If you’ve ever placed a bet on sports, you’ll know that there is typically a point (or in some places a half point) charge for every 1/2 unit of wagering ($2, $5, $10, or $20). The charge for a 1/2 point can add up rather quickly, so it’s important to know the rates before placing a bet so you don’t get charged twice. Here is a quick breakdown of how much 1/2 point costs in various places around the U.S. (and sometimes a little bit more):
New York
In New York, 1/2 point is currently paid at most sportsbooks around the state, with the exception of those in certain parts of New York where handle amounts are restricted (for example, Thorton, New York). As of 2016, New York is one of the most expensive states to wager in, with the 1/2 point costing a whopping $5.60.
Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, 1/2 point is normally paid at most places, although some sportsbooks will charge a different fee (usually around $3 or $4) if the bet is placed on a Sunday.
Chicago
In Chicago, 1/2 point is currently paid at most sportsbooks, with the exception of those in some parts of the the city (such as the northern suburbs) where handle charges are restricted. The standard rate in the city is around $3.70, but it can be slightly higher (and it often is, especially on Sunday afternoons and Monday nights). Despite the increase, it is still one of the more affordable states to wager in. The spread between the number of bets placed and the amount paid out is usually around 2-3 percent in Chicago.
Philadelphia
In Philadelphia, 1/2 point is normally paid at most sportsbooks, but some places will charge more if the bet is placed on a Sunday or Monday, and some places will charge an additional fee if the bet is placed at the stadium. The standard rate in the city is around $3.85.
Houston
In Houston, 1/2 point is paid at all sportsbooks, with the exception of those in some parts of the city (such as the northern suburbs) where handle charges are restricted. The rate in the city is around $3.70, and the spread between bets and winnings is usually around 2-3 percent. The most expensive state to wager in, Houston has the second lowest rate in the country after Nevada. It is also one of the few places in the U.S. that still pays out winning wagers when the spread is opened (a practice known as “true point” wagering that stopped being commonplace in most places several years ago).
San Francisco
In San Francisco, bets on sports are handled at some of the most popular and respected bookmakers in the country. As a result, 1/2 point is normally paid at most places, with the exception of those in some of the city’s southern districts where Sunday wagering is prohibited.
Las Vegas
In Las Vegas, 1/2 point is normally paid at most sportsbooks, but some places will charge more if the bet is placed on a Sunday or Monday, and some places will charge an additional fee if the bet is placed at the stadium. The standard rate in the city is around $5.60, and the spread between the number of bets placed and the amount paid out is usually around 2-3 percent.
Phoenix
In Phoenix, 1/2 point is currently paid at most sportsbooks, with the exception of those in some parts of the city (such as the northern suburbs and some parts of the southern suburbs) where handle charges are restricted. The standard rate in the city is around $3.85.
San Diego
In San Diego, 1/2 point is paid at most sportsbooks, with the exception of those in some parts of the city (such as the northern suburbs) where handle charges are restricted. The standard rate in the city is around $3.85.
Minneapolis
In Minneapolis, 1/2 point is currently paid at most sportsbooks, with the exception of those in some parts of the city (such as the northern suburbs) where handle charges are restricted. The standard rate in the city is around $3.70.
St Louis
In St. Louis, 1/2 point is currently paid at most sportsbooks, with the exception of those in some parts of the city (such as the northern suburbs) where handle charges are restricted. The standard rate in the city is around $3.60.
Detroit
In Detroit, 1/2 point is currently paid at most sportsbooks, with the exception of those in some parts of the city (such as the northern suburbs and some parts of the southern suburbs) where handle charges are restricted. The standard rate in the city is around $3.60.
Tampa Bay
In Tampa Bay, 1/2 point is currently paid at most sportsbooks, with the exception of those in some parts of the city (such as the northern suburbs) where handle charges are restricted. The standard rate in the city is around $3.85.
Orlando
In Orlando, 1/2 point is currently paid at most sportsbooks, with the exception of those in some parts of the city (such as the northern suburbs) where handle charges are restricted. The standard rate in the city is around $4.00.
Atlanta
In Atlanta, 1/2 point is currently paid at most sportsbooks, with the exception of those in some parts of the city (such as the northern suburbs) where handle charges are restricted. The standard rate in the city is around $3.85.
New York
In New York, 1/2 point is currently paid at most sportsbooks, with the exception of those in some parts of the city (such as the northern suburbs) where handle charges are restricted. The standard rate in the city is around $6.40. It will cost you $2 to place a wager of $2.00 or more.
California
California, where sports betting is legal, is one of the most lucrative places for sports gambling in the country. Although it is a rather expensive place to wager in (with the rate being twice that of Pennsylvania and New York), it is still possible to save quite a bit of money through proper planning.
For example, if you’re in San Francisco and want to play tennis, instead of going to the tennis palace and spending $120 per hour to lesson, you could head to a nearby public tennis court for the same price (lesson), or even $60 per hour (casual). You’ll also save on hotel rooms if you’re staying in the city.
Maine
In Maine, bets on sports are handled at some of the most popular and respected bookmakers in the country. As a result, 1/2 point is normally paid at most places, with the exception of those in some parts of the state (such as the southern coast) where Sunday wagering is prohibited.
Iowa
In Iowa, bets on sports are handled at some of the most popular and respected bookmakers in the country. As a result, 1/2 point is normally paid at most places, with the exception of those in some parts of the state (such as the northern coast) where Sunday wagering is prohibited.
Vermont
In Vermont, bets on sports are handled at some of the most popular and respected bookmakers in the country. As a result, 1/2 point is normally paid at most places, with the exception of those in some parts of the state (such as the northern coast) where Sunday wagering is prohibited.
Maryland
In Maryland, bets on sports are handled at some of the most popular and respected bookmakers in the country. As a result, 1/2 point is normally paid at most places, with the exception of those in some parts of the state (such as the southern coast) where Sunday wagering is prohibited.