There are a number of things to look for when choosing an online baseball sportsbook that you would like to use for baseball betting. From securing 10-cent lines to making sure you get the best rollover bonus, there are several things to consider as you try to find a book that's right for you. Don't be lazy! This isn't something you should put off, like your taxes or paying your child support. This is actually important and a little work on the front end will save you a whole lot of time, money, and trouble in the long run.

And because we have nothing but your best interests in mind, we polled the handicappers here at Doc's Sports Services and asked them to pinpoint what they look for in a top-level online baseball sportsbook for MLB betting. Here are the top traits that they came up with:

For a detailed run down on some of the most reputable and consistent baseball sports books available online, check out our Recommended Sportsbooks listed on the left-hand side of this page.

1) Easy Payout Options

Gotta. Get. Paid. First and foremost, you want to know that when you dominate this weak and helpless online baseball sportsbook you're going to receive your bounty quickly and easily. Most books will simply mail you a cashier's check when you request it, but you want verify exactly how long it takes to process the payout. Times vary from 3-5 days to 3-5 weeks so make sure you know what you're dealing with before you deposit your money.

2) The Most Value On Their Lines

A five or 10 cents difference on a line may not seem like a big deal. But considering that baseball bettors make approximately 10 times more wagers during that season than they would during the NFL season that could add up to mean potentially thousands of dollars for someone who bets even just $10 or $20 per game.

After you make sure that you'll get paid in a timely manner, the very next thing you want to be sure of about your online sportsbook is that they offer the most competitive lines out there. The gold standard is the 10-cent line on a baseball game and you shouldn't accept anything less than that. Also, because there's so much variance between online books most pros recommend having not one, but two or three options to bet through.

Do your research and check to see if a book is shading favorites or jacking up totals. You not only want to compare online books with one another, but you also want to see how their lines stack up with those offered in Las Vegas sportsbooks.

3) Overnight Lines

Again, betting is about value. And you want your book to offer you the highest level of value possible. Overnight lines do exactly that because they allow you to take advantage of situations before the morning market correction. Furthermore, baseball is a nonstop, seven-month marathon. Since games are going on essentially every day from April to October you want to be able to place your bets when its most convenient for you. Overnight lines allow for that, on top of giving you increased value.

4) A Variety of Wagering Options

Your baseball sportsbook should offer five-inning lines, reverse run lines, and a plethora of player props. Again, baseball is a grind. Having these extra outlets is not only crucial from a moneymaking standpoint, but also from a sanity one. You don't ever want to get bored with your betting and having a multitude of options will prevent that.

5) Bonuses, Bonuses, and More Bonuses

What's better than free money? I say nothing. Because of the amount of competition in the market, sportsbooks are willing to offer a variety of exotic sign-up bonuses and reload bonuses. Some of the more common are, Free $100 bet, 50 percent sign-up bonuses, 25 percent rollover bonuses, and referral bonuses for friends that also sign up. Believe me, this is the one time when books will give money away without you having to pry it out of their cold, dead fingers. Make sure you take full advantage.

6) Customer Service and Service Length

Doc's Sports Services isn't the No. 1 handicapping service in the country because we've been in business for nearly 40 years. We've been in business nearly 40 years because we're the best in the business. The length of time that a sportsbook has been in business is a strong indicator of this books standing in the online gambling community. This is an ultra-competitive market and shady business practices will sink a book faster than you can say, "Yankees suck". Research your baseball sportsbooks.

For a detailed rundown on some of the most reputable and consistent books available online, check out our Recommended Sportsbooks listed on the left side bar of this page and get some of the highest bonuses available.

A few of our recommendations include:

Bovada Sportsbook
Bookmaker Sportsbook
5 Dimes Sportsbook
Wager Web
Sportsbook.com

Best of luck with your wagers!!