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78% |
Reviewer: Geoff Johnson
A feisty rookie with unique promotions.
GTBets (or Gametime Bets) is a new name to the game, having just launched earlier this year. However, with a competent and experienced management team inherited from the old book VIP Sports, they are proving already to be a reliable book with a fresh twist.
Sportsbook Bonuses and Promos (8/10)
Rather than putting a lot of pressure on players to deposit a grand right off the bat, GTBets has an initial bonus structure that gives a 100% free bet on first $150, and then another 50% up to $500. They also offer a generous reload bonus which can be anywhere from 5% to 50% depending on the deposit. To keep you happy they rebate you for 10% of your casino losses and 15% on horse race losses. In addition to all this, GTBets has a really unique way to reward NFL and college football fans, which we’ll get into later.
Initial Deposit: 100% up to $150, 50% up to $500
Reload: 5-50%
Gambler’s Insurance: none
Refer-a-Friend: 20%, up to $200
Casino: 10% rebate
Customer Service (8/10)
GTBets’ management team knows what it takes to make a book run smoothly, and having well-trained customer service representatives available when needed is a large part of that. I had a few questions about mobile betting during a busy NCAA Saturday and I was helped right away. Other than the phone service, they have real people available by live chat within seconds which is very convenient. Unlike some books though, instant customer service is not available 24/7.
A fairly comprehensive loyalty program is available to all members, allowing them to choose from a selection of goodies after a certain amount of betting.
Sportsbook Features (8/10)
Lines are offered for just about every sport, though GTBets is aimed at the North American market. They dish out a pretty good variety of international soccer games, however where Gametime really shines is their pigskin Football offerings. First of all they have their “half-juice game of the week” which is just how it sounds. In addition, they have a very unique betting feature where you choose your favorite NFL team and every time you bet on them you get a free point added to or taken away from the spread. In some cases this can mean the difference between winning or losing a bet, which is a great incentive to play at GT. The same promotion is available to NCAA football fans, however it’s a half-point here.
Additional Features (8/10)
As a fairly new book, GTBets doesn’t offer a poker room yet. However, they are way ahead of the curve when it comes to their mobile website. Being able to play real blackjack on your Android phone on the bus – or slots on your iPad while you’re in the bathroom – are both very satisfying. The racebook also has everything you’d want, including that 15% rebate which is unheard of for horse racing.
Deposits (9/10)
Currently, Gametime Bets is among the leaders of the pack when it comes to American credit card deposit processing. All 3 major credit cards are accepted for free, with a very low minimum deposit of $35. Direct cash and Quick Cash are also available if you prefer.
Payouts (8/10)
GT offers direct bank-wire transfers for payouts between $300 and $5000. Once you request a cashout, it can take a few days to process but we’ve had no problems with this method. The only drawback however is that they charge $60 flat fee on bank wire deposits. They also offer free couriered checks, or third party transfer through either Quick Cash or Direct Cash.
Overall (8/10)
I like it when a new sportsbook comes onto the scene and is a legitimate player right away. Newer books have more motivation to build their customer base, and, more importantly, keep them happy. GTBets fits this bill and then some, with an all-around solid offering complemented by the kind of extra effort and unique thinking only seen by newer books. Gametime has arrived.
