Best Sports Betting Sites & Sportsbooks

Criteria to find the best US Sports Betting Sites

There are key characteristics that to look for in each online sports betting site because there are so many variables involved with how a sportsbook operates. I use several sportsbooks for different things to take advantage of all the perks that different online sports betting sites can offer based on their features.

Below are the different criteria that I look at, as well as an in-depth analysis of why each characteristic is essential for sports bettors to look for when deciding on which USA sports betting site to use.

Legal & Licensed US Sportsbooks

Possibly the most crucial aspect of any sportsbook is whether or not you can even use it from your state. Licensed online sportsbooks must adhere to local gaming commissions’ rules and regulations to ensure they are protecting their customers from online fraud. The sports betting legislation set out by the state will contain all of these rules operators must adhere to.

If you’re wondering whether or not one of the legal sports betting sites in your state has a license, don’t worry, all of the operators above are 100% licensed and legal. If you’d like to check for yourself, go to your local state gaming commission’s website and check their licensing agreements.

If you see a sportsbook without a license, you’re on what is known as an offshore betting site, which is not entirely legal in the United States. While the user will likely not get convicted of a crime and be forced to pay a fine, it is a legal gray area, and there is no one to regulate sports betting on these sites, which may result in them using predatory practices.

Sports betting bonuses & promotions

The rapid expansion of sports betting has led to a crowded marketplace and added competition. This is fantastic news for bettors, as online sportsbooks are striving to do all they can to attract customers. Consequently, they offer incentives for new players to take advantage of.

All of the top sportsbooks we have listed offer some fantastic sign-up bonuses and other ongoing sportsbook promotions for existing players.

Some operators will provide rewards programs for their users where they can accrue points when betting on sports. Some of the prizes on offer are fantastic, ranging from VIP dining experiences to mini-vacations.

Betting markets depth

An online sports betting market is essentially any kind of sport or event that could potentially be offered on legal sportsbooks. Market depth is essential for obvious reasons; if you’re a fan of college sports, you will want to bet on college football or college basketball.

When a user wants to bet online, they naturally look for the best sports they know, which can sometimes be hard to find if they’re interested in more niche sports rather than major sports like football and basketball. All sports betting sites offer the NFL, NBA, MLB, PGA, and major tennis; however, not all online sportsbooks offer bets for handball and entertainment awards. During the summer the selection of sports to bet on is limited, so the market depth offered by sportsbooks becomes even more important.

Not only is betting market depth related to the number of sports offered but it is also characterized by how many leagues are offered, which means that the more leagues, the better! For example, I’m a massive fan of F.C. Bayern Munich; however, I struggle to find the Bundesliga on many sports betting sites because they tend to only have markets for the Premier League.

Variety of betting options

Betting options are a significant part of any sportsbook because they allow users to do the one thing they came to the site for: make a wager. Hundreds, maybe even thousands of different types of bets range from very simple to incredibly complex.

Some sportsbooks only focus on the basics, such as the moneyline, prop bets, and totals, while not having parlay, round robins, or teasers available for users to compound their odds. Sometimes, online sports betting legal platforms have issues setting up live betting in certain states due to local laws, which presents an issue for their users.

Betting options are a vital aspect of any good sportsbook because it gives the user choice and control over what they think will happen throughout an event, and they are then rewarded if they are correct. Same-game parlays are a perfect example of this. At the same time, not every operator in the sports betting world has these forms of parlays; they have become one of the most popular forms of betting due to their ability to craft unique parlays with alternate totals and prop bets.

Competitive betting odds

A sportsbook with competitive odds is crucial and is also very important for straight bets. While larger operators traditionally have more features and bells and whistles, smaller sportsbooks like BetRivers (an honorable mention of the list above) that are looking to grow will feature better odds to gain users.

Many of the best betting sites feature daily odds boosts on several events and handcrafted special parlays from a media personality partnered with the sportsbook! Odds boosts are some of the most valuable bonuses of sportsbooks because they give you more bang for your buck!

