The best sports betting sites have a ton of options, awesome odds, and fun promotions. We’re here to help you pick the right sportsbook by checking out things like bonuses, types of bets, payment methods, and popular sports in the country.
But first, here’s our picks for the best online sportsbooks for players in the US.
The Top Online Sports Betting Sites
BetOnline |
$250 in Free Bets and 100 Free Spins Code: FREE250 |
$250 in Free Bets and 100 Free Spins Code: FREE250
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Bet Now |
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BetUS |
125% Sign-Up Bonus up to $2,000 on Sport BONUS CODE: JOIN125 |
125% Sign-Up Bonus up to $2,000 on Sport BONUS CODE: JOIN125
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Bet Now |
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BetNow |
150% Welcome Bonus up to $225 CODE: BN150 |
150% Welcome Bonus up to $225 CODE: BN150
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Bet Now |
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Bovada |
50% Match Bonus up to $250 on Your First Deposit |
50% Match Bonus up to $250 on Your First Deposit
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Bet Now |
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MyBookie |
50% up to $1,000 |
50% up to $1,000
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Bet Now |
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- 19th Century: Sports Betting's Beginnings
- 1940s: Legal Sports Betting Becomes a Reality
- 1950s: Excise Tax Sends Sportsbooks Underground
- 1980s: Vegas Sportsbooks Get Relief
- 1992: PASPA Limits the Playing Field
- 1994: Offshore Sportsbooks Make an Appearance Online
- 2018: PASPA Deemed Unconstitutional
- 2022: New York's Sports Betting Boom
- 2024: Offshore Sportsbooks Lead the Way
- Show Full Guide
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- 19th Century: Sports Betting's Beginnings
- 1940s: Legal Sports Betting Becomes a Reality
- 1950s: Excise Tax Sends Sportsbooks Underground
- 1980s: Vegas Sportsbooks Get Relief
- 1992: PASPA Limits the Playing Field
- 1994: Offshore Sportsbooks Make an Appearance Online
- 2018: PASPA Deemed Unconstitutional
- 2022: New York's Sports Betting Boom
- 2024: Offshore Sportsbooks Lead the Way
5 of the Best Online Sportsbooks in the USA Reviewed
With so many sportsbook betting options available, picking the right one can be confusing.
That’s why we’ve gone ahead and reviewed five of the best USA sportsbooks below to give you a heads up on what’s out there.
While these are certainly some of our favorites, all of the sites listed above are among the very best offshore sportsbooks and well worth taking a look at.
BetOnline – Best Sportsbook in the US
- Founded: 2004
- License Verified: ✅
- Odds: We found hundreds of odds across every sport and esport possible. When comparing them to other sites, they were competitive and offered good value. The early lines and odds commitment is a good feature too.
- Sports coverage: There is a wide range of major US sports and niche sports. Plenty of coverage of domestic and international competitions, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, through to mixed martial arts, soccer, and cricket.
- Features: We were impressed with how feature-rich BetOnline is compared to competitor brands. The live betting facility is top-level and very well designed, as are the prop builder and same game parlay feature. We also liked the ‘Mega Parlays’ tool and range of bet types, including teasers and ‘if bets’.
- Promotions: BetOnline is one of the most popular sportsbooks in the US for bonuses and promotions. You can grab some ongoing perks like reloads, free bets, odds boosters, and reduced juice on certain markets.
- Banking: It was great for us to see a wide range of fiat and crypto payment methods. There’s plenty of options for depositing and withdrawing and fast payouts.
- Site design: A recently revamped website brought some nice improvements. Excellent usability with clear menus to navigate. We found it easy to browse odds and add picks to our bet slip.
Pros
- Great bonuses for new and existing bettors
- Wide range of 30+ sports categories
- Live betting facility with live streaming
- 24/7 live chat support
- Sports betting contests with cash prizes
Cons
- Credit card payment fees
- Bank wire transfer threshold is high
Our Verdict
BetOnline is a top sportsbook that ticks many boxes for what customers want to see. This includes fantastic sports coverage, competitive odds, a live betting facility with live streaming, and great prop building tools.
