Michael McKean is an experienced writer with a portfolio that includes work on the subjects of sport, gambling, travel and finance. With a background rooted in journalism, Michael first ventured into the professional writing world based in Switzerland, where he wrote for a number of language and travel sites and magazines before moving into the world of sports writing and gambling sites.
As an avid soccer fan, who follows everything from the Scottish lower leagues to the European elites, he has earned himself a solid reputation as a reliable football betting tipster and predictor. Outside of work, Michael has always gotten involved with grassroutes football everywhere he has worked and lived - UK, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland and Brazil - and still isn’t shy when it comes to pulling the boots on himself. As well as soccer, he has also developed a love of North American sports, particularly ice hockey - a love which began in Switzerland and saw him venture across the pond to follow the NHL. Moving away from dry land, he’s also a keen longboard surfer and is happiest when writing with a view of the ocean.
Betanysports review: Scam or legal? [BLACKLISTED]
Is BetAnySports Legit? We think not!
BetAnySports opened its virtual doors in 2001 opting for licensing from Costa Rica and was one of the first offshore bookies to offer its services to US players.
The operator offers a more modern approach to betting than its sister company 5Dimes and many other offshore bookies. Captain Gambling has already blacklisted 5Dimes, so now we're very keen to let you know if BetAnySports fares any better.
Bonuses: A lacklustre offer with little information
BetAnySports promotions are not on the high end either with just a 20% free money deposit bonus of up to USD 200, which has a wagering requirement of 5 times the deposit + rollover. Interestingly, the bonus is not available for customers already claiming it with 5Dimes, Island Casino, Sportbet, ChineseBookie, Vietbet, Bombaybets, or Nicabet.
Unfortunately, the fact that you cannot claim the bonus if you have any association with 5Dimes, a blacklisted operator, already has our scam sensors on high alert!
The wagering requirement is implied even if you’re not fishing for bonuses, which has had many players complaining about the inability to withdraw funds and the customer support aiming to have players claim the bonuses rather than explaining this and helping with the issue.
Usability - Vague online platform
The BetAnySports EU site does offer a modern and up-to-date interface which adds some graphics to the experience, with a simple and easy-to-use interface – with most of the crucial controls available from the top menu. However, the operator has seen criticism for hiding odds and some features from users before they set up accounts, especially coming from those used to seeing the odds in question at one’s fingertips with the most prominent regulated operators in the United States.
The banking options add more worry to the players’ minds, where the depositing options include Bitcoin, Money order, Debit cards, and Person to Person transfers with minimum amounts ranging between USD 50 and USD 1,000. However, withdrawing can get tricky as it’s often the case with offshore online casinos.
Withdrawal methods include Bitcoin, Wire Transfers, and Checks which brings us to a major objection as there’s no Credit or Debit cards in the offer. Furthermore, deposits made by cards or e-wallets require a 3x rollover as well as a seven-day hold before one can issue a withdrawal request. This is highly unusual to say the least and in our opinion unfair and unreasonable, but there's more bad news to come...
There are also fees which differ by payment method and multiple withdrawals within a week take a fat amount of USD 100 for processing.
We certainly wouldn't risk our money at BetAnySport and we strongly recommend that you don't either!
Customer Support - Unreliable at best
Of course, it’s impossible to complete the betanysports.eu review without taking a look at the Customer care. The operator offers customer support through most of the day, starting at 8 AM and ending during half-time of the last offered event. The support can be reached via a phone line, e-mail as well as the Live Chat on the site.
A quick survey of the channels gives a feeling of timely response and knowledgeable agents but there are still many reports of CS failing to cope with unsuccessful requests for withdrawals and even extending the timeframes of a complicated process to get to an actual solution.
While BetAnySports certainly looks slicker than most of its competitors, players who got used to a high standard of service and user-friendly sites will be quick to notice its downsides. However, the interface is not the stopping point when getting around suggestions why no to play here.
Going through players’ BetAnySports reviews gives a glimpse into a reality why many experienced aficionados avoid this and any other offshore operator, where worries of one’s data protection and fund safety become very real despite the luring possibilities widely advertised.
