BetDSI (the DSI stands for “Diamond Sportsbook International”) is located in San Jose, Costa Rica and has been offering online sportsbetting opportunities since 1998. If you’re considering them as a possible option for your gambling needs, this review should familiarize you with both their strengths and weaknesses.
Customer Support
If you need to ask a question or lodge a complaint, you can reach BetDSI via email, fax, or toll-free number at any hour of the day. My own experiences with their customer service department have been positive, but I’ve also encountered those who came away with a negative impression. I chalk this up to the rare unmotivated employee, as the BetDSI staff is generally well-trained and more than capable of resolving any issues that might arise.
Odds Quality and Betting Coverage
Odds are available early and often, but the end result is still on par with the competition. If you’re looking for 10 cent lines or other advantageous deals, then you’re likely to be disappointed.
All the major sports are represented, including the NBA, NFL, NHL, and various soccer leagues. Exotic wagers are also available in abundance, including surfing, entertainment props, and even World Series of Poker odds.
Level of Reliability
BetDSI is as reliable as they come in the sports betting industry. They’ve been in business since 1998, and they serve customers in over 140 countries (including the United States) with a wide range of currency and language options. They’re also affiliated with the respected Bookmaker brand, and their headquarters are located in the same state-of-the-art facility.
Loyalty Program
While some sportsbooks offer loyalty programs for frequent customers, many of them are vague about the details. With BetDSI, everything is spelled out in an easy-to-understand fashion.
Once you’ve made an initial deposit of $300 or more, you’ll be able to start racking up points. Straight bets earn one point, teasers are worth 1.5 points, and parlays are valued at two points. There are restrictions, however, and not all wagers earn you bonus points.
As you gain points, you’ll progress through the gold, platinum, and diamond levels. This last level requires 300,000 points to qualify, but it gives the customer access to VIP service, free payouts, and an increased free play deposit bonus.
Payment Methods and Times
BetDSI clients have 10 different withdrawal methods available to them, from Neteller to bank drafts sent via snail mail. Most of the minimum requirements are reasonable, but you’ll need to withdraw at least $5000 from your account in order to choose the bank wire option.
While Neteller and Click2Pay transactions are handled in the rapid fashion you might expect, most of their other payout options take an average of seven to ten days to process. It shouldn’t be a deal breaker, but I have seen competitors with better overall times.
Payout fees are one of the site’s weaknesses, as almost every option requires the customer to shell out cash in order to receive their winnings. Some of these are a percentage of the requested amount, while others are a flat fee. In either case, I consider it to be an unnecessary evil.
Strongest Points of BetDSI Sportsbook
There are lots of reasons to recommend BetDSI, but these are the selling points I always come back to:
- Simplicity – Some might accuse the BetDSI site of looking basic, but I prefer that kind of visual simplicity. After all, I’m there to bet on sports, not to be impressed by the talents of their designers.
- Live Betting Platform – You can wager on games that are in progress and get real-time updates on odds fluctuations. All major sports are included.
- Bettor Resources – A number of tools are available to make your betting experience as enjoyable (and profitable) as possible. These include an odds converter, parlay and teaser calculators, and an RSS feed packed with the latest news and predictions.
- Mobile Betting – While most of their competitors offer a mobile betting platform, few can come close to the quality and convenience of BetDSI. Deposits and withdrawals are available, and any bet can be made with just seven touches on your smart phone or tablet.