Three quick facts about online sports betting in the United States
- As of 2025, more than 30 US states have legalized online and mobile sports betting.
- Bet365, FanDuel, Caesars, DraftKings, and Fanatics are my top picks.
- In most states, you must be at least 21 years old to register and place wagers at online sportsbooks.
The hottest sportsbook in the US right now
| Sportsbook | Sign-Up Bonus |
|---|---|
| 1. BetMGM Sport BetMGM Sport Review | BetMGM Sport Bonus | Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win |
| 2. Bet365 Sport Bet365 Sport Review | Bet365 Sport Bonus | Bet $5 & Get $150 |
| 3. Caesars Sport Caesars Sport Review | Caesars Sport Bonus | Bet $1, Double your Winnings on your Next 20 Wagers. Up to $25 Max Bet Per Boost |
| 4. FanDuel Sportsbook FanDuel Sportsbook Review | FanDuel Sportsbook Bonus | Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins! |
| 5. DraftKings Sport DraftKings Sport Review | DraftKings Sport Bonus | New Customers: Bet $5+ and get $200 in Bonus Bets if it wins! |
| 6. Fanatics Fanatics Review | Fanatics Bonus | Bet $50, Get $300 in FanCash |
The landscape changes rapidly, but right now, these five platforms stand out: Bet365, FanDuel, Caesars, DraftKings, and Fanatics. I have accounts on each of them, alongside other sportsbooks, so I have done a lot of analysis for each of them. In the following sections, I will briefly review each one to give you an idea of why they made it to the top of my list:
| Sportsbooks | Popular feature |
| bet365 | Competitive odds across various sports and markets |
| FanDuel | Highly functional mobile applications |
| Caesars | A new level of live betting, thanks to microbetting options |
| DraftKings | Rewarding bonus systems |
| Fanatics | An impressive loyalty program |
bet365 — betting site with the best odds pricing
- Fast, reliable mobile app performance
- Quick deposits and fast withdrawals
- 24/7 live chat customer support
- Unavailable in some US states
- Phone support hours not 24/7
When placing bets, nothing gets to me better than good odds. So, when I found that bet365 consistently offers some of the best lines for various sports and markets, I was impressed. The margins here range from 4% to 5%, unlike many brands, which keep margins between 5% and 7%.
When you talk about sportsbooks with extensive coverage, bet365 is definitely on the list. It offers more than 700 daily markets across 30+ sports, though the availability of these markets usually depends on your state.
If you choose to sign up at bet365, you can expect a welcome offer where you get $200 in bonus bets for placing an initial wager of $5. The sportsbook then kept things exciting by offering limited-time promotions such as profit boosts and referral bonuses.
FanDuel — an unmatched mobile experience
- Best in class usability
- Available in 25+ states
- Competitive odds and coverage
- Top tier brand rep
- No sportsbook VIP program
Anytime I want to place a sports bet on the go, FanDuel is the sports betting app I open first. There’s a good reason for this: the brand’s mobile application is the best I’ve used so far. Downloading it was quick, and don’t get me started on its smooth performance on both Android and iOS devices.
Whether you sign up via the application or website, you can get a welcome package of $300 in bonus bets if you place an initial wager of $5+ and win. I also stumbled upon profit boosts for NFL markets, as well as a $50 referral bonus for every new player you bring to the platform.
Let me discuss a bit about the sports coverage. You have everything from moneylines to point spreads and totals for mainstream and niche sports. Its live betting section is also impressive, especially with the inclusion of live streaming.
Caesars — excellent micro-betting options thanks to Simplebet’s technology
- Generous welcome offers
- Wide range of markets
- Live chat support
- No esports available
Since Caesars partnered with Simplebet, the live betting experience has been top-tier. This is thanks to the microbetting options, where you can wager on the smallest things, including the outcome of every pass, pitch, and play within a game.
The welcome bonus is another strong feature of the online sportsbook. Here's what you can get: Bet $1, double your winnings on your next 20 bets, up to $25 per boost. I always advise to check the promos before signing up, as they tend to vary from state to state.
Beyond its promotions, I like how well the brand covers major league events. Plus, there is a cash-out feature that lets you settle some pre-match and live bets early. I enjoyed these features on both its website and mobile app.
