All US Online Sportsbooks

Compare the top real money online sports betting sites in the US

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Best Online Sportsbooks in the US

#1 Best sportsbook overall
betus_sportsbook
5 stars
125% up to $3,125

5

Overall Rating

23

Summary:

  • One of the biggest sports bonuses
  • 10x bonus wagering requirement
  • Parlay builder for complex bets

What we like:

  • Accepts all major cryptos
  • Online since 1994
  • Teasers and if bets
#1 Best sportsbook overall
betus_sportsbook
5 stars

Bonus:

125% up to $3,125

Summary:

  • One of the biggest sports bonuses
  • 10x bonus wagering requirement
  • Parlay builder for complex bets

Bonus:

125% up to $3,125

5

5 stars
23

What we like:

  • Accepts all major cryptos
  • Online since 1994
  • Teasers and if bets
#2 Best overall
betonline_sportsbook
4.5 stars
50% up to $1,000

4.5

Overall Rating

35

Summary:

  • More than 20 sports to bet on
  • Excellent odds for US bettors
  • Deposit with 16+ cryptocurrencies

What we like:

  • Bitcoin boost and risk-free prop
  • Responsive mobile betting app
  • 22+ years on the market
#2 Best overall
betonline_sportsbook
4.5 stars

Bonus:

50% up to $1,000
#2 Best overall

Summary:

  • More than 20 sports to bet on
  • Excellent odds for US bettors
  • Deposit with 16+ cryptocurrencies

Bonus:

50% up to $1,000

4.5

4.5 stars
35

What we like:

  • Bitcoin boost and risk-free prop
  • Responsive mobile betting app
  • 22+ years on the market
#3 Best mobile app
bovada_sportsbook
4 stars
50% up to $250

4

Overall Rating

29

Summary:

  • Live sports streams in HD
  • Great in-game betting features
  • Multiple cryptos supported

What we like:

  • Excellent native mobile app
  • 5x bonus playthrough
  • Online since 2011
#3 Best mobile app
bovada_sportsbook
4 stars

Bonus:

50% up to $250
#3 Best mobile app

Summary:

  • Live sports streams in HD
  • Great in-game betting features
  • Multiple cryptos supported

Bonus:

50% up to $250

4

4 stars
29

What we like:

  • Excellent native mobile app
  • 5x bonus playthrough
  • Online since 2011

Key Things You Need to Know

  • Since the abolition of PASPA in 2018, US states have been permitted to pass new laws to legalize online and in-person sports betting. 
  • As it stands, 39 states have legalized sportsbooks in some capacity. Some permit retail-only wagering, some allow online betting in specific locations, and others have legalized state-wide online sportsbooks. 
  • For states with mobile gaming restrictions or without regulated sports wagering industries, offshore betting sites are a viable option for betting online. These operators are licensed outside the USA in places like Curacao. 
  • Even players with legal online sportsbooks might prefer playing at offshore online sportsbooks. They typically have bigger bonuses, more extensive sports coverage, and a better number of betting markets. 
  • A list of all online betting sites – both US-licensed and offshore – can be found on this page. We also cover state restrictions and an overall rating, making it easy to find the best options for online betting. 

Directory of All USA Online Sportsbooks

If you’re not feeling our top-rated sportsbooks, browse the list below for alternative options. These are all the offshore betting sites currently accepting American players – even if sports betting isn’t legal in your state. Our experts update this list regularly as new sportsbooks enter and leave the market. 

We have also provided a ranking next to each platform to help to identify trusted sites from blacklisted providers. These scores are frequently updated as we perform our monthly online sportsbook reviews, helping you find the best online sportsbooks in the US to start betting with. 

