A warning about MyBookie for American players

[stjarna]

I posted this on Reddit too. I am just copying from there.

Hello,
I recently moved to the U.S. (2 months ago) from Europe. I mostly bet on football (soccer, as you guys name it) and basketball. I did not know the online gambling situation here, the market seems pretty sketchy. Anyway, after losing some on Bovada I made an account on MyBookie (I believe in bad luck), I deposited 50 dollars using BTC, made it 150 the same day. But then I realized that they do not offer neither double chance nor Asian handicap markets (this is like not offering over/under for basketball!) and I opted to cashout. This was 2 days ago. This is where a circus started.

1- First, they asked for a verification, namely photos of my credit card and an ID to make the payment. I contacted the customer service telling that I had not used a credit card, and they told me that there was a mistake since I had used BTC and there was no need for a document verification and a simple SMS verification would suffice. I doublechecked to make sure that I would not be contacted for any documents whatsoever, and the customer service guy said yes. They verified my account, and I resubmitted my request to withdraw.

2- But they rejected this request too, asking for and ID with address to complete my verification. Although the contradiction indeed felt sketchy, I said alright. Since I have no American ID, I contacted the customer service via phone. They told me that my passport and a document that shows my address (a bank statement in this case) would be perfectly acceptable. I uploaded them. I received an e-mail telling me that my documents were approved the same afternoon (yesterday). Just to doublecheck, I contacted the customer service online, asking if my account had been verified, I was told that they had been. I resubmitted the request to withdraw.

3- Yet, it was rejected again. Today, I received an e-mail telling me that the passport is unacceptable since it was not issued in the U.S. (SURPRISE!), although I only uploaded the passport upon their confirmation. I replied the e-mail saying this. Then, enraged, I called the customer service and they told me that my documents were under review and I would receive an e-mail in about an hour. I did. It said that my account was verified, yet again. I submitted another request to withdraw. Then, in the meantime, I received another e-mail, as a reply to the e-mail which I responded in the morning, which told me again that non-U.S. documents are not acceptable. Apparently the departments are quite uncoordinated but maybe it is naive of me to assume that they have departments. My request still holds. Let's see what happens from here.

This whole shitshow is for 150$. I cannot even imagine withdrawing 5-digit numbers. The whole customer service is comprised of uncoordinated individuals one of which says one thing, the other saying another in completely opposite directions. I did a bit research and saw that MyBookie is famous for not paying its customers anyway so there is my fault to it too, I should have researched a bit more beforehand. Still, even though I understand that online gambling is illegal here and bookies have the upper hand, I believe there should be better sites than MyBookie. Even if they pay me, it became obvious that they cause problems with withdrawal. Maybe I should not even left Bovada in the first place, regardless of my superstition in bad luck. I am open to suggestions of better bookies that offer variety of markets on football (most of them do not).

Anyway, beware of this bookie. They seem like a bunch of frauds.

[stjarna]

Well, it is official. They do not pay me. Even though they first told me that a passport is good (they even uttered the word "passport" in the first place), now they want an ID with my picture and address on it - which I do not have. A passport is no good since it was issued back in my country (how else is possible?), even though they first said that it was alright.

Ridiculous. Scams.

[DontTailMe]

It's not a scam. I have had many max bitcoin payouts without hassle. I'm sure when they said "passport", they were thinking US passport. What you are experiencing is typical for the US offshore industry. They protect themselves from multi-accounters by requiring verification of ID and address.

If you are who you say you are and live where you told them you live, then you should be able to acquire the necessary documentation, right?

[Optional]

Well, it is official. They do not pay me. Even though they first told me that a passport is good (they even uttered the word "passport" in the first place), now they want an ID with my picture and address on it - which I do not have. A passport is no good since it was issued back in my country (how else is possible?), even though they first said that it was alright.

Ridiculous. Scams.

You will need to obtain some local USA documentation.

