When reviewing online sportsbooks using the Covers BetSmart System, we come across a few that we feel should be avoided. We also listen to the complaints from our users. This is why we have created the Covers Blacklist. The sports betting sites listed below are among the worst sportsbooks out there due to payment issues, bad customer support, unfair bet grading, and other questionable practices.
We recommend avoiding the following blacklisted online sportsbooks at all costs. They have been placed on this list as they do not meet our list of criteria as to what makes a trusted sportsbook. Many of the below sites have also been reported numerous times by users.
This list is updated when necessary so be sure to check back often before signing up or depositing at a site that isn’t on our list of trusted sportsbooks.
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We’re constantly rating and reviewing sportsbooks, looking at a number of factors to ensure that they are acting in the best interests of sports bettors. But most importantly, we listen to you. We take every report sent in by our users seriously and these reports play a huge part in landing a sportsbook on the blacklist.
Here are some of the main factors that land sportsbooks on our blacklist:
There aren’t many better feelings than winning a big sports wager and when you do, we know you want to be able to access your money quickly. Bettors need to steer clear of sportsbooks where there are any questions or concerns about their withdrawal practices.
Payment issues
We, of course, feel that all verified accounts should be paid out when requested. Any reports of a non-payment will quickly land a sportsbook on the blacklist. We also like to see payments happen in a timely fashion. Reports of slow payouts that drag on for weeks or more will land a sportsbook on the blacklist.
Complicated withdrawal procedures
Getting a payment should be a simple process for bettors, not one that involves multiple steps. Once an account is verified, it should be as simple as entering the amount you want to withdraw and making the request.
Few accepted withdrawal methods
We don’t like to see sportsbooks that offer a dozen or so deposit methods but only one or two withdrawal methods. We believe that bettors should have multiple methods available to get their winnings back.
Honoring winning bets and the odds that they were wagered at should be fundamental to a sportsbook’s best practices.
Voided bets without reason
From time to time, users will report that a sportsbook has voided a winning bet after the event has concluded. We realize that bets get voided every so often but this should occur before the event begins.
Changing odds without notice
This is rare, but on the rare occurrence we’ll hear of bets that were graded at odds that are worse than what the bettor originally wagered on. Bettors need to be notified before an event starts if the odds have changed.
Customer service at sportsbooks should be readily available through a number of channels and the support agents should be willing to address any questions or issues that a bettor might have.
Slow or unresponsive customer support
We think all bettors deserve to have their issues addressed within a reasonable amount of time and that all requests to support should receive a reply.
Failure to address player complaints
We understand that sportsbooks receive a lot of complaints from bettors, but the best of the best ensure that an attempt is made to resolve all complaints.
A safe and secure website is a must so that your money and your personal information is kept safe. The safest sportsbooks out there have licenses from the appropriate gaming commission in that jurisdiction.
Weak security and privacy standards
When real money is at stake, having a safe and secure website via encrypted connections has to be one of the top priorities for online sportsbooks. Player privacy is another issue that has to be taken extremely seriously so that bettors do not have their personal information exposed.
No license from a legitimate body
Online sportsbooks must be licensed by the state’s gaming commission (in the USA) or the appropriate authority in other regions. These licenses should be easy to find at each online sportsbook. We strongly recommend avoiding sportsbooks that don’t hold valid licenses.
Taking advantage of sign-up and reload bonuses and other promotions at online sportsbooks can be a great way to build a bankroll — as long as the terms and conditions of the deal are fair. Sometimes a bonus that looks too good to be true is simply that.
Unclear terms and conditions
We like to see the terms and conditions of a bonus or promotion clearly laid out. The rollover, timeframe, and minimum odds should be clear to bettors before they accept a bonus or promotional offer.
Unrealistic rollover terms
A bonus rollover is standard in the industry but we think these should be attainable with a reasonable amount of wagering. We don’t like seeing a huge rollover number that is expected to be hit within just a few days of signing up for an account.
Established in 1995, Covers has grown into the premier destination for sports betting information. Our team of experts knows the online sports betting industry better than any other site on the planet. Over 20 million customers per year trust us as their go-to gambling website and you can trust us, too.
You may have seen Covers and our team referenced in numerous places online. Here are just a few of the many publications which have cited Covers as a trusted source of sports betting information.