ONLINE BETTING SITERATINGSTATE RESTRICTIONS
BetUS4.8Available in all US states
BetOnline4.6Available in all US states
Bovada4.5Unavailable in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Nevada and New York
MyBookie4.2Available in all US states
EveryGame4.2Available in all US states*
SportsBetting.ag4.0Available in all US states
XBet3.9Available in all US states
BetNow3.9Unavailable in New Jersey and New York
GT Bets3.8Unavailable in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming
FortuneJack Sportsbook3.7Available in all US states
BetDSI3.7Available in all US states
Heritage Sportsbook3.6Available in all US states
BUSR3.5Available in all US states
Jazz Sportsbook3.4Available in all US states
TopBet3.4Available in all US states
YouWager3.4Available in all US states
Achau Bet3.3Available in all US states
BetPop3.1Available in all US states
Horizon Sports3.0Available in all US states
HR Wager3.0Available in all US states
InfinitySports.AI3.0Available in all US states with legal sports betting
Lucky993.0Unavailable in Nevada
Sportsbook.ag3.0Available in all US states with legal sports betting
All Sports 2473.0Available in all US states
Americas Bookie3.0Available in all US states
Bet332.9Available in all US states
1Vice2.9Available in all US states
BetMania2.9Available in all US states
Galaxy Sports2.7Available in all US states
GetaBet2.7Available in all US states
Just Bet2.6Available in all US states
Looselines2.5Available in all US states
SportBet.one2.5Available in all US states
WagerWeb2.4Available in all US states
YouBetOnIt2.3Available in all US states
SportsBettingOnline2.3Available in all US states
Bookmaker2.0Available in all US states
ABC Islands2.0Available in all US states
BetPhoenix2.0Available in all US states
Cash Bet1.9Available in all US states
Oddsmakers1.7Available in all US states
US Dice1.7Available in all US states
CRSportsBet1.6Available in all US states
FastWager1.5Available in all US states
BetPlatinum1.2Available in all US states
Wager71.0Available in all US states
724Sports1.0Available in all US states
BetOWI0.8Available in all US states
Bookie Barn0.5Available in all US states
BigBetBiz.ag0.5Available in all US states
BetVegas7770.5Available in all US states
Ace Sportsbook0.5Available in all US states
MySportsbookN/ARebranded to Sportsbook.ag
IntertopsN/ARebranded to EveryGame
GlobetN/ACurrently unavailable; returning soon
5DimesN/AUS players NOT accepted
BetAnySportsN/AUS players NOT accepted
BetCrisN/AUS players NOT accepted
BetOBetN/AUS players NOT accepted
BetOnSportsN/AUS players NOT accepted
BetShopN/AUS players NOT accepted
BetVictorN/AUS players NOT accepted
BetzoneN/AUS players NOT accepted
BodogN/AUS players NOT accepted
CloudbetN/AUS players NOT accepted
CyberBet SportsbookN/AUS players NOT accepted
HollywoodN/AUS players NOT accepted
Instant Action Sports (BetIAS.com)N/AUS players NOT accepted
InterwettenN/AUS players NOT accepted
LadbrokesN/AUS players NOT accepted
Legend PlayN/AUS players NOT accepted
LSBetN/AUS players NOT accepted
MatchbookN/AUS players NOT accepted
MarathonBetN/AUS players NOT accepted
MegaDiceN/AUS players NOT accepted
Nordic BetN/AUS players NOT accepted
Paddy PowerN/AUS players NOT accepted
Pinnacle SportsbookN/AUS players NOT accepted
SBG GlobalN/AUS players NOT accepted
SkyBetN/AUS players NOT accepted
SkybookN/AUS players NOT accepted
SportsBetN/AUS players NOT accepted
SportingbetN/AUS players NOT accepted
Sporting IndexN/AUS players NOT accepted
Sports InteractionN/AUS players NOT accepted
TAB SportsbetN/AUS players NOT accepted
Total BetsN/AUS players NOT accepted
VietBetN/AUS players NOT accepted
WinABet365N/AUS players NOT accepted

* Reserves the right to refuse new registrations from the United States.

Note: Not all online betting sites accept players from every US state. Please refer to the table and check the iGaming laws in your jurisdiction before registering for an account.

List of US-Licensed Betting Sites

If your state has legal sports betting, you can alternatively choose from US-licensed betting sites. Below is a complete list of all US-related online betting apps and their available states. We update this list regularly as new sportsbooks enter the ever-growing iGaming market. 