It should not matter that your passport is foreign, but you should try to understand that in your situation you will need to supply additional proof and proof of address is quite normal.


you'll need all this stuff to be sure you are going to paid at all US facing offshore books. So you may as well work with MyBookie to get all of it together now.

[stjarna]

It's not a scam. I have had many max bitcoin payouts without hassle. I'm sure when they said "passport", they were thinking US passport. What you are experiencing is typical for the US offshore industry. They protect themselves from multi-accounters by requiring verification of ID and address.

If you are who you say you are and live where you told them you live, then you should be able to acquire the necessary documentation, right?

1- I told them I was not a U.S. citizen but I was residing in the U.S. therefore it was sure that we were talking about a non-U.S. passport.

2- No I am not able to acquire the necessary documentation. They want a U.S.-issued document with my address on it which I do not have. Moreover, if they wanted such a document, why did they accept the bank statement for the address purposes anyway?

The problem is, at first it was first an SMS-based verification. Then it is "send us your passport, it is fine". Then it is "a passport is not acceptable, since your documents show that you are based in the U.S. we need an ID".

Please do not try too hard to side with the bookie. Common sense it is, really.

[stjarna]

You will need to obtain some local USA documentation.

It should not matter that your passport is foreign, but you should try to understand that in your situation you will need to supply additional proof and proof of address is quite normal.


you'll need all this stuff to be sure you are going to paid at all US facing offshore books. So you may as well work with MyBookie to get all of it together now.

The thing is, they told me that a foeign passport is absolutely acceptable. Why would I upload the photo of my passport in the first place, anyway.

[Optional]

The thing is, they told me that a foeign passport is absolutely acceptable. Why would I upload the photo of my passport in the first place, anyway.

It is acceptable as ID but it is not proof of address.


You sound like you may not have much experience with bookmakers and KYC (Know Your Customer) questions?

It isn't going to help at all just saying someone in there said this was ok and now changed their mind. You need to find a way to get yourself something official posted to your home address to show them.

[stjarna]

It is acceptable as ID but it is not proof of address.


You sound like you may not have much experience with bookmakers and KYC (Know Your Customer) questions?

It isn't going to help at all just saying someone in there said this was ok and now changed their mind. You need to find a way to get yourself something official posted to your home address to show them.

As a proof of address, I sent them my bank statement, as I noted above. They asked for an ID and a proof of address, which, in this case is the passport (ID) and a bank statement (address).

I do not know how I can make it clearer.

[Optional]

As a proof of address, I sent them my bank statement, as I noted above. They asked for an ID and a proof of address, which, in this case is the passport (ID) and a bank statement (address).

I do not know how I can make it clearer.

You have been clear.

As clear as MyBookie are in telling you that is not acceptable as proof of address. Again this is normal that bank statements are not accepted. As most banks allow you to use any mailing address you like for statements.

have you ever been through a KYC process before?

[stjarna]

You have been clear.

As clear as MyBookie are in telling you that is not acceptable as proof of address. Again this is normal that bank statements are not accepted. As most banks allow you to use any mailing address you like for statements.

have you ever been through a KYC process before?

But the thing is, they first told me that those are perfectly acceptable. I did even doublecheck. It is not to my liking to send my private documents which would be of no use to strangers. I sent those documents only upon their requests and they were fully aware of their content. I only cooperated with them upon their requests, I followed their rules. And this is what I am getting.

Stated more abstractly, I told them my situation, they knew what documents I have and what I do not, they told they would accept what I have, then, all of a sudden, they say that they cannot. Is not something wrong here? If a bank statement is not acceptable, why tell me it is so? Is this normal? Why are you trying so hard to whitewash them anyway?

Whether or not I have been through a KYC process before seems irrelevant at this point.

[Ant23]

Shoulda stayed with Bovada.....Never had 1 problem with them other than bad baseball lines. But they do 1 thing very well......THEY PAY

[DontTailMe]

But the thing is, they first told me that those are perfectly acceptable. I did even doublecheck. It is not to my liking to send my private documents which would be of no use to strangers. I sent those documents only upon their requests and they were fully aware of their content. I only cooperated with them upon their requests, I followed their rules. And this is what I am getting.