While it does come with a high bank transfer threshold and some credit card fees, the platform offers plenty of convenient payment methods with payouts in minutes.
- Bet live on all major sports
- Excellent tips and tutorials for bettors
- Boosted odds available every day
BetUS – Best Online Sportsbook for Tips
- Founded: 1994
- License Verified: ✅
- Odds: During our review of BetUS, we tested sports odds across the major markets available on site, including football, basketball, ice hockey, baseball, golf, and tennis. We found them to be up there with other major brands in the business. Offering slightly more value on college sports.
- Sports coverage: There’s around 20 different sports to bet on at BetUS, including major US leagues such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. The platform doesn’t offer some of the niche sports from far and wide as other sites, but it does cover snooker, lacrosse, handball, and cycling.
- Features: We found that the BetUS sportsbook had a few handy features and tools that made things run a little smoother. These include the search facility, last minute bets, live betting, and odds refresh. There’s also a BetUS TV and Locker Room that gives you in-depth game analysis and insights.
- Promotions: BetUS is one of the top sportsbook in the US for promotions. It has a generous welcome match bonus that gets your account off to a flier. This is followed by unlimited reloads for existing bettors and boosted deals for crypto users.
- Banking: The platform offers a decent blend of both traditional fiat payment methods and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Ethereum. This includes major credit cards and bank transfers. It’s also one of the only sportsbooks to offer telephone deposits and withdrawals.
- Site design: We felt that the look and feel of the BetUS site was excellent with great navigation and a perfect mobile site. To put it simply, it scores top marks for both aesthetics and usability.
Pros
- Great bonuses for new and existing bettors
- Wide range of 30+ sports categories
- Live betting facility with live streaming
- 24/7 live chat support
- Contests with cash prizes
Cons
- Credit card payment fees
- The bank wire transfer threshold is high
Our Verdict
BetUS is one of the longest serving sportsbooks for USA players with a strong history and reputation spanning thirty years.
We felt that its experience in the industry is apparent through the service that it provides to bettors in terms of promotions, insights/engagement with sports fans, and the range of markets.
One slight drawback is that the selection of niche sports is on the small-side, but it’s pretty much got you covered for the majority of the most popular ones.
- Features BetUS TV with experts tips and picks
- Receive your earnings quickly, often within 24 hours
- Same day withdrawal service for fast payouts
Bovada – Top Sportsbook for Loyalty Rewards
- Founded: 2011
- License Verified: ✅
- Odds: When comparing odds, we found that they were fairly average for the industry. Some sports carried more value than others, in particular football, soccer, and baseball.
- Sports coverage: You’ll find more than 40 different sports and esports at this site. We enjoyed browsing through all major and niche sports from football and basketball to rugby and snooker. The virtual sports facility is a nice-to-have feature that makes Bovada stand out.
- Features: This is one of the best sites in the US for live betting and the facility offers up-to-the-second odds updates. There’s also a useful bet search, parlay booster, trending events, prop builder, and time filter for games that are due to kick off in the next 3-6 hours.
- Promotions: There’s plenty of chances to top up your bankroll with bonuses and promotions. This includes boosted offers for crypto users and a rewarding loyalty program where you’ll earn points for every $1 wagered.
- Banking: We were happy with the range of payment methods for both deposits and withdrawals. There’s an option to use fiat or cryptocurrency and the processing time for payouts is decent too.
- Site design: The Bovada website is pretty basic and lacks the flair of some of its competitors. But it’s easy to navigate and the interface puts focus on the sports, which isn’t a bad thing at all.
Pros
- More than 40 different sports and esports
- Fantastic live betting tools with stats
- Hundreds of odds on major US sports
- Range of parlay boosters
Cons
- The website design is bland
- Customer support is not easy to find on-site
Our Verdict
Bovada is an established online bookmaker that showcases its experience in the business with its wide net of sports coverage and competitive odds.
Bovada doesn’t offer a lot of ongoing promotions compared to other brands. But the loyalty program more than makes up for it with plenty of chances to get something back for every $1+ wager placed.
