Over half of U.S. states have legalized sports betting since PASPA was overturned in May 2018—with many having a variety of online sports betting options.
But how do you decide which sportsbook is best for you?
To help out, we've used, analyzed, and rated all major online sportsbooks in the U.S. on thousands of data points.
While there's no limit to how many you can use (and we recommend using as many as possible so you can shop for the best lines and odds), our top three picks are FanDuel, Caesars, and BetMGM.
Use our sportsbook finder tool below to compare the best sportsbooks available in your state. From there, you can either read our full reviews or keep scrolling to see key information about each option.
10 Best Online Sportsbooks
In total, we've analyzed and reviewed over 25 online sportsbooks in the U.S.
Our ratings are based on 11 categories including odds (20%), sign-up bonus (15%), user experience (15%), promotions (10%), features (7.5%), market depth/sports coverage (7.5%), customer reviews (5%), live betting (5%), customer support (5%), limits (5%), and banking (5%).
After analyzing each sportsbook, we narrowed our list down to the top 10 overall. Below you will see those sportsbooks ordered by overall rating. We also found which each betting site is best at so you can find one that fits your needs.
Best Online Sportsbooks:
- FanDuel: Best Overall & Best Odds
- Caesars: Best Overall Runner-Up & Best Promotions
- Sporttrade: Best Odds on Straight Bets
- BetMGM: Best Sign-Up Bonus
- DraftKings: Best Market Depth
- BetRivers: Best Soccer Odds
- Fanatics: Best Rewards Program
- bet365: Best Odds Boosts
- ESPN BET: Best Odds on Prop Bets
- Hard Rock Bet: Best Banking & Payout Speed
1) FanDuel: Best Overall & Best Odds
States: AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, WV, WY, VT, VA
We kick things off with the most popular and, in our opinion, the best sportsbook in the U.S.—FanDuel. They deliver across the board, scoring well in every category we rate.
To start, FanDuel regularly offers better odds than competitors. From straight bets to props to futures, I often find myself placing bets at FanDuel after comparing lines/odds at all the books I use since they have the best odds.
I also really like how FanDuel releases lines much earlier than alternatives. For example, FanDuel releases lines for the next week's NFL games on Sunday night of the week before, allowing me to dive in early and find value.
If I went through all of the areas where FanDuel shined, this article would be way too long, but they also offer unmatched market depth, great ongoing promotions for all bettors, and a smooth and (almost always) bug-free user experience.
There really aren't many downsides to FanDuel, but no book is perfect.
I wish they didn't push parlays in the app so much. They take up a lot of real estate on the screen and, really, parlays shouldn't be a part of anyone's betting strategy if they want to win money.
In addition, FanDuel's NFL teaser pricing isn't great. Whereas DraftKings and other books offer -120 odds on two-team, six-point teasers, FanDuel typically offers -130 odds or worse.
Overall, if you're in a state where FanDuel operates, the app should be the first you open up when going to place a bet. They lead the nation in sports betting market share, and it's not just because of good advertising. They offer a solid product, fair odds, a smooth user experience, and bets on a ton of markets.
FanDuel Sportsbook Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 94/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: Bet $5, Get $150 Bonus If Your Bet Wins
- Best Features: Odds competitiveness, market variety
- Biggest Drawbacks: No sportsbook rewards program, not many daily odds boosts
- Number of Sports: 21+
- Payout Speed: Up to 5 business days (typically faster)
- Rewards Program: DFS & Casino only
Read our full FanDuel Sportsbook review to learn more.
2) Caesars: Best Overall Runner-Up & Best Promotions
States: AZ, CO, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NV, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WY, WV
While FanDuel takes the crown as our best overall sportsbook, Caesars is a close second, scoring just one point less on our rating scale.
Caesars offers competitive odds, especially when it comes to spread and moneyline bets. Their odds on prop bets and totals can sometimes have a bit more juice than FanDuel, but they are generally competitive with other books.
If you're interested in promotions and odds boosts, Caesars is one of the best fits for you. Outside of the sign-up bonus (which is always the best or close to the best in the nation), they offer a ton of promotions like profit boosts and other ways to earn bonus bets.
Caesars also offers more odds boosts than almost any other book (40+ at any one time). The max betting limit on these is typically $100, which is much higher than alternatives.
Other things that help Caesars stand out from the pack include a great rewards program and an intuitive user interface. Also, based on my experience and research, they don't limit sharp bettors as quickly as other books.
