betroyal NEWS AND UPDATES

A Sportsbook Review reader has submitted a question concerning the grading of an MLB wager placed on last night's Kansas City Royals vs. Chicago White Sox game. The game was called off in the 8th inning due to rain, but the reader noted that one sports betting website graded his wager as no-action (returning his bet) and another settled his bet as a loss. Find out which sportsbook was correct.

Sportsbook Review reported earlier tonight that 78% of moneyline (to win outright) wagers at Pinnacle Sportsbook were placed on home favorite Kansas City Royals in Game 7 of the 2014 MLB World Series. The closing line at 5Dimes Sportsbook (SBR rating A+) had the Royals as -138 favorites ($138 wager wins $100), but underdog San Francisco Giants won the game 3-2. Also cashing was the under 7 priced at -115; there was a 10 cent move on the under at 5Dimes in the hour before the opening pitch. Finally, the Giants' run-line cashed at +1.5 -160 ($160 wins $100). Sportsbook Review will deliver more betting reports for the recently started NBA regular season, as well as American Football updates.

The Kansas City Royals are home favorites in game 7 of the World Series. SBR Odds shows the current line at Kansas City -136 (best line available at 5Dimes and Pinnacle Sports, a $136 wager wins $100). A majority of sports bettors are backing the home favorite Royals at Pinnacle; the sportsbook has received 78% of wagers on the Royals moneyline, according to an account manager. As for the total, which has remained at 7 runs since opening, bettors are in agreement with 56% of total wagers on the over. | Betting report

ToBet Sportsbook (SBR rating C) is unwilling to revisit their decision to confiscate the winnings of a player they allege was part of a betting syndicate. Unlike one player working with others to circumvent limits or one player having multiple accounts, which is a clear violation of standard terms, these "syndicate" players could simply be friends with legitimate accounts who share the same opinion and are innocent of any wrongdoing. In the past we have seen SBG Global claim that innocent players following a winning local radio tout were guilty of syndicate play. They were cheated out of winnings and were not guilty of any wrongdoing.

A BetRoyal (SBR rating D-) player writes to SBR with a payout dispute. The player attempted to collect a $560 payout through a local business but was advised that the transaction details given by BetRoyal were incorrect. The player claims that he contacted BetRoyal and was told the situation would be corrected same-day; however, the player has waited four days for updates.

New management acquired rights to the domain, while the betting platform is still powered by FutureBet. TopBet claims to be doing its own processing and utilizing FutureBet for software, hosting and wagering support. FutureBet, which is also known as Gametech/IGS, is an infamous turnkey provider that has stiffed players and sports operators more than $1M.

TopBet has been removed from the SBR Sportsbook blacklist after six years, however SBR cautions readers to be cognizant of the risk playing at brands on the FutureBet platform. FutureBet charges TopBet a monthly royalty to use its services, but is able to shut the operator off at anytime or compromise player account security.

VIPSports.eu (SBR rating C) is still making deceptive sales pitches to former clients of the now defunct VIP Sports (SBR rating B-) family. VIPSports.eu is distributing emails suggesting that it is the same as the terminated VIP Sports operation. It is important for players to realize that the original VIP Sports is not back - former marketing personnel are attempting to capitalize on the brand's name by releasing targeted emails to former VIP Sports and Nine.com (SBR rating B-) customers. VipSports.eu is hosted on a different wagering platform, in a different country, with different financial backing and ownership. Players should approach the new VIPSports.eu as an unknown quantity and proceed with caution as with all start-up sportsbook companies.

On November 3rd, 2011, SBR reported that VipSports.eu is the latest licensee of the Safari Casino Group. Safari provides VipSports.eu with wagering software, hosting and processors in exchange for a monthly royalty. Safari Casino Group is most known for powering Dimeline Sportsbook (SBR rating C), BetTheGlobe (SBR rating D+), and Safari Casino (SBR rating D+). | VIPSports.eu email to players

VipSports.eu (SBR rating C) is the latest licensee of the Safari Casino Group. Safari powers VipSports.eu with wagering software, hosting and processors in exchange for a monthly royalty. VipSports.eu distributed thousands of emails Monday morning to former players of the now defunct VIP Sports (SBR rating B-). The VipSports.eu manager was formerly employed by VIP Sports and possesses an original database list of VIP customers. SBR interviewed the owner of the Safari Casino Group/BTG Gaming software company who confirmed powering the new brand.

