Changes to US law means sports betting will soon be legalized in 35 states. Online betting has soared in popularity in recent years, with American punters taking advantage of the increased availability of sportsbooks. We’ll detail the very best US sports betting sites around in this comprehensive guide and help you pick the one for you.
- Best USA Betting Sites in 2023
- Qualities to Consider Before Choosing a US Betting Site
- Promotions & Bonuses in Online Bookies
- Payment Methods we can find in US betting sites
- In Which State is it Legal to bet?
- Which are the Most Trusted Betting Sites?
- Best Betting Sites for Each Sport
- Live Betting in the USA
- Daily Fantasy Sports Betting in USA – A Different Take on Betting
- The Difference Between Legal and Offshore USA Betting Sites
- Best US Betting Sites FAQs
- ThePuntersPage Final Say
DraftKings
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T&Cs APPLY, 18+ ONLY
Full T&Cs apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER |
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BetMGM
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T&Cs APPLY, 18+ ONLY
Full T&Cs apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER |
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FanDuel
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T&Cs APPLY, 18+ ONLY
Full T&Cs apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER |
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Borgata Online
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T&Cs APPLY, 18+ ONLY
Full T&Cs apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER |
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Qualities to Consider Before Choosing a US Betting Site
There are plenty of things to consider when picking the right betting site for you, but here are what we believe to be the most important aspects.
- Safety
If the bookmaker is licensed, you shouldn’t have any concerns over safety. It’s imperative that the bookie also alerts their players how they’re protecting their personal data.
- Odds quality
With the number of US sportsbooks increasing, odds quality can be a decisive factor in popularity. Every bookmaker wants to provide competitive odds, and it’s hard to decipher who’s offering the very best at any given time.
Thus, to compare the odds of two or more bookmakers, we recommend you use our odds overround calculator.
- Promotions and Offers
Bookmakers give back to punters via promotions and offers. Every respectable bookie has a welcome bonus for new customers to take advantage, but existing promotions are crucial to retaining the interest of users.
These offers have got to be unique, exciting, and constantly updated to maintain a sense of freshness.
- Mobile app
Punters love to place bets on the go, and mobile apps allow them to do so without much hassle. However, bookmakers don’t necessarily need to have an app to ensure their users can bet on the move. They merely need to ensure their website is compatible for mobile use.
Mobile apps should provide the same experience for punters as the bookie’s website would.
- Live Betting
This ties into betting on the move, but you don’t have to be out and about when betting on a live event. In-play betting is massively popular in the US, and bookmakers must be on the ball to ensure they provide the best live experience for its users. Markets must be refreshed by the second, while an array of betting options should be available.
- Payment options
Now, this may not seem like a decisive factor, but how frustrating would it be if your preferred method of payment isn’t accepted by the bookmaker of your choice? The best bookies will offer a variety of banking options, with these methods all being safe and reliable.
Promotions & Bonuses in Online Bookies
Here’s a list of the most common and popular sportsbook promotions provided by bookmakers:
Deposit Match Bonus
These new customer offers are key to enticing fresh punters to a particular sportsbook. A deposit match bonus involves the bookmaker matching a new customer’s 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 the punter $50 in bonuses.
This bonus typically manifests as bet credits, which can be used on the site’s sportsbook and subsequently turned into real cash should any of your bets win.
Some sportsbooks will also offer a first bet match promotion which is a similar premise but instead of matching a user’s first deposit, they’ll match their first bet stake.
No Deposit Bonus
A no deposit bonus is brilliant as punters do not have to deposit any funds into their account in order to receive the reward on offer. You’ll qualify for the bonus by merely registering with the sportsbook which means punters will likely have to enter a promo code to receive their bonus.
This promotion comes with many perks for the new customer as they’ve got an opportunity to win without risking anything. You can also use your free bets as a way of testing out the sportsbook to see whether it fits your betting needs.
Enhanced Parlays
Everybody loves putting on a parlay, right? Such bets are among the most popular among sports punters, especially novices.
A parlay bet is when a better makes multiple wagers and combines them to create one big bet. They’re a great way to win big money, but they’re mightily difficult to pull off.
Enhanced parlays, or parlay boosts, is a juiced-up version 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.
This only adds to the entertainment of parlay betting, with punters not having to do anything different to earn a boosted parlay. However, some bookmakers might make these enhanced parlays sport or event specific.
