SBR review: SportsInterAction

SportsInteraction receives Gaming Associates audit certificate

On July 22nd, SBR reported that SportsInteraction (SBR rating B+) successfully completed an audit inspection performed by Gaming Associates; the regulatory compliance auditor for the Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC). The four day inspection was a thorough review into the SportsInteraction (SIA) finances and operations, trading and risk management, infrastructure, data security and more. Following the successful audit, a process took course to grant SportsInteraction with an official audit certificate from Gaming Associates.

SportsInteraction's rating has been upgraded to B+ within the SBR sportsbook ratings guide. SportsInteraction is a fully licensed sportsbook operating out of Kahnawake, Canada, and has been online since 1997. | SportsInteraction audit certificate  | Read more

Rating Change: SportsInterAction

SportsInterAction upgraded from B to B+

SBR featured in Financial Post

Sportsbook Review was featured in the Financial Post today for their presence during the SportsInteraction audit performed by Gaming Associates — the regulatory compliance auditor for the Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC).

SportsInteraction (SIA) completes Kahnawake Gaming Commission audit

SportsInteraction (SBR rating B) has successfully completed an audit inspection performed by Gaming Associates; the regulatory compliance auditor for the Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC).

SIA opened its doors and books for a thorough four day inspection into its finances and operations, including sportsbook trading and risk management, Know Your Customer guidelines, IT infrastructure and data security.  | SportsInteraction statement on audit
 | Read more

SportsInteraction to no longer accept new US players

SportsInteraction (SBR rating B) no longer accepts registrations from United States residents. SIA management confirmed to SBR that the policy went into effect today. While no new players will be accepted from the US, existing players are free to continue to wager as normal.

On May 1st, Sportsbook.com (SBR rating D-) withdrew from the US market, also allowing existing players to continue to wager. | Sportsbook.com statement
 | Read more

SportsInteraction, mobile betting platform upgrade

SportsInteraction (SBR rating B) rolls out a new mobile betting platform. SIA management tells SBR that their new mobile site is live. The mobile betting platform currently supports users with existing deposits in their accounts. SIA plans to expand the product this year to include live betting and sign-up/deposit ability.

The mobile site has advanced browser recognition, to make mobile betting via an iPhone or Android software a seamless experience. SIA tells SBR that the changes for updating odds on the bet card is being worked on in their production lab and went live Monday. SportsInteraction has established itself as a sportsbook that takes forum user feedback quite seriously. | SportsInteraction Mobile Forum feedback

Rating Change: SportsInterAction

SportsInterAction upgraded from B- to B

SportsInteraction tennis wager cancelation update

SportsInteraction (SBR rating B-) has decided to honor all accepted wagers on the Mahut/Clement doubles team at -120. Mahut/Clement faced Fleming/Skupski in a Wimbledon Grand Slam doubles match. SportsInteraction never updated its offering despite the markets .35 line move that came as a result of Mahut's marathon singles match with John Isner the day before. SBR reported on the wager cancelation earlier today.
 | Read more

SportsInteraction cancels tennis wager on stale line after match conclusion

SportsInteraction (SBR rating B-) canceled a player's wager on the Wimbledon doubles match Mahut/Clement vs Fleming/Skupski. The winning wager, which he staked €110 on, was voided after the completion of the match. SportsInteraction's position is that there was a clear odds error. At the time of the player's wager, 5Dimes (SBR rating A+) had odds of 1.64 (or -156) on the match. The player's ticket was for 1.83 (or -120).

However, the odds on the match opened at approximately -120, which is what the player wagered. The day before the doubles match, Nicolas Mahut played a marathon match with John Isner which ended up being decided 70-68 in the 5th set. Oddsmakers felt Nicolas' physical endurance  after the record-breaking match would be a questionmark that should effect the price of the doubles match, so the market was updated. SportsInteraction failed to react to this odds change.