ONLINE BETTING SITERATINGAVAILABLE STATES
DraftKings Sportsbook4.3Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming
FanDuel Sportsbook4.2Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington DC, West Virginia and Wyoming
BetRivers Sportsbook4.0Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia
BetMGM Sportsbook3.8Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington DC and Wyoming
Caesars Sportsbook3.8Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming
Golden Nugget Sports3.8Arizona, Michigan, New Jersey and West Virginia
Unibet Sportsbook3.7Arizona, Indiana, Iowa, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia
Pointsbet3.6Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia
William Hill3.6Nevada
Tipico Sportsbook3.6Colorado, Iowa, New Jersey and Ohio
Barstool Sports3.5Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia
Hard Rock Bet3.5Arizona, Indiana, Iowa, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee and Virginia
SuperBook Sportsbook3.5Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Maryland, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio and Tennessee
BetPARX3.5Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio and Pennsylvania
WynnBET Sportsbook3.5Massachusetts, Michigan and New York
ClutchBet3.5Colorado and Iowa
Sporttrade3.4Colorado and New Jersey
Prophet Betting Exchange3.3New Jersey
Borgata Online Sports3.3New Jersey
Bet365 Sportsbook3.2Colorado, Iowa, Kentucky, New Jersey, Ohio and Virginia
Betfred3.2Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia
Betr Sportsbook3.1Ohio and Virginia
Betway Sportsbook3.0Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia
Elite Sportsbook3.0Colorado (previously Iowa but has ceased operations)
Resorts Casino Sportsbook3.0New Jersey
BetJack3.0Ohio
SI Sportsbook3.0Colorado, Michigan and Virginia
SBK Sportsbook3.0Colorado and Indiana
Bally Bet2.8Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, New York, Ohio and Virginia
DRF Sportsbook2.7Iowa
Eagle Casino & Sports2.5Michigan
Resorts World Bet2.5New York
Sky Ute Sportsbook2.5Colorado
Betly2.5Arkansas, Ohio, Tennessee and West Virginia
FireKeepers Sportsbook2.5Michigan
PlaySugarhouse2.5Connecticut and Pennsylvania
Fanatics2.4Tennessee, Ohio, Maryland, and Massachusetts
Q Sportsbook2.4Iowa
Sahara Bets2.4Arizona
MVGBet2.3Ohio
BetSafe Sportsbook2.3Colorado
BetMonarch2.2Colorado
Desert Diamond Sports2.0Arizona
Action 24/7 Sportsbook2.0Tennessee
Oaklawn Sports2.0Arkansas
BetSaracen2.0Arkansas
BetWildwood2.0Colorado
TwinSpires Sportsbook*2.0Arizona
Maverick Sports2.0Colorado
Four Winds Sportsbook1.8Michigan
GambetDC1.5Washington DC
Circa Sports1.5Colorado, Iowa and Nevada
Wagr SportsbookN/AAcquired by Yahoo and currently offline (previously available in Tennessee)
888 SportsN/AShut down (previously available in New Jersey)
Bet AmericaN/ARebranded to TwinSpires Sportsbook
BetLuckyN/AShut down (previously available in West Virginia)
FOXBetN/AShut down (previously available in Colorado, Michigan, New Jersey and Pennsylvania)
Fubo SportsbookN/AShut down (previously available in Arizona, Iowa and New Jersey)
MaximBetN/AShut down (previously available in Colorado)
PlayUpN/AShut down (previously available in New Jersey and Colorado)
TheScore SportsbookN/AShut down (previously available in Colorado, Indiana, New Jersey and Iowa)
TwinSpires Sportsbook*N/AShut down (previously available in Michigan, Tennessee, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Colorado, New Jersey and Louisiana)

* TwinSpires have ceased their sports wagering operations everywhere but Arizona. However, they continue to offer horse betting in the following states: AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, ID, IN, IA, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NH, NM, NY, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SD, TN, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV and WY.

List of the Top Online Betting Sites for US Players

You can find a complete list of all US online betting sites further down this page, but we know you’re probably only interested in the top options. So, here are the best sportsbooks for Americans and the reason our experts love them:

  1. BetUS – Best overall USA online betting site
  2. BetOnline – Best for in-play betting and live streaming
  3. Bovada – Best early cash-out sportsbook 
  4. MyBookie – Best odds for less-common sports
  5. EveryGame – Best for unique proposition wagers
  6. XBet – Best for cryptocurrency deposits
  7. Sportsbetting.ag – Best for online betting, casinos, and poker

Legalities of Online Betting in the USA

There used to be a blanket ban on sports betting in the US due to a federal law called the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, or PASPA. This law was established in 1992 and restricted all but a handful of states from legalizing sports betting. 

This all changed in 2018—PASPA was overturned on the basis of violating state rights, paving the way for each state to pass its own sports betting legislation. Many states quickly jumped on the opportunity to legalize betting, whereas more conservative jurisdictions have opposed the industry.

This has caused a complicated picture for the online betting industry, with the laws on and availability of sportsbooks varying dramatically across the United States. And to further confuse the situation, new regulations on sports betting are constantly passed. We’ve summarized the key points in the table below, which is updated regularly as new legislation is signed into law:

