The sports betting and gambling industry is continuously changing and evolving, as technological advancements give the developers endless possibilities. Because of that, the online betting industry has seen some massive growth in the past decade. Almost all sportsbooks moved their focus from the brick and mortar places to the virtual world. However, Vegas sportsbooks are still very much alive, and it seems that they will not give up the fight that easy.

So, the main question to many sports bettors is the better betting experience is? At Online sportsbooks or in Vegas sportsbooks? In this article, we will try to dissect this question and to give you our objective opinion.

Betting at Online Sportsbooks

The first online sportsbook in the world was Intertops. They were established in 1983, and in January 1996, they accepted the first-ever online wager from a Finnish player, Jukka Hunkavarra. And there is not the end of their pioneer role in the sports betting industry. Intertops was the first sportsbook to introduce mobile betting in 2000.  

Since then, the number of online operators has risen astronomically, and thousands of online sportsbooks offer their services to the bettor around the world. Many old sportsbooks that managed to adapt to the new technology still operate today, and most of them are still market leaders, as players love to bet at respected and regulated sportsbooks.

Betting online has many advantages, as bettors can make wagers from the comfort of their own home, and don’t need to go into the crowded rooms full of people. Also, the online sportsbooks give the bettors a lot of interesting features, such as highly competitive odds, a wide scale of betting markets, a variety of banking options, and a lot of exciting Bonuses and Promotions.

Placing the bet online

The first and most important thing is to pick a perfect sportsbook that fits your needs. Opening a new account at most sportsbooks is usually easy and straightforward, and in just a few minutes, any person should be able to finish the registration process. After verification of the email address, a new customer needs to make a first deposit and betting can start.

There is another important thing that needs to be said. Before a first withdrawal, every sportsbook will require you to verify your identity. That is the so-called KYC (Know Your Customer) procedure. This procedure is the only way that a sportsbook can know if a player is underaged or playing with a false identity.

Sportsbook will ask you to provide them with a copy of a personal ID and a document that ensures your current address. If you are not sure what information the sportsbook will ask from you, ask the customer service team, or read the T&C’s on the website.

Pros of Betting Online

Cons of Betting Online

Betting at Vegas Sportsbooks

The state of Nevada was the first US state to legalize betting back in 1949. Today, Las Vegas is a gambling and sports betting paradise, as bettors can make a legal wager at any of the Vegas sportsbooks.

A Vegas sportsbook overall presentation and energy is awesome. Without any doubt, one of the more exciting things you can be part of during the day as the hours of the sports scene is mainly late morning or early in the morning.

Placing the bet at Vegas Sportsbooks

Making a bet for the first time at any Vegas sportsbook can be a little tricky. In every facility, you will be able to find printed daily sheets with all the games and odds available, along with the unique number of the game. That unique number is essential, as it must be used when you go to place your bet.

When you finally place your bet, you can stick around and feel the unique Las Vegas experience and atmosphere. There is nothing like the atmosphere during a major event like March Madness or NBA Playoffs when the crowd in the room goes berserk. Overall, the experience that you can’t feel at home.

Pros of Betting at a Vegas Sportsbook

Cons of Betting at a Vegas Sportsbook

Online betting is more comfortable without any question. But, if you ever get a chance to bet in Vegas, go for it!