With so many online sportsbooks introduced in the United States in recent years, opting for one can be tricky for sports fans.
While they are all unique, they also have many similarities; A situation reminiscent of opting for cereals in the supermarket.
That said, there are several key spaces in which a bookmaker can excel. Sports bettors are looking for full-fledged sports betting sites that go beyond fundamental standards.
Finding a high-quality bookmaker can be time-consuming, which is why we have combined this advisor to help you find the right one for you.
Here are some things you should do when opting for a sportsbook to get the most out of your sports betting experience.
Here is an overview of the best online sportsbooks available to U.S. bettors:
If you’re into sports or fantasy sports, you’ve probably heard of DraftKings Sportsbook.
It is one of the first US sportsbooks to launch in 2018 and one of the two largest sportsbooks in the country in terms of market share, along with FanDuel. He is a leading player in the DFS space.
DraftKings offers odds boosts, a counterfeit rewards program, and a sign-up bonus for new customers. It also has a Parlay Builder tool that makes it simple to create parlays.
The markets and types of bets at DraftKings are also extensive. DraftKings is known for offering one of the widest options for prop betting and futures betting on the market.
In short, DraftKings has everything you expect from a sportsbook.
FanDuel Sportsbook rivals DraftKings as one of the largest and most well-known brands when it comes to sports and DFS.
Although the two apps have many similarities, FanDuel gets top marks for its sleek and intuitive design that makes locating bets quick and easy.
FanDuel has tons of betting markets, but it never feels overwhelming. It also offers a sign-up offer for new visitors, odds boosts, and a top-notch visitor service. The only thing missing is a rewards program.
Caesars Sportsbook is one of the most productive sports betting apps for several reasons, but what stands out is the increased odds. Caesars has the most in the industry, delivering dozens of improvements across a variety of sports every day. .
Beyond that, Caesars also offers a wide diversity of regular markets. It also offers a sign-up promotion for new consumers and a “FireBets” feature that makes life easier.
Caesars also offers a generous rewards program. In addition to earning broadcasts with bets that can then be used for bonus bets, you can also participate to win trips to Caesars resorts and casinos.
BetMGM Sportsbook is helping to raise the bar for sports sites.
BetMGM has an exciting welcome offer and rewards consumers with odds boosts and an MGM rewards program where users have the chance to win VIP trips to MGM homes across the country.
BetMGM has reliable support for visitors, betting markets, and a modern, easy-to-navigate interface. In other words, it ticks all the boxes.
Fanatics is one of the latest bookmakers on the market, introduced in 2023 after merging with PointsBet.
To start, Fanatics offers the industry’s loyalty program with its FanCash rewards.
It also offers a great experience by tailoring the homepage to your track record, making it easier to find the sports and types of bets you like to bet on.
Fanatics also has a modern interface, odds boosts, and many betting markets, making it a wonderful addition to the sports betting landscape.
Based in the United Kingdom, Bet365 is one of the most popular sports sites in the world with up to a hundred million users and has also expanded into the United States.
Bet365 is ideal for new users as it allows them to choose between two welcome offers. There are also many foreign markets and niche sports not found on US sports betting sites.
While it’s not as common as the other bookmakers on this list, Bet365 is a wonderful option if you can access it.
ClutchBet Sportsbook, one of the latest sportsbooks on the market, debuted in Iowa in 2022 and has since expanded to several states.
While it has yet to catch up in terms of popularity and market share, ClutchBet is a significant addition to the market with its blank design, vast markets, competitive odds, and counterfeit promotions.
ClutchBet is only available in a few states, but it’s worth checking to see if you can access it.
BetRivers has a smaller appearance than larger bookmakers, making it more manageable and less difficult for new users to navigate.
It also has a more local flavor with a welcome offer that varies by state and odds boosts on local sports teams.
BetRivers may not have many features, but it covers the basics and is a solid option.
ESPN BET, a sportsbook introduced in November 2023, was renamed Barstool Sportsbook. It has a modern app with many wonderful features, adding a wonderful welcome offer, exclusive odds boosts and common promotions.
With ties to ESPN personalities, competitive odds and a smart variety of markets, ESPN BET is a high-quality sportsbook.