STATEONLINE SPORTS BETTING (Y/N)RETAIL SPORTS BETTING (Y/N)LEGAL AGE FOR SPORTS BETTINGONLINE HORSE RACE BETTING (Y/N)LEGAL AGE FOR HORSE BETTING
AlabamaNN-Y19
AlaskaNN-N-
ArizonaYY21Y21
ArkansasYY21Y21
CaliforniaNN-Y18
ColoradoYY21Y18
ConnecticutYY21Y18
DelawareY*Y21Y18
FloridaY*Y*21Y18
GeorgiaNN-N-
HawaiiNN-N-
IdahoNN-Y18
IllinoisYY21Y18
IndianaYY21Y18
IowaYY21Y21
KansasYY21Y18
KentuckyY*Y*18Y18
LouisianaYY21Y18
MaineY*Y*21Y18
MarylandYY21Y18
MassachusettsYY21Y18
MichiganYY21Y18
MinnesotaNN-Y18
MississippiY21N-
MissouriNN-Y18
MontanaY18Y18
NebraskaNY21N18
NevadaYY21Y21
New HampshireYY18Y18
New JerseyYY21Y18
New MexicoNY21Y18
New YorkYY21Y18
North CarolinaY*Y21Y*21
North DakotaNY21Y18
OhioYY21Y18
OklahomaNN-Y18
OregonYY21Y18
PennsylvaniaYY21Y18
Rhode IslandYY18Y18
South CarolinaNN-N-
South DakotaNY21Y18
TennesseeYN21Y18
TexasNN-N-
UtahNN-N-
VermontY*N21Y18
VirginiaYY21Y18
WashingtonNY18Y18
Washington DCYY18Y18
West VirginiaYY21Y18
WisconsinNY21Y18
WyomingYN18Y18

* Legal but currently unavailable/yet to launch in the state.

ˠ Only permitted to place mobile wagers while physically located at authorized sports betting locations in the state.

~ No dedicated online racebooks; Online horse race betting only available at online sportsbooks.

US States with Legal Online Sportsbooks

Although 33 states have legalized online sports betting, state-licensed sportsbooks have yet to launch in Delaware, Maine, North Carolina, and Vermont. Therefore, online betting apps are only available in 29 states as follows:

  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Mississippi
  • Montana
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • Ohio
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • Tennessee
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • Washington D.C. 
  • West Virginia
  • Wyoming

Most states allow for state-wide mobile wagering from personal computers, smartphones, and tablets. However, Montana and Mississippi only let you place mobile wagers while physically located at authorized sports betting facilities. You can access other areas of your account remotely, but betting must be done at licensed venues.

US States with Retail Sportsbooks

All states with legal online betting have also legalized retail sportsbooks, aside from Tennessee, Wyoming, and Vermont—these three jurisdictions have opted for an online-only industry. Some states have taken the opposite approach, legalizing retail-only sportsbooks.

Below is a list of the states that have exclusively legalized in-person sports betting:

  • Nebraska
  • New Mexico
  • North Dakota
  • South Dakota
  • Washington
  • Wisconsin

Offshore Online Betting Sites in the US

If you don’t see your state listed above, don’t worry. There are legal options for sports wagering online, regardless of the state regulations on sports wagering. This is all thanks to offshore sportsbook that are licensed overseas and don’t have to abide by US law. 

As US sports betting regulations don’t restrict them, offshore bookmakers typically accept all American players of legal gambling age. Fewer restrictions mean they also offer a more extensive selection of betting types, a wider range of sports markets, and bigger bonuses and promotions. They also support cryptocurrencies and may offer gambling tax advantages

Best Online Sportsbooks by State

Check the directory at the top of the page for all available offshore betting platforms, or click the links below for the best real-money betting sites in your state. 

How to Choose the Best Online Betting Site

Our online sportsbook rankings are the easiest way to choose a reputable betting site. Our highly rated platforms have licenses from offshore regulators, generous promotions, extensive coverage, exciting wagering options, friendly customer support, and secure payment options.

However, the best sportsbook for you depends on your priorities. For example, all bettors have their favorite sports, safety concerns, and payment preferences. Use the guide below to help you figure out precisely what you want from an online sportsbook so that you can choose the right sportsbook for you. Our online sportsbook comparisons are useful if you need more help and advice.

Safety and Security

Any online sportsbook you sign up for needs to be safe and secure. If safety is your top priority, choosing a US-licensed platform is the easiest way to ensure you play at a trusted site. However, you can still find legitimate sportsbooks based overseas. The safest online sportsbooks:

  • Are licensed by gambling regulators in countries like Curacao and Panama. 
  • Use SSL encryption technology to protect your sensitive information. 
  • Offer secure deposits and withdrawals via trusted payment providers. 
  • Promote responsible gambling practices, offering self-exclusion tools and helpful resources for anyone who might have a gambling problem.

Sports Coverage

The best online sportsbooks have extensive market coverage, offering bets on everything from football to baseball, tennis, hockey, and boxing. We recommend signing up for a betting site that provides a wide range of markets—no matter the season or your favorite sports, broad coverage ensures there is always something exciting to bet on. 

However, if there are specific markets you know you’re interested in, check these are available before creating an account. This is especially true for bets on international events, college sports, eSports, and non-sporting wagers, which are typically restricted at US-licensed sites. 