A BetRoyal (SBR rating D-) player tells Sportsbook Review that he is attempting to place a withdrawal for $700 via a cash transfer method. The player has allegedly been waiting five days for the funds to be removed from his online sportsbook wagering account. The player reports that he has called BetRoyal posing as a potential signup and that he was told that withdrawal amounts are removed from accounts within three hours during the normal working day, with payment subsequently made in one day per either of the cash transfer methods. The player tells SBR that he called BetRoyal's bluff and pointed out that he has been waiting longer than what's advertised by the sportsbook. The player's first deposit to BetRoyal was for $25 in January of 2011. He estimates that in his time wagering with the online sportsbook that he has lost in the neighborhood of $1,000. The player reports that this is his first payout request to date. While not yet officially considered a slow-pay, BetRoyal's dodgy service highlights a tactic atypical of a D- rated sportsbook — both failing to honor its listed withdrawal times and not removing funds from a player account until the minute the funds are ready to be dispatched, prompting the bettor to battle the temptation of losing his balance prior to payment.

SBR will update this sportsbook report if this BetRoyal withdrawal attempt turns into a slow-pay situation. SBR generally considers slow payment to be two weeks+ after the quoted time-frame.

The most noteworthy complaint against BetRoyal sportsbook occurred in July of 2008, when a player filed a $500,000 claim against the company. The complaint surrounded a group of players who were invited by BetRoyal management four years prior to trade prices and betting odds at BetRoyal against other online sportsbooks. The player's invested deposits of $86,000 eventually earned a balance of $586,000. In the week preceedeing SBG Global's (SBR rating D-) acquition of BetRoyal, the BetRoyal website was taken off the servers and when it returned -- the $586,000 was removed from the account. After a thorough review of available facts, SBR concluded that BetRoyal erased the winnings in order to take its labilities off the books prior to selling to SBG Global.

EasyStreet tells SBR that a player who won $46,000, by hitting three royal flushes in 12 hours, is under investigation. The player has been locked out of his account during the investigation. | EasyStreet statement to player

SBR Justin investigated the available facts of the complaint. In 2004 a group of players were invited by BetRoyal management to trade prices and betting odds at BetRoyal against other sportsbooks . The manager who had made the arrangement had taken a position with BetUS (SBR rating D+) before this issue emerged.

BetRoyal management would often solicit sharp players to bet off action they did not want while offering them special low juice, or even no juice lines, to increase liquidity. For example, if the sportsbook felt it had too much exposure on one play or wanted to gamble on the other team, it would make the applicable vig pricing appealing for their players that were known to trade on the sports betting market. The sportsbook was aware that at least two individuals were placing wagers on this account. The deposited funds initially lost but the invested $85,000 in deposits eventually earned a balance of $586,000. Several days before SBGglobal (SBR rating D-) completed its buyout of BetRoyal last year, the Royal website was taken off of the servers. When the site returned on the SBG platform, all winnings were removed from the account.

During the investigation, Royal, which was known for odd player arrangements and high risk bookmaking models, claimed that it had an agreement with the account holder that he would never take out winnings – only deposits. Royal claimed that the players were using some sort of hedging strategy where they would guarantee that they lost money at Royal, and won at other books. Royal offered no solid proof of this, often referring to the deal as something arranged independently by the manager that had moved on. The account holder denies there was any such agreement to “not withdraw winnings.” He rightfully points out that such an arrangement is not logical and describes a scenario where the account could only lose money. SBR told Royal that their explanation was not believable. The account holder believes BetRoyal erased the winnings in order to take $500,000 in liabilities off the books before selling to SBG Global.

SBR office Tours:View photos ofBetBlackDog(SBR rating C-) here. The sportsbook is located in a two-floor complex called Plaza Rubi in Costa Rica. SBR was first contacted by BlackDog users almost one year ago with reports that the book was misrepresenting itself as being affiliated with other known brands 5Dimes (SBR rating A) and BetRoyal (SBR rating D-) in an effort to acquire their players. BlackDog management tells SBR it has dismissed the offending members of its sales staff and "any mention of any other sportsbook would result in immediate termination." SBR has not received any BlackDog withdrawal or wagering complaints. BlackDog has been added to the SBR rating guide at C-.

BetRoyal (SBR rating D-) website down; reportedly under denial-of-service attack. An SBR poster is told "Our internet provide is under DDOS attack so we recommend that you place you wagers with ample amount of time via call center." Others have been told the sportsbook is "performing server maintenance." BetRoyal is an SBGglobal-owned sportsbook now known for winnings confiscations that took place in October.

BetRoyal (SBR rating D-) website has been off-line for some users since December 2nd. Players can access their Royal accounts at former SBG Global sportsbook website, SportGamblers.com. SportGamblers.com directs visitors to the BetRoyal homepage.

New sportsbook, BigJuicyOdds (SBR rating D+)processes payouts to SBGglobal (SBR rating D-) victims. BJO has sent the first player to meet a 20 time rollover requirement on bailout funds $9,000 and states he will have withdrawn $25,000 over the course of four days. A second player was paid $2,000 via Western Union. BJO credited over $95,000 to former SBGglobal and BetRoyal (SBR rating D-) bettors one month ago.

