Review by writing to help@sportsbookreview.com or dialing 1-830-255-4677 seven days a week during normal business hours.

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10/13/2011 06:18 PM
Sportsbook.com player confirms payment
A Sportsbook.com (SBR rating D-) player confirms receiving payment. The player filed a sportsbook complaint through SBR on October 8th indicating that he had been unable to withdraw a balance of $2,500 for four months. The player explained that he had tried through a number of Sportsbook.com (ag) methods, only to stall on each attempt. After SBR contacted management, it was stated that the players funds had in fact been re-sent.

On September 28th, SBR reported that Sportsbook.com moved non-US players to Global.Sportsbook.com - an operation headquartered in Malta and acting as a sublicense to WinUnited Ltd, which powers online bookmaker Youwin Sportsbook (SBR rating D-). Sportsbook.com caused controversy at the time of announcement as its lengthy email to players stated that futures bets would not be honored, a decision which was later adjusted after SBR connected with a Non-US Sportsbook manager. You can read more about the canceled wagers situation in this Sportsbook Review report.

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10/9/2011 04:53 AM
Best Sportsbooks Poll underway
SBRforum posters are asked to cast their vote for the best bookmakers, the online sportsbook poll took place on October 1st. Posters are invited to give their top three sportsbooks with their highest rated book first. Six points will be awarded for the first choice, four points for second place and three points for third. After tallying up the final scores, the top five point earners will be displayed at the head of the forum under the Top Poster's Sportsbooks for October 2011. Vote here!

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10/1/2011 02:10 PM
SBR Forum Posters' poll Open: SBR posters invited to vote for Top Sportsbooks
SBRforum posters are asked to cast their vote for the best bookmakers. Posters are invited to give their top three sportsbooks with their highest rated book first. Six points will be awarded for the first choice, four points for second place and three points for third. After tallying up the final scores, the top five point earners will be displayed at the head of the forum under the Top Poster's Sportsbooks for October 2011. Vote here!

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9/24/2011 12:29 PM
Bet770 added to sportsbook ratings guide
Bet770 (SBR rating D+) is a London based online sportsbook and casino. The gaming site has been operating since 2001 under The Group 770, most known for Casino770, and in 2009 has attained a sublicense for its sportsbook in the Netherlands Antilles (Mandarin Gaming NV Curacao). Bet770 players have reported a number of bonus and wagering complaints in the last year. Complaints range from bait-and-switch, or bonus denial, grading time complaints, or poor customer service in situations involving multiple accounts. To Bet770's credit, the bookmaker has kept its lines of communication open with Sportsbook Review and to date has not outright stiffed a bettor. Bet770 has been assessed with an initial rating of D+ by SBR in the sportsbook ratings guide. Like with all lowly rated sportsbooks, bettors are responsible with understanding the inherent risks involved. Bet770's major flaws are its inability to effectively manage its bonus programs to prevent player abuse, and its risk management in identifying suspicious activity. In addition to its sportsbook, Bet770 operates a casino, bingo, poker and arcade games platform. Bet770 players with relevant feedback are asked to write to help@sportsbookreview.com.

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9/22/2011 08:59 AM
BetIslands adds mobile betting platform
BetIslands Sportsbook (SBR rating B-) has rolled out a mobile betting platform. The comprehensive platform allows a full slate of wagering and is said to be compatible with all of the latest smartphones, as well as phones which can process online data. BetIslands management tells SBR that this is one of many new features that players can expect from the brand going forward. BetIslands was upgraded to B- on August 5th 2011 after consistent feedback from users on payout time, customer service and bonuses. SBR confirmed during the rating evaluation process that BetIslands is backed by established bookmakers.



Log into sportsbook Select a Sport Select a line Enter wager Wager confirmation

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9/21/2011 02:11 PM
CentreBet cheats player in live betting wager
A CentreBet (SBR rating D+) player placed a €2,500 wager on a soccer match between Benifica and Arsenal on July 6th, 2011. The bet was recorded while Arsenal lead the match 1-0. The player's wager was entered at exactly 19:58:54. A goal was scored at 19:59:50, approximately 56 seconds later. CentreBet then suspended its market at 19:59:51, 57 seconds after the bet was placed. CentreBet accepted the player's wager at 20:00:02, 66 seconds after the bet was played, 12 seconds after the goal was scored, and 11 seconds after CentreBet suspended its markets.

When presented with these facts, CentreBets chose not to dispute them and instead stated that they were irelevant. SBR is continuing to attempt to reason with the online bookmaker. | Cheated CentreBet player speaks out

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9/10/2011 01:18 PM
Scam sportsbook alert: Oddsmaker Sportsbook
Oddsmaker Sportsbook (SBR rating F) has confiscated $203,432 from players that were considered "professional" sports bettors. The players had not committed an offense other than being labeled as non-recreational players, according to the scam sportsbook. Oddsmaker players are at the mercy of the scam bookmaker, who spends upwards of six figures annually on marketing campaigns, snail-mail pamphlets and betting brochures. Oddsmaker promotes the image of a financially sound sportsbook able to take on all comers, however the sportsbook ignores industry standard, ethics and reason in dealing with their clients. | Oddsmaker sportsbook scams players

Oddsmaker Sportsbook is an F rated betting company ranked on the SportsbookReview blacklist.

Players in need of sportsbook assistance are asked to fill out a sportsbook complaint form. Alternatively, players may reach SBR by writing to help@sportsbookreview.com or dialing 1-830-255-4677 seven days a week during normal business hours.

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8/29/2011 03:07 PM
SBR's online sportsbook email response test
Sportsbook Review (SBR) has launched a new online sportsbook email response test. The seasonal test is conducted prior to the start of each sports year. The test included five football betting related questions and was sent to ten unsuspecting sportsbooks. SBR rates each sportsbook on the test, monitoring the speed of each response, how thorough each sportsbook representative is, and whether or not all questions are answered. View the sportsbook email test results for August 29th, 2011.

The sportsbook email response test is one of many pages that sports bettors may find helpful when determing which online bookmaker is right for them. Other valuable pages might include the SBR sportsbook reviews section, which features a comprehensive review of the top industry sportsbooks, and the SBR sportsbook ratings guide which rates over 1,000 sportsbooks. Another page worth bookmarking is the SBR sportsbook blacklist, the blacklist includes scam sportsbooks that are unlikely to pay players or have openly justified confiscating funds from winning sports bettors.

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8/26/2011 10:06 AM
bookmaker and DSI maintenance
bookmaker (SBR rating A+) and Diamond Sportsbook (SBR rating A+) are performing a quick upgrade which will cause the sites to be down for approximately 45 to 60 minutes. No phone wagering or mirror site access will be possible during this period. Management tells SBR it is routine software maintenance.

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8/25/2011 04:36 PM
SBR adds Live Betting Sportsbooks list
Sportsbook Review has added a top Live Betting Sportsbooks list. The comprehensive list features the best eight online sportsbooks that offer live betting to their customers. The list is ordered by potential monetary benefit and not according to SBR ratings.

Live, in-game betting is one of the most popular new ways to wager with online sportsbooks. Live betting allows you to place wagers on events which have already started, and are in progress. There are many reasons to bet in-game. You can increase your position, or hedge your position out of a match. There are many subtleties to in-game betting that present opportunity to the intelligent bettor. Indeed, there are professional players that specialize only in live betting.

One of the factors to consider when selecting a sportsbook to place in-game wagers with is the 'line set' used. A bookmaker turns a profit by setting a surcharge, or “juice” behind each line set. The lower this charge is, the more attractive to punters. A standard -110 line set is known as a 20-cent line. A bookmaker using a standard -110 line requires a player to risk $110 for the chance to win $100 when the price is Pick’em. The extra $10 is the vigorish. Live betting sportsbooks typically configure their line sets between 20 and 40 cents. A 20-cent line has a house edge of about 4.5%, whereas the player is giving up an average of 8.3% versus a 40-cent line.

