Sterling Sportsbook

[jody]

Thinking about signing with Sterling to get their free linetrak service. Would appreciate feedback on Sterling as a Sportsbook since they are not in the survey.

[STING]

Hi Jodi! Be careful of those books located in the Dominican Republic, especially when they claim to be INSURED. No book there can claim to be insured when the policio comes barging in demanding money from the book. It's happened more than once. Set up in this country is only $10,000 so this does not satisfy my "betting peace of mind" as they put it on their web site. Perhaps WWTS is insured but very few if any other books can make this claim. If they do they need to provide proof of who your account is insured with.....and it better not say the Dominican Republic government. Believe me, I just got back from there. The only thing that's insured there is that a cup of Dominican gasoline will be waiting for you when you get off the plane (that's what they call their rum....and it is free).

[emmitt52]

Jody and Sting, I have had an account with Sterling for over 4 years, both betting over the net and the phones. We have had money exchanges more than 50 times (back and forth)in that time period. I must say, They have sent me more than I have sent them, without any delays or excuses. I would recommend them highly as a reputable and trustworthy book, run by gentlemen.
Sting, just like you, I have travled to the Dominican a number of times and have even seen Sterling's operation. Not only do they run a formidable international book, but own and run 4 local "sports banks" that the locals bet in. I agree that some books,that in the past, which have been in the Dominican have performed less than desireably. My experience with Sterling tells me they are going to be around for quite awhile. I hear they are in negotiations with the British Government to open up in London.

[jody]

Thanks for the advice. Signing uo today!

[DJK]

This message is for Sting. You said "Be careful of those books located in the Dominican Republic" & "Set up in this country is only $10,000.00." First of all, don't be so judgemental and don't categorize all books in the Dominican Republic to be disreputable. A few bad apples don't ruin the whole bunch. Location does not determine the integrity of a book. There are good books and bad books in many locations. Second of all, you had better do some homework as far as the cost of set-up goes. $10,000? Obviously we have been ripped off and taken on the roller coaster ride of our lives. I can't believe we paid so much more for our 3 satellite dishes, 2 servers, 20 computers, backup system, batteries, inverters, generator, 24 phone lines, recording system, software, advertising, operators and endless other costs. If you are referring to a license, well that initial cost is 10,000.00 but it is at least half that each year to follow. Insurance you say, I would be interested to know of any book on this earth who has actually had an insurance plan that paid gambling customers. It sounds like you did not enjoy your stay in the D.R. Did not like the rum? Well, I don't drink it so I can't say but the way I see it is, like anything, anywhere you go--you get what you pay for.

[STING]

DJK, actually I loved my stay in the Dominican Republic and loved the free rum http://www.bettorsworld.com/ubb/smile.gif
This does not change the fact that I would be reluctant to send my hard-earned money to this country. Furthermore, I don't recall ever stating any books located there disreputable. My point is that the government has been less than accomodating to sportsbooks setting up shop there. Please explain the situation with EZ-Bet and Carribean Sports this past summer. Is it true that they had computer equipment confiscated and the operators briefly spent some time in custody? Were these 2 books forced out of the DR?
As far as books claiming to be insured, such as Sterling, where is the proof?......you are right, I'm doubtful any book can honestly make such a claim. The insurance thing is often a red flag in my opinion. How can any book possibly claim this??????
Also, by "set up" being $10,000, I was referring to the licensing fee. Of course equipment, personnel, etc....is much much more.
One thing I would impress upon you to do in the future is to approach this situation in a more reassuring manner. You need some lessons from Emmitt52 in this area.

[DJK]

Sting, you are right about having a more re-assuring manner. You put me on the defensive because we take what we do very seriously and it felt like we were being classified as one of "those books" because we happen to be located in the D.R.

As far as information on what happened with other books in the D.R., I can not comment. However, I will say that if you remain low-profile and follow the rules there is no reason for trouble.

[johnboy]

DJK, would you please forward me an e-mail address to johnckey@earthlink.net
I have a question

Thanks

[johnboy]

DJK, would you please forward me an e-mail address to johnckey@earthlink.net
I have a question

Thanks

[Joe Walker]

I closed my account with Sterling a while back. I didn't care for the fact that the line posted for their book on LineTracker was always different than the one obtained when calling them. They didn't honor the LineTracker odds. I didn't care for their style either which was pretty aggressive, meaning I felt they consistently tried to shave the odds if you weren't careful.
When closing my account I got the money on a timely basis. That was never a problem.

[emmitt52]

Joe Walker, I am curious to know about how long ago did you have an account with Sterling??? If it was, lets say, 2 to 3 months ago, when they're "bet taker" internet server was down, I had the same problem with lines being diffrent from the LINETRAK system and the lines the clerks dealt over the phones. I confirmed with the general manager of Sterling (Dan Lewis- a real nice guy)that the lines on LINETRAK are always the same as the lines on they're internet bet taker at Sterling. He told me he was sorry for the problem, but the phone accounts are for the high limit players and usually are slightly different then the lines posted on the internet. I know for a fact that Sterling is a House that takes up to $50,000 on an NFL game and up to $20,000 on on NBA game(over the phones). The line at Sterling (phone accounts) are super sharp. The Internet accounts are for the more casual gambler (as are the 90% to 95% of the visitors at Odd's Wiz)who want to bet between $20 and $3000 per play.. Since Sterling upgraded the internet bet taker and put it back on line, I have never seen a line difference from LINETRAK or Feist and the lines posted on Sterlings bet taker. I have confirmed this fact with at least 7 different players who also bet Sterling over the net. You ought to give them a try again, but this time, play them over the net like I do now. Take care....