- Extensive and in depth offering for all markets - from e-sports to entertainment
- Redeem points for cash through loyalty program
- Sportsbook and racebook covers most major events on the calendar
CoinCasino – Best Cryptocurrency Sportsbooks for USA Players
- Founded: 2017
- License Verified: ✅
- Odds: We compared the odds for quite a few sports and were happy with what we found. The value returned was slightly above average, especially for moneyline and totals bets across major sports.
- Sports coverage: When it comes to coverage, this is one of the best American sportsbook betting site as it lists more than 50 sports and esports. There is a heavy focus on soccer, but the options go deep for pretty much every major US sport, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL.
- Features: Some standout features at CoinCasino include a quick bet option for single click wagering, a search facility, event schedule with hourly updates, and featured games.
- Promotions: There’s a very generous welcome bonus for all new customers.
- Banking: You can only use cryptocurrency when depositing and withdrawing to and from this online sports betting site. This can be a bit restrictive if you don’t have a crypto wallet. In fact, CoinCasino is also one of our fastest payout sportsbooks which is a major plus-point. You can also buy crypto using a card through the site.
- Site design: CoinCasino’s website brings something different to the industry with its black and red branding. It’s clean and fast with useful vertical and horizontal menus for navigating pages and browsing sports.
Pros
- Fast payouts via cryptocurrency
- Wide coverage of 50+ sports and esports
- Great live betting facility with insights
- Hot combination bet boosts
Cons
- No fiat payment methods
- Limited customer support channels
Our Verdict
CoinCasino is a dedicated cryptocurrency sportsbook with thousands of markets to choose from. The list of sports and esports is impressive as it offers bettors 24/7 wagering.
By adding fiat payment support, the brand would score a few more points. But the overall experience and those super fast payments make it a site worth a look.
- Easily accessed in-play betting
- Top coverage for football markets
- Good for finding futures markets in several sports
BetWhale – Top Sportsbook for Soccer Betting
- Founded: 2023
- License Verified: ✅
- Odds: BetWhale’s odds are competitive and constantly update on site so that you get the latest value. The 1×2 odds stacked up well against other brands on the market.
- Sports coverage: There are more than 20 different sports on the site with a heavy focus on major US sporting events. There’s also options for betting on esports and a dedicated section for horse racing.
- Features: We noticed a few useful features that you can use when betting. The search function is good for pinpointing specific sports, you can switch the odds view, and the bet slip allows you to quick-select your stake, plus accept odds changes automatically.
- Promotions: New bettors can claim a generous sign up offer. But beyond the welcome bonus, BetWhale doesn’t offer many promotions for existing players.
- Banking: Seeing the PayPal logo was a welcome sight, as not many other sites support it. There’s a good variety of fiat and cryptocurrency payment options overall with crypto offering fast cashouts.
- Site design: We felt the site design was basic, but this meant that it was easy to navigate with minimal loading times. The dark theme fits well with the branding and there’s a couple of nice usability elements, such as icon navigation and horizontal scrolling.
Pros
- Huge range of soccer betting markets
- Convenient payments including PayPal
- Great racebook facility for horse racing
- Multiple bet types including 1×2 betting
Cons
- No loyalty rewards
- Limited live sports selection
Our Verdict
If you’re looking for a sportsbook with a generous welcome bonus and great range of pre-game markets then you can’t go wrong with BetWhale.
Yes, the live betting facility could offer more lines and odds, but there’s plenty of coverage and value to be had before an event starts. This is a solid choice of a sportsbook with a modern dark design.
- Live streaming available for in-play betting
- Speedy payouts without fees
- 24/7 live chat customer support
How to Pick the Best Sportsbook for You
We know that picking the best US sportsbook can be a challenge. And while you can trust our picks listed above, doing your own homework is always a good idea too.
Here are some of the main things that we take into account when looking for the best online sports gambling sites.
Sportsbook Odds
You want competitive odds that give you the best chance to maximize your returns for everything from single wagers and parlays. Check the available odds at betting websites pre-game and live in-play and compare them.
