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The Grueling Truth - Where Legends Speak / The Best Online Sports Betting Sites Reviews for 2024

The Best Online Sports Betting Sites Reviews for 2024

Unbiased Ratings for US Sportsbooks by our Team of Experts

Last Updated on 03/05/2024
Fact checked by: Simon Briffa

Online sports betting in US states is a huge business. Players from all over the country want to find the very best US bookies and the very best betting markets. The big question is – how can you compare different US bookies and find the best options for you?

Luckily, we are here to help with our exclusive guide to US bookies. We will explore how you can compare legal US sports betting sites, explain how we put together our operator comparisons and exclusively reveal our Editor’s recommendation for the best online sportsbook for US players.

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Sportsbook of the month
Top Bookmakers
BetMGM
4.7/5
FanDuel
4.6/5
Caesars
4.5/5

The best online sportsbooks

Bet365
Recommended
Favicon
4.7/5
  • Excellent range of sports betting markets available
  • World-renowned brand
  • Easy to navigate
Bet365 Bonus
First Bet Safety Net up to $2000 OR Bet $5 and Get $150
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
T&Cs apply, 21+
Go to Bet365
Visit Site
Payment Methods
Find out more on Bet365.
Withdrawal
1 – 10 Days
Apps
License
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Award
EGR – Operator of the year (2017)
At bet365 we don’t do ordinary, that’s why if you sign up now you’ll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $2000 or Bet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
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BetMGM
Hot Offer
Favicon
4.7/5
  • Excellent range of sports betting markets
  • Straightforward user experience
  • Competitive odds
BetMGM Bonus
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
T&Cs apply, 21+
Go to BetMGM
Visit Site
Payment Methods
PayNearMe
PayPal
Bank Transfer
+
Withdrawal
1 – 5 Days
Apps
License
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Show less
FanDuel
Hot Offer
Favicon
4.6/5
  • Well-known company
  • Excellent range of markets
  • Clever site design
FanDuel Bonus
Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
T&Cs apply, 21+
Go to FanDuel
Visit Site
Payment Methods
Prepaid Card
PayNearMe
PayPal
+
Withdrawal
1 – 10 Days
Apps
License
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Award
Global Gaming Awards (2022)
Show less
Caesars
4.
Favicon
4.5/5
  • Exceptional range of betting markets
  • A fluid in-play betting section
  • Competitive odds
Caesars Bonus
100% up to $1000
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
T&Cs apply, 21+
Copy
Visit Site
Payment Methods
E-Check
PayNearMe
PayPal
+
Withdrawal
1 – 5 Days
Apps
License
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Show More
DraftKings
5.
Favicon
4.5/5
  • Superb range of different sporting leagues
  • Effective in-play betting feature
  • Exciting fantasy team building
DraftKings Bonus
Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets Instantly + All-Customer SGP Insurance
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
T&Cs apply, 21+
Go to DraftKings
Visit Site
Payment Methods
PayPal
VIP Preferred
Play+
+
Withdrawal
1 – 5 Days
Apps
License
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Award
EGR – Operator of the year (2023)
Show More
BetFanatics
6.
Favicon
4.5/5
  • Brings something new to the market
  • Solid sports betting options
  • An established name in sporting goods
BetFanatics Bonus
Bet $100, Get $100 in Bonus Bets Every Day for 10 Days!
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
T&Cs apply, 21+
Go to BetFanatics
Visit Site
Apps
License
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Show More
BetRivers.com
7.
Favicon
4.5/5
  • Reputable brand
  • Payments via PayPal accepted
  • Reasonable wagering requirements
BetRivers.com Bonus
Second chance bet: Get up to $500 in Bonus Bets
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
T&Cs apply, 21+
Copy
Visit Site
Payment Methods
PayNearMe
Bank Transfer
VIP Preferred
+
Withdrawal
0 Days
Apps
License
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Show More
Barstool
8.
Favicon
  • First-time bettors can look forward to 100% up to $1,000 risk-free bets.
  • Barstool is available in close to ten US states.
  • Players can deposit and withdraw using a wide range of convenient banking methods.
Barstool Bonus
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
T&Cs apply, 21+
Payment Methods
E-Check
PayNearMe
PayPal
+
Withdrawal
1 – 5 Days
Apps
License
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Show More
Bonus of the month

Who should make use of our US bookies comparison? 

If you are experienced in using US bookies, you may think that you know everything there is to know about the industry and this guide is an unnecessary read. Whereas if you are new to the world of online sports betting in US states, you might think that this guide will be too advanced for you.

