Social Sportsbooks vs. Betting in Person: How Do the Odds Compare?

Social sportsbooks are an emerging way to place wagers. They can operate in states where betting is not allowed due to falling under sweepstake laws. We compare them with betting in person in the article below.

Social sportsbooks have really risen in popularity over the last few years. It is essentially the sportsbook version of a social casino, which operates under sweepstakes laws instead of gambling laws in the US. This provides a way to enjoy table and casino games online in states where cash casinos are banned. It is the same with social sportsbooks. They allow you to place a wager on sports and events online but through sweepstake rules. People can play for free, but win prizes using in-game currency.

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The Rise of Social Sportsbooks 

When using a social sportsbook, there are two ways in which you can play. The first is using the standard method, where you can use virtual currency and credits. Using these, bets can be made for free. Credits can be added to with daily logins, giveaways, bonuses and other methods. As you win using these tokens, you will acquire promotional mode coins and credits. These can be used to win prizes, which are usually gift cards and merchandise. In this way, you can cash in on your winnings without the use of money.

Doing this is a fairly new phenomenon in the US. Therefore, you have to find the best providers. The best social sportsbooks referenced here have been rated and ranked based on several factors. The best thing is that being free, it costs nothing to try them out. Many have introductory bonuses that can also provide a nice welcome upon signup. 

In Person and Online Sportsbooks 

Traditional sportsbooks have been around for hundreds of years in some form. However, betting online has transformed the industry. It has provided a convenience unheard of before, in which people can wager from a device in the palm of their hand. With improved connectivity, this has opened up many doors. It has allowed people to bet on a wider range of markets from the NBA to EPL, with increased bet types.

Added to this are the options it has provided for live betting. This would have been unheard of before: Placing a bet as a game is in progress. Using data and statistics, people can see bets and offers as a match or game is taking place. This can add an extra layer of excitement to proceedings, amplifying the enjoyment of the sport.

The Difference Between Social Sportsbooks and Betting in Person 

There are a few fundamental differences between social sportsbooks and betting in person. Both have advantages and disadvantages which must be weighed up carefully.

Availability 

In some cases, you may not be able to place sports bets in person or online due to laws. This may mean you have to travel over state lines or use VPNs to place your golf or soccer bets. Social sportsbooks provide you with a method in which you can make bets legally in your own state.

Cash and Prizes 

When you play at a social casino, your prizes come in gift cards and merchandise. This is fine for most people who may want prizes or just things to spend on consumer goods. However, if you want cash deposited to your bank account then they may not provide the outcome you want.

Bankroll 

The advantage of social betting is that it costs no money. You do not have to deposit money or provide financial details. This can save your funds while letting you enjoy the thrill of a bet.

Lower Age Requirements 

When you gamble with real money sportsbooks, you can only bet if you are over the age of 21. With social sportsbooks, the limit is lowered to 18+ as no cash is involved in the process.

Why Use Social Sportsbooks? 

Some may think that social sportsbooks are only there for those who can't place online bets in their state. In some ways, that is right, but there are other considerations to make that may convince anyone to try social sportsbooks. Firstly, they are great for those who have never placed a bet before. Using this method means they don't have to deposit any money, and they can see how the whole process would work and what the possible outcome would be.

When choosing a social sportsbook to try, make sure you look at how they pay out winnings. Most will provide winnings with with further virtual currencies, which can be put on other wagers. Where the main prizes can be won with the promotional sweep coins, so you may have to play a little more regularly to try and get your hands on these.

There is a real thrill to betting in person or online, especially if a game is in play or you are at the event itself. When you are paid out in cash, it also adds to the spectacle. Yet for people who can't do this, social sportsbooks offer a viable alternative, which can have several advantages. Try them out, because being free to play, you really have nothing to lose.
 

I (AKA CatBurg) have a lifelong passion for sports, especially football and basketball. I enjoy the thrill and excitement of sports betting and everything in between. My teams are (Packers #GoPackGo) and who I am betting on!