BigJuicyOdds(SBR rating D+) states it will credit players for winnings confiscated by SBG Global (SBR rating D-) and BetRoyal (SBR rating D-) without requiring a deposit. A 20x roll-over (balance must be played-through twenty times) will be required before withdrawals can be requested. Players who elect to accept the offer must contact SBR. BJO expects accounts to be credited before the end of the week.

BigJuicyOdds is a new sportsbook using Capilleira software and sportsbook hosting services. Capilleira-hosted sportsbooks were rated as high as C- in 2006. All Capilleira-based books were downgraded due to a lack of safeguards for players by Capilleira management. Capilleira blamed anonymous principals behind both BetCSL (SBR rating D-) and DragonWager (SBR rating D-) for inability to pay players. BigJuicyOdds tells SportsbookReview it also intends to absorb balances from these sportsbooks next week. BJO will be reevaluated following feedback from former CSL, DragonWager and SBG customers.

BetRoyal (SBR rating D-) confiscates what is estimated to be just over six figures in winnings from 18 players that were also subscribers to the same sports handicapping service. The book paid a tout to refer these players to BetRoyal. The players, which were clearly sourced from the pick service, made money playing the pay-for picks at BetRoyal. BetRoyal was later purchased by SBG Global (SBR rating D-) in June.

BetRoyal (SBR rating D) locks 30 players out of their accounts citing "syndicate play." Royal Sports had advertised with a handicapper that was having a successful year before the book was purchased by SBG Global (SBR rating D-). The capper repeatedly warned what was now SBG's operation that he and his users were on a winning streak but the book said that it was not concerned because "all handicappers eventually lose." He and the players following his picks won in excess of six figures. The sportsbook now claims it is investigating the group for fraud and has frozen all winnings. SBR to interview the handicapper and contact SBG before updating in further detail.

SCAM ALERT: BlackDog Sportsbook offering credit line to BetRoyal (SBR rating D+) users.
SBR has received reports from bettors that have been solicited from new Costa Rican sportsbook, BlackDogEG.com and offered to wager on credit. A former BetRoyal employee is representing the book, calling and emailing players he previously serviced. This is an extremely risky proposition for the player as well as bookmaker and is considered a reckless way of bringing in action. SBR has received many complaints from players who have been scammed as a result of similar offers. SBR can rarely assist in these situations which are usually based on hearsay verbal agreements.

Player:i recieved an email from a steven p***** said he used to be at betroyal said he is at a new spot that lets you play on credit players pay when they are 25 %loser over thier line and credit and can withdraw when 25% winner , and they can even have some one meet for payoffs, im sure this is a rippoff so thought you might want to check it out,to inform people im sure im not the only one they contacted. thier # is 1 800 583 8524, thanks

BetWay (SBR rating C) changes rule on head to head poker match-up wagering. The winning poker bettor must finish in the money for the wager to have action.DimeLine (SBR rating D) rewrites baseball proposition bet rules.Canbet (SBR rating A-) changes expiration period of free-play bonuses."Free bets must be placed within 30 days of being issued. Free bets not placed within this timeframe will be revoked." BetRoyal (SBR rating D+) removes all rules regarding -105 reduced juice lineset.

BetRoyal (SBR rating D+) placing a 7 day hold on new withdrawal requests. The sportsbook's customer service has told players that "because all customer information was migrated to the new platform any payout that is reuested will have a 7 day maturity period before it is approved." BetRoyal Players whose accounts were moved successfully will see the switch from the ASI platform to Mercedes Software (demo users must select "Play For Fun").

BetRoyal (SBR rating D+) purchased by SBG Global (SBR rating D-)
SBG will move BetRoyal from its Oficentro office and players to its Mercedes software platform on Monday. Royal has been lowered from C- to D+ and will remain under review. Royal Sports has improved its service in 2007 and support management, which is expected to stay with the book, has been attentive to player matters over the course of the past year. SBGglobal has been on the SBR Blacklist since 2001 with most complaints coming from big players who were cheated out of large winnings. | Royal Sports/SBG Statement

BetRoyal (SBR rating C-) players complain of stalled payouts. Royal Sports Management states that all pending withdrawal requests will be fulfilled this week and that merchant banking accounts are currently being funded.

