Skybook: A Whole New Ballgame
Top-notch sports book located in Costa Rica has experienced many positive changes in the last year and they still offer some of the top promotions in the business.
When Skybook started operations in 1997, it was merely a blip on the radar screen of the International sports book community. The company, which is a division of Rio International Group Ltd., had a small office in Costa Rica and only a handful of employees.
Today, however, Skybook is one of the most highly respected sports books in the world and it has experienced tremendous growth, especially in the last year. The company recently moved its operations to a new building that measures 6,900 square feet and now employs as many as 200 people during peak (football) season. Because of the demand created by a 300 percent revenue increase in the past year, Skybook has decided to upgrade its Web site, create new marketing and customer service departments it has implemented some exciting new promotions.
"If (a potential customer) hasn't visited Skybook in awhile, we suggest they give us a look - the changes have been dramatic and they are all for the better," said Bob Greer, director of marketing. "Even if (a former customer) has had nothing but a positive experience with Skybook before, it's worth the customer coming back and I can almost assure you that he or she will notice the improvements. We're excited about being able to offer customers with single wallet access to our sportsbook, casino and multiplayer poker room. From our promotions to our customer service, there has been a lot of change for the better."
Skybook has always been known for its incredible promotions, the most popular of which offers bettors a free 1/2 point on all professional and college football. For this promotion, any customers who deposits a minimum of $500 receives a free 1/2 point on all games for as long as they remain a Skybook customer (some restrictions apply).
"The advantage (a customer) has versus other free 1/2 point promotions is the fact that after you have made that initial deposit you can come back the following week and deposit as little as $100 and that free 1/2 point will still apply to your account," said Greer. "(Customers) are not required to deposit in $500 increments. They deposit once and they are entitled to using that free 1/2 point thru the whole football season."
The free 1/2 point for football games would be reason alone to give Skybook a try. The incentives, however, do not stop there. New customers will receive up to a 15 percent cash bonus on their initial deposit. Returning customers also receive a generous bonus when reloading their account (up to 15 %).
In addition, Skybook now offers seasonal gifts to new and existing customers who deposit a minimum of $400. These gifts correspond with the current sports that are in season or big events that take place throughout the year.
"We take our perks and incentives to the next level," commented Greer. "What we have tried to do here (with the free gift offer) is to introduce something new and unique to the industry. The gift can be in the form of cigars -- we have sent out golf bags and microbrewery kits. We offer a wide variety of high-quality premium items that our customers receive free of charge in addition to our cash bonuses. We expect to have some very exciting free gifts available for football season. We look at the events coming up in the sports world and we market accordingly. At any given time, we may have four or five different gifts that customers can choose from."
During the 2003-04 NFL season, Skybook gave away a first-class trip to the Super Bowl and they expect to have similar giveaways for the 2004-05 season.
While the business has experienced tremendous growth, management still puts a premium on customer service.
"In today's industry, large scale sportsbook operations tend to forget what got them there in the first place, it's called "Customer Loyalty". Loyalty is built by ensuring 100% customer satisfaction," added Greer. "At Skybook we still offer a professional type service while ensuring that our customers are satisfied with their wagering experience. Strong customer service is the backbone of what we do here."
Skybook customers have the peace of mind that comes from playing at one of the most solid books in the business, ensuring that their deposits are safe. The company has been operating for seven years and it enjoys a stellar reputation throughout the industry. Skybook also does payouts seven days a week.
Operators in the company's new call center are available to answer any questions a customer or potential client may have and the company's Web site also has live chat support during regular office hours.
To open an account at Skybook, please visit www.skybook.com or call their Customer Care Department at 1-800-786-8605. If you deposit $500 or more via bank wire, Western Union or check, any fees will be reimbursed by Skybook and deposited directly into your account.