What is a SportsBook Site?
Put simply, a SportsBook site is an online website where you can place real-money wagers on sporting events. This could include everything from NBA games to huge tournaments like the SuperBowl, or even popular eSports markets like CS:GO, as an example.
The SportsBook site should also ideally offer a varied range of betting markets, so you can wager on so much more than just the winner of a game. The best operators out there will offer a selection of ways to bet, from handicap betting on high-scoring contests to parlay wagers where you can potentially win big if your bets are successful across multiple sporting events. After all, variety is the spice of life.
How we Rate SportsBook Sites
When it comes to our expert SportsBook reviews, we leave no stone unturned. We start with security because if you can’t wager safely, then the site isn’t worth your while in the first place. We’re also looking for fair terms and conditions, a clear privacy policy, a rock-solid reputation, and a serious commitment to responsible gambling.
Once they tick that box, we want to see a fantastic selection of sports and betting markets covered, a slick site design, multiple payment methods, great customer service, and generous promotions that add real value to your experience. We check all this and more so you can rest assured that if it gets a recommendation from us, then it’s a top SportsBook option.
Who Should Make Use of Our Best SportsBook USA Comparison?
In a nutshell, sports fans and gamblers of all shapes and sizes can make use of our bookmaker US comparison. Ultimately, we want to find the best bookmaker for US players, but we’re aware that’s a pretty broad base to cover. With our comparison, it doesn’t matter what your niche is – from general sports betting sites to football or horse racing specialists, you’ll definitely find something to suit your needs here!
You might be wondering if a certain bookmaker is legal in the US where you are. That’s a valid question, as online sports wagering still isn’t legal in all US states. We’ve got you covered, as we review and compare the best legal bookmakers in all legal (and impending) gambling states. With SportsBooks Sites in New Jersey online, the best PA bookies and more, you won’t want to miss out!
More of a casino type? Then check out this online casino for US players!
How Can I Legally Bet on SportsBook Sites?
First things first, you’ll want to check your state’s laws on online gambling. In certain states, online betting is still not legal – so there’s no legal SportsBook betting options here yet.
If you’re in a jurisdiction where you can legally bet online, and you’ve found a SportsBook you like the look of, have a quick check for a license. Legitimate SportsBook operators should be licensed or approved by that state. If you’re not sure, ask customer service. You can also check out our reviews and recommendations.
Once you’re happy your chosen SportsBook is a legal option, all you have to do is sign up, fund your account, and start wagering.
How to Choose a Good SportsBook Site
Our recommendations can help guide you towards the cream of the crop of US SportsBook sites. But when it comes to finding the ideal one for you, well, that’s a matter of personal preference. Everyone is different and your betting needs and tastes may not be the same as the next person.
So, we recommend checking out our expert reviews to see which operators catch your eye. From there, spend some time with each site and consider what your priorities are from your online betting experience. There’s a lot of choice out there, so be as picky as you want. And remember, you can sign up to multiple SportsBook sites too!
Our Top 10 Tips for the Best Sportsbook USA Experience
1. Check for a Valid License
A lot of people ask us, is online gambling legal in US? And the answer is kinda tricky to be honest. The federal ban was lifted in 2018, but it’s up to individual state governments to decide if they want to legalize online sports wagering within their borders. First of all, check that online sports wagers are legal in your state, then if so, make sure that the site you’re using has the relevant bookmaker US license for your state. If it doesn’t have a license for your state, it ain’t legal!
2. Do a Safety Check
Once you’re happy that the site you’re using is legal and rubber-stamped, you wanna do a little safety check. The best SportsBook for US players should use HTTPS technology and/or other modern encryption tech to keep your money and your personal information safe from theft and hackers. If you want to double lock your safety, find a site that offers a good range of payment options and keeps your funds in offline storage – that way it’s impossible for hackers to ever get their hands on it.
Blacklisted SportsBook Sites
We also go above and beyond in making sure you can find a safe and enjoyable online betting experience. That’s why, alongside our expert reviews and recommendations, we also have an operator blacklist here at TheGruelingTruth.
If we find a SportsBook operator is consistently failing to meet our high standards of security and quality, then their name makes it onto our blacklist. They’ll also be added to the list if we find evidence of consistent bad practice from the operator through user feedback or reports. Basically, if a SportsBook is blacklisted by us, then we recommend avoiding them to save you time and hassle.
