Recent changes to US law has seen online sports betting legalized in many states, opening up exciting opportunities for American bettors. In this comprehensive guide, we highlight the top USA betting sites, providing you with valuable insights to help you choose the perfect platform for your needs.

  • Available in 17 states
  • Great range of betting activities
  • $150 in free bets with a $5+ deposit

Full T&Cs apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

  • Available in 16 states & Washington DC
  • In-depth betting options & odds
  • Up to 27 different sports (depending on state)

Full T&Cs apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

  • Daily fantasy sports & horse betting
  • Excellent user experience
  • Competitive odds & promotions

Full T&Cs apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

  • Excellent sign-up bonus
  • Great betting options
  • Multi-sports parlay bet boost available

Full T&Cs apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

On the hunt for the best betting sites in the USA? We’ve listed the top contenders below!

DraftKings

draftkings sports homepage screenshot
(Source: DraftKings)

Available in 22 states, DraftKings is not only one of the biggest USA betting sites online, but also one of the first to launch in the country. They're mostly known for their brilliant Daily Fantasy markets.

While their sportsbook offers some great payout margins for American sports at around 95%, a slightly lower rate of around 92% applies to European competitions. DraftKings offer 18 different sports, one of the widest offerings on this list.

As for their welcome offer, new customers can claim $150 in free bets if they place a bet of $5+ on any market!

Besides a VIP section and options for pools betting, DraftKings offer casino, Pick6, and Reignmakers sections, as well as a marketplace, where you can explore and trade unique collectibles.

Pros:
  • Many betting options
  • Great odds on American sports
  • Excellent welcome offer
  • Operates in 22 states
  • Several promos
Cons:
  • Low odds for European markets

BetMGM

betmgm sports homepage screenshot
(Source: BetMGM)

BetMGM Sports stands out as a premier platform for sports betting in the USA. Rooted in the legacy of MGM Resorts, this site emerged as a prominent player in 2018.

You'll find an impressive selection of 12 sports to bet on, encompassing not only the beloved American classics but also catering to aficionados of more niche sports such as rugby union and Formula 1.

Like DraftKings, BetMGM offers an exceptional 95% average payout margin, ensuring an excellent chance of securing rewarding returns. Furthermore, their diverse array of markets is nothing short of top-notch, providing a comprehensive betting experience for enthusiasts.

Speaking of offerings, the operator goes the extra mile with a multitude of promotions and an enticing loyalty program designed to reward both frequent customers and esteemed VIP members.

Despite all this, however, the absence of a welcome offer for new users is a glaring oversight on their part.

Pros:
  • In-depth sports markets
  • Wide range of promotions and rewards
  • Many physical locations
Cons:
  • No welcome offer
  • No links to their casino page

FanDuel

fanduel sports homepage screenshot
(Source: FanDuel)

For a true powerhouse in the US betting industry, look no further than FanDuel. A key player in the daily fantasy sports scene since 2009, they took a giant leap by merging with Paddy Power in 2018, establishing themselves as a fully-fledged sportsbook in the American betting market.

Similar to their British counterparts, FanDuel offers an impressive array of options, including sports betting, casino games, daily fantasy sports, and horse racing.

A standout feature is unquestionably their Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) section, which ranks among the top two of its kind in the country's online market.

When it comes to promotions, you certainly won't be disappointed here. Their sports bonus is particularly enticing – simply bet $5, and if your selected team wins (moneyline bets only), you'll receive a generous reward of $150.

Pros:
  • Range of gambling options
  • One of the biggest daily fantasy sports sites
  • Available in 20 states
  • Excellent live section with livestreaming available
Cons:
  • Some states excluded from quality promotions

Borgata

borgata online sports homepage screenshot
(Source: Borgata Online)

In 2019, Borgata expanded online with the launch of its sportsbook, now accessible in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. For residents of 17 additional states, there's the option to use its sister site, BetMGM.

The site's platform is robust, featuring a diverse selection of 19 sports. With an impressive average payout margin of 95% on American sports, it provides attractive odds too.

Their welcome offer is particularly enticing, offering a 100% first deposit match up to $1,000 along with an additional $20. Moreover, there are various other promotions for arcade games, casino options, and sports betting, adding extra value for users.

One standout feature of Borgata is their livestreaming capability, which greatly enhances the experience of in-play betting, providing bettors with real-time action.

Their primary drawback, on the other hand, is their limited availability in terms of the states where their platform can be accessed. However, the site itself is user-friendly and offers a solid betting experience. While it may lack many conventional highlights, it occasionally provides bet boosts, keeping things interesting for customers.

