PointsBet

Overview

Originally established in Australia, PointsBet made a significant splash in the U.S. sports betting market with its unique features and aggressive marketing. The company distinguished itself with its proprietary "PointsBetting" system, a high-stakes alternative to traditional fixed-odds wagering where potential winnings or losses are not fixed but vary until the end of the game. However, in May 2023, Fanatics Betting and Gaming acquired PointsBet's U.S. assets, signaling a major shift in the brand's presence. As a result, the PointsBet platform is being migrated into the Fanatics Sportsbook, and its availability is diminishing in the United States. Despite this transition, PointsBet has built a reputation for a strong mobile experience, a wide array of betting markets, and creative promotional offerings.

Sign-Up Bonus

As of late 2023, PointsBet is no longer offering a sign-up bonus to new users. This change is a direct result of the ongoing acquisition and migration of its U.S. operations to Fanatics Sportsbook. Previously, PointsBet was known for its competitive new user promotions, but these have been discontinued as the company winds down its standalone brand in the U.S. market.

Odds Quality

PointsBet has consistently been praised for its competitive odds, often rivaling those of top-tier sportsbooks. The platform is particularly strong in fast-moving markets like the NBA and NHL, where it provides sharp and responsive lines. While not always the market leader in every sport, PointsBet generally offers favorable odds that appeal to both casual and serious bettors. Their in-house odds-making capabilities allow them to offer unique betting lines and props that are not available elsewhere.

User Experience

The user experience on PointsBet presents a mixed bag. The desktop website, while functional, has been criticized for a somewhat clunky and unintuitive layout. It features a minimalist design with a lot of empty space, and the navigation can be less efficient than on other platforms. For instance, accessing the full list of sports requires an extra click, and the process of adding bets to the bet slip is not as streamlined as it could be.

In contrast, the mobile app is where PointsBet truly shines. It is well-designed, responsive, and generally provides a smooth and enjoyable betting experience. The app's high ratings on both the App Store and Google Play attest to its quality. However, some users have reported issues with the app not saving login information and requiring frequent manual logins, which can be frustrating, especially for live betting.

Mobile App

The PointsBet mobile app is widely regarded as one of the best in the industry, boasting an impressive 4.8 out of 5-star rating on the Apple App Store. The app is praised for its clean interface, ease of navigation, and robust performance. It effectively translates the full functionality of the desktop site into a mobile-friendly format, making it easy to browse markets, place bets, and manage your account on the go. The live betting experience on the app is particularly strong, with a wide selection of in-game wagers and real-time updates. The primary drawback, as mentioned, is the lack of persistent login, which can be an inconvenience for some users.

Deposit/Withdrawal Methods

PointsBet offers a standard range of deposit and withdrawal options, though the selection is not as extensive as some of its larger competitors. Deposits are generally processed instantly and can be made via online banking, credit/debit cards, PayPal, and ACH/eCheck. For withdrawals, the options are slightly more limited, and processing times can be slower than the industry average. While most withdrawals are completed within a few business days, some users have reported longer wait times. The available methods include online banking, PayPal, and ACH/eCheck. Cash at cage options are also available at some retail locations.

Market Depth

One of PointsBet's major strengths is its extensive market depth, especially for major U.S. sports leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. The platform offers a vast array of betting options, from standard moneylines and spreads to a deep selection of player and team props. The proprietary "PointsBetting" feature also adds another layer of unique wagering opportunities. While the coverage of major sports is excellent, the market depth for smaller, niche sports is not as comprehensive as what you might find on other sportsbooks.

Promotions

PointsBet has built a reputation for its creative and engaging promotions. The sportsbook is known for offering unique promos like the "Crowd Booster," where the line on a particular bet moves in the bettors' favor as more people wager on it. They also offer daily odds boosts and parlay promotions. However, with the ongoing transition to Fanatics, the frequency and variety of these promotions have reportedly declined. Additionally, some users have expressed frustration that promotions are often targeted at new or casual bettors, with more experienced and successful players being excluded from certain offers.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Innovative and unique "PointsBetting" feature
• Highly-rated and user-friendly mobile app
• Competitive odds, especially for major sports
• Excellent live betting platform with a wide range of in-game wagers
• Creative and engaging promotional offers

Cons:

• Limited availability in the U.S. due to the Fanatics acquisition
• Clunky and unintuitive desktop website
• Slower than average withdrawal processing times
• Betting limits can be imposed on successful players

Final Verdict

PointsBet has been a significant and innovative player in the U.S. sports betting landscape. Its unique "PointsBetting" feature, strong mobile app, and competitive odds have made it a popular choice for many bettors. However, the recent acquisition by Fanatics has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the brand's future. The diminishing availability and reduction in promotional offerings are significant drawbacks for U.S. customers. While the core product remains solid, the transitional state of the company makes it difficult to fully recommend at this time. For those in states where it still operates, PointsBet can offer a unique and exciting betting experience, but users should be aware of the potential for future changes and limitations.