The good thing about wagering at USA sports betting sites is that you can bet on major events and player milestones that will happen down the line. This is called a futures bet. You can bet on which team will win the World Series months before the matchup is set. Jan 04, 2021 FOX Bet offers an engaging sports betting experience tied closely to the personalities and betting coverage at FOX Sports. Expect to see some of the best daily promos in the business. Bonus: Up to $500 Risk-Free Bet. FOX Bet offers an engaging sports betting experience tied closely to the personalities and betting coverage at FOX Sports. Expect to see some of the best daily promos in the business. Bonus: Up to $500 Risk-Free Bet.
It has been more than two years since the Supreme Court of the United States struck down PASPA. That move opened the door to legal sports betting in the US as the justices effectively handed the legislative decision over to individual states.
16 hours ago Super Bowl Sunday is the biggest sporting - and betting - event of the year. Despite the pandemic, bookkeepers are expecting wagers worth more than $4 billion this year.
Since that point, we have seen a flurry of activity. Many states are now completely up and running with legal sports betting. Other states are still sorting through legalization, and more are expected to follow.
While some states have retail, mobile and online options, others require bets to be placed only in-person. There are also restrictions in place to ensure that users are within state lines while placing bets via mobile devices.
The landscape has changed dramatically in a short period of time.
Legal US sports betting apps
Not all states that allow legal sports betting will choose to use online or mobile wagering platforms. Some have rules that allow online and mobile wagering anywhere within state lines, while others require bets to be placed inside a casino.
Just because you download a sports betting app that is legal in one state doesn't mean it will work in another. Smartphone apps will verify your location within a legal betting area before allowing you to wager. You will be rejected from betting if outside the legal borders.
Where can I place a legal online sports bet?
The list of legal online sports betting states continues to grow. Currently, it's up to 14 states and Washington, DC, but the official launch is still pending in some spots.
* Pending launch
Colorado sports betting sites
Legal sports betting was approved by voters in Colorado in 2019. The official online and mobile rollout took place on May 1, 2020, with DraftKings, FanDuel, BetRivers and BetMGM all going live on the same day. Several other operators have since gone live in the state.
Illinois sports betting sites
Legislation was also passed in Illinois in 2019 with the official launch taking place in March 2020. Initially, only retail betting was allowed, with in-person registration required for online and mobile players. That provision has been suspended for the time being because of the COVID-19 pandemic. DraftKings, FanDuel, PointsBet and BetRivers are among the available options.
Indiana sports betting sites
Sports betting was legalized in Indiana in 2019. The rollout happened quickly, with retail options opening up in September of that year, followed by online and mobile launch in October. DraftKings and BetRivers were the first sites available, followed by FanDuel a month later. The list of available options continues to grow.
Iowa sports betting sites
Iowa was also among the states that both legalized and went live with sports betting in 2019. Legislation was passed in May, with the retail and mobile launch coming in August. Through the end of 2020, online and mobile users have to register in-person at a casino that offers sports betting. DraftKings, PointsBet and William Hill are among the operators that are live in Iowa.
Michigan sports betting sites
Sports betting was signed into law in December 2019 in Michigan. Retail sportsbooks opened up in March 2020 and mobile sportbook apps became legal for sports betting in Michigan in January 2021.
Nevada sports betting sites
Nevada's days as the only option for legal US sports betting are over. Not much has changed for the state since the SCOTUS ruling. While more known for in-person wagering at casinos throughout Las Vegas such as Westgate and Caesars, the state also has online and mobile options available from operators like William Hill.
New Hampshire sports betting sites
Sports betting officially debuted in New Hampshire in December 2019 after being approved by the state Legislature earlier in the year. The approval covered both retail and mobile, but the situation is unique in NH. DraftKings is the exclusive provider of online and mobile wagering in the state and also the operator of the lone retail shops.
New Jersey sports betting sites
The Garden State was one of the first to act after the landmark Supreme Court ruling. Retail sports betting rolled out in June 2018. DraftKings was the first online option in August, followed by PlaySugarhouse and FanDuel. There are now more than a dozen options NJ sports betting apps on the market.
Oregon sports betting sites
Oregon legalized sports betting in August 2019. Retail wagering was introduced at one of the state's tribal casinos the following month. In October, the Scoreboard sports betting app was launched. Run by the state lottery, this is the only mobile option available for sports bettors in Oregon.
Pennsylvania sports betting sites
Pennsylvania was among the states that moved quickly in the wake of the PASPA ruling. Retail sportsbooks opened for business in November 2018. The official online launch took place in May 2019. SugarHouse was the first site to go live, and it was soon joined by sister property BetRivers and others including DraftKings and FanDuel.
Rhode Island sports betting sites
Rhode Island sports betting legislation was approved in 2018, but it was initially for retail only at the state's two operating casinos. The following year, a new bill was approved that gave the green light to mobile wagering with an in-person registration requirement, which has since been removed. The Rhode Island Lottery oversees things, with William Hill handling operations.
Tennessee sports betting sites
Tennessee approved sports betting in April 2019. It's a unique situation as there are not expected to be any retail sportsbooks in the state. Sports bettors are now able to place mobile wagers as of November 2020.
Virginia sports betting sites
Sports betting was legalized in Virginia in April 2020 and officially launched its first sportsbook in January 2021. According to state law, there will be a minimum of four and as many as 12 mobile options available.
Washington, DC, sports betting sites
The city council gave its approval to sports betting in 2018, but the bill wasn't signed into law until the following January. GambetDC, an offering run by the lottery and powered by Intralot, is the sole online and mobile option for bettors since its launch in 2020. A William Hill retail sportsbook has since opened for business at the Capital One Arena.
West Virginia sports betting sites
West Virginia also sprang into action following the Supreme Court ruling. Retail sportsbooks opened up in September 2018. BetLucky was available for a short time as a mobile option, but it shut down the following year due to a technology dispute. DraftKings and FanDuel went live in WV soon thereafter and have since been joined by other operators.
Best sports betting apps in the US
The list of options for users in legal sports betting states continues to grow. Here are some of the top options available in multiple states.
DraftKings app
The daily fantasy sports giant was among the many operators awaiting the Supreme Court ruling in 2018. The company was the first online and mobile option available in NJ. DraftKings has since expanded to a number of other states, with plans for further expansion in the works. It's known for having a slick platform and live betting feature.
DraftKings Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, PA, IN, IL, WV, NH, IA, CO
FanDuel app
FanDuel was also ready to go soon after the SCOTUS ruling. NJ was the first point of entry for the company in sports betting, but the platform has since been unveiled in several other states. FanDuel is known for being visually appealing and user-friendly, with features like single-game parlay offerings.
FanDuel Sportsbook is legal in: PA, IN, NJ, WV, CO, IL, IA
FOX Bet app
Launched as a tag-team effort from media giant FOX Sports and The Stars Group, the platform receives great visibility throughout FOX Sports programming and has a steady stream of promotions tied in with network personalities. FOX Bet is somewhat geared toward newer bettors and is working toward launching in additional states.
FOX Bet Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, PA, CO
BetMGM app
Originally known as playMGM upon its launch in NJ, the site and app have since been rebranded. BetMGM has been making a lot of headway with its entry into multiple states and various deals with teams and media entities. The company is one of several with designs on becoming one of the top sports betting destinations across the US.
BetMGM Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, WV, CO, IN
PointsBet app
Australia-based PointsBet debuted in NJ in 2019 and has since opened its doors in other states. The site is geared toward sports bettors and features a unique betting option known as PointsBetting. The company captured a good deal of attention with its recent deal with NBC Sports and continues to aggressively pursue market share.
PointsBet Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, IA, IN, IL
William Hill app
The UK bookmaker has had a retail presence in Nevada for some time. It has since expanded into other states both physically and via online and mobile offerings. The platform itself is easy to use and filled with features. William Hill has made some headway in the US in a short period of time and appears poised to continue on that path.
William Hill Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, CO, WV, IL, RI, NV
BetRivers app
BetRivers comes our way from Rush Street Gaming, which is also the parent company of sister site PlaySugarhouse. The company also has a retail casino presence in several states. BetRivers has come to be known for having a solid offering and good loyalty program.
BetRivers Sportsbook is legal in: PA, IN, CO, WV
Other legal sports betting apps
The overall list of legal sports betting sites is a lengthy one. Here's a look at a few more that have debuted in multiple states to date.
BetAmerica Sportsbook
Horse racing fans are familiar with BetAmerica, an offering from Churchill Downs International. The sportsbook is now up and running in three states, while users in NJ and PA can also access casino games right from the same site.
