SPORTS BETTING SITES
Our list of the Top-Rated Online Sportsbook Sites in December 2023
The fall of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018 hailed a new dawn for sports betting in the US. The Supreme Court’s decision to strike down PASPA as unconstitutional granted all states the power to decide whether they want to legalize sports betting online or in any other form they saw fit. The same goes for other forms of gambling — and boy, did they take the Supreme Court up on that offer!
Going into 2022, New York and a few other states have either launched or are planning to launch sports betting apps, pushing the number of states with legal sports betting close to 30. It is only a matter of time before the rest of them jump on the bandwagon and join the sports betting party.
Regardless of where you are coming from — whether it’s Michigan, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, or anywhere else in the country — you have come to the right place to learn about the best sports betting sites found in your respective state. What’s more, this guide will tell you about the sports betting bonus deals you can expect to find, the different betting markets and sports to wager on, sport betting apps, and more. Welcome to the one-stop destination for all things sports betting online in the US!
How We Rate the Sportsbooks
Our search for the best online sportsbooks starts with a detailed analysis of their most important features. The first thing we look at is the legality of the site. Every sportsbook online needs to be certified by the local gambling jurisdiction and regulator. Then we proceed to scrutinize its betting offer, betting odds and lines, bonuses, apps, customer service, and other vital aspects that can either make or break a sportsbook.
Regulation and Licensing
A golden rule for USA Online Betting — only legal sportsbook sites allowed. Bookies that have been regulated by the local state gambling authority are the only ones that can find their way onto our list. Their stamps of approval are usually seen in the footer of the site’s homepage, and that should be one of the first things you notice when you land on a sports betting site.
By including only the regulated bookies, we ensure that you are safe at all times. The local jurisdictions run comprehensive checks of the security measures the bookies employ and have strict standards in terms of the encryption levels required to pass the tests. Also, by playing on these sites, you’ll enjoy verifiably fair gaming where winnings are paid fair and square without any holdbacks, unlike on those offshore sites with a long history of unethical practices and intentional withholding of funds.
Sports Selection
We want to make sure you’re never out of options when it comes to the sports you can bet on in these top sportsbooks. Bookies that we recommend are the leaders in terms of the number of sports they cover, including professional and collegiate competitions across the country and the world. Football, basketball, soccer, golf, MMA — you name it, the sports betting apps here have got it.
Bonuses and Promotions
A hefty sports betting bonus is sometimes too good to pass on, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Bookies always have the most diverse choice of free bet deals, deposit match bonuses, no deposit bonuses, reloads, cashbacks, and all sorts of freebies that help boost your bankroll.
Our team is constantly on the lookout for these promotions and will highlight the ones that give you a real chance of cashing them out.
Odds and Lines Quality
The odds are the one thing that separates great sports betting sites from mediocre ones. We take into account the odds and lines the bookies offer for all major sports and competitions and point out the differences among them, no matter how slight they are. Also, we factor in the juice and see if the operator is prone to offering reduced rake spreads from time to time, either as a part of a promo or regularly. Some bookies are prone to offering -105 odds on NBA and NFL fixtures instead of the standard -110, and it can make a world of difference for your wagering experience.
Sports Betting Apps
Most bettors these days engage in betting on the go, and the quality of the sports betting apps they use is of great importance. What’s more, there are states, such as Tennessee and Wyoming, that only allow online/mobile sports betting. We always look for the bookies with proprietary mobile apps for Android and iOS devices that are functional and easy to use, which can translate to a smooth betting experience on the move.
Banking Methods and Features
Legal sports betting online sites offer a variety of payment methods to their users so that they can make fast and safe deposits and withdrawals through credit cards, e-wallets, online banking, and other methods. Before reaching our final verdict, we evaluate their transaction speeds and potential fees, and we focus on the cashout terms and conditions that apply — and so should you.
Customer Support
The sportsbook’s stability is of the essence, but every once in a while, a site may crash or freeze. During those times, the much-needed assistance comes from the customer support service. We want to see sites offering 24/7 live chat support that can quickly respond to queries and fix the problem at hand. Also, multiple communication channels, such as email and phone, are more than welcome, especially when the matters are not so urgent.
US States With Legal Sports Betting Sites
The sports betting landscape in the US has changed dramatically over the last couple of years. As we have pointed out, nearly half of the states have already legalized it, and several others are in the process of constituting the legislation that will follow suit.
These are the states where you can indulge in legal sports betting online and bet on sports played across the country and the world.
