SBR review: SportBet.com

SBR’s Sportsbook Betting Rules Monitor Live
Players can view all Betting Rules and Terms of Service archives here. The majority of rules were first scanned on June 18th 2007 with changes being logged since. Sportsbooks and players who would like to see additional web pages monitored can submit the URL of the rules or FAQ to Assistance@SportsbookReview.com. Below are the week #1 rule changes as logged by SBR. Removed text is shown striked out in red. Added text is highlighted in yellow. Players are encouraged to ask their sportsbook to inform clients of each rule change via email.

BetBull (SBR rating C-) changes tennis wagering rule
Wagers will now be cancelled in the event of a change of venue or playing surface.

BetInternet (SBR rating B-) changes maximum allowed daily payouts
All minor league soccer and horse racing has a maximum £75,000 daily winnings allowed. This includes the player’s stake

TradeSports (SBR rating C+) changes fee structure
Tradesports removes text regarding exchange fees and notifies players that fee structure may change at the company’s discretion (See TradeSports Press Release).

Sportbet (SBR rating B) and IslandCasino (SBR rating B) adds text regarding residing in Costa Rica.

#1CyberSportbetting DeltaSportBet - SBR initiates rating at C-

DeltaSportBet - SBR initiates rating at C-

earns upgrade from B- to B. It has been 13 months since the sportsbook was upgraded to B- and implemented its "one hour" payout policy. SBR has not received a payout complaint from Sportbet users since last evaluation.

IslandCasino <A class=ab href="http://www.sportsbookreview.com/Search/default.aspx?Search=sportbet&amp;Area=Site&amp;Submit=Home">Sportbet</A> &amp; <A class=ab href="http://www.sportsbookreview.com/Search/default.aspx?Search=islandcasino&amp;Area=Site&amp;Submit=Home">IslandCasino</A> upgraded from B- to B

#1CyberSportbetting <A class=ab href="http://www.sportsbookreview.com/Search/default.aspx?Search=sportbet&amp;Area=Site&amp;Submit=Home">Sportbet</A> &amp; <A class=ab href="http://www.sportsbookreview.com/Search/default.aspx?Search=islandcasino&amp;Area=Site&amp;Submit=Home">IslandCasino</A> upgraded from B- to B

 Equus building in San Jose, Costa Rica.View photos of Sportbet(SBR rating B-) here. Sportbet is located on the 6th floor of the

VIP Sports is the most active buyer. YouWager, BetRoyal and many smaller books are all said to be Sellers actively seeking buyouts. BetCRIS could also be a Buyer under the right circumstances which recently has focused on bailing out small operators. BetWWTS has made several trips and has signed at least one confidentiality agreement although we are unaware of any serious interest. Sportsbooks who have had made M&A headlines in the recent past that appear to be holding pat; Hollywood, BoDog, SportsInteraction are said to be no longer active Sellers. Smaller operations such as BetMaker, YouWager and Sportbet along with operations that have difficult reputations such as Royal Sports have mostly signed confidentiality agreements giving buyers a chance to possibly make an offer. SBR expects a pick-up in M&A activity despite rising valuations.  

The Rio Group including flagship Skybook breaks into the ’A’ group for the first time.

Sportbet is again rewarded for their continued improvement with an upgrade to B-. Sportbet has now had 4 straight upgrades in the past 18 months. SBR recognizes the effort of the Sportbet management and staff.

#1CyberSportbetting &amp; IslandCasino both upgraded from C+ to B-

IslandCasino Sportbet &amp; IslandCasino both upgraded from C+ to B-

speaks with ownership and management of Sportbet (SBR rating C+) about the direction of the company. In the past, SBR has expressed concern over the different interpretations of Sportbet’s rules and how they were applied differently to different players. Sportbet has provided SBR with rule revisions that should eliminate the potential for unnecessary disputes. Management states that they are adopting a more player-friendly attitude and that player feedback will reflect this. SBR would like to encourage Sportbet customers to continue to send feedback to assistance@sportbookreview.com. Sportbet and sister book IslandCasino upgraded from C to C+.

IslandCasino Sportbet and IslandCasino upgraded from C to C+

#1CyberSportbetting and IslandCasino upgraded from C to C+

On 12/21/04 SBR reported: IslandCasino (SBR rating C) confiscates player’s winnings of $11,400 claiming that he has cheated at black jack by using the help of a computer program, also known as a robot. The player has not been provided with any evidence of this.  IslandCasino’s General Manager is out of the office until next week. SBR will investigate this complaint upon his return. IslandCasino is the sister site of Sportbet (SBR rating C).

Over the course of a month long investigation Island Casino failed to supply the game history logs or the exact play rate which was deemed to be "too fast". This was requested by SBR and the player. Island Casino’s General Manager, Jake, upheld the decision to keep the player’s winnings stating that Digital Gaming Solutions, their software provider, concluded that the player used a robot.

On 1/24/05 SBR spoke with one of the DGS software authors who was also the individual advising Island Casino. He stated that he did not believe it could be concluded that the player used a computer aid and that his play was “entirely possible” without the use of a robot.

The following day Jake had provided new information that suggested the player had multiple accounts with a history of bounced E-Checks. While Island Casino has yet to provide bank documents, SBR has questioned the player about these account details. The inconsistencies in the players story has lead us to believe he has not been completely forthright. SBR will no longer be assisting the player with his complaint.

Sportsbetgamblingsportsbook (SBR rating F) player waiting 14 days for Neteller payout of $450. Sportbetgamblingsportsbook is one of many Futurebet-serviced books and has recently been introduced into SBR’s rating guide with an F rating. The number of Futurebet payout complaints has decreased in recent months, and many site owners have requested rating evaluations anticipating an upgrade. SBR to inquire on behalf of player and report on reason for delay.
Update: Player paid in full. Futurebet states that Neteller payouts will take at least two weeks to process although the site advertises Neteller payouts in 24 hours.