Pretty much all of the more significant USA sports betting sites have competitive odds (so look around) because they constantly compete to retain users of such an over-saturated market.

Betting ease and software

Betting ease and the user interface are essential aspects of all USA betting sites because it’s directly responsible for the overall user experience, which is vital when choosing the right online sportsbook. For example, Nevada only allows in-person sports betting at retail sportsbooks because they know the ease of betting online will seriously hurt their casino economy.

Look at the home page below and notice how it’s a well-set-up home screen that’s sleek, eye-catching, and well-organized.

Similar to the home page, having a well-organized betting slip is also crucial so that betting is easy, simple, and straightforward. There’s nothing worse than not fully understanding the bet you’ve made because of a poorly organized bet slip.

The software of sports betting apps and sites is also essential because some apps crash frequently, have long loading times, and do not have enough features. It’s 2025, and the best betting sites need to have the best features.

Excellent Customer Support

Customer service should work in the same way across all betting sites. Great customer support boosts customer retention, while bad customer service will result in players leaving the site. The best online sportsbooks will ensure their players are well looked after by offering them fast responses to queries and problems. They do this by providing phone support, email support, live chat features, and more.

Solid Reputation

Reputation is an obvious consideration when rating sports betting apps. The best sports betting sites will have good reviews from both their past and current users. A legalized sports betting site with an excellent reputation means that bettors were happy with its services, be it the speed of withdrawals, customer services, or range of betting markets.

Security & Speed of Payouts

The best online sportsbooks will be fully licensed to operate and offer online services for bettors. Licensed sites must adhere to the governing body that regulates gambling in the state they are operating, meaning that all players who play at these sites are protected. Additionally, most online betting sites are typically rated according to their payout track records. The best sports betting platforms will have fewer or no complaints when it comes to delivering payouts to sports bettors and will offer a wide variety of payment options. Consequently, they will be higher in the standings among the top sports betting sites.

Exclusive betting features

Unique features on betting sites are very important because they can range from resources for users to live streams allowing users to watch events live through the app for live betting. Every sportsbook offers different features, and many can be taken advantage of by users to do their research on specific events.

Suppose you’re a new user. Many online sportsbooks feature different how-to pages for users to read and teach themselves how to start gambling using their platform. Other features for new users include parlay-building tools that help users create quick parlays in a specific range of odds in certain sports.

Best Betting Sites in the USA

Below is each of our top picks for sports betting sites based in the US for each of the most profitable sports to wager on. Select a sport to read our in-depth assessment of the best sportsbook sites you should be using:

• Aussie Rules Betting Sites
• Bare Knuckle Betting
• Boxing Betting Sites
• Champions League Betting Sites
• Cricket Betting Sites
• CS:GO Betting Sites
• Cycling Betting Sites
• Darts Betting Sites
• eSports Betting Sites
• Europa League Betting Sites
• F1 Betting Sites
• Golf Betting Sites
• Handball Betting Sites
• Horse Racing Betting Sites
• Lacrosse Betting Sites
• League of Legends Betting Sites
• MLB Betting Sites
• Motorsport Betting Sites
• NBA Betting Sites
• NFL Betting Sites
• NHL Betting Sites
• Pickleball Betting Sites
• Rugby Betting Sites
• Snooker Betting Sites
• Soccer Betting Sites
• Table Tennis Betting Sites
• Tennis Betting Sites
• UFC Betting Sites

We are at the time of year when most sports bettors in the U.S. can bet on all their favorite sports. Football is the most popular US sport, as many passionate fans enjoy placing wagers on their favorite teams. The NFL betting sites allow you to wager on your favroite player, who you think will win the Super Bowl and much more.

The traditional big leagues in the US include:

• The National Basketball Association (NBA)
• The National Football League (NFL)
• The National Hockey League (NHL)
• Major League Baseball (MLB)

These major domestic markets see a lot of wagering activity, and with live betting now available, users have the option of making the viewing experience even more exciting as every play in a game could have money riding on it.