Arizona
Thanks to the House Bill 2772 that Governor Ducey signed in April 2021, retail and online sports betting are now live in Arizona – the Grand Canyon State. The Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) is in charge of issuing licenses and regulating the industry. A total of 20 sports betting licenses can be issued to professional teams and franchises. Up to two skins per retail sportsbook are permitted.
Colorado
The turning point for the Colorado online sports betting scene was HB 1327, which legalized retail and online sports betting in the state. The first sports betting apps launched in 2020, and so far, around two-dozen sites have been licensed by the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission.
Connecticut
Connecticut joined the growing list of states with legal online sports betting in 2021 when Governor Ned Lamont signed Bill HB6451. The state’s chief regulator is the Gaming Division of the Department of Consumer Protection, which issues licenses to operators. The first online sportsbooks emerged in October 2021.
Florida
Florida is one of the most populous states with legal online sports betting, but no apps have been launched yet. In April 2021, Gov. DeSantis signed a gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe to bring online sports betting to the state. The tribe put forth a Hard Rock betting app in December 2021. However, due to some legal challenges by local groups, the service was discontinued until the legal conundrum is resolved.
Illinois
It took some time before Illinois got online sports betting apps up and running following its legalization back in 2019. The Sports Wagering Act that Gov. JB Pritzker signed into law marked the beginning of retail and sports betting, but the first sportsbooks were opened a year later. Sports bettors in the Prairie State had to complete an in-person registration first before placing online bets. However, as of March 5, 2022, that rule will no longer apply, which will pave the way for even more online sportsbooks to launch.
Indiana
Indiana is one of the states with the most developed sports betting online industry in the country. The first Indiana sportsbook sites opened in 2019, following approval from the Indiana Gaming Commission. Only commercial casinos are eligible to host legal sports betting online sites. Actually, they are allowed up to three skins, which opens up the possibility for multiple partnership agreements.
Iowa
Ever since Governor Kim Reynolds signed the bill SF617 into law in 2019, the sports betting sites in Iowa has been thriving. Commercial casinos in the state are allowed to partner with up to two sports betting companies, which has resulted in the great expansion of the market. In-person registration is no longer required.
Louisiana
Sports betting has been legal in Louisiana since November 2020. The first in-person wager was registered in October 2021, while the first online bets were made in January 2022. Louisiana has a unique sports betting legal system, where each parish could vote on whether to allow online sports betting in its territory or not — 55 out of 64 parishes decided to do so. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board is tasked with overseeing and regulating the industry.
Maryland
Maryland legalized sports betting in December 2021, when the first retail sports bet was placed by Governor Larry Hogan. According to the law, there will be 10 retail and up to 60 online sportsbooks in the Old Line State. First online sports betting bookies are expected to be approved by the State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency sometime in 2022.
Michigan
Michigan legislature enacted the Lawful Sports Betting Act composed of bills S4916 and H4311 in 2019, thus legalizing retail and online sports betting in the state. The first online sport betting bookies were approved by the Michigan Gaming Control Board in January 2021. On those sites and apps, you can find odds even for in-state college teams. However, there are no prop bets for college sports.
Montana
Online sports betting in Montana has been live since 2019, albeit in a peculiar form. You can bet online in Montana as long as you are physically present in a retail establishment. In fact, Sports Bet Montana is the only approved wagering app in the state.
Nevada
When you think of the state of Nevada, you think of Las Vegas, the mecca of gambling and sports betting. It was the first state ever to legalize sports betting in 1949, and legal sports betting online has been taking place there since 2010. An unusual feature of sports betting online in the Silver State is that an in-person registration is required and that only mobile wagering is permitted, so placing bets on your desktop or laptop computer is not possible.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire legalized sports wagering in 2019 by enacting House Bill 480-FN into law. The sports betting system in this state is one of the most interesting ones. Namely, the state held an opening bidding for the single online and retail license.
DraftKings was selected as the sole operator. The tax rate for sports betting in New Hampshire is a massive 50%, but considering the monopoly that a single operator has, it seems like a pretty good deal.
New Jersey
New Jersey’s sports betting landscape is almost unrivaled. The Garden State was the second one to legalize sports betting in 2018. According to the data released by the Division of Gaming Enforcement, the state’s chief regulator, there are over a dozen online sportsbooks in the state that generate billions in revenue on a yearly basis. There are almost no restrictions in terms of sports betting in New Jersey, except for in-state college teams and college events held in the state.
New York
On January 8, 2022, New York joined the states with legal sports betting online. The New York Gaming Commission is granted the power to legalize sports betting sites in the state, and so far, the industry’s biggest names, such as Caesars, BetMGM, and BetRivers, have been authorized.