IslandCasino (SBR rating C) confiscates player’s winnings of $11,400 claiming that he has cheated at black jack by using the help of a computer program, also known as a robot. The player has not been provided with any evidence of this.  IslandCasino’s General Manager is out of the office until next week. SBR will investigate this complaint upon his return. IslandCasino is the sister site of Sportbet.

Player files slow-pay complaint against Sportbet (SBR rating C) claiming that the book has withheld $17,000 in winnings for over two weeks due to the possibility that he cheated Sportbet by manipulating the betting software. Sportbet tells SBR that they were forced to do a software audit and are unfreezing his account as of today, making his full balance available for withdrawal.

#1CyberSportbetting raised from C- to C

It is confirmed that ownership of the defunct Apex Sportsbook is managing Platinum SportBets (SBR rating F+). The main figure in the Apex disaster, Robbie McPhail, is introducing himself as Platinum SB’s customer service manager. SBR cautions players of this new site, www.4platinumsportsbook.com, and its excessive promotional offers.

"Upon looking into your situation I see that you will be requesting the full amount of winnings in your account. I also see that you have in fact meet all rollover requirements that we ask for when playing with our bonus. Yet what I have also noted is that your request will be leaving the bare minimum balance that you can in your account to meet the policies that we have put down."

Players should not have to beg or endure a question and answer session when they request their money. Players should stay with top rated sportsbooks.

#1CyberSportbetting raised from D+ to C- ;  Legendz raised from C+ to B-

SBR has reviewed Betmaker's rating of D+ and concluded the rating to be accurate given Betmaker's current situation. Despite the apparent positive move away from Sportbet into the CRIS building, there will likely be challenges that will include, power struggles of management, higher costs and lack of assets to invest in marketing.

SBR rating to be reviewed after breaking apart from the Sportbet group and locating in the CRIS building - Famed customer service manager, Silvia V., to return as General Manager

Bodog Sportsbook Carib raised from C- to C, BoDog raised from B to B+, Sportbet raised from D to D+

Carib raised from C- to C, BoDog raised from B to B+, Sportbet raised from D to D+

#1CyberSportbetting Carib raised from C- to C, BoDog raised from B to B+, Sportbet raised from D to D+

Continues to brief SBR on their improving position - SportBet offers to arrange meetings between SBR and SportBet principals - SportBet mgmt had previously insistently informed SBR that they were no longer seeking a buyer and instead are investing in their operation with commitment and purpose

(SBR rating D) Downgraded by SBR twice earlier this month and reportedly was finding no takers for a sale has become embroiled in an ownership struggle for control according to Gambling911

(SBR rating B+) has had at least two books in the SBR top 5 show interest - SBR has confirmed that neither book saw value or will make an offer - Sportbet(SBR rating D) having no luck finding a buyer so far - WWTS(SBR rating A+) is looking to buy a top 15 book - Pinnacle(SBR rating A+) has an eye on a specific sector and one company specifically to help its foreign expansion - VIP Sports(SBR rating A+) has turned down an offer to merge with an SBR top 10 book and instead has looked at acquiring turnaround candidate SportsInteraction

#1CyberSportbetting lowered from D+ to D

BetMaker lowered from C to D+, Sportbet lowered from C- to D+

#1CyberSportbetting Betmaker lowered from C to D+, Sportbet lowered from C- to D+

- SBR unable to confirm evidence to maintain lowered rating

- Sportbet General Manager invited to post statement on SBR declines offer

- SBR so far unable to verify Sportbet troubles-Sportbet Mgmt strongly denies accusations

News out of Costa Rica has Sportbet desperately seeking buyer, reorganizing

More information coming in on Sportbet - SBR considering Black List downgrade.

Two popular sportsbook sites hint problems with Sportbet.com, SBR rating D+, MWager's warning

#1CyberSportbetting Rating Changes - <b>Raised:</b> BetFair C+ to B+, Fonbet F to D+ <b>Lowered: </b>SSP D to F, Sportbet D+ to D

Fonbet Rating Changes - <b>Raised:</b> BetFair C+ to B+, Fonbet F to D+ <b>Lowered: </b>SSP D to F, Sportbet D+ to D

BetFair Rating Changes - <b>Raised:</b> BetFair C+ to B+, Fonbet F to D+ <b>Lowered: </b>SSP D to F, Sportbet D+ to D

Aaronssportsbet Rating Changes - <b>Raised:</b> BetFair C+ to B+, Fonbet F to D+ <b>Lowered: </b>SSP D to F, Sportbet D+ to D

Sportbet recently upgraded off Black List after 11 months there, hit with more slow pay complaints.

#1CyberSportbetting upgraded removed from the Black List

This week's complaints - Sportsbook.com, Gibralter, Sportbet, MVP.

Many complaints of website problems at long time black listed Sportbet.com.

#1CyberSportbetting Sportbet/Island - Downgraded to the Black List - We respect book's management whom has always made themselves available however, regretfully, we can no longer justify a non-negative rating. We have confirmed multiple slow pays including these comments from a customer of 5 years.

#1CyberSportbetting - Problems said to be resolved with credit players - Players reporting prompt payouts - Sportsbook Review does not expect further negatives. No Downgrade warranted at this time.

#1CyberSportbetting Sportbet.com/Island - Previously on Black List under review for possible downgrade - MajorWager issues cautionary statements - Sportsbook Review has had no recent player complaints reported.

#1CyberSportbetting Sportbet.com - Removed from the Black List

#1CyberSportbetting Sportbet.com - Downgraded- Added to the Black List