How to Choose an Online Sportsbook in New York
Since the legalization of online sports betting in New York a number of sportsbooks have received licenses to operate in the state. The problem facing sports fans is knowing which one to choose. On the surface, many of the sportsbooks appear to offer exactly the same thing. However, there are subtle differences between them and it is important that you choose the best one for your needs. In this guide we shall give you a few pointers to help you choose the right online sportsbook for you.
Make Sure it is Licensed in New York
This is more important than anything else. You should only be placing bets with a bookmaker that is licensed by the New York State Gaming Commission otherwise, your betting is not legal. Luckily, there are several to choose from and on this site, we will only bring you recommendations of online sportsbooks that are entirely legal in New York.
Check the Sports and Leagues Covered
The vast majority of online sportsbooks cover the same enormous range of sports, leagues, events, and so on. They will allow you to place bets on events happening in the US and across the rest of the world. However, if you are looking to bet on a lesser-followed sport (Spanish Futsal anyone?) then it is worth first checking that the bookmaker covers it. There is little point in joining a sportsbook that doesn’t offer the bets that you need.
Range of Betting Markets and Odds
Every online bookmaker will offer the standard betting markets such as moneyline, point spread, totals, and so on. However, you will find that beyond this, each bookmaker offers something a little different.
This is particularly true when it comes to proposition bets. The range and type of game props, player props, team props, future bets, and so on, is likely to differ from sportsbook to sportsbook. The truth is, it will also vary from game to game, as some bookmakers seem to offer far more props on particular events.
This means that just as you need to check that the sports you want to bet on are available, you should also spend some time investigating the different types of bets on offer to ensure that the bookmaker has what you need.
Once you’ve found a bookmaker offering the type of bets you are interested in, it is also worth checking out the odds on offer. While they are likely to be very similar, sports betting profits can come down to the smallest of margins so it is worth shopping around for the best odds.
Live Betting and Mobile
Live betting deserves a separate mention. Again, it is a feature that all online sportsbooks offer, but it is one that can have a huge impact on your experience.
You want to find a bookmaker that offers a wide range of live betting markets for the sports that you are interested in. Similarly, you need to ensure that making live bets is as easy as possible, as just a few seconds can make all the difference between being able to take advantage of great odds and missing a fantastic opportunity.
Very often, you will want to make use of the live betting markets from your mobile device. Imagine that you are watching a game in a bar and want to place a bet quickly. Therefore, you should ensure that the sportsbook’s mobile interface, whether it is a mobile compatible website or an app, is easy to use.
Other Betting Features
There are a number of other betting features that you will want to keep an eye on when choosing your online sportsbook. For instance, you may want to check if they offer a bet building tool, which allows you to construct your own parlay bets. You should also look for a cash-out option, which allows you to close a bet before the event ends and receive a portion of your potential winnings. It is small features such as these that can really make the difference between a good sportsbook and a great one.
Payment Methods
This is absolutely vital. There is no way that you can place a bet if you can’t deposit money into your account and there is no way you can enjoy your winnings if you cannot withdraw them.
Before joining an online sportsbook, be sure to carefully explore its payment options. Many will offer a large variety including credit/debit cards, e-wallets such as PayPal, prepaid cards, e-checks, online bank transfers, bank wires, and so on. The good thing is that it is very rare for sportsbooks to charge any fees for payments, no matter which method you use.
In addition to ensuring that there is a method that you are comfortable using, you should also look at the payment processing times. Ideally, deposits should be processed instantly and withdrawals should never take more than a few business days. The final thing to be aware of is banking limits, make sure you are aware of the minimum and maximum deposit and withdrawal amounts.
Customer Support
No matter how good an online sportsbook is, occasionally we all need a bit of help. You should have a look to see what kind of customer support a sportsbook offers, the range of contact methods and its operating hours. It is also worth taking a quick look at any online help center or FAQ section, just to see what is available.
Bonuses and Promotions
This is a difficult area to judge. On one hand, very often the main thing that separates one sportsbook from another is the bonuses and promotions it offers. On the other, it is far more important that a sportsbook offers a wide range of betting markets, competitive odds, and so on, than a large bonus.
However, when you do look at the bonuses, there are certain things to be aware of. To begin with, always look at the terms and conditions very carefully. Every bonus you come across will have conditions attached and you need to ensure that they are conditions you think you can fulfil. If you can’t, then very often the sportsbook will simply withhold your winnings.
Of course, you can also look at the range of promotions available. Are there betting boosts, specific sports bonuses, loyalty rewards, free bet offers, and so on? Assuming that a sportsbook ticks all the boxes in the above criteria, then there is nothing wrong with opting for the one that has the best bonuses.
