Quick facts about US sportsbook sites
- Online betting in the US is regulated at the state level.
- Sports betting websites are legal in over 30 US states.
- You have to be at least 21 years old to wager on sportsbook sites in most states, and 18 years old in others.
Legal status of online betting sites in the US
Online betting in the US now operates under state-by-state regulations following the Supreme Court ruling against the federal ban in 2018. In other words, the legal status of sportsbook sites varies from one location to another. Each state has full authority to legalize and regulate betting brands as it sees fit.
Based on our research, more than 30 states currently allow legal online and mobile sports wagering. Places like New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Jersey, and Michigan are some of the largest regulated markets in the country. Multiple licensed sportsbook brands operate within their borders, including those online
betting apps that let you deposit $1.
Several states limit sports betting to only retail locations, so residents have to wager in person. Examples we can mention include Mississippi, Montana, New Mexico, and South Dakota. Meanwhile, some places like California, Texas, and Utah have not authorized legal sports betting at all.
The point of this explanation is for you to understand how the online betting situation shifts from state to state. Therefore, before signing up with any of the best sportsbook sites we recommend, whether they are
sports betting apps with a $5 minimum deposit
or not, confirm that they’re legal in your region.
Bet now
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/PR/WY). Void in NH/OR/ONT/PR. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $100 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: Promos | DraftKings Sportsbook . Ends 5/31/26 at 11:59 PM ET.
Bet now
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelplineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, KY, WV). Void where prohibited. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.gamblersanonymous.org . Must be 21+ in NJ, PA, MI, or WV. $10 first deposit req. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable bonus spins which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. Contact 1-877-770-7867 (LA).
BetMGM ReviewUp To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Bet now
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
The best sports betting sites in the US
Moving on to the main business, our top-ranked online sportsbooks in the US are BetMGM, bet365, Caesars, FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics. Find out what each betting brand has to offer from our reviews below:
1. BetMGM – Top pick for live betting
BetMGM Pros & Cons
- Wide variety of betting options
- User-friendly mobile app interface
- Generous promotions for new users
- Extensive selection of casino games
- Limited availability in some states
First on our list is the renowned BetMGM, which is available in 20+ states. The betting site gets our approval for live betting, as it makes in-game wagering seamless. You can access live markets for more than 20 sports, depending on what’s active at the time.
During our review, we made live bets on basketball and soccer events. The lines adjusted sharply, and BetMGM uses green and red colors to show when they increase or decrease, respectively. We can rate BetMGM as one of the best
cash out betting sites, as the option is usually available for ongoing games.
If you join BetMGM, you can get up to $1,500 paid back in bonus bets if you don’t win. That’s the sportsbook’s welcome offer in most states. In other places, it’s a simple Bet $5 and Get $150 in bonus bets if you win.
2. bet365 – Best for Bet Boosts
BET365: Pros & Cons
- Available in NJ, PA and other US states
- Sportsbook and online casino platform
- Welcome bonus for New Jersey and PA customers
- Extensive range of sports betting markets
- Not a homegrown US sportsbook
Many of the best online sportsbooks in the US have odds boosts, but not as regularly as bet365. On bet365, you’ll find the boosts on various markets almost every day. There’s even a specific Bet Boosts section for them on the main tab when you visit the site.
As we observed, bet365 Bet Boosts are most common for same-game parlays (SGP) in football, basketball, and hockey games. The sportsbook will combine different results in the same events, and you select any that suits your prediction. We placed a bet on an SGP with four legs and boosted odds from +1400 to +1600.
The popular bet365 welcome offer after registration is a safety net of up to $1,000 in bonus bets for your first wager. However, you can choose to bet $5 and receive $150 in bonus bets regardless of the result.
3. Caesars – Best matched welcome offer
Caesars Pros & Cons
- Elite loyalty rewards program integration
- Wide range of betting markets
- User-friendly sportsbook and casino interface
- Frequent promotions for new players
- Limited customization in betting options
We recognize Caesars as one of the most reputable sportsbook brands in the US. With a history tracing back to 1937, the company has been around for more than eight decades. The online sportsbook product lets you wager on 20+ sports, and you get one of the best match welcome offers as a new bettor.
After making your first wager, Caesars will match the amount up to $250 as a bonus bet. It doesn’t matter whether the initial bet wins or loses. Also, there’s no minimum stake amount for the qualifying bet, although the odds have to be -500 or longer.
