Best Online Sportsbooks in the US – Compare the Top Sports Betting Sites

Legal online sports betting is now available in more than 20 states throughout the nation and the best online sportsbook is just a click away. Moreover, several other states are in the process of legalizing and launching betting sites within their borders as well. The offering is finally catching up to the demand and competition is intense in some of these markets.

But which are the best online sportsbooks in the USA? This is the question that we will answer in this guide. Our team of experts has reviewed all of the sports betting sites and also their differences between states. Learn everything you need to know about legal online sports betting, how to get started, and where to find the best apps.

List of the Best Sportsbooks

If you are looking for a quick start to online sports betting, check out the toplist below. It is a fast and easy way to choose the best online sportsbook, ranked based on sports coverage, bonuses, banking, odds, customer support, and other key aspects. Availability will depend on the state, but most brands are now live in multiple locations.

1. BetMGM – The overall best online sportsbook in the US
2. Borgata – Highly competitive odds and extra parlay boosts
3. FanDuel – Claim up to $1,000 back in free bets after signing up
4. DraftKings – Best coverage of more than 20 sports and various events
5. PointsBet – Fixed-odds markets and exclusive PointsBetting options
6. Unibet – Online sports betting experts, with more than 20 years of experience

The Latest US Sports Betting News

As the online sports betting industry is growing and more states legalize sportsbooks, it can be difficult to keep up with all the changes. We have the latest news about sports betting in the US right here:

• October, 2022 – Washington DC presents a new bill that would open up the market for more operators and end the limited options in the state.
• October, 2022 – Sportsbooks in the US have handled more than $158 billion in bets since June, 2018.
• September, 2022 – Kansas fully launches online sports betting sites after the new bill went into effect in July.
• April, 2022 – Massachusetts sports betting bill passes the Senate after receiving quite a few amendments.

Reviews of the Best Online Sportsbooks in the US

Let’s take a closer look at the top online sportsbooks and see what makes them stand out above the rest. These are all legal sports betting sites that operate in various states with the proper licenses from local authorities. They ensure a safe environment and pay winnings without any hassle.

1. BetMGM – The Best Online Sportsbook for Betting in the US

BetMGM is now one of the biggest brands for online betting throughout the nation. It has a premium online sportsbook that is already live in more than 20 states and is looking to expand even further. The site is often accompanied by dedicated mobile apps for iPhone and Android devices to give users easy access.

Inside, you will find a clean layout with all of the popular sports. The bookmaker perfectly covers the major leagues in North America and often has the best betting options for NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and more. It goes well beyond the featured game lines and offers loads of props, alternative markets, and halves.

The platform is not lacking when it comes to features either. Live betting is always busy and even includes live streaming for some games. Plus, early cash out is widely available and many sports support one game parlays. As the best sportsbook online for US players, BetMGM has bonuses and its own rewards program.

2. Borgata – Premium Online Sportsbook with Great Promos

Borgata Online Sports made a great impression during our review. It is the sister site of BetMGM, so it shares most of the same features and perks. This includes the industry-leading in-play betting platform with great coverage and detailed statistics. It also adds some extra promotions that can help players win more money.

New customers benefit from a risk-free first bet that can go up to an impressive $1,000. Then, the weekly offers can generate more free bets and other rewards just by betting on the featured sports. There is also a multi-sport parlay boost that can increase the profits by up to 40%.

The main drawback to Borgata is that the online sportsbook is only available in New Jersey at this time. For players in the Garden State and Atlantic City, this means access to great odds, bonuses, and rewards. As for the other markets, it can take some time before Borgata expands its offering.

3. FanDuel – Best Online Sportsbook with a Complete Racebook

FanDuel was already a popular brand in the US thanks to its very successful daily fantasy sports platform. It started offering real money sports betting options in 2018 and now has one of the best online sportsbooks. The unique design focuses more on functionality than on looks.

The list of sports on the left side will include something that most other online sportsbooks don’t have, horse racing. FanDuel has its own racebook but can also redirect customers to partner online racing sites in states that allow for it. Make sure to read the registration requirements for an exclusive racebook bonus.

FanDuel Sportsbook is known for its sharp odds that can give frequent bettors an advantage over the competition. There are also daily boosts that further improve selected markets. Cashing out the winnings is very simple, although the range of payment options isn’t the best.

