I appreciate the work you did on my skybook thread, but I wanted to see if I could get some info on several books meeting this criteria.
- Dime line
- Bonus
- Free Play
- Deposit/Withdrawal method/cost
Thanks for your time, BBD!
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| Poster's Sportsbook Poll: 2011View Poll Results | ||
| # 1 5Dimes | 450 total points | 5Dimes Review |
| # 2 Pinnacle | 408 total points | Pinnacle Review |
| # 3 Heritage | 227 total points | Heritage Review |
| # 4 Bookmaker | 138 total points | Bookmaker Review |
| # 5 BetIslands | 129 total points | BetIslands Review |
| SBR Top-Rated SportsbooksRecommended List | ||
| Pinnacle Sports | SBR Rating A+ | Pinnacle Sports Review |
| 5Dimes | SBR Rating A+ | 5Dimes Review |
| BookMaker | SBR Rating A+ | BookMaker Review |
| Legends | SBR Rating A+ | Legends Review |
| Bodog | SBR Rating A | Bodog Review |
What types of books are you looking for particularly (recreational or professional) ?
SBR Founder Join Date: 8/10/2005
I'm just assuming that you already know about what BetJamaica , 5Dimes, and Matchbook, has to offer. So lets just start off with a couple and see how it goes Mr.Austin.![]()
BetAtlas (SBR rated B-)
Based out of Costa Rica they have been around since 1995, and are part of the HorizonSports S.A. family of books which includes BetHorizon, BetByInternet, WorldWideWagering, just to name a few.
They currently are offering a .10 cent on baseball (up to -190), and their limits are not bad either ($3,000 sides & $1,000 on totals). Their lines are nothing to write home about, and even though it hasn't happen to me yet they could cut your limits.
They do offer some rather nice reload bonuses from time to time, however the standard bonus structure for new customers aren't the best IMO ($25-$2,500 20% Free Play or 10% cash bonus upto $5k). The one thing I do like is that if a player does keep his account active with them they will receive a free sports pager.
Their customer service could stand to improve a bit in my humble opinion only, but then again what books couldn't though really.
The one real big turn off for me though is their depost options suck! They only accept **, **, Cashiers Checks, Bank Drafts or Bank Wires for U.S. players. Although they do still take Neteller for non-U.S.,Canadian, and Turkey customers. Although I do like the fact that they offer 1 free payout per month (bank wires or fedex checks), which you usually get within 2-3 weeks these days.
They do have a mirror site in case their site is down ( [iSBRFORUM]BetAtlas[/iSBRFORUM]: http://216.194.163.110/ )
I currently see no outstanding complaints levied against [iSBRFORUM]BetAtlas[/iSBRFORUM] at this time. In fact the only one I recall seeing recently was this one SBR poster RickySteve made back on 2/15/08. However this problem has been rectified to both parties satisfaction. In case anyone is curious to see what his greevince was, here it is.
ABCIslands (SBR rated B)
ABCIslands based out of Costa Rica has been around since 1996 and is part of the DPT Sports Group. The one thing you need to remember though is that they offer basically the same thing that [iSBRFORUM]Jazz[/iSBRFORUM] does, however they use a dimeline up to -190. If you happen to get the boot from [iSBRFORUM]ABCIsland[/iSBRFORUM], you will be forced to only play at Jazz (so take advantage of the rules if you have not signed up at any of the DTP books yet).
Even though they don't really give out bonuses (accept a 15% cash sign up/no re-up bonuses). They do on occasion give out some to a few of their more squarer type players. Now as far as their customer service goes. Like some other books out there the customer service is Ok and all, but it really could use a little bit of improvement IMO.
They do offer a mirror site in case their main site goes down ([iSBRFORUM]ABCIsland[/iSBRFORUM]: http://www.download-jazz-games.com/abcislands/ )
The one thing I really disliked about them was their banking options....
For depositing they only offer for U.S. players like myself. They only offer **, **, Cashier's Checks, and B2B transfers with Cris/Bookmaker, and Pinnacle. (In case anyone cares they do offer Neteller for non-U.S. players though)
For withdrawing they offer the same options as I posted above, however there charges are a bit ridiculous. For example they charge $80 for a Fedex check from $500- $2000, and usually takes you about a week to receive it. If your going to make a withdraw from their at all use the B2B transfer to Cris for free.
SBR Founder Join Date: 8/10/2005
Even though this book is still fairly new (opened in Oct, 2007), I'm considering them at this time still. Because I feel their lines just might be ripe for the pickings. Not to mention they are currently offering a 30% free play signup bonus.
BetJoint (SBR rated C-) has no outstanding complaints or processing issues levied against them at this time. In fact the only thing I found worth noting on this front was this.
A few SBR posters have reported that they have received prompt payments from this book in February payout report
They also offer one free fedex check withdraw every month, and it's a real positive that you can request it online (seems to be a popularly asked question these days).
