How to Avoid Getting Kicked Out of Your Sportsbook

Sports betting is an emotional pastime, combining the passion of the sports fan and the thrill of a wager. When you have a room full of sports fans who have money riding on a game, tensions in sportsbooks can run a little high.

If things get out of hand, you could find yourself ejected and banned from your favorite sportsbook. While most bettors are well-behaved, we’ve put together a list of sportsbook do’s and don’ts to help you avoid an early exit!

1. Don’t Beg, Borrow, or Steal

If you’re seen borrowing or asking for money from another bettor to fund your bets, you could find yourself on the other side of the doors. Even if you just want to borrow from a friend, it’s not a good place to be as a gambler.

Don’t have the bankroll to cover your sports bets? It’s time to call it a day. The number one rule of any sports betting strategy is proper bankroll management, and the second is never to chase your losses. Just sit back and enjoy the game while soaking up the sportsbook atmosphere.

Of course, the whole ‘no stealing’ thing goes without saying. It’s a big no-no, will result in an automatic lifetime ban, and may even get you arrested. It’s not worth it.

2. Drink Responsibly When Placing Bets

While free drinks at Vegas sportsbooks are slowly becoming a thing of the past, some sportsbooks have a set minimum bet – as much as $100 – before you qualify for a single ‘free drink’. Of course, most sportsbooks notoriously include a well-stocked bar where sports-hungry bettors can purchase any number of alcoholic beverages.

It’s easy to get carried away while enjoying the game (and a few drinks). That said, being drunk and disorderly in any public place is out of order. It’s never a good idea to bet under the influence of alcohol, yet it is one of the most common mistakes made by casual sports bettors. It clouds your better judgment and can easily cause you to lose a lot of your bankroll.

Keep your wits about you to ensure that you can follow the game and your bets. If you’ve had a little too much to drink, head home (or to your hotel) to sleep it off or go have a good meal… with water! The sportsbook security staff is used to poor behavior and might remove you, pour you into a taxi, and ban you for good.

3. Don’t Get Physical

We all know emotions can run high during a sports game – and even more so when there are big bucks at stake. There are zero excuses for becoming aggressive. Keep your cool and your hands to yourself, or you’ll be tossed out. Worse, you can face criminal charges.

4. Don’t Be Rude to Kiosk Staff

This goes for any member of sportsbook staff for that matter. Manners cost nothing, but being impolite could cost you access to your beloved sportsbook. Ticket writers, bar staff, and hosts are there to provide you with an enjoyable betting experience, but that doesn’t mean they’re paid to put up with any nonsense. Be a decent human being and everyone will be happy!

5. Don’t Take Advantage of an Incorrect Line

At a sportsbook, line shopping isn’t a common option. Every so often, however, you’ll find an incorrect line which offers you much better odds than usual. With so many sporting events taking place every day, mistakes in the line are bound to happen.

This unwritten rule applies to pretty much any sportsbook you go to: If you spot an incorrect line make a bet on it, the sportsbook will typically honor that ticket. However, fair play works both ways: If you’ve located an error but choose to make multiple bets on it, the sportsbook is well within their rights to escort you from the building.

6. Keep the Trash Talk to a Minimum

A bit of banter with the opposing team’s fans can be a bit of harmless fun, but there’s a line and you should be respectful of it. No one likes a jackass, and if your words are causing offense, you’ll promptly be ejected.

7. Don’t Sit in Reserved Seats

Many sportsbooks have areas, booths, and seats that can be reserved by regular patrons or VIP members. They may be plush, super comfy, and the best seats in the house, but if there’s a reserved sign on it, it’s out of bounds.

Sportsbooks keep records their reservation lists, so don’t be tempted to remove the ‘reserved’ signs and sit there anyway. If you’re caught doing that, you risk being asked to leave.

Fully Enjoy the Sportsbook Betting Experience

Watching sports and placing bets in a sportsbook is one of the best ways to enjoy sports betting. They offer a viewing and betting experience like none other, but not all sportsbooks are made equal. It’s crucial to remember that some cities and countries do things differently.

Check out the best gambling and sports betting destinations around the world, and start planning your next vacation!