Like FanDuel, there aren't a ton of downsides with Caesars, but there are some things they could work on. Both customer service and payouts are often slow. Caesars also doesn't release lines as early as other books, meaning you may miss out on that early value.
Overall, Caesars is a phenomenal sportsbook and should be a part of your rotation if you're in a state where the app is available.
Caesars Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 93/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: Bet $1, Get 2x Winnings on Next 20 Bets
- Best Features: Loyalty program, user-friendly UX
- Biggest Drawbacks: Slower payout speeds, sluggish customer service
- Number of Sports: 23+
- Payout Speed: Up to 72 hours
- Rewards Program: Caesars Rewards
Read our full Caesars Sportsbook review to learn more.
3) Sporttrade: Best Odds on Straight Bets
States: AZ, CO, IA, NJ, VA
You may not have heard of Sporttrade before, but if you're in Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, New Jersey, or Virginia, it is an essential betting exchange to use.
Unlike traditional sportsbooks, with Sporttrade, you're betting against other players instead of against the house. Sporttrade takes a small cut of the winning bet to make money, but that cut is much smaller than the vig/juice that sportsbooks charge, resulting in much better odds than every sportsbook (yes, even FanDuel).
The Sporttrade exchange model also allows you to almost always places live bets (no locked markets like sportsbooks), cash out or increase your stake at any time, and place limits orders (set a price and only buy/sell shares if/when the price reaches it).
If all that sounds confusing, don't worry; it was confusing for me when I first started playing at Sporttrade, too. This is probably the biggest downside of the platform. Since it's not a traditional sportsbook, there's a steeper learning curve.
In addition, Sporttrade offers fewer sports and markets than traditional books, meaning you won't find the same niche sports and exquisite prop bets that major sportsbooks offer.
Overall, if you're serious about making money sports betting and don't mind taking some time to get the hang of it, Sporttrade is a must-use app in Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, New Jersey, and Virginia.
Sporttrade Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 87/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: 10% cash back on bets in first week
- Best Features: Odds on straight bets & futures
- Biggest Drawbacks: Limited markets & sports
- Number of Sports: 9
- Payout Speed: Up to 5 business days
- Rewards Program: N/A
Read our full Sporttrade review to learn more about how it works and to get tips on getting used to the platform.
4) BetMGM: Best Sign-Up Bonus
States: AZ, CO, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MO, NV, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, WV, WY, VA
BetMGM is another popular sportsbook in the U.S. that I use almost every week and recommend to my friends and readers who come to me looking for help in choosing a book.
To start, BetMGM offers the best sign-up bonus in the nation, giving you a great chance to start off with a sizable bankroll. They also offer fair odds, especially for moneyline and prop bets.
BetMGM also shines when it comes to promotions for all customers, including team-specific promos, odds boosts, profit boosts, and other ways to increase your profit and earn bonus bets.
BetMGM is a top pick for betting on team and game props in football. They’ve recently added some unique NFL props to their lineup, like whether either team will score 3 unanswered times, which team will use a coach’s challenge first, and if there will be a punt return touchdown.
They’ve also rolled out a Smart Stats feature, giving you access to betting insights and stats tailored to different markets, kind of like what DraftKings offers with their StatsHub.
If you're a big golf bettor, BetMGM is a must-download app. Unlike any other book, BetMGM pays out golf ties in full. For example, if you bet Xander Schauffele to finish in the top three, but he ends up in a three-way tie for third, you still get the full payout instead of having your odds cut into a third like at other books.
On the downside, BetMGM is known to limit sharp bettors quickly. If you go on a hot streak, don't be surprised if your max bet amount is capped. In addition, the app and website can sometimes be slow and buggy, which isn't a huge deal but can be frustrating from time to time.
With its wide state availability, I recommend keeping BetMGM in your sportsbook rotation. You may not end up using it as much as alternatives like FanDuel and Caesars, but it's worth having for line shopping and to take advantage of the promotions.
BetMGM Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 84/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: Up to $1,500 in bonus bets
- Best Features: Edit My Bet, NFL rewards
- Biggest Drawbacks: Quickly limits sharps, UX can be a bit buggy
- Number of Sports: 19+
- Payout Speed: Up to 24 hours
- Rewards Program: MGM Rewards
Read our full BetMGM review to learn more.
5) DraftKings: Best Market Depth
States: AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MO, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV, WY
You may be surprised that DraftKings isn't higher on this list, but it's still a great sportsbook with a lot to offer.