Pros:
  • 19 sports to bet on
  • Great welcome bonus
  • Live-streaming
Cons:
  • Only available in two states
  • Not many special features
Sports betting launch dateMay 2018
Number of states with legal betting38
Legal age21
Retail bettingYes
Online sports bettingYes
Esports bettingYes
College bettingYes
Mobile bettingYes
Average tax6% – 50%

There are plenty of things to take into account when selecting a betting site, but below are what we believe to be the most important aspects.

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    Safety: Always check whether the bookmaker in question is licensed by relevant, trustworthy authorities before signing up.

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    Odds quality: With the number of US sportsbooks increasing online, odds quality can be a decisive factor in staying ahead of the competition. We recommend you use our odds overround calculator to check whether you're being offered the best prices as a customer.

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    Promotions and offers: Bookmakers often reward bettors via promotions and offers. Every respectable bookie has a welcome bonus for new customers to take advantage, but existing promotions are crucial to retaining user interest.

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    Mobile app: Bettors enjoy the convenience of placing bets on the go, and a well-designed mobile app should offer the same user experience as the bookie's website.

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    Live betting: In-play betting is massively popular in the US. Look for a site where markets are refreshed by the second; livestreaming would also be an added plus here.

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    Payment options: The best bookies will offer a variety of secure and reliable banking options for your convenience.

Here’s a list of the most common and popular sportsbook promotions provided by bookmakers:

Deposit Match Bonus

A deposit match bonus involves the bookmaker matching your first deposit, often up to a certain amount. So, if a new user makes a first deposit of $50, the bookmaker will match that and reward you $50 in bonuses.

Some site will also offer a first bet match promotion. While the latter is a similar premise, instead of matching your first deposit, they’ll match your first bet stake.

No Deposit Bonus

A no deposit bonus is an absolute gem, as it lets you pocket the rewards without putting a single cent into your account upfront. All you need to do to unlock this exciting bonus is sign up with the sportsbook, and occasionally, you'll have the thrill of entering a promo code to seize the offer. It's like getting a freebie just for being part of the action!

Enhanced Parlays

A parlay is when you make multiple wagers and combine them to create one large bet. They’re a great way to win big money, but they’re mightily difficult to pull off.

Enhanced parlays, or parlay boosts, are juiced-up versions of your standard combo bet. Sportsbooks will boost the odds of your parlays to increase potential payouts. These boosts are usually proportional to the number of selections in your parlay. The more selections, the bigger the boost.

Money Back Betting Offers

This is typically a new customer offer in which the bookmaker refunds your first bet – usually via free bets – should it not win.

However, some sportsbooks will also offer money back offers for various sports such as soccer. For example, you could receive a refund if you place a goals-related bet on a soccer match that ends in a stalemate.

Boosted Bets

Boosted bet promotions are common among various bookmakers, but they’re still a handy way of garnering greater value for your bets. Some bookmakers may randomly boost odds, but, for the most part, you will be able to see which markets have been boosted before the event begins.

Parlay Insurance

The parlay insurance gifts you a full or partial refund should just one leg of your parlay let you down. This refund will often manifest as a free bet as opposed to real cash.

Existing Customer Betting Offers

VIP/loyalty programs are imperative to retaining the interest of loyal and frequent customers, with the very best sportsbooks granting generous rewards that transcend the usual free bets and/or boosted odds.

Special Events Promotions

Bookmakers will always put on a show when a major sporting event rolls around. Whether it’s the Super Bowl or March Madness, you can bet your bottom dollar that special promotions dedicated to such events will start rolling out. March Madness brackets are common, and sportsbooks will give users the chance to win a lot of money should their bracket be accurate.

Here are some of the most common payment methods supported by American bookmakers:

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    PayPal: This hugely popular e-wallet is typically a safe bet for banking with a bookmaker, with almost every US operator accepting it as a withdrawal method. Just make sure that both your PayPal and betting accounts share the same email.

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    Credit and debit cards: While credit cards are no longer accepted in the UK for online betting, that's not the case for the US, with Mastercard and Visa being the most popular. However, it’s not uncommon for fees to be associated with credit card deposits, and there’s no guarantee credit card companies will accept gambling deposits either.

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    VIP Preferred (ACH): This is a popular method that allows customers in the US to pay by eChecks, and is widely available among American bookmakers, providing swift and efficient deposit and withdrawals. However, you must have an online bank account to use ACH when betting.

