A recent poll of sports bettors conducted in Massachusetts by Betting Hero revealed that frequent bettors have an average of three different sportsbook apps downloaded to their smartphones. That may seem like a lot to some, but a big part of becoming a successful sports bettor is having multiple accounts (or “outs” as the wiseguys say). The strategy of downloading multiple apps offers a ton of advantages, especially with sportsbooks in Massachusetts duking it out over customers during the early days of legal sports betting.
If you’re among those with just a solo sports betting account, here are four key reasons why you should spread that sports betting bankroll around and open multiple accounts with legalized sportsbooks in your area.
Odds shopping
Sports betting isn’t just about betting on the right team. It’s about betting on the right number. And if you only have one sportsbook to wager with, then you’re stuck with whatever odds that operator throws at you.
Not all books will have the same odds, so having multiple accounts allows you to shop around for the best number to fit your opinion.
The market consensus could have an NFL underdog that you like at +3, but if you’re able to get that team at +3.5 at one of your available books, you’re setting yourself up to succeed before the whistle even blows.
Odds shopping also pertains to live in-game betting as well, with different books offering varying odds on live events. Players can hedge against existing wagers or even find spots for arbitrage betting, wagering on different sides of an event at different sports betting odds to guarantee a profit.
Odds offerings
Another reason why you should have multiple sportsbook accounts is odds offerings. All shops will have the standard sides and totals, but not all books offer odds on everything you want to bet.
If you’re looking to wager on niche sports or just different odds markets, like team and player props, you’ll want to shop around for sportsbooks that cater to your needs.
Bettors looking to get down action on opening odds may want to research which operators are first to markets with those offerings, so you can beat the line moves rather than settle for odds that come out later with all the value sucked out of them.
Bonuses and boosts
As mentioned, sportsbook operators are going all out to secure new customers as legalization rolls out in different states and provinces. This is definitely to the advantage of the player, with some sportsbooks practically throwing money at new customers through sign-up bonuses.
Just like researching odds and offerings, take a look at which sportsbooks hand out the best bonuses to new and existing customers. You can weed out the ones with tricky rules and rollovers to these promotions and take advantage of the best offerings by spreading your bankroll around at multiple shops.
Besides bonuses, also be mindful of the popular “bet boosts” many shops offer on mainstream markets and marquee events. Some of these promotions are nearly guaranteed returns with requirements hinging on high-probability outcomes, like LeBron James to score a single point.
Fans of parlay betting can also take some of the sting out of the higher risk of those types of wagers with parlay boosts, which increase the potential payout by a set amount. However, be mindful of the premade parlay offerings and utilize the best bet boosts not limited to specific wagers.
Deposits, withdrawals and cash outs
While odds and bonuses are front of mind when signing up for multiple sportsbook account, bettors should also peak behind the curtain and get the skinny on which books offer the easiest ways to fund your bankroll as well as withdraw your winnings. Another important option is early cash out or pre-match cash out without penalties. Some operators will allow you to cash out your current bets during an event, whether you’re backing out for a partial return of your original stake if a bet is going south or take adjusted winnings before the game is official.
Cash out can also be granted before a game if the line hasn’t adjusted or there are any injuries are impacting the odds. This is a good option if you find a better line at one of your other books and want to place the wager there instead, essentially canceling the original bet and not having double action riding on an outcome.
Get in the game
When it comes to sportsbook apps, three is good, but four or more is a whole lot better. Visit our page dedicated to the best betting sites today to determine which top-rated apps have the most attractive features and benefits.