Available Betting Markets

It’s not only the sports coverage you need to check, but also the types of wagers available for each. The broadest selection of betting markets can always be found at offshore betting sites. You can place everything from straightforward moneylines to niche props, parleys, teasers, and more. 

Live betting is another increasingly popular type of online wagering. Most sportsbooks allow you to place live bets on in-play events. However, some offer additional functions, such as in-game streaming or early cash-out options. If these are important to you, check that they’re available. 

Betting Odds

Odds are a way of quantifying the likelihood of an event happening and are used in sports betting to determine the maximum possible payout on a wager. In the US, three formats are commonly used: American, decimal, and fractional, with American odds being the most prevalent.

Always compare the sports betting odds at different sportsbooks and prioritize finding a betting site with competitive odds for your preferred types of events. Also, we recommend looking for reduced juice betting sites. These online sportsbooks take a lower percentage of your wagers as commission, meaning you get better returns if your bets win.

Bonuses and Promotions

If you want to claim the biggest bonuses, offshore online sportsbooks are the place to go. Our recommended sites have massive deposit bonuses, risk-free bets, and other rewards to boost your bankroll which only customers can enjoy. Compare the offers before registering for an account, checking for things like:

  • The minimum deposit needed to qualify for the promotion
  • Whether you need to use a specific payment method (e.g., cryptocurrencies)
  • The type of bonus available (deposit match, risk-free bet, etc.)
  • The maximum amount of bonus you can claim
  • How many times you can claim the offer
  • If you’re restricted from betting on any markets while clearing the bonus
  • The maximum bet amount and cashout when using the offer 
  • What the wagering requirements are 
  • The expiry date of the sportsbook promotion

Make sure you consider these terms in relation to your betting habits. For example, a soccer bonus is brilliant for soccer fans but not great for tennis enthusiasts. Likewise, cautious bettors might prefer risk-free bets, whereas matched bonuses are more useful for high rollers depositing large amounts. 

If you’re new to online betting, more information on the types of bonuses and promotions available to US bettors can be found further down the page. 

Deposit & Withdrawals Options

The availability of payment methods varies between sites. Generally, offshore sportsbooks accept cryptocurrencies but don’t allow Americans to use eWallets. Conversely, US-licensed bookmakers generally support eWallets but cannot accept crypto under US law. Credit and debit cards are accepted at US and offshore bookies.

Always check that the sportsbook supports a banking option that you’re comfortable using. You should also look at the specific options available under each payment category. For example, some crypto sportsbooks only take Bitcoin, whereas others accept ETH, LTC, USDT, and more. 

 Payment Terms

You need to consider three essential payment terms before registering for an account: processing fees, transaction times, and payment limits. 

  • Processing Fees: You ideally want a sportsbook that offers free transactions for your preferred payment method. For example, two sites might accept credit cards. But if one charges 15% for processing and the other allows free transactions, the latter is far superior. 
  • Transaction Times: All reputable sportsbooks process deposits instantly, but withdrawals can take several days or weeks. Compare the payout speeds between online betting sites for your preferred banking option, ensuring you can easily get your hands on your winnings. 
  • Payment Limits: Casual bettors should look for low minimum deposit sportsbooks that allow you to start wagering with as little as $5. On the other hand, high-limit sportsbooks are best for serious bettors with bugger budgets—with high deposit limits, your betting isn’t restricted.

Mobile Apps

Most online betting sites nowadays are compatible with mobile devices, allowing you to place sports bets on the go. Using the latest sports betting apps, you can also claim bonuses, withdraw winnings, or even stream and wager on live events from your smartphone or tablet. 

US-licensed sites typically list mobile apps on the relevant online store, such as Google Play or the App Store. Offshore betting platforms tend to offer browser-based mobile betting instead, allowing instant wagering across a range of iOS and Android devices.

We prefer the latter – you don’t need the latest system updates or device storage for web-based betting – but you might prefer a downloadable app. Consider this before registering for an account, and remember to check the compatibility with your device. 

Customer Support

Customer support is often overlooked, but online betting sites must offer high-end service to their bettors. We suggest looking for a betting platform that offers 24/7 support across multiple support channels, such as telephone, email, live chat, and social media. 

One thing to consider is that US-licensed sportsbooks are often flooded with queries at peak times, which can hinder the customer service experience. As offshore sites operate globally, their support channels tend to be more easily accessible at all times. We test the support channels of all sites we recommend, ensuring you receive quick and comprehensive help and advice. 

Legal USA Sportsbooks vs. Offshore Online Betting Sites

Don’t rule offshore betting platforms out if you’re in a state with legal and regulated online sportsbooks. They’re superior in many ways, with bigger bonuses, more extensive coverage, and access to free and fast payments using crypto. 

