How We Rate Sportsbooks
Sports betting is a staple of entertainment and excitement for millions of North American bettors, and the importance of making informed and responsible decisions cannot be overstated. At RG.org, we understand that navigating the world of sportsbooks can be overwhelming, especially for those new to the game. That's why we wanted to share our publishing principles with you, to help demystify the process of selecting a sportsbook in the North American market.
Our Philosophy
At RG, we are your guide to a safer, more informed betting experience. We believe that betting should be enjoyable, safe, and, most importantly, conducted in an informed manner. Our philosophy is rooted in the understanding that, for recreational players, sports betting is not a source of income but a form of entertainment. It's a way to enhance the experience of watching a sporting event, sharpen the senses, and engage in a community of like-minded enthusiasts.
Our Commitment to Responsible Gambling
We stand firm in our commitment to responsible gambling. We are here to prepare you for the game, not just with facts and figures, but with a deep understanding of what safe betting entails. Our platform is built on the pillars of objectivity, transparency, and data-driven analysis. We provide facts, not judgments or subjective opinions. Through our rigorous research and evaluation process, we aim to equip you with the tools and knowledge necessary to bet safely and enjoyably.
Understanding Online Sportsbooks
We will guide you through the intricacies of sportsbook selection and evaluation. Our team conducts thorough research, engaging in every aspect of the sportsbook experience — from signing up and placing bets to interacting with customer service and processing withdrawals. We understand that an authentic review comes from real experiences, and we leave no stone unturned in our quest to provide you with the most accurate and unbiased information.
Selection and Evaluation Criteria
In our mission to provide bettors with the most reliable and trustworthy sportsbook options, we implement a meticulous approach.
Operator Selection
Our primary focus is on providing a comprehensive and unbiased analysis of sportsbook operators. This involves an in-depth look into various aspects:
- Operator Reviews and Lists: We compile detailed reviews and curated lists of sportsbook operators, focusing on their services, offerings, and overall reliability. This includes assessing their history, market reputation, and regulatory compliance.
- Unique Value Proposition: Each operator is evaluated on a set of unique characteristics, such as the variety of betting options, user interface, customer service quality, payment methods, and the overall user experience.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Our evaluation is not a one-time process. We monitor sportsbook and betting apps daily for changes in service quality, new features, and compliance with legal and ethical standards.
Our Research Process
At RG, our research process is the cornerstone of our commitment to providing bettors with reliable and unbiased sportsbook evaluations. This section outlines the rigorous methods and hands-on approach we employ to ensure our reviews are comprehensive and trustworthy.
In-Depth Sportsbook Analysis
- Hands-On Experience: Our team members personally engage with each sportsbook. This involves going through the sign-up process, placing bets, interacting with customer service, withdrawing winnings, and using bonuses. This hands-on approach allows us to gain real insights into the user experience.
- Operator Performance Tracking: We continuously monitor the performance of sportsbooks, tracking changes in their offerings, user interfaces, customer service responsiveness, and overall reliability.
- Use of Advanced Technologies: We leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced machine learning (ML) models to analyze real user reviews from various platforms like the App Store and Google Play. This helps us identify trends and sentiments across different categories such as sportsbook functionality, bonuses, payment methods, mobile apps, customer service, and more.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Our approach is heavily reliant on data. We collect and analyze vast amounts of information to make objective evaluations. This includes market trends, betting odds, and user behavior patterns.
- Quality Assurance and Objectivity: To ensure the accuracy and relevance of our information, we regularly audit our content and methodologies. This includes updating our reviews to reflect the latest developments and innovations in the sportsbook industry.
- Objective Evaluation Criteria: Our evaluations are based on a predefined set of objective criteria. These criteria are designed to assess the key aspects of a sportsbook's operation, including security, user experience, betting options, odds, and customer support.
Addressing the Challenges of Gambling
Gambling addiction is a serious concern, and we're dedicated to offering support to those affected:
- Recognizing the Signs: We educate our users on identifying gambling addiction signs in themselves or others, leveraging insights from the International Center for Responsible Gaming (ICRG), which emphasizes understanding gambling disorders through research (ICRG).
- Support and Referral Services: Information on support services and programs for struggling individuals is provided, including helplines, counseling services, and support groups, as recommended by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), which offers a national helpline (1-800-GAMBLER) and other resources (NCPG).
