How to Pick a Sportsbook - 4 Quick Tips

The problem with sports betting used to be that you couldn’t do it legally. 

Even after 2018, when a Supreme Court ruling overturned the law against it, a lot of us were still waiting for our state’s turn to officially make it legal. (And hey, some of you are still waiting, very sorry to you!)

That said, the United States is one of the most gambling-friendly countries in the world, with a population of over 57 million active gamblers (source: USA-Casino.com).

Living in New York City before the state legalized sports betting, I had friends who would drive over the George Washington Bridge or through the Lincoln Tunnel to place bets in New Jersey, where it was legal. Or, you know, we all had that friend who said they “have a guy” – as in a guy placing bets for them somewhere in the gray space between totally legal and criminal. 

But now we’re basically in a sports betting gold rush. States are legalizing left and right, with well over half the US population living in a state where mobile sports betting is officially launched.

Now the biggest hurdle is just picking one of the dozens of sportsbooks out there and taking the plunge with that first wager.

Here are the sites that we recommend:

How do I pick the right sportsbook for me?

When sports betting finally launched in New York in 2022, I saw this question in various group chats a lot: Which one do I pick?

The best advice: Just pick one! It doesn’t matter! Date around! You can pick SEVERAL – they’re all free, and each of them has different welcome offers, so why not play around? This isn’t about monogamy; it’s about freedom of choice! 

But if you want somewhere specific to start, I have just the thing for you.

I made a video explaining how to sign up for a sportsbook, use the welcome code, what information is safe to share, etc.

For the video, I chose BetRivers. Why? Well, we have a welcome code with BetRivers, plus it’s one of the more user-friendly apps out there. You can also get up to $100 back if you lose your first bet. I lost my first bet (of $5) and got it back as a bet credit!

Others I’d recommend are the usual suspects: DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars. But DraftKings and FanDuel can both be a little overwhelming if you’re just starting out. I like how simple the BetRivers user interface is – and how easy it is to scan for sports, bets, etc. As “not a big numbers gal,” I find BetRivers appealing in the sense it's clear and the numbers are laid out well. 

How to choose a sportsbook in 4 simple steps

Picking the right online bookie feels a bit like swiping through dating profiles, at least it did for me when I started. There are a lot of options but only a few real keepers.

Here’s how I'd start:

#1: Define what you want

Are you looking for the best bonuses, the widest range of sports, or the fastest payouts? Think about what you top priorities are so you know what to focus on when comparing sportsbooks. 

If you’re a casual bettor (like most of us here), you might want simple, user-friendly apps with decent promos. 

That said, if you’re more serious about sports betting, you might want to look for competitive odds and a variety of bet types, like, say, same-game parlays or live betting options.

#2: Compare odds and bet types

Not all sportsbooks are created equal. Some might have good NFL spreads, while others are better with prop bets or live betting. 

Here is what I'd do: take a few minutes to shop around and compare odds for your favorite sports - make sure you look at a sport that you know well. Look for sportsbooks that cover the games you’re interested in and offer a variety of bet types, from moneylines to fun prop bets. 

The more options, the more ways to win.

#3: Check bonuses and fine print

A big welcome bonus can be tempting, but read the fine print before diving in. Check the rollover requirements — how many times you need to bet that bonus before you can cash it out. 

Look at odds restrictions too. If you can only use that free bet on -300 or worse odds, it’s not exactly a sweet deal. And keep an eye on expiration dates. You don’t want a bonus that’s harder to cash out than a lottery ticket.

#4: Test the user experience

Before committing, sign up and explore the app or website. Is it easy to navigate? Are deposits and withdrawals simple and fast? Read our reviews of the best sports betting apps to get an idea what our members think. 

A good sportsbook should make betting feel smooth, not stressful. Try placing a small bet, checking live betting features, and initiating a withdrawal to get a sense of the overall user experience. The best sportsbooks make it easy to get in, get out, and get paid.

Some more things to think about before getting started

Here’s your textbook answer on how to start with betting:

Research and select a sportsbook

As mentioned. before placing a bet, you need to choose a reputable online sportsbook that suits your needs. Research various options and consider factors such as the sports offered, deposit and withdrawal options, customer service, and bonuses. 

Again, I’ve picked BetRivers because it’s simple to navigate, has competitive odds, and has a wide range of sports (including women’s sports!) available. 

Btw, if you want to sign up with BetRivers, click here >> and don't forget to use our code: BETLADY

Create an account and verify your identity

Once you've selected a sportsbook, create an account and verify your identity. Most sportsbooks require verification to prevent fraud and ensure a safe betting experience.

Understand bonuses and promotions

Learn about the various bonuses and promotions offered by your sportsbook, such as welcome bonuses, bet credits, and loyalty programs. These can help you maximize your winnings and reduce your risks.

No matter what a sportsbook tells you, there is no such thing as a “free bet.” (In fact, sportsbooks got in regulatory trouble with some states by advertising promotions that way.) The only way you’re going to get cash is by winning bets. However, sportsbooks will give you bonus bet credits that you can use to make more bets, just not cash out. 

Place your first bet!

After setting up your account and verifying your identity, you're ready to place your first bet. Start with a small amount (I started with $5!) and gradually increase your bets as you gain more experience.