The table below summarizes the difference between the two:

OFFSHORE BETTING SITESUS-LICENSED ONLINE SPORTSBOOKS
Available throughout the US, even in jurisdictions without legal online sports betting. Most can be accessed from all states.Only available in specific states. The operator must be licensed in each state for it to legally be permitted to enter their market.
Licensed in overseas countries such as Curacao and Panama. These authorities are not as strict as US gambling commissions.Fully licensed and regulated in the United States, offering an additional layer of safety and security.
Quick and simple registration process. Less information is required for added privacy.More invasive registration process and ID verification checks, giving less privacy over your betting.
Wider market coverage, including as wagers on college sports, eSports, and non-sports bets (politics, entertainment, etc.).Limited markets depending on individual state laws. Common restrictions include wagering on collegiate sports and eSports.
Covers an extensive range of American and international sporting events, such as soccer, golf, tennis, and more.Market coverage focuses on American sports and leagues (NFL, MBA, MLB, NHA, etc.).
Bigger welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions that are not location-dependent.Smaller welcome bonuses and ongoing promotions. Offers also vary depending on which state you live in due to different state restrictions.
Credit card payments might be blocked and there are no options for eWallets. Cryptocurrency is supported and offers free and fast payouts.No option to use cryptocurrencies at US-licensed sites. Payment options are limited to credit cards, bank transfers, and eWallets.
If not researched properly, you could risk joining an unregulated scam betting site.Have passed stringent tests and regulation requirements, giving assurance you won't be scammed.

Betting Markets at Real-Money Online Betting Sites

All online betting sites offer an extensive range of betting types to keep the experience as enjoyable as possible. Offshore online sportsbooks generally have more options. They don’t need to abide by the more stringent state restrictions, allowing for more flexible wagers. 

Below are the core betting markets you can expect to find at our recommendations. For a more detailed breakdown, check our guide on how to bet on sports:

  • Moneyline: The moneyline is a straightforward betting option—simply select the team or individual that will win the match. Each team or player’s odds are displayed next to their name, with the favorite having a negative number and the underdog having a positive one.
  • Spread: Rather than deciding if a team wins, spread betting involves wagering on whether the event outcome will be above or below a “spread” set by the bookmakers. Either bet on the underdog losing by less than the spread or if the favorite winning by more than the spread.
  • Totals: Totals are bets placed on whether the total points or goals scored in a game or event will be higher or lower than a predetermined number set by the sportsbook. They’re also commonly referred to as over/under bets.
  • Futures: Future bets entail foreseeing the result of a major sporting event, such as the Super Bowl or World Cup winner. Due to the unpredictability of the outcome, these bets are often placed far before the event and may have bigger rewards.
  • Props: Proposition bets (props) are on specific events or instances that occur during a game rather than the outcome. Examples include which player will score the first touchdown in a football game or how many rebounds a particular basketball player will have in a match.
  • Parlay: Parlays are wagers in which numerous separate bets are combined into a single stake. All individual wagers (legs) must win for the parlay to trigger a payout. Therefore, the potential payoff of a parlay increases with the number of bets it contains.
  • Teasers: Teasers are a sort of parlay that enables you to change the point spread or totals line of your chosen bets in your favor. This raises the likelihood of you winning the wager but lowers the possible reward by reducing the odds. 
  • Round Robins: Round robins are wagers that combine many parlay bets into a single stake. This enables the gambler to spread their wagers and raise the likelihood that they will succeed in scoring a payout. 
  • Live Betting: Also known as in-play betting, live wagering allows you to place bets on an event while it is in progress. This type of betting has gained popularity due to its real-time and dynamic nature, allowing you to adjust your strategy based on the unfolding of the event.
  • Exchange Betting: In exchange betting, gamblers place wagers against one another rather than the online sportsbook. Only a few states presently permit this kind of betting, which is very new to the US. 

Popular Sports Markets for American Players

US betting platforms offer extensive coverage of popular American leagues, such as the NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL. Below is a closer look at these primary markets and other sought-after options for US players. These can be found at most top sites, including US-licensed and offshore platforms.

Football Betting on the NFL

American football – especially the NFL – is a popular sport for online sports betting in the USA. Sports betting sites offer a variety of markets for NFL wagering, including moneylines, point spreads, totals, and futures. Prop bets are particularly exciting for this sport, from predicting which player will have the most passing yards to which player will win the Super Bowl MVP award. 

Basketball Betting on the NBA

Basketball is another prevalent sport in the betting world, with various betting lines available for the NBA and other leagues. These can include point spreads, moneylines, and totals. Additionally, basketball betting sites offer numerous prop bets, such as the total number of rebounds or points a specific player will score.