This is commonly referred to as a 'stale line'. A stale line is a result of a linesmaker failing to update the odds of a particular event, as opposed to a 'bad line' which is a clear and obvious clerical error, such as a reversed pointspread or moneyline. In this case, SportsInteraction cited a bad line rule and voided the winning wager after the match ended. SportsInteraction has canceled bets after the events began before, as was done in this December 06 sportsbook dispute. As the odds the player accepted were in-line with the market at one point, SBR has suggested that SportsInteraction pay all wagers on the stale line. SBR will update this report pending SportsInteraction's decision.  | Read more

Rating Change: SportsInterAction

SportsInterAction upgraded from C+ to B-

Rating Change: SportsInterAction

SportsInterAction upgraded from C- to C+

SportsInteraction cooperates with SBR in confiscation investigations

SportsInteraction (SBR rating C-) addresses a sportsbook dispute from June 2007 .  In that dispute, SIA closed a player's account for excessive winnings, then accidentally reopened the account. The player went on to win an additional $15,000. SIA canceled the player's winnings which prompted a rating downgrade to D+.

SportsBookReview and SportsInteraction have discussed this dispute over the past two years via hundreds of emails, multiple teleconferences, both with SIA management and with the player. SIA established that the account was being controlled by a third party; a third party whose account was also closed for excessive winnings. The person owning the account in this dispute resided in England, and made deposits and withdrawals from that location. All bets were placed from Canda, despite the account owner spending a majority of time in England while the bets were placed. SIA has proven the account was accessed from an IP address shared by the third party. SIA was able to demonstrate irrefutable connections between the two players. SIA has requested that SBR not disclose its investigative methods to prevent compromising future fraud cases. Once SIA proved that the account was fraudulent, SBR agreed with the decision to confiscate winnings.

SBR's Justin worked the case.

Justin: "SportsInteraction has made great strides in its management, customer service and fraud prevention over the last three years including the implementation of several changes to its rules and procedures recommended by SBR to avoid disputes. This long-outstanding dispute represented the single worst issue I have ever tried to tackle with this sportsbook. Its resolution is a high-point in the massive amount of manpower spent. While the confiscation of winnings on fair bets is never, it was understandable in this situation.”

Case #2.

SIA reverses $1700 winnings confiscation. On October 21st, a player wrote SBR stating that his account was closed and winnings confiscated. SIA demonstrated that in one instance, two accounts made the same wager from the same IP address. The second account was opened at the friend's house, and had no other IP addresses associated with it. SIA noted that while the players were in violation of SIA's terms and conditions by operating two accounts from the same IP, they decided to give the player's the benefit of the doubt in the action not being maliciously taken to circumvent house rules.

Case #3

SIA confiscates €639 citing identity fraud. On August 10th, a player wrote SBR indicating account closure and funds confiscation. SIA proved that the passport submitted was forged. The player did not dispute the finding. SBR agreed with SportsInteraction's decision to confiscate winnings.

Case #4

SIA confiscates $9000 from player, citing multiple accounts and chargebacks. On November 5th, a player wrote SBR stating that his account was closed and winnings confiscated. Both player and sportsbook agreed on the facts: the account was opened on March 3rd 2009, deposited $750 via ACH; and the account's balance was lost in bets. The player's deposits bounced, resulting in a negative sportsbook balance. In November of 2009, the player proceeded to open an additional account with SIA using his middle name as a last name, and using a different street address. The player won several parlays and increased his balance to roughly $10,000. SBR agreed with SIA's decision to confiscate winnings. SIA's terms and conditions disallow a person from opening multiple accounts. In this instance, the player circumvented the negative figure on his account from his first chargeback, and was a high risk to chargeback a second time should his parlays have lost.

Case #5

SIA reverses $5784 winnings confiscation. On October 27th, a player wrote SBR indicating his account was closed with his funds confiscated. SIA originally stated that the player's documents were forged and suspected that the account was being controlled by a previously restricted player.  The player produced a barrage of identification documents and cleared his account.