To start, DraftKings is one of only three books to score a perfect user experience score in our ratings. The app is sleek, never crashes or has bugs, and is designed very intuitively.
DraftKings also offers a valuable sign-up bonus for new customers and great ongoing promotions for existing customers. I especially like the profit boost tokens that allow you to increase the odds on bets that you choose yourself—not just preset markets like other books offer boosts on.
In addition, DK offers unmatched market depth and sports coverage. Not only will you find a ton of niche sports and leagues (in addition to all the major ones), but you also will find a ton of betting options for each, including a deep selection of props.
I also really like how DK offers -120 odds on two-team, six-point NFL teasers—one of my favorite bets to make during football season. This is great value, considering many books offer odds of -130 or worse on these bets.
Now to the reasons why DraftKings isn't rated as high as you may expect.
The biggest drawback of DK is that they often offer worse odds than competitors. When we analyzed over 1,000 games in major leagues, we found DraftKings' average vig to be considerably higher than top books, meaning you have to win more of your bets to turn a profit.
In addition, DraftKings is known to limit winning bettors quickly and pushes parlays on customers, much like FanDuel.
Overall, DraftKings isn't a must-use, in my opinion, but is worth downloading to take advantage of the sign-up bonus and ongoing promotions.
DraftKings Sportsbook Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 84/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: Bet $5, get $300 in bonus bets + $200 off NFL Sunday Ticket
- Best Features: Market depth, profit boost tokens
- Biggest Drawbacks: Odds not always competitive, quickly limit winners
- Number of Sports: 25+
- Payout Speed: Up to 5 business days
- Rewards Program: Dynasty Rewards
Read our full DraftKings review to learn more.
6) BetRivers: Best Soccer Odds
States: AZ, CO, DE, IL, IN, IA, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, WV, VA
BetRivers has quietly been expanding across the nation, especially in the last few years, making it one of the most widely available sportsbooks after well-known ones like FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, and BetMGM.
BetRivers does a lot of things well and falls short in some other areas.
To start, they offer amazing soccer odds. When we analyzed recent matches, we found BetRivers to offer the lowest vig by far. Simply put, if you're a big soccer bettor, BetRivers is essential.
BetRivers also offers great odds for NFL and NHL games, especially for moneyline and prop bets.
Another thing I really like about BetRivers is how fast their payouts are. They say payouts may take up to 5 business days, but I've always gotten my money within 24 hours, often within just a few.
A few other notable features of BetRivers include live chat support right in the app, valuable promotions and rewards program, and deep sports coverage.
On the downside, BetRivers is quick to limit sharp bettors and same game parlays can be restrictive. I often find myself taking a lot of time putting together a SGP just to have them say I can't bet it because they're too correlated.
There are also a few annoying bugs and design elements that take away from the BetRivers experience, in my experience. To start, there is a super distracting Newsfeed on the desktop site that makes it unusable for me. In addition, I often run into connection issues where BetRivers says my connection is too slow despite all other apps working fine.
Regardless, I still think BetRivers is worth using if it's available in your state, especially if you bet on soccer a lot.
BetRivers Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 82/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: Second chance bet up to $500 depending on state
- Best Features: Fast payouts, competitive teaser and soccer odds
- Biggest Drawbacks: Functionality issues, limits successful bettors quickly
- Number of Sports: 29+
- Payout Speed: Up to 5 business days (usually within a day)
- Rewards Program: iRush Rewards
Read our full BetRivers review to learn more.
7) Fanatics Sportsbook: Best Rewards Program
NJStates: AZ, CO, CT, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV, WY
Fanatics acquired PointsBet in 2023 and has been replacing it with the new Fanatics Sportsbooks app in states where PointsBet previously operated. Despite being a newer sportsbook, Fanatics has a decent product with a lot to offer.
Let's start with my favorite part of Fanatics: the FanCash Rewards Program. This program offers a percentage of every bet you make back as rewards that can be redeemed for apparel from the Fanatics' online store or bonus bets. Not only is being able to redeem rewards for team gear unique, you also get more rewards than what other loyalty programs offer.
Fanatics also offers a generous welcome bonus and a solid live betting/streaming platform. You only have to bet $1 on eligible games in order to stream them directly in the app.
While Fanatics odds, in general, aren't that amazing, they do offer some of the best deals when it comes to prop bets.
The biggest drawback of Fanatics Sportsbook, in my opinion, is the confusing interface. The app is very cluttered and can feel pretty random from time to time. The betslip also gets in the way a lot, which is more frustrating than you'd expect.