We wagered the $250 bonus bet on football, basketball, and hockey games without any issues. Caesars keeps the reward valid for 30 days, so you have enough time to use it.
4. FanDuel – Top site for usability
FanDuel Pros & Cons
- Seamless integration of sportsbook and casino
- Diverse casino game selection
- Frequent promotions for both platforms
- User-friendly and responsive interface
- High playthrough requirements on bonuses
Fourth on our list of top betting sites is FanDuel, and the brand has one of the simplest interfaces around. The theme is blue and white, which makes the design appear minimalist. Meanwhile, FanDuel uses colorful logos and icons to represent each sport.
We were able to browse through the sports with ease since they’re all listed on the left-hand menu. Meanwhile, on the main betting section, there’s still a top tab featuring the NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAAB, and more. Basically, FanDuel ensures you can locate popular events in seconds.
FanDuel follows the bonus bet new-bettor promo structure like most other top US sportsbook sites. If you register on the site and bet at least $5, you’ll receive $250 in bonus bets if you win.
5. DraftKings – Best pick for fair odds
DraftKings Pros & Cons
- Extensive daily fantasy integration
- Frequent promotions and bonus offers
- Highly competitive betting odds
- Wide variety of casino games
- High rollover requirements on bonuses
With DraftKings, you get some of the most competitive betting lines among US sportsbook sites. We confirmed this firsthand by calculating the vig and subsequent payout rates across different sports.
For popular football, basketball, hockey, and baseball games, the site has a low vig between 4.20% and 4.60%. In other words, you can expect a 95.40% to 95.80% payout any time your predictions are correct. That can add up to favorable returns in the long run.
On the DraftKings site, we saw a sign-up offer of $300 in bonus bets for most US states. You can claim it if your first wager of at least $5 wins.
6. Fanatics – Best for loyalty rewards
Loyalty programs are common at the best sportsbooks, but the scheme at Fanatics is unique. While reviewing the site, we got up to 10% FanCash on every bet we placed. You’ll receive the loyalty currency regardless of whether the wager wins or loses.
From our observations, the exact FanCash amount depends on the betting odds. As you’d expect, longer odds bring in a higher percentage. Notably, you can redeem your FanCash for bonus bets in the Fanatics store to wager on more sports.
The Fanatics welcome bonus is also linked to FanCash. After signing up and betting at least $1 on minimum -500 odds, you can claim up to $200 in FanCash. The US sportsbook offers this for 10 straight days, meaning you can grab up to $2,000 in FanCash.
Our factors for rating the top US sports betting sites
We’re all about transparency, which is why we rate US sportsbooks through an objective process. Here’s the complete rundown of the factors we consider while carrying out our reviews:
Market availability
One of the first factors we assess is where the sportsbook is legally available. In other words, what states locally license the site? We have high ratings for brands that are active in multiple states, so you can easily bet even when you travel.
Notably, we prioritize betting websites in high-volume markets such as:
| State | Regulator |
| New Jersey | New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement |
| New York | New York State Gaming Commission |
| Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board |
| Michigan | Michigan Gaming Control Board |
| Ohio | Ohio Casino Control Commission |
| Illinois | Illinois Gaming Board |
| Maryland | Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency |
| Colorado | Colorado Division of Gaming |
Our reviews confirm that the recommended sportsbooks hold licenses in most of the above locations.
Sports and markets
Of course, we have to check what sports and markets the betting sites feature. They’re what you’ll be wagering on at the end of the day.
At the best sportsbooks, we come across popular options such as football, basketball, baseball, and hockey. In other words, you’ll be able to bet on NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL games. Standard markets such as moneylines, spreads, totals, props, and futures must be available.
During our reviews, we also confirm that the sites have good in-play support across the listed sports. You shouldn’t be limited to only pre-game wagering. Plus,
live streaming betting sites
score extra points in our analysis since you can watch the games as you bet.
Odds quality
The vig or juice is central to this factor. All sportsbook sites take a cut from every winning bet you make, which is how they make gains. However, if the percentage is too high, it means you’ll be receiving lower returns for successful bets in the long run.
In our analysis, we consider only sites with a 5% juice or lower for betting odds on popular markets like moneylines, spreads, and totals. With such a rate, you’ll be receiving a 95% potential payout for each correct bet. Anything less than that for high-volume markets isn’t favorable.
According to our research, many US bettors consider promotions when choosing a betting site. For this reason, we don’t skip looking into the available bonuses sportsbooks feature. We pay close attention to the sign-up offer, whether it’s a deposit match, bonus bet, or lossback promo.