Stated more abstractly, I told them my situation, they knew what documents I have and what I do not, they told they would accept what I have, then, all of a sudden, they say that they cannot. Is not something wrong here? If a bank statement is not acceptable, why tell me it is so? Is this normal? Why are you trying so hard to whitewash them anyway?

Whether or not I have been through a KYC process before seems irrelevant at this point.

Did they tell you that they would accept that documentation BEFORE you deposited money with them? If so, then you definitely have a gripe.

[stjarna]

Did they tell you that they would accept that documentation BEFORE you deposited money with them? If so, then you definitely have a gripe.

After I deposited the money. Why is the moment of deposit the cutting point anyway?

[Optional]

But the thing is, they first told me that those are perfectly acceptable. I did even doublecheck. It is not to my liking to send my private documents which would be of no use to strangers. I sent those documents only upon their requests and they were fully aware of their content. I only cooperated with them upon their requests, I followed their rules. And this is what I am getting.

Stated more abstractly, I told them my situation, they knew what documents I have and what I do not, they told they would accept what I have, then, all of a sudden, they say that they cannot. Is not something wrong here? If a bank statement is not acceptable, why tell me it is so? Is this normal? Why are you trying so hard to whitewash them anyway?

Whether or not I have been through a KYC process before seems irrelevant at this point.

I would not have asked twice if I thought it was irrelevant.

I am either trying to help a newbie or a scammer. That answer would have given a clue as to which you are. Actually, this answer has given me some clue, so just forget being open and honest about it now ;-)


Anyway, you have been given the correct information. You do not seem to want it and have just repeated the same silly excuses you have already been told are irrelevant in those first two paragraphs.

Good luck on your quest to change the world. I doubt you are going to be paid, so I hope being dramatic entertains you at least.

[stjarna]

I would not have asked twice if I thought it was irrelevant.

I am either trying to help a newbie or a scammer. That answer would have given a clue as to which you are. Actually, this answer has given me some clue, so just forget being open and honest about it now ;-)


Anyway, you have been given the correct information. You do not seem to want it and have just repeated the same silly excuses you have already been told are irrelevant in those first two paragraphs.

Good luck on your quest to change the world. I doubt you are going to be paid, so I hope being dramatic entertains you at least.

They told me they would accept the passport (knowing it is foreign) and a bank statement, I send them, they rejected them, and now you are blaming it on me. What is so silly about it here? Can you please explain?

Really smart of you to predict that I won't get the money. It is obvious, they are asking for an U.S. ID which I do not have. I honestly do not give a damn about the money here. I am trying to make sure that people won't get scammed like me, that is why I opened this thread.

[stjarna]

The reason I did not reply about the KYC is (which I do not know what it is, I am foreign), you did not seem quite sincere enough to be offering me help. Therefore it seemed irrelevant for me, to answer you in that regard. Despite the blatantness of the insincerity of the bookie, you seemed to be trying to justify their behavior.

[bubba]

Are non US citizens allowed to play on my-bookie when in the US? If yes, asking for a US ID sounds unreasonable. It sounds like good faith attempts by OP are being rejected by mybookie without a reasonable alternative being offered.

Yes I am only hearing 1 side of the story and maybe I am naive but Id side with the OP (if you dont need us citizenship to play there)

[Optional]

The reason I did not reply about the KYC is (which I do not know what it is, I am foreign), you did not seem quite sincere enough to be offering me help. Therefore it seemed irrelevant for me, to answer you in that regard. Despite the blatantness of the insincerity of the bookie, you seemed to be trying to justify their behavior.

I am no fan of MyBookie personally.

They could very well be being more difficult than they need to be, or other offshores might be.

But they are making "justifiable" demands of you.

I am just trying to help you be realistic about your situation.