In addition to showing the respective bonuses and line sets offered by each sportsbook, the live betting chart includes wagering limits, frequency, sportsbook software and mobile betting support.

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8/12/2011 07:21 PM
bookmaker website issue
UPDATE: bookmaker is back online.

bookmaker (SBR rating A+) users report problems accessing the sportsbook's homepage. SBR will update this report.

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7/16/2011 09:59 AM
bookmaker website problems
UPDATE — bookmaker players report that the website has stabilized.

The bookmaker (SBR rating A+) website is currently unavailable for some players. bookmaker management expects normal access to be restored for all players shortly.

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7/14/2011 12:50 PM
Bodog licensed by UK Gambling Commission
Bodog sportsbook (SBR rating A) is now officially licensed by the UK Gambling Commission to offer betting services throughout the United Kingdom. Bodog is the first industry bookmaker to be in compliance with new regulations that will require online sportsbook operators to attain a license for each European jurisdiction they wish to serve. | Bodog UK CEO commentary

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7/3/2011 10:16 PM
Posters sportsbook poll results
The June 2011 SBRforum Posters Sportsbook Poll has concluded. Each SBRforum member with 25 posts or more was invited to cash their vote for their top three favorite sportsbooks. Pinnacle Sports ranked in at number one overall, with BetJamaica, 5Dimes, TheGreek, and bookmaker rounding out the top five.

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6/27/2011 02:29 PM
PartyGaming improves communication following Bwin merger
Prior to PartyGaming's merge with Bwin, PartyGaming refused to cooperate with SBR citing data protection laws. PartyGaming would provide only cursory background of complaints, unable to share specific evidence with SBR in support of its conclusions. After the PartyGaming/Bwin merger, the consolidated company began to address all sportsbook disputes in a prompt and fair manner.

A common complaint of both PartyGaming and Bwin users has been each sportsbook's identity verification. PartyGaming sportsbooks---like all sportsbooks with a bonus model---enforces KYC (know your customer) requirements. SBR has confirmed multiple instances of forgery carried out by a ring of Ukraine-based scammers who set their sights on the Austrian bookmakers. SBR's biggest concern in the past has been legitimate users being mislabeled as scammers due to their region or incidental details.

Bwin itself is one of the most financially stable sportsbook companies in the world. Legitimate users funds are not considered to be at risk. SBR will continue to advise PartyGaming/Bwin on player handling and sportsbook complaints. Bwin's sportsbook rating has been upgraded to C+.

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6/21/2011 10:51 AM
BetIslands sportsbook feedback
BetIslands sportsbook (SBR rating C+) players have submitted positive feedback in forum topic, 'BetIslands Sportsbook'. Players have commented that the Costa-Rica based sportsbook has extended good customer service and prompt payouts since coming under new ownership, and being assessed with a sportsbook rating earlier this year.

BetIslands is run by Jon Kreta— the former manager of WagerChief (SBR rating B-)—and is stationed in the Jazz Sports Group facility. Jazz provides BetIslands with hosting, wagering and IT support. BetIslands processing is run independentantly -- SBR has confirmed that BetIslands is backed by established bookmakers. BetIslands rating has been increased to C+.

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6/16/2011 09:47 AM
Betsson acquires Betsafe sportsbook
Swedish bookmaker Betsson (SBR rating B-) has officially acquired Betsafe. Betsafe—a Malta-based operator—held a rating of C in the SBR sportsbook ratings guide. Betsson reportedly spent €32.5m in acquiring all shares of Betsafe (corporate name Artic Invest SA). As part of the deal Betsafe will also receive future payments during 2011, which amount to a revenue share relative to the development and growth of the Betsafe base. | Betsson and Betsafe history

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6/14/2011 01:43 PM
Sportsbook posters' poll update
SBRforum posters are asked to cast their vote for the best bookmakers. The poll remains open through June 2011 and will be indexed atop the SBR Posting Forum at the conclusion. Currently, Pinnacle Sports, Bet Jamaica, The Greek, 5Dimes, and bookmaker occupy the top five slots. Vote here!

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6/1/2011 10:27 AM
SBR Forum Posters' poll Open: SBR posters invited to vote for Top Sportsbooks
SBRforum posters are asked to cast their vote for the best bookmakers. Posters are invited to give their top three sportsbooks with their highest rated book first. Six points will be awarded for the first choice, four points for second place and three points for third. After tallying up the final scores, the top five point earners will be displayed at the head of the forum under the Top Poster's Sportsbooks for June 2011. Vote here!

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5/23/2011 06:03 PM
bookmaker statement on domain change
bookmaker (SBR rating A+) has changed their domain name to www.Bmaker.ag. The original domain (bookmaker.com) was seized along with seven other gambling websites—including industry sportsbooks BetDsi.com, Betmaker, and Beted.com—by US authorities pursuing banking violations.

bookmaker has provided an official statement on the move which is posted below, as well as on SBRforum.

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3/26/2011 10:45 AM
bookmaker Sportsbook: SBRforum poster wins $139,756 parlay
An SBRforum poster has won a life-changing parlay at bookmaker Sportsbook (SBR rating A+). The SBRforum poster has agreed to an interview with SBR to discuss his ten team, $139,756 parlay win. The lucky player is also the subject of a celebratory bookmaker.com press release..... read more.

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10/18/2010 05:58 PM
SBR Forum Posters' poll Open: SBR posters invited to vote for Top Sportsbooks
SBRforum posters are asked to cast their vote for the best bookmakers. Posters are invited to give their top three sportsbooks with their highest rated book first. Six points will be awarded for the first choice, four points for second place and three points for third. After tallying up the final scores, the top five point earners will be displayed at the head of the forum under the Top Poster's Sportsbooks for October 2010. Vote here!

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10/1/2010 11:44 AM
bookmaker Group undergoing website maintenance
The bookmaker.com Group (SBR rating A+), which includes Diamond & BetCRIS is currently undergoing website maintenance. bookmaker has stated to SBR that all sites are expected to be back online shortly. Players can still place bets by telephone by dialing 1-866-924-3712.

UPDATE — bookmaker is back on-line.

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5/16/2010 04:06 PM
bookmaker.com website experiencing server related slowdown
bookmaker.com (SBR rating A+) is experiencing server related slowdowns. Until normal access is restored, bookmaker players can place wagers via phone by dialing 1-866-924-3712.

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5/10/2010 05:28 PM
Casineto slow-pays update: $6637 owed to 15 players
Four new Casineto (SBR rating D-) slow-pay complaints have been filed. In SBR's last Casineto update, the sportsbook claimed that the 11 players who filled out sportsbook complaint forms could expect to receive payment by May 25th. Since that report, 4 new payment complaints have been submitted to SBR. Casineto's debt to 15 players is now $6637; with the oldest payment requested in May of 2009.

Casineto player:

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5/1/2010 02:07 PM
SBR Forum Posters' poll Open: SBR posters invited to vote for Top Sportsbooks
Through the month of May SBRforum posters are asked to cast their vote for the best bookmakers. Posters are invited to give their top three sportsbooks with their highest rated book first. Six points will be awarded for the first choice, four points for second place and three points for third. After tallying up the final scores, the top five point earners will be displayed at the head of the forum. Vote here!

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4/16/2010 09:01 AM
Oddscompany confiscates deposit+bonus due to shared IP
A player deposited €90 into his Oddscompany (unrated) account on March 24th. After increasing his balance to €286.10 he requested a withdrawal to Moneybookers on April 11th. At this point Oddscompany removed all winnings from the player's account and charged an €88.20 processing fee due to his account using the same IP address as another player.

Oddscompany:
The player informed SBR that upon opening his account he supplied a copy of his passport and debit card to Oddscompany to verify his identity. As for being linked to another IP address, the player has stated that he has placed bets through a university computer. SBR is following up with Oddscompany.

