Shrink's list of sports books that have shown a marked improvement now can be viewed by reading his lead story on the home page. Go to www.theprescription.com Also check out Wild Bill's article on bonuses.
How can a sportsbook like Bodog be improved when they haven't increased their limits and kick you out or limit you if you lose? The only thing they have done in my opinion is spend more money on advertising with website's like this and try to get their name out as much as possible. I'd love to hear some honest opinions from people who play there on how this sportsbook has either improved or gotten worse.
I have nothing bad to say about BHB, but I hardly think they deserve the praise lavished on them by Shrink.
Shrink: What percentage of your baseball bets did you make with BHB and their 20 cent lines?
Shrink: Which moneline NFL games did you bet with them this week, oh wait, their money lines aren't up yet.
As I said, I think they are a "quality" book with some reasons to play there and have them in your rotation (and yes, they have been very good to the RX poster community), but the amount of priase appears a bit disporpotionate to where they are now.
I wish I kept the link of what to look for in a sportsbook (also by Shrink) to see how they stack up.
Keep up the good work BHB.
Shrink: What percentage of your baseball bets did you make with BHB and their 20 cent lines?
Shrink: Which moneline NFL games did you bet with them this week, oh wait, their money lines aren't up yet.
As I said, I think they are a "quality" book with some reasons to play there and have them in your rotation (and yes, they have been very good to the RX poster community), but the amount of priase appears a bit disporpotionate to where they are now.
I wish I kept the link of what to look for in a sportsbook (also by Shrink) to see how they stack up.
Keep up the good work BHB.
assassin: here you go
CONSIDER THIS LIST BEFORE SENDING MONEY OFFSHORE 9/5/03 - The Shrink
Although there are certainly other factors gamblers should consider before sending money to an offshore sports book, I believe the list below can be used as a guideline by both the seasoned gambler and the novice.
1) YEARS IN BUSINESS Some sports books will flat out LIE to you on the phone and on the Internet. I would strongly suggest staying away from sports books that claim to have been online before 1995 because there were virtually NONE at that time.
2) PAYMENT OPTIONS There must be viable payment methods that suit YOUR needs and not just theirs. You have every right to inquire about how fast you can access your money when you ask for it and what the cost will be.
3) LOCATION- Similar to real estate, some countries have better track records than others. Antigua, Costa Rica, Panama, Australia, the UK and Curacao are some of the locations that would be on my list to consider.
4) HIGHER BONUSES AND PERKS EQUAL GREATER RISK When will gamblers ever figure this one out? If a sports book is offering more than a 20 percent sign-up bonus, I would stay far, far away! No matter how many times we emphasize this fact, gamblers come crying to us after sending money to an outfit claiming to give the player some ridiculous bonus or perk.
5) AVOID ANY SPORTS BOOK WITH THE WISE GUY/SYNDICATE RULE Simply put, this is a license to steal.
6) READ THEIR RULES AND REGULATIONS CAREFULLY Some unscrupulous operators have ridiculous rules buried somewhere in this section. One of the more dishonest ones is for them to get away without paying you if they believe you to be a wise guy or involved in a syndicate. Folks, if you and a friend are betting together and winning, that can be used against you by a sports book that has this clause. They can claim you two are a syndicate and not pay out. I have seen this happen.
7) ASK TO SPEAK WITH A SUPERVISOR OR MANAGER If you are told this person is in a meeting, chances are you will continue to hear this all season. I would avoid any sports book that says this more than one time.
8) CHECK OUT WHAT OTHER PEOPLE ARE SAYING This may be the most important factor to consider when opening an account. There is a very popular posting forum on the Rx.com Web site where gamblers share their experiences with others. But we aren't the only ones who serve as a watchdog in this industry. I'd also recommend checking out Gambling911.com, Majorwager.com, Covers.com, Madjacks.com, DonBest.com and Sportsbookreview.com. All of these establishments have been around a long time, and they do their best to protect the gambler.
9) HOW DOES YOUR SPORTS BOOK HANDLE DISPUTES? In a perfect world, this wouldn't be a factor. But we don't live in a perfect world. I would demand an answer to this question from any sports book you are considering sending money. We are one source that is willing to arbitrate on behalf of the gambler, but the sports book has to be willing to allow this to happen.
10) WHAT IS THE FINANCIAL STATUS OF YOUR BOOKMAKER? I seriously doubt you will receive an honest answer, but the value in this suggestion is to test them for outrageous lies and claims. If they tell you they have more money than any Fortune 500 company, the chances are very high they are lying. Run away while the going is good.
CONSIDER THIS LIST BEFORE SENDING MONEY OFFSHORE 9/5/03 - The Shrink
Although there are certainly other factors gamblers should consider before sending money to an offshore sports book, I believe the list below can be used as a guideline by both the seasoned gambler and the novice.
1) YEARS IN BUSINESS Some sports books will flat out LIE to you on the phone and on the Internet. I would strongly suggest staying away from sports books that claim to have been online before 1995 because there were virtually NONE at that time.
