Best Betting Sites for US Sports Bettors
The top sports betting sites in the United States, including BetMGM, Caesars, FanDuel, and DraftKings, have plenty to offer new bettors. There are 42 legal betting sites across 38 states (plus Washington D.C.) and here, we have conducted a detailed review analyzing odds, promotions offers, payouts, user experience, bonuses, and more to rank the top sports betting sites, and each bettor is bound to find one that suits their needs and preferences.
Suggested betting sites for US bettors
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What to know about the top betting sites
| Sportsbook | Welcome Offer | Promo Code |
|---|---|---|
| BetMGM Sportsbook | Up to $1,500 in bonus bets paid back if your first bet does not win | LINEUPS |
| DraftKings Sportsbook | Up to $1,250 in bonus funds | Click to claim promo |
| FanDuel Sportsbook | Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets if your bet wins | Click to claim promo |
| Bet365 Sportsbook | Bet $5, get $150 win or lose OR a first-bet safety net up to $1,000 | LINEUPSBET |
| BetRivers Sportsbook | Up to $500 in bonuses | LINEUPS |
| Fanatics Sportsbook | Bet and get up to $1,000 in no-sweat bets | Click to claim promo |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Bet $1, double your winnings on next 10 wagers | LINEUPSDYW |
| Hard Rock Bet | Get $100 in bonus bets if your first bet doesn’t win | No Code: Click to Claim |
| ESPN Bet Sportsbook | Up to a $1,500 welcome bonus | No promo code available |
| Bally Bet Sportsbook | Bet $10, get $50 in bonus bets | Click to claim promo |
| Borgata Sportsbook | Bet $20, get a $100 bonus bet | No promo code available |
| Crab Sports | Up to $500 first bet offer | PLAYMD |
Best betting sites reviewed
BetMGM Sportsbook
The self-titled King of Sportsbooks welcomes rookies with a first-bet promo. Bet up to $1,500 on your first bet, and if it doesn’t win, you’ll receive a refund in credit up to that amount. Just use the BetMGM bonus code LINEUPS.
In select states (CO, MI, NJ, PA & WV), new users can bet $10 and get $150 in bonus bets if their first wager wins (plus any winnings from the qualifying wager) following registration and deposit.
BetMGM also has a promotion that it uses across multiple sports where if the team you bet on takes a lead by a certain amount (seven runs in baseball, two goals in soccer), you can cash out your bet early, and if there’s a comeback by the other team, you still win.
BetMGM is loaded with simple features and an intuitive layout. A search button at the top of the screen lets you find your game quickly.
- Sportsbook rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.3 (Android)
- Why use BetMGM? It is the total package. BetMGM has a sleek layout, a deep listing of events, and promotions, plus a first-class response team.
- Favorite feature(s): The Easy Parlay button. Clicking it will take you to a screen with every ongoing game where you can make a combination bet.
- Legal states: AZ, CO, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MS, NJ, NV, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV & WY - Note: Offer not available in NY
DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings isn’t just a sportsbook; it’s a lifestyle. No other American sportsbook markets itself as well as DraftKings. It’s the only sportsbook I know that has its own merchandise shop where you can support the brand.
New users will receive $200 in bonus bets after their initial $5 wager as part of the DraftKings promo code bonus. After you have the bonus bets in hand, you’ll be wowed by the enormous selection of games and types of bets you can make.
DraftKings started as a fantasy sports website and still maintains a robust daily offering of pools like what player will get the most points in tonight’s NBA games, or create your own lineup in baseball or hockey and see how many points they get together. You can win enough to buy plenty of DK merch.
- Sportsbook rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.4 (Android)
- Why use DraftKings? It’s ideal for new players with its exclusive How To Bet feature that explains terms and the process.
- Favorite feature(s): No one gets lines up quicker than DraftKings for major events.
- Legal states: AZ, CO, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV & WY
FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel is the sportsbook that’s here for a good time — who can forget the Kick of Destiny I, II and III? New FanDuel customers can start out with $200 in bonus bets if their first bet ($5 minimum) wins, so make a smart choice.