Those are some of the most popular betting markets in the country; however, many people around the U.S. bet on several international sports. Soccer is one of the most popular sports in not only the country but the world to bet on, and many sportsbooks feature access to dozens of international leagues worldwide for users to choose from. Major League soccer (MLS) and and the Canadian Football League (CFL) have also seen a surge in popularity in recent years.

Along with this, Formula 1 and the UFC have become increasingly popular due to television shows such as “Drive to Survive” and “The Ultimate Fighter,” which show each sport’s inner workings and drama. Also, some sportsbooks offer bets on entertainment awards and political events like the presidential race, which isn’t available everywhere, but I find it fun to bet on.

How Does Sports Betting Work In The US?

Following the Supreme Court ruling on sports betting in May 2018, it was then left to individual states to decide whether to act. Many have moved to legalize sports betting and now have thriving industries setting new monthly records in betting handles. Although legalization and regulation are occurring on a state level, there is no uniformity across the US. For example, most states require bettors to be at least 21 years of age, but there are few who require you to be 18.

Although the laws aren’t the same in every state, they are similar in the majority of cases. However, there are some differences you need to be aware of.

• Props and live betting on college sports vary by state, with some accepting and some against it.
• The majority of states only accept wagers on sports and not other markets such as reality TV.
• Betting on any college sports, including college football, varies massively from state to state. In some instances, there are no restrictions, while others will not allow any gambling on in-state programs or events. This also includes props and live betting on college events, which varies by state.
• No state is permitted to allow bets on the US presidential elections.

To participate in sports betting in a legal state, you must be within state borders. You do not have to be a permanent resident of that state; just make sure you are located there before placing a bet. This means all legal sports betting sites must verify that users are within state lines. To do this, they use geolocation technology, which pinpoints your location for the purposes of placing wagers. If you are not in the state, you can manage your account but can’t place bets.

For example, if you are in New York but want to place a wager on an app, you can download it then make the short trip to New Jersey to wager online. When you make the return journey to NY, you cannot place any more bets but can check your account or make a withdrawal.

How to Sign Up on a Legal US Betting Site

Signing up for an online sportsbook account is relatively simple and only takes a few moments of your time and a couple of personal details to verify your identity and age to adhere to local gambling laws. Remember, if you’re looking to get the welcome bonus from any sportsbooks above, you must click the link and use the promo code to get the named bonuses.

All sign-up processes are pretty similar and require almost identical information, but this step-by-step guide will use DraftKings as an example, although it will look almost the same on other platforms. To start, click the registration link above, find the box that says, “sign me up,” and click it, which will take you to step one of the processes.

1. Step one is setting up your account and creating a username and password, followed by entering your email address and promo code if one is required (other sites promo code location will vary). After this, you must verify your identity by entering your full name, date of birth, home address, and last four digits of your social security number. If you’re worried about entering this information online, don’t worry; you’re in the clear; every legal sports betting site is prohibited from selling your data and information because of local gaming commissions.
2. Next,  the sportsbook will secure your account by entering your information into its database to be sure you haven’t created multiple accounts, which is strictly prohibited.
3. Afterward, the geolocation software will track your location and locate you in legal sports betting states. If you’re not located in a legal state, your account will still be created; however, you will not be able to bet online with it until they are geolocated within legal state lines.
4. Depending on the sportsbook, some will have “know your customer” requirements that users must fulfill before they can fully access their accounts. Some sportsbooks won’t allow you to deposit until these requirements are met; however, most sportsbooks only limit withdrawals until you confirm your identity.

Some of the different “know your customer” requirements include verifying your address through a utility bill or government-issued I.D. Others include entering your driver’s license number, and some require users to enter their whole social security number to verify their identity. Sportsbooks do this to deter fraud, underage gambling, and multiple accounts to adhere to local laws about verifying identity.

