online shopers

Know what you want in an online betting site. Think about your betting profile before anything else. What sports and markets do you like best? Are you primarily looking to bet with NFL betting sites, or do you want access to more niche markets? Do you need lots of options for props and derivatives? Do you usually bet on mobile or desktop? Do you like targeting odds boosts to find additional value?

Do your research. Read a few betting site reviews so you know what’s out there before you make your choice. It’s best to choose a sportsbook with multiple markets and various promotions for both new and existing users. You also want your sportsbook to have a robust selection of bet types, especially with player props. Be sure to check our betting site blacklist as well if you’re considering a sportsbook that isn’t on our recommended list. These are sites that you shouldn't trust. All of this information is available here at Covers, keeping you fully informed about sites to avoid.

Read the bonus terms and conditions. Larger bonuses often seem best, but we have seen offers that are too good to be true. For example, they may come with a higher playthrough requirement. Be sure to check the rollover and odds requirements before taking a bonus from any online betting site. This indicates how many times you must play through your bonus before it can be withdrawn. The lower, the better. You also want to consider whether you prefer an offer with a low barrier to entry (e.g., Bet 5, Get 150) or a higher limit (e.g., a first-bet offer up to 1,000), since the latter can provide more upside.

Check the payout options and speed. Being able to get your winnings out quickly should be one of the first things you look at when choosing an online sports betting site. It's also best to have several options available to make this process more convenient. Our preferred methods are Apple Pay and PayPal due to its quick transactions. Some sites, like FanDuel, offer Venmo, making it even easier to process payments.

Compare their odds with competitors. You don't want to face inflated prices on moneylines, totals, and more. For example, some sites have prop bets at -115 on both sides rather than -110. It's also helpful to find favorable odds at your site at times, giving you an edge on your bets, so always check into this. Shopping around with other sportsbooks helps you turn a profit. The difference between -110 and -115 adds up in the long run, so keep that in mind when placing your wagers.

Check for a mobile app. Even if you prefer wagering with the desktop version of an online sportsbook, you may occasionally wish to bet on the go. If so, you'll want to make sure your preferred betting sites are among the best betting apps for an enjoyable mobile experience. Adding push notifications is quite helpful.

Look through the promotions. Ideally, you want the betting site to not only have a lucrative welcome bonus but also existing promotions like odds boosts, parlay insurance, and more. My personal favorite is the refer-a-friend program, which offers bonus funds for referring someone to sign up. This will give you more value on your wagers, allowing you to build your bankroll.

Examine their live betting platform. While most sportsbooks provide you with the ability to place live bets, some have more robust platforms than others. You want as many options as possible, so being willing to bet on in-game player props is another plus to consider when choosing a sportsbook.