Their limits are as follows:
Sides $2,000
Totals $1,000
Parlays $500
Here are the price drops
-100 to -131 (10 Cents)
-132 to -153 (12 Cents)
-154 to -174 (14 Cents)
-175 to -189 (15 Cents)
-190 to -224 (20 Cents)
-225 to -239 (25 Cents)
-240 to -279 (30 Cents)
-280 to -299 (40 Cents)
-300 to -359 (50 Cents)
-360 to -399 (60 Cents)
-400 to -499 (80 Cents)
-500 to -999 (100 Cents)
No Over/Under vig drop given yet that I noticed, however the Run Line wagers are subject to a 20-cent line.
They really hate professional players. In fact they showed SBR poster Katestale the door before they even opened it.
SBR Founder Join Date: 8/10/2005
DSI (SBR rated A+) is a good book and all, however their dimeline breaks to low (-144 I believe). So the value factor really isn't there IMHOO. I'd tell you more about them and all, but I'm sure you already know their back round. If not you can read the SBR review posted here.
Now as far as another low vig book, or should I say exchange you might want to checkout is TradeSports (SBR rated C+).
[iSBRFORUM]TradeSports[/iSBRFORUM] is part of the Trade Exchange Network family of books, which include JustBet most notably. They offer 4% commission ($25 bonus) and currently have no outstanding complaints or possessing issues that I know about at this time. The fees are fairly reasonable too ($20 fedex checks I believe) and do book-to-book transfers with Matchbook and Pinnacle (no fees). Also, The do offer live wagering, but I'm not really sure about the liquidity they have currently. So you might want to check into that before depositing.
SBR Founder Join Date: 8/10/2005
Not really many others out there Mr.Austin accept for the ones I mentioned before (Matchbook, 5Dimes, BetJamaica). However, you might want to checkout the Best Baseball Lines link on the main page.
SBR Founder Join Date: 8/10/2005
No problem Mr.Austin. Which books other than Matchbook have you narrowed it down too?
I know what this book has to offer is one that link I provided to you above. But I was just looking looking at what BetOnline had to offer for the 2008 MLB season, and I must say I'm a bit disappointed that they don't offer team totals. However they do offer a dimeline up to -189.
Here are just a few of the things that they will be offering.
Overnight Lines: Yes
Reverse Run Lines: No
5-inning lines: Yes (ML & Totals)
Reduced Juice Totals: No
Grand Salami Totals: Yes
Team Totals: No
Here are their money line breakdowns:
.10 up to -189
.15 up to -199
.20 up to -209
.30 up to 224
BetOnline (SBR rated A-) currently have no complaints levied against them and no processing issues to speak of at this time, which is a positive these days. The limits are $2,000 (Sides & Totals) which isn't bad at all really, however they will collar you if you start to beat'um up at a pretty good clip (recreational book).
Their are a couple of things I don't like is that they charge $50 for fedex checks and they don't do book-to-book transfers. (Sucks they don't accept [iSBRFORUM]Moneybookers[/iSBRFORUM] for Canadians).
SBR Founder Join Date: 8/10/2005
Here is an exchange you might want to keep your eye on Mr.Austin.
Ehorsex
eHorseX (SBR rated B-) is part of the Horizon Twenty family of books, so needless to say I know my funds are fairly safe & secure. In fact this is actually the second go around with an exchange (they lost their hosting the first time). I don't see any complaints levied against currently or any of books in the Horizon Twenty stable and no processing issues that I can visibly see off the surface.
They currently are offering 0% commission till April 15th (no signup bonus). Then the commissions range anywhere from 1.75% to 5% (pending on the volume of course). However the last time I checked them out (a couple weeks ago) the volume was pretty "iffy" IMO, but who knows. I mean baseball might give it the jolt it needs that could make them a hidden gem.
The funding options are pretty week though, because they only offer the following for U.S. players
****/**
***
**
**
Bank wires
ECO
Also, they show absolutely no withdraw fees on their site. Accept the fact they they don't offer any type of free payouts.
SBR Founder Join Date: 8/10/2005
Both Legendz & their sister book ThePig currently have no complaints levied against them at this time. Not to mention that both books have very good customer service.
Both of these books will start you out with low limits ($500 online limits including prop bets) and they won't raise your limit until at least 30 days. At that point you have to request it through a manager and have it approved (Keep in mind that they are a recreational book and could cut your limits at some point).
ThePig will use -108 opposed to [iSBRFORUM]Legendz[/iSBRFORUM] who uses a .20 cent line for baseball and no overnight lines. Not to mention they offer a 10% signup bonus for U.S. players, but if you sign up on either a Tues or Wed. you will recieve an extra 5% (cash bonus/5x's rollover)
The area I feel both of these two books need to improve on is their payment solutions for both depositing for U.S. player. Currently they only offer **, **, and Cashier checks. (The do take Moneybookers & Neteller for those who can use it, not to mention higher bonus offerings with a 7x rollover). However, both books process their payouts very promptly that offer 1 free check every calender month (flat $55 fee after that/takes 3-4 days fedex to get it).
SBR Founder Join Date: 8/10/2005
No problem Mr.Austin.
FWIW: I still say 5Dimes is the way to go for baseball if your a recreational player that bets nickels, and haven't had your limits cut. But just watch out for those delays.
