Each bookmaker listed in this part of the forum has been screened in accordance with the Sports Arbitrage Forum review policy described below.

A-Listed bookmakers have proven themselves to be financially solid and stable as well as to be committed to fair customer service and timely payments.

B-Listed bookmakers have histories of delays in payments, poor or inadequate customer service and/or unfair policies. This does not mean that these bookmakers should not be used at all; simply that you may expect some less-than-perfect experiences with them from time to time.

C-Listed bookmakers are those which you are warned not to have dealings with. They may be owned by operators who are known to have been involved in previous bookmaker scams (so-called ‘deposit-only bookmakers’) or be known to be involved in other shady operations. If you choose to deal with them, bear in mind that we may bot be able to assist you in any conflict-resolution because these bookmakers have already demonstrated their indifference to customer problems.


THE REVIEW POLICY

We consider the following criteria when reviewing the bookmakers on our lists.

The Company

Licence
We check that the bookmaker maintains a license which has been issued by a reputable gaming commission and that they provide evidence of the license upon request. The bookmakers are expected to comply with the laws and regulations of the jurisdiction of the commission and we consider the stringency of laws within the jurisdictions as a factor of safety.

Accounting
Any bookmaker considered safe must be able to pay any and all players’ balances on demand. Their banking activities must be conducted with internationally recognised financial institutions. When required by the gaming jurisdiction, the bookmaker must keep all client funds ring-fenced.

Owners & management
We consider the reputations of the owners and/or managers of the bookmakers. We expect the management team to be efficient and responsive to customer issues. They should be willing to handle complaints and properly assist players when disputes arise. If unable to reach a resolution by negotiation, they should be willing to accept independent arbitration or mediation. Reputable bookmakers should not impose retroactive or after the fact rules changes to players.

Size & age
We take into consideration the size of the company and the number of years it has been in operation.


Customer Service

Availability
A respectable online bookmaking operation is expected to offer 24/7 customer assistance which is accessible at least by email & telephone. During normal business hours, we expect a reputable betting site to send accurate and detailed replies to customers e-mail requests within 2 hours. Phone and live chat representatives should be courteous, professional and prompt when responding to customer queries.

Payouts
Customers’ funds must be available 24/7 and winnings must be paid out promptly on-demand. Fees for deposits and/or withdrawals must be displayed clearly and accurately on the bookmaker’s website.


The Website

A reputable bookmaker’s website should display the following elements:

About Us: This section should display the company history & description. It should contain a physical address and a statement which identifies the gaming jurisdiction from which it obtained its license.

Contact Us: This section should provide clear methods to contact the company; at least by email and telephone.

Terms & conditions: This section should provide clear information about the services offered to customers.

Rules & regulations: This section should contain simple & straight-forward guidance on all of the bets offered by the bookmaker. The bookmaker should also provide clear links and instructions for the dispute-resolution services they provide their customers with.

Privacy Policy: This section should contain the bookmaker privacy policy statement.

My Account: This section should provide each customer the ability to review his account balance and statement listing all his transactions and bets.

Payment options: This sections should contain information about the different methods for deposit and withdraw, including associated fees and payout timelines.

Bonus Information: This should be provided in clear and unambiguous terms.

In addition to the above, we consider the bookmaker’s

- Ability to protect players’ data & private information
- Maintain and archive complete customer transactional data
- Provide controlled and limited access to its services