Coming back here to comment after some period of time. This is just a comment, not a request to alter ratings!
On KYC: I think now in this climate of increased AML/KYC pressures on sportsbooks and casinos, very soon you may need to adjust the categorisation of KYC into Yes or No (KYC possible or anon) because I think crypto books now have no choice but to comply. Obviously, no one wants to KYC on entry, so they all have different systems for triggering a KYC check (as regulators now also haven't decided).
On security (paying out): I've never had any trouble with FJ, SB, Stake, Fairlay, Betcoin, despite 3+ years on all of them -- and with FJ, Betcoin and SB, whose support are either on social media or on this forum, account issues (blocks, etc) have all been fixed once they know it's my account.
One important caveat I should say as a matter of self-awareness: I believe this is in part due to my account age, and also forum account reputation and interaction (not that I'm DT or anything, but that I'm a known player to their support, being active on their threads/social media). Stake I deal with through regular support, and my account here has no bearings on their responses haha.
In all cases, we're also talking about significant deposits and payouts over the years, dollar-value anyway but certainly BTC value for those I started a long time ago.
I don't know if the same benefits of no KYC and flexibility would apply to a new player of whom they have no prior knowledge.
Final note: So yes, these are my popular picks... and I actually no longer play at the only one listed A+ here. And if you ask me about security, I wouldn't be depositing so soon at a new site like playbetr... I feel like needing to be in business and having proven large payouts with no issues, is what would tell me is "security" of funds.
Otherwise, in my objectivity, Stake, Sportsbet, FJ, are what I'd recommend to people who want to know they get paid when they win, along with Betcoin. It does feel odd to see them clumped in "C" right next to scam sites, when in my practical understanding, all these sites actually have the same KYC "risk", despite what each may disclose publicly.
buwaytress,I have been dragging my feet on KYC. Instead of just "yes" or "no", I'll rank that on how heavy handed they are with KYC, 1-5 since the degree is different book by book. Normally more than 1 person would have to post a thought for a grade upgrade but you made some great points.
Upgrades are stair by stair. Once an upgrade is given, it will take some time before another upgrade can be given. Stake upgraded from (C+) to (B-). FJ upgraded from (C) to (C+). Sportsbet is the only book that may not reply to inquires if there are problems with a book or other questions. Their rating will remain the same. Betcoin and Playbetr are sister books and Playbetr has been in business for 2 years which is why they have an (A) rating. Nitrobetting would be rated (A) if they were in business for 2 years. Nitrogen and Betcoin definitely warrant to be in the (A) category. Both have been in business since 2013, have a clean record, very light handed on KYC and very easy to deal with if a problem should occur. Both you and Ralle have reported Wink being down and they will be removed from having a rating.
Thank you for the insightful post that I'm sure is informative to all. It's always good to see posters such as you and Ralle with gambling and forum experience here in this thread.
edit - for everyone, please do not assume that one post will change a grade. Everyone will have different opinions and there will have to be strong sentiment, recent problems or a clean sheet to move grades. In rare cases one post will change a grade. Even if a grade isn't immediately moved, all posts will be taken into consideration for future grade moves. Not moving a grade from a post isn't a disregard of an opinion.