Like many other sportsbooks on this page, Fanatics is known to quickly limit winning bettors. There is also no desktop site—which isn't really a problem for me since I prefer the apps—but would be a drawback for those who prefer betting on their computers.
Overall, Fanatics Sportsbook is a decent option but not one that I would say is a necessity. The sign-up bonus is valuable enough that it's worth downloading and testing out. At the very least, you may be able to make some money and move on if you don't enjoy the app.
Fanatics Sportsbook Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 81/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: Bet & Get Up to $2k in FanCash
- Best Features: Valuable sign-up bonus, competitive prop odds
- Biggest Drawbacks: Confusing interface, no desktop site, quick to limit winners
- Number of Sports: 15
- Payout Speed: Up to 3 business days
- Rewards Program: FanCash Rewards
Read our full Fanatics Sportsbook review to learn more.
8) bet365: Best Odds Boosts
States: AZ, CO, IN, IA, KY, LA, MO, NJ, NC, OH, VA, TN, IL
bet365 doesn't have the same brand recognition as FanDuel and Caesars in the U.S., but it is one of the oldest gambling companies in the world, launching way back in 2000 in the UK. Their experience shows in the solid sportsbook they deliver, which is quietly climbing the ranks to become one of the best.
The best feature of bet365, in my opinion, is the ridiculous number of odds boosts they offer. Whereas some books offer 5 boosts total at any one time, bet365 offers 5+ boosts on almost every sport. Not only are there a ton of boosts to choose from, but a lot of them offer great value and have a real chance at hitting.
Aside from that, I really like bet365's auto cash-out feature. You can set a specific value where you want to cash out, and if your offer hits that point, it automatically cashes out. This is great for locking in profit or minimizing losses, especially when you have a lot of bets going on at once.
Like all of the top sportsbooks on this list, bet365 offers competitive odds, especially when it comes to spread, total, and moneyline bets. The prop odds can sometimes be a bit juiced up, but they're still good enough that I'll check to see if bet365 is offering the best deal for the bet I'm interested in.
Outside of that, there's a lot to like about bet365, including early payouts, low-latency streaming, a variety of sports and markets, and a ton of alternative lines.
Outside of the sometimes poor prop pricing, the only notable downsides of bet365 are some minor functionality quirks (including having to log in to see odds for parlays and a slow desktop platform) and reports of winners getting limited quickly.
Overall, while bet365 isn't available in as many states as some other books mentioned in this guide, we highly recommend using the app if it's in your state.
bet365 Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 89/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: $1,000 First bet safety net or bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets
- Best Features: Auto Cash Out, insane number of odds boosts, early payout promos
- Biggest Drawbacks: Subpar prop odds, no sportsbook rewards program
- Number of Sports: 26+
- Payout Speed: Up to 24 hours
- Rewards Program: None
Read our full bet365 review to learn more.
9) ESPN BET: Best Odds on Prop Bets
States: AZ, CO, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, NJ, NC, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV
When ESPN BET replaced Barstool Sportsbook in November 2023, it was the most hyped-up sportsbook debut since PASPA was repealed in 2018.
Unfortunately, PENN Entertainment (who operates the sportsbook) pretty much just updated the logo and color scheme of the app without making notable improvements.
Barstool Sportsbook had a lot of user experience issues and most of them still apply to ESPN BET.
The menus and categorization of bets can be confusing, making it hard to find what you're looking for. In addition, switching between sections of the app/site is notably slower than the top sportsbooks.
ESPN BET is also one of the worst offenders when it comes to limiting winning bettors. If you win even a few bets in a row, don't be surprised to have you max bet amount capped as low as just a few dollars.
It's not all bad with ESPN BET, though.
They offer great odds boosts that aren't just on longshot parlays as some competitors offer. At any given time, you'll find 30+ odds boosts on a variety of sports.
In addition, ESPN BET offers some of the best odds in the industry. You'll find 20-cent lines on straight bets and very competitive prop odds.
Finally, ESPN BET offers many sports and a lot of betting markets for each. You'll find all the major leagues as well as niche sports like lacrosse and cricket.
Overall, ESPN BET is a decent sportsbook but nowhere close to being essential. Like other sports betting sites lower on this list, it's worth taking advantage of the sign-up bonus and testing out, but don't be surprised if you get frustrated or limited and don't use it longterm.
theScore Bet Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 73/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: Bet $10, get $100 in bonus bets if you win
- Best Features: Sports variety, competitive pre-game odds
- Biggest Drawbacks: Subpar user experience, not many features
- Number of Sports: 20+
- Payout Speed: 1 to 5 banking days
- Rewards Program: PENN Play Program
Read our full ESPN BET review to learn more.