Oregon
Oregon is one of the states that have been exempt from PASPA, so it didn’t need any additional legislation to authorize sports betting. However, the Oregon State Lottery and tribal casinos hold a monopoly over the industry. The only online sports betting app approved in Oregon is the lottery-owned Scoreboard app. Interestingly enough, the app won’t work on tribal land.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is up there with New Jersey and Nevada when it comes to the quality of its sports betting product. Online and retail wagering was legalized under the HB 271 signed in 2018. All online sports betting platforms in PA are required to partner with a retail casino. There are over a dozen sites available in the state, all licensed by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB).
Rhode Island
Rhode Island was the first state to legalize sports betting after PASPA was annulled. Sadly, it opted for the state-run model of business, which means the only authorized online betting app in the state is Sportsbook Rhode Island.
Tennessee
In Tennessee, bettors have been able to enjoy top-quality mobile-only sports betting since 2019. The Volunteer State is among the rare ones that have opted for an online-only approach. What’s more, the state mandates a 90% cap that applies to payouts, so online sportsbooks can always count on the 10% hold requirement to fill their coffers.
Virginia
The year 2020 was momentous in Virginia’s gambling history. Senate Bill 384 and House Bill 896 legalized retail and online sports betting in the state, and the first online sportsbooks were opened in January 2021. You can bet on all sports and markets in Virginia, except on college sporting events.
West Virginia
West Virginia legalized sports betting not long after PASPA was overturned in 2018. The first online sports betting sites in the Mountain State emerged in 2019. All gambling activities in the state are under the control of the West Virginia Lottery.
Wyoming
Wyoming is also one of the states that opted for the mobile-only approach to legalizing sports betting. Governor Gordon signed the bill HB133 into law in April 2021, allowing operators to establish online betting platforms. Tribal casinos can also launch sportsbooks should they choose to do so.
Sports to Bet on in the US
One of the greatest advantages of sports betting online is that you are always a couple of clicks or taps away from more than 30 different latest sports you can bet on. Below you will find the most important sports for American bettors:
 | Baseball – With 162 games available during the MLB season alone, it’s easy to see why betting on baseball is so popular across the country. Not only is baseball one of the most exciting sports, but it also offers a variety of moneyline, runline, props, and parlay wagers that make it irresistible. | |
 | Basketball — Basketball is one of the sports that bettors wager on the most. The majority of bets are placed on the NBA events; however, let’s not forget the Euroleague, Eurocup, FIBA World Cup, and many other competitions that give you the opportunity to explore futures, moneyline, props, and other exotic wagers. | |
 | Boxing — Will Fury remain the undisputed champ of the heavyweight category, or will the challengers finally topple the Gypsy King remains to be seen. Luckily for you, the best sports betting sites let you back your opinion with cash wagered on a variety of bets. | |
 | Cricket — Cricket might not be as popular as basketball, but its fan base among bettors is constantly growing. You can explore various moneyline and prop bets, including who wins the coin toss and gets to choose whether to bat or field first. | |
 | Cycling — Cycling is a grueling sport reserved only for the strongest and fastest on two wheels. Paddling through the mountains of Italy in Giro d’Italia, or France’s picturesque towns in Tour de France takes a lot of effort and gives bettors numerous opportunities, such as who will get the yellow shirt next and other prop and futures bets. | |
 | Darts — Darts is one of those niche-specific markets with plenty of betting opportunities. Place a couple of bucks on the winner of the next World Seniors Darts Championship, or try to guess what the correct score of any duel will be or who will have the most 180s. | |
 | Football — Betting on football is the king among US bettors. With the Super Bowl just around the corner, the quest for the best odds is on, and sport betting bookies are keen to deliver. | |
 | Formula 1 (Racing) — The 2021 season in the F1 championship ended in quite a turmoil, with Max Verstappen securing the title in the last couple of turns of the very last race of the season. Will he hold on to the title and will we see more of Hamilton next season are just some of the bets you can place on Formula 1 racing. | |
 | Golf — The many golf courses across the US and the world are a testament to the popularity of the sport. The PGA Tour competitions attract not only top talent but also bettors, thanks to dozens of exciting betting markets. | |
 | Handball — Handball is an Olympic sport popular in Europe. Still, a lot of Americans love to bet on the EHF Euro, Champions League, and other handball events held globally. | |
 | Hockey — The buzz that hockey creates among bettors can be matched by few other sports. In the NHL, each team is scheduled to play 82 games in the regular season. Add to that the number of games at the Winter Olympics and in other leagues worldwide, and it’s easy to see why the betting options for hockey never are never lacking. | |