DraftKings — generous welcome bonus and other promotions
- Great mobile apps
- Supports live streaming
- Withdrawal takes 1 to 3 days
- Subpar customer service
DraftKings refuses to sit still, constantly rolling out sportsbook bonuses that you won't find on many other online sports betting websites. One of these is the recent welcome bonus, exclusive for New Customers: Get $300 in Bonus Bets + 3 Months of NBA League Pass.
It's not every day you see a sportsbook offer you three three-month free subscriptions to an exclusive streaming service. But that is not all. You have limited-time promotions like the “Ghost Leg,” which allows you to assign one pick that can lose without ruining the entire parlay
DraftKings does not disappoint when it comes to sports coverage. You have hundreds of pre-match and live markets for 25+ sports, including popular and niche games. Then, I must commend the features that elevate the overall experience. I'm talking live streaming, cash out options, and a comprehensive statistics hub.
Fanatics – the FanCash rewards system
- Awesome market coverage.
- User friendly betting tools.
- Bet legally from 22+ states.
- Fun FanCash promos.
- App only.
Fanatics came out swinging with a completely different rewards model, and I wasted no time getting on the bandwagon of bettors joining the sportsbook. You're automatically enrolled in the program after you create an account on the platform. From then on, every wager gets your FanCash, which you can accumulate and exchange for actual sports gear.
This is also one of my top low deposit betting sites because it allows you to get started with as little as $10. With this amount, you can qualify for the welcome bonus, where you get up to $2,000 in FanCash.
Every online betting site on this list has an intuitive user interface, and Fanatics is no exception. Both the apps and website load quickly and have a simple layout that makes it easy for you to find your way around the site. Fanatics also provides extensive sports coverage. As you might have already guessed, you will find more markets for major leagues like the NFL and the NBA.
Understanding the legality of online sports betting in the US and the minimum age limit
Getting started at the top online bookmaker sites I’ve just recommended is easy, but first you have to consider two major things: your age and your location. The minimum age limit is 21 for most states. But, even if you’re past this age threshold, you also have to be in a state that permits online sports betting.
I won’t bore you with the legal bits of sports betting in every state. However, I will make things much easier for you by providing a list of all US states and identifying those where the activity is legal. I will also throw in the minimum age limit for each state. Check them out below:
| State | Legal online sports betting / minimum age for sports betting |
| Alabama | No |
| Alaska | No |
| Arizona | Yes / 21 years old |
| Arkansas | Yes / 21 years old |
| California | No |
| Colorado | Yes / 21 years old |
| Connecticut | Yes / 21 years old |
| Delaware | Yes / 21 years old |
| Florida | Yes / 21 years old |
| Georgia | No |
| Hawaii | No |
| Idaho | No |
| Illinois | Yes / 21 years old |
| Indiana | Yes / 21 years old |
| Iowa | Yes / 21 years old |
| Kansas | Yes / 21 years old |
| Kentucky | Yes / 18 years old |
| Louisiana | Yes / 21 years old |
| Maine | Yes / 21 years old |
| Maryland | Yes / 21 years old |
| Massachusetts | Yes / 21 years old |
| Michigan | Yes / 21 years old |
| Minnesota | No |
| Mississippi | No |
| Missouri | No |
| Montana | No |
| Nebraska | No |
| Nevada | Yes / 21 years old |
| New Hampshire | Yes / 18 years old |
| New Jersey | Yes / 21 years old |
| New Mexico | No |
| New York | Yes / 21 years old |
| North Carolina | Yes / 21 years old |
| North Dakota | No |
| Ohio | Yes / 21 years old |
| Oklahoma | No |
| Oregon | Yes / 21 years old |
| Pennsylvania | Yes / 21 years old |
| Rhode Island | Yes / 21 years old |
| South Carolina | No |
| South Dakota | No |
| Tennessee | Yes / 21 years old |
| Texas | No |
| Utah | No |
| Vermont | Yes / 21 years old |
| Virginia | Yes / 21 years old |
| Washington | No |
| West Virginia | Yes / 21 years old |
| Wisconsin | No |
| Wyoming | Yes / 18 years old |
Keep this in mind: the sports betting landscape in the United States is evolving. You’ll find that 30 states permit online sports betting, as of the time of this writing. This list is bound to grow in the future. That said, I advise you to occasionally go through the legal gambling laws in your state to be sure that you can place sports bets from there.
