What if a Sportsbook Doesn't Pay?

The worst nightmare of any internet gambler is the possibility that their sportsbook is a sham. It's hard enough to beat the house as it is, the last thing you need is the sportsbook pocketing your winnings. Thus when picking a sportsbook, remember the lessons of sex education. If you're going to do it anyway, make sure you take the necessary precautions.

Find a Valid Sportsbook

First of all, make sure you select a reputable sportsbook. Check the message boards, review sites, knock on people's door with a butcher knife if you have to. If you don't have the time or the effort within, the alternative is to look at the sportsbook site itself and give it the "T.O. smells like a rat" test. Jeff Garcia isn't gay, you say? But why would T.O. lie to me?

Avoid Temporary Sportsbooks

Unlike their book counterparts (you know, "Don't judge a book by it's cover," which is such a retarded phrase anyone who says it should be immediately slapped), you can tell a lot from an internet site by just looking at it. Many scam sportsbooks are put together right before the NFL season and it shows in both the look and sloppy navigation. Kind of like the smelly homeless man on the corner selling you 1000 karat gold watches. Once again, the T.O. "Smells like a rat" test applies. If you're smart enough to avoid the scams on the street, you're smart enough to avoid them on the internet. Don't judge a book by its cover indeed.

Research the Timing of Sportsbooks Payouts

It's also important to note that a lot of payout options just aren't immediate. ACH takes about two to four business days to hit a bank account and that's assuming you've properly registered your bank account. If you've decided to entrust your funds to the local mailman, then God only knows when you're getting paid...unless that mailman is Karl Malone.

What to Do With a Slow Paying Sportsbook

Sometimes you do the research and you still get a sportsbook with slow payouts. One reason might be the book is underfunded and they simply don't have the cash yet. Most of these sites are trying to be legitimate, but without the financial backing behind it it's a lot like going to a kid's lemonade stand and asking for change for fifty. At this point, there are only two things you can do. One, complain to them directly. Call, email, send them singing telegrams at 4am. Do what you have to do to make their lives miserable. Second, you might want to send a comment or two to the various sportsbook review sites or post your situation on one of their message boards.

Research Your Sportsbook

Ultimately, the burden of research and meticulous study is left up to you, the gambler. To this day, there is no official regulatory agency to make sure everyone's on the up and up, which leads to shady practices and cons everywhere.