Offshore consolidation -- Bad News For Bettors?

sd2 · Sep 19, 2004

This may be old news to regulars at these boards, but I find it disturbing re the ongoing consolidation of offshore books. Different brand names, same company. Now I see that Rio and Skybook are exactly the same outfit.

Lots of this going on. Fewer true options are not going to be good for the bettor. Has there been an article written about this: like, Who is REALLY Who, Offshore?

Java · Sep 19, 2004

sd2-
This is an excellent question. Too often we read about someone having a bad experience with a book, only to wind up unknowingly at a different store front of the same book (with the same problems).

crazylarry+ · Sep 19, 2004

Can someone please put out a list of all related sportbooks to help the bettors. Why do these books want to hide the fact of being related anyway? I just dont want to make the mistake of having an account with two books that are really the same one with two differnt names.

drunkguy · Sep 19, 2004

consolidation has its ups and downs:

upside: less chance of being stiffed/book going under. As they have more players, their business will be large enough that they will not just want to disappear. Larger capital base means less chance of a bad run wiping them out. Quite honestly, I am surprised that the majority of the current books can stay in business with the small customer bases they have.

downside: potential for fewer wagering options, less line variability. I doubt the barrier for entry for new books would be raised substantially, but maybe. Not much downside IMO.

Personally, I think consolidation at this point is a positive. It may get to a point where to few pricipals control too much of the market, but that will take a long time to happen.

Buzzsaw · Sep 19, 2004

What consolidation? There has been precious little real consolidation.

It would be healthy if there were more, or at least some, particulary at the top of the food chain. There has been a four year drought of any meaningful merger.

WildBill · Sep 19, 2004

Buzz is right, there are far more books doing things like the old Rio, new Skybook is. They are taking one book and building a new book with a new name to promote, the reason being so different demands from different players. Some players want big bonuses, some want lower juice, some want lots of "customer service", etc. Book management tells you it is hard to have all this under one name because it all comes at a cost. Bettors though don't want to see one guy got something more than him so he will demand it.

I think most books are more than willing to tell you who is affiliated with them if you ask. As for "consolidation", it remains rare and often happens only under duress.

Java · Sep 19, 2004

A book can be viable with as few as 300-500 active players. If you pick up credit business (no neteller fees) at 20 players per agent, then a dozen agents gets you off to a good start after you add in your own customers.

If books consolidate, then they should make it clear to the customers. Each site should clearly list the partnered books.

TheGeneral+ · Sep 20, 2004

I think a good thing for bettors. Especially if solid, well funded books would choose to do so. I guess it would take burnout to do so though. I mean if you are atop anyway, why try and ban with another, but if you have made yours, then there is an advantage for the book. Although, as we see day to day, getting a couple people on the same page can be a very difficult task.

newbie666 · Sep 20, 2004

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by crazylarry:
Why do these books want to hide the fact of being related anyway? I just dont want to make the mistake of having an account with two books that are really the same one with two differnt names. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

BECAUSE IF YOU GET PISSED OF ONE BOOK, ""YOU/THEY CLOSE YOUR ACCOUNT""
AND THE NEXT DESK CALL YOU PRETENDING
TO BE A NEW BOOK, SINCE THEY ALREADY KNOW
WHAT KIND OF PLAYER YOU ARE.

it's an old way to recycle players. but it's good,,, wondering why the hell customers don't recognize the voices, style, system process, telemarketing procedures,,, and internet research...