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, punters could receive a refund if they place a goals-related bet on a soccer match, but it ends in a stalemate.
The offer essentially gives punters a risk-free bet, but there’s still some risk as bookmakers will rarely refund customers with real cash. To make the most of this promotion, you’ve got to use the free bets you receive wisely.
Boosted Bets
Such promotions are common among sportsbook, but they’re a handy way of punters garnering greater value for their bets. Some bookmakers may randomly boost odds, but, for the most part, punters will be able to see which markets have been boosted before the event begins.
The perks of boosted odds are obvious, but they could also tempt punters into staking more. To combat this, some bookmakers limit how much you can bet on a boosted market.
Parlay Insurance
As fun as parlays can be, they can also be incredibly frustrating. It only takes one erroneous selection for your entire bet, no matter how big it be, to lose. Thus, bookmakers have tried to get rid of such frustration by introduction parlay insurance. Now, this offer aren’t as common as enhanced parlays which are borderline ubiquitous, so it’s worth doing some research into which sportsbooks offer it.
The insurance gifts punters a full or partial refund should just one leg of their parley let them down. This refund will often manifest as a free bet as opposed to real cash.
Existing Customer Betting Offers
VIP/loyalty programmes are imperative to retaining the interest of punters, especially high rollers who want to be rewarded for their betting from the bookmaker itself. The very best sportsbooks offer generous rewards for their punters that transcend mere free bets and free spins. Some will offer their customers the chance to win the most incredible real-life experiences.
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 are provided. March Madness brackets are common, and sportsbooks will give users the chance to win a lot of money should their bracket be accurate.
Payment Methods we can find in US betting sites
Here are some of the most common payment methods offered by American bookmakers that punters can deposit funds with:
- PayPal: The hugely popular e-wallet is typically a safe bet for banking with a bookmaker. Almost every US bookmaker will allow punters to withdraw funds via PayPal. Just make sure the email account you use for your sports betting account is the same as your PayPal email. This payment option is incredibly efficient with no fees involved.
- Credit and debit cards: While credit cards are no longer usable in the UK, US punters can still use them. Mastercard and VISA debit/credit cards are the most used. With debit cards the absence of any third-party service renders them incredibly easy to use. 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.
- ACH VIP preferred e-Check: This is a popular method – usually listed as VIP preferred - for anybody with a checking account. ACH is widely available among US sportsbooks, with their deposit and withdrawal times being swift. However, you must have an online bank account to use ACH when betting.
- Venmo: A payment service that allows users to send and receive money electronically, Venmo is another popular e-wallet used by punters. While it doesn’t get boast PayPal’s reputation, it’s still pretty reliable. The concept in regard to depositing funds is similar to PayPal. You’ve got to get the mobile app and create an account before you start gambling using Venmo. Nevertheless, it’s a safe and secure option.
- Play+/pre-paid cards: These are offered by most sportsbooks, with high acceptance rates being their major advantage. Punters can receive a digital and physical Play+ card. These cards can be described as middlemen in the gambling world as they eliminate the risk of deposits via banks being rejected. You upload funds to your Play+ card which will then allow you to deposit with ease. However, punters must have a checking account or a debit/credit card to receive a Play+ card.
- 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, while processing times are typically much longer compared to other options. If you withdraw funds via wire transfer, it better be worth it.
- PayNearMe: PayNearMe allows punters to make deposits at various convenience stores including 7-Eleven and CVS. PayNearMe’s 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 – which they hand to the retail clerk. Punters will then receive a code which is entered into their betting account to receive the funds. On the downside, you cannot withdraw funds using this method.
- In-person depositing: Finally, you could always deposit and withdraw the old-fashioned way. Those that don’t like online banking could stick to in-person depositing, but there are obvious logistical drawbacks. You’ll have physically travel to a sportsbook or casino to deposit any funds so you can gamble.
In Which State is it Legal to bet?
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.