Player: for the last week and a half i have been trying to reviece my 2 payouts per week of 2500 but they just wont pay me my money and i dont get any answers from there customer service department....i requested payouts on the 22nd and 23rd and only recieved 1 payment on the 28th and i call and call and ask them whats the deal the the other 2500 and they dont give me a answer and i just keep requesting it so maybe you guys can maybe speed up the process i have 11k in my account and i have quit betting in there becuase i am scared i wont recieve my money if i win more please let me know

to offer to settle debts with vicitims of Virtual Group Sportsbooks. The sportsbooks include, but are not limited to, ScoreSportsbook, PyramidSportsbook, KingSportsbook and TNTsportsbook. These properties, which were operated by the BetRoyal parent company, closed their doors in 2003 making players the victim of theft. Customers are encouraged to contact SBR with balance and account information. Royal Sports has agreed to allow SBR to mediate claims where balances are questionable. An official statement is expected early next week.

BetRoyal (SBR rating C-) adds "payout issues" button which points to an email for the book’s General Manager. Royal tells SBR they are making an effort to give players earlier access to management.Players who use this feature are welcome to copy to SBR.

$429,000on a Royal Flush hand playing Pinnacle Casino’s stud poker August 2nd. Pinnacle Sports’ Casino is powered by Blue Chip Games’ casino suite which is widely considered to be the fairest casino software online.

SBR receives three slow-pay complaints from Royal Sports (SBR rating C-) bettors in two weeks. The latest complaint comes from a player who requested $3620 via bankwire on July 10th. Management assures the client that his funds will be processed today, meaning the player is looking at a one month turnaround. BetRoyal CFO tells SBR that strict new accounting policies will keep payments from being delayed and will be in place later this month.

Three BetRoyal (SBR rating C-) players, each with five-figure balances, slow-paid for over one month. Two of these bettors tell SBR that previous payouts have been weeks apart and for less than the requested amount. SBR to speak with management on the players’ behalf.

move to Cascade (SBR rating A-) office complete. Cascade ownership tells SBR that 777 will change from -107 to -105 pricing. BetCascade Management has hired Richard Jones, formerly Customer Service Manger of Royal Sports (BetRoyal), to assist with managing new brands. A deal to add Dimeplayer (SBR rating B-) has also been completed although software compatibility issues have delayed the server change.

Player: "Hi Bill, I emailed you last month about a problem ive had with evertonbet. I placed a bet at the start of january. The bet won. Which was £180. 2 days later evertonbet had their whole system taken over by betroyal. The winnings from the bet went missing from my account and they claim their was no such bet placed. I put in a withdrawal request before the system changed and after alot of emails from them telling me the problem had been sorted nothing has happened. Now evertonbet have folded i dont know what to do. What would you suggest?"4/28/2006 (11:37:57 AM) UPDATE:Royal Sports agrees to credit player £180

Doug tells SBR "I want players to get paid fast. I’m going to speed that up". Doug acknowledges that cases like this are unacceptable and states that he plans to help eliminate some of the company’s current procedural problems. Doug went on to say that, despite contradicting reports, he will remain the owner and Operations Manager of BlueGrass(SBR rating D).

A player is seeking a $2,000 withdrawal that was initially requested on March 1st. Management has assured SBR that this bettor will receive his funds today. A 2nd account holder reports waiting two months for $7500 stating that BetRoyal has ignored his monthly requests for $9,000, only sending $1500.

Player: "The current $2000 withdrawal has been pending since 3/1. I contacted them on 3/15 and they apologized profusely and instructed me to add another $1000 to the withdrawal and they would process the $3000 immediately (thanks!). I did as they said and didn’t receive the funds. Two days ago, I contacted them again and they investigated the situation and I received a phone call and an email saying that the withdrawal would be processed that very day. Needless to say, it has not been processed yet."

BetRoyal states they will provide an update on these issues as well as the replacement of former CEO, Kevin King.

SBR has been made aware of large players being slow paid. However, slow paying large players is hardly new to BetRoyal and more like standard operating procedure at least for the past two years. SBR does not have first hand knowledge or supporting information to warrant a downgrade from the current SBR D rating at this time although players should take EOG warnings seriously.

VIP Sports is the most active buyer. YouWager, BetRoyal and many smaller books are all said to be Sellers actively seeking buyouts. BetCRIS could also be a Buyer under the right circumstances which recently has focused on bailing out small operators. BetWWTS has made several trips and has signed at least one confidentiality agreement although we are unaware of any serious interest. Sportsbooks who have had made M&A headlines in the recent past that appear to be holding pat; Hollywood, BoDog, SportsInteraction are said to be no longer active Sellers. Smaller operations such as BetMaker, YouWager and Sportbet along with operations that have difficult reputations such as Royal Sports have mostly signed confidentiality agreements giving buyers a chance to possibly make an offer. SBR expects a pick-up in M&A activity despite rising valuations.

