Sportbet grades prop incorrectly, refuses to fix it

[nova85]

For last night's MIN/GB game, I bet a prop on Sportbet "first turnover will be an interception" (the other option was "first turnover will be a fumble.") They graded it as a push. I asked why it was a push when the first turnover was an interception, and they told me that the bet was a push because the first turnover was a blocked field goal. I told them that blocked field goals aren't considered turnovers, and they said that nfl.com is their source for grading. So, I directed them to this link:

NFL.com - NFL Stats

which very clearly indicates that only fumbles and interceptions are considered turnovers.

They still refused to change the grading, and when I told the chat employee to show the prop manager the above link, I was told "Sir, he is telling that the link states that it's a turnover if the other team recovers the ball by any actioon of the other team."

I wasted almost an hour of my time on the live chat feature trying to get them to change the grading, but to no avail. I've already sent an email to assistance@sportsbookreview.com and figured I should mention it on the forum as well.

I've read on a few message boards that Sportbet has been going downhill since their manager Jake left a few months ago, and that definitely seems to be the case. Making the mistake originally is no big deal, but after I gave them that link from nfl.com, to still insist that a blocked field goal is a turnover is utter incompetence.

[SBR_John]

Wow, not good on the surface. we will see what we can find out on this.

A blocked field goal especially one on 4th down just can't be considered a turnover unless the prop includes it as part of the prop.

[bigboydan]

First off, let me welcome you to the SBR forum nova85

It does indeed sound like you have a legit complaint here. Hopefully we can get this problem rectified for you sir.

[nova85]

Thanks. There was nothing in the wording of the prop that said anything about blocked field goals or turnovers on downs, etc..

In my email to assistance@sportsbookreview.com I included the chat transcript, which should be good for a laugh. First they insisted espn.com considers blocked field goals a turnover, so I showed them that espn.com listed GB as having made 3 turnovers (2 INTs and a fumble). Then they said Don Best was their official source for grading, so I asked where on Don Best I could find that information. Then they said nfl.com was the official source, so I showed them the link I posted above. At that point the guy said "We're not going to change it, please don't insist we do. We could sit here and chat all night but nothing's going to change."

[ronald]

I was actually recently thinking of posting up with Sportbet for the first time. If this does not get resolved in the bettor's favor, I certainly will not post up.

[LLXC]

With the USA scare, I've been just sticking with the few books I trust. Granted the other ones have better bonuses, but I like my money safe.

[Chuck Sims]

Gross incompetence to grade a missed FG(blocked) as a turnover. Does Sportbet also grade punts as turnovers?

[RickySteve]

This was actually the 1st turnover in the game:

4-3-MIN31 (13:02) C.Kluwe punts 33 yards to GB 36, Center-C.Loeffler, downed by MIN-C.Gordon.

[RickySteve]

Sportbet is trying to use semantics to weasel out of a liability. Technically, any change of possession not resulting from points scored is a turnover. However, common usage of the term implies only fumbles and interceptions. That was the intent of the wager. It was obviously meant to be "Which will occur first: fumble or interception?"

I've had several disputes with Sportbet over petty crap like this. They've always resolved it to my satisfaction, but that was with Jake at the helm. Let's see how highly the new management values their reputation.

[SportBet Customer Service]

Prop Wager!!!

Hey guys, we just wanted to jump in on this thread... it was brought to our attention that we were not treating a client correctly and definitely wanted to make amends. As you all know, we are very proud of the Customer Service we provide. After reviewing the grading on the prop in question, we agree with all you guys at this forum and wanted to extend our apologies to Nova and all of our customers that were affected by this human mistake. Nova, we regraded your wager as a Winner (you can check your account) and we also, for the aggravation and it being the holiday season, decided to double your winnings! We wanted to take a moment to wish everyone over here Happy Holidays!!!

SportBet Staff

[David]

[MrX]

Double winnings...

Good resolution! Almost makes me want to have a dispute someday.

[GamblingPrincessXOXO]

I'm thinking nova was the only guy who made this bet and it wasnt a big dea,l loss wise, for Sportbet to reverse thier decision.

Nonetheless, Well done SportBet. goode resolution.

[RickySteve]

Sportbet Business Model
-----------------------

1) Take shot at player. Hope he doesn't notice.

2) Stonewall. Deny accountability. Shift blame to player.

3) If dispute becomes public, repent and spin. Save face. Give appearance of being customer-friendly.

4) Repeat.

[Justin7]

Sportbet Business Model
-----------------------

1) Take shot at player. Hope he doesn't notice.

2) Stonewall. Deny accountability. Shift blame to player.

3) If dispute becomes public, repent and spin. Save face. Give appearance of being customer-friendly.

4) Repeat.

RickySteve,

Props are dangerous and complicated. There are traps everywhere. The people who grade these things are about 2 steps down from a linemaker, even at a solid book.

I'd be inclined to give Sportbet the benefit of the doubt in this case... I have seen dozens of props misgraded (even ones I bet myself). The total difference to Sportbet is probably less than $500 - certainly not worth the hassle to "take a shot" over.

[SBR_John]

Come on guys, these books are run by humans and many of them have English as a second language. Sportbet stepped up and corected it. Good for them and good for the player. Hopefully the book improves the system whereby the player runs out of options to get a mistake graded properly.

Book employees are going to make mistakes but when a player appeals to management he should get more consideration than this player was given.

[bigboydan]

Sportbet Business Model
-----------------------

1) Take shot at player. Hope he doesn't notice.

2) Stonewall. Deny accountability. Shift blame to player.

3) If dispute becomes public, repent and spin. Save face. Give appearance of being customer-friendly.

4) Repeat.

Ricky, A lot of books seems to make these mistakes. So, I can't just say it's a business model. However, it sure does seem odd don't it.

[pags11]

sportsbook.com looks for ways to try and screw people...a blocked fg a turnover?...geez...

[JoshW]

Well done Sportbet. Glad to see this was resolved.

[Stumpage]

I figured Sportbet would right this wrong. I've had some props improperly graded in the past, and they were quick to regrade after I pointed them out. Also recieved a freeplay after one instance.