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Online sportsbooks

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Since sports betting became legal in the US more and more online sportsbooks are entering the market. But which ones are the best and what should you look out for when picking one? In this comprehensive guide we’ll go through everything there is to know about online sportsbooks in the US.

Best online sportsbooks in the US

Below is a list of the best online sportsbooks in the US right now. We’ve looked at their overall reputation, payout speed, betting markets and welcome bonuses.

FanDuel sportsbook Best sportsbook for beginners
DraftKings sportsbook Best sportsbook for welcome bonuses
PointsBet sportsbook Best sportsbook for mobile wagering
Caesars sportsbook Best sportsbook for odds boosts
BetRivers sportsbook Best sportsbook for in-play betting
BetWay sportsbook Best sportsbook for fast payouts
FOXBet sportsbook Best sportsbook for parlay bets
BetMGM sportsbook Best sportsbook for live streaming
Unibet sportsbook Best sportsbook risk-free bets
WynnBet sportsbook Best sportsbook for no deposit bonuses

FanDuel Sportsbook

FanDuel Sportsbook is one of the top-rated betting operators in the US. Offering all the mainstream sports from football, basketball, and soccer, to even the less popular sports like table tennis, FanDuel has it all. FanDuel Sportsbook first came on the sports betting scene in the US back in 2018. Since then it has become a bettor’s favorite with its ongoing promotion offers, betting options, and available payment methods on offer.

DraftKings Sportsbook

DraftKings Sportsbook was launched by three friends back in 2012 from a garage. DraftKings then grew exponentially and became the top Daily Fantasy Sports provider in the country. After online sports betting was legalized in 2018 in some states, DraftKings was the first sportsbook to launch in New Jersey. DK offers many betting options, bonuses, and sports to bet on.

PointsBet Sportsbook

PointsBet Sportsbook is an Australian-based betting platform that launched in the US in 2019. Since then, PointsBet has grown to be a top competitor in the sports betting industry. Offering unique features including its Pointsbetting system, PointsBet Sportsbook stands out from the rest in that it offers something different for its bettors. Not to mention, PointsBet also offers all the latest games, live betting options, many bonuses for new and returning players, and much more.

Caesars Sportsbook

Caesars Sportsbook is part of a brand that has become a household name in the betting industry. The betting giant is a popular choice for sports bettors across the country. Competitive odds, ongoing promotions, live betting, and the comfort that you are betting with a trusted brand, are just some of the reasons so many bettors flock to Caesar’s Sportsbook.

BetRivers Sportsbook

BetRivers Sportsbook is one of the oldest sportsbooks in the US. Officially launching in 2019 not long after the legalization of online sports betting, BetRivers had been around for years before. The site boasts many betting markets from all over the world, for a plethora of different sports including MMA, boxing, soccer, football, tennis, and many more. BetRivers Sportsbook also has many promotions and bonuses on offer for both new and returning bettors.

BetWay Sportsbook

BetWay Sportsbook is a veteran when it comes to online sports betting. A trusted and well-recognized brand, the site has been around a long time and continues to grow. BetWay has recently announced they will be breaking into the e-sports market, competing with other top sportsbooks in the industry. The assortment of sports, betting markets, and bonuses on offer at BetWay Sportsbook makes it a top pick for sports bettors throughout the country.

FoxBet Sportsbook

FoxBet Sportsbook has been around for a while in the UK, Australia, and Canada. Now that many states are legalizing online sports betting, FoxBet has picked the perfect time to launch in the US. The excellent promotions on offer, sleek user interface, and a large array of available payment methods combined with the trusted brand make FoxBet Sportsbook a top pick for bettors.

BetMGM Sportsbook

BetMGM Sportsbook is a major player in online sports betting in the US. First launching in Pennsylvania after the legalization of online sports betting in some states, BetMGM has grown its sportsbook to be one of the most popular throughout the country. Bettors are confident betting with BetMGM Sportsbook as it’s a trusted brand. BetMGM is also known to retain its customers by continuing to offer loyalty rewards for returning players. This makes BetMGM Sportsbook stand out from the rest, who mostly look to attract new players by only offering them bonuses and promotions.

Unibet Sportsbook

Unibet Sportsbook is a recent player in the US sports betting market. Founded in London back in the late 90s, Unibet has been one of the most popular betting platforms in the UK and the rest of Europe since. Worldwide, the Unibet Sportsbook has approximately 11 million users and this number continues to grow. Its growing influence in the betting industry in the US has seen Unibet partner with major sports teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and the New Jersey Devils.