Case #6

SIA confiscates $1167 citing identity fraud. On June 25th, a player wrote SBR stating his account was closed and winnings removed. SIA documented that the person making the deposit was a former player that had outstanding chargebacks with another account. The bank card used to make the deposit was not authorized for use by the account holder. The player submitted a forged bank card image to circumvent this. SBR agreed with SIA's decision to confiscate winnings.

report written by Justin of SportsBookReview team.

Rating Change: SportsInterAction

SportsInterAction upgraded from D+ to C-

SportsInteracton Sportsbook (SBR rating D+) revisiting past complaints

SportsInteracton (SBR rating D+) revisiting past complaints
SportsInteraction, also referred to as SIA, has agreed to reassess its position on three cases SBR previously addressed with management almost two years ago. The most recent complaint involves a case of winnings confiscation, reported in July of 2007. SportsInteraction has since allowed SBR to assist with its terms of service and rules in an effort to avoid similar disputes in the future. SIA players have submitted positive feedback over the last year and have argued that the SBR rating of D+ is too low. SBR will reevaluate SportsInteraction after these disputes are addressed once again. Players with a complaint or feedback are invited to contact SBR.

SportsInteraction downgraded from C- to D+

Rating Change: SportsInterAction

SportsInterAction lowered from C- to D+

SportsInteraction (SIA Sportsbook) takes shot at winning sports bettor?

SportsInteraction confiscates funds; claims it meant to close the account before player won

SportsInteraction (SBR rating C-) confiscates over $5,000 in player winnings. The sportsbook states that the account was the 2nd from the same household and the first account had already been removed from the book due to sharp play. SBR Justin investigated the player’s dispute and found that the sportsbook did not list any rules prohibiting multiple users from the same household. SportsInteraction has taken steps to avoid similar disputes in the future by adding the following rule:
Only one Sports Interaction account per household or computer environment is permitted. A ’computer environment’ is one where multiple computers are located in one building. If fraudulent accounts are found in one household or computer environment, the other accounts in that household or computer environment will be held liable for any returned funds and the account balances will reflect this.

Due to the fact that this rule did not exist prior to winnings confiscation and that family members have played at SIA in the past, SBR has argued that winnings should be honored. Current SIA players should take note of the book’s newly defined stance on more than one user per residence.
Read more on this player’s dispute here and a 2nd SIA "alias account" dispute here.

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.

SBRforum Posters assist SportsInteraction (SBR rating C-) in resolving wagering dispute. Players who had a wager on Sparta Prague in the UEFA CUP on 11/30 canceled should see a credit in their account today. SBR acknowledges SIA’s communication with players and efforts to make the right decision.

Kahnawake Gaming Commission no longer permitting licensees to take phone wagers.

The KGC’s amendments primarily effect BetUS (SBR rating D) which opened its Canadian office to serve as an inbound call center that would take wagers. The sportsbook may close this office after letting over 100 staff members go. SportsInteraction (SBR rating C-) says that the Commission will soon amend the Regulation Agreement again, to simply prohibit wagering by phone. Sports Interaction plans to offer positions to former BetUS clerks.

Kahnawake’s new Internet-only "Interactive Gaming Regulations"
(a) no licence holder or authorized client provider, including their respective members, shareholders, directors, officers, employees (contractual or otherwise) and agents are permitted to conduct the following activities by way of voice communication with a player, through any device or means:
i. receiving or accepting a bet or wager;
ii. receiving or accepting instructions of any kind in relation to funds held in, or to be deposited to, the player’s account;
iii. providing odds, lines or any other information related to a sporting or other event

SBR mailbag

SportsInteraction (SBR rating C-): Player reports submitting banking details three times in the month of October. He received an email October 31st stating: Thank you for contacting Sports Interaction. After reviewing your account I see that your bank details have just been updated today! You withdrawal should be reaching you soon. We are truly sorry for your frustration and thank you for your patience.
The player has yet to be paid.

Expekt (SBR rating C): Two players complain that the sportsbook changes the wagered amount as they see fit. No information was sent to the player about the altered bets.