After your account is created and your identity has been verified, you’re now ready to make your first deposit!

Deposits and Withdrawals for Betting on a Legal Sports Betting Site

Making deposits and withdrawals on sports betting sites is very easy and convenient and can be done by several different payment methods. Payment methods will potentially vary based on whether it is a deposit or a withdrawal; however, they will generally be pretty similar.

Many of the common payment methods on several of the sportsbooks listed above include the following:

• Debit and Credit Cards
• ACH Wire Transfer
• Online Bank Transfer
• Play+ Prepaid Card
• PayPal
• Skrill
• Venmo
• Google Pay
• Apple Pay
• VIP Preferred
• Neteller
• Prepaid cards
• Trustly
• eCheck
• Netspend
• PayNearMe Options

If you’re using any of the options above (PayNearMe Options will vary), the process will be similar to most sportsbooks. First, you will need to go to the cashier page, which can be done by clicking on your account balance on the screen. From the cashier page, select deposit or withdrawal and the amount, followed by choosing the payment option.

You will then be redirected to a safe browser shielding your private information and be prompted to enter it to process the transaction. Users can save these methods later to allow quicker and easier access to their money.

Remember, if you believe you’re overspending on any online sports betting platform at any time, you can set deposit limits to your account by talking to or emailing customer support. If you think you may have a gambling addiction, please click the link here for help.

The best bonus offers on sports betting sites will always be for new customers looking to make their first deposit and related bets. They are always the highest valued and are typically unique, so they stand out against the competition to attract new customers. As I mentioned above, there’s no rule against making an account on several different sportsbooks to get their bonuses; We heavily encourage that.

Bonus offers for existing customers should also be taken advantage of to boost your bankroll and get insured first bets, and increased odds. Sportsbooks often provide users with odds modifiers that allow users to craft their own bets or parlays that receive a bonus based on the number of legs placed.

Here is a selection of some of the offers you will discover:

• Deposit Bonuses
• Promos

Deposit Bonuses

In essence, a first deposit bonus is a specific amount of money players receive for making their first deposit into the sportsbook. The offer is available instantly once your registration has been confirmed and is typically offered as a percentage of bonus cash you get in return based on the size of your initial deposit.

✅ Pros

• No deposit bonuses mean no cash requirement from player to claim
• Get to grips with how sportsbook works without risking real money
• Matched deposit bonuses give you bonuses up to a certain amount

❌ Cons

• Terms and conditions could mean a high playthrough requirement
• No deposit bonuses could be restricted to certain games and leagues

Promos

One of the biggest factors in determining the quality of a sports betting app is the quality of their ongoing promotions. A good sportsbook will offer promos based around major events such as the Super Bowl of Soccer World Cup final. These could be odds boosts or parlay boosts. Make sure you check the promos tab of your app to keep up to date with the latest promos.

✅ Pros

• Odds boosts a great way to boost bankroll with smaller stake
• Add excitement to regular season matches
• Keep bettors occupied

❌ Cons

• Could have heavy limits
• Often not worth a lot of money

Insured First Bet

A first best insurance is a great offer. With a first wager insurance promo, a bettor receives the amount of their winning lets in the form of more bonus wagers that can be used on other markets.

✅ Pros

• Gives you a safety net
• Can place wagers you might not ordinarily place due to having a safety net

❌ Cons

In parlays, you will still need to hit four legs out of five for insurance to kick in

Some unique offers include a DraftKings promotion that had users win their bet if the spread was covered at any point in the event, which is heavily beneficial.

Many sportsbooks feature a rewards program that provides users with missions such as “place three MLB same-game parlays worth $10+ each to receive a $10 bet”. These rewards programs can also access bonus cash from points and even unique experiences to casinos and live sports across the country. While it’s challenging to get to that level, the benefits are definitely worth it when you do.