[Optional]

It is obvious, they are asking for an U.S. ID which I do not have.

If you live in the USA, you should be able to obtain proof of your address.

You don't need USA citizenship or a local passport.

Are non US citizens allowed to play on my-bookie when in the US? If yes, asking for a US ID sounds unreasonable. It sounds like good faith attempts by OP are being rejected by mybookie without a reasonable alternative being offered.

Yes I am only hearing 1 side of the story and maybe I am naive but Id side with the OP (if you dont need us citizenship to play there)

They are asking for proof of address, not a USA ID.

Please don't confuse the poor guy more.

[stjarna]

They are asking for proof of address, not a USA ID.

Please don't confuse the poor guy more.

The thing is, they told me that they would accept a bank statement (or any bill for that matter) for a proof of address, along with my foreign passport. Now they are asking for a U.S.-issued ID (an ID or a driver's license were the example they gave me) which I do not have. I really do not understand what is so hard to process here.

@bubba, they knew I was a non-US throughout the process.

[Optional]

The thing is, they told me that they would accept a bank statement (or any bill for that matter) for a proof of address, along with my foreign passport. Now they are asking for a U.S.-issued ID (an ID or a driver's license were the example they gave me) which I do not have. I really do not understand what is so hard to process here.

@bubba, they knew I was a non-US throughout the process.

Repeating this for the 10th time isn't going to change anything.

It doesn't matter what you claim they said.

Asking you for proof of address is 100% normal.

Why cant you supply that???

I honestly do not give a damn about the money here. I am trying to make sure that people won't get scammed like me, that is why I opened this thread.

Ah, so there we go.

The catch cry of the busted scammer.

I know I have no hope of getting the money as I have been busted, so don't question me or try to help me... I only want to save everyone else

[stjarna]

I am no fan of MyBookie personally.

They could very well be being more difficult than they need to be, or other offshores might be.

But they are making "justifiable" demands of you.

I am just trying to help you be realistic about your situation.

I am not asking for a strategic help from you guys to help me get the money. I am just trying to make people aware. It is obvious that they are ill-willed and they contradict themselves just to not pay you. I am just telling people to beware. In my opinion there is no justifiability in saying that they would accept document x then rejecting it the very next day.

[stjarna]

LOL, you think you are really clever. Found out that I am a scammer in a matter of minutes, wow, I appreciate that. You must have a few nobels in your closet already, with that kind of an intellectual capacity. Pathetic.

Here is an exchange between me and them, for proof: https://imgur.com/a/F41VISb

[stjarna]

Repeating this for the 10th time isn't going to change anything.

It doesn't matter what you claim they said.

Asking you for proof of address is 100% normal.

Why cant you supply that???

They are asking for a U.S.-issued ID. For address they said that a bank statement or a bill would suffice. I repeat it for 1000 times because you do not seem to possess the mental capacity to process it.

[Optional]

That sounds quite simple.

Do you have a v1sa to be in the USA?

Or go get a National Identity card. Just go to the local U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services office with your passport and pick one up.

[stjarna]

For the last time. I can go and get a driver's license for that matter. I am aware of that. I am not asking for anyone's help. I do not need a strategic roadmap. I am just letting the word out and inform people. This is not an attempt to change the world, nor a moralizing endavour, I just want to make sure people hear it. This is what I can do. If that seems so alien to you, you can think that way, why do I care. Everyone has different values and traits, mine make me do this, this does not mean I am a scammer.

[tradeout]

They are asking for a U.S.-issued ID. For address they said that a bank statement or a bill would suffice. I repeat it for 1000 times because you do not seem to possess the mental capacity to process it.

get the us drivers license?

[stjarna]

get the us drivers license?

I just recently moved here but I am planning to do that, yeah.