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3/30/2010 03:18 PM
BetSportsWeb finishes payment installments with player
BetSportsWeb (SBR rating D+) has finished its payment installments to a player that requested $2857 in November 2009. The player was paid between each $150-$250 each installment. SBR reported on March 19th that two other BetSportsWeb players were also being slow-paid for a combined $7,395.

Player comments:

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2/17/2010 02:53 PM
bookmaker (SBR rating A+) acquires GamblersPalace
bookmaker (SBR rating A+) has officially acquired GamblersPalace (SBR rating C+). All player balances remain and wager history remains intact and pending withdrawal requests do not need to be requested again. The acquisition by bookmaker is the kind of news players that filed GamblersPalace slowpay complaints in the last month were hoping for.

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1/8/2010 08:12 AM
LasPalmas, Ehorse, BetCanadian players confirm payment
Players at LasPalmas, eHorse, and BetCanadian have confirmed payment. On 12/27 SBR broke the news that the aforementioned Horizon Twenty brands were acquired by bookmaker.com (SBR rating A+). SBR readers that had filed complaints last year against the LasPalmas Group and its sister sportsbooks have confirmed over $54,000 in payments since the acquisition. bookmaker's financial security provides security to the LasPalmas brands. LasPalmas, eHorse, and BetCanadian have been upgraded to the mark of B.

Player:

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12/27/2009 11:57 PM
bookmaker.com Group Acquires LasPalmas
bookmaker (SBR rating A+) CEO Mickey Richardson tells SBR that the acquisition of Las Palmas (SBR rating B) and sister sportsbooks has been completed. Las Palmas and its parent company Horizon20 have been a successful brand since 2001 through 2008. At the start of 2009 some players experienced payout delays and SBR readers reported over $120,000 in delinquent payout requests. Those players have already began receiving their funds and are now able to make additional withdrawal requests. Bookmaker also tells SBR that it will keep the brands, which it now fully owns, and bring them to the level of service players expect from a bookmaker/BetCRIS product. Las Palmas' SBR rating peaked at B in 2008 before its players first reported negative feedback. bookmaker has acquired many brands that have needed aid over the years. | Full Press Release: bookmaker announces acquisition of Las Palmas.

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10/21/2009 10:00 PM
The New York Police Department announces indictments of BetOnline bookmakers
The New York Police Department today announced the indictment of BetOnline principals on gambling charges. According to news conferences held by the NYPD and the NY District Attorney, charges are largely based on evidence of cash transactions that took place in the United States, including one paid in person to a winning bettor for over $500,000. Multiple alleged agents and credit websites were also named and cited as "wire rooms" for stateside bookmaking. It is unclear if the arrests will affect BetOnline's ability to send post-up player's their funds. SBR will investigate further and monitor BetOnline's progress in sending what is expected to be a surge in withdrawals. Although highly rated sportsbooks have weathered legal problems of key individuals, players are advised to use caution as the company's position becomes clear.

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10/12/2009 06:34 PM
SBRforum's Peter Loshak reports how the sportsbook fared in week 5
SBRforum and SBR.TV contributor Peter Loshak shares his insight on how the sportsbooks fared in Week 5.

To read the rest of Peter's article, view Monday Night Football action shows public big on the Jets.

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10/2/2009 04:26 PM
SBR Forum Posters' poll: Top 5 Sportsbooks - September 2009
During the month of September posters were asked to list their Top 3 Sportsbooks. Six points were awarded for the first choice, four points for second place and three points for third. Only voters with 25 or more posts were counted in the final tally. Congratulations to the Top 5 point earners including 5Dimes (SBR rating A+) which bested the field of top sportsbooks!

1. 5Dimes 253 total points
2. Matchbook 252 total points
3. BetJamaica 194 total points
4. Pinnacle Sports 159 total points
5. bookmaker 148 total points
Complete Results

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9/29/2009 05:17 PM
Former post-up book BetEagle facilitating agent theft?
SportsbookReview has received two disputes from players with former post-up sportsbook BetEagle (SBR rating D+) . BetEagle states it no longer takes deposits from new players as of this summer. Two player disputes were filed with SBR since that time. Players claim over $21,000 was stolen by rogue betting agents. BetEagle has no oversight of agents using its platform, and will not stand for player funds. On July 23rd a BetEagle manager wrote to SBR stating that the stiff agent, who owes one player $15,000, is still allowed to do business with other unsuspecting bettors on its platform because the agent still has a balance with BetEagle:


A second BetEagle player wrote on September 3rd that he was solicited by an agent to start a credit account with BetEagle. The player believes his contact information was obtained through a mailing list. The two solicitation emails the player received appear as if they are BetEagle promotions, and not invitation from an individual agent. The player won over $6,000 betting at BetEagle and his agent is refusing to honor his winnings. BetEagle is again claiming no responsibility for the agent's activity.
Playing with credit bookmakers is essentially the same as using a private bookie. There is rarely anything the hosting website can do except refuse to allow the scam agent-bookmaker to use its website as a tool to steal from bettors in the future. Thus far BetEagle has failed to do so.

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9/28/2009 11:29 PM
Final week to be eligible for Football Handicapping Contest Grand Prize
Tomorrow starts week 4 of the Beat The Prick Football Handicapping Contest and the last week to make enough picks in order to reach the minimum needed picks to be eligible for season-ending prize money. Contestants must place 48 total plays at a maximum of 4 picks per week to be eligible for $10,000 in guaranteed Grand Prize money. Handicappers are invited to compete for up to $5,000 in weekly prizes throughout the NFL regular season. The $10,000 Grand Prize is sponsored by bookmaker (SBR rating A+) | BTP Contest

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9/12/2009 10:47 PM
Beat The Prick Football Contest: Week 1 Open. There is still time to enter four picks for Week 1 of SBR's annual Beat The Prick Football Handicapping Contest. The Prick is off to an 0-3 start this week leaving a $5,000 prize pool on the table for those who can finish in the positive. $10,000 in Grand Prize cash, sponsored by bookmaker (SBR rating A+), is guaranteed to be split among the top 7 season finishers. | Enter your picks | More Free Handicapping Contests

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9/2/2009 10:11 PM
SBR Forum Posters' Poll Open: SBR posters invited to vote for Top Sportsbooks
Through the month of September SBRforum posters are asked to cast their vote for the best bookmakers. Posters are invited to give their top three sportsbooks with their highest rated book first. Six points will be awarded for the first choice, four points for second place and three points for third. After tallying up the final scores, the top five point earners will be displayed at the head of the forum. Vote here

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7/28/2009 10:45 AM
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.

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7/17/2009 09:05 PM
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%.

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7/7/2009 06:23 PM
Betmet, also known as Metallic Sports, closes website. The sportsbook will use JungleWager.com for current and future depositing bettors. The operation has not been indexed in the SBR Rating Guide due to its primary business being that of a service provider for other bookmakers. SBR will evaluate JungleWager and encourages players who use it, or have used BetMet.com, to contact SBR.

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7/3/2009 03:45 PM
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.

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6/2/2009 08:57 PM

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5/28/2009 10:55 PM
Sister 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

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5/13/2009 07:57 AM

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4/22/2009 01:23 PM
SBG 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.

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4/15/2009 04:41 PM
Las Palmas Group pays two owed players. Both players have been waiting for payment since February third. One of the two, an eHorseX (SBR rating D+) player, received payment of $40,000 via transfer to bookmaker (SBR rating A+). A third player reports waiting for funds since March. Once payment is sent, the Las Palmas Sportsbook ratings may be reassessed. | Discussion

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4/14/2009 09:56 PM

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4/9/2009 11:52 PM

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3/28/2009 03:44 PM
Players 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.