4. DraftKings – Best Online Sportsbook for Free Bets and Bonuses

DraftKings now offers one of the best sportsbooks online for US players. It is currently live in 18 states and it is planning on launching in more locations as well. Key markets with DraftKings Sportsbook online and mobile apps include New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Michigan, West Virginia, and Connecticut.

While the bonus offers can vary from state to state, DraftKings has a solid list of promotions for sports betting customers. In fact, it has the best deals out of all online sportsbooks in the nation. New players can claim a 20% first deposit bonus and release the amount just by betting. Moreover, DraftKings offers $200 in free bets for new users.

Other notable promotions include profit boosts of up to 100%, risk-free bets, and even campaigns for free NFTs. Plus, there is a dedicated rewards program on the platform where players earn Crowns on every bet and can redeem them for extra perks.

5. PointsBet – Top Online USA Sportsbook with Fixed Odds and PointsBetting

After launching in the United States in January, 2019, PointsBet is already live in a dozen states. It is the fastest growing online sportsbook in the country and there are several reasons for this. The main attraction is that PointsBet is the only online bookmaker that offers PointsBetting, in addition to its standard fixed-odds markets.

PointsBetting allows users to bet on a market by setting the value of a unit. The payout, or the cost of the wager, will then be determined by the result. If the result is multiple points in the selected direction, the payout is worth multiple units. For example, if you place an over bet at $10, and the actual result is six points over, you win $60.

Of course, PointsBet also offers a complete sportsbook with fixed odds and the most markets on the major leagues in the US. Its focus on NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB makes it a top choice for many experienced bettors. The promotions can sometimes be lacking but some campaigns will provide good value for recreational gamblers.

6. Unibet – Best Online Sportsbook for Soccer Betting and More

Unibet is the only European sportsbook brand in our list of the best sports betting sites in the US. While it doesn’t have the same local brand recognition as some of the other sportsbooks, it does come with decades of experience in a relatively new market. This experience translates into a smooth platform, professional services, and other perks.

Of course, Unibet has adapted its offering for US players and features all of the major leagues. Coverage for these is great and the range of markets easily exceeds 100 wagers for a standard NFL game. Moreover, the bookmaker also keeps some of its strengths from Europe and offers the best coverage of international soccer events.

The trusted sportsbook is live in half a dozen states, where it operates with local licenses. Withdrawals are quick and often approved in one or two business days. We also found the quality of the odds to be on par with other top bookies during our reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Online Sportsbooks

Comparing the Best Online Sportsbooks

The best sports betting sites definitely have plenty of things in common. Not only are they safe and secure, but they also offer key features, such as live sports betting, and great coverage. However, there are still some aspects that can differentiate them. The following table focuses on the most important elements for new players:

Is Sports Betting Legal in the United States?

Yes, online sports betting is legal in some states. While there used to be a federal ban on real money sports betting online, the Supreme Court overturned it in 2018. Known as the Wire Wager Act, the federal law was deemed outdated as it was put in place before the wide spread of the internet and didn’t truly apply to the current landscape.

With the federal ban no longer in place, each state has the freedom to legalize and launch online sports betting sites. The new bill still needs to pass through the regular channels within the state before it can become law. That means that it needs to be approved by the Senate and signed by the governor.

So far, there are 22 states with legal online sports betting regulations and sportsbooks already live. There are also efforts to launch in a few other states, like Maryland and Ohio.

The laws depend on the state, as do the qualification criteria for receiving licenses. However, many of the top brands have had success launching in multiple states. You can find more details on the main markets below.

New Jersey Online Sportsbooks

New Jersey was among the first to license and launch online sportsbooks after the Wire Act was overturned. It now has the most betting sites out of any other state with legal gambling. Included here are renowned operators like BetMGM, FanDuel, and DraftKings, along with exclusive options, such as Borgata Online.

New York Online Sportsbooks

New York only launched its first online sportsbooks in January, 2022, and is already breaking records. Betting sites saw massive revenue during the NFL season as New Yorkers explored the available platforms and mobile apps. One important distinction here is that New York only allows nine online sportsbooks at this time.

Illinois Online Sportsbooks

Illinois sports betting didn’t have the smoothest launch. The state legalized sports betting in 2019 and opened its first retail sportsbook in March, 2020, followed by the first mobile app in June. However, customers were required to register in-person at the local venue before they could bet online from anywhere in the state. This is no longer the case.