Hard Rock Bet debuted in January 2019 and has expanded to seven states. It has a blank and modern app that is easy to use, as well as exclusive odds boosts, smart market depth, and counterfeit promotions.
If you lose your first bet of $10 or more after registering, you will get a bonus bet of the same amount up to $100. No promotional code is required.
Before you explore online sportsbooks in the United States, here are some tips on how to start your variety process.
Before signing up for a sports site, it is vital to know how seriously you are going to take sports and what you need to get out of it.
If you’re a more casual sports bettor who just plans to bet occasionally then features like rewards programs, promotions for existing customers and customer service won’t matter as much. If you’re planning to wager more frequently, however, those features are more important.
It also ensures that the sportsbook offers a smart variety of bet types and betting markets, competitive odds compared to other sportsbooks, and an intuitive interface that makes locating and placing bets quick. and easily. It will also be vital to have fast and convenient deposit and withdrawal methods.
If you plan to spend a lot of time at a sports site, having a stylish and rewarding experience is a must. Not only will it save you a lot of time in the long run, but it can also save you money.
Online sports are legal in most states, but not all. The first step is to check if your state allows sportsArray, as some states have not yet legalized it or only allow in-personArray.
If so, the next step is to see which online sportsbooks work in your state. While larger sportsbooks like FanDuel and DraftKings are available in most states that are legal for sports betting, some sportsbooks are only available in certain states.
Obviously, being in a state where only a handful of sportsbooks are legal makes selection less difficult than if you were in a state with more than a dozen sportsbooks.
Also, make sure you are of legal age to bet on sports. The age limit is 21 in most states, but in some states it is 18.
Before states began legalizing online sports betting, sports bettors turned to illegal offshore sports betting sites to place their bets. This is no longer required now that sports betting is legal in many states.
All legal sports betting in the United States is regulated and will need to meet certain criteria in order to operate. They are required to pay out your winnings and have strict security measures in place to protect your personal and financial information.
Many foreign bookmakers do not face the same oversight and are not subject to the same laws, making them less reliable and trustworthy. If you win cash on an illegal online sports site, you are not guaranteed to get your winnings and it will likely take you much longer to get paid, if at all.
If you are a victim of fraud or theft at an offshore sports betting site, there is usually not much you can do because those sports betting sites operate outside of the U. S. jurisdiction. U. S.
Using sports betting abroad is risky and can simply charge you money. Legal and regulated sportsbooks in the US are much safer and offer safeguards to their customers.
In addition to having websites, many online sports sites also offer mobile applications. Before opting for a sportsbook, make sure it has an app for its operating formula (iOS or Android) on the App Store or Google Play Store.
Once you’ve downloaded the app, try it out to see how you feel. Each sports app has a different interface, features, layout, and loading times, so make sure it’s comfortable and easy to use. You don’t need a clunky, slow or problematic app.
You can access a bookmaker through your desktop or mobile browser, but the user experience may not be as straightforward.
One of the most important things when comparing the most productive online sports betting sites is the sign-up bonus. Most bookmakers provide welcome to entice new consumers to sign up, and they regularly offer bonus bets or immediate chance bets if you lose your first bet.
It is imperative to know the difference between those offers, what they mean, and the terms related to them.
An example is a sportsbook that offers you $200 in bonus bets for a $5 bet. In this case, the bookmaker will necessarily give you $200 in loose credits on the site for only $5.
However, many bookmakers offer a promotion that gives you an extra bet if you lose your first bet. For example, if you bet $100 on your first bet and lose, the sportsbook will likely offer you a $100 bonus bet so you can pay out and get your money back.
One offer is not necessarily better than another, but it depends on your objective. If you want to place other bets and explore sports betting, it is often best to request a “bet and get” offer with bonus bets. If you’re just looking to sign up to bet on one game (for example, the Super Bowl) but don’t plan to bet on sports much in the future, a momentary chance bet will usually suffice.
Beyond the welcome it offers, it is also vital to compare the promotions and rewards offered by the bookmaker to existing users. One bookmaker may offer odds boosts that can only be discovered on their site, while another possibly offers its consumers bonus bets and referral bonuses.
Some bookmakers offer strong praise systems that offer users problems or bonus bets for every bet placed, while other bookmakers do not have any type of praise system.
Again, it depends on how you plan to bet. If you bet frequently, it’s more important to locate a bookmaker with daily promotions and a strong loyalty program.
