Local Bookies vs. Big Platforms

Curious to hear how folks are placing their action these days.Are you sticking with your local guy — the one who’s been around forever and gives you that personal edge?Or have you shifted to the big platforms like DraftKings, BetMGM, FanDuel, etc. for the promos and slick apps?I’ve noticed some sharp players still prefer the old-school route for flexibility and privacy. Others swear by the bonuses and live betting features on the big names.What’s working best for you? Any pros/cons you’ve noticed?(No judgment either way — just trying to get a feel for how the game’s evolving.)

    To much drama with locals. I had one local who couldnt get my end of week figures correct, was even worse when I carried the weeks winnings over.  This happened on more than one occasion. Found out from the guys wife he was on mega doses of meds. 

   Another local I had: I would win a few K on a Sat & Sunday, then pass on the MNF game to make sure I collected that Tuesday instead of giving him some back. He would cop an attitude like " why didnt I play the MNF game to give him a chance to win some back ..lol. I told him I didnt like the game, he use to say..play it anyway..lol.  After a few years of dealing with these clowns, they were gone, went offshore until it became legal. Best thing that ever happen. 

    I like the features from the big legal platforms, ie live wagering, line manipulation, teasers, ML dogs that most locals wont give you. I can even travel 30 minutes to a Casino Sportsbook in my area. Locals are extinct in my book

Only option is a local. It's not that phone in action anymore, it's all online like a normal book

Tax free is best btw

Nothing beats cashing out of your bet at 100% and placing at another book with a better number. 

I have fun at casinos 

sweat the game not the payout

Go offshore

Local. Same guy over a decade. Not one issue, no matter the winnings its always on time and in full.

I stay local.

benefits , I play with house money , given a line of credit , awesome free plays when I lose , no taxes , never cut off or size of wagers reduced . Awesome website. 

A few thoughts on this:

1) The ease of use and "incentives" will keep things the way they are with unfathomable amounts of money streaming to the larger platforms.  In short, unlikely to change.

2) The states have become reliant on the revenue and are starting to become a bit greedy.  I just read today Kansas feels their 10 % taxation doesn't pace with other states.

We have already seen incentives declining, vig rising, and consumer protection taking a back seat to the book's "terms".

To answer the question, I prefer the platforms due to the ease of use and impersonal nature.  Helps that I very rarely pay juice the way I play.  I think eventually the platforms and states will have an issue that needs correcting, but they won't be able to.  I think many sharps have already moved back offshore, local, or been limited on the platforms.  I personally am waiting on that class action to fall with the books limiting / banning smart players.

all my very humble two cents worth.

@unplucked_gem

 My book (Fanatics) actually has kiosks inside the OTB in my area. I was told the other day that I am not allowed to put more than $2500 into a machine in one day and that if I’m using multiple machines I will be banned. They don’t want smart or large size action. They’re perfectly content with the guys doing the 12 leg parlays for $5 and $10 each. That’s the action that the retail books want. I laughed at the lady working and said “you know, it is possible that I lose the $2500+, but if you guys don’t want the money that’s fine”

@brn2loslive2win

Lol, its so true.  When I go to Vegas I usually stay at Trump Tower cause it suits me well, however, I have to walk to put bets in.  Two different strip books limited action to $100.

Here in the Poconos we have 3 within an hour radius and I think I can get up to 5k. 

Disclaimer, I do not play that high.