Since then, each state has been allowed to decide whether to legalize sports betting or not. Here’s a list of all the states where it is currently legal to bet on sports.
| State | Sports betting legal in person | Sports betting legal online |
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| Arizona | YES | YES |
| Arkansas | YES | YES |
| Colorado | YES | YES |
| Connecticut | YES | YES |
| Delaware | YES | |
| Illinois | YES | YES |
| Indiana | YES | YES |
| Iowa | YES | YES |
| Louisiana | YES | YES |
| Maryland | YES | YES |
| Michigan | YES | YES |
| Mississippi | YES | |
| Montana | YES | YES |
| New Mexico | YES | |
| Nevada | YES | YES |
| North Carolina | YES | |
| North Dakota | YES | |
| New Hampshire | YES | YES |
| New Jersey | YES | YES |
| New York | YES | YES |
| Oregon | YES | YES |
| Pennsylvania | YES | YES |
| Rhode Island | YES | YES |
| South Dakota | YES | |
| Rhode Island | YES | YES |
| Tennessee | YES | |
| Virginia | YES | YES |
| Washington | YES | |
| West Virginia | YES | YES |
| Wisconsin | YES | |
| Wyoming | YES |
Sports betting has been legalized fully in 21 states, and partially in ten. Four states – Florida, Maine, Nebraska, and Ohio – are currently in the process of legalization, while betting is still illegal in 21 states.
Which are the Most Trusted Betting Sites?
We’ve already discussed the qualities to consider when choosing a betting site, and trust certainly falls under the safety tree. You’ve got to be able to trust your bookmaker, right? So, how do you know that you can trust your bookie?
Well, first up, they must’ve received a license from the state in which they operate. That’s paramount. Moreover, these bookmakers must rigorously protect all their users’ private data and information through the most modern encryption technology. A comprehensive privacy policy should also be available to view on their website so punters can rest easy knowing what the bookmaker is doing with their private information.
A trustworthy bookmaker will only allow punters to deposit and withdraw funds using legitimate banking methods such as PayPal and Venmo. In addition, measures must be in place to ensure their customers gamble responsibly. It’s imperative that users have the option to add account limits to ensure their betting doesn’t spiral out of control. The most responsible bookmakers will have an array of limits available to punters.
Best Betting Sites for Each Sport
Everybody has sports which they enjoy betting on, so it’s important to know which bookmakers provide the best coverage for any given sport. The list below details who we believe supplies the best betting coverage for some of the most popular sports in the US.
NFL – DraftKings
- The vast majority of bookmakers cover the NFL extensively, but DraftKings’ coverage does stand out amongst the crowd. Players can kick-start their journey with a generous welcome offer, with this bookmaker offering promotion after promotion for the weekly matchups. DraftKings offer all the markets you could want when betting on the NFL, and their promotion barrage only adds to the excitement.
Moreover, DraftKings’ micro-betting options are superb. You can bet on the outcome of a single play at any moment in any given game with this bookmaker.
NBA – BetMGM
- BetMGM is regarded alongside DraftKings and FanDuel as a premier US bookmaker. Right now, their coverage of the NBA is the most complete compared to its competitors.
Punters can live stream events, build one-game parlays, enjoy an endless list of live markets, and cashout early if necessary.
BetMGM also offers more NBA promotions compared to other bookmakers, while the huge volume of prop bets available means users are spoiled for choice.
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. It’s aim is to connect customers to pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing.
The bookmaker is hoping to have the app accessible in more states by the time 6 May rolls around.
eSports – DraftKings
- While the US leading bookmakers have often focused their interests on regular sports, some have drifted over to the virtual world. DraftKings are one of those.
Their coverage of eSports is not yet extensive, but there’s enough for bettors to enjoy. The bookie offers promotions and contests which have become crucial elements of the eSports betting experience.
UFC – FanDuel
- The hugely popular FanDuel supplies excellent coverage of the UFC. MMA has soared in popularity in recent years, and punters are starting to take advantage with bookmakers starting to offer much improved coverage to match the demand.
FanDuel provides impressive coverage for every sport they offer, and it’s no different with the UFC. There’s an array of markets to choose from for any given fight, with greater attention being paid to bigger events.
Punters can bet on basic money line markets as well as method 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 boasts the deepest soccer offering out of all the US bookmakers. Punters can access over 100 soccer leagues and an endless list of markets, while it’s easy to create soccer parlay bets. DraftKings also has dedicated soccer promotions which usually involve profit boosts on parlays.
Cricket – DraftKings
- The US has a long but overlooked history with cricket. The game’s never really taken off… until now (maybe).
Major League Cricket is coming 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. There’s hope the upcoming inaugural MLC event will see the game’s popularity increase, but there are no guarantees.