Iowa Online Sportsbooks

Iowa was fairly quick to legalize and launch sportsbooks online. After the bill was approved in May, 2019, the first apps were available in August the same year. There are now more than a dozen online sportsbooks available for customers located in the Hawkeye State, including the likes of BetMGM and FanDuel.

Mississippi Online Sportsbooks

Mississippi had an early start for sports betting, repealing its own laws in 2017, but the federal ban was still valid. As soon as this hurdle was no longer in the way, the state legalized retail sports betting in August, 2018. For online betting however, this remains limited to wagers placed while physically present at a licensed casino.

Tennessee Online Sportsbooks

Tennessee is one of the states that have legal online sports betting without any retail options. The good news is that users can choose from more than a dozen apps right now, including some of the best sports betting sites in the US. Even more operators will launch after they receive the green light from the Sports Wagering Advisory Council.

Louisiana Online Sportsbooks

Louisiana sportsbooks first went online on January 28, 2022. BetMGM and DraftKings were among the six mobile apps that started taking bets legally in the state. There still is an important mention here as only 55 out of the 64 parishes in Louisiana currently accept online sports betting. Users physically located in the other nine parishes cannot bet.

Wyoming Online Sportsbooks

Wyoming residents and visitors could start betting online in 2021 as DraftKings and BetMGM were the first two sportsbook apps to launch in the state. These two continue to battle for the top spot and account for most of the market share, despite the fact that two more sportsbooks launched in 2022. PointsBet also has the permit to go live here.

Kansas Online Sportsbooks

Kansas is one of the latest states to legalize and launch real money online sportsbooks. After going live on September 1, 2022, Kansas sports betting sites took in more than $160 million in bets in the first month. DraftKings and FanDuel account for over 70% of that handle and will probably continue to dominate the market.

DC Online Sportsbooks

DC sports betting is probably the most difficult to navigate out of all other states. That’s because while online sports betting is technically legal, users can only access the mobile apps and place bets while being within a few blocks of their respective retail partners. The only district-wide app is from the DC Lottery and it’s not great.

How to Sign Up to an Online Sportsbook

As long as you are located in a state with legal online sports betting, you can take your pick from the available sportsbooks and sign up. The process varies a bit from one platform to another, but mainly has the same steps. We will go through them here while using BetMGM as the best online sportsbook for the example.

Step 1 – Start by Clicking “Register”

The first step is a very easy one. Open the site on your preferred browser and then click the “Register” button. You can find it in the top-right corner on the site.

Step 2 – Fill Out the Registration Boxes

You will need to enter your email address, name, address, date of birth, phone number, and the last four digits of your SSN. This is all standard information for online sports betting in the US. At BetMGM, the boxes become available across several pages as you go.

Step 3 – Enable Two-Step Verification

For the best online security, you will have to verify your phone number after the registration process. You can do this by requesting a SMS text, which you then enter on the site.

Step 4 – Make Your First Deposit on the Sportsbook

Before you can bet real money online, you need to add funds to your sportsbook balance. You can do this by going to the cashier and selecting one of the available payment options. Enter the details and confirm the transaction.

Step 5 – Place Your Bets

Browse the available sports and markets, and add your preferred selections to the slip by clicking on the odds. Then, set the type of bet you want to place in the slip, enter the stake, and place the wager. The payout is automatic after the event concludes.

Main Sports to Bet on at our Recommended Online Sportsbooks

The best sportsbook online for US players will focus mostly on the main sports in the state and in the country. As a result, the major leagues are heavily featured during the seasons and come with the most betting options. However, you can also find plenty of other sports and markets to bet on online.

NFL Betting Online

NFL is one of the biggest betting leagues in the United States and online sportsbooks often run special promotions throughout the season. With the many states with professional teams and the number of games taking place, fans definitely have plenty of options. BetMGM provides perfect coverage of every game and the odds are sharp.

NBA Betting Online

Basketball is the second most popular sport for betting and NBA accounts for most of the action. The highly competitive league provides exciting games that are made even more fun with bets on the line. In addition to the standard game odds, you can also check out loads of player and team props at Borgata Online Sportsbook.

MLB Betting Online

MLB betting is definitely more popular in some states than in others, with New York being the biggest market. Here, DraftKings stands out as having the best odds and the best bonuses for the most profits from the MLB season. Customers can also place single game parlays for most of the games in the league.

