How to Choose a Sportsbook
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Whether you’re a seasoned sports bettor or a novice, you need to know how to choose the right sportsbook. There are a few things to consider before you make a decision, such as the state’s legality of sports betting, the bonuses and payout percentages offered, and whether you’ll want to make a trip to a brick-and-mortar bookie.
Payout percentages
Often sportsbooks will give new customers a profit boost by offering a welcome bonus. These can be as high as 50% to 100%, and are meant to add money to your first deposit. These bonuses are only good for the first deposit, though, and they have high rollover requirements.
In addition, if you’re a new customer, the sportsbook wants to keep you happy. They offer a money back bonus as a way to reward you, but they won’t count any bets that you make on heavy favorites or sides that have long odds. In some cases, you’ll get the bonus in the form of free bets.
Legality of sports betting in your state
Currently, there are 26 states where sports betting is legal. Some states have legal online sports betting, while others have legal retail sportsbooks. Each state has different laws governing sports betting, so you should check with your state’s authorities to find out if you’re in the clear. If you’re not in one of these states, you can still wager on sports online from offshore sites.
There are a variety of sites that offer the same gimmicks, so you’ll want to do your homework to find the best sites for you. Some sites offer spread betting, accumulators, and handicap betting, while others offer simple betting on a winner of a game or tournament.
Online sportsbooks vs. brick-and-mortar
Compared to brick-and-mortar sportsbooks, online sportsbooks offer a variety of benefits. For instance, they process bets faster and offer better odds. They also offer bonuses and promotions, giving customers more choices when it comes to their betting.
In addition, online sportsbooks are also less expensive to operate. This makes them a viable option for smaller sportsbooks, which usually have less overhead. Also, since sportsbooks don’t have to open brick-and-mortar locations, they can make do with leaner teams.
Regardless of where you choose to bet, you’ll need to check the sportsbook’s house rules. These rules should be posted online and can often be found in the terms and conditions of the sportsbook.