The US sports betting market has expanded rapidly in recent years, from major leagues like the NFL and NBA to more niche sports, there are countless ways to place wagers and enjoy the thrill of betting. With the rise of state-by-state regulations, sports betting has become more accessible and safer for bettors, and strong security measures come as standard on all reputable platforms in the US.
Each sportsbook featured on this page has been thoroughly evaluated for its betting options, various bonuses, security measures, payment methods, and overall user experience. We’ve carefully selected and rated the top sports betting sites in the US based on the highest industry standards, so you can access only the best sites for a fully reliable and enjoyable betting experience.
If you’re eager to find the best sportsbook in the US you can’t stand and judge by appearance alone. A flashy bonus and an excellent user experience are fun for a while, but with our sports betting site reviews, we find the best online gambling platform that you’ll enjoy in the long term.
Bonuses and Promotions
Bonuses and promotions are not everything, but they greatly impact your betting when you first join a sportsbook. We look into the welcome offers to gauge their generosity and fairness—looking at things like wagering requirements to see if they’re truly worth your time.
The game needs to stay exciting with ongoing promotions that boost the betting experience. Think reload bonuses, odds boosts, and special perks—these keep seasoned bettors returning for more.
Betting Options
Betting options are at the core of any sportsbook. It’s not just about the big leagues—lesser-known sports can deliver just as much excitement. A strong lineup of bets keeps the action going year-round. While moneylines and spreads are staples, bettors want more variety—props, parlays, bet builders, and more. Our team tests and verifies that the top bookie brands we recommend offer quality and a variety of betting options.
Customer Support
For betting sessions to work in sync, patrons need a customer support service that’s varied and available at all times. Live chat is a prominent option and 24/7 coverage is important, especially for sportsbooks patrons who enjoy the global betting market.
When it’s not a pressing issue, players can reach out for support via email– a support channel you’re bound to find in all US sportsbooks. On the other hand, phone support is not always an option, but when it’s available we consider it an advantage because patrons get the chance to communicate the issue directly.
We also check how good the FAQ and help center is—these resources can be incredibly useful for resolving common issues and providing quick answers.
Payment Methods
For a sportsbook to be a good fit for US players, it must offer US-specific payment options like credit and debit cards, PayPal, ACH bank transfers, and prepaid cards. Without these convenient and familiar methods, it’s less likely to meet the needs of American bettors and would not get a good rating from us.
App and UX
A sports betting app and user experience (UX) should be intuitive, allowing patrons to navigate without trouble through the packed sportsbook layouts peppered with betting types, markets, registration, and deposits. A well-designed platform allows users to do everything smoothly, from deposits and placing bets to managing accounts and accessing sportsbook promotions.
Security
Security is very important for online sports betting sites, involving strong encryption methods, proper licensing, and adherence to regulatory standards. These measures ensure user data protection and fair play, making them essential factors in our stringent rating criteria.
US Online Sports Betting Laws and Regulations
Sports betting regulations in the US are shaped by state-specific rules. Unlike legislation, which establishes the laws allowing or prohibiting sports betting, the rules and regulations that govern how betting operates are determined by each state separately.
Currently, there are over 30 states, including Washington D.C. where sportsbooks and sports betting are legal, out of which 21 allow online sports betting as well.Sports betting in thestate is governed by specific laws that regulate licensing, security standards, responsible gambling measures, and compliance. Below is a table outlining each state where sports betting is legal.
For most of the 20th century, sports betting was largely prohibited in the United States. The major barrier was the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) of 1992, which effectively banned sports betting nationwide, except for a few states, most notably Nevada, which was grandfathered in due to its pre-existing sports betting framework.
In 2011, New Jersey challenged the legality of PASPA, seeking to legalize sports betting to revitalize its casino industry. This challenge culminated in the landmark case Murphy v. NCAA, which reached the Supreme Court in 2017. In May 2018, the Court ruled in favor of New Jersey, deciding that PASPA violated the Tenth Amendment by commandeering states to enforce federal regulations. The overturning of PASPA allowed each state the authority to legalize and regulate sports betting independently.
Sports Betting Bonuses and Promotions
A well-crafted sports betting bonus can draw bettors to sign up, try out the platform, and stay active if they find potential. From welcome bonuses to free bets and odds boosts, these promotions add value to the overall betting experience in a sportsbook and are frequently a decisive factor for bettor
Welcome Bonus
The betting welcome bonus is a sportsbook’s way of inviting new punters to join with the most attractive offer on the platform. Being the most generous promotion available, it gives patrons a chance to start strong. Common offers include a deposit match, free bets, or risk-free bets.