This might take a little time and effort, but it’s worth doing the legwork now to get the best bang for your buck later down the line.
Betting Markets
You’ll want good coverage of major sports and leagues both in the United States and across the world. But what you’re really looking for is the number of markets for each event.
Take NFL games for example. Many of the best sportsbooks will have more than 100 betting markets for a single game. BetOnline, our top NFL betting site, has been known to have 140+ on a single game.
Offers & Promotions
You’ll always find great offers for new bettors, but what about regular promos for existing customers? These ongoing promotions are the deals that offer you value on a regular basis so they don’t need to be big.
Any kind of odds boost, free bet, or contest is a good sign that the sportsbook in the USA offers good value.
Reputation
The best online bookies aren’t always the ones that shout the loudest. Take a deeper look into the reputation of the brand.
Look for customer and expert guides and reviews (like this one), licensing and regulation, and a track record of fair and timely payouts.
Sportsbook Usability
Modern online bookmakers are expected to have a site that looks awesome, but how does it function?
Check out things like how easy it is to browse sports markets and odds, deposit funds, craft the perfect parlay, and place a bet.
Customer Support
Accessible and responsive customer support is an absolute must at the best sportsbook online. You may not need help very often, but it’s good to know that it’s there if you have any problems.
Multiple support options via live chat, email, and telephone will give you plenty of cover.
Security Features
There’s no denying the fact that online security and safety are crucial when it comes to using an online sportsbook in the US.
After all, a site needs to have all the right measures in place to protect your money and your data.
Thankfully, online sports sites that are regulated by recognized gaming authorities – like those listed above – have to meet strict requirements before getting their license.
Sportsbook Wagers & Betting Markets
Whether you’re a beginner to using top online bookmakers or you’re a seasoned bettor, it’s good to know that you have plenty of options for placing wagers.
In the section below, we’ve outlined a few of the most popular types of bets you can place on both domestic and international markets.
Moneyline
The most common and easiest bet to place at an online bookmaker is the moneyline. You can choose which team you think will win in a game with two competing teams.
The odds are displayed on the betting website with a plus or minus symbol depending on whether they’re the underdog or favorite.
For example, in a NFL game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers, the odds may show +105 and -125 respectively.
Typical Moneyline Payouts
- $100 at +105 – wins $105 + stake of $100 for a total payout of $205
- $100 at -125 – wins $80 + stake of $100 for a total payout of $180
Spread
Instead of betting on which team you think will win, you can place a wager on the margin of victory or defeat.
The favorite must win by more than the given number of points, while the underdog must lose (or win) by less than the specified point spread. The Kansas City Chiefs are the -7.5 favorite against the Atlanta Falcons.
This means that the sportsbook thinks that the Chiefs are 7.5 points better than the Falcons. If you bet on the Chiefs to win, they’d have to beat the Falcons by at least 8 points for your wager to pay out.
You could also bet on the Falcons to lose by less than the point spread and your wager would pay out once they don’t lose by more than 7 points.
Total or Over/Under
Another way to wager is by using the totals or over/under markets.
Rather than focusing on one team, you can bet on whether you think the combined points total of the two teams will be less or more than the value given by the sportsbook.
Take an MLB game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Mets as an example. The totals line is set at 7.5 meaning that you can bet on whether there will be seven or fewer runs or 8 or more during the game.
If you bet on over and the game finishes 5-3 (total of 8), your bet will win.
Props
At every one of the top online sportsbooks in the US you’ll find an option for betting on props.
Here you can forget about the game’s final score, or even the result, and bet on things like which player / team will score first, longest field goal, or whether both teams will score.
Futures
If you’ve ever thought about who will win a major competition, league, or tournament, then you’re not too far away from futures betting.
This type of wager at US sportsbook allows you to predict the outcome that will be settled at a later date, or in the ‘future’.
Popular markets include the winner of the NFL Super Bowl, the MLB World Series, NBA Championship, and FIFA World Cup.
Parlay
Combine multiple picks (minimum of two) into a single wager with parlay betting for increased odds and bigger potential returns.