The truth is that all users of US bookies will find this article extremely useful, and in this section, we will explain how:

Why new players should read our guides

If you have never used US bookies before then there is a lot to learn. The good news is that we can make life easier for you, thanks to our odds comparisons and expert tips.

After reading this guide you will be able to:

  • Identify the key factors you need to consider when assessing US bookies.
  • Understand how TheGruelingTruth.com assesses operators.
  • Carry out your own assessments of online betting sites in US states.

Ultimately, we will equip you with the knowledge to be able to make informed and confident decisions on which US bookies to sign up for. That is why we go to every effort to give you the most in-depth reviews and give you our honest opinion on whether we think a particular US sportsbook operator is worth your time and money.

Why should experienced sports bettors read our guides?

The world of United States betting sites is constantly evolving. Staying on top of everything is an impossible task, even for the most knowledgeable and experienced gamblers. By reading our operator comparisons and guides you will be able to vastly improve your knowledge of the latest developments:

  • Discover which US bookies have acquired new licenses in your state.
  • Find out about any amendments to gambling laws that will affect online sports betting in US states.
  • Learn of any new promotions being offered by sportsbooks in your state.
  • Stay on top of any changes being made by US bookies. For example, alterations to payment methods, customer service options and/or range of markets.

The bottom line is that TheGruelingTruth.com will give you the very latest information relating to US bookies, making it the ideal way for experienced players to stay up-to-date with the sports betting industry.

Bet365
4.7/5
Bet365 Review
First Bet Safety Net up to $2000 OR Bet $5 and Get $150
T&Cs apply, 21+
Visit Site
At bet365 we don’t do ordinary, that’s why if you sign up now you’ll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $2000 or Bet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
BetMGM
4.7/5
BetMGM Review
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
T&Cs apply, 21+
Visit Site
FanDuel
4.6/5
FanDuel Review
Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins
T&Cs apply, 21+
Visit Site

Our operator checklist: 5 things we look for when rating sports betting operators 

At TheGruelingTruth.com, we pride ourselves on the thoroughness and accuracy of our operator comparisons. All of our guides cover a range of important factors.

Here are five of the most crucial areas that our experts review when assessing US bookies:

1 – Licensing and security

This is the most important issue of all. If a US bookie is not fully regulated and licensed, we will not recommend them and they should be completely avoided. The licensing information that we assess includes full encryption details and the relevant gambling commission they are registered with. United States betting sites should clearly display these details on their apps and websites. Our operator comparisons will always include a section covering these issues.

2 – The available payment methods

The best sports betting sites for US players offer many different payment options. Typically, these payment options will include debit and credit cards, PayPal, Neteller and other e-Wallets. In some cases, you will also be able to play with virtual currency. When using US bookies, you need the operator to offer you your preferred payment method. Most importantly, you need to know that the operator can be completely trusted with your funds. Our operator comparisons clearly layout which payment methods are accepted, plus outline any associated fees and processing times.

3 – Customer service options

Even the most experienced online sports bettors encounter occasional issues. That is why customer service is fundamental to your overall betting experience. If you encounter an issue, you want a swift and satisfactory solution. Our guides not only look at the range of customer service options available at each operator, but we also explore the opening and turnaround times for each option, as well as the quality of service you can expect. Also, our guides take a close look at any Help or FAQ sections provided by the operator,

4 – Welcome offers and promotions

Everybody loves a good welcome offer as it can add a lot of value to your sportsbook account at the very start of your journey. At TheGruelingTruth.com, we carefully assess operator welcome bonuses and explain the best way to take advantage of them. This includes key issues such as the wagering requirements, the minimum odds and the maximum payouts. We will also look at existing customer offers, including loyalty programs.

5 – Usability

Ultimately, finding the sports betting markets and odds you are looking for needs to be easy and intuitive. The best US sports betting sites have well-designed and easy-to-navigate websites and apps. Our operator comparisons take a detailed tour of operator sites and apps – that allows us to fully review how easy it is to use each and every sportsbook.

As you can see, our operator comparisons are extremely detailed and comprehensive. We want to give you as much information as possible so you can make clear decisions on which operators to join.