However, the value of the sports betting sign up bonus depends on the wagering requirements, such as the odds and playthrough that are required, the time limits to complete these requirements, and other terms, like the different sports and betting markets eligible for the bonus. Only when we evaluate these factors together, we can truly understand whether the bonus is genuinely worth it and whether we should recommend it.
Bonus Bets
These promotions, also called free bets, offer players some extra funds—usually between $5 and $50—not much, but still enough to have some fun. So, how do bonus bets work? These bets can be a part of a welcome package, where bettors receive several free bets alongside a deposit match offer. Bonus bets come at a specific value, e.g. $5, $15, or $25, which you can wager once, and if you win, you keep the profit, but the initial bet goes back to the sportsbook.
Some sportsbooks have separate promotions focused exclusively on free bets, where you can receive:
Matched bonus bets: The sportsbook matches the player’s bet, so if you invest $10 of your own money, you receive an additional $10 bonus bet.
Risk-free bet offer: This promotion comes into play if your initial bet loses. The sportsbook will refund your stake as a bonus bet.
Odds Boost
Odd boosts, or enhanced odds, can be found at top online sportsbooks in the US as a promotion that will equally benefit both new and existing players. The sportsbook usually increases the odds on certain sports and markets, so the scope of the offering and how frequently it is made available can vary across sportsbooks.
For example, the odds could be boosted on a combination bet, such as betting on a specific player to be the top scorer and their team to win. The regular parlay odds for this kind of bet could be +300, but the sportsbook could increase the odds to +500, meaning that a $100 bet would return $600 instead of $400. These odds are usually only available for a limited time so be sure to take advantage of them while they’re available.
Deposit Match
A deposit match bonus is usually tied to the first deposit a bettor makes at the betting site. Patrons can expect a part of their deposit back in the form of bonus funds, the deposit bonus match is usually from 50% to 100% and the average amount is $200.
There are different wagering requirements, bettors usually need to play through the funds a couple of times with appropriate odds. For example, bettors often need to play through the bonus funds several times, typically on bets that meet the minimum odds requirements. A 3x wagering requirement on a $200 bonus means the player must wager a total of $600 on qualifying bets.
Loyalty and VIP programs
VIP programs aren’t the most attractive thing about top betting sites, but they certainly add value once you’re there. Most US sportsbooks have a VIP program that is often integrated with their casino offers, providing rewards across both platforms. Integrated VIP programs can be a great asset, allowing players to accumulate points and benefits through both sports betting and casino play.
Another benefit to look for is a VIP program that is shared between different sportsbooks, especially when they are under the same ownership. This means that bettors can enjoy perks, rewards, and exclusive offers on multiple platforms.
Top Sports to Bet on at Leading US Sportsbooks
Popular sports like football and basketball attract millions of bettors and are at the heart of the US betting industry. Baseball and hockey also enjoy a wide fan base and the betting market for soccer is also becoming huge. Each of these major sports can offer unique betting opportunities you should consider.
Football
Betting on football dominates sports betting in the US, but it’s become a global phenomenon as well. The most popular types of bets for football specifically are money line bets, spreads, props, and futures. When it comes to betting on football, the NFL leads the number of placed bets and the amounts.
But betting on the NFL isn’t the only market available to bet on football, other markets like College Football and the Canadian Football League (CFL) bring betting opportunities for football fans.
Basketball
Basketball is a close second in the number of wagers placed during the regular season, with the action peaking during play-offs. The NBA is a standout in basketball betting, but the college league and the WNBA also attract a fair amount of betting action.
There is a large variety of bets including moneylines, spreads, futures, and player props available for NBA betting, which makes it an exciting and varied sports betting market.
Soccer
A global betting market, betting on soccer is becoming increasingly popular in the US. The European leagues dominate the betting market, with the English Premier League and the Spanish La Liga being the two most popular.
Bettors are drawn to MLS sports betting since Major League Soccer is a young league that has begun to attract big names and player props, like who will score first, and over/under bets offer a refreshingly straightforward market to US bettors, who are used to high-scoring sports like basketball and football.
Hockey
NHL has millions of devoted fans in the northern US states like Michigan and Minnesota, but its fast-paced action makes NHL betting a staple at online sportsbooks across the US.
Hockey bets include puck lines, which are similar to point spreads, the difference being that puck lines are typically set at -1.5 goals for the favorite and +1.5 goals for the underdog. Other popular bets are moneylines, totals, and player props.