10) Hard Rock Bet: Best Banking & Payout Speed
States: AZ, FL, IN, NJ, OH, TN, VA
Hard Rock is a well-known name in the U.S., but not many people know that they also have an online sportsbook. Like every betting site towards the bottom of our list, Hard Rock Bet has some nice features as well as considerable drawbacks.
To start, Hard Rock Bet has a clean user interface and logical navigation, making it easy to find the bets you're interested in.
Hard Rock also offers odds boosts that have a realistic shot of hitting (often in the -150 to +150 odds range) and other valuable promotions for all players.
Hard Rock Bet is also the only sportsbook I know of that offers Flex Parlays. These work very similarly to how insurance on your entries with DFS sites like Underdog and PrizePicks works. In short, if you miss one or more of the legs of your parlay, you can still win some money. While I don't often bet standard parlays, I really enjoy placing Flex Parlays.
The Hundred is a new feature on the Hard Rock Bet mobile app that offers limited-time boosted bets with odds up to 500%. Only 100 users can claim each boost before it disappears and is replaced by a new one. It's only available on the mobile app.
On the downside, Hard Rock is known to limit sharp bettors quickly and drastically, often cutting down max betting limits to just a few dollars.
In addition, the odds aren't super competitive, especially when it comes to totals, for which they have 30-cent lines, whereas all the other best sportsbooks offer 20-cent lines or better.
Unfortunately, if you're in Florida, your only option is Hard Rock Bet. If you're in another state where Hard Rock Bet operates, we don't blame you for downloading the app to see what it's like, but there are better options out there.
Hard Rock Bet Quick Facts:
- OA BetReview Rating: 71/100
- Sign-Up Bonus: Bet $5, Get $150 Bonus If You Win
- Best Features: Flex Parlay, Fast Payouts
- Biggest Drawbacks: Subpar odds for totals, functionality quirks
- Number of Sports: 16+
- Payout Speed: Up to 48 hours
- Rewards Program: Loyalty Rewards
Read our full Hard Rock Bet review to learn more.
What's New in U.S. Sports Betting Right Now
I’ve been tracking the latest buzz in the U.S. sports betting space, and here are some fresh updates that could impact your next bet.
- Hard Rock Bet rolls out “The Hundred”. Hard Rock Bet introduced a mobile-exclusive promo called The Hundred, where odds are significantly boosted on select wagers. Once 100 bets are placed on a boost, it disappears and a new one goes live. The feature keeps fresh promos rotating throughout the day.
- Illinois sportsbooks adjust to 2025 per-wager tax. FanDuel and DraftKings began charging small per-bet fees in response to Illinois' new 25-cent tax. BetMGM and Hard Rock raised their minimum bet amounts to $2.50 and $2, while BetRivers opted for a $1 minimum. Each operator chose a different path to protect margins without disrupting the betting flow.
- DraftKings launches My Budget Builder. DraftKings unveiled My Budget Builder, a tool that helps users set customized limits on deposits, wagers, losses, and session time. It’s part of the company’s broader responsible gaming push, joining My Stat Sheet as a way for players to track and control their activity.
- DraftKings adds SailGP to betting markets. Sailing fans now have action on SailGP races through DraftKings, the league’s exclusive US sportsbook partner. Markets include podium finishes, grid positions, and team matchups, expanding the reach of one of the fastest-growing international sports.
- BetRivers expands PropPacks to MLB. After strong NBA results, BetRivers brought its PropPacks promo to baseball. The digital card-based game adds extra rewards to Same Game Parlays and offers a shot at $1,000 in bonus credits if the featured player hits performance targets.
- Fanatics signs NASCAR sponsorship deal. Fanatics Sportsbook became the primary sponsor of the New York Racing Team’s No. 44 car for two NASCAR Cup Series races. The partnership includes exclusive race-day offers, driver specials, and deeper NASCAR market coverage.
- FanDuel debuts AceAI betting assistant. FanDuel launched AceAI, a chat-based assistant that helps users find stats, build parlays, and get betting suggestions. Available through the app, it supports voice and text input and is programmed to flag risk behavior and connect users to responsible gaming tools.