Player waiting two weeks for a Fedex tracking number from BetRoyal (SBR rating D-). Royal management assures SBR that the player’s check will be sent on Monday, the 11th business day. To Royal’s credit, they have changed the listed wait time for a tracking number from 3-7 days to 10 days. Recent player feedback suggests that a bank check will take 21 days to be in-hand.

GolfingGods(SBR rating D-) owner comments on recent difficulties, assures SBR accounting issues have been addressed."I can thankfully report that our Neteller situation is now corrected and we are free to move unlimited funds to client accounts through Neteller. As you know we were restricted previously but I am glad to say that our bank (Royal Bank of Scotland) and Neteller have now lifted restrictions.""We are both aware of the initial difficulties faced by Golfinggods but as I have pointed out in this email these issues have now been resolved. I look forward to working with you to achieve a better rating for my company on the Sports Book Review."

GolfingGods had previously blamed payout delays on limitations put in place by Neteller although alternate withdrawal options were not made available. All players who have complained of payout delays to SBR have been paid in full as of September.

management to explain recent issues, disclose their short and medium term plans and re open a line of communication. Management tells TOW that they are still unable to process payout via checks within industry standard timeframes. Some significant delays may therefore be expected from time when requesting payouts via cashiers checks. However they disclosed their available Neteller balance which appears to be within industry average levels. Management discarded circulating rumors about a possible demise, indicating that said rumors may have been fueled by a couple of recently dismissed middle managers....

After a rash of slow pay complaints and even a player who was physically threatened, speculation intensified that Royal Sports(SBR rated D-) may be ready to close. News of payments and partial payments are a welcome sign.

BetRoyal (SBR rating D-) stalling, hoping to avoid $18,000 payout? The player was initially told his $9,000 bank wire request was processed four weeks ago, yet his account balance was never debited. One week after the initial request the bettor asked for an additional payout of $9,000 to a different checking account. Three weeks after Royal confirmed that both withdrawals were cleared to be processed, customer service tells the client that they do not have any record of his withdrawal requests. The account balanace exceeds $22,000.

Players who are being slow-paid should not continue to wager with their sportsbook. Continuing to play encourages the book to deny payment, hoping that the stress and inability to bet elsewhere will cause the bettor to lose his funds.

"Hello , I’ve been trying to withdraw $2000 for the last 4 days ,i know its not panic time yet however the worrying part is the lies they tell , "ok it will be in your a/c tomorrow etc etc " , after numerous phone calls , e-mails , live chat there csd supervisor george has just informed me that after checking with accounting ,they don’t have any record of my request , what bull****, he tells me he has personally now put in the withdrawl request and i should have the money in my neteller a/c within 48 hours , if this doesn,t happen what can i do , appart from coping it up the kazoo? I have had many dealings with on-line sportsbooks and this is the first time I’ve had a problem ,I used to check with your site before opening new a/cs butI stopped, i guess i got complacent , well this is a wake up call , i won’t be opening any a/c,s in future without at least a c rating from you guys .""I have an account with BetRoyal which i opened about two weeks ago. I loaded it up with $400 using click2pay and went on a great run. My balance now is over $6,000. For the past few days i have been given the run around about payment. they are telling me since i used click2pay they have to figure out another way to pay me back other than what i had requested (bank check, western union). thank you"It is unknown if these are isolated cases or the beginning of Royal’s latest accounting problem. Curently SBR is monitoring only the two complaints shown above.

SportsWager (SBR rating D+) leaves the PlayersTime Group and joins the Sportingbet Family. SportsWager players are considering themselves lucky as PlayersTime websites have been down for 4 days. SBR has received multiple slow-pay complaints from worried players who have been denied payouts during this 4 day period. PlayersTime sportsbooks are listed below.

Royal Sports (SBR rating D) player waiting 18 days for bank wire payment. BetRoyal tells SBR that the payout was processed today but will not appear in the player’s account for another week.

A 2nd player also voices his frustration while waiting two weeks for a $10,000 bank check. "I am a long time high dollar handicapper and I am having a nightmare experience with betroyal.com better known as Royal sports. I am up about 40k and I have been trying to get paid for weeks now. Every neteller withdraw I have asked for is delayed and takes several phone calls to get it through. I also requested a 10,000 check payment but I am at 2 weeks and doubtful it will be any time soon."

Player paid in full after three week slow-pay by BetRoyal (SBR rating D-). SBR will continue to update the status of this batch of withdrawal complaints. Two players are currently waiting for their payouts to be processed.

TheCasinoFiles (SBR rating F+): owes player $2675 since last March. PlayerSupport assures SBR that a reasonable payment plan will be in place by Tuesday. BetRoyal (SBR rating D-): owes player Neteller payout for $2500 since last Wednesday. SBR now has complaints from three players with outstanding withdrawal requests. GolfingGods (SBR rating D): Player reports being asked to wait one week for his Neteller withdrawal. SBR has also received recent customer service complaints against GolfingGods.