Available US Sports Betting Apps

Below is a list of all of our top picks for sportsbook apps for each sport. Choose a sport that you’d like to bet on and see which apps our team has picked:

• Baseball Betting Apps
• Basketball Betting Apps
• Boxing Betting Apps
• Canadian Football League Betting Apps
• Cricket Betting Apps
• Cycling Betting Apps
• Darts Betting Apps
• eSports Betting Apps
• F1 Betting Apps
• Football Betting Apps
• Golf Betting Apps
• Hockey Betting Apps
• Horse Racing Betting Apps
• NASCAR Betting Apps
• NCAA Football Betting Apps
• Snooker Betting Apps
• Soccer Betting Apps
• Table Tennis Betting Apps
• Tennis Betting Apps
• UFC Betting Apps

Sports betting apps give customers the ability to experience what a physical sportsbook is like on the go. You can access all of the information at your fingertips. The most well-known operators will offer a dedicated mobile app. Any operators who don’t have an app for iOS or Android for specific markets will typically ensure their site is fully optimized to work on mobile devices.

Once you have created an account and it has been verified, you can then download the app directly from the operator’s website. When downloaded, simply log in on your mobile, and your sports gambling experience can begin.

To place bets, you will need to be located within state lines. To determine that you are, operators use what’s known as geolocation tracking. This software works in the background once the app has been downloaded. However, you can manage your account when you are not in the state via the app. For example, anyone in Pennsylvania can check their account or withdraw money if they are in New York. But if you want to place any wagers, you’ll need to head home.

Online Betting Sites Vs. Sportsbook Apps

The differences between an online betting site and a mobile app are very few, and many users like me can barely tell the difference between using the mobile app and using the online website. Any sportsbook worth its salt will have a high-performance app that can provide users with an exceptional experience almost identical to the online website.

Online sports betting services often have exclusive features on their apps that allow users to watch live streams, get exclusive odds boosts, and other exclusive promotions. Doing so allows them to provide their users with extra bonuses and promotions that help bankroll your account and entertain you (in the sense of live streams).

While I prefer to use sports betting mobile apps, I understand why users choose only to use the website because it’s easier to look at other resources while forming a bet. Even though that may be the case, the convenience of mobile sports betting is entirely unmatched and should be taken advantage of, especially considering you have an account for both when signing up.

Most Popular Bet Types

The number of betting options available on sportsbooks is significant because I personally don’t spend my time on standard bets. If you’re not familiar with standard bets, they are located right next to the event on every sportsbook, including the moneyline, the spread, and the over under.

With that said, it is worth mentioning all of the most prominent bet types so you can make an informed decision before you place your wager.

Moneyline Bets

Moneyline bets are essentially who will win, while spread bets are based on who will win with a points cushion implemented or taken away based on whether or not the team is a favorite or an underdog.

Over/Under Bets

Over/unders are bets on whether or not the total points will be over or under the line provided by the sportsbook. For example, two teams with phenomenal offenses and bad defenses will have a higher point total than two great defenses with bad offenses.

Props Bets

Other betting options include prop bets, which can essentially be on anything that could happen throughout a game or an extended period. Say you think that a specific player will score a touchdown in an NFL game or that you think you know who the NBA’s MVP will be; you can bet these types of wagers through game props or season props, also known as futures.

A prop bet is another way to bet on a game or event, with most revolving around player performances. When you click on the individual game or event you are interested in; you will see the available markets. Regarding prop bets, the odds will typically appear closer to the game.

Parlay Bets

Some of the more complex betting options include parlays. Parlays are relatively simple but can become complex if they are to be same-game parlays, which not every sportsbook offers. Parlays take several different standard or prop bets across different events and compound the odds together to provide new and much better odds for the bet. Keep in mind that every leg of the parlay has to hit, or the bet is lost, which is why the odds compound so high.

Teasers Bet

Teasers and round robins are similar to parlays, except they have distinct individual characteristics that separate them. Similarly, they add multiple bets together; however, teasers are large parlays that provide users with alternative spreads to pick from.