This multi-bet type is offered by the best betting websites and allows a combination of the same or different outcomes from different games. But they must all be successful for your bet to win.
For example, you might choose the favorite to win in three different NFL games. If they all win, your bet will pay out. But if just one of your predictions is wrong, you get nothing.
Same Game Parlay
If you’ve visited any sportsbook recently, you’ve probably heard about Same Game Parlays (SGPs). Similar to a parlay bet, you can add multiple selections to your bet slip.
But they must all be from the same game and must all be successful for your bet to win. Some online bookmakers will provide you with pre-set SGPs, whereas others will have a tool that you can use to build your own.
An SGP could include both teams to score, over X total points scored, player to be disciplined, and last scorer of the game.
Best Sportsbook Compared
In the table below, we’ve compared the top betting sites in the US to give you a clear idea of what’s on offer from each brand.
| Betting Site | No. Sports | Payout Speed | Contests |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetOnline | 25+ | 0-2 days | ✅ |
| BetWhale | 20+ | 1-3 days | ❌ |
| Bovada | 30+ | 1-2 days | ❌ |
| TG.Casino | 45+ | 0-2 days | ❌ |
| BetUS | 20+ | 1-2 days | ✅ |
Sports to Bet on at Online Sportsbooks
When it comes to the number of sports you can bet on, US online betting platform are unrivaled. Not only do they offer all major domestic and global sports leagues, but they also cover specialist and niche sports from around the world.
Below are some of the most popular to look out for and why we think they’re worth your time.
Football
Football is without a doubt the most popular sport in America, and one that offers the most lines and odds at the best sportsbooks.
The NFL regular season runs from September through January and provides plenty of opportunities to place a wager week in and week out.
Then it’s all eyes on the Super Bowl, the biggest game of the NFL season, which on its own, has huge interest from bettors. On top of this, you can wager on college football with an offshore sportsbook from August to December.
Basketball
Coming in a close second behind football in terms of popularity, pro and college basketball offers a ton of markets to bet on. Once you’ve joined a sportsbook, you’ll be immersed in action from October to April.
With each team playing 82 games per season, you’ll never be short of options when placing moneyline wagers, parlays and other bet types. Look out for the NBA Cup, NBA playoffs, and March Madness.
Baseball
It’s no secret that baseball draws in huge crowds during the regular season. With millions of fans attending games each season. It’s also one of the most popular sports to bet on at the top online sports betting sites in the US.
The thrilling run line wager and unique props bring another layer of excitement to your experience. The biggest events on the MLB calendar also offer plenty of betting chances, including the Midsummer Classic All-Star Game and the World Series.
Ice Hockey
Whether you’re a fan of the Chicago Blackhawks, Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins, or another team, the best sportsbooks for US players are filled with NHL lines and odds.
During the regular season (October-April), you can bet on weekly games in many ways, including moneyline, totals, props, parlays, and the unique bet type for this sport, the puck line. In total, there’s over 1,300 games per season – that’s a lot of NHL betting action.
Soccer
Soccer betting brings about so many options for sports betting enthusiasts. The MLS now has 29 teams across the Eastern and Western Conferences that you can bet on. But the global coverage is on a scale that is unmatched by other sports.
You can bet on all major domestic leagues around the world, including the English Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, and Bundesliga.
Other top competitions to look out for on the soccer betting calendar include FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, and Copa America.
Tennis
Unlike other sports we’ve covered, tennis betting sites offer a diverse range of individual athlete sports betting opportunities.
Competitions is running almost every week of the year, from the US Open, French Open, and Australian Open, through to Wimbledon, the ATP Finals, and WTA Finals.
Best Online Sportsbooks by Sport
When you’re checking the best betting websites for US players, you’ll notice that a sportsbook may specialize in one particular sport over another.
This may be apparent in the variety of markets, available odds, or insights. In this section, we’ve researched each sportsbook’s stand-out market to help narrow down your search.
Best Sports Sportsbook for NFL – BetOnline
BetOnline is the best betting site for NFL markets due to the large selection of lines and odds.