BetAmerica Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, IN, PA
Caesars Sportsbook
The iconic Caesars name is well-known to both online and brick-and-mortar casino patrons. The sportsbook has launched in a trio of states to date. It's a basic offering, but all of the bet types and sports you could ask for are available.
Caesars Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, PA, IN
SportsBetting.com
This is a newer offering that has made its debut in the Colorado market. The company also has its sights set on entering the New Jersey, Indiana and Iowa markets as soon as possible. As the name implies, the site is solely focused on sports betting.
SportsBetting.com is legal in: CO
Unibet Sportsbook
Unibet is an international operator that has a big presence on the global scene. It's now up and running in select states in the US with plans on entering more soon. This is a basic offering without a lot of bells and whistles, but solid for just getting down to business.
Unibet Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, PA, IN
Which states are most likely to launch sports betting sites next?
Michigan is next up on the launch watch list. The current timeline calls for MI to be live in early 2021.
The following states have passed legislation for retail sports betting at tribal casinos, but the official launch hasn't happened yet.
- North Carolina
- Washington
Plans call for retail only in both states, but the fact that sports betting legislation has been passed in at least some form can be seen as a glimmer of hope on the online front.
Three states approved ballot measures in 2020 to make some form of sports betting legal:
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- South Dakota
A handful of states have opened up sports betting on a retail basis without launching online. Efforts to legalize online betting in these states have stalled to date, but it remains a work in progress.
- Arkansas
- Delaware*
- Mississippi
- Montana
- New Mexico
- New York
* Online legal but not launched
There are another 20 states that are at least considering some form of sports betting legislation. The list of states in which there has been absolutely no movement stands at eight.
Retail sports betting
For decades, the only state in which you could legally place a sports bet in person was Nevada. It's a different story in the aftermath of the PASPA ruling. Here are the states (and Washington, DC) in which you'll find retail sportsbooks.
- Delaware
- New Jersey
- Mississippi
- West Virginia
- New Mexico
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Arkansas
- New York
- Iowa
- Oregon
- Indiana
- New Hampshire
- Illinois
- Montana
- Michigan
- Colorado
- Washington, DC
Washington and North Carolina are expected to be the next states to open brick-and-mortar sportsbooks at tribal casinos.
Which states are most likely to regulate sports betting next?
Sports betting legislation has at least been introduced in 20 states that have yet to act on the matter. While optimism is high that it'll eventually be passed in each of these states, there's nothing concrete that says it's right around the corner for any of them. Here's the list.
- Maine
- Vermont
- Massachusetts
- Connecticut
- South Carolina
- Georgia
- Alabama
- Ohio
- Kentucky
- Minnesota
- North Dakota
- Missouri
- Kansas
- Texas
- Arizona
- California
- Alaska
- Hawaii
- Florida
The next legal sports betting states are likely coming from the above list at some point. Meanwhile, these states are still holding out and have yet to introduce legislation to legalize sports betting.
- Wisconsin
- Nebraska
- Oklahoma
- Wyoming
- Idaho
- Utah
Legal vs. offshore betting
The best options available for US sports bettors come via the sites that have been approved for operations in the respective states. Gaining acceptance and approval is not easy, and those who have joined the list of approved operators have invested heavily to do so.
While there remains an active black market for sports betting via illegal offshore sites, there's no reason to take the risk. Here are some of the main points to understand.
- The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act was passed in 2006 to crack down on offshore operators. The law is aimed at the companies to prevent them from doing business in the US, but many still operate due to what they claim is a legal gray area.
- Offshore operators are not operating under the same rules and regulations that legal US betting sites are. There is no guarantee that your funds, data or information will be safely kept.
- Legal sports betting sites have clear terms and conditions, house rules for players to follow, a wide range of normal funding options and customer service options that can be reached easily. That's not the case with the offshore sites.
There are a few easy ways to spot which sites are on the up and up versus those that are not. For starters, the majority of legal states maintain a running list of approved operators on their websites under the division of gambling section or its equivalent.
There's also the eye test. When an operator is legit, it will point users to the right places for information on things such as legality and responsible gambling. That's not something that's high on the priority list for less-than-reputable operators.
Things you can't legally bet on in the US
Each of the individual states is responsible for setting its own rules and regulations for sports betting. As a result, not every piece of legislation that has been passed to date reads in the exact same fashion.
The standard stuff, such as team-based professional sports and major individual competitions, are good to go at all legal and regulated sportsbooks. Each of the operators will also offer various niche sports, but the list of options may vary.
One of the biggest points of difference has been on college sports. While you can bet on college football and basketball in several states, some have expressly prohibited wagering on in-state teams or on amateur events that take place in the state.
In general, the legal sportsbooks stay away from non-sports events. That means no wagering on the weather, reality television outcomes or on elections. However, wagering on the Oscars has been allowed here and there.
Why can't you bet on the election or weather?
While there is often chatter about the betting odds for major political events such as the US presidential election, it remains illegal to bet on the outcome of that. There may be plenty of history attached to betting on who will be the next president, but that doesn't mean it's legal.
Legal and regulated operators offer odds and markets on sporting events. You won't find options to bet on the weather or reality TV at the big shops, and there's a simple reason for that: They're not allowed to.
Sports leagues' stance on legal sports betting
NBA
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver took a front-facing role in advocating for legal sports betting in the US. His op-ed embracing sports betting spurred discussion on the topic long before the fall of PASPA.
Before and after the Supreme Court decision, NBA officials spent most of 2018 trying to get a cut of sports betting money from various state legislatures. They helped introduce the concept of an integrity fee in state-level legislation, claiming the league would face increased monitoring and enforcement costs in a national sports betting environment.
Silver recently added to that argument by calling NBA games the league's 'intellectual property' for which it deserves compensation.
The NBA does not permit wagering on its games through the Ontario Lottery, where the Toronto Raptors play. The same policy existed when an NBA team played in Vancouver. Provinces that do not host NBA teams offer parlay cards on games for the sport.
NHL
The NHL largely let other leagues take the lead on sports betting issues prior to signing a data and marketing agreement with MGM Resorts in November 2018. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also weighed in during the Stanley Cup Final in Las Vegas: the league wants federal legislation (or state-level equivalents) and a slice of sports betting money.
The NHL launched a new franchise in Las Vegas in 2017, which is the first major professional sports team for the country's gambling hub. The Vegas Golden Knightsdrew heavy betting interest through their inaugural season.
It has no issues with the activity in Canada. Some teams participate with lotteries that sell NHL parlay cards. The NHL also opposed new sports betting legislation in Canada.
MLB
Major League Baseball is sensitive to betting on its games. In the post-PASPA world, though, MLB advocates for sports betting legislation that includes integrity fees paid to the league.
The league also signed a data and marketing deal with MGM Resorts in November 2018. It will provide the company with exclusive rights to advanced data for in-play betting.
With regard to integrity fees, MLB went as far as having top executive Joe Torrelobby Governor Andrew Cuomo directly on New York sports betting legislation. This represents a major shift from the league's historical attitude toward gambling.
The 1919 Chicago White Sox threw a World Series, a scandal the league wants everybody to forget. Pete Rose betting on his games and the aftermath involved in that scandal is another black eye MLB never wants to see again.
While MLB joined the New Jersey lawsuit, it has no issues with betting on Toronto Blue Jays games in Ontario. The Montreal Expos were also on parlay cards when that team existed.
NFL
America's most powerful sports league remains largely opposed to legal sports betting. The NFL publicly fought sports betting for decades and now wants federal legislation addressing it after PASPA. Interestingly, the NFL is not advocating for integrity fees.
Despite its stance on US sports betting, the NFL allowed the move of the Raiders to Las Vegas from Oakland beginning in 2020.
The NFL is the only major professional sports league with no direct investment into daily fantasy sports, although 28 of its 32 teams are involved in sponsorships.
NFL games are by far the most popular sports betting events in the US, with the Super Bowl generating close to $150 million in bets in Nevada by itself. The NFL plays games in London, where betting shops are on every corner, and the league seems to have no issues with that.
NCAA
Long the staunchest opponent of legal sports betting, the NCAA finds itself in a tricky position after the repeal of PASPA.
The organization detests sports betting despite the fact that college football and March Madness college betting are two of the largest drivers of handle. The NCAA instituted a de facto ban on national championship contests being held in states with legal sports betting, namely Nevada. But it reversed course after the Supreme Court decision, at least temporarily. That is in part because it already awarded future championships to states that will have sports betting.
The NCAA similarly does not like fantasy sports. It does not permit student-athletes to enter contests. Many conferences do not accept advertising from daily fantasy sites. The NCAA has attempted to convince sites to stop college fantasy sports contests, but DraftKings and FanDuel restarted their college contests post-PASPA.