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3/26/2009 12:31 PM
BetJoint (SBR rating C) players moved to bookmaker (SBR rating A+). Players can log into their account at bookmaker.com with their normal BetJoint user ID and password. bookmaker management tells SBR they expect to have the BetJoint website working on their servers shortly. Condition of bookmaker taking over BetJoint player balances is a 3 time play-through (rollover) of player funds.

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3/20/2009 07:39 AM

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3/1/2009 10:10 PM
SBR Forum Posters' Poll Open: SBR posters invited to vote for Top Sportsbooks
Through the month of March SBRforum posters are asked to cast their vote for the best bookmakers. Posters are invited to give their top three sportsbooks with their highest rated book first. Six points will be awarded for the first choice, four points for second place and three points for third. After tallying up the final scores, the top five point earners will be displayed at the head of the forum. Vote here

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2/18/2009 06:00 PM
IGsports (not rated) player bonus complaint
The sportsbook invited new players to wager on five spread bets risking a minimum £20 in an effort to obtain a £100 free-play on a live soccer match. The player fulfilled the requirements but was denied his free-play. IG Sport did not offer a valid reason for denying funds but cited "higher than expected demand" suggesting it did not want to keep its side of the bargain due to it being a poor investment. SBR continues to speak with the UK-based spread betting company. IGsport is a sister bookmaker of Extrabet.com and BinaryBet.com.

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1/31/2009 11:36 PM
Super Bowl line hovering on 6.5
SBRlines.com showed the Pittsburgh Steelers favored by 6.5 to 7 since the line opened. The line started at 7 at TheGreek (SBR rating A+) and Pinnacle (SBR rating A+), and was briefly available at 7.5 (-115) for Cardinal Backers at bookmaker (SBR rating A+). Players monitoring SBRlines saw the majority of the sportsbooks dance between 6.5 and 7 over the last two weeks. Many Arizona Cardinal bettors are waiting until game day for a chance at a more appealing price on a +7. There are a few sportsbooks offering 7 now for those players looking to lock in on the half point with a slightly higher price tag. Watch live betting odds at SBRlines.com.

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10/26/2008 10:43 PM
SBR received six payout complaints from Worldbet (SBR rating F) players in October. Worldbet has failed to pay players in the past and routinely waits months to pay those fortunate enough to receive their funds. Victims request SBR to continue to warn others about this scam sportsbook.

Player: can you please help me ive made a withdraw from worldbet.com for over 5000 euro and it still hasnt even been processed , ive sent loads of emails , confirmations to all there addresses they wont reply , how do they get away with it not paying people?
Player: Here is my correspondence with the poor F-rated worldBet bookie. They do not answer my emails.Have requested a payout of 947$ and since 24.8 they have not give a sound from their “support”Please help or maybe report them as a “scam” bookmaker?
Player: I have a pending withdrawal request at worldbet, which is pending for a month ( I made the request on the 25th of August, with the ammount of, 849 USD-t, and I asked for a Moneybookers withdrawal).Since that, I haven't received the money, nor any emails from Worldbet about this withdrawal. I tried to contact them via email, but I only received an auto-reply from them. I am really concerned about this money...

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10/23/2008 08:04 PM
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.

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10/3/2008 11:01 PM

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7/26/2008 11:26 PM
SBRforum Free Roll poker Tournament: Thursday, July 31st
The 2nd tournament this month will be played on the bookmaker (SBR rating A+) poker tables Thursday. Players can read rules and enter here. Congratulations to last week's winner, Rake922, who won 1st prize after beating 2nd place finisher Happy Boy. The top 10 place holders will win prizes for Thursday's tournament.

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7/24/2008 10:41 PM
BetVegasVic enters the SBR rating guide at C. VegasVic is a new sportsbook with ties to established bookmakers in Costa Rica. Most CatalinaSports (SBR rating C+) accounts have been moved to VegasVic.

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7/16/2008 11:04 PM

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6/24/2008 09:42 PM

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3/30/2008 07:56 PM

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2/20/2008 03:08 PM
Payer vs. BetWay: Canceled bet dispute
Betway (SBR rating C) cancels player's winning wager 18 hours after the event is completed. Betway claims its traders reviewed the wager, as it reserves the right to do, and chose not to accept the bet, but "because of some technical error" the stake was not refunded until after the event. The player argues that regardless of the book's intentions, failue to notify him that the bet was not pending as shown cost him a winning bet that he would have placed at a different bookmaker. SBR has asked BetWay to review this claim again. BetWay email log

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2/11/2008 10:00 PM

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2/2/2008 02:29 PM
Super Bowl Q & A with bookmaker (SBR raing A+) and BetJamaica (SBR rating A+)
SBR's Peter Loshak asks the sportsbooks' Line Managers about Super Bowl XLII betting trends, where they expect the lines to move and what team bettors are taking early. | Read interview

Peter: So where's most of the money coming in? I've been hearing a figure of 80% on the Giants all week long. Does that square with what you're seeing?

BetJamaica: So far we have approximately 65% early Giant money which is often the case for early dog wagering on such a public marquee game.

bookmaker: I’d say closer to 60% so far on the Giants for us. The Super Bowl with a line of +12 is great value and will always attract money, but I’m sure there will be more than enough bet on New England up until kickoff.

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1/29/2008 05:28 PM
Gaming 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.

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1/24/2008 12:23 PM

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1/7/2008 05:49 PM
BCS Bowl line hovering at 3.5
SBRlines.com showed LSU favored by as much as 6 with some books in December. The line dropped slowly as the public backed Ohio State taking the points. bookmakers have settled in at 3.5 almost across the board. Pinnacle Sports is offering the best price for LSU at -101 followed by 5Dimes at -103. Ohio State backers can get a +4 with WSEX at -115, essentially getting the half point for a good buy of 5 cents.

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1/6/2008 10:41 AM
Ready2Bet (SBR rating C) takes down webpage marketing itself as bookmaker (SBR rating A+)
Ready2Bet responds

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1/4/2008 05:44 PM

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11/8/2007 11:45 PM
Official Poster's Poll II: SBRforum Posters choose Top 5 Sportsbooks
During the month of October posters were asked to list their Top 3 Sportsbooks. Five points were awarded for the first choice, four points for second place and three points for third. Only voters with 25 or more posts were counted in the final tally. Congratulations to the Top 5 point earners including Pinnacle (SBR rating A+) which again led the way with 20 first place votes and 150 total points. This was SBR's second poster's poll of 2007 (May results).

1. Pinnacle Sports - 150 total points
2. Matchbook - 144 total points
3. BetJamaica - 115 total points
4. bookmaker / BetCris - 109 total points
5. TheGreek - 91 total points

See Complete Results

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10/13/2007 12:05 AM

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10/1/2007 07:15 PM

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9/14/2007 07:26 PM
Picks for Week 2 of the FREE Beat The prick Football Handicapping Contest due Saturday 11:00 EST
Players can make their picks now to compete in week #2. Pro Handicapper "The Prick" went an impressive 4-0 last week to keep players out of his pocket of cash.
Week 2 Prick Picks: Wake - 19.5, Louisiana Tech +33.5, UTEP +6 and Saints -3

The Prick: Thats all the time i can waste with you knuckleheads this week. bookmaker is still coughing up for the Grand Prize Harley. One of you stiffs will get a retarded TV package from JustBet. SBR John is gonna shell out another $1000, but i'm a greedy bastage and ain't planning on sharing with any of you guys. step up, ladies, and take yer shot. all it'll cost ya is yer wasted time and yer self-respect.

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8/24/2007 03:44 PM
bookmaker (SBR rating A+) officially takes over Superiorbook (SBR rating D+) as well as accounts from sister no-pay sportsbook, BetEmpire (SBR rating F). bookmaker has erased the rollover requirement previously imposed by the internal Empire/Superior "merger." Players now have full acess to wagering and their funds.