BetRoyal (SBR rating D-) agrees to pay slow-paid player, concluding high-profile dispute. SBR has recently received three additional payout complaints, two of which are currently pending. SBR to report on the status of these withdrawals.

BetRoyal (SBR rating D-)asking players to wait for payouts so that they can meet their monthly quota? After waiting over three weeks for a $10,000 withdrawal the player is asked: “Would it be possible if we proceed with your request first time Wednesday morning? We have a sales goal to meet, Tuesday is our last day to do so and I would really appreciate if maybe you could wait one more day.”

This may actually be encouraging news for current customers who are attempting to interpret the most recent warning signs. In the past two weeks, Royal has offered huge cash bonuses to those with pending payouts if they are willing to cancel their withdrawal request. SBR has also received an influx of slow-pay complaints. Although these actions would be detrimental to any sportsbook’s long term plan to turn a profit, current players can hope that accounting has exceeded the funds allocated for the month of May and that payments may be quicker at the start of June.

The player received double the agreed amount bonus from BetRoyal and failed to report the error. He then leveraged the extra money in the casino and won $15,000. In a move that surprised SBR, Royal Sports paid the player. Under the SBR rules of account confiscation, Sportsbooks are allowed to confiscate winnings that have been won with deposits fraudulently made or made by error. Players should be careful not to bounce automatic check deposits(ACHs or EFTs). Several players have won significant amounts of money only to find out their initial deposit did not clear the bank. In these cases, the players forfeit their winnings.

MajorBetting raised from D+ to C-. The unusual and increasing rating spread between MajorBetting at C- and their management company, BetRoyal rating of D, highlights SBR’s opinion that players are actually safer playing at the managed book.

Internet1x2 lowered to F-. We continue to work with players to get them paid. Unfortunately it appears that we no longer can be an effective intermediary as the book shows no concern for the continuing No-Pays.

Canbet upgraded from B+ to A-. It was January 26, 2004 when Canbet was last an ’A’ rated book. IAS, the parent comapnay, has worked hard to improve their product and player feedback clearly indicates they are making strong progress.

After sending three armed thugs to detain SBR staff in Costa Rica it was decided SBR would give BetRoyal a week to clarify the SBR report that the infamous Tej was in fact the new owner of Royal Sports. Tej’s thugs were arrested without incident by heavily armed Costa Rican police while the forced meeting between Royal Sports and SBR was still taking place. SBR appreciates the remarkable response time and overwhelming force employed by Costa Rican police.

Royal Sports has now declined to issue a corrected statement as promised leaving little doubt that the original report by SBR was correct.

Tej’s tactics of intimidation threaten the industry and give critics of gaming in Costa Rica fuel for their argument that gaming attracts thugs, organized crime and other undesirables.

A BetRoyal player previously limited for arbitrage scalping now offered unlimited 25% bonuses on deposits of $5,000 or more. In another unrelated incident, a player attempting a withdraw is offered a bonus to NOT make a withdrawal until after the NCAA tournament.

BetRoyal (SBR rating C-) refusing to pay advertising affiliate. They acknowledge that they owe over $16,000 and that they are almost three months behind in payment. Royal has a bad habit of withholding promoters’ already earned money as leverage.

Management recently disclosed detailed restructuring moves. SBR believes that these moves will strengthen Royals’ financial position by lowering costs. Investment and effectiveness in marketing remains sufficient. There are still problems mostly with old debts, lawsuits as well as short term problems which could cause some temporary customer service issues. However, this upgrade notes that SBR does not expect any slow pay periods or financial problems in the short term.

Operating under BetMidas.com, Royal Sports attempt at the credit side of the business is finally over. BetMidas and BetCharter were both unprofitable and highly problematic involving scam artists and stiff agents. The move is a positive one which will allow Royal to focus on their core post-up business.

Reporting from Curacao, Netherlands Antilles:It all started when a California lawyer ran his winnings at Royal to over $50,000. When it came time for a payout Royal tried every trick in the book not to pay and when that didn’t work they even invented one never seen before in the offshore industry. Royal claimed that the player had a history of credit card chargebacks at two other sportsbooks, therefore he must forfeit his $50,000 in winnings. Royal admits the player never charged back anything at Royal and they gladly accepted his bets and his business. And that’s the problem. Royal has been using every legal maneuver possible to delay the trial and some observers think they will flee the island to avoid what is probably the short arm of Dutch justice. The player, however, has already retained legal reps in Royal’s soon to be new home of Costa Rica. Unfortunately, most players do not have the resources of this player and can not chase down deadbeat bookmakers to the ends of the earth. Therefore it is important to play at a highly rated sportsbook so if you go on the roll of a lifetime you can savor the victory instead of chasing deadbeats.