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The 5 most common sports to bet on in the US
One of the things I check when choosing the best sites for sports betting is coverage. I want to see a long list: 25, 30, 35 sports and the like. But let's be honest: even if there are hundreds of betting markets, there are a few sports that draw in big crowds and are more common at sportsbooks. Here are five of them:
🏈 American Football
What better way to start this list than to mention the king of sports in the US: American Football. In fact, NFL Sundays generate more handle than any other day in sports; then, college football is just a step behind. And when it comes to betting opportunities, you have more than enough to choose from, including moneylines and propositions.
🏀 Basketball
It's almost impossible for you to log into your sportsbook and not find basketball markets. The NBA runs from October through June with games almost every night, leading to constant action. It is also known for its high-scoring nature, which makes it easier to predict the outcome of an over/under market. Apart from the NBA, you can wager on the WNBA, NCAA basketball, and the Australian NBL.
⚾ Baseball
With 162-game seasons and multiple games daily, MLB provides consistent markets from April through October. I love baseball betting because my research can significantly increase your winning chances. You can check pitching matchups, bullpen usage, and weather, then use the details you get to place better-informed wagers. For baseball, moneylines are its most popular markets, but you will also find runlines and totals, among other niche betting markets.
⚽ Soccer
Soccer is known in the global betting market, but US-based sportsbooks have finally caught up and now offer comprehensive coverage for its matches. The MLS provides American action, but the real depth comes from the Premier League, La Liga, Champions League, and international competitions. Plus, there are matches every single day, and you won’t run out of soccer betting markets at online sportsbooks.
🎾 Tennis
If you enjoy tennis, then you're sure to get year-round betting opportunities with the Grand Slam tournaments. Personally, I prefer smaller tournaments like the ATP and the WTA, where lines are softer. But, whatever the case, you still have loads of betting options at your fingertips, including set winners, correct score handicaps, and totals.
Betting 101: Understanding betting markets and bet types you'll find at these online sportsbooks
Most sportsbooks offer the same core betting markets. Let me give a simple overview of the main ones and how they work:
| Moneyline | These options strip sports betting to its simplest form. You only have to pick the player or team to win. There are no complex calculations, which makes them ideal if you’re just starting off with online betting. |
| Point spread | Spreads level the playing field by giving the underdog a head start and making the favorite cover a margin. For example, I bet on the Chiefs, who are -7 against the Broncos. I need Kansas City to win by 8+ points for my bet to cash. If they win 24-20, I lose because they only won by 4 points |
| Totals (over/under) | Totals betting means predicting whether the combined score of both teams goes over or under the sportsbook's number. |
| Propositions | Props focus on specific player or game events rather than outcomes. You have markets like: Will Mahomes throw over 2.5 touchdowns? Will LeBron get a double-double? |
| Futures | Futures are long-term bets on seasonal outcomes, such as championship winners, division titles, or MVP awards. These bets can stay for weeks or months before they are settled, but the payouts can be substantial if you identify value early. |
| Live betting | In this case, you’re wagering on events as they are playing out. I enjoy this option because the bets settle much faster, and there is an opportunity to lock on better odds while the game is ongoing. |
| Parlays | With Parlays, you combine multiple selections and place them as a single bet. The appeal is that their potential payouts are much higher than if you place each of your selections individually. But every pick has to win for you to cash in on your parlay, and this is usually challenging. |
Why the odds are the most important features to check for in an online betting site
I don't want to know how sleek a sportsbook app is or how attractive the promotions are. If the odds are trash, I am not placing there. These odds are literally the price you're paying for your bet, and over time, better odds offer you the most value.
For context, here is an example. Say the moneyline odds for an NFL game where Team A is to win are offered by two sportsbooks as follows:
- Sportsbook 1: +150
- Sportsbook 2: +130
This means that a $100 bet on the first sportsbook will get me $150 extra if I win. Meanwhile, the same $100 bet on the second sportsbook will only get me $130. Do you see the difference in the same market?
So, when you get advice like “shop around for the best odds,” take it. I know it can be a lot of hard work, which is why I picked only the best online betting sites with decent odds for various sports and markets.
The only bookmakers you'll ever need
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Other essential features that every sportsbook needs to have
The odds are among the top factors I check for, but a top-tier sportsbook should offer so much more. Here are some of the other essential features that determine a betting site’s rating in my books:
🎁 Generous bonuses and promotions
The best sportsbook promotions are those that are easy to claim and have reasonable terms and conditions. That said, I do not focus solely on the bonus amount: I also pay attention to the top requirements in the promo's T&Cs. I note the minimum bet amount, wagering requirements, and expiration dates, if there are any. It also helps if the betting site has a variety of promotions for existing users, not just a generous welcome offer.
