Long-Time Bettor trying to find Best online sportsbook

[AZGoldenBoy]

Hey guys, I'm an incredibly avid sports bettor. For the past 3 years I've been placing all my action through a local bookie.. Unfortunately, I'm moving back home and do not know many people there anymore.

Although I never felt very fond of online sports gambling, the idea of it is growing on me more and more. I have noticed that each different site has their own promotions and whatnot for initial deposits and reloads.

Here's my question, or in particular, what I am seeking advice about: What online sports book has the highest initial deposit bonus (aka: they match 50% of whatever your initial deposit is)? Furthermore, which of these sites is the most reliable and fast when it comes to paying out?

I have used BoDog and Sportsbook.com before, but neither of these sites were that great in my opinion, and BoDog took nearly 4 weeks to pay me out when I cashed out. I'm looking for an online sportsbook to do all of my betting on (Mainly NFL and occasionaly NCAA when I have a strong lean) which can offer me a very good initial deposit match bonus and also have a relatively reputable reputation when it comes to speedy (as speedy as these things can be) .

Could anyone familiar with certain sites that match that criterea please just tell me A - the name of the book, B - the URL, and C - the Initial Deposit Match bonus they use if you are familiar with it.

I want to put about 400 in so the more the better with the suggestions. I appreciate in advance you guys' help, and hopefully everyone has a great week 5 of NFL betting ... Go Niners!

-AZ Golden Boy

 

[Incubus]

The Greek

http://www.thegreek.com/

Rock solid reputation.

Here is a full review on The Greek. You're welcome! (<)<

http://www.sportsbookreview.com/reviews/TheGreek+Sportsbook/

 

[AZGoldenBoy]

Thanks for the quick reply. Much of my searching thus far has led me toward choosing thegreek, the only thing that isn't is the fact that I've seen some sites offer up to a 100% match bonus, so a 21% match doesn't seem as impressive.

Now, take into consideration that I'm semi-new to online sportsbooks, I generally only use one (BoDog) to get lines since that's the one my bookie used.

Am I right to assume that many of those sites I have seen with the 50-100% deposit bonuses give those bonuses to make up for lacking in other areas regarding quality? In other words, do the crappier sportsbooks give out higher match bonuses in order to attract customers? I guess you could say I'm trying to find that "perfect book", and truth be told I prefer to do it through a local bookie--thats just not an option at this point (unless anyone on here lives in the Sacramento area and wants to take some action lol)

Thanks for the help and advice fellas!

 

[Incubus]

Sites that offer 100% "match" bonus sound shady/sketchy as hell to me.

What are the names of those books if I may ask? :think2:

 

[terps1313]

Bet Phoenix has great bonuses and is a well respected site

 

[Incubus]

Am I right to assume that many of those sites I have seen with the 50-100% deposit bonuses give those bonuses to make up for lacking in other areas regarding quality? In other words, do the crappier sportsbooks give out higher match bonuses in order to attract customers? I guess you could say I'm trying to find that "perfect book", and truth be told I prefer to do it through a local bookie--thats just not an option at this point (unless anyone on here lives in the Sacramento area and wants to take some action lol)

Thanks for the help and advice fellas!

That's a rhetorical question which you just answered yourself!

YES!

Are you only concerned with which book has the highest "match bonus," or do you want to be paid ON-TIME? Books that often give you 50-100% "match bonus" are notoriously SLOW PAY. The Greek will FedEx you a certified cashier's check in 2 or 3 days. Can you say that about BoDog?

I've been doing business with The Greek for over 15 years, and not 1 single problem. I just don't base my decisions on "match bonuses." That's just me, but everyone is different.

Also, what's the preoccupation with "local" bookies? :think2:

Are you a "credit" player who doesn't want to "post up?" :think2:

 

[AZGoldenBoy]

No, I just like dealing in all cash, and I've just heard some horror stories about people having bad experiences with online sportsbooks (not thegreek, but some random ones)

And I saw a BetPhoenix thing where I think they were offering a 100% match bonus up to 250, but like I said I'm kind of new to the whole online sportsbook thing so I don't want to jump in to this without a little research.

The Greek is looking as what I'm leaning toward. And no, I'm not a credit player, I have more cash than I know what to do with at this point in my life as I'm a single 25 year old with no kids, no wife, and a six figure job. I am preoccupied with local bookies because that's what I've been using the entire time I've been bettting.

 

[Incubus]

OK, but offshore is the way to go IMO. No hassles whatsoever.

Finding a "reputable" bookie who is "local" in your new venue may be difficult to find. Just saying.

Main advantage is a place like The Greek is SOLVENT, while a "local" can go "belly up" unless they're funded/backed properly.

Best of luck in whatever you decide! :toast:

 

[STACKSONDECK]

No, I just like dealing in all cash, and I've just heard some horror stories about people having bad experiences with online sportsbooks (not thegreek, but some random ones)

And I saw a BetPhoenix thing where I think they were offering a 100% match bonus up to 250, but like I said I'm kind of new to the whole online sportsbook thing so I don't want to jump in to this without a little research.