Player reports that he is waiting three weeks for a FedEx withdrawal from BetRoyal (SBR rating D-). He also states that his previous payout took two weeks. SBR to inquire on player's behalf.Update: Royal has provided the player with a tracking number for FedEx payment. Management claims that FedEx had lost this player's package and is responsible for the delay.

USA Sports Casino (SBR rating F) player reporting slow-pay. USA Sports Casino is a new site from Futurebet. For about $35,000 in start up fees and 30% profit share, Futurebet will set up and operate a gaming site for just about anyone. Players should avoid this family of sportsbooks which also includes SportsbookUSA (SBR rating F-) and RedRoyal (SBR rating F).

SBR will eventually drop the coverage of this scam infested credit-only sportsbook. However, players should be aware that many supposed agents are really con artists using BetMidas and BetRoyal to facilitate their scam. Beware of agents asking you if you would like to play on credit. If you lose they will demand immediate payment and if you win they will disappear and Royal will tell you the agent went away for a while.

According to Mr. Hawkins, the Royal Sports scam reported by SBR is common and there is no need to fault Royal Sports for trying to make some money. SBR continually reminds players to be careful at popular sports sites. As in Mr. Hawkins case, many of these sites are simply paid by Royal to look the other way. The subject above made no mention of the scam and even touted Royals latest offer to unsuspecting players.

BetRoyal (SBR rating F) who setup and managed the BetCharter scam site has bought and paid for silence on all the major watchdogs and none have even reported the scam. The ‘marks’ in this scam have settled and are being paid by Royal for a lower settlement amount. Players must be ever vigilant of scams as well as web sites that simply appear to hold the players interest when in fact they are in the scam sportsbook’s pocket.

As of noon today, the scam operation of BetCharter remains being fully serviced by Royal Sports and the web site remains live. SBR has requested that Royal Sports take down this web site and stop participating in this alleged scam so that the number of victims does not increase.

Players and other victims of BetCharter should immediately stop all betting activity and call Royal Sports as well as write SBR. Players should be aware of a scam using Royal Sports and BetCharter. SBR will continue to monitor the settlement talks with the victims.

BetCharter (hosted by BetRoyal) is apparently run by con artists who contact players that have subscribed to free sports picks from freeMailPicks.com.

Once the touts (calling themselves "a betting syndicate") make contact with the player, they tout the player into making deposits to BetCharter. The bait is a profit-sharing arrangement with Charter fronting $86,000 with an agreement to split the profits 50/50 on games picked by the "betting syndicate". The catch is the player has to invest 10% as part of this joint venture.

The player is enticed with discounts until he makes the deposit. When the $86k doesn't showup in the joint account, the player calls Charter. Charter tells the player that the discounted price expired and he must deposit more in order to meet the requirements for this program.

When the player can no longer or refuses to deposit further, Charter touts announce that there are no refunds and the deposit has been forfeited to the syndicate. The player reports being taken for $9,500.

Players may notice an absence or decline in service at the following sportsbooks: VIP Sports, Game Day, Bet On Games, Fair Deal, Bet19, ASAP, Pinnacle Sports and the BetRoyal Family of books. Most are expecting to be operating as normal by morning.

Royal Sports continued to tell this vendor for the past 6 months they were unable to make even a partial payment on this important $80,000 debt. Management of Royal promised payment when football started but instead has put the Western Union agent on a payment plan claiming they do not have the liquidity. Royal Sports continues to insist they have money but admit they conduct business in a dishonorable method and are in serious arrears on nearly all accounts.

"serious issues". SBR has documented many of the problems facing Royal and will meet for the second time this month with management on August 28th in Curacao, Netherlands Antilles. UPDATE: Royal's management suggests the former CEO is pressing and leveraging his own business opportunities none of which has any material effect on the Royal Sports operation.

Royal Sports was rated a B- until slow pays starting in January of this year began a series of downgrades. On April 26, 2004, SBR asked Royal Sports to allow a trusted 3rd party to verify player balances. This is an unusual situation in that Royal claimed to have the players money but was still in slow pay mode. In today's discussion with Royal Sports CEO Kevin King, Mr. King stated that first; there will be no more slow pays and second; Royal would work to satisfy the SBR request that player balances be verified. SBR looks forward to positive results on both points.

- Royal sponsors finally admitting that this book is in serious trouble. SBR downgraded Royal on January 6th, 2004 and has pressed Royal for months to disclose how much players money they have left to a third party of their choice. SBR continues to request that sponsors, payment solution providers, Curacao officials and players exert pressure on Royal to come clean and disclose what portion, if any, of players money is still held by Royal Sports.