3. Read the Terms and Conditions
Yeah, yeah, we know – it’s a pain in the ass, right? No one likes reading through the small print, including us, but it’s gotta be done. Reading the terms and conditions is something you should always do, but it’s especially important when it comes to bookmaker US websites. Skim reading the terms and conditions, or not reading them at all, will inevitably come back to bite you in the ass further down the line. Whether that be in the form of bonus turnover requirements, withdrawal limits or something else – they’ll get ya if you’re not prepared!
4. Check Out the Reviews
Of course, your first port of call should always be the best SportsBook USA reviews here at TheGruelingTruth.com. However, as well as consulting the experts such as ourselves we always also recommend checking out user reviews as well. You’re looking to find the best SportsBook for US players, and what better way to do that than by checking out reviews from other American players who’ve used the site?
5. Test Out the Customer Service
We’re in the USA, customer service is important here – and we expect high levels of service! First of all, check the listed address for the SportsBook and make sure it checks out. Once you’re happy with that, give the customer service a little test – call ‘em up, try out the live chat, send ‘em an email. If you’re happy and the service looks good, then think about making an account.
6. Choose Your SportsBook Site
Take your time exploring those SportsBook sites that catch your eye. Alongside things like terms and conditions and customer service, don’t forget to look at the goodies on the promotional page – or what other betting products are covered by the operator. It also can’t hurt to check whether they have a mobile app, especially if you like to bet on the go.
Be picky. Know what you want from your SportsBook and demand the best. And if more than one site looks good to you, then go right ahead and register with both. This is perfectly legal and means you get to enjoy even more SportsBook goodness.
7. Register With a SportsBook Site
Found a SportsBook site that looks perfect for you? Good, now it’s time to hit that big ‘Register’ button. This process is usually nice and straightforward – taking just a few minutes to complete.
You’ll need to provide account details, such as your email and password (make sure it’s a strong one!), as well as personal info like your name, address, and date of birth. You will also need to verify your email and may be asked to provide ID evidence in some cases. Remember, if the operator isn’t legally available in your state, the registration form should make this pretty clear.
8. Fund Your SportsBook Account
You can’t start placing real-money wagers without, well, real money. That’s why the next step is to fund your player account. This can be part of the initial registration process, or often, you can wait and do it after. Regardless, we want to see the SportsBook offering plenty of payment methods to suit everyone, from credit cards to e-wallets and even crypto coins.
A good SportsBook will also have a low minimum and high maximum deposit amount. So, whether you just like to wager casually on a game here or there or you’re a super high roller, your site should cater to you.
9. Place Your First Bet With a SportsBook Site
This is why you signed up in the first place, after all. It’s time to place your first wager. Maybe you have a specific sporting event in mind or maybe you just want to have a look around and see what takes your fancy. The SportsBook should make their sports and betting markets nice and clear, so you can wager how you want in a click of a button.
A great operator will also have consistently competitive odds, meaning you get more winnings on successful bets. Plus, all this information – from your odds to your potential winnings – should be clear from the betslip.
10. How to Withdraw From SportsBook Sites
This part is key. This is where you get your hands on your money. We expect the best SportsBook sites to make this part of your experience nice and straightforward. Firstly, check out which payment method options you have for withdrawing. Some site may allow you to choose from many, whereas others will make you withdraw by the same method you deposited.
Next, you’ll want to head over to the Banking page to find important information on minimum/maximum amounts, withdrawal times, and fees. We want low to no fees and for your funds to hit your account as quickly as possible.
Editors Recommendation – The Best Sportsbook for US Players
Selecting one single website as the ultimate best sportsbook for US players is no easy task, believe us! The complexities that differing state gambling laws prevent means that the best sportsbook in New Jersey, might not be the best one down in Pennsylvania. However our editor has chosen a bookmaker US that’s available in most legal gambling states today, and that is also a tried and trusted betting brand the world over.
888sport
Our editor’s recommendation for the best SportsBook USA in 2023 is 888sport, which might just be the biggest sports betting brand in the world today. 888 sport’s position on the global market means that they offer a massive range of sports, from American favorites such as football, baseball and basketball, to European soccer and even niche sports like badminton. Additionally, their odds always come out on top compared to their competitors for both live and pre-match bets. The bonuses and offers? Well, they’re just out of this world!
This is How Our Experts Test US SportsBooks
In our mission to find you the best SportsBook for US players, our experts have tried and tested every single legal SportsBook available in the country today. As well as looking at the site, we sign up and play ourselves, keeping the site subject to our strict criteria – and if a SportsBook doesn’t tick all the boxes, then we ain’t recommending it to you!
