It's a frequently asked question… The answer often comes from the websites who offer betting services and make money on it. They write about their own benefits first; then cut their names off the text and the 'choose a sportsbook' article is done :-)
Well I am not that interested in this or that sportsbook revenue, so I'd better share my opinion on what I consider most important when choosing a sportsbook. Feel free to correct me or add anything I've happened to omit.
1. Online/offline.
Online sportsbooks have lower profit margin if compared to the brick-and-mortar bookies. Your hometown bookie might offer a -140 betting line whereas the online sportsbook might offer the betting lines as low as -110 or even -105. it is you who is supposed to choose :-)
Second, online sportsbooks have another unbeatable advantage - you don't have to leave your place and go to the bookie's office in order to place a bet. You do everything right by the computer, while watching the game by TV if you wish.
2. Home country.
This is where you might narrow down your choice dramatically. Due to the recent US legislation, US citizens cannot gamble online. Some interpret the law as a restriction covering all offshore sportsbooks, some think the law covers ANY online sportsbooks including those registered in the US… Anyway, you should consider this if you are a US citizen, or forget about it in case you are from UK or any other country :-)
3. Wagering limits.
Some sportsbooks are created for recreational gamblers only, meaning they don't want to deal with you if you are lucky enough to win large amounts of money. Some sportsbooks set limits as per the maximum winning, so be sure to check this out when you read their TOS and thier betting rules.
4. Betting lines and profit margin.
Profit margin, or vigorish, is what a sportsbook charges you for every bet you place. Some sportsbooks offer very good lines on specific events, so you'd better watch the lines and shop for the best ones.
5. Payout history.
Make a small research on the sportsbook's payout history. Some sportsbooks were blamed for the slow payouts, and some were blamed for refusing to pay out large amounts of money to the bettors. You might wish to visit some sports gambling forums - they often unveil very interesting facts, I bet!
6. Banking options.
Banking options is what makes your life easier when you place a deposit or withdraw your winnings with a sportsbook. In case the only banking option of a sportsbook is bank wire - I bet 10 against 1 that most players will prefer another sportsbook.
7. Sportsbook bonuses.
Bonuses do play a great role - in case your sportsbook has met the 6 points listed above and you feel safe with it.
Some sportsbook offer no promotions gimmicks at all - their main benefit is good betting lines. Make sure to weight all factors however - if two sporsbooks feature equal benefits and one of them offers good deposit bonuses - why not?
Well these are the things I consider important in choosing a sportsbook. There are many other things such as sportsbook visibility, online buzz or a well-promoted brand.
Mind however that all this stuff can be purchased for money, and many one-day sportsbooks have already taken advantage of it: they popped up on the Internet thanks to good advertising, collected deposits from their clients and disappeared.
