We reported on the problems at BetMayor last week and have received more information and unfortunately, it does not look good for players. And, even more horrifying, it involves another online sportsbook.

The latest sportsbook involved in this mess in Costa Rica is GlobalBet. They have also run into money problems and have held off a player who is owed over 40K for several months. They continue to insist that he will be paid, but they have not sent him any money, only given him lip service and empty promises. We had a conversation with the head of GlobalBet, Daniel, regarding this player and his outstanding balance. We were told that player past posted bets and thus would have to wait to be paid, if he would be paid at all. We requested his betting history and after more than a week, we checked in with GlobalBet again. This is when we were informed that GlobalBet was one of the '3 high-end sportsbooks' that are allegedly being merged together in a purchase of sportsbooks and casinos by Media-Tech, a Panamanian company. One of the other books involved in this 'merger' is BetMayor.

The player owed 40K (and OSGA) was told that moving forward, GlobalBet was going to cater to EU and South American players only and that his balance was going to be transferred to the sportsbook that Media-Tech deemed to continue to serve U.S. customers – BetMayor. In addition, the player was informed that he would have to rollover his existing balance at the 'new' sportsbook before he could be paid and that no funds would be available until the merger was 'complete' in 30 days.

While GlobalBet was telling this player his account was moved to BetMayor, BetMayor was sending a player with a huge balance over to GlobalBet.

On April 3rd we reported that BetMayor had determined a 'sharp player' took advantage of the casino and his account was closed and balance confiscated. His winning style of play deemed him to be a 'professional' in violation of the rules at BetMayor. Despite BetMayor insisting they were within their rights, as 'Paul' had violated their terms and conditions, he continued to fight with BetMayor about the confiscation of his account. Yesterday, Paul was told that BetMayor was being sold to a Panamanian company and merging with other sportsbooks. He was told that his balance would be available to be used at . . . wait for it . . . GlobalBet, but that it could not be withdrawn for 60 days! And strangely, Paul is from the U.S.!!

Both of these sportsbooks have been spinning the notion that they will be part of the so-called 'buyout' by Media-Tech. We did some checking with sources in Panama and no such 'merger and acquisition' company that 'specializes in entertainment' exists. Emails to Media-Tech still bounce and the phone number listed on their website continues to go unanswered.

Even a blind man could see that this is all part of some elaborate scheme to not pay the players who are owed big money at either of these sportsbooks. There is no merger, nor is there hope that either of these places survive to pay players. Who would want to send money to such obvious liars? Would anyone expect to even be paid out by either of these companies?

BetMayor and GlobalBet are making a mockery of American players and putting a black–eye on the entire online gambling industry. This type of thievery and shenanigans not only looks bad, it is bad. Online sportsbooks and casinos that are out to scam players harm the legitimate sportsbooks that are out there and gives fodder to anti-gambling activists. Players will read this and think that all online sportsbooks are scamming crooks, but in reality it is just a few bad apples out there trying to take advantage of Americans looking to play offshore.

Players should heed two of our mantras here at OSGA – don't play at sportsbooks that have not made it successfully though one football AND baseball season and always check out places before sending them money. Finally, when in doubt, players should simply stick with sportsbooks rated Premier or Elite by OSGA.