Below, we’ve provided a list of the criteria we look for in our search for the best SportsBook USA, along with a short explanation for each:
Bonus Offers
Who doesn’t love a bonus right? We all want to start off our betting journeys with a little sumthin’-sumthin’ to get us started! Fortunately, the increased amount of competition these days is making it a bonus buyer market in 2023. We’re looking for the best value bonuses, with the fairest terms and conditions! Wanting to find the best SportsBook Promotions? Click this link!
Usability, Look and Feel
When you sign up for a bookmaker US, you’re going to be using the site and/or mobile app pretty regularly. That means it’s gotta tick two boxes – 1. It has to be user friendly and simple to navigate. And 2. It’s gotta look good – no one likes an eyesore, so slick design is key!
Payments
You can fund your betting account directly with your bank account if you really want, but it’s a little bit too old school for our liking. There are so many quicker, safer and more secure ways to fund your online betting account than with your credit card directly. We like our betting sites to offer you a range of options!
Customer Service
We spoke about this back up there in our ‘Top Tips’ section – we expect good customer service here in the US, and pride ourselves on delivering it. The best SportsBook for US players should give you nothing less than the same customer service you’d expect from your bank, your broker or your local burger joint.
License and Security
This section is more important for US bookmakers than those in any other country in the world. Not only does the SportsBook need to be legit in the US, it also has to have a valid license for your state. If betting is illegal in your state, don’t go looking for an overseas operator – license or no license, you can’t legally play it.
Rewards and Loyalty Programme
We love a good welcome bonus, but the thing about them is, once they’re gone, they’re gone – and you can’t get another one. As well as a Free Bet Offer, a number of bookies offer some great extra rewards. That’s why we believe that the best SportsBook USA should have a solid loyalty and rewards programme as well as regular free bets and bonuses on special sports events to keep their existing customers happy!
Check Out These Great US SportsBooks!
1.
Bet $1 & Get $200 in Bonus Bets
Players from Virginia accepted
Bet $1 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets at bet365. Deposit required. Bonus Bets winnings are added to Bonus Bets balance. Bonus Bet wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
2.
100% up to $1000
Players from Virginia accepted
3.
100% up to $500
Players from Virginia accepted
4.
5 x $50Bet Credits
Players from Virginia accepted
5.
Get up to $1,000 back in bonus bets
Players from Virginia accepted
Who doesn’t want to get more bang from their buck when betting online? These lovely little SportsBook bonuses can come in all shapes and sizes, from free bets to matched bonuses and boosted odds. Welcome offers are usually where SportsBooks try to catch your eye, but we also want to see generosity for long-term customers too.
When it comes to SportsBook promotions, the devil really is in the details. Those terms and conditions are crucial for telling you whether the hoops you need to jump through are reasonable or whether they’re not worth your time. Remember, never chase a promotion if it means you have to spend more than you’re willing to.
Finding the Best US Betting Sites for You
We ain’t no dummies here, and we’ve been in this game for long enough to know that every gambler is different. That’s why we’re not just here to shove our personal favorite bookmaker US sites in your face. Instead, we want to provide you with a carefully chosen variety of options so that you can find the site that’s best for you.
Only interested in betting on football? No problem, we’ll find you a site that’s got the best markets and odds on the NFL – who cares about the rest? Completely new to this sports betting game? Again, no problem – there are plenty of beginner-friendly sites to be found right here. Seasoned pro who likes big money bets? Then check out our high roller SportsBook with increased limits!
Ultimately, no matter what your flavor is, you’ll definitely find a sports betting site that’s to your taste here at TheGruelingTruth.com!
SportsBook Site Betting Odds
They may look like little numbers, but those betting odds mean BIG things for your wagers. The more competitive those odds are, the more winnings it means you can get your hands on if your bet is successful. So, pay attention to them!
The truth is that no single SportsBook site can lay claim to the best odds. These change depending on a multitude of factors, from the event, to the stats (such as how the team or athlete has played before), and even in how people tend to bet. As long as your chosen SportsBook is consistently offering good returns, then it’s a thumbs up from us.
Popular SportsBook Betting Picks
Some sporting events just capture the attention of the nation. Whether it’s the NFL, the NBA or the MLB, these little letters can spell out history-making games on some of the world’s grandest of stages. So, naturally, we want plenty of coverage from the top SportsBook sites.
Our expectations are high for these popular sports. We want them to be covered in-depth, with a variety of betting markets and competitive odds. Some operators will even take it a step above, offering promotions that are specific to certain events or competitions. These can really enhance your betting experience, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for them.