Operations Director of Superiorbook and BetEmpire quoted in the bookmaker press release:
Mr. Jimmy Mason, Operations Director of SuperiorBook.com: I can not stress how pleased I am that bookmaker.com came to the rescue of our former players. bookmaker.com has gone above and beyond anything I have seen in this industry and continues to show why they are an A+ operation. My number one concern has been and continues to be the welfare of the players and I can now sleep well at night knowing everyone's funds are safe and they'll now have a much better overall gaming experience.

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8/21/2007 01:35 PM

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8/18/2007 10:18 PM
SBRforum's Free Football Handicapping Contest "Beat The Prick" Registration Open

First Prize: Harley Davidson 50th Anniversary Sportster (or $8,000 cash).
This prize is sponsored by BetCRIS (SBR rating A+) and bookmaker (SBR rating A+).
Second Prize: Panasonic 58' Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV & Bose Lifestyle Home Theatre System (or $4,000 cash). This prize is sponsored by Justbet (SBR rating B+).
Third Prize: Trip for 2 to Las Vegas - Airfare, 3 nights at The Hotel at Mandalay Bay with $500 cash (or $2000 cash). This prize is sponsored by Live Betting Odds at SBRlines.com.
Fourth through 15th prize: Over $8000 in cash will be awarded with the fourth place finisher receiving a check for $1,700.
Weekly Prizes: The top 10 scorers who "Beat the Prick" each week will receive $100 cash from SBRforum. No sportsbook account is required for eligibility to receive any of the contest prizes.
See rules here and Sign-up here

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8/17/2007 12:20 PM

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7/7/2007 10:33 AM
The Gala Coral Group, Coral (SBR rating A-) and Eurobet (SBR rating A-), will close accounts from Australia, Switzerland, Ukraine, India, Singapore, and Thailand on Monday, July 9th. Coral banned a long list of countries including Brazil, Japan, Mexico and Costa Rica on June 1st. The bookmaker states that the latest change is a company decision made to focus more on European markets.

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6/18/2007 06:58 PM

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6/16/2007 01:26 PM

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6/11/2007 10:08 PM

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5/16/2007 07:03 PM
BetCRIS.com (SBR rating A+) still experiencing intermittent downtime. Bettors should continue to access their accounts by logging in to sister site, bookmaker.com or by calling 1-800-290-7951.

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5/11/2007 11:11 AM

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4/25/2007 06:59 PM

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4/23/2007 08:00 PM

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4/10/2007 11:20 PM

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4/1/2007 11:23 AM
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."

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3/10/2007 12:25 PM

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3/7/2007 06:38 PM
Bet365 (SBR Rating A-) cancels "In-Play" winning bet. Bet365 states that due to a television broadcast delay, they mistakenly offered the wager for an excessive period of time. This is the third complaint against Bet365 Live Betting in as many months. SBR to contact bookmaker on player’s behalf.
Player: I contacted other bookmakers to see what time they have for 5th goal in that match, and I got replay from onother UK bookmakers that they were suspend the market at 16:09:59 . I am sure they are using same global time server as all other bookmakers. My bet is placed at 16:09:54 and when you add web delay their web site have , there is no way I placed late bet.

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3/5/2007 10:06 AM
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 |

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3/2/2007 07:01 PM
Owner of defunct sportsbook, Bet4Aces (SBR rating F) offering sportsbook hosting services for other bookmakers. The website called VisionSoftsa.com claims to "Gain the trust of online players through fair play, transparency, and responsible gaming." This software was developed while Bet4Aces was was unable to pay players who were eventually robbed of thousands. Thanks to SBR poster Montreaux for information.

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2/28/2007 08:11 AM
bookmaker upgraded from A to A+

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2/26/2007 10:54 PM
bookmaker upgraded from B- to A

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2/26/2007 05:01 PM
BetCRIS (SBR rating A+) to move all U.S. player accounts to CRIS-owned website, bookmaker.com. Effective tomorrow morning, U.S. players will be redirected to bookmaker.com upon logging in to their CRIS account. U.S bettors are not expected to experience an interruption in service as both websites operate using the same platform. CRIS acquired the bookmaker website with the purchase of the BetMaker Group in August of last year. The BetCRIS brand will be used to target the the European market.

Update: Website change for U.S. players rescheduled for Thursday morning.

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2/24/2007 12:42 PM
bwin (SBR rating C-) voids winning basketball wager because home and away teams were inverted. The player complains that the sportsbook did not catch the error until the game was over and feels the wager should be honored. The bookmaker, previously known as BetAndWin, received multiple complaints of voided winning bets due to bad lines and bookmaking errors in the past but agreed to compensate these players at the end of last year. SBR has asked bwin to take responsibility for this latest error.

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2/8/2007 05:15 PM
BetWorks (SBR rating C+) to launch new web platform in 10 days. The Australian-based sportsbook has been off-line since October of 2003 when it settled all player accounts and ceased operating. Euraust, formerly the bookmaker’s parent company, has since sold Betworks to an Asian investment group. The site quietly came back online in 2006 planning to relaunch with a focus on soccer. Betworks is a small bookmaker that remains located and regulated in Australia.

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2/2/2007 11:29 PM
Expekt (SBR rating B-) earns 2nd upgrade in four months. SBR has reevaluated Expekt after an increase in positive feedback in recent months, some of which suggesting the SBR rating was too low. Player inquiries to SBR have been addressed swiftly by the bookmaker’s Trading Director, Jon Thompson. Expekt users are invited to continue to submit feedback to SBR.

Player: I recently misplaced a wager on a soccer match with this bookmaker. I inadvertently played a three way handicap when i thought i was playing a true asian. I backed a team to win 1-0 and they lost 0-1. When my bet was not refunded as a push i contacted Expekt complaining of their error. Within 24hrs the manager called me personally to resolve this issue. Not only did he take the time to call but when he did he had already reviewed the screen shots for the bet concerned and when i tried to argue that it was their mistake he politely re-assured me that in fact i had taken the wrong type of wager.
The gentleman then offered to refund half my wager as a goodwill gesture as i think he could sense my sincerity in the matter concerned and that i truly believed i was placing an asian. To me this was something that has endeared this bookmaker to me and goes well beyond any kind of service i have ever encountered.

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1/19/2007 05:38 PM
Sportsbooks tested as payment processors decline service to U.S. gambling industry. Sportsbooks will see an immediate reduction in business now that "e-wallets" such as Neteller, myCitadel Wallet and ATMonline are no longer an option for US-focused gaming companies. Low rated sportsbooks relying on player deposits to operate, as well as dishonest bookmakers who believe it may be more profitable to keep player funds than to expand its business model, are the industry’s primary concern. During this high risk period players are advised to only use sportsbooks with a minimum SBR rating of A-. Players are also advised to expect delays in payout processing time from even the best bookmakers. Many operators are attempting to move money quickly to compensate for high demand on remaining withdrawal options.

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1/13/2007 10:45 AM
More sportsbooks considering reduced juice pricing
In an effort to obtain market share formerly held by Pinnacle Sports (SBR rating A+), many sportsbooks will target players with new offers of reduced vigorish and low juice promotions. Multiple bookmakers have told SBR they are considering moving to "discount wagering" full-time after the announcement from Pinnacle to leave the US market. 5Dimes (SBR rating A) told SBR today that they have decided to offer -105 style lines (10 cent pricing) on all NHL hockey games. 5Dimes already offered -105 lines on the NFL playoffs. Sportsbooks must be extremely skilled and experienced in order to manage low margin wagering. SBR advises players to stay with the best and most proven sportsbooks.

