Sportbet Review

Sportbet is a sports betting and online casino site that belongs to the 5Dimes network. If you are familiar with the 5Dimes sites, you will notice the familiar appearance although there is an obvious attempt to make Sportbet a little different. Also, the claim of being “the gold standard in online gaming” reminds us of the same claim made on the 5Dimes website.

We like how Sportbet is presented. It looks modern and seemingly intended for younger players. It does not necessarily alienate older players, though. Even with its dark theme, it looks lively and engaging. However, we just think that a renaming of the site is in order considering that Sportbet offers more than just sport betting. In fact, most of the games on the site are casino games. The sportsbook is only one out of the eight different game sections you can choose from.

Sportbet, apparently, has started accepting bitcoins only recently. It has a page dedicated to presenting the specifics of the use of bitcoins but we still recommend that you contact customer support to guide you. Bitcoin to fiat currency value conversions on Sportbet will be based on the prices stated at Bitstamp.net. If BitStamp is unavailable, the conversion values will be sourced from Bitfinex.com or Okcoin.com.

Learn more about Sportbet in our Sportbet review. Find out if this gambling site is something you should consider registering an account with.

The Registration Process

Before signing up for a different account for our Sportbet review, we tried using the account we used with 5Dimes before. Indeed, the account is valid and we were able to access Sportbet site. We were able to see the same collection of games accessible through the 5Dimes and Island Casino sites. It’s just rebranded as Sportbet.

Still, for the benefit of those who have not tried the other sites under the 5Dimes network, here’s what we have to say regarding the registration process for our Sportbet review. It’s a complicated process that requires information that are not typically asked by other online casinos. The registration form asks for your full name, full address, ZIP code, and contact number. We didn’t have to go through the process of registering an account again for this Sportbet review since we already have a 5Dimes review but we still tried inputting some fictitious information to see if the registration would push through. Just like what happened with the 5Dimes registration, we were also able to get an account without entering the correct details.

Of course, we are not encouraging players to enter fictitious details as doing so can be grounds for the termination of an account. This early, it’s better to just accept that you can’t really be anonymous to Sportbet. Anyway, Sportbet belongs to an online gambling network that has been in existence for a very long time so there’s no need to be very skeptical about signing up on Sportbet.

Also, for those who have not read our 5Dimes and Island Casino reviews yet, we have to emphasize that it’s Sportbet that will decide what username you will be using. The username will be flashed on screen after you complete your registration and will also be emailed to you. Check your spam folder if you did not receive an email from Sportbet regarding your account registration.

Account Dashboard

Just like with the other sites under the 5Dimes network, you may notice how different the Sportbet site looks once you have logged in to your account. Once you log in, the site only shows the games and you may notice how the interface becomes a bit dull (aesthetically). The informative pages you have accessed from the Sportbet homepage are no longer shown but you can still access them as long as you have the links to them. We suggest that you just open the Sportbet homepage (sportbet.com) in a different tab so you can just refer to the corresponding page if you want to view information about the specific games you are unfamiliar with.

The account dashboard does not allow you to change your personal details. It only allows you to initiate a password reset, do deposits and withdrawals, and view your transactions, bets, and daily and weekly figures.

The Games

As mentioned, there are 8 categories of games on Sportbet. These are the Sportsbook, Casino, Live Dealer, Mini Games, Racebook, Lottery, Bingo, and Poker. There are more than 500 games available on the site without counting the different sportsbook and racebook games individually.

The Sportsbook covers virtually all types of sports including baseball, basketball, football, soccer, golf, tennis, motor racing, boxing, mixed martial arts, cricket, pro wrestling, UFC, and even competitive eating.

The Casino section has 4 subsections: Grand Casino, Jackpot Casino, Bonus Casino, and Match Play Casino. The Grand Casino has a downloadable game client but it can also be played online. Jackpot Casino features more than 120 games including dozens of 3D slot, video poker, and table games. Nearly 350 games are listed under the Bonus Casino sub-section. These include video poker, blackjack, progressive video poker, slots, roulette, craps, bingo, keno, and baccarat games. The minimum and maximum bet amounts are indicated along with the game thumbnails.

The Mini Games are games that are played as pop-up windows. Take note that you can’t open these games by trying to open them on a new tab. You have to left click on the game to launch the pop-up. Naturally, you can’t open them if you don’t allow pop-ups on your web browser. There are 23 Mini Games available. These are varieties of solitaire, blackjack, video poker, slots, and baccarat.