SportsBook Site Propositions and Futures
The truth is that, while there is a magnificent multitude of different bet options out there, these can mainly be split into two types: proposition (or prop) bets and futures bets.
To put it simply, a prop bet is a wager based on the outcome of a specific event – such as which team will win a certain game. Meanwhile, futures bets take longer to determine because they are based on events that happen in the longer-term future, such as overall tournament winners.
Remember that odds on both types of bets can change based on a variety of reasons. So, if you think you’ve found good odds on a prop or futures bet, then don’t be afraid to go for it!
Best SportsBook Sites for Big Events and Markets
We’re pretty darn lucky in the US to have such a fantastic selection of sports and tournaments. It seems like, every year, the sporting calendar is filled with contests that demand your attention.
Any SportsBook site worth their salt won’t let these massive sporting opportunities pass them by. They’ll cover these games with competitive odds and a variety of betting options, including both props and futures bets.
Ideally, they’ll also give you some extra incentive with sport-specific and time-sensitive promotions, including things like free bets and odds boosts. Because when the whole nation is watching, these SportsBooks need to step up to the plate and hit it out of the park.
NFL Betting
Professional football is one of the most beloved sports in all of the US, and nowhere is it showcased better than the NFL. This primary league boasts 32 different teams, with 16 games played per week during regular season. This runs through September to the end of the year, delivering an absolute abundance of footballing greatness to enjoy.
There are loads of different ways you can bet on the NFL, including with props, futures bets or by grouping wagers together into a parlay bet. The top SportsBook sites should offer all this and more to help kick your betting experience into a high gear.
NBA Betting
This one should be a slam-dunk by any great SportsBook site. The NBA (the National Basketball Association) is hugely popular and the biggest basketball league in the whole of the United States. It features 30 teams and an extended 82-game season delivering white-hot action from October to April.
The way it works is simple: there are three rounds of play-offs known as the best-of-sevens and this culminates in the top Eastern Conference team facing the top Western Conference team. It’s non-stop sporting greatness, and the best SportsBooks will have plenty of betting options and competitive odds to stay on the ball here.
MLB Betting
Plenty of SportsBook sites step up to the plate with baseball betting. And when it comes to baseball, there’s no better coverage than from the MBL (the Major League Baseball). Here, you can watch 30 teams battle it out across a 162-game season, which gets underway in mid-March.
There are loads of different ways to bet on the MBL, from the popular moneyline bet to the spread (the run line), or by backing a favorite, who will need to win by two runs or more. Of course, we need to see those varied sporting markets, competitive odds and generous promotions here if the best SportsBook sites want to hit a home run.
NHL Betting
Let’s take it to the ice. The NHL (National Hockey League) features 32 teams, with 25 United States teams and seven Canadian teams. The action runs from October to April, with an 82-game season. Similar to the NBA, this comprises of three best-of-seven rounds ahead of the championship, known as the Stanley Cup Finals.
Also, just like baseball, there are loads of ways you can bet on the NHL, from total and moneyline bets to the puck line bet (which uses a 1.5 goal spread). And, of course, those best of the best SportsBooks should be plenty generous with their NHL odds and bonuses here too.
NCAA Betting
The sporting action is also plentiful in the NCAA (the National Collegiate Athletic Association), which offers some fantastic college basketball and college football contests.
The College Football Playoff National Championship features over 40 games, and the college football season runs alongside the NFL. The College Bowl event in winter delivers some of the biggest online betting opportunities of the year.
Not to be outdone, college basketball season runs from November to March and boasts the annual men’s NCAA Tournament. This tournament, known as March Madness, is one of the most heavily bet on tournaments in the sporting calendar. Be sure to check them out!
Responsible Gaming
Betting online should always be about fun. Sure, making a few bucks in winnings is great but it shouldn’t be the focus. It should always be about having a good experience first and foremost.
That’s why it’s so crucial that online SportsBook operators make a serious commitment to responsible gaming. They should provide advice and links to organisations that can offer support for those who need it, alongside self-help measures like betting limits, time outs and exclusions. Even if you don’t feel like you personally need these tools, a SportsBook is showing they take their commitment to their players seriously by offering them.
The Most Important Sections of TheGruelingTruth.com
Did you know that you can do more here than just find the best SportsBook USA? There’s a whole lot more to our site than just SportsBook reviews, with other areas of gambling and part of the site that you can use to better your sports bets.
Take a look and the best and most important sections of our website below:
Casino Comparison
As well as having a mission to find the best SportsBook for US players, we also want to find the best online casino as well. Our expert casino comparisons serve exactly what our SportsBook comparisons do – help you find the best one for you through our stringent tests and reviews. From high rollers to casual spinners – we’ve got you all covered here!