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1/8/2007 07:43 PM
WagerWeb (SBR rating B-) confiscates $2038 from account holder.
The sportsbook deducted winnings from a $750 free-play bonus as well as winnings subsequently accumulated using those funds. A cash bonus of $500 and winnings accumulated using those funds were also confiscated. WagerWeb gave the player a 50% sign-up ’bonus package’ ($500 cash and $750 free-play) with the stipulation of a 10x roll-over (wagering the bonus and deposit ten times). The book’s Fraud Manager informed the player that his wagers equated to what the book classifies as "Bonus Pyramiding". This rule allows the bookmaker to review the account history of a winning customer to see if the betting style shows the user risked his/her balance + bonus repeatedly until the roll-over was met. The player’s account history shows that he did not wager his entire balance until the roll-over was met. SBR will address this issue with management tomorrow.
Update: Wagerweb states that despite the explanation given to the player, other factors in the decision involved fraudulently operating multiple accounts. SBR has asked Wagerweb to remove the pyramid rule which is nothing more than a subjective description of player activity.

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12/7/2006 08:10 AM
Player Complaint: SportsInteraction (SBR rating C-) cancels wager after event begins; does not alert player. Bettor tells SBR that he watched an entire NBA game rooting for his team, the Phoenix Suns at +4. After the event was over he found that the winning bet was void due to a "bookmaker error." The bettor is upset that: 1) He did not receive a time-stamped email showing when SIA canceled the bet, and; 2) The book had the luxury of viewing the match in play. Players who compare sportsbook odds were aware of the market price and that the line was erroneously reversed. Sports Interaction claims the bet was canceled 7 minutes after post time and tells SBR they plan to email players when wagers are canceled in the future.

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11/2/2006 03:27 PM
bookmaker (SBR rating B-) absorbed by sister site, BetMaker (SBR rating B)

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10/13/2006 09:46 AM
BetButler (SBR rating F) players told balances will be moved to Danbook (not rated). After nearly a month without communicating with players, BetButler.com posts statement that all balances will be moved to Danbook. Danbook opened in February of 2005 as a reduced vig bookmaker. SBR does not have further information about this sportsbook.

BetButler Website: From 22-09-2006 you will no longer be able to play at BetButler.com.It is vital to say, that all player accounts will stay intact and your money is secure.All account will from 12th oct and within 7 days be taken over by Danbook.com, where your money also will be placed on a secured client account, and you can withdraw at any time. There will be a few accounts, that for technical reasons not will be transfered. If you have a Betbutler account and do not receive an e-mail from Danbook within the next 2 weeks, you can contact support@danbook.com to hear how you claim you money.

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9/22/2006 09:37 AM
BetButler(not rated) closes; slow-paying users
BetButler’s website states that the exchange bookmaker will no longer be servicing bettors and advises all clients to request their balances. Two players who made Moneybookers withdrawal requests a week before the closing, say they are still waiting for their transfer. BetButler has not responded to player emails inquiring about the payout status.

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9/16/2006 09:43 PM
BetAndWin (SBR rating C-) failing to honor winning wagers
BAW, now called bwin, users are consistently submitting complaints that the sportsbook is voiding winning wagers well after the match has finished. Many recent complaints are the result of live-wagering bad lines. Few players are able to gauge what the correct market price should be, and therefore are unaware if in-game betting odds are offered in error. Players are referring to bwin’s practice of voiding bets on recent soccer matches and preseason NFL lines as "the bait and switch." Bwin offered Tampa Bay +7 for two days when the average market price was +3.5. After the game was played, bwin cancelled winning wagers on Tampa Bay citing their “bad line rule". Players who took Houston -7 in week four of the preseason are asked to contact SBR.

Player: Bwin take shot at players. It took bet on Tampabay and cancelled them after the match... say it was a bad line mistake. wtf is that??? This bookie get to gamble and when they lose they say oops!! sorry my mistake! they probably get new players to sign up this way too!!

Note: The Austrian bookmaker’s license has been void in Germany and the book stands to lose much of its German player base immediately. Co-Chief Executive Officers of bwin International Entertainment AG were detained for questioning by French Authorities on 9/15/06. Players may find updates on the books CEOs here.

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8/19/2006 10:47 AM
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.

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6/6/2006 11:59 AM
SBR Bill Dozer reports: NoJuice Sports (SBR rating D) blaming payout delays on three lost bank wires, totaling $40,000. Management states that bank checks and bank wires are offered; however normal processing may require an additional week. Customer service tells SBR that other instant-transfer methods such as Moneybookers and InstaDebit are only available for deposits citing a "new processing system". NoJuice has been downgraded from D+ to D.

Note: SBR expects a rise in payout complaints this week after Neteller informed Costa Rica bookmakers that they would no longer accept emergency/instant account-to-account tranfers through Costa Rican banks. All merchant deposits must be sent to Neteller’s bank account in the United Kingdom via standard wire. This change may affect the liquidity of small sportsbooks, and require multiple merchant accounts be adequately funded.

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3/30/2006 07:24 PM
SBR Bill Dozer reports: Doug Booth of Blue Grass joins BetRoyal as head bookmaker. Doug tells SBR "I want players to get paid fast. I’m going to speed that up". Doug acknowledges that cases like this are unacceptable and states that he plans to help eliminate some of the company’s current procedural problems. Doug went on to say that, despite contradicting reports, he will remain the owner and Operations Manager of BlueGrass(SBR rating D).

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3/27/2006 09:49 PM
Sportsbooks Project Pricing for Baseball 2006: View SBR’s list of the Best Baseball Books. Eight Sportsbooks rated A- or higher are scheduled to offer a dimeline that will break at -150 or higher. Players can check back as the season nears for added baseball information including which bookmakers will offer alternate run lines and the Grand Salami wager.

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3/18/2006 02:04 PM
SBR Bill Dozer reports: New UK Sportsbook BetClick (not rated) slow-paying players; blames payment processor. Bettors on Betting Advice forum discuss problems redeeming winnings.

BA poster Bisonravi says: "Unfortunately Betclic do not pay out. In common with a number of users I have had pending payouts for two weeks now, and any request that these be actioned is met by excuse after excuse (there is a stock response asking for bank details after which the cashout will be processed within 48 hours, which I’ve now received and replied to 3 times!). This is not a reliable bookmaker, I’m afraid. I think they were hammered by the initial sign up and have serious problems with cashflow."

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3/13/2006 02:17 PM
Have you wondered what your sportsbook looks like? SBR launches Sportsbook Tours Feature. Check back weekly for new photo sessions with sportsbooks rated A+ to F. bookmakers who would like to show their offices should write to Assistance@SportsbookReview.com

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2/14/2006 10:42 PM
SBR speaks with PlatinumSportsBets(SBR rating C-). Owner, Ali Eltaib, tells SBR about the early lessons learned as a credit-player’s sportsbook trying to establish a presence in the post-up business. Ali recalls initially sustaining losses due to poor marketing decisions and over-generous deposit bonuses. Although this bookmaker is attempting to succeed offering reduced juice, Platinum is taking steps toward a more sustainable business model. Online wagering limits and bonus maximums have been reduced and professional action has been limited. PSB, having just completed its sophomore football season, has been upgraded to C- and will be further evaluated after latest website upgrades are complete. The book is still attempting to find its niche and players should use caution while PSB is tested further. View PlatinumSportsBets office photos here.

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12/1/2005 06:49 PM
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

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11/28/2005 10:52 PM
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.

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10/16/2005 07:59 PM
Pointbet (SBR rating D+) management addresses 8/22/05 report stating that the website problems have been resolved and that they are again able to accept new player sign-ups. Management’s full statement can be viewed here. The Asian bookmaker also addressed concerns about its location with news that the company may secure a 2nd home in the near future. Pointbet’s Indonesia address has been a deterrent for would-be players.

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9/24/2005 03:49 AM
BoDog’s recent upgrade to A expands SBR’s listed book reviews to 13. SBR currently offers full sportsbook reviews on each bookmaker rated A and higher.
Have a wagering experience you would like to share? SBR appreciates all feedback which can be directed to Assistance@SportsbookReview.com.

