Lloyd Christmas said:
RBF, have you ever played offshore before?
Yes.
Actually had a sportsbook account for several years, but only used for oddball stuff and low denom bets. Never funding more than 500$ and payouts were slow, but did arrive on maybe two payouts over a 5 year period. They ended up eating two future bets (football) and closed my account due to being inactive; as I don't bet year round. The follow thru in dealing with the issue with online discussion was more of a hassle than it was worth and just dropped the account. Overall though, not a terrible experience and liked the ease of placing a wager and not having to deal with my ugly local's face.
That being said, still old school and have had a local for 20+ years that gives 5% juice on games played prior to gameday with a high limit and can call in a bet for 10K no problem. No irs, no back tracking trying to get money across international borders, etc.. It has worked well, with the exception of being profitable long-term; but action is limited with sides and totals for most part; parlays, teasers, etc.... but nowhere near as versatile as the online offerings.
I also like to play the big race day ponies, and would use SB for the derbies. Have people over and bet on my account and have a good time. But since the SB problem w/ account closure; opened up a twinspires account and have had zero problems with them.
So really just being an a-hole more than anything. Got nothing against offshore, but do not trust enough to put up some serious cash to fund. To each their own; but I go back further than the computer generation and still do business with a handshake. I have worked in totalitarian system for over 30+ years; not into texting - still pick up the damn phone and talk to people. I realize I am a dinosaur about ready for pasture, but that's how I roll.
And to clarify with my bantor about "tony" from 5D; really just busting his balls. Don't know the guy at all, so have no opinion.