PGA Tour
Professional golf jumped into the sports betting fray by supporting the integrity fee concept along with MLB and the NBA. The tour also wants sports betting operators to pay for official data from its ShotLink system.
The data question also comes up with other leagues, but the PGA Tour claims to have a different case with proprietary data. In-play betting that relies on data can easily be gleaned from TV broadcasts in many sports. The same can be said for golf with scoring, but anything more in-depth (driving distance, length of putts, etc.) could require official data.
How online sports betting in USA became legal
Challenge in New Jersey
New Jersey voters passed a non-binding referendum in November 2011 that instructed the state legislature to legalize sports betting. The legislature quickly passed a bill that would have regulated sports betting at New Jersey racetracks and Atlantic City casinos. Governor Chris Christie signed the bill into law.
The major sports leagues challenged New Jersey in court, claiming that the state was not exempted by PASPA; therefore it could not legalize sports betting. A lower court ruling sided with the leagues, and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed it. The US Supreme Court at that time refused to hear the case.
New Jersey tried another angle. The state attempted to deregulate and decriminalize sports betting in the same venues as before. The sports leagues returned to court and challenged the new approach to sports betting. The sports leagues prevailed in the lower court and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.
New Jersey was able to appeal and receive a rehearing in the Third Circuit, which it also lost. The Supreme Court then agreed to hear it and New Jersey won its case in May 2018.
American Gaming Association's stance
The American Gaming Association is the gaming industry's lobbying group. It maintains the black market of illegal gambling is too lucrative and thrives in the unregulated environment. The AGA supported the repeal of PASPA and strongly advocates for states to be able to write their own sports betting laws.
How is daily fantasy sports different from sports betting?
Daily fantasy sports is believed to be legal in at least 40 states, according to the companies that promote the product.
There are big differences between daily fantasy sports and sports betting.
In sports betting, a bettor picks a team or multiple teams to win or cover a point spread. In daily fantasy sports, a user chooses athletes and enters a competition that computes a winner based on the statistics accumulated by the players in a sport.
Current status of daily fantasy sports
Daily fantasy sports is generally considered to be legal in about 40 states, with laws on the books in about half of those.
States that restrict DFS
Daily fantasy sports are illegal in Iowa, Montana, Louisiana, Arizona and Washington. Nevada requires a gaming license to operate a daily fantasy sports site.
Opinions from attorneys general have emphasized the legal gray area for DFS in many states. DraftKings, FanDuel and others pulled out of Idaho, Hawaii and Alabama. FanDuel does not serve Texas, but DraftKings does.
FAQ for betting sites
Is it legal to bet on sports online?
Yes, but it depends on where you are located. Legal sports betting can be done online in many of the states mentioned above. You do not have to be a resident of a state to bet there, but you do need to be physically located within the state to place a legal online sports bet.
What is the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act?
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act passed Congress in September 2006. It made payment processing of illegal gambling transactions a federal crime. It exempted gaming specifically legalized at the state level, horse racing and some forms of fantasy sports.
Is sports betting legal in Europe?
Online sports betting is legal throughout most of Europe including the UK. This includes betting shops, mobile apps and over the Internet. Real gambling real money. Some of the best online betting sites in Europe are now operating in the US.
Is online sports betting legal in Canada?
Canada lotteries offer parlay cards on a variety of sports, including football, basketball, baseball and hockey. There is a push to expand betting to straight wagers. Online betting sites operate in a legal gray area.
Is online sports betting legal in the US?
Yes, in some places. Sports betting has been legalized in a number of states to date, and the list is expected to continue growing in the coming years. In 2018, the Supreme Court placed the matter of legalizing sports betting into the hands of the individual states to decide on. While sports betting has since been legalized in a number of states, legislation hasn't been passed on a federal level.
What is the safest betting site?
The safest options for sports betting online come via the legal and regulated operators. DraftKings and FanDuel are two examples of operators that have received approval to open for business in a number of states. Legal and regulated sites have to go through a lengthy application process, follow specific rules and regulations, and verify that customer funds are safe. That's not the case with the unregulated options that may be available.
Why do some sports betting sites accept cryptocurrency?
Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, are not available as funding options at legal and regulated sportsbooks. If you see these options available, then there's a good chance that you have stumbled upon a black-market operator that claims it can operate safely under some kind of legal gray area. A fully legal site will provide its users with standard funding options such as credit cards, PayPal and wire transfers, and you won't have to jump through any unnecessary hoops to deposit or withdraw.
Do I have to pay taxes on my winnings?
Yes, profits obtained from sports betting or any other type of gambling are considered taxable income in the US. If you win above a certain level, operators may even provide you with a 1099-G that states your level of winnings, and the form will be filed with the IRS, as well. A complete tracking of the deposits and withdrawals you have made for gambling purposes is a good habit to get into. For specific questions in regard to your personal situation, we encourage you to consult with a tax advisor.
What legal online and mobile sports betting is available in Nevada?
Sports Connection / Station Casinos, NV Sports Books / South Point, William Hill, CG Technology, Aliante Casino, Treasure Island and Boyd Gaming all operate mobile betting apps in Nevada. Sports Connection/Station Casinos also offers a website.
Can you deposit with PayPal at legal Nevada sports betting apps?
No, at this time you cannot deposit using PayPal for any Nevada sports betting apps. You will need to deposit in person or using a pre-paid card. There are options to top off your account at some convenience stores with certain Nevada apps.
PayPal is likely to be an option for payment in other states, however.
Is it legal to play on Bovada?
No. Bovada is an unlicensed sports betting site. It is illegal for the company to operate in the US but players likely face no legal consequences.
Are there risks to betting on sports at unlicensed sites?
Offshore sportsbooks may not pay players. If a bettor gets stiffed by an unlicensed betting site, then he or she has no recourse. That does not happen at licensed sites.
Sports Betting in other countries: Australia, New Zealand
Being an American affords you the freedom to be yourself and do what you want. One area where we've seen extensive growth when it comes to freedom is with online sports betting. Many states and jurisdictions have passed favorable laws paving the way for the best US sportsbooks to offer real money action to US citizens and guests all across this beautiful country.
| Rank | Gambling Site | Deposit Bonus | Get Started |
| #1 | BetUS | 100% Up To $2,500 | Visit Site |
| #2 | 50% Up To $1,000 | Visit Site | |
| #3 | BetNow | 100% Up To $1,000 | Visit Site |
| #4 | 50% Up To $250 | Visit Site | |
| #5 | BetOnline Sports | 50% Up To $1,000 | Visit Site |
If you live in the red, white, and blue and are ready to bet on sports online, you've come to the right spot. In this guide, we list a few top-rated US sports betting sites and apps for you to enjoy. And our team of expert sports bettors and industry insiders outlines everything you need to know to start making real money sports bets right from the comfort of your own home.
You're just minutes away from the action.
Top US Online Sportsbooks
- MyBookie – Widest variety of sports betting options online.
- Bovada – Most trusted brand in United States sports betting.
- BetNow – Lucrative bonus opportunities for US sports bettors.
- SportsBetting.ag – Real money betting offered in all 50 states in the USA.
- BetOnline – Extensive selection of payment options with fast payouts.
If you're here searching for the best online sports betting sites that services customers in the United States, you've found the motherlode. While each of these USA betting sites offers a slightly different experience, they each have one thing in common—trustworthiness. Each of these sites for real money online betting in the United States has proven its worth in the industry by providing exemplary service to sports bettors for years. If you want to bet where we bet, pick one of these US betting sites.
What Criteria Do These US Sports Betting Sites Meet?
Betting Options
To get on our list of the best US sports gambling sites, we conduct thorough reviews. And our reviews start with offering a superior product. One area we're particular sticklers for are the number of betting options offered. Whether that's USA sports betting options or international betting options, we want to see the ability to bet on major sports in the US, major sports internationally, special events around the world, and all of the smaller sports that unique fans love. Additionally, we like to see mobile US betting apps and online sportsbooks that offer more than just a few bets for every game, race, or match.
Lucrative Bonuses Opportunities
In the early days of real money online sports betting, the question was whether or not you could get a bonus from a site. Today, the question is not if, but how big of a bonus you can get. When we're racking and stacking the top sports betting sites in the US, we want to see big bonuses and the sites that we have recommended have some of the best sports gambling bonuses online.
Best Bet In American Roulette
Not only that, but we also want to see bonuses that have fair terms, benefit the player, and are easy to clear. Plenty of online US sports betting apps slap a huge number on the homepage yet make it impossible to get. Our team digs under the hood to make sure that you're getting what you think you're getting.
Banking Options and Accepted Currencies
Not everyone uses the same bank or is comfortable using the same method of moving money around online. Because of this, we want to see real money online sportsbooks in the United States that offer several different banking options. Additionally, we like seeing that they accept multiple currencies. While this might not matter to most bettors in the US, it certainly does if you ever travel abroad.