Other bonuses we check for include reloads, odds boosts, referral rewards, and loyalty programs. Besides these regular promos, we highly rate betting brands with time-limited offers during holidays, festive periods, or popular sports events.
The terms and conditions are equally important to us. We don’t recommend sportsbook sites with unfavorable wagering requirements and time limits or too many market restrictions.
Payment methods and withdrawal speed
Our guide is on real money online betting sites, where you have to deposit before wagering. Likewise, if you score any winnings, you’ll want to withdraw. We ensure that the sportsbooks we recommend support only secure and friendly payment methods for both processes.
In our experience, the exact payment methods you get on a US betting site will depend on your state. Anyway, we recognize credit/debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and ACH transfer as the most common for deposits.
It’s ideal if the sportsbook has affordable deposit limits, so you can bet without needing a huge bankroll. Our guide on
low minimum deposit betting sites
features some of the best brands in that area.
Regarding withdrawals, bank cards, e-wallets, and transfers are still common. However, we focus more on the payout time during our reviews. The
fastest withdrawal betting sites
will send payouts within 24 hours using e-wallets and no more than five business days with bank transfers.
Website design
A US betting site may score 100% in all aspects of our analyses. However, if its web design is poor, it won’t make our list. We only rank brands with high usability so that you can wager and monitor your results without hassles.
The site should have a well-placed menu with A-Z sports, while keeping the most popular US leagues at the top. Also, we check for search and filter tools that let you locate events, teams, and players in seconds.
Although the focus is on the best betting sites, we also pay attention to the sportsbook mobile apps. If you’re going to use the site on a mobile browser, you can also install the app for smoother access.
Customer service
Support is an essential factor in our rating process because issues can come up at any time. When they do, only a responsive customer service team can resolve things within a short while. We assess support by considering three main channels: live chat, email, and phone.
As a rule, only sportsbook sites with 24/7 customer service make our top list. The live chat shouldn’t take more than five minutes to connect to a representative. For email, 12 to 24 hours is ideal since it’s not a real-time channel. Meanwhile, phone lines should be open during active business hours, depending on the state.
Sports betting websites with comprehensive FAQ and help center pages get extra marks in our rankings. With such resources, you can resolve minor issues on your own.
At a betting site, responsible gambling is crucial. You have to always wager safely and avoid habits that can lead to problems in the long run. It’s easier to stay in control if the US sportsbook has supportive tools, so we check for the following while reviewing:
| Tool | Description |
| Deposit limits | Let you control how much money you add to your account daily, weekly, or monthly |
| Loss limits | Stop you from losing more than a set amount over a period |
| Wager limits | Assign the maximum amount you can bet on a single game or event |
| Time limits | Get reminders or automatic log out to avoid extended betting sessions |
| Self-exclusion | Temporarily or permanently block your account if you need a break |
| Help resources | Links to external organizations that provide support for gambling problems |
The sportsbooks worth your time
1.
New DraftKings Customers: Bet $5+ Get $100 in Bonus Bets Instantly!
Bet now
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/PR/WY). Void in NH/OR/ONT/PR. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $100 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: Promos | DraftKings Sportsbook . Ends 5/31/26 at 11:59 PM ET.
2.
New Users – Bet $5 Get $150 If Your Bet Wins!
Bet now
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelplineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, KY, WV). Void where prohibited. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.gamblersanonymous.org . Must be 21+ in NJ, PA, MI, or WV. $10 first deposit req. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable bonus spins which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. Contact 1-877-770-7867 (LA).
3.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Bet now
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
4.
Bet $1 and get double the winnings up to $25 for your next 10 bets
Best Alternative
Open DraftKings
21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
5.
Best Alternative
Open DraftKings
Top 4 sports at US betting sites
As part of our review, we analyzed different US betting websites to see which sports draw in the most traffic. These are the leading four from the results:
Without any surprises, football is the most popular sport for betting in the US, and by a serious mile. The sport leads mainly thanks to the NFL’s steady weekly schedule and marquee teams that draw in huge fan attention.
Based on our research, teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys, and Green Bay Packers draw in a lot of volume at US
football betting sites. Meanwhile, Monday and Thursday nights are two of the most active periods. However, the peak NFL event at online sportsbooks is the Super Bowl.
College football is also huge among US bettors. Our findings show an increased amount of wagers for games between traditional rivals like Alabama vs. LSU, Ohio State vs. Michigan, and Clemson vs. Florida State. Besides the individual matchups, the NCAAF Playoff and bowl season are popular at
college football betting sites
in the US.