WynnBet Sportsbook

The WynnBet Sportsbook app was launched in 2020 by the owner of Wynn Resorts in Las Vegas. WynnBet is relatively late to the game when it comes to online sports betting in America. However, that has not slowed the betting platform down. The site is now available in many of the states where online sports betting has been legalized. Bettors can expect competitive odds, awesome features, many sports to choose from, and ongoing bonuses.

What is an online sportsbook?

An online sportsbook is a website that accepts bets on sports events and pays out winnings on successful bets. Sportsbooks are also known as bookmakers or simply bookies.

There are several online sportsbook sites available today in different parts of the world. This increment is attributable to the increasing interest in sports betting. The interest arises from the fact that sports betting is one of the most straightforward ways of placing a bet. Your preferred team wins and you win.

Yes, online sportsbooks are legal in most states in the US. A federal law made it possible for each state to legalize online sports betting, and so far 16 states have allowed online sportsbooks to start operating within their borders.

It is always advisable to double-check the sports betting laws of the state you are living in before signing up for an online sportsbook. The few states that currently don’t allow sportsbooks are getting fewer by the day. More states are legislating to remove the legal barriers preventing people from taking part in the practice.

How to register & play at sportsbooks

To begin playing at an online sportsbook platform is pretty straightforward. You only need to take a few basic steps and you will soon be placing bets. Just follow the steps described below:

  1. Find an online sportsbook that you like – Have a look at our toplist of the best bookies in US right now. Have a look at their bonuses and pick one that you find interesting.
  2. Sign up with your details – This typically involves filling out a form with details such as your name, email, phone number, and some proof of identification. Make sure to fill out all the details correctly since there may be some form of verification of your details at a later stage.
  3. Claim your betting bonus – Some sites will give you a period of time to do this. However, it is advisable to claim your sportsbook welcome bonus immediately so that you benefit from it straight away. If you wait too long, the promo may even expire before you use it. You will then miss out on the bonus altogether.
  4. Deposit the requisite amount – In most cases, you will be required to deposit a certain minimum amount to enable you to play on the sportsbook. This is usually well spelt out at the outset, so there should be no confusion about it.
  5. Start betting on your favorite sports – You should always take advantage if given the opportunity to try out betting without using your money. This will help you to get an idea of how the exercise goes before committing your money. You should remain on the lookout for any free bets or bonuses that may come your way.

Sports available on US bookies

The following sports are available for betting in US. They are by no means the only ones since new sports get added regularly.

  • Basketball
  • Ice hockey
  • Football
  • Baseball
  • Soccer
  • Tennis
  • Golf
  • Gymnastics
  • Pool
  • Mixed Martial Arts
  • Boxing
  • Badminton
  • Netball
  • Lacrosse
  • Snooker
  • Fantasy sports

How do I choose the best sportsbook for me?

In order to pick the best sportsbook for you, we’ve put together some guidelines in order to make it easier for you to choose.

1. Reliability

A reliable sportsbook is one that pays you money once you have won it. If you get stories instead of your cash, then you should quit and hit the road as soon as possible. The whole idea of betting operates on the premise that you should win money and get it into your pocket. Without that, nothing else matters. You can gauge the reliability of a sportsbook by reading reviews and checking its terms and conditions. Reviews by previous users can guide you on what to expect from the site. You should also find out from the fine print of the terms and conditions how and when you will get your winnings.

You can also check the number of people registered on the sportsbook if the information is available. Those with many subscribers are usually reliable, and that is why people flock to them. However, this guideline may not be reliable if it is a new site. Nevertheless, if the bookie has been around for a year or more, it should have attracted thousands of subscribers. If that is not the case, you should be very afraid to join. A reliable bookie should also be legally registered and licensed to operate. That proves that they are legitimately doing business. It is important to check out the legal status before you rush to register. You can easily get this information from online reviews even if it is not readily available on the site.

2. Security of your money

You don’t want to deposit your money into a site only to find it missing the following day. So, you should check the security measures they have put in place to ensure that swindlers don’t get to your money. Most of the bookies, even relatively new ones, usually employ SSL encryptions to keep marauders out. Moreover, they have other layers of data encryption within the site itself just in case somebody manages to hack in.

Reviews and the number of subscribers can give you a good idea of the security situation on the site. The website or app itself may also have information on security measures they have put in place. You don’t have to be an expert in coding to understand that some security measures have been put in place. This is information that is readily available since the site wishes to convince you to join them. Still, you should not just take their word for it. Look at independent reviews and the number of people who have joined.

3. Promotions and bonuses

This is where the bookies try to outdo one another. Due to the increasing competition in the sports betting business, each site has the drive to attract as many people as it can register. The way they do it is to give regular promotions and offer lucrative sportsbook betting bonuses to attract subscribers. To find out what is the best online sportsbook, you will consider what each is are offering, before making your decision. The bookies are well aware of this, so they try to lure you with mouth-watering offers that you will not easily resist.