Hockey Betting on the NHL

Hockey is a popular sport among online sports bettors in the US. The NHL season is a significant event, and hockey betting sites offer several betting options, including moneylines and various proposition bets. Examples include the first player to score a goal or the total number of goals scored in an ice hockey game.

Baseball Betting on the MLB

Baseball is another common American sport for online betting, particularly during the MLB season. Some of the typical betting lines at baseball sportsbooks include moneylines, totals, and a variety of props. For instance, you might find wagers on which player will hit the most home runs or have the most strikeouts in a game. 

Betting on Golf 

Golf tournaments such as the Masters, US Open, PGA Championship, and Ryder Cup are relatively popular at US sportsbooks. When it comes to wagering on golf, you can bet on the spread, moneyline, totals, and various prop bets. Other popular betting markets include futures on upcoming events and head-to-head wagers against two players. 

Online Tennis Wagering

Tennis is a sought-after sport for betting, especially during major tournaments like the US Open and Wimbledon. However, it can be enjoyed year-round—legal sites offer coverage of all major tennis organizations, such as the ATP, WTA, ITF, and even the Olympics. You can wager on the moneyline, spread, and various props, such as which player will win the first set.

Soccer Online Betting

Soccer, also known as “football” in many parts of the world, is widely available to wager on at betting platforms. When betting at soccer sportsbooks, you can make use of the moneyline, spread, and various types of props. For instance, betting on which player will score the first goal or the total number of goals in a game. Soccer is also an excellent option for in-play betting.

Additional Sports Markets at Offshore Sportsbooks

Offshore sportsbooks are not restricted by state gambling laws. Therefore, they offer a range of niche and novelty betting markets in addition to the top sports leagues listed above that would be considered illegal at US-licensed sites. These additional markets set apart offshore betting platforms, so let’s take a closer look:

  • College Sports Betting: Most state gambling laws ban betting on college sports or restrict prop bets on college athletes, but these wagers are available at offshore sites. Given the prominence of college sports betting in the US — particularly betting on college basketball and college football — this is a massive perk. 
  • Entertainment and Political Betting: If you want to wager on reality TV show winners or the outcome of the latest presidential election, you can do so at offshore sites. These bets are prohibited at regulated sportsbooks under US law but are available on overseas platforms. 
  • eSports Betting: eSports betting has the potential to be the next big thing in America, but it’s only available at sportsbooks licensed in NV, NJ, TN, and WV—other states impose heavy restrictions. As such, offshore sites are the best place to bet on games like CSGO and LoL

Sportsbook Bonuses for USA Players

All online sportsbooks run exciting bonuses for new and existing players, such as:

Matched Deposit Bonus

A matched bonus is where a percentage of your deposit is matched with site credits up to a set limit. As your deposit is matched by a percentage, you get more credits with bigger deposits. The bigger the match rate and the higher the bonus ceiling, the better the offer. 

BetOnline is currently giving all new sportsbook users a 50% up to $1,000 bonus on their first deposit. This means that a $100 deposit would qualify for $50 in bonus credits. To claim the full $1,000 bonus, a deposit of $2,000 is required. 

Risk-Free Sports Bet

Risk-free bets are a type of insurance you get when betting at an online sportsbook. If your bet comes in, you get your winnings like usual. But if you wager loses, the operator refunds the cost of the bet to you as site credits. You can use these to place (and hopefully win) future bets. 

The best thing about risk-free bets is that you can place “risker” wagers with higher potential payouts, knowing you will get a refund if the bet loses. However, the drawback is that you only get a reward if you lose. They minimize your losses rather than grow your bankroll. 

Free Bet Bonus

A free bet bonus allows you to place a wager without putting any of your own money on the line. Some free bet bonuses must be used in full on a single wager, whereas others allow you to split the promotional credits between several smaller bets. 

These incentives are frequently offered as a reward for fulfilling requirements, including placing a qualifying wager or depositing a set amount. Many sites also provide event-specific free bets, such as a free stake for NFL futures or a bonus that can only be spent on basketball parlays.

Welcome Promotions

Online sports betting platforms often offer welcome bonuses to entice new players to register and make an initial deposit. These bonuses usually come in the form of one of the three promotions we’ve already mentioned: matched deposit bonuses, risk-free bets, or free bets. 

Offshore betting sites have the biggest welcome bonuses, often rolling several promotions into one. For example, BetUS currently gives a 150% up to $3,750 sports bonus and 30 risk-free bets with your first crypto deposit. Plus, you get an extra 50% up to $1,250 to spend in their online casino. 

Boosted Odds

Boosted odds are when a sportsbook increases the odds on a specific bet. This gives you better odds than you’d otherwise get, increasing the potential payout if your wager comes in. When used in the right way, they’re a fantastic way to make more money betting on sports. 

