[Illusion]

SBR Bill Dozer reports: Players complain about prerecorded sportsbook cold-calls.
"Just got a recorded call from Oasis Sportsbook ... some radio DJ-type voice screaming at me about the Pitt-Rutgers game tonight ... screaming out the line and total ... yelling at me that if I join now that I can move the line 3 points either way ... all I have to do is "Press 1 NOW!" ... geez ... are these guys hurting that bad? I’ve never in my life had an account with these XXXXX, so how did they get my phone number?"

B+ rated First Fidelity is also guilty of targeting potential players with these taped sales pitches. Fidelity’s aggressive marketing tactics is the primary reason the book has not achieved a rating beyond B+.

[Illusion]

I have been getting one call a day myself.

[Mudcat]

I got almost exactly the same call yesterday but the recording identified itself as ABC Islands. But all the details about the game and moving the line 3 points were exactly the same.

What's up with that???

[jjgold]

I think there is a way if you hit # or somethig like that on the phone it blocks it

[Mudcat]

I can't help but wonder if this is another BetEmpire type marketing scam. BetEmpire sent out e-mails semi-pretending to be Hollywood and BetMaker. But the links in the e-mail took you to BetEmpire. I guess they hoped no one would notice ??????

I could be way off base but the recorded phone call I got sure didn't seem like ABC Islands' style. Now I'm wishing I had've pressed 1 and gotten more info (but I was too busy and annoyed when the call came).

Next time.

[HAPPY BOY]

I am a first fidelity customer and yes they are great and have prompt payouts but they do canvass call alot! I told them im gonna wait the 21 day inactive to get a 30% reload. I have an account now with cris (beat the prick, yes it worked guys!) and there great too. I have recieved a half dozen calls from a "private number" I dont answer such calls.

[Senator7]

Are cold calls reported in SBR ratings and reviews? If not, they probably should be because there are fewer things that are more annoying. If SBR downgraded books that cold call, I think it could make some of the books take notice and stop. Only thing that's more annoying is a call from a tout.

Senator 7

[Mudcat]

It's just so weird that Oasis and ABC Islands would have the exact same call going out. I mean the details sound identical. Oasis and ABC Islands aren't related as far as I know.

It just seems to me like there is more than meets the eye to this.

[Senator7]

They could be using the same marketing or PR company? Maybe they hired the same telemarketing firm?

Senator 7

[jay88]

They could be using the same marketing or PR company? Maybe they hired the same telemarketing firm?

Senator 7

Best Guess till now.

[marc]

I'm gotten a couple of pre recorded call from oasis. Kind of suprisng since they won't give me bonuses anymore.

[Bill Dozer]

Its kind of like the CC offers we get by phone and mail. Most of us see the marketing departments as separate entities who are completely unaware of our actual status. We wouldn't cancel a valuable CC because we are receiving junk mail that will probably come either way.

Since this is gambling related players deserve to know which books are in the business of buying and selling client lists. Some top notch books will do it. Some take it a step too far.

Pre-recorded messages is pretty shitty in my opinion. The seller takes some of your time but isn't willing to give theirs or field questions might you actually be interested.

First Fidelity takes their aggressive marketing too far and the complaints we get do affect their rating. The book itself is getting better and better but I fight with their CS clerk once per month when I call as a potential player. They simply will not give any basic information without a phone number. There is no breaking point where they rather give it up than lose the player for life. If you are unwilling to go on their sales list, they will not answer a question.

[daringly]

These bastards are calling my cell phone. I'd really like to know how they got my number, since I don't give it out. I have received marketing calls from YouWager and ABCIslands.

I've also received 100x as much direct mail - in years past, I just got a schedule or two. This year, I got 4 football guides, and piles of other stuff. I'd prefer to not get junk mail unless I ask for it.

[raiders72001]

daringly- Shrink said the same thing. Someone called him on his cell number that he doesn't give out.

[raiders72001]

Only junk mail that I like is the BOS mouse pad. That comes in handy.

[DonS]

BEWARE: I used my cell phone to check odds at three of my current sportsbooks and next thing I know I get a tele-marketing recorded call from Oasis Sportsbook, which I have never delt with. Same message that Illusion got on 10-1-05.
My cell is only 6 months old and only my wife and children have the number. I have never used it to register at a sportsbook, which leaves me to believe that one of the sportsbooks (probably Royal) that I called using my cell recorded my number and sold it to OASIS! In addition, my cell is registered on the "No solicitation" web site that probably only applies to the USA?

These bastards are calling my cell phone. I'd really like to know how they got my number, since I don't give it out. I have received marketing calls from YouWager and ABCIslands.

I've also received 100x as much direct mail - in years past, I just got a schedule or two. This year, I got 4 football guides, and piles of other stuff. I'd prefer to not get junk mail unless I ask for it.

[jay88]

Beware of sportsbooks employees...

[pags11]

reminds me of that movie "Boiler Room", terrible and pathetic that they are making these calls...