This sportsbook covers all NFL regular season games offering futures, game props, NFL draft, playoff specials, and Super Bowl moneylines.
Place straight bets on the NFL, along with parlays, teasers, and ‘If Bets’, where if your selection wins, a portion of your profit can be rolled over to your next NFL pick.
Best Sportsbook for NHL – BetWhale
The pregame NHL betting markets are hard to beat from BetWhale. The platform publishes the latest odds for the upcoming regular season schedule with plenty of wager types available.
This top sportsbook offers moneyline, puck line, totals, props, and 1×2 betting, which is not something all competitors offer on the NHL.
You can also get the latest odds for NHL futures throughout the season, including Eastern and Western conference winners.
The Top Sportsbook for MLB – Bovada
Bovada is the top sportsbooks online for MLB betting both pre-game and live in-play. The platform is filled with updated odds that you can filter by start time, including in the next 3/6 hours, today, and tomorrow.
Available bet types include run line, moneyline, totals, and almost 100 side bets for each game.
You’ll also find game props, alternate lines, 1st inning, run markets, pitcher props, correct score, and specials, where you can bet on whether you think there’ll be a run in every inning.
Best Online Betting Site for NBA – CoinCasino
CoinCasino is one of the best sportsbooks for NBA betting. It offers deep lines and plenty of odds during the regular season.
There’s also a variety of futures markets such as NBA Finals winner, Winning Conference, Winning Division, Most Valuable Player, and Most Improved Player plus more.
Best Betting Site for Esports – BetUS
There’s over twenty different esports available on BetUS. But that alone doesn’t make it the best esports betting site. BetUS offers hundreds of odds and wagering opportunities across popular and niche esports.
This covers everything from Counter Strike and Rainbow Six, to League of Legends, FIFA, and NBA 2K.
Payment Methods at Online Sportsbooks
When looking for the best online sportsbook in the USA, you’ll need to take a good look at the options available for both deposits and withdrawals.
This is because sometimes a method isn’t available for payouts. We’ve outlined the most common options you’ll find at top sportsbooks.
Payment Cards
Debit and credit cards are among the most common methods used at sports betting platforms.
Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover are readily available and offer instant deposits. But, they aren’t available for withdrawals and may come with some transaction fees.
Cryptocurrency
Using cryptocurrency has become increasingly more common at modern online betting sites for US players to add and remove funds from their account.
Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, and Tether are a few of the most popular digital coins. Using crypto offers increased privacy, anonymity, fast processing times, and minimal transaction fees.
Thanks to the fast deposits and withdrawals, this gives a much better online better experience than traditional methods
For more options, check out our guide to the best anonymous sports betting sites.
Bank Transfer
Attach a bank account to your online bookmaker and seamlessly make deposits and withdrawals.
While this method can come with slower processing times and some fees, it is one of the most popular methods for large withdrawals, particularly for bettors who make card deposits.
eWallets
eWallets such as PayPal, Neteller, Skrill, and Payz offer a middle ground from the other methods above.
They act as a go-between your payment source and the betting website, without disclosing sensitive information.
Although PayPal is generally unavailable at the top sports betting sites we recommend, other eWallets may be available with lower fees.
Prepaid Voucher
You can purchase a prepaid voucher such as Paysafecard with cash at a local store, or buy online.
You can then use your unique voucher code to make deposits at the best sportsbooks for US players. The slight drawback is that transactions are only one-way, so cashing out won’t be possible.
Online Sports Betting Vs. Retail Sports Betting
When it comes to the top sportsbooks online, nothing beats the convenience that sportsbooks offer.
You can browse online betting sites 24/7 from anywhere and place a wager on the go. The benefits don’t stop there, but they’re not without some slight downsides too.
We’ve compared the two below to give the bigger picture on how the top sportsbooks online stacks up to their retail counterpart.
