How do you RATE a sportsbook in your first time around?

[Underdog7]

We all have a saying that there is always a first time for anything but getting in or trying an offshore shop is very scary in your first time around. How do you rate them and finally say to yourself, yes I will try them out.

I haven't been stiffed (knock on wood) and I always used my instinct, keen observation, information from here and any other forum "before taking a risk". Our first step is to call obviously and talk to one of their reps, that first move is very important, well actually is the only and last move you will take before making a decision. From my own experienced, how was I convinced?

1.) Email Response - when the person you're talking with tells you that he will e-mail you all the information. How quick is the response time. Pinnacle, Post Time are very good on this one.

2.) Online Access - how easy or simple to navigate. Some shops have sites that you just have to go around the world before you could place a simple straight wager.

3.) 5 day payouts (at least) - Availability of "your funds".

4.) LIMITS - the higher the better of course.

5.) Lines Comparison - SOS has totally different lines from others. Everyone knows that they're still on Jim Feist but that doesn't mean they are a bad book. Use your own judgement on this one. Depending on what you need. I would say, if you are more leaning on dogs, they are a good out.

6.) Locations - this is a no brainer. You don't want to send your money to Iraq or Saudi Arabia.

7.) Contact Person - this might sound ridiculous. But in every site, there is a welcome message or know more about us option. At the end of the message, it would had been nice to see a contact person or whom to call.

8.) Last but not the least. For first time around, stay within BW's list. Any shop not listed, no thank you.

GOOD LUCK!!!

[Junior44]

This is my rule of thumb and it has worked very well...

Assuming that they have had predominantly positive feedback and have passed the "phone test", this is what I do....

I send them the minimal amount possible, say $100-$300. I always send WU, so I take note of how long it takes to arrive in my account. If there is a bonus involved, I check on that as well.

I then make a series of minimum wagers ($10 or so) for a week or so, taking note of the timeliness of their grading, the accuracy of their grading, and anything else associated with the outcome of a wager. While doing this, I get a good feel for their on-line system (it's ease of use and it's reliability), their lines, moves, and how long they leave the lines up.

Next step is to make two types of phone calls: calling in a wager AND a general call. This could be a question about a line, policy, background, etc...If I can't come up with a reason, I make one up. If they have a specific e-mail contact, I do the same.

Next step is to request a payout. One of my pet peeves is when a shop treats a payout request like it is a hastle OR they don't seem real happy about it. I don't need a "Congratulations on your winnings!!!", but just a simple, business-like: How much do you want and where do we send it? I then take note of how long it takes to receive it (depending on the method used)

My philosophy behind this is two-fold: It allows me to test-drive a new out without much risk and, more importantly, it allows me to evaluate how they treat a "small-time" bettor. The standards should be the same. This is one of the basic premises of running a business. Any business. For one thing, negative feedback in forums such as these is rarely attached to a dollar figure AND for every individual who makes a $200 deposit, they have a friend, a fellow poster, or in this case, MYSELF, who is contemplating sending a large chunk o' change.....

[reno]

Junior44, the problem with sending the minimal amount is that you can't make any significant bonus money. I'm not a bonus hopper and I don't use beards, but I have certainly made a pretty penny in bonuses the past couple years. My reasoning may be convoluted, but I view bonuses as insurance if I get stiffed. It would take a couple of serious stiffs to wipe-out what I've accumulated in bonuses.