2) PAYMENT OPTIONS There must be viable payment methods that suit YOUR needs and not just theirs. You have every right to inquire about how fast you can access your money when you ask for it and what the cost will be.
3) LOCATION- Similar to real estate, some countries have better track records than others. Antigua, Costa Rica, Panama, Australia, the UK and Curacao are some of the locations that would be on my list to consider.
4) HIGHER BONUSES AND PERKS EQUAL GREATER RISK When will gamblers ever figure this one out? If a sports book is offering more than a 20 percent sign-up bonus, I would stay far, far away! No matter how many times we emphasize this fact, gamblers come crying to us after sending money to an outfit claiming to give the player some ridiculous bonus or perk.
5) AVOID ANY SPORTS BOOK WITH THE WISE GUY/SYNDICATE RULE Simply put, this is a license to steal.
6) READ THEIR RULES AND REGULATIONS CAREFULLY Some unscrupulous operators have ridiculous rules buried somewhere in this section. One of the more dishonest ones is for them to get away without paying you if they believe you to be a wise guy or involved in a syndicate. Folks, if you and a friend are betting together and winning, that can be used against you by a sports book that has this clause. They can claim you two are a syndicate and not pay out. I have seen this happen.
7) ASK TO SPEAK WITH A SUPERVISOR OR MANAGER If you are told this person is in a meeting, chances are you will continue to hear this all season. I would avoid any sports book that says this more than one time.
8) CHECK OUT WHAT OTHER PEOPLE ARE SAYING This may be the most important factor to consider when opening an account. There is a very popular posting forum on the Rx.com Web site where gamblers share their experiences with others. But we aren't the only ones who serve as a watchdog in this industry. I'd also recommend checking out Gambling911.com, Majorwager.com, Covers.com, Madjacks.com, DonBest.com and Sportsbookreview.com. All of these establishments have been around a long time, and they do their best to protect the gambler.
9) HOW DOES YOUR SPORTS BOOK HANDLE DISPUTES? In a perfect world, this wouldn't be a factor. But we don't live in a perfect world. I would demand an answer to this question from any sports book you are considering sending money. We are one source that is willing to arbitrate on behalf of the gambler, but the sports book has to be willing to allow this to happen.
10) WHAT IS THE FINANCIAL STATUS OF YOUR BOOKMAKER? I seriously doubt you will receive an honest answer, but the value in this suggestion is to test them for outrageous lies and claims. If they tell you they have more money than any Fortune 500 company, the chances are very high they are lying. Run away while the going is good.
One demerit for stirring the pot Jazz.
Java - good point. We do try and highlight our advertisers whenever we can, no sense in denying it. Without them we wouldn't be here. However my position is we can do that and STILL function in a positive way towards the readers. In other words keep people out of shit books who will look for an excuse to keep your money. Is every legit book in the world up top? Of course not. You will be safe in some books who choose not to advertise with us as well but overall our list is very strong. Not an exact science but we're working at it. In addition this forum provides the opportunity for other players to give their thoughts as well. No better voice to listen to....
Speaking of other books, here's some favs of mine off the top of my head who don't advertise here...
5 Dimes
Bowmans
Catalina
Delmar
etc....
Thanks for the feedback.
Java - good point. We do try and highlight our advertisers whenever we can, no sense in denying it. Without them we wouldn't be here. However my position is we can do that and STILL function in a positive way towards the readers. In other words keep people out of shit books who will look for an excuse to keep your money. Is every legit book in the world up top? Of course not. You will be safe in some books who choose not to advertise with us as well but overall our list is very strong. Not an exact science but we're working at it. In addition this forum provides the opportunity for other players to give their thoughts as well. No better voice to listen to....
Speaking of other books, here's some favs of mine off the top of my head who don't advertise here...
5 Dimes
Bowmans
Catalina
Delmar
etc....
Thanks for the feedback.
I think the purpose of the article was to let players know that "new" Sportsbooks can be as much of a great place to play as the books that have been around longer. In some ways even better.
BHB has just as much if not more financial backing as some of the biggest names out there. But since our customer base isnt as large, we try harder to please the players, and obviously the posters. Not only that, we try to keep them. Big names could care less what people post about them, or what they think, or what they would do. BHB does care.
I'd like to personally thank Ken for his kind words. He knows how hard we try. I dont see many other books coming in here ans asking what they can do to make their site better. Let alone change their bonus, and betting policies. BHB is most definately a book that cares.
Thanks again Ken.
-scott
BHB has just as much if not more financial backing as some of the biggest names out there. But since our customer base isnt as large, we try harder to please the players, and obviously the posters. Not only that, we try to keep them. Big names could care less what people post about them, or what they think, or what they would do. BHB does care.
I'd like to personally thank Ken for his kind words. He knows how hard we try. I dont see many other books coming in here ans asking what they can do to make their site better. Let alone change their bonus, and betting policies. BHB is most definately a book that cares.
Thanks again Ken.
-scott
