In a world where everything appears to be at our disposal, the sports betting industry is no different. Millions of punters around the world have downloaded sportsbook applications and wagered on their cell phones or computers. According to thespread.com post, approximately 88 percent of New Jersey’s 2019 wagering handle was launched by various sportsbook applications.
There is, however, a sense of thrill and excitement that comes with going into a casino or sportsbook and making a wager in person. Also, these prospects can be viewed as a night out and an opportunity to watch live action surrounded by equally loyal fans.
Even some avoid in-person sportsbooks because of the apprehension as to what the experience would be like. No one wants to be the one who thwarts the cashier or some other customer or who bets wrongly because they cannot grasp technology’s complexity. If you experience this trepidation, the purpose of this article is to ease these fears.
Table of content:
Placing A Bet In Person On A Sportsbook
1. Check The Odds Board And The Betting Sheets
Depending on the sportsbook, the odds will be shown to customers via odds board or betting sheets. The odds board is a large LED screen with live updated lines for any applicable bet. Betting sheets come in paper format and can vary from the odds board in that they display what the opening lines of the day are, not necessarily indicating the most recent odds. It is worth comparing the odds on the board and the betting sheets to see how the line has changed if both are provided.
2. Check Your Bets Before You Hand Over Your Money
Your bets are placed when your money has been given to the cashier. Before you do that, the cashier will show your bets on the computer for verification. Ensure that the team and what you’re betting on is correct. The screen will also display the expected returns if you win your bet, so you’ll be able to monitor how much money you’ve bet on and what the expected returns are.
3. Get Acquainted With The Surroundings
The first thing everyone has to do when joining a new sportsbook is to learn the land’s layout. Get acquainted with where the odds are displayed and where the cashiers are. Bear in mind how long the queues are in the betting windows. More specifically, find the right place to sit down and watch all the action you’ve taken and keep track of your wagers.
4. Keep Your Tickets
When you hand over your money to the cashier, they will print your bets’ paper tickets. Keep these tickets, as you will have to give them back to the cashiers to cash out your earnings. If you can’t stay in the sportsbook for the period of the game you’ve bet, don’t think about it. Sportsbooks will usually approve tickets on all events for a calendar year so that you can cash out as soon as possible.
5. Know How To Phrase Your Bet
Most odds boards would have a 3-digit number on the left side of the game. This makes it easy to reference when approaching the betting window. Here is an example:
607 Panthers-8.5-500 Panthers
The 607 number is what you will be referring to when you are placing a bet. Patriots is the name of the team, while the-8.5 and-500 are the spread and the money line. If you wanted to put a $50 bet on the Patriots at-8.5 points, you might say to the cashier, “I’d like #607, Panthers-8.5 for $50.”
Usually, the cashiers would still know how to find your bet even though you didn’t say a 3-digit number attached to it. If you only say the team’s name, it usually means that you’re betting on the spread.
The key thing to take away from this is that the cashiers are there to help you. If you’re not sure how to phrase your bet, be as precise as you can, and the cashiers will ask for verification.
6. Pay Attention To The Rules Of Etiquette
If you’re in a sportsbook, watch the actions of the other patrons. Many of them are “regular” and know in-person sports betting on science. The more you hear their slang, the more productive you will be at the betting window.
Nevertheless, even the most experienced bettors do not show the right etiquette. In order not to hold up the lines, make your bets and your money primed to go.
Also, don’t be afraid to tip your ticket writer just like you would have a restaurant server or a dealer in a card game. Although it’s not a necessary thing to do, it’s polite to show them the same respect you’ve shown when you’re helping out with your wager. Who knows, maybe the next time you make a bet, good luck will come your way.
7. Know What You Want To Bet Before Getting In Line
All sporting events have a range of lines provided for each game. One may opt to bet on a point spread, moneyline, or over/under in addition to a variety of alternate lines or props. To optimize your productivity and not stand in line all night, know all the bets you’d like to make and present at once. Feel free to carry your betting sheet to the window, so you don’t forget about your betting.