Player: I placed a bet with Expekt, the bet was for £55. I placed the bet and then went to ’pending bets’. It said the bet had been accepted for £55. I then logged into my expekt account the next day and saw that they had rejected £32 of the bet stake. They had done with only about 25 minutes left before the actually bet started.

BetMania (SBR rating B-): Users complain about a one week wait for Neteller payments and a lack of listed rules.

Player: I was wondering if you can look into Betmania for me. I have a $13,000 balance there and have completed my rollover. They are telling me that they can’t process my payouts via Neteller and they are suggesting eCheck. They said a Neteller payout might not be processed until next week. But I want the payout via Neteller and will wait if I have to. Also, how come they don’t disclose any daily payout limits on their website? And they wait until you request a payout to tell you there’s a daily limit?

A Second player complains that over $2,000 in winnings were deleted due to being the result of duplicate parlays. BetMania.com does not list rules prohibiting duplicate parlays and it is allowed by the book’s software.

SportsInteraction (SBR rating C-) responds to reports on Swiftpay processing issue
Management: Sports interaction would like to advise you and your readers that the issues with Swiftpay have been cleared up and all affected customers have had their payouts processed through normal ACH processing and not as wire transfers as erroneously stated in the article. As well, the Swiftpay issues affected only a handful of transactions and had no impact on the tens of thousands of other customers who use the other withdrawal methods that Sports Interaction offers to its customers.

SIA users who have not had their Swiftpay payment sent through other means should write to SBR with withdrawal and account information.

SportsInteraction (SBR rating C-) blaming slow-pay issues on problems with its Swiftpay transfer service. Clients have been informed that withdrawals sent through Swiftpay have been reprocessed as standard bank wires. Affected players can expect to wait an additional week for their funds. Players are advised to avoid SIA while the book attempts to become current with all players.

SportsInteraction (SBR rating C-) players request funds; sportsbook stalls for time.

SIA admits to being one week behind with some larger payouts. The book has dealt with the issue by asking players to verify ID and to fax in the same documents multiple times. SBR has received nine payout complaints from players waiting for larger sums. When these clients have asked for the status of their payouts, accounting informs them that the documents are either not on file, not yet verified, or they must resend. 

"They first claimed they never got my fax...then I faxed it to them and they said they got it, and still they won’t do anything. I have sent it twice, they have verified that they received it, and still they do nothing". - N. A.

"The last correspondance received from SIA was October 5th.  They claim to be making a short review of my account.  A week seems a little more than short". - B. N.

"They suddenly asked for my SSN for so called ’’identity verification’’ purpose.  After complaining with them, they are willing to accept photo ID, utility bill, etc as an alternative. That’s fine, and I sent them all the required documents on Oct 3rd. And confirmed with their live chat rep that documents have been received and forwarded to their accounts department for review. But after a whole week, I still have not heard of anything back from their accounts department. I talked with their live chat rep a couple of times, and heard some different kinds of excuse , documents not received, huge backlog, documents goes to supervisor first then to accounts department". - B.Z.

Payouts confirmed from slow-paying sportsbooks

SBR has verified that three players have received a delayed Neteller or wire transfer from SportsInteraction (SBR rating C-) this morning. Management tells SBR that the remaining delinquent Neteller payouts will reach clients no later than tomorrow. The book continues to blame system processing errors for delays. Players who have not already received verification that payment will be processed today should contact SBR or SIA. Players should also check to verify that all deposits have reached the sportsbook and are for the correct amounts. SBR has received over 20 SIA payout complaints with the last week.

09:07 AM CST Update: Three more players report receiving Neteller withdrawals.

GoldingGods (SBR rating D-) player confirms receipt of £1,000 after six month wait and £848 after waiting three months. The player states that the payout was sent after he threatened to chargeback his credit card deposits. Bettors should continue to steer clear of this problem golf sportsbook.

