Buying Betting Accounts: Controversial Tactic Sharps Use
Can you buy a betting account in the US, is it even worth it? On this page, we will look at why players may want to sell their betting accounts, whether it is legal, and what possible reasons bettors could have for wanting to buy betting accounts from their peers.
Even seasoned sports bettors may not have heard of buying betting accounts, an illegal online sports betting practice gaining popularity on social media. With more than half the country having access to legal sports betting, opportunities for buyers and sellers to turn a profit are increasing.
Usually taking place in more established international gambling markets, betting account buying is when an account holder transfers possession to a buyer either for a duration of time or permanently in exchange for a flat fee or share of profits.
Sharp bettors wagering high limits often get banned or have their betting limits lowered by online sportsbooks. To counter this unsportsmanlike tactic, some savvy sharp sports bettors have a countermove of their own.
In this guide, we break down why someone would buy a betting account, the type of accounts buyers are looking for, how it works, and the dangers involved in selling an account.
Why Would Someone Buy Betting Accounts?
There are plenty of stories of online sportsbooks capping stakes or wagering frequency to cool off a big bettor on a hot streak. Sports betting sites don’t like losing and reserve the right to limit winning bettors and even go so far as to not take their action at all.
To get around being limited by some online sportsbooks, some sports bettors have turned into account buyers looking for “beard” accounts to use. Bookmaker software are savvy at detecting these accounts and eventually limits them; thus, sharps are always in search of more betting accounts.
More legitimate reasons for buying accounts include financial hardship or relocation. Bettors with open future bets present a chance for both buyers and sellers to benefit. The buyer takes over the account and any bets at a discount based on the amount set to win, and the seller gets an early payout.
Sportsbook Accounts Sharp Bettors Love to Buy
Betting accounts at any of the top sportsbooks are the most highly demanded, with personalized betting promotions, a desirable VIP status level, and larger deposit/withdrawal limits, there are lots of reasons why a betting account may be valuable.
Accounts associated with reduced juice sportsbooks are the most sought after by sharp bettors. Long-standing big money accounts that receive bigger existing customer bonuses and have unlocked the highest loyalty reward tiers are also high on the list. A history of big bets also draws less attention when a sharp takes over.
New sports bettors may also be able to approach buyers with new accounts. Some account buyers are just looking to max bet the no-sweat first wager welcome bonus of someone else’s account and then transfer control back. For small-stakes bettors, this could be a way to earn substantially more from the sportsbook welcome bonus than they would otherwise. Welcome promos offered to new accounts are among the most valuable bettors will encounter.
Bettors Interested in Buying Accounts
If you’ve gone deep enough down the social media rabbit hole, you may have seen offers from sharp sports bettors wanting to buy betting accounts. The steps to sell an account, including how to communicate, transfer login access, and move funds, vary wildly and often come off as sketchy.
Be aware, by transferring an account, sellers are opening themselves up to being banned, fraud, providing personal info to strangers, and might even be breaking the law.
How Selling Betting Accounts Works
Account buying starts with establishing trust. It can be challenging to verify the identity of the people you’re talking to and social media accounts routinely get banned. Once successfully matched, buyers pay other sports bettors who have verified accounts to use their accounts to deposit and place bets until they get caught or limited, lenders of accounts receive a share of profits, usually a percentage of winnings or a flat fee.
Some buyers advertise leaving winnings in the seller’s account, with the expectation it will be transferred promptly in good faith when possession is returned. This is because buyers expect you’ll want to do business with them again in the future.
Is It Legal To Sell Betting Accounts?
Based on state regulations targeting fraud and money laundering, it is very likely illegal to sell a betting account. Keep in mind we are not lawyers and this does not constitute legal advice, make sure you consult a professional if selling your account is something you are considering.
Multi-accounters are unlikely to be arrested or prosecuted, but accounts found in violation will be suspended or closed. If unusual betting patterns are detected or a sports betting operator suspects account sharing, the balance can also be confiscated.
Operators track suspicious sharp betting patterns that may be occurring. Utilizing both humans and advanced algorithms, they can pick up on activity that may be detrimental to their bottom line.
Using a VPN will not circumvent geolocation checks. Sellers expecting to get their accounts back or a full payout are at the mercy of the buyer’s ability to circumvent security measures.
The restrictions in place are for customer safety. Online sportsbooks work hard to guarantee all action is above board to ensure reliable transactions and safe storage of personal information. Sharing passwords and transferring cash back and forth with strangers could go wrong quickly, especially considering you’re dealing with individuals willing to bend the rules.
Should Sportsbooks Target Winning Bettors?
It’s our opinion that online sportsbooks shouldn’t target or limit winning sports bettors, but it’s nothing new in the gambling industry.
It’s unfortunate legal sportsbooks take this approach, but it’s currently their right to do so.
Final Thoughts: Is Buying Betting Accounts Risky?
Yes, it’s extremely risky. We do NOT reccomend buying or selling betting accounts to anyone, in fact we’d strongly advise against it.