- Reevaluating Gambling Habits: Tools and resources to help individuals adjust their approach to gambling are available, promoting a healthier lifestyle. This includes insights from the North American Training Institute (NATI), which offers prevention programs and educational resources (NATI).
Tools for Overcoming Challenges
In line with our mission to promote safe gambling, we've developed specific tools:
- Betting Simulators: These tools, inspired by responsible gambling initiatives, allow users to engage in betting activities without financial risk. They help users understand betting dynamics and the importance of strategy.
- Educational Quizzes and Games: Interactive quizzes and games are designed to educate bettors about responsible gambling practices engagingly, incorporating strategies and principles from organizations like the National Association of Administrators for Disordered Gambling Services (NAADGS), which provides vital information and support for problem gambling services (NAADGS).
By integrating resources and insights from leading organizations such as the ICRG, NCPG, NATI, and NAADGS, we aim to foster a more informed, responsible, and supportive betting environment for all our users.
Our Approach to Transparency
We are transparent about the challenges of gambling and our role in the industry:
- Honest Discussion About Gambling Risks: We openly discuss the potential risks associated with gambling, ensuring that bettors are aware and prepared.
- Transparency in Affiliate Relationships: While we earn from referrals, we maintain an unbiased approach in our reviews and recommendations. Our content is driven by facts and thorough analysis, not by affiliate relationships.
Through the measures and tools outlined above, we at RG strive to address the less attractive aspects of gambling. Our goal is to equip bettors with the knowledge and resources they need to gamble responsibly and enjoyably, while also providing support and guidance for those who face challenges related to gambling.
Meet Our Experts
Paruyr Shahbazyan
Paruyr Shahbazyan began his business career in 2000 as a private entrepreneur. Over thirteen years, he developed a deep understanding for business and leadership, laying a solid foundation for his professional journey.
In 2013, Paruyr stepped into the sports and betting industry as the founder and president of Bookmaker Rating. This online mass media platform, which he led until 2020, focused on providing in-depth analysis and insights in sports betting, earning a reputation for its quality content.
Continuing his innovative approach in 2022, Paruyr co-founded Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol. This venture showcases his dedication to integrating advanced technology in the evolving landscape of sports betting. Through these diverse experiences, Paruyr has continuously influenced and shaped the betting industry, driving new trends and setting high standards.
| Experience | Year |
| Engaged in private entrepreneurship | 2000-2013 |
| Founder and President at Bookmaker Rating, an online platform focused on sports and betting | 2013-2020 |
| Co-founder at Azuro, a decentralized betting protocol | 2022 |
"Innovation in sportsbetting comes from a deep understanding of both technology and the human element of sports."
- Paruyr Shahbazyan, Founder, RG
Principles and Ethics
Paruyr Shahbazyan's core beliefs lie in the power of informed decision-making and integrity in the betting industry. He understands that the foundation of successful betting is not just about odds and predictions, but also about the trust and reliability of the information provided. Paruyr advocates for a betting environment where transparency and knowledge are paramount, ensuring that bettors are well-equipped with accurate data and insights.
Strategic Vision
Paruyr's vision is to revolutionize the sports betting industry through the integration of technology. He sees the future of betting as a blend of traditional sports knowledge with innovative tech solutions, like decentralized protocols, to enhance user experience and fairness. His aim is to create platforms that are not only user-friendly but also uphold the highest standards of ethical betting, contributing to a more responsible and enjoyable betting culture.
Future Perspectives
Looking towards the future, Paruyr envisions a betting landscape that is more inclusive, technologically advanced, and globally connected. He anticipates a significant shift towards more decentralized and transparent betting systems, driven by blockchain technology. Paruyr is committed to being at the forefront of this change, continuously exploring new possibilities and innovations that can redefine what it means to engage in sports betting in a digital world. His focus is on building systems that prioritize user empowerment, fairness, and the global growth of the sports betting community.
Sol Fayerman-Hansen
Sol has over 20 years of experience in writing for diverse industries including sports, gambling, regulation, technology, and startups. As the Editor-in-Chief at RG.org, Sol brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role, focusing on delivering transparent, evidence-based content grounded in thorough research. Sol's mission is to empower readers to enjoy gambling responsibly and make informed decisions, enhancing their overall experience through insightful and engaging content. Under Sol's leadership, RG.org prioritizes the highest standards of integrity and reliability, ensuring that all information provided is accurate and trustworthy. Sol's dedication to transparency and research-based writing helps create a responsible gambling environment where readers can truly benefit from the content. This commitment to excellence has positioned RG.org as a leading source of information in the gambling industry.
