BLACKLISTED – Since its inception in the late ‘90s, SBG has made a name for itself in the online betting industry — but for all the wrong reasons. The betting site has a long-lasting reputation for scamming its players.
If you deposit money into SBG, you can pretty much kiss it goodbye for good. Not necessarily because you’ll lose it while playing, but more because SBG has a long history of mishandling cashouts.
Bettors that have been duped by SBG over the years are not hard to find. Not only because the number is high, but because the group hasn’t remained silent about SBG’s misdoings. Social networks and message boards are run amok with deceived players trying to warn others. They’ve mostly succeeded, but in case you need any more evidence, we’ve organized the most-commonly brought up issues that SBG has been associated with.
The Internet is rife with claims that SBG has either stiffed them completely on a cash out or took their sweet time in completing the transaction. Either way, both are a bettor’s absolute worst nightmare.
This problem seems to come up more often than not with player’s carrying high account balances. Once withdrawals are requested in the four-digit range, SBG payouts become hit or miss. We don’t hear the same with winnings in the hundreds. Regardless, this should be a non-issue no matter the amount requested.
Once you place a bet, the odds are locked at what you set it at — whether it goes up or down. Well, that’s how it should be. However, SBG has been accused of not honoring originally-placed lines.
No, don’t get your hopes up, either. When SBG pulls this “fast one”, it’s mostly at your disadvantage. For example, say you bet the Dolphins to win the Super Bowl at staggering +1000 odds before the season began. Then, Miami started the year a surprising 6-0. It’s been alleged that SBG would update your bet to say +300. Essentially, they’re covering themselves in the event the bet does indeed hit. That’s shady to say the least.
It’s not uncommon for a parent company to own more than one betting site. Between each platform, the playing experience is virtually identical, even so much as the bonuses available.
The only real difference from site to site is the “skin” or in other words, the appearance of the sportsbook. As an example, a different logo and/or color shading gives the illusion it’s a different entity to the untrained eye.
SBG has had sister sites of its own — PlayersTime, BetRoyal, and Big Juicy Odds. Different website names, same ‘ol scamming ways. Each of these sportsbooks have been met with cries about fraudulent behavior from former players.
So word of advice: if there’s a site that’s too similar as SBG (e.g. same bonuses, mirror-like site interfaces), just avoid them altogether. It’s probably just another SBG portal meant to trick you.
The horror stories with SBG don’t end there. While we could go on and on, we’d like to pivot instead. If not SBG, then who? Is there an online sportsbook that you can trust? Of course. Matter of fact, we have three personal favorites that have proven themselves to be honest and reliable over the years.
Sportsbook covers leagues from all around the world
Modern-looking interface for easy betting
Widely available to use in most of the world
No live dealer casino option
Odds
Available lines are competitive with the rest of the industry. Moreover, the markets are diverse enough to satisfy most bettors.
Bonuses
Welcome bonuses are light on Xbet. Both the sportsbook and casino deals max out at $300 in free play. A promo like that is more geared for players that truly want to “test drive” Xbet.
There’s a “new kid in the block” type energy about Xbet. In more ways than one, it tries to differentiate itself from counterparts — and mostly succeeds in doing so.
Read Xbet Review
Large selection of betting markets
Plenty of bonuses and contests to pick from
Available to play in all 50 US states
Less experienced bookmaker so still site hiccups here and there
Odds
For some of GTBets most-popular sports (e.g. football and basketball), lines could benefit from being a tad sharper.
Bonuses
There’s a promo for everyone at GTBets whether you’re new, a returnee, or casino-specific player. That level of variety is really beneficial.
The VIP/loyalty program at GTBets is a sweet deal, especially for bettors that play consistently. Over time, the perks of the program really add up.
Read MyBookie Review
“Once a scammer, always a scammer” — that mantra fits perfectly with SBG. Its stories of fraud are prevalent during all years of its existence, not just a certain time period. That leads us to believe SBG’s days of deceit are far from over. Do us a solid and avoid SBG at all costs.
Plus, it’s not like there’s not better options out there on the market. There certainly is and it’s a far lengthier list than the group above. Matter of fact, you’ll be hard pressed to find a book worse than SBG .
Avoid this brand at all costs
About the Author
Trent's your man when it comes to all things sports. He covers a wide range of sports for Sports Betting Sites, and has been published in some pretty reputable outlets, such as USA Today Sports, Vice, Bloody Elbow, Fight! Magazine, UFC 360, and Narratively. Trent's got the inside track on all the happenings in the world of sports.
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