Odds boosts are constantly changing as they’re for particular wagers and events, so you’ll need to check the promotions page of the sportsbook to see their current offers. However, all our top sportsbooks provide boosted odds, especially on major US leagues like the NFL, MLB, and NHL. 

Parlay Insurance

Like risk-free bets, parlay insurance is a bonus that helps recover your losses. If your parlay wager loses by only one option, you get your money back. For instance, if you placed a parlay wager on three games and two of them won, but one of them lost, you’ll get a refund. 

By combining multiple wagers into one, parlay bets are a great way to secure big payouts—but they come with added risk. Parlay insurance reduces this risk and is a valuable bonus if you know you’re interested in placing parlays. BetOnline, Bovada, and many other top sportsbooks all run this offer.

Friend Referral Bonuses

A refer-a-friend bonus rewards you for bringing new customers to the sportsbook. They might offer a fixed referral bonus or a matched bonus on your friend’s initial deposit. The prize is credited to your betting account after your friend signs up and funds their sportsbook account. 

For example, Bovada Sportsbook offers a generous friend referral promotion. You can receive a 200% referral match bonus up to $200 when your friend makes their first deposit and an additional $75 bonus when they use one of the supported cryptocurrencies.

Payment Options at Online Betting Sites in the USA

US betting sites support several payment options, meaning there’s something to suit all players. You can find sites accepting credit cards, cryptocurrencies, bank transfers, eWallets, and more. 

However, the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act (UIGEA) was passed in 2006. This law punishes financial companies for accepting money from gambling sites that aren’t licensed in the US. This has created a lack of FIAT payment options at offshore online sportsbooks, which are licensed overseas rather than in the United States. 

A closer look at the availability of popular banking options is explained below:

  • eWallets: As an American, you cannot pay with eWallets (PayPal, Skrill, etc.) at offshore sportsbooks, even if the bookmaker supports these banking options. However, almost every US-licensed site supports this payment method. 
  • Credit Cards: Credit cards are accepted by online and offshore sportsbooks alike, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. However, some banks will block charges to offshore gambling sites due to US betting laws. 
  • Cryptocurrency: Barstool Sportsbook is the only crypto-friendly US-licensed bookmaker, and it only accepts crypto deposits from players in CO and WV. Conversely, all offshore sites are crypto sportsbooks, supporting free and fast crypto deposits and payouts.

Some sportsbooks also accept bank transfers, voucher payments, player-to-player transfers, and courier checks. Check our page on how to deposit money for gambling for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is PASPA?

PASPA stands for the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act. It was a federal law that restricted all but a few states from legalizing sports betting. It was overturned in 2018, paving the way for legal sports betting throughout the USA.

Are sports betting legal in the United States?

Yes, online sportsbooks are legal in the US. However, betting laws are location-dependent and vary between states. Some states have their own US-regulated sportsbook apps, whereas others only permit offshore sites to operate in a “grey area” of the law.

What is the minimum age for online betting in the US?

The minimum age for online betting in most US states is 21. However, players from Kentucky, Montana, Nevada, Rhode Island, Washington DC, and Wyoming can legally bet at 18. North Dakota allows 19-year-olds to bet on sports, but as it stands, their industry is retail-only at tribal casinos. 

Which states have legalized online sports betting?

Currently, 33 states have legalized online sports betting. These states are as follows: AZ, AR, CO, CT, DE, FL, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MS, MT, NV, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, RI, TN, VT, VA, DC, WV and WY. Some of these states have yet to launch their legal mobile apps.

Which states have retail-only sports betting?

Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington, and Wisconsin have embraced sports betting but have a retail-only industry. On the converse, Tennessee, Wyoming, and Vermont have adopted an online-only industry—you won’t find any physical sportsbooks in these states. 

How do online betting sites know my location?

Online betting sites know your location by tracking your IP address using software like GeoComply. This prevents bettors from restricted countries or jurisdictions from accessing the platforms illegally. You might still be able to access some restricted offshore sites using a VPN.  

What is the difference between US-licensed and offshore betting sites?

US-licensed betting sites are regulated under state law. They’re incredibly safe and subject to stringent gaming enforcement regulations, but their availability is limited. Offshore betting sites are regulated by overseas governments. They’re available throughout the US and offer bigger bonuses, more markets, broader wagering options, and crypto payments.

Why do some offshore sportsbooks only restrict certain states?

Since PASPA was abolished, most states have amended their gambling laws in some capacity to allow for sports betting. This caused some offshore bookmakers to withdraw from the USA completely, whereas others have restricted access on a state-by-state basis according to the laws. 

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