With another NFL season upon us and online sports betting sites being more competitive for recreational action than ever before, bettors should be maximizing their expected value book-to-book by taking advantage of the plethora of advanced sportsbook features.
Some are more useful than others, while some are just simple and easy ways to get better NFL odds. Either way, there is a wide range of features available, and I’m going to share the ones I think will have the most positive impact for bettors for the 2023 NFL betting season.
1. Live Betting and extensive prop offerings at bet365
Sometimes an NFL handicap can go out the window early or maybe bettors just don't get to the window in time, and for that, bet365 has bettors covered with its extensive live NFL props offering. No book has as many live props to bet in-game as bet365, and having access to more markets certainly elevates the in-game microbetting experience.
The hold is a little heavier on the in-game prop markets, but quick bettors can get ahead of markets during injury situations or drastic changes to personnel or usage that the live odds don’t account for.
There is always a lag in the live feed of the game so bettors should be waiting for whistles and stoppages in play to hit the bet button, but no book offers a better in-game betting experience than bet365.
Learn more with our detailed bet365 sportsbook review.
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2. Early markets and weekly niche leader markets at DraftKings
DraftKings has the second-largest market share in the industry in the U.S., and a lot of that has to do with its offerings.
DK is usually the first oddsmaker to market for basic player props and getting ahead of these early markets is key to getting that sweet closing line value, even if limits are lower at the beginning of the week.
Player prop totals can move substantially after opening and getting ahead of an information-based market movement at DK before some books have even posted basic totals is a great way to start an NFL betting week.
DraftKings also has some of the best weekly leaders and weekly special markets that are becoming very popular in prop betting. Bettors can take long odds on players they think will lead the week in rushing, receiving, and passing props, or bet on the highest- or lowest-scoring game of the week. It’s not offered in many other places and adds another betting element to a week in football that can return big odds on even smaller wagers.
If you haven’t bet on the highest- or lowest-scoring game of the week, you’re missing out on a solid entertainment ROI.
Learn about even more great features with our DraftKings sportsbook review.
3. Alternative Under prop lines at BetRivers
Many books offer alternative Over prop markets or label them as milestones, but other than BetRivers, it’s hard to find a book that offers alternative Under prop markets.
Most recreational bettors love to hammer Overs and betting strictly Unders is a good way to get your betting account some negative attention from operators, but if you have a sizeable edge on an Under NFL player prop play, there is only one place (or two if you include Unibet) where you can bet the alternative Under.
There’s a reason you don’t see bettors laddering Under props and it’s not because they aren’t as profitable as Overs. In fact, there is usually more value in betting Unders.
Looking for even more info? Read our BetRivers sportsbook review now.
4. BetMGM’s $1,500 Bonus Bets offer
Building a bankroll is the name of the game, and getting a first-time bet bonus of up to $1,500 can go a long way in establishing a decent lifeline.
BetMGM will give first-time bettors up to $1,500 in bonus bets if their first wager after opening a new account loses on an NFL game. That bet includes straight bets, same-game parlays, or straight parlays. The Bonus Bet will be released in five installments of 20% of the initial wager and bettors will have seven days to use them if they are forfeited.
Lots of books offer sign-up bonuses as the acquisition game for online sportsbooks is big business, but few have a bonus that even large-stake bettors can take advantage of.
As always, make sure to learn the language prior reading the terms and conditions before activating the offer as there is plenty to read, and forfeiting the bonus is a tough look. Bettors are getting a free $1,500 initial bet with this offer but remember, the Bonus Bet cannot be withdrawn, meaning a +100 bet with all of your $1,500 in Bonus Bets would leave you with just $1,500 in the account.
Check out our BetMGM sportsbook review to learn more.
5. Pinnacle’s no-nonsense model
Sometimes less is more and that's the case with Pinnacle’s odds and offerings. No book has better odds and lower margins than this trusted sportsbook, and its -105 odds for NFL odds are the best in the business. It’s also a book that won’t limit bettors at the rate that others are doing these days.
Pinnacle has great player props offerings too, but if you’re a steam chaser and trying to pick off bad lines, it’s likely not going to happen at Pinnacle. However, if you’re tired of being limited to $20 on NFL sides and totals, Pinny is likely the best home for your action and the low margins add up throughout an NFL season.
Read our comprehensive Pinnacle sportsbook review to learn more.
Maximize your edge with multiple books
There are plenty of other features I’m missing like bet365’s early payout when your team gets ahead 17 or more points and you bet on the moneyline, or DraftKings' odds boosts, but with so many books vying for our deposits, it’s important bettors know where the best features from book to book to maximize your edge.
As always, responsible gambling practices should be observed when taking advantage of these unique offerings, but bettors should be encouraged to make use of all sportsbook features ahead of the 2023 NFL season and familiarize themselves with which ones are the most beneficial to them and their bankroll.
