In this first section, I wanted to focus on the overall usability of the desktop site. When you click on the links within this Pinnacle review, you’ll be taken over to the homepage. Here, you’ll find that the layout is very similar to that of most top online sportsbooks.
You can register or log in to Pinnacle by clicking on the relevant tabs in the top right-hand corner, view the latest promotions in the main banner, and soon scroll through a lobby that is packed with live and upcoming sports betting fixtures.
On the left-hand side, you’ll also notice that available sports are detailed. I found that a quick click is all that it took to turn the focus of the lobby to your preferred sport. When it comes to bet-building, things are nice and straightforward, too. In fact, one click on the betting odds is all it takes to add your selections to your bet slip. Of course, you’ll then need to enter your stake before submitting.
Although Pinnacle doesn’t have a standalone betting app, it does offer you a live score app that allows you to set notifications and receive insights into potential bets you wish to place. You can then access Pinnacle through your mobile browser and look to place your wagers.
I found that the mobile betting site mimics that of its desktop counterpart, allowing you to seamlessly transition between the two. Naturally, a few extra menus, smaller icons, and a tweak to the layout have been applied; however, this makes navigating the lobby on your smartphone much easier.
You’ll still find the same range of sports betting opportunities, competitive odds, support options, and payment methods available. Just make sure you consider the stability of your internet connection before logging in.
You'll need to stick to the browser version for now
The mobile site is well-optimised for betting on the go
In order to get up and running, you’ll first need to fund your experience with Pinnacle. Once you’ve logged into your account, you can soon make your way over to the wallet, click ‘deposit’, and choose from various credible methods. Currently, this includes options like Paysafecard, Payz, Interac, and crypto.
So far as minimum deposits are concerned, I found that the more “traditional” methods allow you to deposit from as low as $15. However, when it comes to crypto, you can find this rises up to $610 (USDT). All deposits made at Pinnacle are free of charge. However, yet again, it is worth being mindful of crypto payments – you will always be charged gas fees through the blockchain.
Withdrawals are pretty similar to deposits, allowing you to soon get your hands on any winnings through various methods. This includes Bitcoin, Interac, Visa, and Mastercard. The only small thing to remember is that fees will be incurred across the board.
Although often overlooked, the support received at an online sportsbook can prove critical to your overall experience. This is exactly why I've dedicated this section of my Pinnacle review to putting support to the test.
The good news is that I had no problems getting in contact. Once I’d logged in, I found that I could soon click on the tab in the bottom right-hand corner to open up live chat. However, it is worth noting that this isn’t available around the clock. Responses are swift, agents are reliable, and I was rarely waiting longer than a few minutes for a response.
If live chat is currently ‘offline’, then you can soon chat with the team via email. Although responses will take a little longer, I found that a response within 2-4 hours was pretty common. If longer, you may just have found that you’ve got in contact during a busy period. Lastly, you can check out the latest news and releases through social media or find answers in the help centre.
When it comes to the legitimacy of Pinnacle, I have no concerns. Not only have they obtained relevant licensing, but they’ve also been independently audited and deemed safe to operate by eCogra.
Additionally, I found that you will have to go through one of the strictest verification processes in order to open your account. For some, this may be a negative; however, it is nice to know that Pinnacle takes player safety so seriously. Alongside having to provide basic personal details, I also needed to download a specific “Geogard Location Validator” – a software tool that helped to confirm my location. If I had failed, this would have stopped my account from being opened.
With player safety and security ticked off the list, I then had a look at the encryption technology and safer gaming tools provided. Safe to say, Pinnacle has ticked all the relevant boxes here, too – great work.