Description
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MyBookie (formerly GCSports.com) provides online sports betting services and is supported by a call center based out of San Jose, Costa Rica. There is no additional information on the website regarding a parent company and one is inclined to doubt the presence of an established operations center or a reliable track record behind the site. Instead, the business appears to be a recent addition to the world of online sports betting.
That is not to say that the website fails. On the contrary, MyBookie makes a marked effort at converting visitors to users. Every page on the site enumerates the site’s various promotions, bonuses, and deals. These range from promising new members with 20% free cash on initial deposits over $100, to 10% free cash for Loyal Members on all Fridays. Another customer incentive offers 10% free cash every time a new member is referred. Indeed, marketing seems to be the focus of the MyBookie site.
MyBookie also recognizes that not all gamers are experienced betters. The website includes two links labeled ‘Rules’ and ‘Wager Guide’ that offer detailed examples of different styles of betting and an informative tutorial on wage types. A comprehensive glossary of terms is invaluable in differentiating between, say, a ‘single’ and a ‘spread.’ This is an impressive characteristic of the website and is an important part of attracting beginners to online betting.
The site focuses primarily on the four major American sports; basketball, football, hockey, and baseball, with offerings on both professional and collegiate levels. There are additional options for wagering on Golf, Soccer, and Horse Racing. The fact that these betting categories are offered isn’t intuitive until a user registers and logs in to the site. For new visitors, examples of different types of betting on the ‘Rules’ page are the only indication that certain sports are offered.
There is no minimum deposit requirement for becoming a member, and several options are provided for managing one’s account. There are the traditional methods of credit cards and Western Union money transfers. The website also offers deposits through FirePal and NETeller, two Internet based payment services. Payouts are administered through the same systems, with an additional option of receiving a cashier’s check via FedEx. Transactions also can be executed via the phone once account details have been set up.
Customer support leaves much to be desired. While the website offers several methods of procuring assistance, the response time and quality of service were both below average. There is a live online chat option and an email feedback link. An hour-long wait via the live chat option was met with no response, and only an automated message assured us that an operator would assist shortly. For telephone help, a toll-free number is provided for residents of Canada and the U.S., and there are contact numbers for ten additional countries. However, phone calls placed to the toll-free number also offered a generic automated messages and no response for 10 minutes. While the website is very informative in terms of betting and payment information/procedures, Customer Service accessibility was poor, raising a red flag.
In terms of layout, the website is very easy to navigate. Prominent link tabs are placed on top of the home page and each linked page offers simplistic instructions and thorough descriptions on the use and benefits of MyBookie. Again, the sub-par customer service is a major drawback, as is the lack of company profile in establishing corporate credibility. Having said that, the website will definitely attract the recreational better through its marketable and educational content.
Upshot: Recommended for Recreational Users Only |
