How to Compare Bookmakers

A bookmaker sets odds on sporting events, takes bets on them and pays the winners. Nearly every casino on the Las Vegas strip offers bookmaking services through a race and sports book. Knowing how to compare bookmakers before you bet can help you improve the odds on your Las Vegas-based wagers.

  1. Environment

    • Different bookmakers in Las Vegas offer different experiences for the sports bettor. Some big casinos have comfortable sports books with large screen TVs around the room and small, flat-screen TVs at every table. In contrast, other casinos post the odds on a white board while fans watch events on smaller TVs mounted around the room.

    Value

    • Look for value in the odds. A half-point in the spread on an NFL football game can make you a winner. Some bettors work with another bettor to compare odds by phone. The bettor at the casino with the best odds places the bet for both people. Las Vegas casinos used to ban cell phone use in the sports book to prevent players from finding the best odds, but the Nevada Gaming Commission lifted the cell phone ban in 2008.

    Timing

    • Earlier is better when it comes to releasing betting lines. Odds can change significantly between the time the first line is posted and the game. Early odds give you a chance to bet on anomalies before the market corrects itself. Find out when each bookmaker you are comparing posts his odds.