They have no outstanding complaints or processing issues levied against them at this time. Not to mention they offer some pretty good payment solutions for U.S. players (Echecks most notably 300 max./14 day hold). Plus they offer one free fedex payout per month that you will usually get within about 3-5 business days.
The bonus they offer for new customers is a 50% free play with a 5x rollover, and 20% reload bonuses.
They use the ASI software (Which is nice IMO), not to mention the fact that [iSBRFORUM]5Dimes[/iSBRFORUM] has a couple of mirror sites, which helps during the down times:
propbet.com
www2.5dimes.com
Did I mention nickel overnight lines (till 8am est), and offers a lot of prop wagering options.
Here is the vig breakdowns 5Dimes, and a few of the other wagering options they have to offer:
.10 up to -176
.15 up to -201
.20 up to -266
.25 up to -280
.30 up to -346
.35 up to -361
.40 up to -386
.45 up to -421
.50 up to -461
Overnight Lines: Yes *See Nickel Lines Chart Below
Reverse Run Lines: Yes
5-inning lines: Yes: RLs, MLs & Totals
Reduced Juice Totals: Yes**
Reduced Juice RLs: Yes**
Grand Salami Totals: Yes
Team Totals: Yes
Overnight Nickel Lines Chart
.05 up to -162
.06 up to -165
.07 up to -193
.08 up to -196
.09 up to -198
.10 up to -251
.11 up to -253
.12 up to -255
.13 up to -257
.14 up to -258
.15 up to -266
.16 up to -270
.17 up to -273
.18 up to -276
.19 up to -278
.20 up to -310
The one complaint I do have against them though. I don't like the fact that they always have problems grading their prop bets. They are notorious for mis-grading those thing and their rules for those seem to have a very gray area IMHOO.
SBR Founder Join Date: 8/10/2005
Mr.Austin, The re-up bonuses suck if you are up with them over the course of your lifetime. In fact here is something I wrote up a few days ago about Skybook.
Skybook currently has no outstanding or processing complaints levied against them at this time. I noticed that they are currently offering a 50% free play ( max. $250/5x rollover ) sign up bonus. Also, here are a few of the deposit methods they are currently accepting at this time: **, ** ($200+ min. to pickup fees ), EcheckS ($300 max./14-day hold), ****/** (hit or miss).
Here are the baseball price breakdowns:
-100 / -144 = 10 cents
-150 / -194 = 15 cents
-200 / -204 = 20 cents
-215 / -299 = 30 cents
-240 / -289 = 40 cents
-300 / -304 = 50 cents
-315 / -379 = 60 cents
-400 / -479 = 80 cents
Overnight Lines: Still undecided
Run Lines: YES
Reverse Run Lines: NO
5-inning lines: YES
Reduced Juice Totals: NO
Reduced Juice RLs: NO
Grand Salami Totals: NO
Team Totals: YES
Please keep in mind they they are a recreational book that will collar you if you start to win at a pretty good clip.
SBR Founder Join Date: 8/10/2005
Your killing me Mr.Austin.![]()
BetJamaica, part of the TheGreek family of books and use the ASI software, which I feel is pretty nice overall.
BetJamaica is more of a recreation book and does offer nice reload bonuses (15% March madness/$500 max, with a 4x's rollover), however since they are a recreational book they could cut your limits if your chasing steam and or other things of that nature.
Their banking options for U.S. players have actually improved some over the last few months, because they are now offering Echecks (which is very nice feature these days). Not to mention they do free book-to-book transfers ($500 min) with: TheGreek, Legendz, Pinnacle, 5Dimes and BookMaker (note: Bookmaker will charge you incoming fees).
The payouts are very prompt really for overnight checks (3-5 business days), and the withdraw fees are actually quite reasonable if you exceed the 1 free payout via fedex per calender month (min. $200/$35 flat fee if you exceed the freebie).
Another thing I should make mention of since we have seen some DDos attacks this weekend is that they have a couple of mirror sites for emergency purposes.
BetJamaica:
http://mirror1.betjm.com
http://mirror2.betjm.com
The lines they offer are very competitive with most other books IMO, and the use a dimeline up to -190 in baseball. Which I feel is great!
Here is the baseball vig breakdown and betting options they will be offering this 2008 baseball season.
.10 up to -190
.13 up to -195
.15 up to -200
.18 up to -205
.20 up to -240
.25 up to -250
.30 up to -280
.35 up to -290
.40 up to -300
.45 up to -310
.50 up to -320
Overnight Lines: Yes
Reverse Run Lines: Yes
5-inning lines: Yes
Reduced Juice Totals: No
Grand Salami Totals: Yes
Team Totals: No
The drawbacks I do have about [iSBRFORUM]BetJamaica[/iSBRFORUM] is they only accept U.S. currencies, and they don't offer a live chat service. But they do answer their emails within 5-10 minutes.
SBR Founder Join Date: 8/10/2005
No problem Mr.Austin.... So besides Matchbook who did you decide to go with 5Dimes or BetJamaica ??
SBR Founder Join Date: 8/10/2005
Both excellent choices Mr.Austin, and the most popular by many posters too I might add. Best of luck to you this year in baseball wagering endeavors.![]()
SBR Founder Join Date: 8/10/2005