But what is most important in all of this is whether or not the money moves quickly and safely. In the early days of real money sports betting online in the US, we were okay with options that were a little slower on the draw. Today, you're only going to see fast payout betting sites on our recommended lists.
User Interface
Betting on sports is already challenging enough when it comes to picking winners. Why on Earth would you ever want to bet with a sportsbook that complicates that process? You wouldn't, and neither would we! For that reason, we only recommend United States sports betting apps and sites that have great user interfaces that are intuitive, laid out well, and constantly being upgraded.
Trustworthiness and Reputation
While we love to joke around and have a good time, there's one thing that we take very seriously when it comes to United States sports betting sites, and that's the safety of our readers. We're never going to recommend any US sportsbooks that we haven't fully researched and vetted for trust, reputation, and reliability. If you can't that trust your online betting experience is going to be safe, then there's no point. Again, it's hard enough to pick winners without the added stress of worrying about the safety of your money. You won't have to worry about that here.
Customer Service
It's incredible how many US sports betting websites can't seem to get the customer service piece right. For us, that's a non-starter. If you can't provide top-notch customer service to your customers, then we're not interested in sending you any business. Here's what we're looking for:
- 24/7/365 service
- Agents who are fluent in English
- Extensive FAQ guides to help with common questions
- Customer service teams that are equipped with the resources needed to help
- Short or nonexistent wait times
- The ability to contact a live person via chat or the phone
What USA Betting Sites Can I Use in My State?
Even though these are the best US sports betting sites, some sites are restricted in certain states. We've included the information below to help you find an online sportsbook no matter what state you are in.
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Delaware
- Maryland
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Allowed in All 50 States
- Allowed in All 50 States
Betamerica Casino Pa
However, it's always a good idea to get as specific as possible to get the best product available for you. Keeping with this idea, we've included links to dedicated guides below for all 50 states. Click on the state you're in to see the best sports gambling sites for US players that are specific to the jurisdiction.
United States Gambling Laws
A popular area of discussion around betting on sports in America is the legality. For the most part, most areas of the country allow at least some form of legal gambling, including USA sports betting sites. Additionally, we see more and more states and jurisdictions add favorable legislation to help advance gambling and sports betting even further.
Let's look at some of the more historic pieces of gambling legislation that have affected USA sports betting and US sports betting apps and sites. While not all of these apply today, it's always nice to have a good idea of where we've come from to see where we're going.
Wire Act of 1961
Also known as the Interstate Wire Act, this law sets out some guidance for the operation of different types of wagering businesses in the US Originally, the law was put in place to stop certain forms of brick and mortar gambling and the transfer of money and information through wire communications. Currently, there hasn't been a ruling on whether or not the Wire Act of 1961 applies to online gambling or not.
Interstate Transportation of Wagering Paraphernalia Act
This law deals with the transportation of certain gambling materials across state lines. In other words, it targets bookies that might be transporting supplies across state lines in order to run an illegal gambling operation.
Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act
Probably the most famous law concerning real money gambling on the internet was the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (UIEGA). This law specifically targeted online banking transactions within the betting business, leading many US sports betting sites and US betting apps to stop servicing the United States for an extended period of time and serving international customers instead.
What's interesting about the law is that it doesn't apply to 'skill games,' which spurred a lot of debate in the horse racing community, online poker world, and with sports bettors.
The arguments began that all of these were games of skill, as they required skill to win, and players could gain an edge. The bottom line with the UIEGA is it's heavily open to interpretation. You can still visit many US sports betting sites today.
Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act
The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) set out to define the legal landscape for real money online sports betting in the US. In short, the law outlawed sports betting in most areas of the US with a few exceptions. This caused the rise in offshore sportsbooks that worked to operate outside the control of PASPA.
What's most important to note, though, is that in 2018, PASPA was overturned, paving the way for states to begin regulating sports betting in the ways they saw fit. The interesting debate that followed the overturning was whether states needed to rule in order for sports betting to become fully legal again.
Some states jumped on the opportunity to bring in more tax revenue and quickly laid out favorable legislation. Some of them have state-regulated US online betting sites available to local residents and visitors. But a few states went the other way and laid out legislation continuing the intent of PASPA. But the biggest debate came in states that did absolutely nothing. Is sports gambling now legal, or is a new law required to lay out the framework? Depending on the lawyer you ask, you'll get a different answer.
Illegal Gambling Business Act
Rolled out in 1955, this law makes it illegal to own or operate an illegal gambling business in the US The law is an interesting one because it effectively says that it's 'illegal to do something illegal.' Profound. What the law does do is attach some additional outline to what is and what is not illegal. Still, this law was written in the 1950s, well before online gambling was a thing. How it pertains or is applicable today is completely up to interpretation. Additionally, it only deals with businesses running the operations and not the players participating.
Types of Bets You Can Place at US Online Sportsbooks
Something you're really going to like when betting on sports in the US is the options. The top US betting sites offer a wide variety of different types of wagers. These options allow you to maximize your potential winnings by taking advantage of every unique prediction, hot tip, and lock you come across.
Here's a look at the six most popular bet types you'll see available on games, matches, and races.
Moneyline
All US sports betting apps and sites offer moneyline wagers. A moneyline wager is a bet on which team, person, or car is going to win a scheduled event. All you need to happen to win your bet is the person you chose to win to come out victorious. That's it! Keep in mind that moneyline bets don't always pay out the same amount of money, depending on who you bet on. The bigger the favorite, the less you stand to win. Big underdogs can bring a big payday, though.
Here's an example of a moneyline bet. Let's say the Bengals are playing the Browns on Thursday Night Football. The moneyline odds could look like this:
To win this bet at US sports gambling sites, you just have to pick which team is going to get the job done. But because the Browns are favored in this example, a bet on them won't net the same profit as a bet on the underdog Bengals. Here's what you'd earn with a $20 wager on each team.
- Bengals $20 to win pays a profit of $42
- Browns $20 to win pays a profit of $7.40
Point Spread
In the prior example, you can see where a bet on the Browns might not be that enticing. But what are you to do if you think the Browns are going to have a great game but don't want to risk an arm and a leg to get a real return? You'd have to bet $114 with a moneyline bet to get the same return as a bet on the Bengals.
This is where point spread wagers come in. The best sports betting sites in the US will determine how many points they believe the favorite in a game is going to win by. In this example, the sportsbook believes the favorites the Browns are going to win by 6 points. A point spread bet is a wager on whether a team is going to outperform that expectation or not.
Here's what the bet would look like in the sportsbook.
With most point spread bets, either side of the wager pays the same amount. In some sports with lower score totals like soccer and hockey, though, that's not always the case. In this example, each side pays out at -110. So, a $20 wager on either side pays a profit of $18.18
At most US sports betting sites, all you need to win your point spread bet is for the team you wager on to outperform the expectations. In this example, the Bengals are expected to lose by 6 points. All they have to do for you to win your bet is lose by fewer than 6 points. They don't even have to win the game. As long as they lose by 5 or fewer points, you win your bet.
The same is true on the other side. The Browns are expected to win by 6 points. To win a bet here, the Browns must outperform that expectation and win by more than 6 points. In other words, they must win by at least 7 points.
If the game results in exactly a 6-point victory for the Browns, it's a push, and all bets are returned.
Totals
Another popular bet you'll see at many of the best US sports betting sites is a totals bet. This wager is based on the total points or goals scored in a game. The sportsbook sets the line of how many total points or goals they believe will be scored by both teams. From there, you have two options—bet the over or bet the under.
If you bet the under, the total points scored must be under the line set by the sportsbook. If you bet the over, the total points must be higher. If the number is exactly on the line, it's a push, and all bets are returned.
Here's an example using our previous football example.
-110
As you can see, both sides of this bet pay out the same amount, just like the point spread wager. This can change in some sports, though.
While it does say a team name on each bet, it doesn't actually matter which team wins the game or how the points are scored. The only part of the bet you're looking at is 'Over 44' or 'Under 44.'
If you bet the over on your US betting app and the final score is Browns – 45, Bengals – 0, you win because the total points scored is over 44. If the final score is Browns – 24, Bengals – 30, you win because the total points scored is 54 and is higher than 44.
Futures
A futures wager is a bet on something that takes more than one game, race, or match to decide. A common example found at US sports betting sites might be a wager on who will win an upcoming tournament or which team will win the end of season championship. Generally, futures bets can be made way in advance and are available throughout the duration of the event.
That being said, the odds on futures bets change as the likelihood of a person or team winning goes up or down. For example, if a team is winning every game, makes the playoffs, and there are only a few teams left—expect a lower payout on a futures bet. If you see a team that's struggling but still has a shot to win, you might see some incredible odds on a futures bet.
