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We live in a highly digital age where practically everything we do is done online. Even as mobile betting becomes more popular, it’s still necessary to know how to make a wager the old-fashioned way: in person at a sportsbook or casino.
Walking into a sportsbook or casino for the first time may be daunting and scary for the inexperienced. With hundreds of bettors watching multiple sports on wall-to-wall huge screen screens, the lights are bright and the atmosphere is bustling and noisy. There’s also a large LED scoreboard that shows teams and odds for a variety of sports such as the NFL and Kentucky Derby odds.
A long queue of bettors is waiting to make their wagers at the cashier, sometimes known as the “ticket window” or just the “window.” The last thing you want to be is the moron who is causing everyone to wait because he or she has no clue what to do.
Take a Seat
This may seem little and apparent, but it is crucial. It may be crowded and difficult to obtain a seat depending on the day and what sports are in season. You’ll be able to post up and keep an eye on your bets if you get a nice seat. But, more crucially, it provides you with your own “office” or “work station” where you may take notes, analyze games, and make your selections.
Obtain Wagering Sheets
This is sometimes ignored, yet it is vital. Once you’ve found a seat, go to the ticket window at the front and collect as many betting papers as you can. Betting sheets are sheets of paper that every sportsbook provides for free, listing all of the games and lines available. If you can’t locate them, inquire at the ticket window with one of the personnel.
Sheets are printed first thing in the morning, and the lines shift throughout the day. You can see how the lines have shifted by comparing the opening numbers on the sheet to the current lines on the LED scoreboard. Make a note of the games you’re interested in by circling them and making comments in the margins.
Know the Specifics of Your Game
To begin, check for the game’s ID number. This will be a three-digit number just left of the game. Make sure you understand the sort of bet you’re placing: spread, moneyline, over/under (total), win total, future, and so on. Remember to have your cash on hand (most sportsbooks only take cash) as well as the amount you want to wager. Make it simple on yourself by just bringing the betting sheet to the ticket window, along with the game you’re betting on marked.
Be Patient with the Cashier
After that, choose the shortest line and wait for your turn. Smile and say hello to the cashier when it’s time to depart. Give them the game ID, bet type, and amount you’re betting, then hand them the money. Tell the cashier, “50 dollars on 137 spread” if you want to wager $50 on the Patriots as a 6.5-point favorite (or whatever the correct game ID is for the Patriots).
Keep Your Ticket Safe
The cashier will print out a ticket, also known as a betting slip or receipt, once you inform him or her your wager and pay him or her your money. Before you leave the ticket counter, double-check the ticket to make sure the game number, bet type, amount, and team are right. Return it to the cashier if it’s inaccurate so they can repair it.
You lose all power once you walk away. You will not be able to return and request a ticket adjustment after the fact. Each and every transaction is final. You may move away from the window and return to your seat to watch the game if it’s right. Make sure you save your ticket.
Collect Your Winnings
Hopefully, you’ve won your wager and need to pay it in. To do so, return to the same location where you put your wager and join the queue. Give your betting slip to the cashier. They will scan the ticket and give you cash for your wins. It’s no harm in giving them your ticket to scan if you’re not sure whether your wager won or lost. Don’t worry if you have to leave town early. You may always turn the ticket over and mail it to the address on the back, and any wins will be sent to you.