Indeed, offshore betting operators tend to promise smooth sailing with great odds and overwhelming promotions but it’s obvious the regulators outside the US hold lenient standards which can often mean no guarantee of such traits, as players hardly have the means to pursue arbitration if denied any claims by the bookie.
State-licensed operators, on the other hand, offer service regulated by the US agencies and have to abide laws as such. This means they are closely monitored and reports of misdemeanor get actual results, aside from spreading among the player base much quicker with free access to information.
While there are many features advertised in favor of the offshore bookies, this rather denies them as utter uncertainty. Furthermore, the changing laws largely affect the number of players with more reliable operators now in the offer, which creates a generally safer environment when it comes to online gambling.
Ultimately, BetAnySports sportsbook could be taken down at any given point. More specifically, the company could be forced to stop offering services to US players with more strict laws and it’s fair to say that pursuing the BetAnySports payouts would be a huge pain in the neck in such circumstances, with many reports of problems getting one’s money out after winning already available across the web.
Betanysports Sports Betting
Betting Offer: Focus on Popular Sports
While it’s surely already clear we don’t and cannot recommend taking your money to BetAnySports or any new gambling websites that are licensed off-shore, we now put BetAnySports complaints aside and take a look at some of the most important features bookie offers its players to see how well it bodes when put against the industry standards
BetAnySports wagering covers a long list of sports but can hardly cope with the industry big guns in the variety of markets, with their main focus on major sports such as football, basketball, baseball, ice hockey, but also tennis and soccer. Still, spreads don’t really instill the feeling of value and sets it back even in offshore standards. To compare these markets with other top providers, then be sure to read our guide to "Is Interbets safe?" and our latest Bet365 review USA.
Betting Odds: No real edge
The odds markets a competitive and conquering odds but in reality, 1x2 markets have a margin of 101.7% while spreads, as well as the Over/Under betting, vary and stand around 104.5%. The few vague markets available hardly offer a great edge over the state-regulated bookmakers despite being one of the offshore companies’ boasting points.
Is BetAnySports Legal: Top 5 FAQ Asked By Players
Is BetAnySports legal and am I liable?
Offshore bookies have been using loopholes to offer US players services and while this is a shady business, it’s just a matter of time before more strict regulation is imposed by the government. Some states have laws allowing player prosecution but this has not happened - yet.
What are the depositing and withdrawing options?
BetAnySports allows a number of banking methods but these have been a matter of controversy. Bitcoin is available for both deposits and withdrawals, while debit cards and e-wallets can only be used to deposit – which also imposes a turnover to withdraw and takes ridiculous fees for the process as well.
Do I have to pay tax in case of winnings?
Players in the United States are obligated by law to pay taxes on gamble winnings and this comes as a must even with offshore providers, regardless of their location and/or tax obligations.
Where can I see the BetAnySports odds?
BetAnySports does not allow new players to check out the odds before setting up an account. After registering, you can access the odds by marking events, clicking to continue, and listing them on the new window you’re taken to. Don't sign up with a site that won't even show you its products - this is wrong and highly suspicious!
Does the minimum age of 21 apply to offshore betting operators?
No, BetAnySports’ age of majority is 18 and while this is not yet legal in some states, it also points towards the differences and the company’s failure to align with US laws and regulations.
Verdict: Better to Stay Safe
Like many offshore companies, BetAnySports promises an 'enhanced service' but all we seen is attempts to hide information and charge exorbitant fees to access your own money when you win.
There are many other downsides as well, which largely focus on the players’ inability to solve issues with customer support or get any real insight into the company’s dealings without regulation.
This brings us to the fact that many players enjoy taking their bankroll to regulated bookies and casinos, where an industry standard with top-quality service and a user-oriented approach is the norm.
We've already blacklisted 5Dimes, which is closely associated with BetAnySport. We've given both a chance and they've failed to come even close to passing muster and now BetAnySport is alos on the CaptainGambling blacklist. Do yourself a favour - keep well away.
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