Props
Many of the top US online sportsbooks and US betting apps offer what are called prop bets. Sometimes, these bets are available on every game, and sometimes, they're just available on higher-profile events. By definition, a prop bet is a wager on whether or not something will happen during the course of a game, race, or match. When you bet on props at the best sports betting sites in the United States, you either wager on 'Yes' or 'No' or an exact prediction.
Here are a few sample prop bets that should clear up any confusion.
Prop Bet
+200
Boxing Moneyline Bet
+210
Parlays
A parlay is a bet that strings multiple individual bets together. In order for you to win, you must win every single bet included. As this is much harder to do, you are paid handsomely for hitting a parlay. Parlays found at most US sports betting sites can have as few as two bets up to as many as the sportsbooks choose to allow. If you're looking for a way to turn a small amount of money into a big win, take a look at these bets.
How to Start Real Money Betting on Sports in the US
- Choose the right US sports betting sites for you. Take a few minutes and test out some of the options we've recommended here. Most of these real money sportsbooks let you see anything and everything without creating an account! The only thing you won't be able to do is to make an actual bet until you sign up.
- Join the USA sportsbook of your choice. Once you've tested out a few US betting sites, make your final selection(s). Fill out the basic account information, and create your account. If you're looking to join multiple United States sports gambling sites to shop lines, you can take care of that now or after you make your first bet.
- Make a deposit. You'll need to fund your account to make your first bet. Luckily, this only takes a few minutes, and you'll have instant access to the cash. Head over to the banking page and select the deposit option you want to use. From there, follow the on-screen prompts and make your deposit.
- Start betting online! Real money US online sportsbooks are designed to be convenient. Part of that convenience is the ability to get into the action quickly. Once you've made it to this step, all that's left for you to do is to start picking winners!
US Sports Betting FAQ
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in the United States?
FanDuel app
FanDuel was also ready to go soon after the SCOTUS ruling. NJ was the first point of entry for the company in sports betting, but the platform has since been unveiled in several other states. FanDuel is known for being visually appealing and user-friendly, with features like single-game parlay offerings.
FanDuel Sportsbook is legal in: PA, IN, NJ, WV, CO, IL, IA
FOX Bet app
Launched as a tag-team effort from media giant FOX Sports and The Stars Group, the platform receives great visibility throughout FOX Sports programming and has a steady stream of promotions tied in with network personalities. FOX Bet is somewhat geared toward newer bettors and is working toward launching in additional states.
FOX Bet Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, PA, CO
BetMGM app
Originally known as playMGM upon its launch in NJ, the site and app have since been rebranded. BetMGM has been making a lot of headway with its entry into multiple states and various deals with teams and media entities. The company is one of several with designs on becoming one of the top sports betting destinations across the US.
BetMGM Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, WV, CO, IN
PointsBet app
Australia-based PointsBet debuted in NJ in 2019 and has since opened its doors in other states. The site is geared toward sports bettors and features a unique betting option known as PointsBetting. The company captured a good deal of attention with its recent deal with NBC Sports and continues to aggressively pursue market share.
PointsBet Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, IA, IN, IL
William Hill app
The UK bookmaker has had a retail presence in Nevada for some time. It has since expanded into other states both physically and via online and mobile offerings. The platform itself is easy to use and filled with features. William Hill has made some headway in the US in a short period of time and appears poised to continue on that path.
William Hill Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, CO, WV, IL, RI, NV
BetRivers app
BetRivers comes our way from Rush Street Gaming, which is also the parent company of sister site PlaySugarhouse. The company also has a retail casino presence in several states. BetRivers has come to be known for having a solid offering and good loyalty program.
BetRivers Sportsbook is legal in: PA, IN, CO, WV
Other legal sports betting apps
The overall list of legal sports betting sites is a lengthy one. Here's a look at a few more that have debuted in multiple states to date.
BetAmerica Sportsbook
Horse racing fans are familiar with BetAmerica, an offering from Churchill Downs International. The sportsbook is now up and running in three states, while users in NJ and PA can also access casino games right from the same site.
BetAmerica Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, IN, PA
Caesars Sportsbook
The iconic Caesars name is well-known to both online and brick-and-mortar casino patrons. The sportsbook has launched in a trio of states to date. It's a basic offering, but all of the bet types and sports you could ask for are available.
Caesars Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, PA, IN
SportsBetting.com
This is a newer offering that has made its debut in the Colorado market. The company also has its sights set on entering the New Jersey, Indiana and Iowa markets as soon as possible. As the name implies, the site is solely focused on sports betting.
SportsBetting.com is legal in: CO
Unibet Sportsbook
Unibet is an international operator that has a big presence on the global scene. It's now up and running in select states in the US with plans on entering more soon. This is a basic offering without a lot of bells and whistles, but solid for just getting down to business.
Unibet Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, PA, IN
Which states are most likely to launch sports betting sites next?
Michigan is next up on the launch watch list. The current timeline calls for MI to be live in early 2021.
The following states have passed legislation for retail sports betting at tribal casinos, but the official launch hasn't happened yet.
- North Carolina
- Washington
Plans call for retail only in both states, but the fact that sports betting legislation has been passed in at least some form can be seen as a glimmer of hope on the online front.
Three states approved ballot measures in 2020 to make some form of sports betting legal:
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- South Dakota
A handful of states have opened up sports betting on a retail basis without launching online. Efforts to legalize online betting in these states have stalled to date, but it remains a work in progress.
- Arkansas
- Delaware*
- Mississippi
- Montana
- New Mexico
- New York
* Online legal but not launched
There are another 20 states that are at least considering some form of sports betting legislation. The list of states in which there has been absolutely no movement stands at eight.
Retail sports betting
For decades, the only state in which you could legally place a sports bet in person was Nevada. It's a different story in the aftermath of the PASPA ruling. Here are the states (and Washington, DC) in which you'll find retail sportsbooks.
- Delaware
- New Jersey
- Mississippi
- West Virginia
- New Mexico
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Arkansas
- New York
- Iowa
- Oregon
- Indiana
- New Hampshire
- Illinois
- Montana
- Michigan
- Colorado
- Washington, DC
Washington and North Carolina are expected to be the next states to open brick-and-mortar sportsbooks at tribal casinos.
Which states are most likely to regulate sports betting next?
Sports betting legislation has at least been introduced in 20 states that have yet to act on the matter. While optimism is high that it'll eventually be passed in each of these states, there's nothing concrete that says it's right around the corner for any of them. Here's the list.
- Maine
- Vermont
- Massachusetts
- Connecticut
- South Carolina
- Georgia
- Alabama
- Ohio
- Kentucky
- Minnesota
- North Dakota
- Missouri
- Kansas
- Texas
- Arizona
- California
- Alaska
- Hawaii
- Florida
The next legal sports betting states are likely coming from the above list at some point. Meanwhile, these states are still holding out and have yet to introduce legislation to legalize sports betting.
- Wisconsin
- Nebraska
- Oklahoma
- Wyoming
- Idaho
- Utah
Legal vs. offshore betting
The best options available for US sports bettors come via the sites that have been approved for operations in the respective states. Gaining acceptance and approval is not easy, and those who have joined the list of approved operators have invested heavily to do so.
While there remains an active black market for sports betting via illegal offshore sites, there's no reason to take the risk. Here are some of the main points to understand.
- The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act was passed in 2006 to crack down on offshore operators. The law is aimed at the companies to prevent them from doing business in the US, but many still operate due to what they claim is a legal gray area.
- Offshore operators are not operating under the same rules and regulations that legal US betting sites are. There is no guarantee that your funds, data or information will be safely kept.
- Legal sports betting sites have clear terms and conditions, house rules for players to follow, a wide range of normal funding options and customer service options that can be reached easily. That's not the case with the offshore sites.
There are a few easy ways to spot which sites are on the up and up versus those that are not. For starters, the majority of legal states maintain a running list of approved operators on their websites under the division of gambling section or its equivalent.
There's also the eye test. When an operator is legit, it will point users to the right places for information on things such as legality and responsible gambling. That's not something that's high on the priority list for less-than-reputable operators.
Things you can't legally bet on in the US
Each of the individual states is responsible for setting its own rules and regulations for sports betting. As a result, not every piece of legislation that has been passed to date reads in the exact same fashion.
The standard stuff, such as team-based professional sports and major individual competitions, are good to go at all legal and regulated sportsbooks. Each of the operators will also offer various niche sports, but the list of options may vary.
One of the biggest points of difference has been on college sports. While you can bet on college football and basketball in several states, some have expressly prohibited wagering on in-state teams or on amateur events that take place in the state.