Experience:
- Over 20 years in writing and editing across multiple industries
- Former head of regional innovation at BMO Finanacial Group
- Senior Writer, Online Casino Reports
Cristina Varela Galan
Cristina used to work as a Psychology Assistant in the Bizkaia Pathological and Risky Gamblers Association. She was also part of a research team in Deusto University, specializing in pathological gambling area. While working there, she managed to develop her own project
“Exploring the association between emotional regulation, alexithymia, stressful life events and gambling in adolescent and young adult women”.
Nick Ashbourne
Nick has been fascinated with sports since he was first taken to a Toronto Maple Leafs game back in 1998, and he's written about them professionally since 2014.
Nick has covered baseball and hockey for outlets like The Athletic, Sportsnet, and Yahoo Sports, and his sports betting expertise has grown since its legalization in Ontario in 2022.
Between 2022 and 2023 he worked for a betting startup called NorthStar Bets, and in 2024 he contributed to Oddspedia before joining the Responsible Gambling team.
Sergey Demidov
Sergey has been in sports journalism since 2007 as a reporter, editor, and manager. He has covered the Olympic Games, soccer World Cups, the World Cup of Hockey in 2016, the European championships, the Stanley Cup Finals, IOC events, and many others. Sergey interviewed the sport's greatest athletes, coaches, and executives. Since 2016, he has been an Independent Senior Editor of NHL.com/ru.
Anna Kravtcova
Ph.D. in organizational psychology, an internationally certified psychologist (EuroPsy 2022, Cognitive behavioural therapy of mindfulness 2020, International Society for Emotional Intelligence 2017, Russian Psychological society 2014, American Psychological Association(Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychologist) 2011), speaker of many international conferences (USA, Brazil, Portugal, Czech Republic, Russia, etc.). TEDx speaker.
Mark Medina
Mark Medina is a longtime NBA reporter that includes stints as a Lakers blogger with The Los Angeles Times (2010-12), Lakers beat writer with the Los Angeles Daily News (2012-17), Warriors beat writer with Bay Area News Group (2017-19) as well as an NBA reporter/columnist for USA Today (2019-21) and NBA.com (2021-23). Medina is also an NBA insider with Fox Sports Radio and frequent contributor to CBSLA's SportsCentralLA with Jim Hill and with Spectrum Sportsnet.
Daria Tuboltseva
Daria went to St. Petersburg State University and earned a bachelor of international journalism. Working as a sports journalist from 2014, from 2016 as a hockey journalist. Covered 5 World Championships, 2022 Winter Olympics, 2020 World Juniors, 6 Gagarin Cup Finals.
Owner of a telegram channel Coolest Game on Earth.
Integrative nutritionist specializing on sports nutritionology.
Paul M. Banks
Paul M. Banks is a professional Content Creator whose career has seen bylines in numerous publications, including the New York Daily News, Chicago Tribune, USA Today, Yahoo, MSN, FOX Sports and Sports Illustrated.
Banks has made scores of guest appearances on live radio and television, featuring regularly on NTD News, WGN-TV, CCTV, ESPN Radio, the History Channel, SiriusXM and CBS Sports Radio.
He is the Founding Editor of The Sports Bank.net, which has been featured and linked in hundreds of leading media outlets all across the world.
He has also authored two books, one of which, "No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in Sports Media," became an assigned textbook in journalism courses at State University New York-Oneonta.
Marco D'Amico
Marco D'Amico is a beat reporter covering the Montreal Canadiens and the NHL Draft, while also being a recurring guest on TSN690 and BPM Sports. His work primarily on NHL CBA breakdowns and prospect analysis, all while covering the Montreal Canadiens on a day-to-day basis.
Crissy Froyd
Crissy Froyd is a sports reporter of over 10 years who specializes in quarterback analysis at the high school, college and NFL level. She was mentored by Mike Leach and learned the Air Raid offense and quarterback evaluation largely under the legendary head coach. Froyd has appeared in and worked with multiple publications, including USA TODAY SMG, Sports Illustrated, NBC Sports and Saturday Down South. She also covers canine journalism for Showsight Magazine and resides in Wisconsin with her three dogs -- two German Shepherds named Faxon and Bo Nix, and one Siberian Husky named Stetson "Balto" Bennett.
