If you’re looking for a place to go to the races, you’re in luck because there are hundreds of options available to you. Not only that, but you can also take advantage of all the online betting sites that operate in the United States. You might win big, but you might also lose big. What you need to do is learn how to play wisely.
Local Books Versus Online Offering
There are hundreds of bookmakers available in Chicago, and many of them are quite happy to take your business. Even more appealing is that you can place bets from the convenience of your home. You don’t need to be near a casino to enjoy the experience; all you need is a reliable Internet connection and a few minutes to set up an account with one of the reputable online sportsbooks. Let’s take a quick look at the pros and cons of each type of venue.
Local Books
You’ll find a large number of bookmakers in Chicago, and they all welcome newcomers. As a general rule, many bookmakers will match the online betting sites for odds, so you won’t have an excuse to not try out their services. When it comes to sports betting, the locals in Chicago know exactly what they’re talking about and can guide you to the top-notch bookmakers for your needs. Sometimes it’s hard to find out where to go for legal sports betting without the help of a local bookmaker. They will have access to a vast database of betting information and will be able to tell you which sports books are accepting new members and which ones are not. You should always consider going where the action is, so be sure to check out the local betting sites before committing to any establishment. Local betting sites are great for the following sports:
- American Football
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Football
- Hockey
- Horseracing
- Golf
- Tennis
On the downside, you should be aware that many local betting sites don’t offer any kind of customer support, which leaves you completely on your own if something goes wrong. That being said, it’s still best to gamble locally as it’s less risky than betting online. If you’re looking to place a large wager, you might want to consider looking for a local bookmaker rather than committing to a website that is unknown to you.
Online Books
Many online betting sites offer fantastic odds, and many of them are quite open to accepting new members. You’ll often find reviews of different sports books on sites like Yelp and Google. When it comes to online books, the advantage is that you’ll have access to a global network of punters from all over the world. This can be a great source of assistance and support if you’re having trouble with a particular bookmaker or if you’re looking for recommendations. You can’t beat having access to such a large pool of talent, and with so many different countries, you’re sure to find a punter with the ideal betting style for your needs. The disadvantage of online books is that, quite typically, you’ll encounter a large number of scams and rip-offs on the Internet. Make sure you’re always on the lookout for these so-called “scams” because they are all the more dangerous when you’re not aware of them. These are the types of scams that will cheat you out of cash and make you lose money. However, as long as you’re aware of the risks and keep your eyes open, you can’t go wrong. Using tools like Google Docs, you can easily keep track of all your bets and win/losses so that you can always look back on your performance. This way, you’ll know if there is a particular bookmaker that you should avoid or if you’re going with a particular site because they’re known to be reliable. These are just some of the things to keep in mind if you’re planning on going to an online bookmaker to bet on sports.
The Bottom Line
Which option do you think is best for you? There are pros and cons to both options, and it really depends on what you’re looking for. If you want to place bets in person, then you’re better off going to a local bookmaker. However, if you’re looking for a reliable place to make wagers and want the flexibility to do so from the convenience of your home, then online sportsbooks are the way to go. Which option you choose is completely up to you, but as long as you’re aware of the risks, you can’t go wrong. It’s always best to be prepared and know what you’re doing, and with these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your time at the races and make the right choice for your needs. Which one do you think is better? Let us know in the comments below.