In general, the legal sportsbooks stay away from non-sports events. That means no wagering on the weather, reality television outcomes or on elections. However, wagering on the Oscars has been allowed here and there.
Why can't you bet on the election or weather?
While there is often chatter about the betting odds for major political events such as the US presidential election, it remains illegal to bet on the outcome of that. There may be plenty of history attached to betting on who will be the next president, but that doesn't mean it's legal.
Legal and regulated operators offer odds and markets on sporting events. You won't find options to bet on the weather or reality TV at the big shops, and there's a simple reason for that: They're not allowed to.
Sports leagues' stance on legal sports betting
NBA
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver took a front-facing role in advocating for legal sports betting in the US. His op-ed embracing sports betting spurred discussion on the topic long before the fall of PASPA.
Before and after the Supreme Court decision, NBA officials spent most of 2018 trying to get a cut of sports betting money from various state legislatures. They helped introduce the concept of an integrity fee in state-level legislation, claiming the league would face increased monitoring and enforcement costs in a national sports betting environment.
Silver recently added to that argument by calling NBA games the league's 'intellectual property' for which it deserves compensation.
The NBA does not permit wagering on its games through the Ontario Lottery, where the Toronto Raptors play. The same policy existed when an NBA team played in Vancouver. Provinces that do not host NBA teams offer parlay cards on games for the sport.
NHL
The NHL largely let other leagues take the lead on sports betting issues prior to signing a data and marketing agreement with MGM Resorts in November 2018. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also weighed in during the Stanley Cup Final in Las Vegas: the league wants federal legislation (or state-level equivalents) and a slice of sports betting money.
The NHL launched a new franchise in Las Vegas in 2017, which is the first major professional sports team for the country's gambling hub. The Vegas Golden Knightsdrew heavy betting interest through their inaugural season.
It has no issues with the activity in Canada. Some teams participate with lotteries that sell NHL parlay cards. The NHL also opposed new sports betting legislation in Canada.
MLB
Major League Baseball is sensitive to betting on its games. In the post-PASPA world, though, MLB advocates for sports betting legislation that includes integrity fees paid to the league.
The league also signed a data and marketing deal with MGM Resorts in November 2018. It will provide the company with exclusive rights to advanced data for in-play betting.
With regard to integrity fees, MLB went as far as having top executive Joe Torrelobby Governor Andrew Cuomo directly on New York sports betting legislation. This represents a major shift from the league's historical attitude toward gambling.
The 1919 Chicago White Sox threw a World Series, a scandal the league wants everybody to forget. Pete Rose betting on his games and the aftermath involved in that scandal is another black eye MLB never wants to see again.
While MLB joined the New Jersey lawsuit, it has no issues with betting on Toronto Blue Jays games in Ontario. The Montreal Expos were also on parlay cards when that team existed.
NFL
America's most powerful sports league remains largely opposed to legal sports betting. The NFL publicly fought sports betting for decades and now wants federal legislation addressing it after PASPA. Interestingly, the NFL is not advocating for integrity fees.
Despite its stance on US sports betting, the NFL allowed the move of the Raiders to Las Vegas from Oakland beginning in 2020.
The NFL is the only major professional sports league with no direct investment into daily fantasy sports, although 28 of its 32 teams are involved in sponsorships.
NFL games are by far the most popular sports betting events in the US, with the Super Bowl generating close to $150 million in bets in Nevada by itself. The NFL plays games in London, where betting shops are on every corner, and the league seems to have no issues with that.
NCAA
Long the staunchest opponent of legal sports betting, the NCAA finds itself in a tricky position after the repeal of PASPA.
The organization detests sports betting despite the fact that college football and March Madness college betting are two of the largest drivers of handle. The NCAA instituted a de facto ban on national championship contests being held in states with legal sports betting, namely Nevada. But it reversed course after the Supreme Court decision, at least temporarily. That is in part because it already awarded future championships to states that will have sports betting.
The NCAA similarly does not like fantasy sports. It does not permit student-athletes to enter contests. Many conferences do not accept advertising from daily fantasy sites. The NCAA has attempted to convince sites to stop college fantasy sports contests, but DraftKings and FanDuel restarted their college contests post-PASPA.
PGA Tour
Professional golf jumped into the sports betting fray by supporting the integrity fee concept along with MLB and the NBA. The tour also wants sports betting operators to pay for official data from its ShotLink system.
The data question also comes up with other leagues, but the PGA Tour claims to have a different case with proprietary data. In-play betting that relies on data can easily be gleaned from TV broadcasts in many sports. The same can be said for golf with scoring, but anything more in-depth (driving distance, length of putts, etc.) could require official data.
How online sports betting in USA became legal
Challenge in New Jersey
New Jersey voters passed a non-binding referendum in November 2011 that instructed the state legislature to legalize sports betting. The legislature quickly passed a bill that would have regulated sports betting at New Jersey racetracks and Atlantic City casinos. Governor Chris Christie signed the bill into law.
The major sports leagues challenged New Jersey in court, claiming that the state was not exempted by PASPA; therefore it could not legalize sports betting. A lower court ruling sided with the leagues, and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed it. The US Supreme Court at that time refused to hear the case.
New Jersey tried another angle. The state attempted to deregulate and decriminalize sports betting in the same venues as before. The sports leagues returned to court and challenged the new approach to sports betting. The sports leagues prevailed in the lower court and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.
New Jersey was able to appeal and receive a rehearing in the Third Circuit, which it also lost. The Supreme Court then agreed to hear it and New Jersey won its case in May 2018.
American Gaming Association's stance
The American Gaming Association is the gaming industry's lobbying group. It maintains the black market of illegal gambling is too lucrative and thrives in the unregulated environment. The AGA supported the repeal of PASPA and strongly advocates for states to be able to write their own sports betting laws.
How is daily fantasy sports different from sports betting?
Daily fantasy sports is believed to be legal in at least 40 states, according to the companies that promote the product.
There are big differences between daily fantasy sports and sports betting.
In sports betting, a bettor picks a team or multiple teams to win or cover a point spread. In daily fantasy sports, a user chooses athletes and enters a competition that computes a winner based on the statistics accumulated by the players in a sport.
Current status of daily fantasy sports
Daily fantasy sports is generally considered to be legal in about 40 states, with laws on the books in about half of those.
States that restrict DFS
Daily fantasy sports are illegal in Iowa, Montana, Louisiana, Arizona and Washington. Nevada requires a gaming license to operate a daily fantasy sports site.
Opinions from attorneys general have emphasized the legal gray area for DFS in many states. DraftKings, FanDuel and others pulled out of Idaho, Hawaii and Alabama. FanDuel does not serve Texas, but DraftKings does.
FAQ for betting sites
Is it legal to bet on sports online?
Yes, but it depends on where you are located. Legal sports betting can be done online in many of the states mentioned above. You do not have to be a resident of a state to bet there, but you do need to be physically located within the state to place a legal online sports bet.
What is the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act?
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act passed Congress in September 2006. It made payment processing of illegal gambling transactions a federal crime. It exempted gaming specifically legalized at the state level, horse racing and some forms of fantasy sports.
Is sports betting legal in Europe?
Online sports betting is legal throughout most of Europe including the UK. This includes betting shops, mobile apps and over the Internet. Real gambling real money. Some of the best online betting sites in Europe are now operating in the US.
Is online sports betting legal in Canada?
Canada lotteries offer parlay cards on a variety of sports, including football, basketball, baseball and hockey. There is a push to expand betting to straight wagers. Online betting sites operate in a legal gray area.
Is online sports betting legal in the US?
Yes, in some places. Sports betting has been legalized in a number of states to date, and the list is expected to continue growing in the coming years. In 2018, the Supreme Court placed the matter of legalizing sports betting into the hands of the individual states to decide on. While sports betting has since been legalized in a number of states, legislation hasn't been passed on a federal level.
What is the safest betting site?
The safest options for sports betting online come via the legal and regulated operators. DraftKings and FanDuel are two examples of operators that have received approval to open for business in a number of states. Legal and regulated sites have to go through a lengthy application process, follow specific rules and regulations, and verify that customer funds are safe. That's not the case with the unregulated options that may be available.
Why do some sports betting sites accept cryptocurrency?
Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, are not available as funding options at legal and regulated sportsbooks. If you see these options available, then there's a good chance that you have stumbled upon a black-market operator that claims it can operate safely under some kind of legal gray area. A fully legal site will provide its users with standard funding options such as credit cards, PayPal and wire transfers, and you won't have to jump through any unnecessary hoops to deposit or withdraw.
Do I have to pay taxes on my winnings?
