Predictions For Off-shores in 2005

[Texny]

Just curious to see everyone's views on what you see for off shore betting in the coming year. Such as what changes either good or bad can we expect.

 

[Kiss1]

Survival of the fittest and much less "Bonus Whore" bookies. I think the industry in general has learned a very good lesson.

The "long time" players like myself just want good customer service and fast payouts.

 

[JudgeWapner]

Kiss,agreed. I think we will see bonuses that are more fiscally responsible. I personally like the match play bonuses, because they are designed for losing players.

 

[Fishhead]

Been hearing about the bonuses coming to an end for years now.........doubt much will change in 2005 compared to 2004 on the bonus front.

Maybe a slight outage of the ridiculous types of bonuses as mentioned by KISS and JUDGE, but for the most part, essentially the same.

 

[Dante]

less bonues and the ROCK solid books will still be pumping along....small, small chance for Some talk of regulation ( ok that is wishful thinking)

 

[WildBill]

I think much of the same. Most of the attention to offshore gambling is going towards casino games and especially to poker. Sports books are thankfully not seeing as many start ups. Next year could see even fewer new options. I think people are coming to their senses and seeing that the first movers and established players have too strong a grip on the market to be beaten with just a novel idea or efforts to improve "customer service". Going forward I suspect most new wrinkles in the game will come as experiments or strategy shifts by existing books. Mansion's efforts have particularly surprised me, I doubted anyone would so blatantly try to enter the tough field with an effort that was certain to draw in fairly sharp bettors. I don't know if we will ever see an effort like that again, but who knows.

 

[Fishhead]

All in all, would say the industry as a whole is better than it was a year ago at this time.

Lets hope we can look back next year and be able to say the samething.

 

[D2bets]

Yes, since the PanAm debacle early in the year, 2004 was a nice year for offshores. Mansion will definitely be the book to watch for the year, hopefully wtih them thriving and continuing as is. Maybe we'll see more books go reduced juice, at least part-time. That would be excellent.

 

[TheGeneral+]

Would love to see all cash bonuses come to an end. Rebates(possibly), loyalty rewards, and reduced vig is all one needs.

 

[lander]

I predict that Offshore books in 05' will lose to me.

 

[billpapa]

I think there will be more books offering exchange like setups. I believe they are the way of the future.

 

[SevenOut]

I agree with the General, would like to see cash bonuses phased out and have more shops offering reduced juice and the like. I for one have never signed up at a book merely because they were offering a cash bonus. However has signed up at a few shops for reduced vig.
Unfortunetly I don't see to much change in the books bonus policies for 2005. Think you will see the same bonus structures as you did in 2004.

 

[jjgold]

I am predicting Greek to go to lower juice

 

[valueman]

What I'd like to see is for 2005 is the appointment of a worldwide organisation (non profit making) to regulate off shore sportsbooks. A world security council as such.

Each sports book would have to put a bond down depending on their customers - say an arbitrary $1000 per registered customer. Uniform standards of practice would have to be adhered to in order to gain a licence from this organisation. Accounts of sportsbooks would have to be audited by accountants appointed by this organisation.

No person with an interest in a sportsbook would be able to be have any influence with the running of the organisation and each sportsbook wouldn have to agree to accept decisions in any form of dispute - like IBAS in the UK but more powerful.

Without the licence the sportsbook would be considered to be a rogue book and bettors would bet there under their own risk.

I'd of course be the president!

 

[D2bets]

I am predicting Greek to go to lower juice

Bold prediction JJ.

I doubt it, but I would love for you to be right.

 

[bigbet1234]

we go through this about every 3-4 months. bonuses are going no where, face it, they attract new clients, and books need them to be competetive. sure lower juice is better, but squares like the extra money in the account, they dont know the value of 5c juice.

so, if a book offers a 10% bonus, capped at $500, and every so often(during NFL perhaps) a 15-20% capped at say $500 with a 5 time roll, THEY WILL BE FINE, PERIOD.

it amazes me how one thinks bonuses crash a book, more time than not it is poor management, and not enough money.

just my 2c

BB