- FanDuel introduces March Madness multi-round parlays. Bettors were able to string picks across different NCAA tournament rounds on a single slip. FanDuel also added Bet Back tokens, which let players recover their stake as bonus bets if an injury derails one leg of a parlay.
- bet365 enters Tennessee and Illinois. bet365 expanded its US reach to 13 states by launching in both Tennessee and Illinois.
- FanDuel adds “Now Your Way” parlay builder. This feature lets bettors customize same-game parlays by adjusting player prop lines manually. First available for NFL games and later extended to NBA, it gives users more control when building multi-leg bets.
- Caesars teams up with Kero Sports for micro betting. Caesars partnered with Kero Sports to expand its live betting offering with contextual micro markets. Players can now wager on what happens next in real time, across NFL, NBA, MLB, and global soccer matches.
- Caesars launches universal wallet in Nevada. Caesars rolled out a digital wallet that unifies funds and Caesars Rewards in one place. Available first in Nevada, it simplifies account access and money management for players moving between states.
- BetRivers partners with the Philadelphia Eagles. Through a multiyear deal, BetRivers gained branding access at Lincoln Financial Field and rolled out Eagles-themed games and promos. VIP players can also score invites to private events with former team legends.
Best Sign Up Bonuses from Online Betting Sites
Must be 21+ in most states. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. See full responsible gambling disclaimer here.
Sportsbook | States | Sign Up Bonus* | Code |
|---|---|---|---|
AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MA MI, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY | Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins | Not needed | |
AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MO, NV, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY | Bet $1, Get 2x Winnings on Next 20 Bets | OA20X | |
AZ, CO, FL, IN, IA, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MO, NV, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY | Second Chance Bet Up to $1,500** | ODDS100 | |
CO, IA, KY, LA, MO, NJ, NC, OH, VA, TN, IL | Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets | Not needed | |
AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, LA, MA, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, WV | Second Chance Bet Up to $500 | ODDS1 | |
AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV, WY. | Bet & Get Up to $2k in FanCash | Not needed | |
NJ, PA | 100% Deposit Match Up to $1,000 | Not Needed | |
PA | Second Chance Bet Up to $500 | ODDS1 | |
AZ, CO, IA, NJ, VA | Up to $100 Cash Back | ASSIST | |
AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MO, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY | Bet $5, Get $300 in Bonus Bets + $200 off NFL Sunday Ticket | Not needed | |
AZ, CO, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, NJ, NC, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV | Bet $10, Get $100 in Bonus Bets | Not needed | |
AZ, FL, IL, IN, NJ, TN, OH, VA | Bet $5, Get $150 Bonus If Your Bet Wins | Not needed | |
NV | First Bet Match Up to $250 | Not needed |
*May vary by state.
**Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms.
Find the Best Sportsbooks in Your State
Want to see our highest-rated online sportsbooks in your state?
Check out our state-specific guides below:
- Arizona Online Sportsbooks
- Colorado Online Sportsbooks
- Connecticut Online Sportsbooks
- Florida Online Sportsbooks
- Illinois Online Sportsbooks
- Indiana Online Sportsbooks
- Iowa Online Sportsbooks
- Kansas Online Sportsbooks
- Kentucky Online Sportsbooks
- Louisiana Online Sportsbooks
- Maryland Online Sportsbooks
- Michigan Online Sportsbooks
- Missouri Online Sportsbooks
- Nevada Online Sportsbooks
- New Hampshire Online Sportsbooks
- New Jersey Online Sportsbooks
- New York Online Sportsbooks
- North Carolina Online Sportsbooks
- Ohio Online Sportsbooks
- Oregon Online Sportsbooks
- Pennsylvania Online Sportsbooks
- Rhode Island Online Sportsbooks
- Tennessee Online Sportsbooks
- Vermont Online Sportsbooks
- Virginia Online Sportsbooks
- West Virginia Online Sportsbooks
- Wyoming Online Sportsbooks
What to Look for When Choosing a Sports Betting Site
As experienced bettors can testify, choosing among the many reliable online sportsbooks available in the U.S. is not an easy task. Many are aggressively trying to acquire new customers through valuable intro promos, odds boosts, and competitive odds.
Here are some things you should consider when choosing the best online sportsbook for you:
State availability
The first thing to take into account when choosing an online sportsbook is whether it is available in the state or states where you plan to place your bets.
Most online sportsbooks in the U.S. allow players to sign up from any part of the country. Unfortunately, they won’t allow you to place bets until you’re physically located in the jurisdiction the sportsbook is legalized in.