Yes, profits obtained from sports betting or any other type of gambling are considered taxable income in the US. If you win above a certain level, operators may even provide you with a 1099-G that states your level of winnings, and the form will be filed with the IRS, as well. A complete tracking of the deposits and withdrawals you have made for gambling purposes is a good habit to get into. For specific questions in regard to your personal situation, we encourage you to consult with a tax advisor.
What legal online and mobile sports betting is available in Nevada?
Sports Connection / Station Casinos, NV Sports Books / South Point, William Hill, CG Technology, Aliante Casino, Treasure Island and Boyd Gaming all operate mobile betting apps in Nevada. Sports Connection/Station Casinos also offers a website.
Can you deposit with PayPal at legal Nevada sports betting apps?
No, at this time you cannot deposit using PayPal for any Nevada sports betting apps. You will need to deposit in person or using a pre-paid card. There are options to top off your account at some convenience stores with certain Nevada apps.
PayPal is likely to be an option for payment in other states, however.
Is it legal to play on Bovada?
No. Bovada is an unlicensed sports betting site. It is illegal for the company to operate in the US but players likely face no legal consequences.
Are there risks to betting on sports at unlicensed sites?
Offshore sportsbooks may not pay players. If a bettor gets stiffed by an unlicensed betting site, then he or she has no recourse. That does not happen at licensed sites.
Sports Betting in other countries: Australia, New Zealand
Being an American affords you the freedom to be yourself and do what you want. One area where we've seen extensive growth when it comes to freedom is with online sports betting. Many states and jurisdictions have passed favorable laws paving the way for the best US sportsbooks to offer real money action to US citizens and guests all across this beautiful country.
| Rank | Gambling Site | Deposit Bonus | Get Started |
| #1 | BetUS | 100% Up To $2,500 | Visit Site |
| #2 | 50% Up To $1,000 | Visit Site | |
| #3 | BetNow | 100% Up To $1,000 | Visit Site |
| #4 | 50% Up To $250 | Visit Site | |
| #5 | BetOnline Sports | 50% Up To $1,000 | Visit Site |
If you live in the red, white, and blue and are ready to bet on sports online, you've come to the right spot. In this guide, we list a few top-rated US sports betting sites and apps for you to enjoy. And our team of expert sports bettors and industry insiders outlines everything you need to know to start making real money sports bets right from the comfort of your own home.
You're just minutes away from the action.
Top US Online Sportsbooks
- MyBookie – Widest variety of sports betting options online.
- Bovada – Most trusted brand in United States sports betting.
- BetNow – Lucrative bonus opportunities for US sports bettors.
- SportsBetting.ag – Real money betting offered in all 50 states in the USA.
- BetOnline – Extensive selection of payment options with fast payouts.
If you're here searching for the best online sports betting sites that services customers in the United States, you've found the motherlode. While each of these USA betting sites offers a slightly different experience, they each have one thing in common—trustworthiness. Each of these sites for real money online betting in the United States has proven its worth in the industry by providing exemplary service to sports bettors for years. If you want to bet where we bet, pick one of these US betting sites.
What Criteria Do These US Sports Betting Sites Meet?
Betting Options
To get on our list of the best US sports gambling sites, we conduct thorough reviews. And our reviews start with offering a superior product. One area we're particular sticklers for are the number of betting options offered. Whether that's USA sports betting options or international betting options, we want to see the ability to bet on major sports in the US, major sports internationally, special events around the world, and all of the smaller sports that unique fans love. Additionally, we like to see mobile US betting apps and online sportsbooks that offer more than just a few bets for every game, race, or match.
Lucrative Bonuses Opportunities
In the early days of real money online sports betting, the question was whether or not you could get a bonus from a site. Today, the question is not if, but how big of a bonus you can get. When we're racking and stacking the top sports betting sites in the US, we want to see big bonuses and the sites that we have recommended have some of the best sports gambling bonuses online.
Best Bet In American Roulette
Not only that, but we also want to see bonuses that have fair terms, benefit the player, and are easy to clear. Plenty of online US sports betting apps slap a huge number on the homepage yet make it impossible to get. Our team digs under the hood to make sure that you're getting what you think you're getting.
Banking Options and Accepted Currencies
Not everyone uses the same bank or is comfortable using the same method of moving money around online. Because of this, we want to see real money online sportsbooks in the United States that offer several different banking options. Additionally, we like seeing that they accept multiple currencies. While this might not matter to most bettors in the US, it certainly does if you ever travel abroad.
But what is most important in all of this is whether or not the money moves quickly and safely. In the early days of real money sports betting online in the US, we were okay with options that were a little slower on the draw. Today, you're only going to see fast payout betting sites on our recommended lists.
User Interface
Betting on sports is already challenging enough when it comes to picking winners. Why on Earth would you ever want to bet with a sportsbook that complicates that process? You wouldn't, and neither would we! For that reason, we only recommend United States sports betting apps and sites that have great user interfaces that are intuitive, laid out well, and constantly being upgraded.
Trustworthiness and Reputation
While we love to joke around and have a good time, there's one thing that we take very seriously when it comes to United States sports betting sites, and that's the safety of our readers. We're never going to recommend any US sportsbooks that we haven't fully researched and vetted for trust, reputation, and reliability. If you can't that trust your online betting experience is going to be safe, then there's no point. Again, it's hard enough to pick winners without the added stress of worrying about the safety of your money. You won't have to worry about that here.
Customer Service
It's incredible how many US sports betting websites can't seem to get the customer service piece right. For us, that's a non-starter. If you can't provide top-notch customer service to your customers, then we're not interested in sending you any business. Here's what we're looking for:
- 24/7/365 service
- Agents who are fluent in English
- Extensive FAQ guides to help with common questions
- Customer service teams that are equipped with the resources needed to help
- Short or nonexistent wait times
- The ability to contact a live person via chat or the phone
What USA Betting Sites Can I Use in My State?
Even though these are the best US sports betting sites, some sites are restricted in certain states. We've included the information below to help you find an online sportsbook no matter what state you are in.
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Delaware
- Maryland
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New York
- Pennsylvania
- Allowed in All 50 States
- Allowed in All 50 States
Betamerica Casino Pa
However, it's always a good idea to get as specific as possible to get the best product available for you. Keeping with this idea, we've included links to dedicated guides below for all 50 states. Click on the state you're in to see the best sports gambling sites for US players that are specific to the jurisdiction.
United States Gambling Laws
A popular area of discussion around betting on sports in America is the legality. For the most part, most areas of the country allow at least some form of legal gambling, including USA sports betting sites. Additionally, we see more and more states and jurisdictions add favorable legislation to help advance gambling and sports betting even further.
Let's look at some of the more historic pieces of gambling legislation that have affected USA sports betting and US sports betting apps and sites. While not all of these apply today, it's always nice to have a good idea of where we've come from to see where we're going.
Wire Act of 1961
Also known as the Interstate Wire Act, this law sets out some guidance for the operation of different types of wagering businesses in the US Originally, the law was put in place to stop certain forms of brick and mortar gambling and the transfer of money and information through wire communications. Currently, there hasn't been a ruling on whether or not the Wire Act of 1961 applies to online gambling or not.
Interstate Transportation of Wagering Paraphernalia Act
This law deals with the transportation of certain gambling materials across state lines. In other words, it targets bookies that might be transporting supplies across state lines in order to run an illegal gambling operation.
Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act
Probably the most famous law concerning real money gambling on the internet was the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (UIEGA). This law specifically targeted online banking transactions within the betting business, leading many US sports betting sites and US betting apps to stop servicing the United States for an extended period of time and serving international customers instead.
What's interesting about the law is that it doesn't apply to 'skill games,' which spurred a lot of debate in the horse racing community, online poker world, and with sports bettors.
The arguments began that all of these were games of skill, as they required skill to win, and players could gain an edge. The bottom line with the UIEGA is it's heavily open to interpretation. You can still visit many US sports betting sites today.
Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act
The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) set out to define the legal landscape for real money online sports betting in the US. In short, the law outlawed sports betting in most areas of the US with a few exceptions. This caused the rise in offshore sportsbooks that worked to operate outside the control of PASPA.
What's most important to note, though, is that in 2018, PASPA was overturned, paving the way for states to begin regulating sports betting in the ways they saw fit. The interesting debate that followed the overturning was whether states needed to rule in order for sports betting to become fully legal again.
Some states jumped on the opportunity to bring in more tax revenue and quickly laid out favorable legislation. Some of them have state-regulated US online betting sites available to local residents and visitors. But a few states went the other way and laid out legislation continuing the intent of PASPA. But the biggest debate came in states that did absolutely nothing. Is sports gambling now legal, or is a new law required to lay out the framework? Depending on the lawyer you ask, you'll get a different answer.