Online Sportsbook
Pros
- Conveniently bet from anywhere at any time
- Get more betting markets and odds
- Bet live in real-time with the latest odds
- Redeem better bonuses and promotions
- Can be accessed easily using a web browser
Cons
- Lack of social interaction
- Potential for technology issues
- Relies on internet connectivity performance
Retail Sportsbooks
Pros
- Bet and interact alongside other bettors
- Cash out winnings immediately
- Face to face customer support
Cons
- Not always open 24/7
- Requires you to travel
- Fewer sports betting promotions
- Betting activity is public
- Limited betting markets and options
Are Sportsbooks Legal in the USA?
The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was introduced in 1992 to protect athletes and staff from being influenced by gambling. This effectively banned sports betting.
But all this changed in 2018 when the US Supreme Court struck down PASPA as unconstitutional. This allowed each state to create its own sports betting legislation.
Since the change, many states have signed bills into law and launched regulated betting websites and other forms of gambling.
Below is a full list of those states; simply click on the tab to view our table, or check out our legal sports betting tracker for more information.
Even before the introduction of state-regulated Sportsbooks for the USA, offshore sportsbooks were legally operating across the USA.
These online sportsbooks, based outside the US, are not subject to local state laws.
US Sports Betting Legal History
Following the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act in 2018 US sports betting has seen huge growth, but the country has had a storied history with state-licenced sports betting and gambling over the decade.
These are some of the biggest moments in United States sports betting history.
19th Century: Sports Betting’s Beginnings
Initially, sports betting largely revolved around horse racing, but that changed in the 19th century when baseball was introduced. In 1876 the National League was founded, and sports betting followed quickly.
Sports betting soon gained notoriety and became more popular than actual sports, with scandals like the Louisville Grays throwing games and Cap Anson betting on his own team.
1940s: Legal Sports Betting Becomes a Reality
After Governor of Nevada, Fred Balzar, signed the AB 98 bill into law, which allowed legal gambling within the state, mobster Bugs Siegal became the first race disseminator in the state.
Siegel’s wire service gave centralized odds and results for bookies within the state. At the end of the 1940s, Nevada officially legalized sports betting, although it was limited to turf clubs, which were independent of casinos.
1950s: Excise Tax Sends Sportsbooks Underground
In the 1950s, the federal government turned sports betting on its head with a whopping 10% excise tax, thanks to the Revenue Act of 1951. This harmed a number of legal sportsbooks, forcing many underground to try to curb the tax.
In the latter part of the 1950s, regulation became a big focus. Nevada state created the Gaming Control Boarding in 1955, which was tasked with regulating the quickly growing industry. Four years later, the Gaming Control Act was passed, putting the Gaming Commission in charge of all betting licensing.
1980s: Vegas Sportsbooks Get Relief
The 1980s were a great time for Nevada. Congress decided to cut the tax on licensed books to just 0.25 percent. On top of that, there was a 6.75 percent state tax on gaming revenue and a one percent licensing fee. This made it easier for operators to compete with illegal sportsbooks and even come out on top.
While that was happening, two other states were getting into sports betting in a simpler way. Montana set up its lottery in 1986, letting people join in on some sports pools and fantasy bets. A few years later, in 1989, Oregon launched its Sports Action parlay. These new betting options caught the attention of Congress, leading to a huge surprise that would shake up the whole sports betting scene.
1992: PASPA Limits the Playing Field
After more states showed interest in sports betting, Congress passed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). This law made sports wagering illegal in all states except for four that already had it: Nevada, Oregon, Montana, and Delaware.
1994: Offshore Sportsbooks Make an Appearance Online
The internet was in its infancy in the 1990s, but thanks to PASPA, people were looking for an opportunity to bet on their favorite sports.
The first offshore sportsbook, named Intertops, started to accept wagers via the Internet. Originally located in Austria, they eventually moved their business to Antigua, where they grew
2018: PASPA Deemed Unconstitutional
After waiting for over five months, the Supreme Court finally made a decision. In a 6-3 vote, they said that the federal ban on sports betting is unconstitutional. This sparked a lot of excitement nationwide, especially in New Jersey, which was set to be the center of the new sports betting scene in the U.S.
