Sportbet any good?

[Fred]

Can anyone confirm that they pay? Any thoughts and experiences regarding them are appreciated.

[stardust]

I can not say if they pay, but I am using them and like them. They could make some improvements, but overall I like their interface, service and lines.

Sometimes the site is a bit slow, but other than that, they are just fine. As always - Good Luck,

Sonny

[reno]

Fred, Sportbet.com has established a solid reputation. They pay. I started using them during baseball, and I'm happy to say that they've improved. First, their online site now has better graphics and is much faster than when I started with them. Also, their pay-outs are now faster than before, and I usually receive my fed-ex checks within 4-5 days.

They do have some negatives: 1)The phone clerks are not the greatest. 2) They gouge in hockey. I regularly see hockey lines with the favorite, say, -1/2 -110 and the dog pk. even.

[Fred]

Thanks for posting fellas.

Reno, I was going through old posts and noticed you used to be with GSC before being booted (you negotiated a return but weren't interested?). There has been some controversy regarding them of late. Would you rate them as solid?

Also, are you the Reno of offshorebettors.com?

[reno]

Fred, I am not the Reno of offshorebettors.com. I would rate GSC (their new name is Betmaker.com)as super solid. Payment from them has never been a problem. After I was given the boot from them, the guy I talked to agreed to let me play at a one-dime limit. However, I declined because their previously outstanding betting lines had become clone lines. And, coincidentally, I just had an appointment with my allergist, who confirmed my worst suspicions. I am,indeed, allergic to clone joints.

[Fred]

I got myself confused.

Do you have any experience with GCS Grand Central Sports?

[reno]

They tried to solicit me by phone and mail a few months ago. But, I wasn't interested. Unless Bettorsworld or a reputable source, like Sting or Boomer, recommends a book, I'm not biting. If you stick to books on the Bettorsworld Cream of the Crop List, you can save yourself a lot of grief.

[Fred]

Thanks for the advice Reno

Happy holidays to you. Guessing you've not been glued to the Don Best screen for just a couple of Xmas games.

Do I remember right you said that linetrak take DB and punch it into their screen. How much of a delay do you reckon?

Would island express be better than linetrak for those not big enough for DB?

[reno]

Fred, I have 3 computer screens open most of the time. That way, I can always quickly check Bettorsworld, which is my favorite Internet site.

Today, I am spending the day writing literature for a drinking water filter called the Eternity. I am a partner in a corporation that manufactures the unit, and my job is the technical writing. When I suffer writer's block, I go to Bettorsworld for relief.

Except for some small bets that my sportsbetting partner will take care of, I'm through until baseball season. Consequently, I've disconnected Don Best until then.

LineTraker(or whatever it is called)is a feed that I briefly subscribed to a couple of years ago when I first got involved in offshore betting. It was operated by the guys who run Sterling, an offshore book.

When I subscribed to LineTraker, I was new to offshore betting and, hence, naive. However, I found out that Sterling was responsible for punching in the Linetraker odds by hand. And often they did an atrocious job, not updating certain lines for many, many minutes. Soon afterward, I subscribed to the premium Don Best feed.

However, Sterling and Linetraker was a long time ago, and things always change. I suggest you talk to Don Best about the current pros and cons of Linetraker and Island Express. Also, since you brought the the subject up, others will probably chime in with their two-cents worth.

[Fred]

Thanks for letting me bend your ear.

May I ask, what percentage of people actually make a profit betting sports long term, over several years (not counting middling/scalping)? I've heard/read figures of from 0.05% to 5%. What is your understanding?

[Jeff]

You can't beat Island Xpress as far as bang for your buck. Of course it all depends what your ultimate goal is. Steam? Middles? Info?

For 99 bucks a month, the quality of the information is top notch. Including selections from Shark, a very well respected and winning handicapper, Wiseguy plays, and lines no older than 2 minutes.....Not to mention match-ups, analysis,injuries, etc,etc,.

The sportstracker service that Feist puts out isn't a bad service, though not on a par with the Don Best Premium service.

Then there's linetracker as well as Feists offshore connection, which is free.

The bottom line here is that you get what you pay for, and the prices for each of the above reflect the usefulness of each product. The prices are right in line.

Don't forget you also have DBC's live odds as well as Vegas Insiders live odds package, but once again, you get what you pay for.

Jerry Erwin also put out a live feed but if I'm not mistaken, Don Best bought him out.

[Fred]

Thanks for replying Jeff.

I'm after speed in a line service but am not big enough for DB.

Which alternative is quickest do you reckon?

[Jeff]

Interesting question......when you say you are not big enough for DB, I assume you mean the premium service.

Island Xpress is a worthwhile alternative in this aspect.......the info will never be older than two minutes, but quite frequently will be very fresh.

For example, if a line moves at several books right now, and the island xpress is updated...........right now, you've caught the move immediatly, and might be able to take advantage. There will be times when the timing is in your favor, and times when it isn't. Another big plus on the xpress is that it's now available in java format, just like it's big brother the premium service.

The best way to answer your question would be to say that the quickness or speed of each service is right in line with the price.

DB $500
DBC-FEIST- 3 bills +

Another option, aside from the internet based live feeds would be the "old fashioned" call back services. (I believe DB bought out Jerry Erwins phone service,though I could be wrong and I don't know the rates)

GJ Update is another phone service with a respectable following. They had planned to put out an internet service with a "street" line, but I haven't heard anything from them on that.

My advice to you would be to get a free trial at each service, along with a quote for a price on their service. Try each one and see if any of them would be useful to you. Then you can decide whether each one is worth the price and worthwhile to you.

For overall quality of information, I still say the Island Xpress is the best bargain in sports betting today..........

[Fred]

Thanks again Jeff.

I've been with linetrak and might try islandexpress next year.

I'll let you know how they compare.

[Kevin]

I've heard long term, only 15% of bettors actually come out ahead....anyobdy else?