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THE ENTERTAINMENT CAPITAL OF THE NORTHWEST

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BETTING ETIQUETTE
HOW TO BET LIKE A PRO

PICK UP YOUR BET SHEETS

Placing bets at the ticket window as the game is about to begin may appear stressful, but it’s not so bad if you know the lingo and are prepared. We’ve included a few pointers below to help you get through the process and move the line along.

 

HOW TO BET LIKE A PRO

PICK UP YOUR BET SHEETS

Daily bet sheets are available inside the sportsbook near the ticket window. Before approaching the window, use these sheets to build your bets by selecting your teams and bet types.

 

KNOW YOUR BET NUMBER

On the bet sheets, there are numbers to the left of all the games that are available for wagering. These numbers may be referred to as the bet number or the rotation number. The most important thing to know is the number for the team on which you are betting. If you want to bet on the Colts to win, and the betting number next to the Colts is “317,” you’ll need to tell the ticket writer that number. You won’t have to worry about getting this number wrong if you circle it on your bet sheet.

 

KNOW YOUR BET TYPE

You have a variety of bet types to choose from, and you must do so before placing your bet. You can always start with a simple bet, such as the spread, and work your way up. A point spread is a wager on a game’s margin of victory. Your bet sheet includes the betting lines for each spread. You should also check the odds wall for the most recent lines before placing your bet. The lines may have changed since the bet sheet was printed.

 

GET YOUR CASH & CARD READY

The final step in constructing your bet is determining the amount to wager in order to achieve the desired payout (win). In other words, what is the cost of winning $X? The vigorish, or simply “the vig,” is an important detail to remember when betting on the spread at a sportsbook. The vig is the commission paid to the house on bets, and the most common vig for most sportsbooks is 10%.

This means that the odds of winning $100 on a spread bet are $110 (win of $100 + $10 vig). So have your $110 ready to hand over to the ticket writer. Your ticket writer will also inquire as to whether you have a players club card. The most important reason to bet with a players club card is that if you ever lose your bet ticket, you will be able to file a claim much more easily because you will have a record of your bet history. Before approaching the ticket window, it’s best to get your card at the Enrollment Kiosk or the Players Club.

PLACE YOUR BET

You’re ready to approach the ticket window with a built bet sheet, cash, and card in hand. Because the spread is the default bet for football betting, you do not need to inform the ticket writer of the bet type. Simply say, “Give me $110 on 317,” and the ticket writer will handle the rest. We want you to have a good experience. If you have a question, ask a sportsbook writer. They want to help. Don’t hesitate to ask your question.

 

VERIFY YOUR TICKET

Your bet cannot be changed once you leave the ticket window, so double-check your ticket before walking away from the ticket writer. You can now find a comfortable seat to watch the games with your ticket in hand.

 

CASH IN YOUR TICKET

You have a few options with winning tickets: cash out at the ticket window, put your winnings toward another bet at the betting kiosk, or Mail Pay. For Mail Pay service, please download and complete this form to complete your claim.

 

TIPPING

Tipping is a personal choice and there is no obligation to do so. If you are inclined to tip, it is suggested to do so when placing a complex set of bets. When placing their bets, some bettors also make a bet for the writer as a tip. Tipping is optional, but always appreciated.

 

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