Caught in the crossfire is the likeable and professional Kevin K., the new CEO of Royal. SBR believes given the resources and authority, Kevin K. could revive Royal from the mismanagement and poor business decisions which he inherited. The meeting between SBR and Royal had just concluded when SBR learned of slow pays to employees and employees that no longer have advanced schedules but instead are on daily call-in. The relationship between Royal and MajorBetting was also discussed and SBR is of the opinion that this book has little chance to survive. On a positive note, Royal indicated they have come to terms with Leo of the MVP group as head linesman. Kevin from Royal has drastically reduced the amount of office space leased and cut costs in many areas and from SBR's observations, done an excellent job given the business he inherited and the lack of funds. Royal would not be a slow-pay book if Kevin had the resources to pay on demand. The Royal investors have poured millions of dollars into Royal in the last couple of years only to see it mismanaged away. Royal finally has a CEO worthy of investment and should give this operator a chance. The industry and especially those here in Curacao, should pressure the Royal ownership to properly fund this operation. Otherwise, Royal's ability to survive until football is probably no better than 50-50 and may be considerably worse.

SBR previews BetRoyal's new site currently in beta testing. The new site will be powered by the best current software. SBR very much impressed with the current effort. The new Royal site to debut by July 1st. Bowmans is scrapping INet software and making a million dollar investment in a Victor Chandler-like software version. SBR viewed software last month in Antigua. This software is no less than revolutionary and will rival ASI as the players favorite software.

In a conference call between SBR and BetRoyal (SBR rating D-), SBR proposes 3rd party verification of Royal Sports player escrow fund - Royal CEO viewed the proposal favorably and will seek ownership approval - SBR provided two prominent names for Royal to choose from to examine Royal Sports player escrow bank accounts. SBR promised a complete reevaluation of Royal including SBR rating consideration upon verification of player funds

Removed from the Curacao bookmaker organization CIGA - Royal Sports likely using player funds to employ shills to attempt to tarnish any site that states the truth about their current fragile condition - Be careful and weary of any contests, advertisement or bonus from this desperate operation

Costa Rican sources report that Royal has been in Costa Rica looking for an office or a partner or both - Once a premier sportsbook Royal Sports continues to struggle with shareholder lawsuits, an active CEO who has supposedly resigned, slow pays to long time clients and an asset sale to mysterious owners who have yet to come forward. SBR warns players that this is a dangerous situation. Royal's current legal and financial position is uncertain at best.

Stalls and slow pays 8 year customer, acct ID 6721Txxx. Originally requested a payout on March 23, player has been told three times to call back for a tracking number. On the last request player was told the person who handles payouts "..is on vacation".

Minority shareholders receive "liquidation" letter from the CEO of Royal. In a letter to Royal's minority shareholders, lead attorney Daniel D. Zahavi recommends "I only have one advice: instigate legal procedures.." to stop what they believe is a sham. Meanwhile, Roberto C., CEO of Royal as well as owner of a new SBR imitator site, TheOffshoreWire.com, tells SBR that there are no improprieties. Roberto C. states that the sale is real and that the minority shareholders will get fair value for their ownership.

(SBR rating D) Postup player still waiting for $40,000(return of deposited funds, not winnings) which Royal claims were credited back to players credit cards in mid December - Player's credit card company denies any credits were ever sent by Royal. Player believes Royal is lying to him and that the money was never sent - Two new slow pay complaints received this week

(SBR rating D) Reports here in Curacao hint the Dutch ownership group will not make the same kind of investment into Royal as it made in August of '03 (cash infusion of $1 million) to keep the operation afloat

(SBR rating D) SBR has temporarily removed the SBR report on Royal shareholder dispute at the request of Royal Sports shareholders- Royal majority shareholders to be given opportunity to prepare counter statement

SBR conditionally raises BetRoyal from a C to a B-. SBR would like Royal to continue with voluntary disclosure of operating results. SBR would like to be notified within 24 hours of Royal being served with any legal documents that may result in litigation. Both conditions should be maintained through the end of the year.

eWinner, SBR rating D-, earlier report by SBR stating eWinner was broke is false- eWinner was beaten by 6 players and refused to pay claiming rule violation - BetRoyal has since gone public and contacted SBR that they will honor the winnings to the group that eWinner refused to pay - Sirbet, SBR rating C+, manages eWinner but apparently is not able to control policy. Sirbet did however say that they will not permit eWinner to accept wagers they can not pay but stopped short in guaranteeing eWinner players funds.

BetRoyal receives SBR downgrade - sale to Olympic now uncertain - A more detailed evaluation is needed on fractured ownership group - SBR arranging meetings with Royal mgmt week of 7/21 More updates on Royal Sports.