Baseball
America’s favorite pastime has an avid fanbase among sports fans and sports bettors alike. With each team playing over 160 games during each season, there is a variety of MLB bets that are popular like player props, totals, and futures.
Betting on baseball has its unique appeal for bettors as it is an analysis-driven market with deep historical roots in American sports culture.
Popular Types of Bets at Top Betting Sites in the US
The betting world offers a wide range of options, with some bets tailored to specific sports and others more universally popular. Below, we break down the most common bet types that attract bettors across various markets.
Moneyline
The reason for moneyline bets’ broad appeal is that it’s so simple and intuitive that both new and experienced bettors can enjoy it. You’re just betting on who will go out a victor in a head-to-head matchup. The odds for moneyline bets can be presented in negative and positive–negative for the favorite and positive for the underdog.
Spread Bet
The margin for victory in a sports match is the predominant factor in spread bets. In a way, it helps level the playing field, making it an enticing type of bet for bettors. If you want to know how to bet the spread, the first thing you need to understand is which team is the favorite and which is the underdog.
If a team is a favorite in a competition, they will have a negative spread, for example, -5.5. The underdog has a positive spread as if you’ll be adding those points to their score. So a team that has a +5.5 spread needs to win outright or lose with five points or less for the wager on that team to be successful, for example:
Favorite (-5.5): Must win by more than 5.5 points.
Underdog (+5.5): Must win outright or lose by 5 points or fewer.
Futures
Futures bets involve placing a wager on a particular outcome that will be determined after a series of events. For example, if you bet mid-season on which team will make the Superbowl, that will count as a futures bet.
This market features some of the odds in sports betting. Betting on a specific team to win the World Series might see odds of around +350 for the favorite, while an underdog’s odds could exceed +3000. Popular markets for futures include draft position bets, top point scorer, and player awards such as NBA Rookie of the Year, the Cy Young Award, or the NFL MVP. With any of these bets, sports bettors have the opportunity for massive payouts if their predictions turn out right.
Totals
Instead of betting on a specific outcome for an event, bettors can put their sports knowledge to the test with totals or over/under bets. With this bet, you’re predicting whether the total combined score of both teams in a game will be over or under a specific number set by the sportsbook. Over/under bets offer a straightforward 50-50 chance of winning, which is why they’re such a popular choice.
Consider this over/under bet example, if the online sportsbook sets the total at 45.5 points for a football game, you can bet whether the combined score will be over 45.5 or under 45.5 points.
Prop Bets
Short for proposition bet, prop bets involve wagering on specific events within a sports game that aren’t directly tied to the final score. For example, prop bets might focus on a certain player scoring a touchdown in football or if a hockey player commits a penalty.
The market for prop bets is broad, covering anything from predicting the winner of a coin toss to which team scores first or the total number of fouls. Due to the variety, prop bets are often included in parlays and bet builders, and are great for finding more ways to bet beyond the basics.
American Odds Explained
If you’re new to sports betting, the first thing to do is understand the odds. In US sportsbooks the odds revolve around the $100 bet. It doesn’t mean you need to wager that exact amount, it’s just how American odds are calculated. So, how do betting odds work?
When you’re betting on an underdog, the odds will have a positive (+) sign. The odds show how much profit you would be winning by wagering $100.
If you wager $100 on a bet with +200 odds you would get $200 profit and your $100 back.
If you wager $100 on a bet with +50 odds you would be getting $50 profit and your $100 back.
When the team is a favorite to win, the odds have a negative (-) sign. If you’re betting on a favorite you need to wager more than $100 to earn a potential profit of $100.
If you see odds of -200, you would need to wager $200 to win $100 in profit. For example, if you bet $20 and your bet wins, you get back your $20 stake plus the $10 profit.
If the odds are -150, you need to wager $150 to win $100. So, if you bet $15 and your bet wins, you receive your $15 stake plus the $10 profit.
Leading Payment Methods at US Betting Sites
Top sports betting sites offer a variety of payment methods so that all bettors in the US can find a convenient banking option. The most popular methods include credit and debit cards, e-wallets, prepaid cards, and bank transfers.
Bettors should consider several factors before opting for a payment method, which includes the minimum and maximum limits as well as the time it takes for the bookie to process payments. Betting enthusiasts in the US also consider the ease of payments, as well as the security measures in place to protect financial data.