NHL Betting Online

Hockey betting also has a massive following in some states due to local teams that have a lot of history and perform very well. Unibet provides great NHL odds and bettors can use the sportsbook apps within regulated states. Moreover, Unibet is an official partner of the New Jersey Devils and even has a complete hockey betting guide.

NCAA Football and Basketball Betting Online

NCAAF and NCAAB are the two main college sports leagues in the US and they see teams from across the nation compete for the trophies. The seasons are packed with action given the many games that take place in a short period of time. However, college betting regulations depend on the state and local games are usually prohibited.

Golf Betting Online

Golf tournaments may not seem that exciting when looking from the outside, but betting fans know how thrilling things can get on the course. BetMGM provides an incredible range of golf betting markets across all of the main tournaments from across the world. The most popular option is for the PGA Tour, followed by the US Masters.

Horse Racing Betting Online

Horse racing on online sports betting sites will depend a lot on the state and its regulations. Many top sportsbooks don’t offer horse racing betting because of this. The one exception that stands out is FanDuel as it has its own FanDuel Racing section in states that allow for it. In some other states, it links to a local online racebook partner.

DFS Betting Online

Daily Fantasy Sports competitions remain popular throughout the nation, even with real money sports betting becoming more widely available. FanDuel and DraftKings are the two main operators for DFS and they account for most of the market share. Both brands offer daily competitions at different prices and for all of the major sports.

Other Sports for Betting Online

Some of the top online sportsbooks can feature more than 20 sports and these usually include tennis, soccer, boxing, MMA, and NASCAR. Some niche sports that are only available on selected sites are esports, entertainment markets, volleyball, and darts. The bottom line is that bettors will have loads of options online.

Popular Bets at the Best Online Sportsbook

Regardless of the sport you prefer betting on, you will have a wide range of markets to choose from at the best sportsbook online in the USA. It is good to know how the different types of bets work in order to make the right selections.

Moneyline

The moneyline bets are the most common in the United States. Each of the two teams receives a numerical value. One of them will have a + sign in front, indicating that it is less likely to win, and the other will have a – sign, which means that it is the favorite. The moneyline shows you how much you stand to win on a bet if you are correct.

Spread

Spread betting is also very popular at online sportsbooks in the US. The bookmaker gives the favorite team a handicap in order to make the moneyline closer to even. So, let’s say that the Golden State Warriors NBA team has a spread of -6.5 points at -110 odds. That means that they need to win by 7 or more points for you to win the bet.

Total

The standard total betting option is for the total number of points scored in the game, by both teams. Sportsbooks can also offer other total markets, like the number of points per team, per period, or even per player. The bookie sets a value and you can bet on the result being over or under that mark.

Props

Proposition bets cover a wide spectrum and depend greatly on the sport. In this category, you can find things like who will score the first field goal, how many points a specific player will get, number of turnovers, and so on. Really big events have the most props, and you can find an insane list of options for the Super Bowl every year.

Futures

Futures are betting options for the entire tournament, or for big stages. For example, sports betting sites can provide NBA futures for the winners of the Eastern Conference, Western Conference, and the finals before the season even starts. The odds change as the games play out and the strongest teams stand out.

Parlays

A parlay bet is basically a combination of two or more selections. The odds and the payout are multiplied, which can mean more money. However, the risk is also increased since every selection in the parlay must be successful in order to receive the payout. The best online sportsbook offers support for same game parlays on major leagues.

Live Betting at the Best Online Sportsbooks

Live betting is now available at all of the featured sports betting sites in this guide. While the coverage, features, and the betting options can vary, you can place bets on live events with ease on any site. With the growth of online gambling in the US, live betting has become quite popular online and it is a top choice for many users.

Also known as in-play betting, the feature allows you to place bets on a game while it is taking place. The sportsbook presents various betting options and the odds change as the game progresses. You can add selections and place bets at any time.

BetMGM is the best sportsbook online for live betting thanks to its impressive coverage. It has all the games in the main leagues and offers loads of markets. Moreover, the platform supports live streaming for many matches, allowing users to follow the action directly on the betting page. It also shows statistics and other useful information.

Bonuses Available at Sports Betting Sites

One big advantage to online sportsbooks is that they offer bonuses and promotions for their customers. This can mean more funds to work with, risk-free guarantees, better odds, boosted payouts, and other perks. Let’s go through the main types of bonuses available at legal online sportsbooks in the USA.