Odds vary between bookmakers, so it is important to ensure you are getting competitive odds on your bets.
Think about both odds and prices. If you can get a gallon of gas for $3. 10 at Station A or $3. 20 at Station B, it’s best to get it at Station A.
The probabilities are presented in the same way. Suppose you need to place a cash line bet on the Dallas Cowboys. If one bookmaker has odds at -200 to win and the bookmaker has them at -220 to win, you will make more money with the first bookmaker.
The differences are small, but they increase in the long run, especially if you bet on larger units.
A bookmaker will never have the most productive odds for each and every sporting event (otherwise, it wouldn’t be as profitable), but it is worth buying food to get the most productive value on an event you want to bet on. It takes a bit of time, but it’s worth it.
While pre-match odds are easy to compare, it’s also worth looking at how odds differ in other markets such as live betting, prop betting and parlays. Some bookmakers offer more favorable odds in certain areas, especially in live markets where the odds are changing.
Another area in which bookmakers differ is in the games and bets they offer.
While most sportsbooks offer popular betting markets (moneyline, spread, total, etc. ) on major US sports, there are some spaces where sports betting can shine. One is side bets, particularly side bets on players. Bookmakers offer a probably infinite diversity of prop bets for each game, while others offer more limited selections.
Another area is niche markets and foreign games. Some sports sites offer a much wider variety of foreign sports to bet on, from foreign football matches to darts, billiards, rugby, and much more.
If you are a serious bettor or a fan of a tied league, you will want to make sure that your national sportsbook offers odds on your game.
Most online bookmakers have some sort of visitor service and have multiple tactics for contacting them, whether it’s by phone, email, or online chat.
You never know when a challenge or query might arise, so preferably the bookmaker will have a 24/7 option in case you want it on a weekend or due at night. Some bookmakers are known for being more responsive and available, while others don’t offer much more than pre-written guides and FAQs.
You can check a bookmaker’s visitor service by emailing/chatting or calling them to see how long it takes them to respond.
A bookmaker has a variety of strategies for depositing and withdrawing the flight budget from your account.
These features would conceivably vary by state, as some states don’t allow credit cards for sports betting, for example. However, it will be simple to link your bank account, card information, or virtual wallet like PayPal or Venmo for quick transactions.
Regulated sportsbooks in the U. S. The U. S. uses this data with strict security measures, so you don’t have to worry about your account data being hacked or stolen.
You’ll also want a bookmaker that processes invoices and withdrawals quickly. If you make a deposit, you will be able to use your budget almost immediately. Withdrawals usually take a little longer, but they arrive in your account within 1-3 business days.
Most bookmakers offer features and processing speeds in this regard, although some take longer than others.
Although there are many legal online sports betting sites in the United States, DraftKings and FanDuel are the most popular in terms of market share. Not only are they well-known and established brands with strong marketing campaigns, but they also built a giant visitor base through fantasy sports for years before sports betting became legal.
DraftKings and FanDuel are also the most widely available, operating in more states than their competitors.
BetMGM and Caesars are also solid brands that offer high-quality sports betting, although they are not as popular as DraftKings and FanDuel. Bet365 is founded and has over 90 million consumers worldwide, but continues to build its presence in the United States.
Meanwhile, bookmakers like Fanatics, ClutchBet, and ESPN BET, which debuted more recently, still have a long way to go to catch up.
As major rivals and competitors, FanDuel and DraftKings are very similar. You may not find many major differences in their odds, promotions, betting markets, and visitor service.
Two areas where they differ are their distribution and their rewards program. FanDuel’s interface is elegant, modern, intuitive and easy to use; For many bettors it is one of the most productive in the business.
DraftKings’ interface is rarely very bad, but it does feel more dated than FanDuel’s, making it a little more difficult to locate the bets you’re looking for.
In contrast, DraftKings has an advantage with its rewards program. FanDuel does not have a loyalty program, so bettors cannot bet there. DraftKings, on the other hand, offers betting releases that can then be converted into bonus bets, DraftKings products, or other rewards.
In other words, FanDuel offers a smoother experience, but DraftKings is more rewarding.
As stated above, a sports betting site will never have the most productive odds for each and every sport, or it would not be as successful as its competitors.