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    Venmo: A payment service that allows users to send and receive money electronically, Venmo is another popular e-wallet used by online bettors. You will first need to download the mobile app and create an account before you can proceed any further. Nevertheless, it’s a safe and secure option.

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    Play+/Prepaid cards: These are supported by most betting sites in USA, with high acceptance rates being their major advantage. As long as you have a bank account or a debit/credit card, you can apply for a digital and physical Play+ card. You can upload funds to your Play+ card, which will then allow you to deposit with ease.

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    Wire transfers: Bank wire transfers are useful for high rollers, as it’s much easier to move large amounts of cash using this method. Fees are often incurred, though, while processing times are typically much longer compared to other options.

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    PayNearMe: PayNearMe allows you to make deposits at various convenience stores, including 7-Eleven and CVS. The official website shows a full list of available locations in your area. Depositing is simple with this method, as you only need a PNM barcode and the requisite funds, the latter of which you'll need to have over to the retail clerk. You will then receive a code which you have to enter into your betting account to receive the funds. The major downside of this method is that it cannot be used for withdrawals.

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    In-person depositing: Those that don’t like online banking could stick to in-person transactions, but there are obvious logistical drawbacks to consider here. You’ll have physically travel to a brick-and-mortar venue to deposit any funds so you can gamble.

Sports betting in the US was illegal up until 2018, when the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 was overturned by the Supreme Court. Check below to see if your state is among those that have since legalized and regulated betting on sports!

Wondering if you can trust your bookie? Here's how to be sure:

  1. 1.

    Licensing: Ensure that your chosen bookmaker is licensed in their operating state, as this is the most definitive sign of legitimacy.

  2. 2.

    Data Security: Trustworthy bookmakers prioritize your privacy, using advanced encryption tech to safeguard your data. Look for the site's privacy policy, which should clearly be displayed at the site's footer.

  3. 3.

    Banking Methods: Reliable bookies only support reputable deposit and withdrawal options like PayPal and Venmo.

  4. 4.

    Responsible Gambling: A trustworthy gambling site should promote responsible gambling, including tools like account limits. The best bookmakers provide a range of responsible gambling resources.

If the above features are all in place, you can bet in confidence!

Everybody has their preferred sports on which they enjoy betting, so it’s important to know which betting site is right for you in this regard. Our list below has been compiled to help you out.

NFL – DraftKings

The vast majority of betting sites cover the NFL extensively, but DraftKings’ coverage does stand out amongst the crowd. You can kickstart your betting journey with a generous welcome offer, after which you can claim promotion after promotion for weekly matchups. Moreover, DraftKings’ micro-betting options are superb, allowing you to place bets on smaller, instantaneous events that occur during a sporting event. These could include the next point scored in a tennis match or the next team to score in a basketball game.

NBA – BetMGM

BetMGM is regarded alongside DraftKings and FanDuel as a premier US bookmaker. At the time of writing, their coverage of the NBA is the most complete compared to its competitors, especially when it comes to promotions and prop bets. You will also be able to live stream events, build one-game parlays, enjoy an endless list of live markets, and cash out early if necessary.

Horse Racing – DraftKings

DraftKings’ recently launched DK Horse app has titled the horse racing stakes in their favour. The app, which is available in 12 states, is dedicated exclusively and has arrived in time for the 2023 Kentucky Derby. Its aim is to connect customers to pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing.

Esports – DraftKings

Among legal sports betting sites in the USA, DraftKings excels in esports. Their coverage of esports is not yet extensive, but there’s enough for bettors to enjoy, including plenty of promotions.

UFC – FanDuel

As one of the best sports betting sites the USA has to ffer, FanDuel supplies excellent coverage of the UFC. There’s an array of markets to choose from for any given fight, with greater attention being paid to bigger events. You can bet on basic moneyline markets as well as methods of victory and round winners. Promotions often feature on FanDuel’s UFC coverage, too, while parlay bets are easy to place.

Soccer – DraftKings

The well-regarded DraftKings is one of the top soccer betting sites in the USA. You can access over 100 soccer leagues and an endless list of markets, while it’s easy to create soccer parlay bets too. DraftKings also has dedicated soccer promotions, which usually involve profit boosts on parlays.