But NJ wasn’t the only state getting in on the action in the first year after PASPA. Delaware actually hit the ground running first by offering legal sports betting at a retail location. Other states like New Mexico, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia also placed their first bets in 2018.
2022: New York’s Sports Betting Boom
Even though the sports betting scene in the U.S. was booming, the Big Four states didn’t have legal sports wagering at the beginning of 2022. But that changed fast! In the second week of January, New York, which is the fourth most populated state, jumped in and started making headlines – and money!
In just its first month, New York’s sportsbooks pulled in an impressive $1.69 billion, even though they launched only in early January. They kept that winning streak going, and by the end of August, they had brought in over $10.6 billion in betting. Overall, though, it was a pretty quiet year for new laws, with only Louisiana joining New York in the sports betting game by October 2022.
2024: Offshore Sportsbooks Lead the Way
A report from Citizens JMP Securities says that while the offshore betting market might bring in some extra cash for legal sportsbooks, it probably won’t significantly increase overall revenue. They predict that in 2024, the total amount bet on offshore sports, which includes both offshore and bookie bets, will hit $163 billion, leading to around $9.8 billion in gaming revenue in the United States. This is higher than the $150 billion that was wagered legally during the same time.
Expert Tips for Sports Betting Sites
Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been using betting websites for years, these tips will give you the best chance at becoming a successful bettor in the long-term.
Bet on Familiar Sports
There’s always going to be a sport that catches your eye, but that you know nothing about. Just remember that f you bet blind you’re taking a bigger risk than betting on sports you’re familiar with.
Play it safe to give yourself the best possible chance of landing a winning bet and making a profit. After all, you love the sport, so use your knowledge.
Do Your Research
You may have grown up playing a sport that you now watch on TV, consider yourself an expert, and know it inside and out. Or you might follow tipsters for horse racing tips, for example. But it’s still good to do your own research before placing any bets.
This includes knowing all the latest news and updates about competitions, teams, and players. The best sports gambling sites in the US provide you with a plethora of insights and stats that you can use to make informed decisions, especially on things like injuries, weather conditions, and head-to-heads. BetUS is a market leader for this stuff.
Redeem Bonuses
Bonuses for new bettors will give you an instant boost to your available account balance. This means you can bet on more sports or place bigger wagers.
This is a great way to minimize your risk especially if you love those niche sports you’re not familiar with.
Keep Emotions At Bay
Sports betting can be emotional and something you feel passionate about. That said, you need to keep your emotions out of any decisions you’re making and understand that you won’t be successful on every pick you make.
Manage Your Bankroll
Set yourself a daily, weekly, or monthly budget to use on sports betting. Careful management of your bankroll means you’re betting responsibly, and gives you more time to wager.
Don’t bust your account balance on the first game of the season and avoid chasing losses.
Shop Around for the Best Odds
You may have found the top online sports betting site at the time of signing up, but it may not offer the best value odds on every sport.
There’s nothing stopping you from registering at multiple online sportsbooks to shop around for the best odds at the time. Remember, it’s worthwhile comparing odds from two or three bookmakers for a specific game or event to maximize your returns.
Early Odds are Where the Value is
It’s not always the case, but getting your bet in as early as possible before anything affect the odds can sometimes offer great value. Check out BetOnline’s early odds and you’ll get a sense of the value you can get.
Register at Multiple Sites
If you’re still undecided about which betting website to choose, you can go ahead and register at as many sites as you want.
Take advantage of multiple promotions to boost your bankroll and maximize your potential returns.
Best Online Sportsbooks Roundup
By now you should have a good handle on what the best sportsbooks have to offer. Just remember that you should always play the long game when picking a sportsbook review.
While welcome offers are great for boosting your bankroll, it’s the ongoing promotions and the competitiveness of the odds that will bring value in the long term.
So look for great odds, a few promos, and lots of markets for events and you can’t go too far wrong.
BetOnline clearly ticks all of the boxes in this regard, with $250 in free bets awaiting for you to claim as a new customer.
Beyond that, you can benefit from boosted odds every day, excellent tips and tutorials, and live betting and streaming on major events.