Betting Online Vs. Las Vegas

‣	Pros & Cons Of Online Sportsbooks
‣	Pros & Cons Of Betting In Las Vegas
‣	Betting Online Vs. Vegas

Not so long ago, Vegas was the only place that you could legally place a sports wager. Fast forward a couple of years, and close to half of the states in the US now have legal sports betting options of their own.

In most of these states, bettors prefer online sportsbooks to land-based alternatives. This may make you think that Vegas’ reign in the sports betting business is all but over, yet Vegas is still a strong force to be reckoned with in the industry.

Vegas’s historic appeal has lived on into the digital age, and that’s why many people still flock to the Strip when they want to place a sports bet.

The obvious question is, which of the two is the better choice? Online sportsbooks or Vegas sportsbooks?

In this article, we are going to discuss both in-depth and show you the pros and cons of each option, so read on!

Online Sportsbooks

Online sports betting may sound like a new concept, but bettors have been able to place online sports bets from as early as 1996. Online casinos came first, and online sportsbooks soon followed.

The first sportsbook to accept an online wager was Intertops—the European bookie made history after accepting a $50 online wager in January 1996. That historic milestone opened up the possibility of online sports betting, and billions have been wagered since then.

One of the main reasons why online betting took off is because it eliminated the need for one to travel to a retail sportsbook, giving bettors a lot more freedom to place wagers.

Additionally, there are many bonuses and promos attached to online betting, and online betting also has more markets plus more competitive odds.

Getting Started With Online Betting

If you’re new to online betting, you may think that it’s complicated, but getting started is relatively easy. First, you need to select an online sportsbook.

You’ll have to do your research by going through as many reviews as possible so that you can select a sportsbook that matches your needs, or you can simply read one of our guides.

Once you’ve landed on your pick, you’ll need to register on the site. The registration process won’t take long, so you should be done in a few minutes. You’ll need to input your personal details, and you may need to upload supporting documents that verify your identity.

Examples of such documents that may be required are your ID card, passport, driver’s license, etc.

After you’re done with the registration process, you’ll be able to deposit funds into your account. If you were to receive any bonus funds, you’ll probably get them at this stage. Once your funds reflect in your account, you can begin placing bets.

After you’ve placed several bets, you can withdraw funds from your account, but your account needs to have funds for you to be able to withdraw from it.

Most online sportsbooks will give you a number of withdrawal options to choose from, so always select the payment method that you’re most comfortable with.

One thing to note is that deposit and withdrawal times aren’t constant. Some payment methods take longer than others, and some sportsbooks will process payments quicker than others. So keep both of these factors in mind when you’re selecting an online sportsbook.

Pros & Cons Of Online Sports Betting

Some of the pros of online sports betting include the following:

• You can bet from anywhere.
• You can use your preferred device to place a bet.
• You have more betting options.
• Online sportsbooks have better lines.
• You can get paid wherever you are.
• Placing bets is easy and instant.
• Online sportsbooks have welcome bonuses and promos.
• You can earn extra rewards by signing up for an online sportsbook’s VIP program.

Though online betting has many positives attached to it, there are a few negatives as well. Here are some of the drawbacks of online sports betting:

• You have to be in a state with legal online sports betting to enjoy the perks of online gambling.
• Some payment methods take too long to process.
• There are cybersecurity risks on some vulnerable betting sites.
• Some bonuses have tough playthrough requirements, which prevents you from easily withdrawing bonus cash and winnings.
• Online betting can easily lead to addiction.

Las Vegas Sportsbooks

All the states with legal gambling legalized sports betting after the overturning of PASPA in 2018, but Nevada has had legalized gambling for decades. The Silver State legalized sports betting in 1949 and was the first state in the Union to do so.

Most of the casinos and sportsbooks in Nevada are located in Vegas, and that’s why Vegas is known as the gambling capital of the world. Though online sportsbooks have become the norm in many parts of the country, Vegas still has a preference for the old-school appeal.

You’ll find all types of sportsbooks in Vegas. Depending on the resort that you’re in, you’ll find some sportsbooks with endless displays of massive screens, others may have a few TVs and a betting window where you can place bets, while other sportsbooks will just be a simple kiosk.

Aside from the sportsbooks, many people go to Vegas because of its vibrant atmosphere. So in between placing bets, you can hang around the strip and enjoy all that Vegas has to offer.

During certain sporting events like the Super Bowl, the electrifying atmosphere is almost unmatchable, and that definitely beats watching or betting on a game while you’re at home.

Vegas sportsbooks also have a few other perks. Sometimes, you can get complimentary drinks depending on the amount that you bet, and high rollers usually get complimentary stays.

How To Bet At A Las Vegas Sportsbook

Unlike betting online, betting at a Vegas sportsbook is relatively easier. You don’t need to sign up—just walk to a kiosk and place a bet.

On a large screen, you’ll see all of the sportsbook’s available games. Alongside the displayed games, you’ll also see the event’s odds plus a rotation number—this is usually a three-digit number and is what is used to identify a specific bet.

Mobile betting is also offered in Vegas, but like any other state, you need to be within Nevada’s borders to be able to enjoy online betting. In some resorts, you’ll be given tablets that you can use to place bets instead of standing in line at the betting window.

Pros & Cons Of Las Vegas Sportsbooks

Some of the pros of Vegas sportsbooks include the following:

• The Vegas experience is unmatchable.
• No lengthy registration process.
• Withdrawals are instant.
• More entertaining than betting online.
• All the transactions are straightforward.

On the other hand, here are the downsides of betting at Vegas sportsbooks:

• Collecting your winnings may take time if you’re far away from the sportsbook.
• Betting options aren’t as plentiful when compared to online sportsbooks.
• Since there is usually a queue, placing bets isn’t usually instant, so you can easily miss out on a line if you’re in a hurry.
• Doesn’t have the convenience of online betting.

Final Take On Online Vs. Las Vegas Sportsbooks

Online sportsbooks are destined to take over, but Vegas sportsbooks will always be around regardless of how much the industry changes.

If you’re always busy, opting for an online sportsbook may be the best choice, but if you’re traveling to Nevada, there’s no harm in taking a detour and placing a bet at one of Vegas’s legendary casinos. Trust us, the Vegas experience is truly worth it.

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