On this page we analyze the pros and cons of creating multiple betting accounts, including what terms and conditions you have to abide by, why some bettors swear by it, and answering the main question: is it worth having more than one betting account?
Is it Legal to Have Multiple Betting Accounts?
If you love sports as much as we do, you were probably thrilled when the US Supreme Court deemed sports betting to be legal and allowed granted states the individual power to regulate sports betting in each state. There’s been a growing number of legal online sportsbooks opening up their doors to US bettors, and with that, the questions arises: it is possible to register at multiple sportsbooks?
Well, the short answer is yes, it is legal to have multiple betting accounts with different sportsbooks, but there’s more than meets the eye. In this article, we’ll discuss the legality of having multiple betting accounts and the possible benefits of doing so.
Why Can’t I Create More Than One Account With the Same Sportsbook?
The realm of multiple betting accounts is a highly regulated and restricted topic in the world of online sports betting. Namely, all US sportsbooks impose a limit that allows for only one account per customer. This rule is mainly in place to ensure that you’re not abusing the bonuses and offers provided by the sportsbook – which are often tailored for new customers. Moreover, sportsbook operators aim to register all your betting patterns and strategies, for better or for worse.
Although it’s technically possible to create multiple accounts at the same online sportsbook from the same household, keep in mind that most sportsbooks have an IP tracker, which will track down your IP addresses and you’ll need to provide personal information and documents from the account holder. Moreover, some sportsbooks impose a limit of one account per household, and if the operator is suspicious that the same person is using more than one account, they may ban all the accounts. Bookmakers identify multiple accounts by using software and techniques to detect multiple account usage, and the terms and conditions usually indicate that a person using multiple betting accounts will get a permanent ban.
Is it Possible to Have Accounts With Multiple Sportsbooks?
While having multiple betting accounts with the same sportsbook is illegal, having multiple accounts with multiple sportsbooks is perfectly legal. In fact, many bettors create as many betting accounts as they can. The biggest advantage of this is matched betting, but there are other benefits that come with new accounts as well.
Provided that you only open one account per sportsbook, there’s no limitation on the number of sites you can use. Many bettors consider multi-accounting and matched betting as a great way to make some extra bucks while making the same bets, and the most common reason they do this is to compare the odds of different sportsbooks.
For example, one sportsbook may offer better odds for a particular betting market, but another one may offer more competitive odds for another market. So, instead of compromising your potential profit by only betting on one sportsbook, you can open multiple betting accounts and get the best odds all the time. There are many other benefits to betting with multiple accounts, and we’ll discuss this in detail below.
Benefits of Having Multiple Betting Accounts
Since we determined that having multiple accounts at different betting site operators is legal, you may be wondering what are the benefits of it. Well, the benefits are plentiful, as long as you do not break any rules and keep your accounts active at each sportsbook.
Sportsbook Welcome Offers
Almost every sportsbook that operates legally in the US offers some type of a welcome bonus. It’s usually in the form of a no-sweat first bet, bonus bets, or other type of promotion that’s only available for newcomers. It’s generally a one-time deal, and you’re only able to get it if you register with the particular betting site for the first time.
Odds Comparison
Not all sportsbooks offer the same betting odds for the same betting markets. While they may have the same betting lines and sports coverage, especially when it comes to popular leagues and competitions, the odds may vary.
For example, the moneyline odds for the Tampa Bay Rays to win against the Baltimore Orioles at DraftKings are set at -190, while the same betting line has odds of -175 at FanDuel. So, by placing the same bet at a different sportsbook, you’ll get more money if your team wins. With the option to look for the best value of odds, you can make a few extra bucks here and there. It does not seem like much in the short run, but longterm you could be looking at a sizeable chunk of money, especially if you bet frequently.
Keep in mind that this is just an example, and the actual odds may vary.
Different Betting Markets
Although most sportsbooks cover the majority of popular sports and competitions, especially popular leagues such as the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, NASCAR, NCAAF, and NCAAB, some sportsbooks offer unique betting lines that you can’t find elsewhere. This is why many bettors own accounts at multiple sites.
For example, some operators might offer futures for less popular leagues or creative prop bets, and many bettors open multiple accounts to be able to place bets at different sportsbooks.
What to Watch Out for With Multiple Betting Accounts
While there is no law that stops you from betting at multiple sportsbooks, there are certain precautions you should take to ensure that the sportsbooks do not limit or close your account. It is not a common occurrence, as sportsbooks want your business, but if you are suspected of abusing the system then you can land in hot water.
Arbitrage Betting
Arbitrage betting is a strategy in which you can take advantage of the discrepancies in betting lines or odds between different sportsbooks, to form hedge bets that will bring you a profit regardless of which team wins a game. You must do your research to use this strategy, but it can really pay off if you can find the bets with the right odds.
Most often, you will be staking unusual numbers to balance your hedge bets between sportsbooks. For example, you may place $10 on a -190 bet at one betting site, and then you must place $8.76 on a hedge bet with odds of +105 at the other sportsbook. These stakes stick out like a sore thumb, and the staff behind the account management are well aware of how arbitrage betting works. It does not break any specific rules, but it is frowned upon by sportsbooks.