Bonus Comparison
We touched on this point above in our criteria, but it really is a buyers market out there when it comes to betting bonuses – so long as you’re in a legal bookmaker US state of course! That being said while choice is undoubtedly a good thing, having too much of it can be a little bit overwhelming. That’s why we’ve done the shopping around for you, providing you with a one stop shop where you can compare all of the best betting bonuses around to find the best one for you. We’ve also read the small print, to make sure that the bonus conditions are fair before you sign up and claim.
Operator and Bonus Reviews
In these extra-special reviews, we combine our overall bookmaker US review with all of their bonus offers into one easy package. Therefore if you want to find out if a site is right for you and what it’s bonus offers are all in one place – then this is that place. From the odds and the welcome package to the site design and VIP bonuses, you’ll find out everything about your chosen betting site right here!
Game and Slot Reviews
Those of you looking for the best SportsBook USA most likely already know your favorite betting sports inside out. When it comes to online casino games though, there are literally thousands and thousands of games, especially when it comes to online video slots.
Payment Method Reviews
In 2023, there are so many ways to fund your online betting account than by making a bank transfer or using your credit card directly. From PayPal to other e-wallets, there are a tonne of new and innovative ways to deposit money into your bookmaker US accounts. Whatsmore, the best of these payment methods are actually safer and more secure than using your bank account direct, thanks to the reduction of an online paper trail. That’s why we’ve reviewed the news and best payment methods for you.
Strategy Guides
Placing a sports bet or playing on a casino game isn’t the same as buying a lottery ticket ya know? Yeah, sure gambling is a game of luck – to an extent – but it’s not complete Pot Luck. From smart sports betting, to clever casino plays, we’ve got strategy guides help you understand your favourite games better! From complete beginner strategies to complex, we’ve got strategy guides to suit you all.
News
If you wanna wager in the best SportsBook for US players, then you gotta keep with the goings-on in the world of sports. Likewise, with casinos, you need to know the goings-on from within the gambling industry. And with states now lining up to legalize online gambling in some shape or form, many of you might be wondering if your state is going to be the next one to open up. No matter what sort of news you’re after – our team of writers and reports always have their ears to the ground to bring you all of the sports and gambling-related rumblings from across the USA.
Conclusion – Our Verdict on the Best US SportsBooks
We’ve almost reached the end of this page, but your search for the best SportsBook US actually begins here. Now the time has come for you to check out our expert SportsBook reviews, and to ultimately wind up finding one that suits your needs and wants as a sports bettor. We’re confident you’ll find what you’re looking for here, and we hope you win when you find the place to start your online sports wagering journey!
Just remember, going forward, to always check for a legit and valid license where you are, as well as that solid security measures are in place to protect your funds and your data. Additionally, always take the time to read those pesky terms and conditions – trust us, it’ll do you good!
Check Out These Great Bonus Offers for US SportsBooks!
1.
Bet $1 & Get $200 in Bonus Bets
Players from Virginia accepted
Min. Deposit: $10
Bet $1 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets at bet365. Deposit required. Bonus Bets winnings are added to Bonus Bets balance. Bonus Bet wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
2.
100% up to $1000
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Bonus, Min. Deposit: $10
3.
100% up to $500
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Bonus, Min. Deposit: $10
4.
5 x $50Bet Credits
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Deposit, Min. Deposit: $10
5.
Get up to $1,000 back in bonus bets
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Deposit, Min. Deposit: $10
Best SportsBook for US Players FAQ
🇺🇸 What is the best online SportsBook for US players?
That really depends where you are, and if online sports wagering is yet legal where you are. For some of you, it may be, for some it might be on the near horizon and for others it might be a long way away. You can check out the best online SportsBook where you are (if available) by using the US SportsBook Comparison here at TheGruelingTruth.com US.
⚖️ In what US states is gambling legal?
The answer to that question is changing rapidly as US states are constantly changing and updating their laws since the federal ban was lifted in 2018. The best way to keep yourself up to date with the goings-on where you are is to bookmaker this US legal betting guide. We keep our information constantly updated for 2023.
❓ Can I place a bet online in the USA?
The answer to this question depends on which state you reside in, and cannot be applied to the country as a whole. While the federal ban on online sports wagering was lifted in 2018, it’s not yet legal in all states in 2023. If you sign up and bookmark our site, you can keep consistently up to date with the situation and find the best SportsBook USA players can enjoy legally.
