Tips for choosing an online sportsbook
BlogChoosing an online sportsbook can be an overwhelming process. Luckily, there are a few tips that can make it easier. Here are our top tips.
Know what sports you plan to bet on
If you plan to bet on the NBA, NFL or other major league sports, you don’t have much to worry about. Every sportsbook worth your time will have the biggest sports and leagues on offer.
However, fans of niche or international sports should consider each sportsbook’s offerings. Some may have better odds or markets for specific sports.
Research sportsbooks ahead of time
Check out a sportsbook before signing up. You can see the odds, promos, sports and other features without an account. This can also help you get a feel for the sportsbook’s user experience.
Consider the welcome bonus
Sportsbooks offer lucrative welcome bonuses. Check them out and determine which one is best for you. Also, bear in mind that you can claim a bonus from multiple sportsbooks to maximize the value of the offers.
Read the terms and conditions
Carefully peruse the terms and conditions of each sportsbook’s welcome offer and ongoing promos. They can be a useful factor in determining which sportsbook is best for you.
State betting guides
Sports betting is legal and regulated on a state-by-state basis. This means each state offers slightly different options for sports bettors. Here’s a quick overview of each state with some form of legal sports betting.
Our review process
We spent a lot of time with each sportsbook to give you objective and useful reviews. There are a few categories we focus on as we’re placing bets and using a sportsbook app.
Bonuses & promotions
We start by looking at each sportsbook’s welcome bonus in detail. We ask the important questions: How easy is the bonus to claim? Does it require a promo code? We also look at the terms and conditions. A bonus that requires a winning bet isn’t as easy to recommend as a bonus that rewards you whether you win or lose.
We also look at promotions beyond a welcome bonus. Sportsbooks that offer lots of odds boosts, bet insurance and deposit bonuses will get an edge over the competition.
User experience
This category is simple overall, but it encompasses many disparate elements. A sportsbook should be easy to use and fast. Odds should be updated quickly and you should be able to place bets with just a few quick taps or clicks. Additionally, we check how easy it is to find a particular sport, league, event or market.
Key features
Sportsbooks that go above and beyond get extra theoretical points in our reviews. Take DraftKings, for example. The sportsbook has social features that make it extra fun to bet with friends. Other key features could include live streams of certain sports, coverage of niche sports, horse race betting or access to an online casino or online poker platform.
Banking options and payout speed
The more payment and withdrawal options, the better. We like to see a wide variety of methods offered: PayPal, credit, debit, cash at a partner location, ACH, online banking, wire transfer, Venmo, Apple Pay, etc. We don’t need all of these methods, but a handful of them will go a long way.
We also look at the time it takes to process withdrawals. A sportsbook that can pay out quicker than competitors has a distinct advantage.
Betting markets and odds
Market depth is important for bettors, so we seek out online sportsbooks with a bevy of betting options across all sports. We also check the odds to ensure you’re getting the best lines when you place your wager.
Customer service
Finally, we vet each customer service option. We check for the number of methods available (FAQ section, live chat, phone and email) and test them for speed and helpfulness.