The heart of FanDuel Sportsbook is data. Find and click the small “stats” tab underneath each game, and you’ll immediately see the percentage of people betting each way. That gives you guidance whether you want to go with the crowd or go your own way.
FanDuel also has a racebook with its own separate brand of promotions. FanDuel also is a fantasy sports site with contests that can cost as little as $1 to enter.
With the Kentucky Derby approaching, be sure to check out the FanDuel Racing app, where you can register with code Click to claim promo and qualify for a bonus up to $500 for the action on Saturday.
- Sportsbook rating: 4.9 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
- Why use FanDuel? If you want data to make your betting decisions, FanDuel delivers it.
- Favorite features: Deep betting menu
- Legal states: AZ, CO, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV & WY
Bet365 Sportsbook
The bet365 bonus code lets new customers choose between two promotions — you can either bet big on your first bet and get up to $1,000 back in site credit if you lose, or you can play the safer route and get a $150 bonus after a bet of $5, win or lose.
Bet365 doesn’t look like an American sportsbook, and that’s because it isn’t. Its background is European, and that’s why it’s so soccer-friendly. You can mark your favorite league or team by placing a star next to it, and there are profit boosts of up to 30% on winning parlays and instant payouts if your team goes ahead by a set figure.
You can find something new every day of the year at bet365.
- Sportsbook rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.5 (Android)
- Why use bet365? If you’re a soccer fan, this is the place to be.
- Favorite feature(s): Bet365 has a deep listing of esports bets.
- Legal states: AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KY, LA, NJ, NC, OH, PA, TN & VA
Fanatics Sportsbook
Fanatics is the new major player in the American sportsbook world, with the branding and backing of the sports merchandise company. That backing provides deep pockets, and the Fanatics Sportsbook promo for new users is a distinct one. New customers can receive up to $100 in bonus bets every day for 10 days, meaning if you hit a bad streak, you’d still have $1,000 in Fanatics credit.
Everyone in the industry is still waiting to see if Fanatics is going to claim a major share of the market. The app is the only way to play — Fanatics Sportsbook isn’t available via web browser, which is a drawback for some.
- Sportsbook rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
- Why use Fanatics? The ability to earn FanCash
- Favorite feature: The featured player tab lets you go straight to prop bets on that player.
- Legal states: AZ, CO, CT, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, & WY
Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars has creative incentives and promotions, including an exclusive welcome bonus — players can bet $1 and then get the opportunity to double their winnings on their next 10 wagers. Caesars isn’t marketed as heavily as other sportsbooks on the list and isn’t as highly rated, but it more than holds its own.
When you sign into Caesars Sportsbook, you’re greeted with a simple-to-navigate layout that puts the betslip in a prominent location to the right, because that’s what you’re here to do, bet on a sporting event. There aren’t many frills. Caesars expects you to do some of the work.
Caesars also has profit boosts for basketball and hockey games and partners with Caesars properties for tickets to special events. The refer-a-friend promotion also can pay off quickly.
- Sportsbook rating: 4.7 (iOS), 4.4 (Android)
- Why use Caesars? The design is simple and understated, but underneath it’s a powerhouse.
- Favorite features: With all its various properties, joining the Caesars Rewards program has significant perks.
- Legal states: AZ, CO, DC, IN, IL, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, NC, NJ, NY, NV, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, & WY
BetRivers Sportsbook
New customers at BetRivers will find a simpler layout with a moderate welcome offer of up to $500 in bonus bets if your first bet doesn’t pay out.
BetRivers is a good sportsbook for newer bettors who are still trying to understand the difference between a parlay and a point spread. The selection of events isn’t as broad, but the lines typically match. Each day there are specials connected to a game or a player performance.
- Sportsbook rating: 4.8 (iOS), 4.7 (Android)
- Why use BetRivers? It’s a great introduction for new bettors looking to learn.
