The website takes a long time to adjust to and understand. Although the main Home Page is nicely laid out with prominent links, the sitemap is extremely cluttered and one is never sure how to return to a previously seen page without pressing the browser’s ‘Back’ key several times. Several dead links are another frustrating aspect marring the site’s functionality, although this can be attributed to maintenance. The designers of SportBet don’t seem to have taken the creation and marketability of the website very seriously. Content is presented in generic and inconsistent fonts, and organizational features such as tables and borders are sometimes forgotten entirely. Overall, this is not the most user-friendly website amongst online sportsbooks.

While the content on SportBet is consistent with its competitors, the design and layout gets in the way of making this information convenient and accessible. A ‘Help’ section provides comprehensive information on wage types and betting principles, and offers details on the website’s supported banking options. Promotions, contests, and industry links are also offered, albeit scattered around the site so that navigation becomes a problem. Small effects such as a Payout Calculator add to the website’s otherwise limited appeal.

SportBet offers the four major American sports as the main attraction. Wagers for Basketball and Football can be made on both professional and collegiate games. Popular sports such as Tennis, Golf, Boxing and NASCAR are also featured prominently. Convenient links to mainstream sports websites are available for the latest news and analysis.

Registering for an account is straightforward and doesn’t require a minimum deposit in order to place bets. Both standard and web-based banking options are offered. Conveniently, personal checks are accepted along with credit cards, Western Union, and several eCash options such as NETeller and CentralCoin. Payouts are administered through many of the same methods, although SportBet makes little effort to make the fees associated with withdrawals affordable. This is a major aspect that the other top online sports betters take into account seriously in terms of satisfying their members.

Customer service response for SportBet is inconsistent. There is an option for email feedback, as most websites have. There is also a live chat option, for which we had to try twice in order to get someone to respond. The successful chat session was helpful and the representative was knowledgeable in their response, if a bit slow. The toll-free number provided also had to be tried twice in order to get through to a representative, who was not very fluent in answering our questions but nevertheless, was patient and cooperative.

SportBet is either undergoing an overhaul of its website, or needs to do so fast. Problems with Login and sub-par web design mar what is probably an established player in the industry. The website has strong potential, but is enticing only as far as the free casino room one can visit via the Home Page.

Upshot: Not Highly Recommended