Our favorite sportsbooks right now:

Bet365
1.
Favicon
4.7/5
First Bet Safety Net up to $2000 OR Bet $5 and Get $150
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Visit Site
T&Cs apply, 21+
At bet365 we don’t do ordinary, that’s why if you sign up now you’ll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $2000 or Bet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
BetMGM
2.
Favicon
4.7/5
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
PayNearMe
PayPal
Bank Transfer
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Visit Site
T&Cs apply, 21+
FanDuel
3.
Favicon
4.6/5
Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
Prepaid Card
PayNearMe
PayPal
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Visit Site
T&Cs apply, 21+
Caesars
4.
Favicon
4.5/5
100% up to $1000
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
E-Check
PayNearMe
PayPal
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Visit Site
T&Cs apply, 21+
DraftKings
5.
Favicon
4.5/5
Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets Instantly + All-Customer SGP Insurance
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
PayPal
VIP Preferred
Play+
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Visit Site
T&Cs apply, 21+

Unibet – Our Editor’s Recommendation as the best online sports betting for US players

An Editor’s Recommendation from TheGruelingTruth.com is not easy to come by. We only give the award to the very best US sports betting operators. Our Editor has been meticulously looking at US bookies in order to discover which one stands out from the rest and is worthy of the title.

After a long search, it is with great pleasure we can confirm that the recipient of our Editor’s Recommendation is Unibet.

Since its 2018 US launch, Unibet has built up a reputation as one of the world’s most exciting and reputable bookmakers. It’s always at the top of our top sports betting sites list and we also think it’s one of the best US bookies on the market. Players in New Jersey, Iowa, Arizona, Indiana, Virginia and Pennsylvania can now sign up at Unibet.

Fantastic site design

The first aspect of Unibet that impressed our Editor was the design of both the Unibet website and app. The site is clearly laid out, making it very simple to find the sports betting markets you require.

Great range of sports betting markets

In terms of the markets themselves, Unibet offers markets for a fantastic range of sports and events. As well as the usual selection of markets for major leagues such as the NFL, MLB and English Premier League, you can also find odds for minor leagues and sports. Perfect if you want to place wagers on events that are not available at all US bookies.

Incredible bonuses

However, our Editor found that the single most impressive element of Unibet was the incredible collection of promotions available to customers. Initially, players can claim a really generous risk-free bet of up to $500 when they sign up and enter a valid promo code. This risk-free bet means that if your first wagers loses, Unibet will give you a full refund.

And that is not all. Offers aren’t restricted to just new players, as existing customers at Unibet can take advantage of regular promotions. These offers include odds boosts and free bets.

A worthy winner

When you also factor in the excellent customer service options and wide range of payment methods at Unibet, it is clear to see that Unibet is a fully deserving winner of our prestigious Editor’s Recommendation. We can strongly recommend that you sign-up at Unibet and claim their welcome offer – you will not regret it.

Sports Bonus
4.5/5
Unibet
Sports Bonus
4.5/5
$100 Second Chance Bet
Risk-Free Bet
|
T&Cs apply, 21+
21+ and physically present in VA only. Terms & Conditions apply. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please call, text or chat, VA Council on Problem Gambling on their confidential and toll free helpline at: 1-888-532-3500.

Finding the right sports betting operators for you 

Remember that everybody has different priorities when it comes to online sports betting. And whilst we strongly urge you to read our operator comparison, the ultimate decision on which US bookies to join lies with you.

A good starting point is to have a think about your most important considerations when sports betting online. Here are some of the most important questions you need to consider:

Are you a loyal customer?

In other words, how many sports betting operators are you looking to join? Do you like to wager at a wide variety of sites, or do you prefer to stick to just one operator? If you fall into the second category, then you need to look for sites that offer attractive loyalty and/or VIP schemes.

A strong loyalty program rewards returning players for their regular play. These regards typically come in the form of free bets, odds boosts or even cash. The specific way that loyalty programs work varies from operator to operator, but they are all aimed at encouraging repeat play and loyalty.

What time of day do you bet?

If you are the type of player who likes to place sports bets late at night or early in the morning, you need to join sports betting operators that have 24/7 customer service options.

Should an issue arise, you want to be able to instantly resolve it. Having to wait hours for an operator to become available can be annoying and, in some cases, it can cost you money.

Do you bet on in-play markets?

Do you like to place bets whilst you are watching live sport? If the answer is yes, then live streaming should be a key consideration when looking for sports betting operators. You also need to find sites that carry a wide range of live betting markets.

Which payment methods do you use?

If you use debit or credit cards to pay for your sports betting, then you will have no problems finding United States betting sites that accept your preferred payment method. However, if you use virtual currency or a specific eWallet, then you may find your options more limited. Obviously, if a sports betting operator does not support your preferred payment option, you should not sign up with them.

5 ultimate tips for online sports betting in US

After you have read our guides and joined your desired sites, the next step is to ensure you have an enjoyable time whilst wagering with US bookies. This is no easy task, and there are a lot of pitfalls to avoid when sports betting.

In this section, we will give you some expert guidance on how you can get the most from your online sports betting experience.