The NBA features fast-paced games with frequent scoring all year round. Thanks to this, basketball is widespread among bettors in various US states. At
NBA betting sites, we observed that prop markets see heavy traffic, especially Player points, rebounds, assists, and combined stats.
At
college basketball betting sites, the above markets may not be available for local teams. That’s because many states permit wagering on props for only outside teams to protect amateur athletes. Nevertheless, college basketball still sees a good volume of bets, especially during March Madness.
Major League Baseball has a long season with a daily game schedule. Therefore, as a US bettor, there are plenty of options for online betting in the pro league. Games involving teams like the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, and Houston Astros are some of the most popular.
In baseball, moneylines, run lines, and totals are the top three betting markets. From our findings, many bettors go for the sport because it has many statistics for research and analysis.
When it comes to hockey, the NHL is the leading league for online betting in the US. The season runs from October through to April, meaning you have games to bet on almost every day. Top teams that attract wagers, based on our reviews, are the Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Avalanche, and Vegas Golden Knights.
At the best online sportsbooks, betting volume usually increases during divisional matchups. The peak period is the Stanley Cup Playoffs, which is when markets such as series betting, game totals, and goalie props become popular.
Pros and cons of US online sportsbooks
After analyzing the betting websites in the United States, these are the upsides and downsides we noted:
Pros and Cons
- Well-regulated markets in legal states
- Renowned sports betting brands
- Variety of sports, markets, and bonuses
- Betting is unavailable in some states
Conclusion – Wager with a quality US betting site
The US has a dynamic sports betting industry with every state regulating its market. About 60% of states permit online betting, and the percentage may increase in the coming years. For now, you have several quality betting sites to choose from if you’re in a legal state.
You don’t have to stress about visiting various sportsbooks to pick the right one. We’ve done that job, so just select your preference from our top list. You can go with BetMGM, bet365, Caesars, FanDuel, DraftKings, or Fanatics.
Any betting site you choose offers a wide range of sports, fair odds, appealing bonuses, and fast payouts. You also get a mobile app if you prefer wagering using your smartphone or tablet on the go. To get started with your preferred sportsbook, tap the banners on this page to visit the site today.
Kickstart your sports betting journey with these top bonuses
1.
New DraftKings Customers: Bet $5+ Get $100 in Bonus Bets Instantly!
Min. Deposit: 5
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/PR/WY). Void in NH/OR/ONT/PR. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $100 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: Promos | DraftKings Sportsbook . Ends 5/31/26 at 11:59 PM ET.
2.
New Users – Bet $5 Get $150 If Your Bet Wins!
Wagering (WR): 1x Deposit, Min. Deposit: 5
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelplineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, KY, WV). Void where prohibited. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.gamblersanonymous.org . Must be 21+ in NJ, PA, MI, or WV. $10 first deposit req. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable bonus spins which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. Contact 1-877-770-7867 (LA).
3.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Min. Deposit: $5
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US) 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) 1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
4.
Bet $1 and get double the winnings up to $25 for your next 10 bets
Wagering (WR): 1x Deposit
Best Alternative
Open DraftKings
21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
5.
Best Alternative
Open DraftKings
Betting sites FAQs
🏆 What is the best betting site in the USA?
The best betting site in the USA varies depending on your state and preferences. Based on our expert reviews, the top six to consider are BetMGM, bet365, Caesars, FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics.
💻 Can you bet online in the US?
Yes, you can bet online in the US if you’re in a state where sportsbook sites are legal. More than 30 states allow betting websites to operate, and in these locations, you can wager with licensed online sportsbooks.
🏀 What is the best bet on sport in the US?
The most popular bet on sport in the US is football because of the NFL’s popularity in the country. Many bettors wager especially around major events like the Super Bowl. Other popular sports for betting include basketball, baseball, and hockey.
🛡️ Can I use a VPN for online sports betting in the US?
No, you can’t use a VPN for online sports betting in the US. Licensed betting websites use strict geolocation technology to verify where each bettor is located before allowing them to wager. Therefore, you can only bet if you’re present in a state where betting is legal.
🎂 What is the minimum age for online sports betting in the US?
The minimum age for online sports betting in the US is 21 years old in most states. However, a few places lower the limit to 18 years old. Licensed sportsbook sites always verify age and identity before allowing bettors to wager and withdraw.
