Use of subfolders for my casino directory

[llevy]

Been trying to find an answer to this for some time, so I hope someone can lend me a hand..

I've started building out my casino website Nerdybet, which will list regulated gaming vendors within each US state. A part of the idea  is to create a high level web directory of legal betting sites.

Now, say I want to list all legal casinos within a specific US state. What's the most search engine friendly way to build out the hierarchy?

To clarify, this will be the main casino directory page: https://www.nerdybet.com/gambling-sites-directory

Based on that, I can now pick either:

a) Nerdybet.com/gambling-sites-directory/stateX
b)Nerdybet.com/stateX

Which method would you say is best? And why so?

Thank you.

[ClaytonJ]

The second is preferred.

Nerdybet.com/stateX

Why primarily as the Title of the Home page is focused on being web directory of legal betting sites, it flows that the first subfolder is location.  If you adopt the first option, you are practically trying to rank the inner page as the home page,

The second option is shorter, more consumer friendly. and more search engine friendly.

Hope that helps.

[llevy]

Thanks man. See, that's the "gist" I've been getting from reading about this elsewhere as well. It appears that complicating things by adding subfolders is unnecessary, unless one operates a big online sales platform with large inventories.

I will go with the solution you suggested.

[ClaytonJ]

It is correct and make sure the Home page is framed as the Directory for Betting etc.

[jasongmcmahon]

I personally favour

a) Nerdybet.com/gambling-sites-directory/stateX

I find it more descriptive & I can add keywords to the URLsy

Nerdybet.com/gambling-sites-directory/stateX/CityName