- Favorite features: The scoreboard on the homepage shows where you rank among the daily winners.
- Legal states: AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, LA, MD, MI, OH, NJ, NY, PA, VA & WV
Hard Rock Bet
The only legal sportsbook up and running in Florida, Hard Rock Bet has expanded to eight states throughout the US. The welcome offer grants $100 in bonus bets if your first bet doesn’t pay off.
Like Caesars, Hard Rock Bet takes advantage of its connections and properties with special promotions. The sports betting menu is standard with props and parlays.
- Sportsbook rating: 4.9 (iOS), 4.8 (Android)
- Why use Hard Rock Bet? If Hard Rock is your thing, this is your sportsbook.
- Favorite features: Good starting point for promos and boosts for avid bettors.
- Legal states: AZ, NJ, TN, VA
Other popular US online betting sites
ESPN Bet was hailed as the next big thing in American sportsbooks, rising up after the rebranding of Barstool Sportsbook. It’s available in 19 states but has struggled to make any noise nationally.
Bally Bet Sportsbook is now available in 11 states, seeking to take advantage of its online casino reputation. Bally Bet maintains a strong retail presence in addition to its growing online platform.
The Borgata has a sports betting license, but the site is only available in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. I’ve also heard of Crab Sports, but that is a sportsbook only online in Maryland.
Top promos and bonuses for each sports betting site
| Betting Site | Promotion | Promo Type |
|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | CBB No-Sweat Bet | No Sweat |
| DraftKings | NBA King of the Court | Odds Boost |
| DraftKings | NBA Profit Boost Pack | Odds Boost |
| FanDuel | 25% CBB Profit Boost | Odds Boost |
| FanDuel | March Madness Bet Back Offer | No Sweat |
| FanDuel | CBB Dog of the Day Jackpot | Bet & Get |
| FanDuel | 25% NHL Profit Boost | Odds Boost |
| FanDuel | Refer-a-Friend, get 3 100% profit boosts | Referral |
| BetMGM | CBB Odds Boost Token | Odds Boost |
| BetMGM | March Matchups Pick'Em | Bonus Bets |
| BetMGM | NHL & Golf Second Chance Bets | No Sweat |
| BetMGM | NHL Hat Trick Jackpot | Bet & Get |
| Bet365 | MLB, NBA, CBB, & NHL Early Payouts | Early Payout |
| Bet365 | Up to 100% Parlay Boost | Odds Boost |
| Bet365 | Daily Bet Boost (Various Sports) | Odds Boost |
| Caesars | 25% CBB Profit Boost | Odds Boost |
| Caesars | Road To The Alamo CBB Parlay Promo | Odds Boost |
| Caesars | Refer a friend, get $50 in bonus bets | Referral |
| Fanatics | Get a new reward every single day | Daily Offer |
| Fanatics | Refer friends, get up to $250 in bonuses | Referral |
| BetRivers Sportsbook | BetRivers PropPacks | Rewards |
Best promos at sports betting sites this week
The best sportsbook promos are constantly adjusting their promotions based on the sports calendar and betting sites are always trying to offer players a variety of options to choose from. Here are the top sportsbook promos this week for the NBA playoffs, NHL playoffs, MLB, Kentucky Derby, and more:
- BetMGM Sportsbook: NBA Playoffs Odds Boost
- BetMGM Sportsbook: NBA Second-Chance Bet
- BetMGM Sportsbook: NHL Hat Trick Jackpot
- BetMGM Sportsbook: NHL Hat Trick Jackpot
- BetMGM Sportsbook: EPL Up 2 Early Payout
- DraftKings Sportsbook: NBA Playoffs Weekly No-Sweat
- DraftKings Sportsbook: NHL SGP(x) Profit Boost
- DraftKings Sportsbook: MLB Live Boost
- DraftKings Sportsbook: MLB King of the Diamond Boost
- FanDuel Sportsbook: 30% NHL SGP/SGP+ Boost
- FanDuel Sportsbook: Daily NBA Playoff Boost
- FanDuel Racing: Preakness Stakes No Sweat
- Bet365 Sportsbook: NBA Early Payout (20+ points)
- Bet365 Sportsbook: MLB Early Payout (5+ runs)
- Bet365 Sportsbook: NHL Early Payout (3+ goals)
- Fanatics Sportsbook: Daily Reward (bonus bets/profit boosts)
Betting apps ranked by mobile users