Start off by narrowing your list of potential options down by which are available in your state.
Sign-up bonus for new customers
Many online sportsbooks offer generous welcome bonuses to attract new customers. Most often, these will come in one of two forms:
- Get bonus bets if your first bet loses
- Deposit match bonuses that give you bonus bets equal to a certain percentage (typically 100%) of your deposit
- “Bet & get” offers that typically give $100 to $300 in bonus bets after betting a small amount ($5 to $20).
When comparing intro promos, don’t just look at the total value of the promo.
Also, check whether the bonus is issued as site credit that you can use on multiple bets (preferred) or a single free bet that you have to put all on one event.
In addition, check how long you have to use the bonus money. Some books only give you 7 days while others will give you up to a year. This is especially important to consider if the bonus is issued as site credit that you can use on multiple bets.
Finally, check the playthrough requirements for the bonus money. Most U.S. sportsbooks only have a 1x playthrough requirement, but there are some that make you bet the money 2, 5, 10, or even as much as 20 times before you can withdraw it.
Competitiveness of odds
The better the odds a sportsbook offers, the higher the chance that you will make money sports betting over time with it.
As a rule of thumb, most sportsbook’s standard odds on spread bets and totals (at least for most sports) will be -110. Add up the odds on both sides of the bet (such as the Over and the Under) and see if it equals -220 (-110 x 2) or if it is lower or higher.
If the combined odds are higher than -220 on average (-218, -216, etc.) then that book has very good odds. If the combined odds are lower than -220 on average (-222, -230, etc.) then that book’s odds aren’t that great.
Ongoing promotions and odds boosts
Online sportsbooks offer ongoing promotions and odds boosts to new customers to keep them engaged. With these, you typically have the chance to earn higher payouts or bonus cash that can make a big difference in your long-term profitability.
Check out the odds boosts—sometimes called boosted odds, super boosts, or something similar—section of the site to get an idea of how many are offered and how much they are boosted.
Also, look for promotions such as free bets if you do XYZ, other ways to earn bonus money, and insurance (parlay insurance, single bet insurance, etc.).
Sports offered
Another thing to factor in when choosing an online sportsbook is the number of sports it offers. If you mostly bet on major leagues—such as the NFL, NBA, NHL or MLB—almost any website can satisfy your needs.
But if you’re into niche sports, be sure to check if the sportsbooks you are considering offer them before signing up.
Types of bets offered
Most books offer all of the common types of sports bets—such as moneyline bets, totals, and spreads—but if you are into prop bets and other more-obscure wagers, be sure to check a few games in each sportsbook to see what’s offered.
This is especially true if you like betting same game parlays. Popularized by the FanDuel Sportsbook, same game parlays allow you to combine sides (spread, moneyline), totals, and prop bets in a single parlay.
As of now, there are only a few U.S. sportsbooks that offer true same game parlays as described above.
User interface of app
An important factor to consider when choosing an online book is the quality of the user interface.
Most importantly, it should be easy to navigate to different parts of the app/site, find the bets you are interested in, and place your wagers.
Also consider how fast screens load, if the app/site glitches or crashes, and how well the location verification works.
User experience is one of the main things we considered when making our picks for the best sports betting apps.
Deposits and withdrawals
A good online sports betting platform enables a wide range of banking options for deposits and withdrawals. These often include online bank transfer, debit/credit card, PayPal and other virtual wallets, ACH/eCheck, and physical check.
Before registering for a sportsbook, make sure they offer a deposit/withdrawal method that you have access to.
Also, check to see how fast the sportsbook will pay out your money if you choose to withdraw it. With most banking methods and sportsbooks, you can get your money in a few business days. If a sportsbook says it takes weeks to deliver your money, you may want to look elsewhere.
Sports You Can Bet on At U.S. Sportsbooks
Most U.S. sportsbooks cover 18 to 23 sports, and some include even more. In addition to the major leagues and popular markets like basketball and football, some betting sites offer niche sports like cricket, lacrosse, and darts.
Check out my sports guides below to find the best sportsbooks by sport and learn how to bet on them:
States with sports betting | 39 + DC |
Best U.S. sportsbook | FanDuel |
Total handle 2024 | $149.6 billion |
State with most online sportsbooks | Ohio (17+) |
Remote registration | Yes |
Esports betting | 100% legal in NV, NJ, TN, WV |
State with the lowest tax rate | Nevada and Iowa at 6.75% |
State with the highest tax rate | New York and New Hampshire at 51% |
College betting | Allowed with restrictions in certain states |
Legal betting age | 21 in most states except 5 |
How to Register for an Online Sportsbook
Before registering for an online sportsbook, first make sure that you are old enough to bet on sports in your state. Once you’ve found a suitable sports betting website, you have to register. The registration requirements differ from state to state and sportsbook to sportsbook.
