PointsBet

Australian company PointsBet entered the New Jersey sports betting market in 2018 and they have since expanded their operations into Indiana, Illinois, Colorado, Michigan, Iowa, Virginia, New York, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. They also have a pending license in Arizona. While they are relatively small compared to some of the big US operators, they have some unique points of difference that are shaking up the market. They are offering Points Betting, and are the only site to offer this style of wagering. We also highly recommend checking out their site and taking advantage of the generous sign-up offers. 

The company has deep expertise in wagering with the CEO, Sam Swanell, establishing a leading Australian bookmaking business close to a decade ago. PointsBet is offered through online browser and via mobile app for both iOS and Android.  

Key differentiators:

In Play (Live Betting) – Yes

Cash Out – Yes (limited)

PayPal Deposits – Yes

Physical shop – No

Mobile App and Web Browser – Yes

What is Points Betting?

Unique to PointsBet, Points Betting is a high-risk, high-reward wagering option that will be new to most players. Points Betting is determined by the margin of victory or loss, compared with traditional wagering where results are based on 'yes' or 'no' outcomes. For example, a player wagering for the New York Giants to beat the New England Patriots would win several times more if the Giants win by 19 points than if they were to win by just six. And conversely, players will lose far more if the Giants lost by 19 than if they lose six. Points Betting is offered for all the major US sports, but different formulas are used to determine profit and loss based on typical scoring levels in each sport. For example, a two-goal spread in hockey would result in a much broader variation in payout than a two-point difference in football.

Points Betting is guaranteed to appeal to those seeking large payouts, but PLEASE PROCEED WITH CARE! This type of wagering can expose players to larger losses than the initial wager. Begin with small wagers than would typically place and use the site’s “Stop loss” feature to place a cap on potential losses. 

Interface Design – 9/10

Pricing – 9/10

Variety of Sports Offered – 10/10

Variety of Bet Types – 9.5/10

Promotions and Bonuses – 8.5/10

Stability – 9.5/10

Deposit Types – 7/10

What we like: Variety of markets, unique wagering features, promotions and loyalty program, 24/7 customer support team via email or live chat

Room for improvement: Multi-bet restrictions with parlay wagering, limited banking options

How do I register for PointsBet Sportsbook via the mobile app?

1. Make sure you follow the link on our site, so you get access to the best possible sign up offer
2. Apple customers can download the PointsBet iOS app from the iTunes Store. Android users must download the app directly from PointsBet’s website or in Google Play. 
3. Ensure your location services are turned on so you can verify you are in New Jersey. 
4. Create an account with a user name and password.
5. Use the Pointsbet Sportsbook website to make sure bonus offers and promotions are active on your account

What does PointsBet CEO, Sam Swanell, say on their offering?

"We know sports betting, we’ve been doing it a long time… We’re taking that expertise and knowledge and we’re looking to capitalise on a once in a lifetime opportunity.” 

"We’re very fortunate that not all states are opening up at once, because that would provide an advantage to the groups that have a bigger balance sheet," Mr Swanell said.

Where can you register and place bet with PointsBet?

Bets can only be placed in New Jersey. If you’re a resident of New Jersey but are physically located outside the state you won’t be able to place your bet. However, if you are a resident of another state but are visiting New Jersey, you will be able to register and place bets. 

How do I set up location detection?

If you are using a mobile or tablet device, they have built in WiFi capabilities that automatically allow PointsBet to validate your location. 

If you are accessing via a Web Browser, you must have a Location Detection Plugin to place a bet. A location detection plugin is a piece of software downloaded within your browser which allows PointsBet to pinpoint your location using your wireless internet connection.

If you believe you have correctly installed the geolocation browser plugin and would like to confirm:

• PC: Open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features. The Player Location Check plugin should be listed there.

• Mac: Open system preferences > look for Player Location Check icon in bottom row of System Preferences window (below Date & Time, Time Machine, etc.). If it is installed, it will appear here. 

If the website still cannot detect the plugin, consider uninstalling and reinstalling.

Will my bank allow me to deposit via my Credit or Debit Card?

Most major banks allow transactions, but it is not universal. From our investigations, the following banks currently decline Online Sportsbook transactions:

• Bank of America
• Capital One
• Wells Fargo
• TD Bank
• Union Bank
• Huntington Bank
• Most prepaid cards

Banks regularly change its policies, so this list may change. Best to check with your bank.

How to Place a Spread Bet with PointsBet

Find your chosen sport using the sidebar. Once you click this, you’ll see a list of the most recent games, with the spread bet often listed first or second. Click one of the two options to add it to your bet slip. From there, simply choose your stake and then confirm your bet.

How to Place a Total Bet with PointsBet

PointsBet totals are usually placed in the middle of the three main betting lines. They are displayed as half points with options listed as “Ov” and “Un”. Click the box with your preferred bet to add it to your slip, and then enter your wager. Confirm when you have double-checked the amount.

How to Make a Parlay Bet on PointsBet

Add a bet to your slip and then choose “Start Parlay”. This will create a parlay section to which you can add bets. Set your stake and confirm when ready.

What Types of Odds Boosts Does PointsBet Offer?

PointsBet has a good selection of Odds Boosts for parlays, the best of which can be found on NFL and NBA markets. You’ll see the current odds and the previous odds, letting you know how big the boost was.

How to Place an In-Play Bet with Pointsbet Sportsbook

Click the “Live” tab. It will show you how many live games are currently active with a big red button. Choose your bet from the following page, add it to your slip, and then wager as a single bet or a parlay.

How to Bet on Correct Score with PointsBet

Use the options in the sidebar to select your sport and the links in the middle to choose your game. Find “Correct Score”, set the total amount, and add it to your slip. From there, you can set your wager and place the bet.

How to Place a Bet on Draw No Bet with PointsBet

Under every game, you’ll find an option for additional wagers. Click this link and scroll down to find the draw no bet option. Choose one of the two boxes to add it to your slip, where you can set a stake and place a bet.

How to Place a First Basket Bet with PointsBet Sportsbook

In addition to the three main shortlisted wagers, PointsBet includes an option for “X Wagers”, with “X” being the additional lines offered for that game. Click this link and then look for the first basket bet. It’s not available on all games, but it’s usually there on the big ones.