SBR Bill Dozer reports:

SportsInteraction receives further downgrade to C-. SBR has received a new batch of SIA slow-pay complaints. Three players report that they are waiting over 10 days for their withdrawal. Three others report payout delays now exceeding four days. Customer service is sending a standard email to those inquiring about the status of their payout:

"Dear Customer,
Thank you for contacting Sports Interaction!
We have received your inquiry and are assigning it to a representative."

SBR advises players to avoid SIA until it has addressed internal system errors that are having an adverse affect on all aspects of the operation.

Rating Change: SportsInterAction

SportsInterAction <A class=ab href="http://www.sportsbookreview.com/sbr/SportsInteraction">SportsInteraction</A> downgraded from C+ to C

SBR receives multiple SportsInteraction (SBR rating C+) complaints

Players report missing withdrawal requests and week long payout delays. Management tells SBR that there were system errors causing the book to loose both deposit and withdrawal information during the last week, but says these issues have been resolved. Sports Interaction management also admits that the book is at least four days behind on email responses saying, "We just don’t have the man power to keep up right now". SIA will not turn on the site’s LiveChat feature until the backlogged emails are answered.

SportsInteraction (SBR rating C+)

customer service will go off-line tomorrow at 5:00am CST for scheduled maintenance. Phone lines and LiveChat will be out of service and emails will not be returned until Saturday. SIA tells SBR they will be operating normally Saturday morning.

SportsInteraction

(SBR rating C+) player waits 20 days for Neteller withdrawal. SIA blames the company’s security system for the hold. Management tells SBR the procedure has been modified to prevent future delays and they will be issuing a written apology to the bettor. SIA has also stated that players will no longer be required to provide a social security number.

SBR mailbag: SportsInteraction (SBR rating C+) clients complain of payout delays.

Three players complained this week of payout delays caused by account audits and internal errors. SIA uses a third party service for fraud control which has told players they must provide their social security number before the book can process a withdrawal. SportsInteraction management tells SBR they intend to change their procedure to avoid inconveniencing established players. SBR has advised SIA to eliminate the social security number requirement or inform players that this will be requested in the book’s Terms Of Service.

Player: "I have had an account with sportsinteraction.com for over a year now, but have never made a withdrawl.  I recently attempted to make a withdrawl and it said my neteller account was in use by another account.  After almost a month of phone calls we figured out it was because I played at SIAcasino as well, and the problem was fixed in my account.  Last thursday I made a withdrawl for $2000 and it went through fine on the site, and the amount was deducted from my balence.

A week later the money still has not been sent to my neteller account.  And they are sending emails asking for my social security number and other details about my family I refuse to give to an offshore sportsbook.  Please keep in mind this is the same neteller account I used to deposit.  This is ridiclious, and no one should have to deal with a month long ordeal to get a payout.  Please help!!!!!!"

SportsInteraction (SBR rating C+) loses key member of management.

Customer Service Manager, Perry, is attributed with much of the sportsbook’s steady improvements moving from a D- in 2004, to its current rating of C+. Although SIA’s accounting system remains a work in progress, Perry has helped SIA repair its reputation and open communication between players and management. SBR will continue to work with SportsInteraction management and its players. SIA bettors are encouraged to send feedback to SBR or to share their experiences in our forum.

Rating Change: SportsInterAction

SportsInterAction upgraded from C to C+

Merger and Aquistion activety at all time high.

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.  

Rating Change: SportsInterAction

SportsInterAction upgraded from C- to C

SBR Bill Dozer reports:

SportsInteraction reaches its highest all-time SBR rating: C. SIA management has worked closely with SBR in recent months in an effort to tighten procedure and avoid disputes by implementing additional rules. Players report having direct access to management and experiencing an improvement in customer service. While it is clear that SIA has made positive adjustments, players should remember that SIA is known for its poor customer service and admits that they still have much to improve upon. SBR encourages players to send feedback to BillDozer@SportsbookReview.com.

Rating Change: SportsInterAction

SportsInterAction upgraded from D+ to C-

SBR Bill Dozer reports:

Player receives $31,775 withdrawal from SportsInteraction (SBR rating D+) after a one month delay. SIA blames the problem on a processing error converting USD to Canadian currency.