The Greek is looking as what I'm leaning toward. And no, I'm not a credit player, I have more cash than I know what to do with at this point in my life as I'm a single 25 year old with no kids, no wife, and a six figure job. I am preoccupied with local bookies because that's what I've been using the entire time I've been bettting.

betjamaica is good if you dont want that i can put you on to a local with a website

 

[Incubus]

betjamaica is good if you dont want that i can put you on to a local with a website

There you go! <><> That's a viable solution for the OP!

In fact, I used to deal with an "agent" locally who repped Diamond Sportsbook International - DSI (http://www.2betdsi.com/) as a credit player. Worked like a charm.

 

[AZGoldenBoy]

I just signed up for TheGreek, and when I went to deposit they said I couldn't because Wells Fargo does not allow offshore sports gaming transactions. How can I get around this?

 

[Incubus]

I just signed up for TheGreek, and when I went to deposit they said I couldn't because Wells Fargo does not allow offshore sports gaming transactions. How can I get around this?

You can't use a "normal" Wells Fargo credit card or debit card.

You have a few options.

1. Go to your local drugstore, supermarket, etc, and get a PREPAID CREDIT/DEBIT CARD.

The one prepaid credit/debit card I know the Greek accepts for a fact is called NetSpend. They should have them in any Vons or Sav-Ons. I'm in California as well, so I know you have those stores there.

Check out the site here.

https://www.netspend.com/

2. You can send them your deposit via Western Union. This will entail you calling the customer service deartment of The Greek and asking for an agent contact name. A 3rd party in a foreign country (e.g., Philippines) will get the money and pass it along to The Greek (located in Jamaica). This is convoluted, but lets them stay 1 step ahead of Johnny Law.

3. Lastly, You can FedEx them a Wells Fargo cashier's check. They'll reimburse you for the fees, no worries.

You can confirm all of this with the customer service department of The Greek.

Hope this helps you! (<)<

 

[AZGoldenBoy]

and you wonder why I prefer local bookies lol

 

[AZGoldenBoy]

It seems like there are too many hoops to jump through... I just want to give someone my damn visa card and put 250$ into a sports betting account and get going already!!!! why do they have to make it so difficult. I should probably just get a flight to vegas.

 

[Incubus]

and you wonder why I prefer local bookies lol

Actually, if you get the NetSpend prepaid credit card, you can reload it at any supermarket. Then, you just call in your deposit. Instant credit to your account.

Cash outs are via FedEx. 2-3 days tops. Just call customer service, give them your account number, amount you want...and in no time a check will arrive.

Anyway, I think I wasted my time typing all of the above information to you. hno:

You should just ditch the Greek and hang out in one of the local sports bars in your locale. You're bound to bump into some "seedy" types that will know of a guy who knows a guy, etc. You can always find "mom and pop" type bookies at those places, no problem.

Or at least contact STACKS ON DECK via PM and take him up on his idea. As I replied to him, I used an agent in the past who was "local" who repped DSI. That way, you'll still get that "local book" feel.
Good luck! :toast:

 

[Incubus]

It seems like there are too many hoops to jump through... I just want to give someone my damn visa card and put 250$ into a sports betting account and get going already!!!! why do they have to make it so difficult. I should probably just get a flight to vegas.

Dude, the USA government put the screws to ALL USA banks. By law, they are prohibited from dealing with gambing establishments like offshore books. Been like that for 5 or so years.

The prepaid cedit/debit card and other choices I outlined are the ONLY way you can do it nowadays. Blame our government.

Also, you say you're only putting in an initial deposit of $250? :think2: That's a single bet to lots of people. You won't get much of a bonus with that. No wonder you were so preoccupied with 100% matching bonus!

 

[BAGIANT]

Skybook will give you a 100% bonus.

 

[Incubus]

Skybook will give you a 100% bonus.

Yah, but he still has to go through "hoops" to make that initial deposit to seed his account.

I know I'm fucking lazy, but that's ridiculous he can't extend himself with any of the simplistic deposit options I've outlined. He'd have to do the same with Skybook as well. US banking regulations. Can't get around them.

For someone who states he's been an avid sports bettor for years and has a "six figure job" at age 25 and single, to seed an account with only $250 sounds like an oxymoron.

 

[TearTrax]

The Greek

http://www.thegreek.com/

Rock solid reputation.

Here is a full review on The Greek. You're welcome! (<)<

http://www.sportsbookreview.com/reviews/TheGreek+Sportsbook/

I've been looking for a new place to place my action as my hometown guy dried up. Doyou have a link I can use to sign up under you?

Thanks,
Tim

 

[AZGoldenBoy]

I said 250 because I wanted to start out with 300 (which it would be including the 20% bonus) and see whether or not I liked TheGreek. If I do I'll make another account under a friends name and put a real deposit in, but I don't feel the need to put a bunch of money into a site I've never used before without ever trying it.

I like to make bets for 100 unless I have a really strong lean, then I'll go up to 500 or 1000, but that has to be a special game (like last week when I won a grand betting on SF -3.5 2nd HALF.. that one was too easy).

Just because I make six figures doesn't mean I plan to gamble it all away on sports, this is just another small hobby of mine that I'm looking to start doing online rather than in person, hence me coming here asking for advice.

I appreciate your advice and I will actually use it. What would be the best brand of prepaid or reloadable card I could get and where could I get it, that sounds like the best option. I want to get a card that I can reload and call in to TheGreek to deposit with.

Thanks in advance for you're time, BOL <><>