However, the odds differ depending on the bookmaker. The differences are minimal, as if one team were the favorite with a moneyline of -150 on one site and -160 on another. You’ll never see a team indexed as a clear favorite on one site and a big underdog on another.
The key is to see which bookmaker offers the odds for the quick bet you need to make. Sometimes the odds will be exactly the same, but other times there will be small differences that you can take advantage of.
Ultimately, it’s up to the sports bettor to locate the odds, as a bookmaker won’t offer you the odds on everything.
Many welcome offers are comparable, so it is difficult for a bookmaker to have the most productive one. Additionally, bookmakers replace their sign-up bonuses, so an offer may not last long.
As mentioned above, it is also vital to note the difference between be offers. Just because a be offer has a higher financial price does not mean it is better.
For example, a sportsbook may offer you a bonus bet of up to $1,500 if you lose your first bet. However, if you win your first bet, you will not get a bonus.
On the other hand, some bookmakers offer a smaller amount in guaranteed bonus bets. The bonus could be smaller ($100 or $200), but guaranteed to be earned regardless of the final results of your first bet.
Since guaranteed bonus bets necessarily involve cash to play with, those types of offers are higher unless you plan to bet a lot of money on a single bet.
In terms of rewards, Fanatics is the most productive thanks to its unique FanCash program.
Fanatics offers bettors a percentage of the stake (up to 10%) on FanCash based on their bet odds. The higher the odds, the more FanCash you will receive. The more you bet, the more FanCash you accumulate.
You can withdraw FanCash whenever you need and withdraw all or just a part. You have two features with your FanCash, as you can convert it into bonus bets to use at sportsbooks or exchange it for credits on the Fanatics retail site, where you can use it to buy merchandise or clothing from your favorite team.
FanCash doesn’t expire, so you can save up for a big bonus bet or a big purchase like a t-shirt. Either way, the flexibility of the program is a plus.
Once you have selected an online bookmaker that you want to register with, registration is simple.
Registering with an online sportsbook only takes a few minutes. Once you’ve created your account and added funds, you’re ready to get started.
Once you sign up with an online bookmaker, there are many tactics to fund your account safely.
These features vary by state and carrier, but here are some of the most common deposit methods:
You can know which option is the most productive and the most convenient for you.
Similarly, there are several tactics for withdrawing cash from your account.
Online sports betting with your bank details so you don’t have to worry about them being stolen when making transactions.
No online bookmaker is the best. It’s all about the user experience, and every user has a different experience.
There are many online bookmakers worth checking out. You can find the ones you like the most by looking for other features and finding out which one best suits your behavior and preferences.
Ultimately, the “best” bookmaker can count on many factors, including the state you live in (or rather can visit), promotions, and the intensity of the market.
We took the time to analyze and study many sportsbooks, narrowing down a list of the most productive in the industry. These ratings can help you determine which ones to check first.
Our ratings are based on scores in the following categories:
Below, we’ll break down each category and why it’s vital to your sports betting experience.
A quick and easy way to get an idea of the quality of a sportsbook is to compare user reviews on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android). Since the ratings are five stars, you will need a reputable sportsbook with an average rating of at least 4 stars.
You can also take a look at quick user reviews to get an idea of what other people are saying about the app and if there are any recurring cases or court issues. This can be useful for features that are difficult to compare until the app is used, such as delay or visitor service.
Many critics are there to complain, so don’t put too much emphasis on vocal criticism.
That said, if you notice common themes in the comments, we warn you about the disorders you may encounter with the app.
Each state handles sports differently. Some states allow in-person and mobile sportsArray, while others would only allow in-person sports or impose a strict limit on the amount of mobile sports betting allowed.
As a result, sports betting varies by state, as both states will have to approve a sportsbook before it can be introduced there. There is no bookmaker in one or both states that offers legal online sports betting, however, some have been introduced in most of them.
Generally speaking, the more states a bookmaker can have, the better. This means you’re more likely to have it in your state, in a neighboring state, or in a state you’re likely to go to, so it’s less difficult and more convenient to use. This way, you’ll be able to take your bookmaker with you instead of having to sign up for a new one every time you leave your state.
While small “local” sportsbooks offer profit boosts and other bonuses based on local teams, they can only be obtained in a handful of states at most and offer limited availability.