| Sports Betting Site | App Store Rating | Google Play Rating | Promo Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM Sportsbook | 4.8 | 4.3 | LINEUPS |
| DraftKings Sportsbook | 4.8 | 4.4 | Click to claim |
| FanDuel Sportsbook | 4.9 | 4.7 | No code needed, click to claim $200 promo |
| bet365 Sportsbook | 4.8 | 4.3 | LINEUPSBET |
| BetRivers Sportsbook | 4.9 | 4.7 | LINEUPS |
| Fanatics Sportsbook | 4.8 | 4.7 | Click to claim promo |
| Caesars Sportsbook | 4.7 | 4.4 | LINEUPSDYW |
| Hard Rock Bet | 4.9 | 4.7 | No Code: Click to Claim |
| Bally Bet Sportsbook | 4.6 | 4.3 | Click to claim promo |
| ESPN Bet Sportsbook | 4.8 | 4.5 | No promo code available |
| Borgata Sportsbook | 4.7 | 3.9 | No promo code available |
| Crab Sports | 4.2 | 3.6 | PLAYMD |
Recommended betting site for each sport
| Sport | Betting Sites | Why is it the best? |
|---|---|---|
| NFL betting | FanDuel | An official NFL betting partner. They have the data and the goods. |
| NCAA Football betting | DraftKings | Quick odds posted on the week’s games, plus bets on the Heisman Trophy and other awards. |
| NBA betting | BetMGM | Super live betting access and odds. |
| NCAA Basketball betting | FanDuel | Deep menu of future bets on March Madness and conference tournaments. |
| MMA betting | BetMGM | Will it be a knockout, a draw? How many rounds? BetMGM has MMA locked up. |
| MLB Betting | Caesars | Great selection of ‘first five’ MLB bets where you can pick who’s winning after five innings. |
| Golf betting | DraftKings | Features head-to-head matchups of your choice, plus the ability to bet on specific threesomes. |
| NHL betting | FanDuel | Top-shelf player props including goals, assists, shots, and more. |
| Soccer betting | Bet365 | Unparalleled depth of soccer leagues and games. |
| Horse racing betting | FanDuel Racing | Full coverage of the Triple Crown and promotions connected to the Kentucky Derby. |
Top betting websites for live betting
Live betting has changed the world of sports betting. After a game starts, players have the ability to still bet on the outcome against shifting odds. Sense a comeback? Feel like a blowout is coming? Live betting gives you the option to ride those feelings. Almost every sportsbook has live betting, but some stand out.
- DraftKings Sportsbook: As it becomes a bigger presence in the streaming world, DraftKings lets customers watch and live bet at the same time for many sporting events.
- Bet365 Sportsbook: Another site with plenty of games streaming, allowing for easy live betting. These markets have less of a tendency to lock and unlock rapidly throughout the game compared to other sites.
Legal sports betting sites by state
| Betting Site | Legal States |
|---|---|
| Bally Bet Sportsbook | AZ, CO, IN, IA, MD, MA, NJ, NY, OH, TN & VA |
| bet365 Sportsbook | AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KY, LA, NJ, NC, OH, PA, TN & VA |
| BetMGM Sportsbook | AZ, CO, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MS, NJ, NV, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV & WY - Note: Offer not available in NY |
| BetRivers Sportsbook | AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, LA, MD, MI, OH, NJ, NY, PA, VA & WV |
| Caesars Sportsbook | AZ, CO, DC, IN, IL, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, NC, NJ, NY, NV, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, & WY |
| Crab Sports | MD |
| DraftKings Sportsbook | AZ, CO, CT, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV & WY |
| Fanatics Sportsbook | AZ, CO, CT, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, & WY |
| FanDuel Sportsbook | AZ, CO, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV & WY |
| Hard Rock Sportsbook | AZ, NJ, TN, VA |
How to sign up for the best betting sites
Signing up at online betting sites is mainly standard, with some subtle differences for each.
