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Sportsbook.com Sportsbook Review
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Summary Review | >>Sign-Up
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Overall
Rating (1-5 Stars):
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Pros & Cons
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Pros:
Creative bonuses and promotions
Well-rounded betting content
Easy site to navigate
Cons:
Average customer service
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URL
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www.sportsbook.com |
Description
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Founded in 1997, Sportsbook.com quickly expanded into one the web's most popular gaming and betting destinations. In July 2001, the site boasted a 50% Internet share and was acquired by Sportingbet in a $180 million transaction.
A visit to the Sportsbook.com site reveals a number of features critical to amateur gamblers and seasoned wagerers alike. First of all, the signup process is simple and hassle-free, requiring no deposit and allowing users to get a feel for the system and betting software prior to committing any cash. Once logged in, users note a simplistic interface that is basic in functionality but easy to navigate. Finding odds is a simple matter, as are choosing a sport and wager type, and selecting a bet amount. Minimum bets are $10 with upper-end limits. There are occasional exceptions, such as large sporting events (e.g. the Superbowl or March Madness), when the limits are increased. The common vChip wagering system provides a constant visual reminder of all outstanding bets, current funds, and overall results.
There are three ways to make a deposit: credit card, Western Union, or Bank Wire, none of which assess any fee from Sportsbook.com. Users have the option to either remit funds online, via a secure server, or by telephone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Unfortunately, common online payments processing sites, such as PayPal and FirePay, are not accepted. Initial deposits are given a 10% bonus (vs. 5% for all other deposits) and a $20 minimum deposit is required.
For new players, the website's help section is comprehensive and provides details on the various wager types, bonuses, and instructions on making deposits and withdrawals. The lines offered typically encompass a broad array of sports and events, ranging from US sports (Baseball, Basketball, Football, Ice Hockey, Racing) to European soccer, Tennis and Golf.
The customer service department offers 24-hour service via telephone, email, or online chat. Each of the representatives we spoke to were cordial although, while some of them are knowledgeable about the various lines and events offered on the site, many were unclear when pressed with details on questions.
Once the wagering is complete, withdrawing money is a relatively simple process. Users can have a check mailed to them via Priority Mail (5-10 business days), have a cashier's check FedEx'd to them (1-5 business days), or have money wired directly into their bank account (3-5 business days). The latter 2 of these require nominal fees, which are waived for large transactions.
With a secure system, a site rich in content features, and a solid reputation, Sportsbook.com users are likely to stay with the service once they begin using it. So how is the site attracting new visitors? Perhaps the most compelling reason to visit the site is the various promotions and giveaways that separate it from other online sportsbooks. First of all, there are the 25-cent Baseball Lines to coax new users and allow bets on a number of games every day. $2,000 daily giveaways also elicit visitors to return regularly, and a strong affiliate program (one that offers the ability to win a Mercedes SLK 320) also contributes to sending visitors to the site in droves.
It is the combination of solid features and outstanding bonuses/promotions that makes Sportsbook.com one of the top destinations for online betting. The site is particularly recommended for new players, or those looking to start with a simple process and little money.
Overall Grade: Recommended
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Initial
Deposit Bonus
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10% |
Initial
Deposit Bonus Terms
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No Limit |
Re-Load
Bonus
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5% |
Re-Load
Bonus Terms
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Only on Thursday |
Recent Contests
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10-cent Baseball Lines
$2,000 Daily Giveaways
$100,000 Weekly Challenge |
Sports Offered
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| Year
Started |
1997 |
Languages
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English |
Site
Speed
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Average |
Deposit Methods
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Credit Card - No fees
Western Union - No fees; Reimburse Western Union fees if $200+ deposited
Bank Wire - No fees
Firepay - No fees |
Withdrawal & Pay-Out Methods:
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Priority Mail - 5-10 business days
Cashier's Check FedEx - Free for checks $500+ and $20 fee for checks under $500
1-5 business days
Bank Wire - No fees above $1,000 and $10 fee below $1,000; 3-5 business days
Firepay |
Minimum & Maximum Bets/Pay-Outs:
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Minimum Bet: $10
Maximum Bet: $5,000
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Types of Wagers
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Parlays, Teasers, Straight Wager, Futures, Props, Moneylines, Over/Unders, Pointspreads, 1st & 2nd Half |
Customer Service
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Software
Used
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vChip System |
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