Do not chase your losses

Even the most knowledgeable sports bettors cannot pick winners every time they place a bet. All players will inevitably hit a losing streak at times. When this happens, it can be tempting to chase your losses or move to a new strategy. But the smart move is to keep the faith and stick to your existing plan. Betting should be fun and done so responsibly. When the fun stops, stop.

Do your research

Researching your bets is the key to finding value in betting odds. Research the teams/players you want to bet on, study the markets and look for prices that seem longer than expected. In some cases, the sportsbook operator will have incorrectly priced a market. This could be because they have failed to completely consider a factor such as an injury to a player or the weather forecast. Alternatively, your research may find statistics that the bookies may have neglected to consider.

Set your gambling controls

Sports betting needs to be a fun activity and not one that leads to financial problems and/or stress. To help ensure you stay in control, online sports betting operators are required to provide a safer gambling tool. This tool allows you to set limits on the amount of time you spend betting and the amount of money you can spend within specified timeframes. We strongly recommend that you use these parameters. It will help ensure you stay in control of your gambling and avoid any uncomfortable losses.

Bet with your head

Naturally, if you support a team or player, you always want them to win. But experience will have taught you that even the very best teams and players lose occasionally. The problem is that your support of a team or player can impede your judgement when sports betting. Rather than objectively looking for value in betting markets, your heart can overrule your head and lead you to always bet on your favorite team. Taking that into account, it is advisable to avoid betting on any team or sports player that you actively support.

Set a budget

Before you place your first bet, carefully consider how much you can play with. Use the gambling controls and make sure you never exceed that budget or are tempted to deposit and wager sums that you cannot afford to lose. If you are lucky enough to hit a winning streak, do not think that means you can afford to place larger bets. Eventually, your winning streak will come to an end. You need to strictly stick to your budget regardless of how well you are performing. Most importantly of all – never ever place sports bets that you cannot afford to lose.

Online sports betting in US – Conclusion

Clearly, there is plenty to weigh up when comparing sports betting operators. But try not to be intimidated by the task. With a few simple considerations, you can identify the operators that best suit your sports betting requirements.

Firstly, carefully think about the most important issues to you when sports betting online. Is it the range of sports betting markets? Or maybe promotions? Or even payment methods? Get a clear idea of what you want from your sportsbook operators.

Next, do your research. The best research you can do is by reading thegruellingtruth.com guides. This will give you expert information and advice on the relative merits of each online sportsbook. Then you can visit the operators you are interested in joining to see if they meet your specific requirements.

And once you have signed up, make sure you follow our expert tips to help you get the most out of your sports betting experience. Good luck!

Top-quality online bonuses

Bet365
1.
Favicon
4.7/5
First Bet Safety Net up to $2000 OR Bet $5 and Get $150
Virginia
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Bonus, Min. Deposit: $10
Go to Bet365
Get Bonus
T&Cs apply, 21+
At bet365 we don’t do ordinary, that’s why if you sign up now you’ll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $2000 or Bet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
BetMGM
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Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
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FanDuel
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Online sports betting in US FAQ 

🌎 Can I legally bet on sport in the United States?

Yes, as long as you live in a location in which sports betting is legal and you are at least 21 years of age. Online sports betting laws in the United states regularly change, so please check our site for the latest legal situation in your state. You can find out about gambling laws in other locations by reading our other guides which look at topics like the best sports betting sites for Canada.

❓ Is sports betting legal in New Jersey?

Yes, sports betting in New Jersey is fully legal, in fact it’s a hot bed for online sports betting. So if you are at least 21 years of age and located in New Jersey, you can join a sports betting operator that is licensed in the state. In recent years, many new operators have joined the NJ sports betting market, so it is recommended that you read out guides to discover which operators are now licensed in the Garden State. This advice applies to all other US states as well.

🛡 What is the best sports betting operator to join?

Whilst Unibet were the winners of our Editor’s Recommendation, you may find that the best sports betting operator for you is entirely different. For example, if you are sports betting in Pennsylvania, a different operator might suit you better. That is why it is imperative that you thoroughly research operators, read our reviews and consider which factors are of utmost importance to you. 

🗺 Can I bet on sports in other countries?

In theory yes, although gambling laws vary dramatically depending on where you are. In some countries gambling is strictly prohibited. Whilst in the countries where gambling is legal, the laws do not necessarily extend to online sports betting. To ensure you stay on top of this huge topic, please read out guides, sports betting in Nigeria is just one example. 

🤔 What is the best sports betting strategy?

Again this is purely a personal decision and there is a lot to consider. But you should always ensure your strategy is fully compatible with your chosen sport. Also, your strategy might change according to your location. If you use betting sites in Kenya for instance, you might have less options. Make sure you read our guides to find out more!

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