Online Sports Betting

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illinoiscyclone

Well-Known Member
Jan 30, 2008
1,781
143
63
Wisconsin
I have been thinking about betting online for a while now, to see how I could make out. I have a few questions.

1. Is it legal? I couldn't find a clear cut answer in my prior search.. all I saw was a bunch of junk about the wire act. Is it illegal to own a website or to bet altogether?

2. Is it safe? I read a while back that some website got in trouble for stealing peoples money, but I think that was a poker site.

3. Does anyone actually make money on it? I don't really want to lose a bunch of money seeing as I don't have much in the first place.

4. Can anyone give me some tips? I realize talking about it in an open forum might make some uncomfortable so via PM is fine.


Thanks in advance!
 

San Francisco Cy

Well-Known Member
Jun 12, 2008
2,978
154
63
San Francisco
My opinion is to not even get involved. I've used sportsbook.com and Full Tilt for years. Both are legit and not necessarily legal. And although you can win, the reason that these sites (not to mention Vegas) are still around and viable is because the house wins more than it loses. Especially if you don't have money, I'd say just keep your money. There's no such thing as a "sure bet"...
 

yler4cy

Well-Known Member
SuperFanatic
SuperFanatic T2
Jun 23, 2009
2,834
722
113
Ankeny, IA
I have used sportsbetting.com as well and it seemed to be pretty secure.
 

twojman

Well-Known Member
Jun 1, 2006
7,095
2,913
113
Clive
I just started a blog about picking games.
Bet More Win More: College football lines week 9

I think it should be legal. I used betonusa.com and was paid in a reasonable amount of time. I have not been able to make a deposit since 2007 though. Congress is entertaining the thought of making online gaming legal. This would only be poker and such, not sports betting.
 

cyfan964

Well-Known Member
Oct 22, 2006
4,968
541
113
Not legal, but not enforced. Millions of Americans do it and to this point I don't think anyone has had a legal issue with it.

I've used bookmaker and intertops and both treated me well. I like intertops better because they can direct deposit into your checking account once a month at no cost to you. Most sites charge a fee to withdraw money.
 

twojman

Well-Known Member
Jun 1, 2006
7,095
2,913
113
Clive
Not legal, but not enforced. Millions of Americans do it and to this point I don't think anyone has had a legal issue with it.

I've used bookmaker and intertops and both treated me well. I like intertops better because they can direct deposit into your checking account once a month at no cost to you. Most sites charge a fee to withdraw money.

How does the deposit work?
 

cycloneworld

Facebook Knows All
SuperFanatic
SuperFanatic T2
Mar 20, 2006
27,771
16,185
113
Urbandale, IA
It's not legal but not enforced. As long as you are at a reputable site, its safe. These are billion dollar companies and thousands and thousands of people use them.

Why don't you try www.centsports.com for awhile. They give you $.10 to bet with and if you lose it, they reload your account for free every time. You can also cash out if you get above $10 or $20. (If you do try this, PM me and I will refer you)
 

cyfan964

Well-Known Member
Oct 22, 2006
4,968
541
113
Basically I would suggest trying it with "play money" if you want to get started. As someone previously stated... The reason these sites exist is because they make money. Few people win. Make sure you know what you're doing before you get involved.
 

JY07

Well-Known Member
Aug 20, 2009
1,613
331
83
DSM
I just started a blog about picking games.
Bet More Win More: College football lines week 9

I think it should be legal. I used betonusa.com and was paid in a reasonable amount of time. I have not been able to make a deposit since 2007 though. Congress is entertaining the thought of making online gaming legal. This would only be poker and such, not sports betting.

did you lose every single prediction you made on last week's games?
 

cycloneworld

Facebook Knows All
SuperFanatic
SuperFanatic T2
Mar 20, 2006
27,771
16,185
113
Urbandale, IA
Basically I would suggest trying it with "play money" if you want to get started. As someone previously stated... The reason these sites exist is because they make money. Few people win. Make sure you know what you're doing before you get involved.