[Optional]

For the last time. I can go and get a driver's license for that matter. I am aware of that. I am not asking for anyone's help. I do not need a strategic roadmap. I am just letting the word out and inform people. This is not an attempt to change the world, nor a moralizing endavour, I just want to make sure people hear it. This is what I can do. If that seems so alien to you, you can think that way, why do I care. Everyone has different values and traits, mine make me do this, this does not mean I am a scammer.

So you are capable of providing the ID asked for, but simply refuse to do so eh?

Is that the long and short of your warning?

[stjarna]

LOL, yeah boss, whatever.

[DontTailMe]

For the last time. I can go and get a driver's license for that matter. I am aware of that. I am not asking for anyone's help. I do not need a strategic roadmap. I am just letting the word out and inform people. This is not an attempt to change the world, nor a moralizing endavour, I just want to make sure people hear it. This is what I can do. If that seems so alien to you, you can think that way, why do I care. Everyone has different values and traits, mine make me do this, this does not mean I am a scammer.

So you are warning everyone that a US offshore book requires proof of ID and address...just like basically every other US offshore book. Okay, consider us warned.

After I deposited the money. Why is the moment of deposit the cutting point anyway?

Because if you got confirmation beforehand, this would be a case of them getting you to commit funds under false pretenses. But that's not what happened here. You deposited without finding out if you had the correct documentation. After that, it may be them being assholes or simply misunderstanding / miscommunication between the two parties. I have no idea. I just know that people who are able to verify their ID and address with MyBookie end up getting paid.

And the reason Optional is calling you out is because we've seen this same story a thousand times. People who were caught scamming, and therefore have no ability to produce the required documentation, don't want help and instead just want to complete their revenge tour. People who were just caught up in a system they are unfamiliar with recognize their ignorance on the subject matter, tend to be more understanding and genuinely look for help in navigating the process.

[stjarna]

So you are warning everyone that a US offshore book requires proof of ID and address...just like basically every other US offshore book. Okay, consider us warned.

No, I am warning everyone that people working for MyBookie can contradict themselves in the process of payment to make things harder for you, i.e. first stating that they would accept certain documents and rejecting them after you upload them. I consider this sketchy. They do not live up to their promises ("that kind of document is good to go", "no it is not").

This is more than warning people of bookies requiring proof of ID and address. Like you conceded, them being assholes. They asked me to do X, I did, now they do not accept that and ask me to do Y. Reducing my argument to a thing that is not seems to be more convenient though.

[stjarna]

And the reason Optional is calling you out is because we've seen this same story a thousand times. People who were caught scamming, and therefore have no ability to produce the required documentation, don't want help and instead just want to complete their revenge tour. People who were just caught up in a system they are unfamiliar with recognize their ignorance on the subject matter, tend to be more understanding and genuinely look for help in navigating the process.

For this edited part, well, I could not care less, to be honest. I do not care what the ones before me did. This does not change the fact that they accepted my documents with full awareness of their content and they rejected them very next day on the same grounds. Really, I believe I made myself pretty clear on this. I am not a scammer, nor am I caught on anything.

But to call someone a "scammer", you have to have a proof. In that sense, what the moderator did was completely disrespectful but I forgive him as he seems to be lacking mental capacities to follow an argument through and get the point anyway.

[Optional]

You may not be a scammer but you sure seem to want to embellish everything.

In post #5 you claim that you cannot obtain the requested documents.

In post #26 you say, for last time, of course you can go get some US ID.

You repeatedly claim they demand USA ID, and then you post a copy of their email saying all they want is proof of legal residence, but will take ID if you can't give that.

Why not just send a copy of your V1sa?

If you don't have one, you are not a legal resident and therefore should not be playing there.

But even then, they still give you an option to supply something like a drivers license or national ID card. The second one is very easy to obtain.


You appear to be actively trying to make it as tough as possible for them and yourself!

If you have never been through a KYC process before that may be somewhat understandable. But you wont even answer that question straight.

[Triumph]

I have an account at Mybookie and just requested a bitcoin payout, I did send them the front and back of my ID and the CS rep says I'll be paid Monday, stay tuned