Brendon R. Elliott
Brendon Elliott, a distinguished PGA Professional, is best known for his dedication to the growth and development of junior golf. With nearly three decades of experience, Elliott has been recognized multiple times as one of the best instructors, both regionally and nationally.
Elliott's crowning achievement was being named the 2017 PGA of America National Youth Player Development Award Winner, a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication. He is the founder of Little Linksters, an award-winning youth golf academy and nonprofit that works with kids of all abilities to help them develop a passion for golf. His innovative teaching methods and love for the game have made significant impacts on students and the broader golfing community.
Additionally, Brendon, a Golf Writers Association of America member, has become a renowned freelance golf writer, further solidifying his position as a top professional in the industry.
Garrett Kerman
Garrett Kerman also goes by the name of The Fight Analyst. He is a writer and analyst who covers the world of combat sports. He's covered some of the biggest events in combat sports with interviews from some of the biggest names in the sport. Garrett has a vast knowledge of MMA, boxing, and even bare-knuckle fighting that he brings to the table in his content. Whether you're looking for exclusive content, fighter interviews, breaking news, or expert analysis Garrett Kerman has got you covered!
Simon Head
Simon is a sports journalist and MMA reporter with 25+ years' experience covering sports and 15+ years covering mixed martial arts as one of the UK's longest-tenured MMA journalists. He also has more than a decade of experience working in the betting and gaming industry.
He has provided coverage for a plethora of major sports outlets, including BBC Sport, USA Today, Daily Mirror and BT Sport, and has covered Olympic Games, World Cups, FA Cup Finals and UFC title fights during his career.
DJ Siddiqi
DJ Siddiqi is a sports reporter who focuses on football, basketball and pro wrestling. He has covered some of the biggest sporting events, including the NBA Finals and Wrestlemania and often interviews high-profile athletes on a weekly basis. Siddiqi has interviewed the likes of Dan Marino, Emmitt Smith, Shaquille O'Neal, Tony Hawk and Giannis Antetokounmpo. His previous experience includes working as a lead NBA writer at CBS Sports and 247 Sports in addition to working as a beat reporter covering the NFL and the Denver Broncos at Bleacher Report. Follow Siddiqi for exclusive one-on-one interviews and analysis on key topics in sports
Alex Kennedy
Alex Kennedy is an NBA reporter, editor and podcaster. He has covered the NBA for the last 19 years, writing for ESPN, HoopsHype, USA TODAY Sports, Bleacher Report, and Basketball News among others. As the Chief Content Officer at Basketball News, he built and managed the staff, which consisted of journalists and former NBA players. His Twitter account is featured in NBA 2K each year.
Mike Rosenberg
Mike made the decision to dive headfirst into the booming world of sports betting fresh out of college. Back in the day, when 1-800 pick lines and sports pagers were all the rage, he couldn't resist the allure, having grown up idolizing sports legends like Sweetness, MJ, and Slammin Sammy. Mike dedicated his early years to the industry, tirelessly analyzing games, writing articles with free picks, and selling his expertise on reputable handicapping sites. Unlike many others, Mike was known for his integrity and only released one Game of the Year per sport, per season. His hard work and unwavering commitment paid off, earning him a devoted following and propelling his career to new heights. Then came the explosion of Daily Fantasy Sports. Believe it or not, companies like DraftKings and FanDuel used to pay Mike's company to increase their brand exposure. Now, those same industry giants don't even bother responding to his emails. While Mike appreciates the convenience of being able to place legal bets in his own backyard, he can't help but feel disheartened by what has become of the industry. People are being led astray, falsely believing that a mere $5 wager on a 20-team same-game-parlay will be their ticket to financial security. If there’s one thing Mike learned from making book back in the day, it’s that parlays are a bookie’s best friend. A bankroll is the only leg you have to stand on in the battle with the books, and Mike’s here to offer up advice on how to protect it.
Nikhil Narain
Nikhil Narain is a die-hard cricket romantic, published author, and has worked for some of the leading digital websites and broadcasters in India and overseas. An alumnus of the London School of Economics, Nikhil's forte is using data and numbers creatively to weave interesting stories and revolutionize the way cricket statistics are generated and analyzed.