SBR Bill Dozer reports:

SportsInteration (SBR rating D+) punishing player for winning too much? SBR has received four SIA payout complaints in the month of June. This latest complaint comes from a player who has been unable to enjoy his gambling winnings. SIA has yet to respond to our inquiries about this issue.

"Hi, I was recently booted from sportsinteraction.com because they claimed that I had more or less won too much.  That’s fine. They cancelled my account over a week ago and said the rest of the money would be sent to my Neteller account.  After two days I emailed Owen from SIA back asking for a status and he told me "it’s been sent to processing".  A week later I still have not received the $6,007 SIA still owes me."
Update 6/28/2005 4:59 PM: Player paid in full

SBR Bill Dozer reports:

SportsInteraction (SBR rating D+) slow-paying player 19 days. SIA initially told SBR that there was an error in the payout process and that the funds would be resent immediately. 10 days later, the player is still waiting for his bank wire.

SBR Bill Dozer reports:

The two players who filed slow-pay complaints (reported on 6/1/2005) against SportsInteraction (SBR rating D+) have been paid in full. SIA management has not been able to identify a reason for these month-long payout delays.

Acquisition minded VIP Sports(SBR rating A+) to raise millions of dollars in an Initial Public Offering(IPO) on June 28th.

VIP looks to swell its considerable acquisition war chest. Take-over candidates that VIP has been rumored to be considering include; BetWWTS(SBR rating A+), Intertops(SBR rating C+), SportsInteraction(SBR rating D+) and Bowmans(SBR rating A-).

SBR Bill Dozer reports: Players frustrated with SportsInteraction (SBR rating D+) slow-pays.

One player complains that he was asked to send the same identity verification documents three times. On 5/5/05 SIA had confirmed by email that all required documentation had been provided and that his bank wire would reach him in two days. Management tells SBR that they are currently investigating why the player has not yet received his $2,930 withdrawal. A second player reports experiencing similar problems attempting to redeem $2800 via Neteller. SBR will update each of these situations when both individuals receive payment in full.

SBR Bill Dozer reports:

Players continue to complain of slow-pays from SportsInteraction (SBR rating D+).

"It has been 10 days since I requested a cashout and I still have not received it yet.  It’s just way beyond their own withdrawal policy which is 4 days plus 1 business day for neteller withdrawals. First they told me their account department may experience high volume. When they come back to the office on Monday, I should receive my cashout on Tuesday at the latest. But that’s not the case. My two emails yesterday went unanswered.  From some other forums, it looks like they have a track record of making excuse to not pay on time. Hopefully I can receive my cashout soon. Thanks a lot. My account number
there is xxxxxxxxxxx.    Have a great weekend. Best, XXXX"

SBR Mailbag: SportsInteraction (SBR rating D+) back in slow pay mode with several players.

SBR recommends for slow paid players to continue to email and call them.  This is a notoriously poorly run operation. Although some players have been waiting over two weeks for payouts we do not believe SportsInteraction is in financial trouble.

Sportsbook complaints sent into SBR hit 12 month high. Sample of todays complaints:

BetPlatnium (SBR rating D-) "I have been waiting 6 weeks to be paid. I believe your rating of D- is too high"

BetWWTS (SBR rating A+) "I transfereed money from the sportsbook to the casino. After the transfer the money was in neither account. They did take care of it but it was a hassle."

BetOnGames (SBR rating A-) "Have you noticed the web site is down more since VIP bought them? BetOnGames is (or was) the best book out there but not if they can’t keep it up on the internet."

Pinnacle (SBR Rating A+) "They have a $500 minimum for a free payout. My account was at $480 so I deposited $20 to make $500 to get the free payout. They still charged me $15. Grrr!"

SportsInteraction (SBR rating D+) "I made a withdraw request on Jan 28th. I deposited using Neteller and requested a Neteller withdraw. They asked me for my drivers license and credit card statement (even though I used Neteller). I sent them in and so far nothing. Can mr. Dozer help me? I did not realize their rating was so low. I know why now."