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9/21/2005 10:16 AM
bookmaker upgraded from C+ to B- LasPalmas downgraded from B to B-

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8/12/2005 12:54 PM
SBR Bill Dozer reports BetOnline (SBR rating D+) using stiff bookmaker Robbie Mcphail and old Apex Sportsbook customer list to solicit new players. Multiple players have complained that Robbie is again dialing for deposits; this time, on behalf of the relatively unknown BetOnline.com. The operation is about one year old and is starting its first marketing campaign. Players should be weary of a sportsbook that chooses to use an individual with a soiled reputation to launch its brand.

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8/12/2005 08:33 AM
Punter’s Paradise does ’website review’ of SBR
"Yet which of us hasn’t at some point joined a bookmaker we didn’t know from Adam Ant just because that price was too good to miss? That’s where Sportsbook Review comes in. Featuring reviews and ratings for over 400 sportsbooks it acts as an early-warning system against those bookmakers who have a Pickfords van with the engine running permanently outside their offices."

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8/4/2005 12:35 PM
SBRLines II will debut on August 19th in Las Vegas.
There will be no need to refresh the page on SBRLines II. This first ever FREE web page application will show line moves as they are changed by bookmakers in *REAL TIME. SBRLines II welcomes Mansion (SBR rating B), as the latest sponsor to join SBRLines II. Current sponsors include: WWTS, Pinnacle, CRIS, Hollywood107, 5Dimes, Canbet, VIP, BetJamaica, Bowmans, Mansion and Matchbook. www.sbrlines.com
*SBRLines II will be between 0 and 10 seconds delayed depending on server speeds and other variables.

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7/27/2005 11:56 PM
SBR Bill Dozer reports: E-StadiumClub (SBR rating F) responds to 7/25 report:

"We would like to make it clear that E-StadiumClub did not buy out bestlinewager it took over it’s facilities and some of it’s infrastructure. This was made possible due to the fact that two of the owners of E-StadiumClub were employed by bestlinewager and felt that by easing the burden on the principal owner of bestlinewager Mr. Jack Nardi it would also save time and money in order to allow E-StadiumClub to be open in time for the start of 2005 football season.

Now to address the issue of bestlinewagers players who may not have been paid when bestlinewager ceased operations on 15 July 2005. We would like to make it clear that although we do not feel that it is the responsibility of E-StadiumClub to honor any of bestlinewagers debts we will be willing to take over any players balance of $500.00 U.S. or less and make them subject to bonus rules. Furthermore any client who had a balance greater then $500.00 U.S. we will be willing to credit there account 30% of there balance or $500.00 which ever is the greater sum."

It is common for failed bookmakers like BestLineWager to reappear with a new site while claiming to be backed by new "investors" or "ownership". After management previously informed SBR it would honor BLW balances, E-Stadium is shying away from a debt that is estimated to be as small as $10,000. SBR reaffirms E-StadiumClub’s F rating.

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6/21/2005 11:32 AM
SBR Bill Dozer reports: Sunday’s Formula One Racing debacle causing wave of wagering disputes. Seven Formula One teams failed to race in the Grand Prix due to fears that their tires were unsafe. The grading of wagers on the event varied from book to book. SBR received complaints from winning players with sportsbooks who voided these bets as well as from players with other books who found their losing wagers to be valid. SBR asks that players allow us one day from the time of complaint to review individual sportsbook rules and, if need be, to inquire about the issue with each bookmaker.

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6/7/2005 11:09 PM
SBR COSTA RICA OFFICE REPORTS: Bill Dozer meets with legendary bookmaker Rick, now the head linesman for the GrandCentral Sports Group. Rick, who has 40 years of bookmaking experience, is one of the original bookmakers and still one of the most trusted in the industry. SBR feels that the addition of Rick, revised policies by management, innovative marketing strategy and financial stability make for a solid foundation.

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5/30/2005 12:05 AM
SBR to meet with MyBookie (SBR rating C) management and head bookmaker. Not withstanding the recent negative event for this sportsbook, MyBookie has smartly collected top talent and has potential. MyBookie has indicated risk management policy changes will eliminate the possibility of a reoccurrence of the recent situation where MyBookie was beaten out of one third of a million dollars and then made news by trying to settle for less than the player’s account balance.

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5/12/2005 01:39 PM
Players finding extreme value betting the NBA Playoffs. The NBA is down to its final eight teams which means sportsbooks are getting more action focused on these mainstream matchups. High profile events allow bookmakers more room to move their lines according to their own opinions and customer base. Players can capitalize on this value by monitoring the betting market at SBRLines.com. SBRLines now features 10 Sportsbooks offering live odds in real time.

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5/6/2005 06:48 PM
SBR Bill Dozer reports: More Customer Service complaints from players with large Sportsbooks. The BetAndWin Group is the subject of three customer service complaints this past week. Each player also reports that his email inquiries did not garner a response. SBR’s Terry Terasco is currently looking into the various player issues, including this one from BAW’s PlayIt (SBR rating B).

"I recently opened an account with an online bookmaker called PlayIt (playit.com) - B rated on your site. The offer was if you deposited £20 they would credit you with a £17 bonus. I signed up (User Name xxxxxxxx) and deposited and bet £20 which lost. Despite numerous e-mails in the last 10 days or so I have not had the courtesy of a reply, far less the bonus credited."

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4/24/2005 09:20 PM
Frequently asked question by players: Which sportsbooks offer in-game live wagering? Few bookmakers offer this betting option because of the challenges of balancing action on the quickly moving odds. Sportsbooks that offer in-game wagering include:
• Bet365.com (SBR rating A+)
• WSEX.com (SBR rating A)
• Tradesports.com (SBR rating B)
• PinnacleSports.com (SBR rating A+) is also known to offer in-game wagering on mainstream events on occasion.

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4/18/2005 09:31 PM
SBR Bill Dozer reports: Enterbet (SBR rating F) slow-paying player $2500. Enterbet is part of problem gaming company, GoTo Entertainment.

"I’m having a major problem trying to get all my money out of an online bookmaker, Enterbet. They have given my $2000 but still owe me $2500. I have been trying to get my money for about 1 month now but they just keep giving me the run around. I have some documentation from them stating that they owe me this money (email and copy of a withdrawl page with the amount they owe me ect). Is there any legal action i can take in order to get my money back?"

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4/17/2005 11:04 PM
Betting Exchanges making a return to the US market? In the past, more than a few sportsbooks have offered peer-to-peer betting but it seemed that American bettors were not ready to follow in the footsteps of their European counterparts. Sportsbooks were unable to offer a quality product that was as easy as the book itself. However, it appears the overwhelming success of Europe’s Betfair has bookmakers believing it is only a matter of time before the next Betfair hits the US. SBR has learned that a sportsbook from the Recommended List plans to launch a new betting exchange that functions like a regular sportsbook.

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2/18/2005 11:37 AM
SBR Bill Dozer reports: SBR upgrades PlatinumSportsbets from D- to D after most recent conversation with ownership. PSB states that they have rid themselves of stiff ex-bookmakers, Paul and Robbie M of the Apex scam, and have yet to be the subject of a complaint. SBR has expressed concern about PlatinumSportsbets’ business model and their ability to succeed offering discount lines priced at -105 along with deposit bonuses. PSB is new to the post-up business, yet is aggressively marketing to sharp players via betting forums and plans to join the DonBest premium line service. PSB has experience in the credit business and utilized service provider, Datawager.