Abusing Bonuses
You wouldn’t say no to a bonus, and neither would the next ten bettors. However, if you are simply signing up at sportsbooks to collect all the goodies without putting in any of your money, they may suspend your account. This is why a lot of sportsbooks do not give out big no deposit bonuses, or have conditions that require a minimal deposit or betting before you can redeem your bonus.
Taking Advantage of Refer a Friend Promos
One of the most common promotions among sportsbooks is the refer a friend bonus. You refer a friend, both of you pick up a little extra cash, and the sportsbook also benefits because it has a new customer. Of course, this bonus can be abused by players who simply want to pocket the bonus without betting at the sportsbook. The account management team at sportsbooks can impose conditions on the refer a friend bonus, such as they may be required to place bets or make deposits to redeem the bonus.
The Ability To Spread Out Your Bets
Whether it’s a myth or reality, winning too much at the same betting site can get your account banned. Although operators often don’t admit this, if you’re winning too much at the same sportsbook, you might get your account limited or banned.
This is why many bettors are opening multiple betting accounts across different sportsbooks. By spreading out their bets, they are not at risk of being banned and it allows them to fly under the radar.
These points are not made to deter you from making multiple betting accounts. It just means that you should consider how much you will play at the sites and not just sign up to take advantage of them. Should you sign up and get suspended, or worse yet, banned, it is a very difficult decision to overturn. If you abuse the system today, then it may ruin your chances to bet at those sites in the future.
Which Betting Sites Should I Register With?
The US sports betting market has never been more diverse. Dozens of sportsbooks operate legally in over 20 states, so it’s now easier than ever to open multiple accounts at different sites. If you’re wondering which betting sites should you register with, we suggest these legal and fully regulated sportsbooks:
DraftKings
✅Pros
- Available in 21 states
- Lowest minimum deposit limits
- Excellent sports coverage
❌Cons
- No live support is available (although the AI chatbot is available 24/7)
DraftKings is probably the most famous US sportsbook and is widely considered the operator that started the shift toward the legalization of online betting in the US. It offers competitive odds across multiple betting markets and has odds for hundreds of leagues and competitions.
Although the site’s terms and conditions don’t indicate that only one account per household or the same IP address is allowed, there have been many instances where users have been banned for having more DraftKings accounts from the same family. That’s why we suggest using only one DraftKings account per household.
And if you’re a new user, you’re in for a plethora of promotions, including a hefty welcome package for the first deposit you make at the site.
FanDuel
✅Pros
- Numerous promotions and bonuses
- Competitive odds
- Excellent mobile betting app for iOS and Android
❌Cons
- Frequent geolocation issues when using the desktop site
FanDuel stands alongside DraftKings as one of the biggest, most popular, and most widespread online betting options for US bettors. It offers competitive odds across multiple betting markets, and the variety of betting options is seemingly endless.
The promotional page gets updated regularly, and new bettors who register with FanDuel now are in for a sweet sign-on bonus. Besides the welcome bonus, there are many other promos, such as a refer-a-friend bonus, odds boosts, and more.
The terms and conditions regarding multiple account usage are rather strict, and just like DraftKings, having more than one account per IP address may raise a flag and have your FanDuel account suspended.
BetMGM
✅Pros
- Excellent variety of betting markets
- Competitive odds and regular odds boosts
- Unique Edit My Bet feature
❌Cons
- Navigating through the site could be easier
BetMGM is one of the most reputable brands in the country when it comes to gambling, and it’s now available to sports bettors online in more than 20 states. The list of available markets to bet on is very diverse, and it includes every popular sport and competition in the US.
The welcome deal is what attracts many new bettors to this site, as it is one of the most generous sign-on bonuses out there. There are several ongoing promotions for existing customers as well, and many of them are taking advantage of the regular odds boosts.
How to Open Account with Multiple Betting Sites
Opening an account with any sports betting site is extremely easy. The process is purposefully made to be as simple as possible, so regardless of which betting site you choose, you’ll need to follow these steps:
- Open the sportsbook’s website or download the mobile app from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store from a location where the sportsbook operates in
- Locate the registration button
- Enter your email address and provide a password
- Provide your full name, DOB, address, and the last 4 digits of your SSN
- Complete the verification process by providing a photo of a government-issued document such as an ID or driver’s license
The registration process usually takes up to 10 minutes, and you’ll have no problem opening an account with multiple sites. Keep in mind, however, that you’re not allowed to open more than one account with the same company. Moreover, you’ll need to provide your bank account details and fund all of your betting accounts.
Best Bets to Place With a New Sportsbook Account
The best bet one can make is an informed bet. Regardless of the sportsbooks you choose, it’s most important to do your research and make an informed decision before you place a bet.
Having multiple betting accounts, however, provides you with the opportunity to compare the odds and place your bet where they’re the most favorable. Moreover, by registering as a new user at one of the sites we suggested, you’ll become eligible for the welcome promotions, which usually include some form of a bonus bet.
So, by making use of the bonus bets, you’ll lower the risks involved with sports betting and maximize profits.