In sports betting this is completely false. The goal of the sports book is for exactly 50% of the people to win. They want even action on both sides because they make their money with the 5-10% (typically, not always) juice they take per bet.
 

Klone

Member
Jun 17, 2010
135
6
18
Mt. Ayr
Sportsinteraction.com is the place to go. I've used them for a while and its legit. The only thing you have to know that its hard to get money from these people because its illegal. They will do it through channels and then you have to visit your bank but is all legit in the end. Good luck!
 

CyJack13

Well-Known Member
May 21, 2010
12,666
1,665
113
In sports betting this is completely false. The goal of the sports book is for exactly 50% of the people to win. They want even action on both sides because they make their money with the 5-10% (typically, not always) juice they take per bet.

I think he's talking about winning overall, not just on one game. Obviously, there are some people winning on every bet, but if you gamble on a lot of games odds are you're going to lose money.
 

Clones33

Member
Jan 15, 2009
562
16
18
39
Ankeny, IA
I have been thinking about betting online for a while now, to see how I could make out. I have a few questions.

1. Is it legal? I couldn't find a clear cut answer in my prior search.. all I saw was a bunch of junk about the wire act. Is it illegal to own a website or to bet altogether?
Not legal, but as other have said, it is rarely enforced. If you do well, like hundreds of thousands of dollars, then I would be concerned with the legal ramifications. Doesn't sound like that is going to be an issue for you.

2. Is it safe? I read a while back that some website got in trouble for stealing peoples money, but I think that was a poker site.
In my experience, most people start betting online at site that their friends recommend them to. Which is fine, but I would suggest checking out this website and picking the site that will line up the best with your gambling needs.

SBR - Sportsbook Review; The SBR Recommended list of Sportsbooks

3. Does anyone actually make money on it? I don't really want to lose a bunch of money seeing as I don't have much in the first place.
To make money gambling on sports you need to win roughly 52.5% of the games you pick. Seems easier than it actually is. CyBookie doesn't take a "vig" or the "juice" that online casinos will. Meaning, typically you need to bet $11 to win $10 in real life. People DO make money gambling on sports, however, I would only recommenced gambling with money that you don't need. You never want to be in a situation where you need the Broncos to score a late TD or you lose your house/car/tuition/etc.

4. Can anyone give me some tips? I realize talking about it in an open forum might make some uncomfortable so via PM is fine.
There are a TON of places online that have tips and advice for novice and experienced gamblers. I found this one with a quick google search, but I don't actually read their stuff.

http://www.docsports.com/sports-betting-101.html

Thanks in advance!
 

CloneIce

Well-Known Member
Apr 11, 2006
36,500
19,292
113
I have been thinking about betting online for a while now, to see how I could make out. I have a few questions.

3. Does anyone actually make money on it? I don't really want to lose a bunch of money seeing as I don't have much in the first place.


Thanks in advance!

There are people who do it for a living. Yes people make money on it. The problem is, it is tough to consistently make money on it, or everyone would do it and nobody would have a regular job. So if you study it a ton you may be able to make money on it.

These spreads are made by people who do this for a living, they really do know what they are doing. The point spreads are designed to get the most action on the games, if a spread looks out of whack and like an easy win there is usually a reason for this.
 

Tedcyclone

Well-Known Member
Oct 27, 2009
2,992
201
63
45
West Des Moines
I have been thinking about betting online for a while now, to see how I could make out. I have a few questions.

1. Is it legal? I couldn't find a clear cut answer in my prior search.. all I saw was a bunch of junk about the wire act. Is it illegal to own a website or to bet altogether?

2. Is it safe? I read a while back that some website got in trouble for stealing peoples money, but I think that was a poker site.

3. Does anyone actually make money on it? I don't really want to lose a bunch of money seeing as I don't have much in the first place.

4. Can anyone give me some tips? I realize talking about it in an open forum might make some uncomfortable so via PM is fine.

1. Sort of, the non legal part is them paying you back. however not one consumer has ever been charged with anything, ever.
2. yes
3. yes, most people no, but its still fun
4. no tips that i would give out :)
5. have fun.