SBR Bill Dozer reports:

Sportsinteraction (SBR rating D+) pays player who was slow-paid for three weeks (reported on 12/30/04). SIA blames the delay on an accounting oversight. SBR has recently upgraded SIA from D to D+ after new members of management showed a commitment to addressing player disputes. Some player frustrations are likely due to the fact that management resides in Ireland while the customer service center is located in Canada. Players are often frustrated communicating with clerks who give contradicting and wrong information. Players would notice an improved level of service if clerks interacted seamlessly with management. SIA states that they will soon be improving the way departments communicate.

SBR Bill Dozer reports:

Player reports two week slow-pay from SportsInteraction (SBR rating D+) as well as a horrible customer service experience. SBR has contacted management today, who stated that a Neteller transaction is now being processed.
"I made a withdrawal on Tuesday Dec. 14th and Thursday Dec. 16th, to my Neteller and haven’t received anything. I have been given every excuse in the book, from "It takes 4 day waiting period before we process withdrawals" - They told me this one 6 business days after my initial request. They also told me "Due to holidays, there are delays in accounting", and the last excuse they gave me was "Your account has been sent to the fraud department for review". Then a couple hours later on Thursday December 23rd, I was told they have been approved but will take another 24-48 hours to process then another 4 days to hit my Neteller. This has been the worst experience ever with a sportsbook and my last time with this book."

SBR Bill Dozer reports:

SportsInteraction (SBR rating D+) reconsiders decision to void UEFA wager, offering the player partial winnings. The player has accepted this settlement and withdraws his complaint to SBR. SportsInteraction believes this is a fair resolution and has agreed that it was wrong to wait until after the event to void the wager.

SBR Bill Dozer reports:

SportsInteraction (SBR rating D+) cheats player of winning wager. SIA has voided a wager on the UEFA cup match between Panionios and Dynamo Tblisi, citing that the match was fixed. SIA admits to suspecting that the match was tainted well before the start of the event yet they did not cancel this player’s wager until the game had concluded. SIA claims that they waited to void the wager in order to verify that the match was indeed fixed.  These actions are unacceptable as the player risked his funds without the possibility of winning. If this wager had lost, and the event appeared unscripted, the player would have lost his funds.

Rating Change: SportsInterAction

SportsInterAction raised from D to D+

Dispute Updates:

SportsInteraction (SBR rating D) refutes the notion that they wronged any poker players. SIA has submitted to SBR what they deem to be proof of collusion between two players. SIA has agreed to work with SBR to come to a final resolution. SBR is examining the player's account history.
Changeabet (SBR rating F+) has yet to process a $40,000 bank wire withdrawal that was promised to have been sent out by last Friday. This bank wire was offered after Changeabet missed multiple Western Union payments dating back over two weeks.
BetonUSA (SBR rating D-) has yet to explain why they have voided a player's poker winnings, reinstated the winnings and then again confiscated the player's balance. BetonUSA has failed to provide any consistent information to the player or to SBR. SBR believes that this issue is being passed around between clerks while management avoids dealing with this account.

SBR mailbag:

Readers submit positive feedback on AllSportsCasino (SBR rating C) and PointBet (SBR rating D+). Both customer service departments received high praise.
Players voice displeasure with the customer service from AllPro (SBR rating D+), SportsInteraction (SBR rating D) and BetonUSA (SBR rating D-). SBR received individual complaints from poker players with both BetonUSA and SIA who claim that the book is voiding winnings obtained at the poker tables. SBR to inquire on behalf of these players.

SBR mailbag recent complaints:

Player reports 2 month no-pay from BetUs (SBR rating F+). Ewinner (SBR rating D-) source of multiple slow-pay complaints. SportsInteraction (SBR rating D) receives multiple complaints regarding slow-pay and customer service. Three Sportsbook.com (SBR rating C-) customers report they are still waiting nearly 2 months for bank wires. Another Internet1x2 (SBR rating F-) victim reports 9 month no-pay. Betsrus (not rated) cold calling players offering 75% bonuses. Players should be cautious of unknown books calling-for-cash.