For instance, Nevada requires that players sign up in person at one of the land-based casinos associated with the website they want to wager on. However, other states allow online registration, making the process fast and easy.
Here are the general steps you’ll likely have to follow to register for an online sportsbook:
- Open the sports betting website; locate the button that reads Sign Up, Join, or Register; and click on it.
- Fill out the registration form with the required information such as your name, date of birth, address, email address, phone number, and the last four digits of your SSN).
- Once you’ve successfully filled in the form, click on Register, Finish, or Confirm to create the account.
- You may be asked to upload a photo of your identification (such as your driver’s license) to verify your identity.
- Deposit money and start betting!
Note that if you are betting on your computer that you'll likely have to download and use a geolocation app to verify your location. Also, using VPN software is forbidden and won’t work.
Sportsbooks to Avoid
Not all sportsbooks are created equal. While licensed U.S. sportsbooks like FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars are regulated and built with user protections in mind, offshore sites like Bovada, MyBookie, and BetOnline are operating in a legal gray zone, and in many cases, a flat-out illegal one.
These offshore operators aren’t licensed by any U.S. state gaming authority. So if something goes wrong, like a delayed payout, frozen account, or voided wager, there’s no regulator to turn to. We’ve seen repeated reports of slow-pay behavior, customer service stonewalling, and even users never receiving their winnings at all.
On top of that, the product itself is usually a major downgrade. You won’t find official mobile apps, banking options like PayPal or Venmo, or newer features like same game parlays, early cash-outs, or in-app live streaming. Customer support is often unresponsive, and rewards programs are non-existent. Even live odds tend to be less accurate and slower to update.
The takeaway here is that you’re not just risking your money when betting on offshore/unlicensed sportsbooks—you’re compromising your entire betting experience. Stick with a licensed U.S. sportsbook for secure payments, fair play, and real consumer protection.
Responsible Gambling
Wagering on sports should enhance the action, not take over your day-to-day life. That’s why regulated sportsbooks in the U.S. are required to offer built-in tools to support responsible play.
You can set deposit limits, cap the amount you’re allowed to wager, pause your account for a short cool-off period, or opt out entirely for as long as you need. These features are simple to activate through your account dashboard and are designed to help you stay in control, especially when the game isn’t going your way.
If betting is starting to interfere with your sleep, work, or relationships, or you’re finding yourself chasing losses or hiding how much you play, it may be time to step back and reassess. Help is available, and you don’t have to navigate it alone.
The National Problem Gambling Helpline is open 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER, offering confidential, no-judgment support from trained counselors. Whether you need advice, resources, or just someone to talk to, they’re there whenever you’re ready.
U.S. Sports Betting FAQs
Is sports betting legal in the U.S.?
Sports betting is currently legal in select U.S. states and many more have introduced legislation to legalize it.
When did U.S. states get the power to decide on legalizing sports betting?
States got the power to decide on legalizing sports betting when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the PASPA in May 2018.
What is the minimum legal age to join a sportsbook in the U.S.?
The minimum legal age required to join a sportsbook in the U.S. depends on the state, but it is usually 18 or 21.
Can you bet on sports online?
Yes, you can bet on sports online in select states.
Is there in-person betting?
Yes, in select states. Many U.S. states that have legalized sports betting offer in-person betting at land-based casinos and sportsbooks.
Do I have to be a resident of a state to join a sportsbook?
You don’t have to be a resident of a state to create an account with a sportsbook in that state. However, you do have to be physically located within the state to place wagers.
Are there any off-limit bets?
Yes, there are. Some states don’t allow live and prop bets on college football. No states allow betting on high school events.
How does paying taxes work on sports betting winnings?
According to the IRS, winnings obtained from betting on sports, whether online or offline, are considered income. Therefore, players are obligated to report their winnings on their tax returns.
Are Bovada and other offshore sportsbooks legal in the U.S.?
Offshore sportsbooks like Bovada are technically illegal in the United States, as they aren’t licensed and regulated by states’ gaming commissions. Although U.S. citizens are usually able to join these sites, we don’t recommend doing so because if something goes wrong, you may have a hard time getting your money back.