Cricket isn’t always offered by American bookmakers, but DraftKings does provide some coverage. At the time of writing, punters can bet on any upcoming T20 and One Day Internationals, as well as the 2023 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 in the USA
Live betting has taken the US by storm, rapidly becoming one of the most popular forms of betting. Live betting involves betting on a game that has already started.
There is a massive amount of different betting options including corners, yellow cards, fouls, throw in and many more, not to mention the possibility to bet on induvial players. To score, to assist and to receive yellow cards being the most popular. Betting is quick and easy, letting you know if you’ve won in a relatively short time.
Every one of our top choice betting sites offer live betting and is a great way to spice up a game you are watching. Live betting also gives you a chance to still win within a single game even if a pre-made bet has been lost.
Daily Fantasy Sports Betting in USA – A Different Take on Betting
What is Daily Fantasy Sports Betting
Daily fantasy sports betting is an excellent alternative to regular sports betting and has been popular in America for a number of years. In several states DFS was not considered sports betting so it remained legal even before 2018.
The general concept of fantasy sports involves bettors picking out a team made of induvial players in a particular league. Points are earned depending on the performances of each player. The points of each player are accumulated every week and the team with the highest points wins the fantasy league. This often take place throughout an entire season.
In Daily Fantasy Sports betting, the concept remains the same however the timeframe is much smaller, often a single day or one game week. This means that every match week gives you the chance to win.
Players win money from a pre-determined pot prize; winnings vary depending on the size of the pot, the importance of the game as well as the number of bettors taking part. Daily fantasy sports betting is much more commonplace in the US compared to regular betting with only a handful of states still considering it as illegal.
Best Daily Fantasy Sports Betting Sites
Since daily fantasy sports was already legal in 18 states prior to the law change in 2018, it is undoubtable popular within the US. There are two stand out sportsbooks when It comes to fantasy sports, these are DraftKings and FanDuel.
FanDuel and DraftKings are by far the largest two competitors in the DFS game and its clear to see why. Both sites offer top quality products meaning that it’s really down to personal preference on which one is your favorite. Check out the review above or simply check out the sites for yourselves, you won’t be disappointed.
The Difference Between Legal and Offshore USA Betting Sites
When searching for different options on betting sites, you may have come across a number of offshore sites directed towards American punters. Unlike legal betting sites which have been approved by the state they operate in, Offshore sites are not.
Before sports betting was legalized these may have been seen as the only option, however nowadays these sites which have not been vetted in any way, should become a thing of the past.
How to Spot an Offshore Betting Site
Most of the largest offshore betting sites are well designed, up to date and offers many betting options, meaning that it blends in well with legal sites. There are still a number of ways to check.
- Regulators logos
USA betting sites that are legal and regulated will have a seal of approval at the top or bottom of their pages proving that they are in fact legitimate. They will also have the responsible gaming logo at the top of the page which is a must for every site.
- Contact Information
Another tell tail sign is found in the contact information section of a site. All US betting sites’ offices can only be found in the US. Offshore companies can often be found in many different countries such as Costa Rica, Isle of Man and Malta. International betting site which have American licenses must have offices in America.
Why Shouldn’t You Use Offshore Betting Sites
Nowadays, American Betting sites have greatly improved with odds and a range of sports to compete with any offshore betting company. However, you may be thinking, what are the problems with using a well-established offshore betting site? There are still a few issues.
Offshore sites do not have any legal obligation in the United States meaning if your money is lost, or is stolen by the company, you are out of luck and cannot turn to the government for legal support. These sites may also be illegitimate, aimed at taking your money or personal information or are being used for other nefarious reasons.
Legal sites have been put through a rigorous regulation process to ensure they are transparent and trustworthy, making it almost impossible to execute any illegitimate acts. If they do, you will have the backing of the law on your side. Making your experience as a bettor a much safer one.
Best US Betting Sites FAQs
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Sports betting has been legalized in 23 states as well as Washington DC. Four more states are currently in the process of legalizing sports betting.
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ThePuntersPage regard DraftKings, BetMGM, FanDuel, and Borgata Online as the four best bookmakers the US has to offer.
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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.
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US bookmakers allow punters to deposit funds by a variety of methods. However, the most common and reliable option is PayPal.
ThePuntersPage Final Say
In this guide, we’ve detailed the growing popularity of online sports betting in the US. Sportsbooks are thriving and there are plenty of different options for punters to take advantage of.
As always, we remind you to bet responsibly – and recommend you to take advantage of all of our guides to aid you on your betting journey!
