How to Place a NFL Bet in a Betting Shop
| Updated: November 10, 2025
If you are just getting acquainted with the world of sports betting and wish to place bets in a real-world location, we are here to help you. Finding a land-based betting shop may be more difficult depending on where you live, because of the different laws and regulations concerning gambling. Additionally, finding a location that offers NFL bets specifically may be even more challenging if you are located outside the US.
Best Rated Bookmakers for United States-
Claim
$1000
Match Bonus9.718+ New customers only. 100% match bonus up to $1000. Min deposit $50. 10x rollover requirement. Promocode: MYB100 -
Claim
$250
Match Bonus9.4Join Bovada, make your first deposit and instantly receive a 50% Sports Welcome Bonus up to $250. -
Claim
$500
Match Bonus9.3Get a 100% Bonus, up to $500, to wager in the Xbet Sportsbook when you sign up and fund your new account with minimum of $45. Be sure to use promocode XB100 to claim this offer on your first deposit. 7x rollover requirement prior withdrawal. -
Claim
$200
Match Bonus9.2The bonus and the deposit need to be rolled over 4x at min. odds of -200 (1.5) before a payout is possible Max. $200 of every bet count towards the rollover. -
Claim
$150
Match Bonus9.1Get a 150% Bonus, up to $150, to wager in the BetUSR Sportsbook. Deposit minimum $100 and wager at least $500 within 30 days of registerening your account and you will automatically qualify for $150 CASH BONUS with just 1x wagering requirement.
What is a Betting Shop
A betting shop is simply a land-based sports betting venue with licensed bookmakers. Bettors can usually choose from a variety of sports to wager on and can keep track of events in real time right on site. Most betting shops feature large flat-screen TVs that stream the games so everyone is on the same page. Additionally, they may offer snacks and drinks to attract more customers, much like an American bar.
There are usually separate sections for each sport the betting shop offers. You might be able to tell them apart by the promotional materials, or, if you cannot, you can simply ask an employee to direct you. However, finding a betting shop that offers NFL betting might be somewhat difficult outside the US. Even in the United States it is not easy to find one, because gambling laws are only now starting to loosen. Currently, betting shops operate only in the state of Nevada.
Many betting shops worldwide are run by William Hill. In fact, more than 50% of the betting shops in Nevada are operated by this gambling-industry giant. It is a reputable and highly respected company that runs both land-based venues and online platforms. If you are looking for a trustworthy betting shop, finding a William Hill location is definitely the way to go.
In the US, a betting shop is usually referred to as a casino sportsbook. For legal reasons, sportsbooks in Nevada are located within casinos. Many casinos in the state also offer sports betting, creating a completely different experience. Casino sportsbooks are grander and can hardly be described as traditional betting shops at all. They are usually housed in a separate hall with many seats and monitors in front of them, allowing bettors to place their wagers.
How to Place a Bet
Once you have found the right spot for your sport, you will see different betting slips for the various types of wagers. There should also be blank slips that let you place wagers other than the preset options. Of course, you need to make sure in advance that the betting shop accepts those kinds of bets.
Betting shops usually offer a wide range of betting options, ranging from simple point spreads, totals, and accumulators to more exotic wagers. If the bet you wish to place is available, all you need to do is select it by following the instructions on the slip. You may choose multiple selections and stake different amounts.
However, the exact bet you want may still be unavailable. If so, and you need to fill out a blank betting slip, simply write down precisely what you wish to bet on. As long as everything is clear, you should have no trouble placing the bet.
After you have filled out the slip, which takes only a few minutes, you will need to hand it to the cashier. You can ask an employee for the odds on that bet and even have them write the odds on the slip for you. Then, hand in your slip along with your stake. After that, you will receive a receipt, which is crucial. Keep it safe, as it is the only way to collect any potential winnings.
How to Collect a Win
You will need your receipt to claim any winnings. Depending on the size of your win, you may need to go to a different betting shop, but in most cases you will simply return to the same shop and visit the cashier. After you hand in your receipt, you will receive your winnings immediately, or, if the amount is larger, through other methods such as a mailed check.
The Vig
Previously, we explained what the vig is and how it works. Now it is time to consider the “juice” in land-based sports betting. The vigorish at most betting shops is about 18%, which is a full 10% higher than at online sportsbooks.
As you can tell, this is not good news for sports bettors. Brick-and-mortar sportsbooks may offer a more exciting experience, but they clearly do not come with as many perks as online sports betting. Betting online is much more efficient and offers greater convenience. Because online betting is a far more competitive market nowadays, the vig is significantly lower.
The Odds
Unlike online sportsbooks, which offer different odds and even provide “best odds” guarantees, betting shops work with fixed odds. This means that regardless of the actual odds or how they may change as the game progresses, you will only be able to place a bet at the posted price. As a result, your potential payout may be smaller.
Then again, not all online sportsbooks offer variable odds, so the difference may not be significant. However, online betting is definitely more dynamic and, as we already established, online sportsbooks usually have a vig of only about 8%.
Basically, whether fixed odds are a good thing or not is up to you and depends largely on the bet itself. The odds are quite important, though, and if a land-based sportsbook does not offer the odds you want, you may have to search around town for another, which is hardly convenient. This is why online sportsbooks are preferred by most bettors nowadays.
Conclusion
Overall, deciding whether you wish to place a bet in a land-based sportsbook or an online one depends on many factors. Not everyone has access to a casino sportsbook or a betting shop, especially in the US. Therefore, it is not as convenient as online sportsbooks, which allow you to place bets from your phone whenever and wherever you like. It is also generally better to bet online because of the lower vigorish.
However, if you are set on placing a bet in a betting shop, simply make sure that the operator of the sportsbook is respectable and trustworthy. Many sportsbooks, such as William Hill and Ladbrokes, offer both land-based and online services. These brands are among the most popular for good reason.