📺 Live betting, real-time streaming, and updated odds
The live/in-play section is often one of the first I visit after launching a sportsbook for the first time. I want to see live betting markets update in real time without lag, competitive odds, and a wide range of outcomes beyond just the basic moneyline and total.
Live streaming is a welcome addition, and the quality of the video feed also matters. Brands that go the extra mile to include live game trackers and a statistics section get a higher rating in terms of the overall live betting experience.
💵 Full and partial cash-out options
Cash-out features allow me to settle bets early before they conclude. With this, I can lock in profit or minimize losses, especially on parlays where most legs have hit but I am confident of the remaining selections. That said, I usually look forward to a cash-out function being available on betting sites and apps.
🏗️ Same Game Parlays builders
The introduction of bet SGP builders made the betting process more interesting and much easier. Imagine being able to combine multiple bets from one game into a single ticket. I rate a sportsbook highly when it makes its SGP builder readily available and easy to locate. It gets an even better rating if the SGP odds are quite competitive as well.
How to place your first bet at online sportsbooks
You now have the most basic details about sports betting, including the top sportsbooks where you can get started. But if the whole betting process is still fresh to you, I've got your back. Let me give you a simple guide on how you can sign up and place wagers:
Pick a sportsbook, then visit the site or download the application
Start by choosing a sportsbook that appeals to you. I have simplified this process by providing you with various brands, including no deposit bonus betting sites, that you can choose from.
Once you select a sportsbook, simply click its promo banner on this page, and you’ll be redirected to its official website. If you prefer mobile betting and the brand has an app, downloading the app first is the way to go.
Fill out the registration form and complete verification
The registration process on top online bookmaker sites is straightforward. Just type the necessary details, submit the form, and you’re good to go. Note that you will need to complete phone and email verification before you can fully access the platform.
Fund your account — while paying attention to the welcome bonus
After verification, head to the cashier section, pick a payment method, and follow the onscreen instructions to fund your account. If there is a welcome bonus and you’re interested in it, check the minimum deposit required and ensure you pay at least that amount.
Navigate to the betting lobby
Now that your account is loaded up, you’re ready to go. Now, you navigate to the betting lobby, choose a sport, select a market, and pick your odds. These will automatically appear in your bet slip, where you then enter the amount you want to bet.
Submit those bets and wait
When you enter your bet amount, take a second look at everything to be sure you’re satisfied with the wager. If yes, tap the “submit” button at the bottom of the bet slip. Now, you only have to wait to see if your prediction is correct.
Pros and cons of online sports betting in the US
- Online sports betting is legal in 30 states
- Top sportsbooks are easily accessible
- Competitive odds across multiple platforms
- Multiple promotions for new and existing bettors
- Bonuses can be limited in certain states
Place bets only at the best online sportsbooks in the US
I've laid out everything you need to know about online sports betting in the US, from understanding the odds to the top sportsbooks. To summarize, my top picks are bet365, FanDuel, Caesars, DraftKings, and Fanatics, with each one offering high-quality betting services and features. You don't have to settle for the first sportsbook you try. Shop around for the best odds, because those small differences compound into massive value over time. Also, take time to read through my detailed sportsbook reviews to learn more about each platform's strengths, weaknesses, and what makes them stand out.
Once you've confirmed you meet all the legal requirements in your state and you're ready to jump in, click on the promo banners provided on this page. This will take you directly to your selected sportsbook, where you can register in no time.
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Online betting sites FAQs
Do I need to pay taxes on sports betting winnings?
Yes, sports betting winnings are taxable income in the United States. Sportsbooks are required to report winnings over $600 (or 300x your stake) on Form W-2G. You'll receive tax documentation from any sportsbook where you hit these thresholds.
Can I have accounts at multiple sportsbooks simultaneously?
Yes, you can! There's no legal restriction on how many betting accounts you can have, but you can't have more than one account on a single platform.
Are online sportsbooks safe and legitimate?
The best bookmaker sites online are legitimate and safe. They hold licenses from state gaming commissions that enforce strict regulations, so these brands must abide by very high standards.