The minimum deposit is usually within the same range of $10 and $20, but the withdrawal time can greatly vary between methods. E-wallets and prepaid cards have quicker processing times of 24 to 48 hours, while credit and debit cards can take longer, from three to seven days for the withdrawal process to be complete.
Visa and Mastercard are among the most popular payment methods at sportsbooks. While other cards, like American Express, are only accepted at select sites, Visa and Mastercard are widely available.
These payment methods are tried and true, offering the security and reliability that are essential for safe transactions in the sports betting world. They have a couple of things going for them. Most players already have these cards set up, making them the quickest and most convenient way to deposit and start betting. Drawbacks coupled with debit and credit card payments include lengthy payout times and possible fees.
PayPal
One of the first e-wallets to be made available is now, due to its exceptional versatility, a widely used payment method on the best online sports betting sites. It allows both deposits and withdrawals, which are generally quicker than credit card withdrawals. PayPal, like other e-wallets, acts as an intermediary, so your banking details remain private. This added anonymity, alongside other benefits, is the reason why PayPal ranks high.
Paysafecard
Paysafecard is a popular prepaid option that allows anonymity and ease of use. Bettors can get them online or at a local retailer, and deposit to their account by entering a 16-digit PIN at the bookies’ cashier section. However, these are not available for withdrawals, and the maximum deposit limit is usually $1,000.
Other Payment Methods
Apart from the most popular options like credit/debit cards, PayPal, and paysafecard, there are several other payment methods that US bettors can consider. These include:
Bank Transfers: Methods like ACH or wire transfers are secure and suitable for larger transactions, but with higher fees, they are not ideal for players who prefer smaller deposits and withdrawals. Also, bank transfers are typically slower options when it comes to processing times.
Neteller and Skrill: These offer speed and security similar to PayPal, but the fees can be higher and punters using these options are often excluded from certain bonuses.
Apple Pay and Google Pay: These mobile payment options offer convenience and speed for deposits. However, they are not yet widely accepted for withdrawals.
US Mobile Betting Sites
Mobile sports betting has changed how people interact with betting markets, keeping avid US bettors connected to betting action. The majority of top US bookies offer platforms that are optimized for mobile use, accessible straight from a mobile browser.
For an exceptional betting experience, US bettors also have top-notch mobile betting apps at their disposal. These iOS and Android apps can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
While some bettors prefer the broad-screen environment of their desktop computers, sportsbooks have gone a long way in making every feature accessible on smaller screens. Also, top sportsbooks offer state-specific apps that automatically filter betting markets according to local regulations and accessible markets.
Embrace the Booming Arena of US Betting Sites
The US sports betting market is still growing and evolving, with state-by-state regulation shaping its future development. As more states consider legalizing sports betting, this expansion promises an even more dynamic betting landscape.
The introduction of mobile apps and live betting has made bettors more engaged and active than ever. As the market grows, it offers an even wider selection of sports to wager on. Finding the right sportsbook for your preferences now requires careful consideration and research.
The US betting market is both safe and well-regulated, and the increasing competition among sportsbooks can only drive the quality of offerings. To help you make the right choice, check out our top list of recommended sportsbooks. We’ve done the research and highlighted the best options so you can find the perfect bookie today!
Online Sportsbooks FAQs
Yes, but legality varies by state. Since the repeal of PASPA in 2018, each state can regulate online betting sites. It’s essential to check your state’s current sports betting laws to ensure you are betting legally.
The minimum deposit at the best sports betting sites in the US typically ranges from $10 to $20, depending on the sportsbook and the payment method used.
Yes, PayPal is a widely accepted payment method at many US sportsbooks. It is favored for its security, speed, and ease of use for both deposits and withdrawals.
Enhanced odds or odds boosts increase the potential payout on a specific bet. These are typically offered on selected games or events and come with terms like maximum bet limits. They provide an opportunity for higher returns.
When betting on football, you can place moneyline bets, point spreads, totals (overs/unders), prop bets, parlays, and more. The NFL offers a wide range of markets, making it highly popular for sports bettors.
The average withdrawal time varies by payment method. E-wallets like PayPal or Skrill usually process within 24 to 48 hours, while bank transfers or card withdrawals can take 3 to 7 business days.
Yes, mobile sports betting is legal and safe as long as you use licensed and regulated sportsbooks. These sites use encryption and other security measures to protect your personal and financial information.
Also known as proposition bets, these bets focus on specific events within a game, like a player scoring the first touchdown or the total number of three-pointers made. They are not tied to the game’s outcome, making them popular for those looking to bet on unique aspects of a game.