Match Deposit Bonuses

While match deposit bonuses are common at some online gambling sites, new sportsbooks are moving away from these offers. A match deposit bonus will basically give the customer extra bonus funds based on the size of the deposit. It can be anything between 10% and 100%, depending on the site.

The best example of an online sportsbook with match deposit bonuses right now is DraftKings. The operator is giving new players a 20% bonus on the first deposit, up to $1,000. After triggering the offer, you can release the amount by betting on sports, taking part in DFS competitions, or even by playing casino games in regulated states.

No Deposit Bonuses

The next category is for no deposit bonuses and quite a few offers fit in here. The standard no deposit bonus is awarded when signing up, but this is very rare. The more common no deposit bonuses available at online sportsbooks consist of risk-free bets and parlay insurance. This means that if you lose the bet, you get the money back.

Other offers that don’t require you to make a deposit in order to claim them are parlay boosts and odds boosts. The top sportsbooks have boosted odds on selected markets every day. They also provide you with increased payouts on parlays with five or more selections. DraftKings Sports has all of this, plus a rewards program for extra bonuses.

Free Bets

A free bet allows you to place a wager without spending any of your own cash. The offer has set limits, usually around $10 or $20, and you may be required to use the entire free bet at once. If the wager is successful, you will only receive the profits in the payout, without the initial free bet amount.

BetMGM often comes up with online sportsbook promotions that give participants free bets. For example, an MLB promo can give you a $10 free bet for every HR the Phillies hit in the first inning if you opt in and bet at least $1 on any sport.

Payment Methods available at Online Sportsbooks

The best online sportsbooks now support many of the most convenient payment methods. As a result, new customers can quickly create an account and make a first deposit through a banking option they already know and are comfortable with. Online payment methods generally fall into three main categories.

eWallet Betting Options

Legal online sportsbooks in the US have the advantage of supporting eWallet banking through major platforms, like PayPal, Skrill, and Apple Pay. These are very convenient for some customers and deposits can be completed with just a few clicks.

Withdrawals via eWallets are generally the fastest as transfers take only a few minutes once the sportsbook approves the payout. Some payments can have small fees, but the top bookmakers will usually cover these on their end.

Traditional Payment Options

The most popular online deposit methods remain the traditional ones, such as debit cards, prepaid cards, bank transfers, eChecks, and even cash through PayNearMe or at local retail partners.

One drawback with these traditional payment options is that withdrawals aren’t always the fastest. After the request is approved, it can still take up to five business days for a bank transfer to complete, depending on the processing timeframes.

Crypto Betting Options

Although cryptocurrencies have become more popular for online payments and transfers, they haven’t yet reached legal online sportsbooks in the US. None of our featured betting sites currently support payments by Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, or other crypto options like Mega Dice crypto casino or other unregulated US operators do.

Best Online Sportsbook Apps & Mobile Sites

Legal online sports betting regulations generally allows users to access the sportsbooks via apps and mobile sites as well. Regulations can be a bit more restrictive in some states, but most markets have mobile betting to go along with standard online sportsbooks within state borders.

As a result, the top sportsbook operators all offer mobile apps for iOS and Android devices. These are available for free download from the Apple App Store and from the Google Play Store. Some sites can host the apps for direct downloads. It is also possible to bet on sports from your phone by accessing the mobile sites on the go.

During our reviews, we found that the mobile apps and sites keep the same sports, markets, features, and bonuses as the desktop versions. BetMGM, FanDuel, and DraftKings stand out as having the best mobile sportsbook apps. These have great interfaces and are easy to use on different devices.

The Best Online Sportsbook in the US

If you want to start placing bets right now, we recommend BetMGM as the best online sportsbook. It is the operator with the best availability, having already launched in more than 20 states. Moreover, the premium platform looks great and is easy to navigate on desktop and mobile devices.

BetMGM also has superb coverage of all of the popular sports in the USA. Major league games are available for live betting, as are other big sporting events. You can even watch the action on the site thanks to the live streaming feature. Other useful sports betting functions include early cash out, same game parlay, and detailed stats.

The online sportsbook stands out when it comes to bonuses and promotions as well. New customers benefit from a risk-free first bet that can go up to an impressive $1,000. Not to mention that BetMGM promotional campaigns run every week and generate free bets and other rewards. Start betting online today and claim the welcome bonus.