First Impressions and Online "Street Cred"

At first glance, GoldMedalSports doesn't strike you as the kind of place where you'd like to wager a few weeks worth of salary; the home webpage is filled with staid, uninspired graphics and colors that bring to mind the New York Mets uniforms of the 1980's. But, as with many still rivers, these Costa Rican-based waters run deep. GoldMedalSports enjoys a first-rate reputation in the online gaming community, having been referred to as "one of the BEST sportsbooks anywhere" by the Offshore Gaming Commission, and Gambling Magazine assures potential customers that " GoldMedalSports has a solid reputation, with first class customer service." The general consensus (especially among online sportsbook aficionados) seems to be that the site's operators - boyhood friends from Ohio who went to Costa Rica to seek their fortune - did so and for good reason.

One area that could stand some improvement is the customer service department. Calls made in the middle of the night, which in many time zones is an optimum time for online gambling, tend to yield the casino equivalent of the night watchman who tends to give incorrect answers. Even the regular daytime employees weren't terribly knowledgeable and didn't have the answers to basic questions at their disposal.

Signup/Payout

Getting started on GoldMedalSports is as easy as a day at a Costa Rican beach. A simply one-page form is all you have to fill out. As though that wasn't quick enough, the online gambler in question might gain extra incentive from the 20% cash bonus paid out to the first timer (as much as $400, but bear in mind that any signup bonuses must remain in the account for five rollovers before any withdrawal is permitted). You can also sign up by phone, but the online method is strongly urged. If you have a NETeller account already, this will make your life even easier; if not, they can take three-to-four days to process.

Signup Perks and Bonuses

GoldMedalSports features several ongoing promotions in the form of bonuses:

• New account bonus: Every new account receives an immediate 20% cash bonus.
• Reload bonus: Whenever you deposit more money in your account, you receive a cash bonus of 20% if signed up via E-check; 15% if signed up via W/U, 900 Pay, Visa or Mastercard; 10% if signed up via NETeller or Firepay; and 5% if signed up via ATM.
• Referral bonus: For every referral, you receive a 20% cash bonus. For every fifth referral, they'll tack on a $50 parlay to this cash bonus. And for every tenth referral, you'll receive a one-year subscription to Playboy, Maxim or Sports Illustrated in addition to the cash bonus and parlay.

GoldMedalSports also features an excellent loyalty program, with points earned for every bet placed and payoffs coming in the form of free merchandise, cash bets or even a trip to Costa Rica. In addition, there are several other creative promotions such as a home team bonus, in which any winning bet placed on your home team receives an additional 15% cash bonus. And GoldMedalSports clearly has a healthy ego, as evidenced by a promotion in which they actually encourage you to tell them what's wrong with their site - anyone who suggests an idea that they use will receive a generous cash bonus.

Games

The sportsbook at GoldMedalSports allows you to have as many as fifteen teams per parlay, which is several more than most other online gambling sites offer. Beginners: want to place a bet or even play parlays or teasers but intimidated by all the terminology? No problem; GoldMedalSports has an easily accessible sidebar that will walk you through the process. Placing bets couldn't be easier and withdrawals are fast and hassle-free.

Bottom line

GoldMedalSports is a user-friendly gambling site that offers everything you could ever want from an online casino. Their sportsbook, racing book and casino are as good as any offered in the world of online gambling and their dedication to their customers is top-drawer. If you're looking for an easy way to play, this is the place!