Bet America

[JolyB]

Please forgive me while I rant for a while.

A number of years ago I started an ADW account at Bet America. At the time, it offered the best rewards program of all of the US based wagering platforms and in many other ways was user friendly. They also offered some interesting promotions from time to time. The value of the rewards program did diminish over time from a high of 3%, but on many tracks has been around 1% of total handle no matter what the type of wager. Over the course of a year's activity, that could add up. I found it a pleasure to use.

Around a year ago, Bet America was acquired by Twin Spires, but no noticeable changes occurred. The only difference was that it no longer offered access to any Stronach related tracks, so another ADW was needed. I should add that I also have an ADW account at Twin Spires, despite a more cumbersome platform and a stingy rewards program. Twin Spires offers Twin Spires TV, which I have found to be the best way for me to watch streaming racing online and be able to watch the tracks that I choose.

This past week, Bet America underwent a major overhaul. To their credit, it had been announced for some time, so everyone had ample opportunity to redeem their rewards. However, the platform now looks almost identical to that of Twin Spires, but without the TV. They do have a video, but it is much less convenient. The rewards program has been diminished by about 90% unless you are playing Churchill or its affiliates.

All in all, it seems to have become just a poorer imitation of Twin Spires, with nothing offer as an improvement. I am seriously asking myself whether there is any point in keeping the two accounts now that the whale has once again swallowed the minnow and the horseplayer has lost again.

Thank you for listening.