SBR Bill Dozer reports:

SBR receives multiple complaints regarding SportsInteraction (SBR rating D) Complaints include a 2 month slow-pay, unjust bonus confiscation and canceled wagers.

SBR mail bag:

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

Acquisition talk: Canbet

(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

SportsInteraction

(SBR rating F+) Another  "odds rigging" complaint explained on home page of  G911

Complaints from players:

BetRoyal (D+), TCBets (B-), Sportfanatic (D+), SportsInteraction (F+)

SportsInteraction

(SBR rating F+) Two new fresh scam complaints received today - SIA appears content with their spiral down to scam-book status

SportsInteraction

(SBR rating F+) payouts by Neteller reported to be smooth (2 day wait)

SportsInteraction

(SBR rating F+) Player reads of payout problems on SBR - decides to cashout and finds out first hand what a nightmare that can be

SportsInteraction - SBR downgrades from D- to F, changes listing from Black List to RUN! List

SportsInteraction burns (literally) another player

SportsInteraction (D-) never many Neteller complaints until recently - SBR has seen this delay tactic used by other low rated books like Sportfanatic - This is a new complaint to add to the SIA repertoire

SBR

receiving substantial mail on SportsInteraction both good and bad - SBR to post selected letters

SportsInteraction (SBR rating D-) Gets a rare positive player comment Sportsbettingtrivia (SBR rating F) Player generally happy with book thinks SBR's cut was too hars

GI Gaming (F) - Stiffs player for being "sharp" -SportsInteraction(D-)  The complaints keep rolling in

SportsInteraction (F+)

This operation continues to self-destruct and could be close to collapse

SportsInteraction (D-)

Very slow pays like this one being reported - Players should avoid this book

SportsInteraction - Hit again with another odds rigging case - SBR rating lowered to D-

Rating Change: SportsInterAction

SportsInterAction - SBR rating lowered from D+ to D-

Rating Change: SportsInterAction

SportsInterAction - SBR rating raised as fears ease - SBR rating raised from D- to D+

SportsInteraction

- Long time Black List member accused of odds rigging - Most likely just more incompetence by one of the poorest run of any major sportsbooks

Rating Change: SportsInterAction

SportsInterAction This week's serious player complaints: Little NASA (on RUN! List), SportsInteraction (on Black List), SportsbookUSA, Sportsbook.com(Black List), LionBets(on RUN! List)

Rating Change: LionBet

LionBet This week's serious player complaints: Little NASA (on RUN! List), SportsInteraction (on Black List), SportsbookUSA, Sportsbook.com(Black List), LionBets(on RUN! List)

Rating Change: Rio

Rio This week's serious player complaints: Little NASA (on RUN! List), SportsInteraction (on Black List), SportsbookUSA, Sportsbook.com(Black List), LionBets(on RUN! List)

Rating Change: Sportsbook.com

Sportsbook.com This week's serious player complaints: Little NASA (on RUN! List), SportsInteraction (on Black List), SportsbookUSA, Sportsbook.com(Black List), LionBets(on RUN! List)

Rating Change: SportsbookUSA

SportsbookUSA This week's serious player complaints: Little NASA (on RUN! List), SportsInteraction (on Black List), SportsbookUSA, Sportsbook.com(Black List), LionBets(on RUN! List)

Rating Change: LionBets

LionBets This week's serious player complaints: Little NASA (on RUN! List), SportsInteraction (on Black List), SportsbookUSA, Sportsbook.com(Black List), LionBets(on RUN! List)

Rating Change: SportsInterAction

SportsInterAction top book for customer complaints - on the SBR Black List since 5/29/02 - Avoid

Rating Change: SportsInterAction

SportsInterAction - Downgraded to the Black List- Multiple complaints of dishonesty - Long established reputation for poor customer service/ booting & slow paying casual winners