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1/30/2005 01:21 AM
SBR Bill Dozer reports: Common mistake by Gamebookers (SBR rating C+) costs another player his winning wager. SBR has recently received multiple complaints from Gamebookers players who have won a wager, only to have the win cancelled due to a team listing error. Gamebookers seems to have trouble listing the team names correctly, particularly in American sports. Complaints have been similar to the one posted below. Gamebookers does not use a rotation number to identify teams numerically.
“Dear Sirs,
I noticed you improved Gamebookers rating from C- to C+. Yesterday GB offered a NCAA basketball match for Cincinnati vs. Florida -10/+10 @ -110. Today I noticed my winning bet is cancelled. Support told me that it was mistake in the team name, that it was SOUTH Florida not Florida. It was canceled about 2 hours after the match result was known. The offer was exactly the same as in another bookmaker so it wasn’t a mistake in odds or something. In my opinion this is serious and maybe C+ rating is too high for GB?
Best Regards,
xxxxxx”

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12/18/2004 07:33 AM
SBR Reporting live from BetWWTS, St. Johns, Antigua: Publicly traded BetWWTS has shed its corporate managers, Chairman of the Board types and returned to great service and strong bookmaking. The founder, Billy Scott, finally had enough of the corporate decisions which he felt was jeopardizing BetWWTS’s leadership position within the industry. After a late summer attempt by the board to cut costs and increase profits, Mr. Scott had seen enough. The Chairman of the Board and the company president were sent packing. Billy Scott, the founder of BetWWTS and the largest shareholder, is one of the wealthiest men in the industry with a net worth estimated to be over $300 million dollars. Mr. Scott has now brought in his own management including the return of Stuart, the very talented bookmaker and Jessica who is easily one of the top operations managers the industry has ever had. SBR can report that this operation is one of the best managed operations in the industry. An operation of this size is a challenge but WWTS runs like fine precision clock work and is quite impressive. It was a year of change for BetWWTS in 2004. The end result is a Billy Scott installed superstar management team dedicated to providing players a world class experience.

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12/9/2004 10:36 AM
BetRoyal (SBR rating D-) Forced to answer in a Dutch court why they stiffed a US player for $50,000. Reporting from Curacao, Netherlands Antilles:
It all started when a California lawyer ran his winnings at Royal to over $50,000. When it came time for a payout Royal tried every trick in the book not to pay and when that didn’t work they even invented one never seen before in the offshore industry. Royal claimed that the player had a history of credit card chargebacks at two other sportsbooks, therefore he must forfeit his $50,000 in winnings. Royal admits the player never charged back anything at Royal and they gladly accepted his bets and his business. And that’s the problem. Royal has been using every legal maneuver possible to delay the trial and some observers think they will flee the island to avoid what is probably the short arm of Dutch justice. The player, however, has already retained legal reps in Royal’s soon to be new home of Costa Rica. Unfortunately, most players do not have the resources of this player and can not chase down deadbeat bookmakers to the ends of the earth. Therefore it is important to play at a highly rated sportsbook so if you go on the roll of a lifetime you can savor the victory instead of chasing deadbeats.

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9/6/2004 03:03 PM
Coming this Thursday: In-person interview with VIP Sports (SBR rated A+) CEO, Alistair Assheton Catch this rare in-depth interview with the creator of one of the most player-friendly sportsbooks. Think all bookmakers are cigar smoking hustlers? Think again; find out why the well educated Mr. Assheton is thought of as the top executive in the industry today.

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7/23/2004 01:38 PM
After aknowledgement of ownership by BetMaker (SBR Rating C+): BetZone raised from D+ to C, bookmaker raised from D+ to C, 7Palms raised from D+ to C and GoldMedalSports raised from D+ to C

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7/23/2004 01:34 PM
Betmaker (SBR Rating C+) provides list of affiliated books: On a phone conversation with SBR, Silvia V. -General Manager of this corporation- aknowledges ownership, financial back-up and operation of the following books under their corporate umbrella: Betzone (SBR Rating C), bookmaker (SBR Rating C), 7Palms (SBR Rating C) and GoldMedalSports (SBR Rating C).

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7/15/2004 01:41 PM
BlueGrass Sports (SBR Rating C-) signs Larry Mac as Head Linesman. Larry Mac has effectively held this important position in shops such as BetCRIS (SBR Rating A+). SBR is encouraged by the signing of this proven bookmaker as well as the BG Sports' move to a new larger office. SBR will consider further upgrades as we observe the benefit of these new assets.

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7/12/2004 06:22 PM
Well-respected bookmaker Larry Mac is back in Costa Rica after leaving Antigua and BetWWTS. In a phone conversation with this legendary figure, SBR learned that Larry Mac has entered formal negotiations with BlueGrass Sports (SBR Rating D), regarding the Head Linesman position. Although a definite agreement is yet to be reached, SBR believes Larry Mac’s bookmaking talent and vast experience would be an asset to BlueGrass.

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7/7/2004 10:38 AM
Cascade Sportsbook (SBR Rating C+) enters financial partnership with one of the most respected and established bookmakers in the offshore industry. SBR is of the opinion that this is a very positive move for BetCascade Sportsbook. The owner of BetCascade told SBR: "... with their bankroll, expertise, reputation, my own reputation and ability to get customers, Cascade will reaffirm its position as a GREAT sportsbook for all kinds of players..." SBR to consider further upgrades as this partnership develops.

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6/28/2004 12:32 PM
Larry Mac heading to Bluegrass (SBR rating D)? SBR sources report long time and well respected bookmaker, Larry Mac, has either accepted or will accept the head bookmaker position at struggling Bluegrass. If the report is indeed correct, this is a very positive development for Bluegrass.

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6/23/2004 09:00 PM
Olympic Sports (SBR rating A+) Legendary bookmaker Spiro talks with Sportsbook Review and shares his views on the industry.

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6/23/2004 12:22 PM
SBR on BlueGrass Sports (SBR Rating D) While all post-up players have been paid on demand and a pending slow-pay situation on their credit end is likely to be settled today, SBR has learned of long overdue debts of BG with various reputable bookmakers. SBR believes this to be a cause of concern. 

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6/14/2004 09:33 AM
SBR Interviews: Read the second part of this interesting review with Tony, CEO of 5 Dimes: The Sharp Player Who Became A Shrewd bookmaker; Part II

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6/11/2004 02:05 PM
SBR Interviews: The SBR Team interviews Tony, CEO and owner of 5 Dimes Sportsbook. Read the 1st Part of this interview: The Sharp Player Who Became A Shrewd bookmaker; Part I

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4/24/2004 12:52 PM
OklahomaSportsBetting(SBR rating D) Refusing so far to take SBR phone calls or respond to SBR emails - Book runs a very high risk business model - At this point, SBR knows of no other bookmaker or anyone else in the industry that will vouch for them - Players funds at this operation could be at higher risk than the current SBR rating of D would indicate.

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4/19/2004 03:19 PM
BetRoyal (SBR rating D-) Removed from the Curacao bookmaker organization CIGA - Royal Sports likely using player funds to employ shills to attempt to tarnish any site that states the truth about their current fragile condition - Be careful and weary of any contests, advertisement or bonus from this desperate operation

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3/17/2004 12:00 AM
BetPanAm(SBR rating F+) actively seeking loans from bookmakers to stay afloat as hope fades

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2/18/2004 12:00 AM
Larry Mac, Costa Rica's biggest bookmaker last year, tells SBR that BoDog(SBR rating B) has been one of the most profitable books in the past year and confirms the 68 week winning streak

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2/17/2004 12:00 AM
Coming soon: SBR exclusive interview with Larry Mac, legendary bookmaker for CRIS arrives for first day on the job at WWTS. Larry explains there will be many new policies. Wise guy action, unlike the past, will be welcomed and even courted at, as Mr. Mac calls it, "the new WWTS ". As of today, look for intentionally set off-numbers and opinionated lines as well as WWTS originating halftimes and overnight lines.

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11/16/2002 10:59 AM
Heritage Downgraded - removed from the Full Recommended List - Sharp players upset their limits were lowered have created a significant exodus/ run on the bank - Insiders and credit agents among those heading for the exits. There have been zero slow pay complaints - book may actually reemerge stronger after it completes the purge of its professional player base - Heritage GM who has a history of personal problems was one of the founders of Pinnacle and a very respected bookmaker for over 20 years.

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