Live Betting

Live betting, otherwise referred to as ‘in-game wagering,’ has become mainstream in the gambling industry in recent years. It gives bettors the chance to wager in real-time as the action unfolds. All of the odds and lines update to reflect what is happening, and there are numerous prop-type bets to choose from. Market-leading operators do a fantastic job of keeping you informed of what is going on, and it adds to the excitement of watching live sport.

Live betting is considered by many as the best bet on sports. Most online sportsbooks will provide a dedicated live betting section and we definitely recommend bettors to head into live betting.

Futures

In addition to searching for the best odds and lines, players should try and find an online sportsbook that offers a wide range of bet types. Generally, most betting sites will offer the standard lines and totals, but you should also explore what the site has to offer regarding futures.

The futures market has gained a lot of traction as the legal sports betting environment has grown. These are types of wagers where you can predict the outcome of something that won’t be known until later, such as the winner of the next World Series or Stanley Cup. Several operators offer basic futures on significant events, while some go even further. For example, a betting site may offer a futures market on who will go first in the next NFL draft.

Benefits of Online Sports Betting

When most people think of gambling in the US, they think of visiting Las Vegas with all the glitz and glamor it provides. Players can visit establishments that will have live sports on big screens while they relax and enjoy refreshments. Additionally, there will be staff on hand to take your bets and hopefully give you your winnings. However, when compared to online gambling, there are some things it just cannot provide.

Players can develop a strategy when betting online, whether that be arbitrage betting or any other key betting strategy, by merely visiting numerous online sportsbooks in a matter of minutes. Some other notable benefits of betting online include:

• Betting on the move: You don’t need to factor in journey time or budget for a trip to and from the sportsbook. Just log in from your desktop or mobile, and you’re good to go. In-play betting apps also provide an added element of flexibility. You can use a sportsbook app to bet on significant events such as the Super Bowl, rather than visit a physical sportsbook.
• Bonuses: As well as welcome packages, most prominent sports betting apps have ongoing rewards programs for users to join.
• Odds and Lines: Users can shop around for the operator, which has the best prices.
• Betting Slip: Intuitive apps enable customers to add and remove items from the betting slip so they can see potential returns before submitting a real money wager.
• Customer Support: You can access help by just clicking on a button, typically a live chat option, and talk to a customer service agent within minutes.
• Banking: Transfer funds when you need to instantly from your device via numerous options; there is no need to visit an ATM.

Visiting a retail sportsbook is a great experience, but online wagering is the best option for sheer comfort and convenience.

Legal Online Sports Betting Starts Here

There are hundreds of sports betting sites available, but not all of them can be trusted. Some reliable US sportsbooks have been around for a long time and have built up a solid reputation, and are entirely safe to use. With so many options available, it can be challenging to select which one is the best for you, but it shouldn’t be a chore finding out which sportsbooks are legal and safe.

The first thing you should do is check out their license and jurisdiction. States such as New Jersey, Colorado, Tennessee, and more all have a legalized online sports betting market. Consequently, sites such as the ones we have listed above will have obtained licenses to operate in those jurisdictions. This means you can deposit funds, and they are kept safe and at no risk. Offshore sites don’t have this luxury, and your money and personal information aren’t protected.

You should always seek out a reputable sports betting brand. Look for US online betting sites that have been in operation for a while. Signing up to these sites means you will be using a site that has developed a good reputation and a good record of retaining customers. This tells you that they must be doing something right.

Finally, check that the site has a policy on responsible gambling, including self-exclusion schemes and contact details if someone runs into trouble. This will ensure you stay safe while getting sports betting action.

Tools Section

• Parlay Calculator
• Sports Betting Hedging Calculator
• Gambling Winnings Tax Calculator
• Matched Betting Calculator

Guides Section

• How to Bet on Sports
• Best Sport to Bet on
• How to Create a New US Sportsbook Account
• How To Tell If a Sportsbook is Legal
• How to read betting odds
• How to make money betting on sports