Gambling911.com holds off ad renewal of BetonSports.com

Gambling911.com announced Tuesday it would hold off bringing BetonSports.com back onto its popular news and information website until more information could be obtained regarding various indictments lodged against that company and a number of its principals.

"This (move) is for the protection of our readers as we cannot be clear on the fate of BetonSports at the current time based on all that has transpired these past 24 hours," commented Christopher Costigan, Founder and President of Gambling911.com.

Technically, BetonSports.com has not been advertising on the Gambling911.com website for the past month now after nearly a one year stint.

"BetonSports management had since addressed concerns that were brought to their attention and we were in the process of bringing them back on board again," Costigan said.  "It would not be wise to have BetonSports back up until we have more details as to what is going on with this current matter.  That could be one day from now, that can be never.  We are taking a 'wait and see' attitude for the time being."

Gambling911.com has long refused to accept advertising from BetonSports.com or any of its related websites since its inception in September 2000.

"They were our first advertiser and we had great admiration for the founder's ability to build a successful and profitable online gambling enterprise," Costigan disclosed.  "But it was eventually determined that there was too much 'baggage' attached to the brand, preventing us from growing as a respected company."

Baggage that included a handful of "high profile" cases whereby big winnings were denied on the basis of either "circumvention of software" or "syndicate play".

"BetonSports.com was brought back on board last year after a change in management that included many British board members looking to improve the company's long tarnished image.  They had achieved this goal up until recently when a series of actions were brought fruition which were reminiscent of previous management policy."

BetonSports management told Gambling911.com they were in the process of eradicating all "wise guy" action and "bonus abusers" while ensuring that the company does not force its customers to maintain a certain percentage of initial deposits and winnings in their betting accounts even if they wish to close them completely. 

"Our position is that BetonSports.com financially is a solid company and the principals that have joined over the past year or two have expressed a desire to take this company in an entirely different direction from both a PR standpoint and to better improve its presence on the web."

Despite being the second largest online sports betting company focused on the North American market, BetonSports.com lags behind even some "medium size" books when it comes to web technology.  Industry experts suggest that the company's high phone call in center to online ratio may have played a role in the recent indictments.

"Gambling911.com is fortunate in that we can hold off taking ad money without much financial consequence.  This is due to our successful business model and extensive sponsor list.  But for some gaming sites that rely on BetonSports advertising funds, this may not be an option."

-----

Alejandro Botticelli, www.gambling911.com

Originally published July 18, 2006 10:01 am EDT