Promotions are regular offers that are given periodically to keep customers coming. They only run for a short period of time. For instance, there may be a Black Friday discount or a one-month offer. Such promotions may allow you to pay a lower deposit than usual, get free bets or enjoy higher odds. They come in many types as the bookmakers become more creative on how to lure you.

4. Loyalty programs

These are bonuses that you are given for remaining loyal to the bookie for a long period of time. If you remain on the site and play often, then you can benefit from this program. It may come after a really long period though. Regardless, it is just as useful as the other bonuses when it does come.

5. Available sports markets

Another thing to look for is the available sports markets on offer. This simply refers to the many different types of games available for you to bet on. Some betting sites offer fewer games than others. This may be a problem if you find that your favorite game is not available.

The more the games available, the better the bookmaker. You should check out if the games you wish to bet on are available before you enlist with a bookie. Some of the bookies will give you the range of their games in their adverts or on their site. If this information is scanty, then you should check out reviews of the site. You can easily glean the extent of what is available from there.

6. Payment methods

It is really important that you deposit and withdraw money with ease on your sportsbook online. You should check out the payment methods available to see which will be most convenient for you. Some bookmakers offer more payment methods than others. You should check for methods such as wire transfers, credit/debit cards, and online wallets. These methods vary in the duration they take to make payouts and the fees they charge. The shorter the duration and the lower the fees, the better for you.

You don’t want to wait for too long to get your money. You also wouldn’t fancy paying a huge chunk of your earnings in fees. So you should see which method will work in your favor. At the end of the day, betting is all about getting money out of the bookie.

7. Mobile compatibility

Most bookies now offer their services on mobile betting apps. The onset of smartphones has made this really easy. It is convenient to carry your bookie with you in your mobile wherever you go. That way you can easily bet from anywhere.

You should thus ensure that your bookie is offering this service for your convenience. It also helps to be able to process your payments on your mobile. It is definitely easier than rushing back to the house to turn on your laptop. Likewise, it is advisable not to bother with the conservative bookies who still stick to the PC platform only. Technology has already moved beyond that.

8. Customer support

When you run into some kind of problem or need a certain issue clarified, then customer care is the place to go. The most efficient mode of communication with customer care is via live chats. Most bookies have this method available on their site, even as others rush to catch up. Other effective methods of communication include email and phone. Take time to know what is available as you may need to use it in the future.

9. Available currencies

Sports betting is very much an international practice. You should find out which currencies can be used on your sportsbook online. If they are only talking of Euros when you have Dollars, you may as well forget about them. It is up to them to avail the currency you want. Don’t start a debate with customer care. Instead, you should move on to find another bookie.

Payment methods available at sportsbooks in the US

There are many payment methods available on the various online sportsbooks in the US. Some of them are more efficient than others. They tend to pay out faster and cost you less. You should establish what each has to offer before finding the type that suits you the most. They include the following:

  • VISA
  • Mastercard
  • Online banking
  • PayPal
  • Neteller
  • Prepaid cards
  • Venmo
  • Skrill
  • PaySafeCard
  • Play+
  • Discover Card

Different bet types you can place at bookmakers

There are many bet types that you can place your wager on. Many of them are designed to help you increase your odds when you play. Moneyline bets are the simplest since they involve a straight prediction of a given team winning.

However, they also provide the lowest odds. You should try out the other types of bets to increase your income. A brief explanation of each type of bet appears below:

  • Moneyline bets – Moneyline are the most basic types of bets. They involve predicting a single outcome on a single bet. All you have to do is predict that team A will win. If the team wins at the end of the game, you get your money. In some sports, you can also predict a draw between two teams. The downside of this type of bet is that you get very little money out of it even if you do win. That is because the odds of the predicted outcome are usually very low. Remember, the surer you are that a team will win, the lower the odds are likely to be on that prediction.
  • Parlay bets – Parlays are bets which involve several outcomes combined in one bet. Instead of betting on one game like in the Moneyline bet, you can bet on more games together. You can predict the teams that will win each game. This tremendously increases your odds, and you can win really big. However, if the outcome of one game goes wrong, the whole bet collapses, and you lose. Some bookies offer Acca Insurance to refund you some of your money if only 1 game, out of at least 5 that you bet on, goes against your predictions. This can help a little bit.
  • Goal predictions – Gola prediction bets come in various forms. Over/under bets are common in the game of soccer. For instance, you may predict that a total of over 4 goals will be scored. Alternatively or under 4 goals will be scored. If the game ends with less than 4 goals, scored by both teams, you lose on the first bet. If the game ends with more than 4 combined goals, you lose the second bet. The Goal-Goal bet means both teams will score. In some cases, you can even predict the exact score. This means you award each team the number of goals you think they will score. This is the riskiest, but most lucrative, prediction.
  • Prop bets – A prop bet is the short form of proposition bets. It involves predictions of events that don’t have a direct bearing on the outcome of the came. In a basketball game, you can predict a player who will be fouled out. You can also bet on red cards in a soccer game. Prop bets are considered high risk because they have nothing to do directly with the direction in which the outcome of the game will go. They are completely wild guesses that can easily go completely off the mark. However, that is what makes them so exciting when the prediction comes true.
  • Futures bets – Futures are bets on future events. You can predict the outcomes of games long before they are played. For instance, you can predict which team will win the next Super Bowl or NBA final. Such long term bets are allowed by some bookies, but not others. You should always check if this bet type is available if you wish to take part in it. Futures are high-risk bets since so many things may change, such as your favorite team suddenly losing form before the predicted event.
  • Top scorer bets – Top scorer is a prediction on who will become the top scorer in a sporting event. This particularly applies to a tournament such as the FIFA World Cup or the NBA season. It is considered a high-risk bet even if a certain player is showing all the signs of scoring the most. Sports events are quite unpredictable. For instance, the player you are vouching for may suffer an injury and be unable to become the scorer as you had predicted.

The history of online sportsbooks in the USA

The history of online gambling in the USA is defined by long periods of bans so the industry develops much slower than in other parts of the world. Despite these bans, betting on horse races has always existed in one form or another since the 15th century. However, sports betting went online with the arrival of the internet towards the end of the 20th century. By the year 2000, many people were participating in online sports betting and casino games. This was regardless of the fact that online gambling was illegal.

Eventually, New Jersey became the first state to legalize casino and horse race betting in 2018. This followed the overturning of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 by the supreme court. Sports gambling went legal online soon after. This opened the floodgates for sports betting legalization, and other states followed suit. The main reason for this is that people could gamble online even in states that had not legalized sports betting. Even though many states dragged their feet about passing the necessary regulations to legalize online sportsbooks, there has been steady progress. This opened the betting space wide open by the year 2022. Clearly, there will be no turning back on the issue of sports betting from now on.

Who regulates online sportsbooks?

Online sportsbooks in the US is regulated by state governments. The American Gaming Association fully supports this arrangement, identifying state governments as highly effective in this role. Though the federal government has already legislated to allow sports betting in the country, it is up to each state government to regulate the industry. The states have taken their time to pass the necessary legislation.

However, the culture of regulating sports betting is growing and becoming more established in the US. This tightening of regulations is making the gambling space increasingly safer for sports bettors in the country.

Blacklisted sportsbooks in the US

There are a number of online sportsbooks that have been blacklisted in the US. The reasons for blacklisting include lack of a valid license, payout issues to players, unrealistically high odds, poor reputation, negative customer reviews, and poor customer support.

Some of the blacklisted sportsbooks in the US include:

  • Americas Bookie
  • CRSportsbet
  • Topbet
  • Slotsnbets
  • Lady Linda Casino
  • Mystake
  • Skybook
  • Zenitbet
  • Carbon Gaming
  • Betonline

This is by no means the whole list. However, it is easy to get the whole list by conducting a search online. It is advisable to avoid engaging any of these sites as there is no guarantee that you will ever get the money you deposit or win.

What is a retail sportsbook?

A retail sportsbook is a physical location where people can place wagers in person. It is like walking into any other shop to access services. Retail sportsbooks offer the possibility to bet on sports, horse races, and fantasy sports.

They are popular with people who prefer physical gambling to the online version. Retail gambling actually preceded online sports gambling but was mainly for horse races. Recent developments have seen even computer games availed in these premises. The premises have clearly evolved from the dingy horse racing ticket shops of those years to the high-tech premises that exist today. The concept however remains the same, it is sports betting that takes you there.

FAQ

Which sportsbook has the best odds?

Our research shows that FanDuel, DraftKings, and PointsBet have the best odds out of all sportsbooks currently on the US market. The best odds can vary between different events and sports, so its best that you look around before placing any bet.

Are online sportsbooks safe?

Yes, online sportsbooks are safe. The safest online sportsbook is a properly licensed and regulated one under US federal and state laws. It is important to check that the site you are joining is properly licensed before signing up. You will then proceed to gamble safely without losing your money in the process. Illegally operating sites are usually blacklisted. You should search for blacklisted sites online to avoid them.

Should I bet on offshore sportsbooks in the US?

No, you shouldn’t bet on offshore bookies in the US, You are only safe with sites that are legally registered to operate in the US. These sites are regulated by US states to ensure that the rights of players are protected. You should never step out of this safe zone because you don't what kind of sites are out there.