The Racebook offers two options for playing: Rebate and Plus 10%. The Racebook covers most major racing events in different parts of the world.

For the Lottery section, you can choose between Pick 3 and Pick 4 options.

The Bingo section, on the other hand, allows players to enjoy the popular game in Bingo 75 and Bingo 90 formats.

Lastly, the Poker section offers two options: Shark Tank Poker and Grand Poker. The latter requires players to download a game client.

Game loading speed and graphics (for the casino games) are around average, with some that can be deemed below average.

Unfortunately, we found no Play for Fun games on the site. There’s also no play money offered. We made an inquiry about the possibility of trying the games first and the customer service representative told us that they can provide a link to free games once we provide our account details.

Gaming Platform – Not Provably Fair But Certified Fair

Sportbet uses software from Casino Solutions. This software has been evaluated by Certified Fair Gambling and is found to be fair. Also, the payout percentages for the different types of games offered are considered high. The payout percentage for slots is 96.971%,. Blackjack 97.861%, video poker 99.156%, table games, 98.957%, and other games at 92.356%. The average payout percentage for all games is 98.369%.

Mobile-Friendly (Information) Site But Not the Game Interface

Sportbet has a mobile-friendly website but the game interface (the version of the site you see once you have logged in) does not appear to be mobile friendly.

This is how the Sportbet website looks like before you log in to your account:

The moment you are logged in to your account, it looks like this on mobile devices:

Sportbet also does not have mobile apps for playing on Android or iOS devices.

Sportbet Already Accepts Bitcoins

Sportbet may not be one of the early adopters but at least it now accepts bitcoins. Sportbet accepts both fiat currency and bitcoins. The amounts stated on the site, however, are in USD. Also, bitcoins and fiat currency cannot be mixed together. While bitcoins may be used on the site and are converted to their USD equivalents, they can only be withdrawn through separately and cannot be included in the balance that includes other currencies.

We recommend that you contact customer support for guidance if you are to use bitcoins and fiat currency at the same time. You may encounter some confusion regarding your balance along the way so it’s better to be clear on the matter early on.

Withdrawals and Deposits

Making deposits and withdrawals on Sportbet is similar to how it is being done on 5Dimes and Island Casino.

You can make deposits on Sportbet done through Visa and MasterCard credit card transactions, China UnionPay, person-to-person (P2P) transactions, money order, bitcoins, sportsbook transfers, account to account transfers, Neteller, and Skrill Moneybookers. Sportsbook and account to account transfers are fund transfers from one sportsbook or account to another within the 5Dimes network. Most deposit methods can be done 24/7 and are not charged a fee. Only the P2P, money order, and bitcoin transactions are charged a fee and are limited to specific schedule. Minimum and maximum deposits are from $5 and $500 respectively, depending on the payment method. However, it is higher for bitcoins at $25 and $50,000. BItcoin deposits may take up to 4 hours before they get posted.

Withdrawals can be done through person to person transactions, cashier check, money order, debit and credit card funds application, bank wires, bitcoins, prepaid cards, Neteller, Skrill Moneybookers, and 5Dimes sportsbook and account to account transfers. The prepaid card method refers to the 5Dimes issued prepaid ATM card. This card can be obtained for $80 and mailed to the player via regular mail. Only the bitcoin and 5Dimes sportsbook and account to account transfers don’t get charged a fee. Also, withdrawals cannot be processed anytime of the day. The processing of withdrawals is from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM of Mondays through Thursdays for P2P, cashier check, debit and credit card applications, and bank wires. It’s 7 days a week, at 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM as well, for the rest of the withdrawal methods.

Sportbet Bonuses and Promotions

Sportbet has a multitude of promotions, bonuses, and rewards. We have listed some of the most notable among them below:

• 30% Super Saver Bonus Program – a program that offers 30% pricing discount, -107 style pricing, and expanded parlay playouts
• 50% Plus New Player Bonus of up to $520 granted as free-play
• 50% MatchPlay Casino Bonus of up to $125, which is based on 50% of the first deposit made
• Lucky 77 Lottery Bonus for New Accounts – a bonus that provides 77 free shots for the lottery after depositing exactly $77 through eWallet or credit card.
• Up to $500 in Free-Play in the Sportsbook depending on the amount and method of reload deposit made
• 33% Reload Bonus to be used in the MatchPlay Casino section
• Up to $25 in Free-Play to be used in Lotto900 or Lotto9000 based on 5% of the reload deposit made
• Loyalty Bonus that makes your 8th and 9th deposits free or on the house
• Up to 20% Cash Back Bonus for all losses in the Sportsbook, Racebooks, all casino games, and Lotto 9000 and Lotto90000.
• Up to 21% Casino Rebate Bonus for overall losses in Grand Casino, Bonus Casino, Live Dealer Casino, MatchPlay Casino, and Mini Blackjack
• 27% Rake Back on the poker games
• 20% Free-Play Referral Bonus (affiliate program) which is equivalent to 20% of the opening deposit made by the player you refer

** When you open an account with Sportsbet there is a default bonus program the “The reduce juice bonus program”. The reduced juice is one of the best programs they have. In this program you have access to cheaper and better lines. Instead of betting the standard -110(20 cent lines), you have the option on -105 lines (10 cent lines). It is for major sports except soccer and for straight wagers only. If you want to be part of another bonus program, you can switch only one time on your sportsbook life, that is the reason you need to choose the best option.

They have bonuses based on losses and other ones based on deposits…Each bonus program has its own rules.

Customer Support

Sportbet, along with other sites in the 5Dimes network, is a role model when it comes to customer support. It provides 24/7 support through multiple channels, from email to live chat, telephone, and fax.

If you want to send email inquiries or requests for assistance, the email address to use is [email protected].

There are different phone numbers available intended to address specific concerns. For sports wagering concerns, the number to call is 1 -866 WAGER SB or 1-866-924-3772. For horse wagering, it’s 1-800-243-7071 or 1-800-304-6773. If the questions are related to new accounts, the phone number to contact is 1-877-332-7501. For general customer service concerns, the number is 1-800-430-5896.

If you are located in specific countries, there are specially assigned phone numbers to contact. They are as follows:

Australia: 1-800-286-327
Denmark: 80-887-928
*France: 800-900-208
Germany: 800-1825-165
Italy: 800-788-460
Netherlands: 8000-227-085
Norway: 800-19311
Spain: 900-997-067
Sweden: 207-90001
*UK: 800-051-6870
North China: 1-0-800-714-1057
South China: 1-0-800-140-1056

*The phone numbers for these countries may be removed from the website soon since Sportbet says that they don’t serve players in France and the UK.

Live chat, moreover, is also available. We like that the team behind the live chat promptly responds to inquiries but we are not fond of having to open a separate window or tab to do the chat. It’s not a big bother but we were just accustomed to live chat windows that can be conveniently opened from within the site.

Country Restrictions and Site Languages

Sportbet serves players in the United States, Canada, and other parts of the world. Unfortunately, even as Sportbet serves players in generally non-English speaking regions, the site is only viewable in English. As we were doing this Sportbet review, the only section we encountered that is not in English is the interface for making China UnionPay transactions, which is of course understandable considering that China UnionPay is intended for Chinese players.

We could not find information regarding country restrictions within the Sportbet website. However, one popular sportsbook review site mentions that players from France and the UK are not allowed. We thought this is inaccurate, though, considering that Sportbet even has a phone number devoted to France and the UK.

We had to contact customer support for clarification. We were told that indeed it is true that there is a restriction against players in France and the UK. This restriction also applies to Hungary and Portugal. We were told that they will be correcting the Sportbet contact page to reflect this clarification.

Licensing and Regulation

Being part of the 5Dimes network, Sportbet is a legitimate online gambling operation that is covered by the license granted by the government  of Costa Rica. It is backed by decades of experience in the sports betting, casino, and other online gambling operations. We have no reason to doubt Sportbet’s reliability and commitment to properly serving its players based on the experience we’ve had with the site so far.

Get Acquainted with Sportbet through the Following Links

If you have questions, don’t forget to drop by the FAQ page. Also read about Sportbet’s Privacy Policy and Rule and Regulations. Sportbet also has social media accounts through which you can get updates or send inquiries and complaints.

• Twitter
• Google+

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Extensive collection of games
• Multitude of bonuses, rewards, and incentives offered
• Numerous payment methods supported
• Accepts United States and Canada players
• Responsive live chat support

Cons

• Complicated account registration process
• Games are not provably fair
• Players can’t be anonymous to Sportbet’s admins