 | Lacrosse — Lacrosse is an exciting sport with many of its bets similar to the ones used in football betting. However, the World Lacrosse Championship and other competitions always hold a couple of tricks up their sleeve, and it’s up to you to find out which. | |
 | MMA/UFC — MMA/UFC fights are the sight of blood and gore, but they also provide great excitement. Moneyline, parlays, method of victory, and other props are some of the bets you can explore. | |
 | Nascar (Motorsports) — All petrol heads among sports betting enthusiasts will love the driver picks, matchups, outright winner, and many other kinds of wagers available for Nascar. | |
 | Rugby League — The Rugby League is played according to a specific set of rules. For example, the play in the Rugby League is stopped after a tackle takes place, and there are 13 players on each team. | |
 | Rugby Union — Rugby Union also has its own set of rules that make it quite an exciting sport to bet on. There are 15 players on the team and only 8 substitutions are allowed. These small details make all the difference in rugby betting. | |
 | Snooker — Snooker is the most complex form of billiards. With dozens of prestigious competitions that gather the stars of the game, such as Ronnie O’Sullivan, Judd Trump, and others, you are only a pot away from winning. | |
 | Soccer — Soccer is up there with football, basketball, and baseball when it comes to popularity among American bettors. The UEFA Champions League, FIFA World Cup, and the English Premier League are just some of the leagues you can place your moneyline, spread, prop, and other types of bets on. | |
 | Table tennis — Table tennis is a fast-paced sport that is a perfect fit for live betting due to its nature. Just remember to act quickly. | |
 | Tennis — Grand Slams, ATP 1000 tournaments, and other competitions attract thousands of spectators and bettors. There are tons of bets you can place on tennis — from futures and outrights to who will win the next game or set. | |
 | Volleyball — Volleyball is another niche sport that is picking up steam on its way to becoming a mainstream sport to bet on in the US. The CEV Champions League is one of those competitions that have the attention of American players. |
Leagues to Bet On
By far, the biggest focus in the world of sports betting is on professional leagues. Although they are not legal in all jurisdictions, collegiate sports are not far behind, as they offer outstanding betting options.
Here are some of the most important leagues to consider when looking for sports betting online opportunities. Remember, these competitions normally offer the best odds.
 | NFL — The number one sport for betting on the US sports betting sites is football, more specifically NFL football. In all of sports, there isn’t an event that is more wagered on than the Super Bowl, which usually features hundreds of additional bets specifically designed for it. | |
 | NBA — Lebron James, Kevin Durant, and other top ballplayers face each other in 82 regular-season games and plenty more during the playoffs. In the postseason, the best sports betting sites feature even more props and other exotic bets. | |
| NHL — NHL betting is the fourth most popular form of sports wagering in the country, thanks to millions of fans of the game. Once the battle for the Stanley Cup kicks off, bookies are known to become more generous when it comes to both the odds and betting markets. | |
 | MLB — When the season begins, MLB betting becomes a perfect option for sports betting online. You can also place lucrative bets during the MLB World Series best-of-seven playoff. Moneyline, futures, and player props are the most widely used betting options. | |
 | NCAAB — NCAAB betting is almost equally popular as NBA betting. The NCAA March Madness tournament gathers the best college basketball players and teams in the competition, which means you can expect dozens of new and exciting bets to choose from if you decide to engage in sports betting online during that particular period. | |
 | NCAAF — College football NCAAF betting might not be as popular as NFL betting, but it is certainly drawing a lot of attention from handicappers and bettors alike, especially during the NCAAF Playoff. | |
 | PGA Tour — Each week, there is an exciting PGA Tour event you can bet on. You can place wagers such as finish placement, winner, matchup betting, and other prop bets. | |
 | ATP — Betting on ATP Tour men’s tennis matches is incredibly exciting. The young guns like Medvedev and Zverev are challenging the Big Three in every tournament, and their wins are no longer considered upsets, so you’d better be ready when they happen. | |
 | WTA — The worldwide tennis tour for women gives you as many betting opportunities as betting on men’s tennis matches. Frequent wins by the underdogs are not uncommon in WTA betting, so look for your opportunity there. |
Restricted Markets on Sportsbook Sites
When it comes to the betting rules, each state is well within its own rights to choose the markets it wants to restrict or allow. However, according to the analysis of the betting markets across the sports betting online sites, we can establish a visible pattern.
Namely, high school events are always out of reach in all online sportsbooks, as are all matches where athletes are under 18. On the other hand, collegiate events are allowed, but some restrictions that apply there can involve the inability to bet on college sports involving a local team or entire events taking place within the state.