Illegal Gambling Business Act
Rolled out in 1955, this law makes it illegal to own or operate an illegal gambling business in the US The law is an interesting one because it effectively says that it's 'illegal to do something illegal.' Profound. What the law does do is attach some additional outline to what is and what is not illegal. Still, this law was written in the 1950s, well before online gambling was a thing. How it pertains or is applicable today is completely up to interpretation. Additionally, it only deals with businesses running the operations and not the players participating.
Types of Bets You Can Place at US Online Sportsbooks
Something you're really going to like when betting on sports in the US is the options. The top US betting sites offer a wide variety of different types of wagers. These options allow you to maximize your potential winnings by taking advantage of every unique prediction, hot tip, and lock you come across.
Here's a look at the six most popular bet types you'll see available on games, matches, and races.
Moneyline
All US sports betting apps and sites offer moneyline wagers. A moneyline wager is a bet on which team, person, or car is going to win a scheduled event. All you need to happen to win your bet is the person you chose to win to come out victorious. That's it! Keep in mind that moneyline bets don't always pay out the same amount of money, depending on who you bet on. The bigger the favorite, the less you stand to win. Big underdogs can bring a big payday, though.
Here's an example of a moneyline bet. Let's say the Bengals are playing the Browns on Thursday Night Football. The moneyline odds could look like this:
To win this bet at US sports gambling sites, you just have to pick which team is going to get the job done. But because the Browns are favored in this example, a bet on them won't net the same profit as a bet on the underdog Bengals. Here's what you'd earn with a $20 wager on each team.
- Bengals $20 to win pays a profit of $42
- Browns $20 to win pays a profit of $7.40
Point Spread
In the prior example, you can see where a bet on the Browns might not be that enticing. But what are you to do if you think the Browns are going to have a great game but don't want to risk an arm and a leg to get a real return? You'd have to bet $114 with a moneyline bet to get the same return as a bet on the Bengals.
This is where point spread wagers come in. The best sports betting sites in the US will determine how many points they believe the favorite in a game is going to win by. In this example, the sportsbook believes the favorites the Browns are going to win by 6 points. A point spread bet is a wager on whether a team is going to outperform that expectation or not.
Here's what the bet would look like in the sportsbook.
With most point spread bets, either side of the wager pays the same amount. In some sports with lower score totals like soccer and hockey, though, that's not always the case. In this example, each side pays out at -110. So, a $20 wager on either side pays a profit of $18.18
At most US sports betting sites, all you need to win your point spread bet is for the team you wager on to outperform the expectations. In this example, the Bengals are expected to lose by 6 points. All they have to do for you to win your bet is lose by fewer than 6 points. They don't even have to win the game. As long as they lose by 5 or fewer points, you win your bet.
The same is true on the other side. The Browns are expected to win by 6 points. To win a bet here, the Browns must outperform that expectation and win by more than 6 points. In other words, they must win by at least 7 points.
If the game results in exactly a 6-point victory for the Browns, it's a push, and all bets are returned.
Totals
Another popular bet you'll see at many of the best US sports betting sites is a totals bet. This wager is based on the total points or goals scored in a game. The sportsbook sets the line of how many total points or goals they believe will be scored by both teams. From there, you have two options—bet the over or bet the under.
If you bet the under, the total points scored must be under the line set by the sportsbook. If you bet the over, the total points must be higher. If the number is exactly on the line, it's a push, and all bets are returned.
Here's an example using our previous football example.
-110
As you can see, both sides of this bet pay out the same amount, just like the point spread wager. This can change in some sports, though.
While it does say a team name on each bet, it doesn't actually matter which team wins the game or how the points are scored. The only part of the bet you're looking at is 'Over 44' or 'Under 44.'
If you bet the over on your US betting app and the final score is Browns – 45, Bengals – 0, you win because the total points scored is over 44. If the final score is Browns – 24, Bengals – 30, you win because the total points scored is 54 and is higher than 44.
Futures
A futures wager is a bet on something that takes more than one game, race, or match to decide. A common example found at US sports betting sites might be a wager on who will win an upcoming tournament or which team will win the end of season championship. Generally, futures bets can be made way in advance and are available throughout the duration of the event.
That being said, the odds on futures bets change as the likelihood of a person or team winning goes up or down. For example, if a team is winning every game, makes the playoffs, and there are only a few teams left—expect a lower payout on a futures bet. If you see a team that's struggling but still has a shot to win, you might see some incredible odds on a futures bet.
Props
Many of the top US online sportsbooks and US betting apps offer what are called prop bets. Sometimes, these bets are available on every game, and sometimes, they're just available on higher-profile events. By definition, a prop bet is a wager on whether or not something will happen during the course of a game, race, or match. When you bet on props at the best sports betting sites in the United States, you either wager on 'Yes' or 'No' or an exact prediction.
Here are a few sample prop bets that should clear up any confusion.
Prop Bet
+200
Boxing Moneyline Bet
+210
Parlays
A parlay is a bet that strings multiple individual bets together. In order for you to win, you must win every single bet included. As this is much harder to do, you are paid handsomely for hitting a parlay. Parlays found at most US sports betting sites can have as few as two bets up to as many as the sportsbooks choose to allow. If you're looking for a way to turn a small amount of money into a big win, take a look at these bets.
How to Start Real Money Betting on Sports in the US
- Choose the right US sports betting sites for you. Take a few minutes and test out some of the options we've recommended here. Most of these real money sportsbooks let you see anything and everything without creating an account! The only thing you won't be able to do is to make an actual bet until you sign up.
- Join the USA sportsbook of your choice. Once you've tested out a few US betting sites, make your final selection(s). Fill out the basic account information, and create your account. If you're looking to join multiple United States sports gambling sites to shop lines, you can take care of that now or after you make your first bet.
- Make a deposit. You'll need to fund your account to make your first bet. Luckily, this only takes a few minutes, and you'll have instant access to the cash. Head over to the banking page and select the deposit option you want to use. From there, follow the on-screen prompts and make your deposit.
- Start betting online! Real money US online sportsbooks are designed to be convenient. Part of that convenience is the ability to get into the action quickly. Once you've made it to this step, all that's left for you to do is to start picking winners!
US Sports Betting FAQ
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in the United States?
Sports gambling is legal in most parts of the United States. With that being said, there are some areas of the country that have specific rules and laws for their jurisdiction. While you should be good to go in most areas, it's always smart to do a little research before diving into any USA sports betting sites. Additionally, it's worth noting that many of the areas with legal hang-ups in years past have recently passed legislation in favor of online sports gambling in the United States!
Can You Bet on Sports Online in the US?
Yes! There are hundreds of online sportsbooks in the US offering action to residents and guests. If you're looking to bet on sports in the US, you're in luck. Our list of the best US sports betting sites can be found at the top of the page.
Where in the United States Can I Bet on Sports?
When it comes to where to bet on sports in the US, you've got two main options. First, you can drive to the closest casino or sportsbook to place your wagers. If that doesn't work for you, your second option is to bet online with real money US sports betting sites or through USA sports betting apps on your smartphone. Both options provide the chance to make real money bets on all types of sports.
What Betting Sites Can I Use in the USA?
This page is designed to provide you with the top US sportsbooks online, but these aren't the only betting sites accepting US customers. If you would like to check out other US betting sites, head on over to our reviews page where you have the option to select reviews based on US and non-US betting sites. Click the button below to check out of our complete collection of online gambling site reviews.
Bet In America Sports
What Are the Best US Betting Sites?
Moneyline betting explained. Chances are the reason you're here is that you already know that not all betting apps or sports betting sites in the US are high quality. So, how do you go about finding the best sports betting sites in the USA? That's where we come in. At the top of this guide, you'll find a list of the best US sports betting sites. If you want a high-quality, safe, and trusted online betting experience, look no further than the table above.
What Are the Most Popular Sports to Bet on in the United States?
What's great about sports bettors in the US is that they have eclectic tastes when it comes to betting on sports. That being said, the four most popular sports bet on include baseball (MLB), basketball (NBA), football (NFL), and hockey (NHL). College sports, NASCAR, and combat sports (UFC and boxing) are not far behind and may very well pass some of the big four in years to come.
Can I Bet Real Money on Sports Online in the USA?
Absolutely! You can bet real money on sports online in the USA, and you can WIN real money betting on these sports. US online sportsbooks offer the same opportunities as land-based books and often more.
Are There Apps for United States Sports Betting?
Bet In American English
If you're looking for a dedicated phone app to bet on sports in the USA, you have some options. Check out our list of the best betting apps for US customers now to get started. Keep in mind that many of the options in this guide do have US betting apps or do work as mobile-responsive websites. In other words, if you don't want to download a dedicated app, you don't have to.