Cricket – DraftKings

When it comes to the cricket betting sites in the USA, DraftKings should be your first choice! Major League Cricket came to the States in 2023 ahead of the ICC T20 Men’s World Cup in 2024, which the US will co-host with the West Indies. At the time of writing, you can bet on any upcoming T20 and One Day Internationals, as well as the Indian Premier League. Future major events such as the aforementioned T20 World Cup and the 2023 World Cup are also covered with outright markets available. For immediate upcoming events, match and player props are accessible.

Live betting involves wagering on an event as it happens, and has already becoming massively popular, taking the US by storm.

There is a massive amount of different betting options here, including corners, yellow cards, fouls, throw in and many more, not to mention the possibility to bet on individual players.

Additionally, live betting offers the chance to turn the tide in your favor and secure a win within a single game, especially if a pre-made bet has been unsuccessful.

Betting on Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS for short) is an excellent alternative to regular sports betting in USA and has been popular in America for a number of years. In several states, DFS was not considered sports betting as such, so it was legal even before 2018.

The general concept of fantasy sports involves bettors picking out a team made of individual players in a particular league. Points are earned depending on the performances of each player and accumulate weekly, so the team with the highest points wins the fantasy league. This often takes place throughout an entire season.

In Daily Fantasy Sports, the process of placing bets remains largely the same; however, the time frame is much smaller, often a single day or one game week. This means that every match week gives you the chance to win.

Best Daily Fantasy Sports Betting Sites USA

There are two standout sportsbooks when comes to fantasy sports: DraftKings and FanDuel.

Both sites offer top-quality products, meaning that it’s really down to personal preference at the end of the day.

When exploring various betting sites online, you may have encountered offshore platforms targeting American bettors. However, unlike operators who have obtained approval from the state in which they operate, these offshore sites have not undergone such scrutiny.

In the past, before sports betting was legalized, these sites may have appeared as the only option; nowadays, though, these unvetted platforms are best left alone. Always favor sites that comply with legal requirements and offer a safer and more reliable betting experience.

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Offshore sites have no obligation to adhere to US law and policy, making them automatically unsafe for American consumers.

How To Spot an Offshore Betting Site

Most of the largest offshore betting sites are well-designed, up to date, and offer many betting options, meaning that they are hard to tell apart from operators such as the ones we have recommended in this article. Below, we've detailed two particular factors that will help you spot them.

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    Regulator logos: Offshore operators are typically licensed by respected authorities in their respective jurisdictions. Just like their American counterparts, these sites display their licensing information on their homepage or in the footer. Common offshore regulatory bodies include the United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC), Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), and the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority.

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    Contact Information: Another tell-tale sign is found in the site's contact information section. American betting sites will typically have their US offices exclusively located within the United States. On the other hand, offshore companies often have offices in various countries such as the Isle of Man and Malta. Sites that hold American licenses are required to maintain offices within the United States.

Why Shouldn’t You Use Offshore Betting Sites?

So, what exactly are the problems with using a well-established offshore betting site?

For one thing, offshore sites do not owe any legal obligations to the United States. As a result, if you experience loss of funds or theft, you have no recourse through the government for legal support.

In addition, offshore sites are not subject to the rigorous regulatory oversight and scrutiny that legal US betting sites undergo. This increases the risk of unfair practices, fraudulent activities, and misuse of personal information.

In the above guide, we’ve explored the growing popularity of online sports betting in the US along with its currently thriving landscape. With numerous options available, American bettors now have ample opportunities to engage in exciting wagering experiences.

As always, we remind you to bet responsibly – and recommend that you take advantage of all of our guides to aid you on your betting journey!

  1. 1.

    American Gaming Association: Leading Gaming Organization in USA

  2. 2.

    National Council on Problem Gambling: Help for problem gamblers

  3. 3.

    GeoComply: Leader in Geolocation Compliance

  4. 4.

    US Department of Justice: Offical State Authority

To view the list of states which have legalized betting in the US, scroll up to our table above.

We at ThePuntersPage regard DraftKings, BetMGM, FanDuel, and Borgata Online as the four best bookmakers the US has to offer.

There are plenty of aspects to consider, but a good bookmaker will have a comprehensive sportsbook with an array of promotions. Security is paramount, too, as are competitive odds and their live betting coverage.

US bookmakers allow bettors to deposit funds by a variety of methods. However, the most common and reliable option is PayPal.

WRITTEN BY Jeremy Sant Fournier
View all posts by Jeremy Sant Fournier

If there’s one thing Jeremy loves, it’s sports. A football fanatic at heart, Jeremy can always been found watching, playing or talking about sports. It’s in his blood, and with a keen interest in sports betting, sports writing is a match made in heaven.

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