Other common restrictions refer to betting on US elections — presidential, federal, or local. No sports betting sites can offer odds for those events. The same applies to the outcomes of TV shows and award shows, but we can still find some exceptions there. For example, at the moment, you can bet on Oscars in Michigan, Colorado, Indiana, and New Jersey.
Types of Bets
The best sports betting sites get really creative when it comes to creating different types of bets. Luckily, it is fairly simple to grasp the concept behind various types of wagers and the sports where these can be used.
Here are some of the most frequently used bets:
- Moneyline bets — Moneyline bets are the simplest form of betting. These allow you to choose the outright winner of the match. Negative numbers in front of the team will indicate odds for the favorite. For example, -115 odds means you will have to bet $115 to win $100. The plus sign in front of a team or player indicates the underdog. If the odds are +140, you will earn $140 on a $100 bet should the underdog prevail.
- Point spreads — Point spreads indicate a margin of victory that you have to factor in while betting, as this serves to even out the odds in the game. For example, the bookie will give a -5.5 point spread for the favorites to cover in order for your point spread wager to be a winning one. Should they lose or win by 5 points or fewer, you lose the bet. The same goes for the underdog. Their point spread is indicated with the + sign. If it is +5.5, then the underdog needs to win or lose by 5 points or fewer for the bet to stand.
- Totals — Totals are bets where you place a wager on the total number of points in the game. You simply need to choose whether there will be more or fewer points than the bookie has predicted.
- Parlays — Parlays are wagers where you combine predictions on two or more events on a single betslip. You have to get all of them correctly for the bet to be a winning one. If you do, you can expect great payouts.
- Props — Props are not directly related to the outcome of the game. They let you bet on various things, such as which team will inbound the ball or who will score the first down of the game. The options are almost endless.
- Teasers — Teaser bets let you move the point spread a bit in your favor but at the expense of the payouts.
- Live bets — Live bets are bets that you place on an ongoing match. The odds shift to reflect the situation on the pitch or court, so you have to react quickly.
- Futures — Futures are wagers you place on the sporting events that are set to take place in the near or distant future. The further away the match is, the better the odds and potential payouts.
How to Start to Bet on Sports Online
Getting started with online sports betting takes only a couple of steps. The entire process is simplified so that even absolute beginners can master it effortlessly. Here’s what you need to do:
- Follow one of our links that will take you to the best sports betting sites in your state.
- Hit the Join Now/Sign Up/Register button on the page.
- Input personal details, such as name, email, address, phone number, last four digits of your Social Security number, etc.
- Choose a payment method to complete your deposit.
- Claim a sports betting bonus if it is offered. Remember to check for bonus codes that trigger the promotion.
- Browse the sports and betting markets and start wagering.
Legal sports betting, as well as betting on casino games, is reserved for persons aged 21 or more, but some states will allow sports betting to those aged at least 18. Sites need the information you provided to verify your identity, but in some cases, they may ask you for some documents, such as copies of your ID and such.
ONLINE SPORTS BETTING
Is online sports betting legal in the US?
Online sports betting is legal in a number of states in the US but not in the entire country. All states have the right to choose to legalize all forms of gambling how they see fit.
When did US states begin to legalize sports betting?
Most states have started legalizing sports betting after the Supreme Court struck down PASPA in 2018.
What is the minimum legal age for betting online in the US?
The minimum age for online betting depends on the state, but most states allow individuals who are 21 or above to bet.
Do I have to be a resident of a state to join a sports betting site there?
No, you don’t have to be a resident. You have to be physically present in the state at the moment of betting and of legal age to bet.
Can I bet on everything?
No, you can’t. Certain betting markets are usually off-limits, such as high school sports or prop bets on college football. Each state has its own rules regarding off-limit bets.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are there taxes on winnings from sports betting?
The IRS categorizes winnings from sports betting as income. As a result, it requires you to file bet winnings on your tax reports.
How do I know if the site is legal in my state?
You will see a stamp of approval from the local gambling jurisdiction at the bottom of the sportsbook’s homepage. If there is one, then you are playing on a legal and regulated site.
Are there any bonuses on legal betting sites?
Absolutely. You can find free bet, deposit match, cashback, odds boost, and other types of sports betting bonus deals in all authorized sportsbooks.
Are legal sites better than offshore sites?
With legal sites, you won’t have to worry about fairness, safety, or any other security aspect. This can’t be said for offshore sites, despite their claims.
Do top sportsbooks have apps?
Sure they do. Most, if not all, online sportsbooks have developed native mobile apps for Android and iOS devices you can download on your smartphone or tablet.