How much cash will a bookmaker give you for signing up?
Most bookmakers offer welcome offers to attract new customers, but it’s vital to know how they work. Just because an offer is related to a higher amount doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better.
Some sports sites offer “bet and get” promotions where you get bonus bets (site credit) just for wagering a small amount of cash. For example, you can get $200 in bonus bets just by placing a $5 bet. Get loose money to bet on.
Other bookmakers offer “hassle-free” offers that offer a bonus bet if you lose your first bet.
For example, if you place a $20 bet after registering and lose, you will get a $20 bonus bet that will be refunded.
These offers tend to impress bettors with larger amounts than “bet and get” promotions, going up to $1,000 or $1,500. However, you will only get a bonus bet if you lose your first bet, in which case you will have to use the bonus bet to pay out and get your coins back. If your bet wins, you will get your winnings in coins as a general bet but you will not get any bonus.
As a result, “effortless” offers aren’t as smart as “bet and get” promotions.
When comparing sports betting, the most productive thing to do is to opt for welcome offers with guaranteed bonuses that give you credits on their site no matter what.
The duration of the bonus offered may not matter if it is difficult to claim.
The most productive sports bonus offers are as undeniable to claim as they are generous, being undeniable and straightforward without needing to jump through any hoops.
The most productive bonuses are guaranteed and arrive immediately in your account as soon as you place your first bet. They will also be easy to meet and possibly won’t require you to tick boxes to get your bonus.
Some sports betting bonus offers require you to place bets or wait days or weeks to unlock your full bonus. This can be annoying, especially if you’re looking to get your full bonus before a major sporting occasion like the Super Bowl or March Madness.
More complex donations can be complicated, so we prefer simplified donations with fewer requirements.
If you bet and plan to use a sports betting site frequently, a fake rewards program is essential.
Loyalty systems differ depending on sports betting. Some offer you praise for the bet, which can then be turned into bonus bets or other praise. Others offer high praise, such as free rides, hotel stays, tickets to sporting events, and more. .
On the other hand, some bookmakers do not offer any rewards. This may not be a big deal for casual bettors, but it can make all the difference for ordinary sports bettors.
It’s like paying for anything with money from a credit card. If you place a bet on one site without a loyalty program, you’ll lose problems elsewhere.
While major sports, such as football or basketball, can only be accessed through classic cable or streaming services, some bookmakers offer the option to stream smaller sports on the app, which is a credit to bettors.
For example, the FanDuel app streams tennis matches, making it less difficult to follow the action and place live bets.
Beyond live streaming, we also consider the duration of the stream, the amount of battery used, and the number of occasions available to stream in the app.
Most bookmakers offer some form of welcome and offer to attract new customers, but what they differ from is their promotions for existing customers.
Some sportsbooks offer a multitude of daily promotions such as odds boosts, no-hassle bets, bonus bets and much more to keep consumers coming back every day. Others offer them only in moderation or not at all.
A key promotion for existing users is the referral bonus. Many sportsbooks offer some type of referral bonus to entice someone else to sign up, but the amount can vary ($50 per child, $100, $200, etc. ). If you are making plans to bet with friends or family, this can be a wonderful way to get bonus bets for you and them.
Similar to a rewards program, you will need a sportsbook with common offers for existing consumers if you plan to gamble regularly.
Strong guest service features are a must for any sports betting site, since most disputes or appeals involve someone’s money.
High marks were given to all bookmakers that provide visitor service 24/7 (after all, sporting events end at night), while problems were deduced if a betting house Betting relied on an FAQ page as a key component of its visitor service profile. If you touch on visitor service (email, chat, phone, etc. ), the better.
Customer support is a must to ensure an elegant experience in sports betting. If a challenge arises, it’s vital to solve it temporarily and efficiently.
The data provided in Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. Your financial situation is unique and the products we review may not be right for your situation. We do not provide monetary advice, advice, or brokerage Array and we do not propose or advise Americans to buy or sell specific stocks or securities. Performance data would have possibly been replaced from the date of publication. Past functionality does not guarantee long-term results.
Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity criteria. To our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date of publication; The offers contained in this document may no longer be available. Reviews expressed are the sole responsibility of the author and have not been provided, endorsed or otherwise endorsed through our partners.