Each of the betting sites may require a geolocation software program installed on your computer. If you’re signing up on your phone, you should be fine because of the phone’s location services.
Here’s how to get started:
- First, click our link to sign up at the sportsbook.
- Input a username and a password. Confirm your age.
- Make an initial deposit via an approved banking method. Make sure you look to see if there’s a matching bonus for your first deposit.
- Check out the home screen and make your first bet!
How we rank the top betting sites
We consider multiple factors in our evaluation process. The biggest is the sheer volume of available bets, plus competitive odds on the site. After that, we’re looking for elite customer service, a simple deposit process, and an intuitive platform on both the desktop version and app.
Choosing the best betting sportsbook for you
Every sports betting fan has different tastes: some favor teams because of loyalty, past success, or maybe even the uniforms. The same goes for finding the best sportsbook. These are the factors to consider.
Is it easy to understand?
Each of the best sportsbooks throws a lot of numbers and data at you, and it can take some time to figure out what everything means, and why a -108 bet isn’t as good as -112. DraftKings stands out in this world with its “how to bet” feature that explains everything clearly for beginners. Once you learn one, you can pretty much understand them all.
Available odds/markets
Nothing is worse than having a game or a player in mind that you want to get some action on, and you log into your favorite site and there’s nothing listed. You’ll want a site that is updated frequently and delivers the betting options you want.
Safety first
There’s nothing like the feeling of that first big win, and you don’t want the letdown of not being paid for your bet. Stick with regulated sites with quality reputations. Unregulated sites still exist, often trying to sell something that’s too good to be true. Stay away.
Promos and incentives
Before signing up at one or many betting sites, understand the welcome bonus and what options you may have. Do you want a no-sweat first bet where you can go big right away, or would you rather go small to start and take advantage of the bonus bets coming your way? There’s a difference that you need to be aware of. Then once you’ve played for a while, what are the extras that you can earn? Do you want more site credits? Are you a parlay master or just into prop bets? Or do you want to receive discounts on hotel stays or game tickets?
Is online sports betting legal in the US?
Yes, in many places. As of this writing, 38 states, plus Washington, DC, have legalized online sports betting. The US Supreme Court overturned the prohibition on sports betting in America (outside of Nevada) in 2018, giving states the ability to decide whether they wanted to allow and regulate the enterprise.
Where can I place a legal online sports bet?
There are 38 states now, plus the District of Columbia, where you can place an online sports bet, including North Carolina, which went live in 2024. Missouri is scheduled to start sometime in 2025.
Betting websites to avoid
Non-regulated “offshore” betting sites still maintain a presence in US sports betting. These sites are outside the country’s borders, meaning they aren’t subject to the same laws. Issues with using a non-regulated site can include the following:
- No payment guarantee and lack of deposit options.
- No commitment to responsible gambling standards.
- No legal recourse if you have an issue.
Sports Betting Sites FAQ
What is the best sportsbook?
It depends on your taste. FanDuel and DraftKings are data-heavy, with huge betting menus that can be intimidating to beginners. Caesars is understated but extremely handy. Bet365 is all about soccer and live betting. If you’re a bettor who relies on emotion, then BetMGM might be for you. If you like numbers, then it’s FanDuel. DraftKings has the lifestyle. BetRivers is smaller but still pays big. Or you can throw in with some of the newcomers like Fanatics or ESPN Bet.
Where is sports betting legal?
Online sports betting has grown to 38 states, the District of Columbia, and counting. Customers can bet online from their phones or computers.
Do I have to live in a legal state to bet there?
No, you merely have to be in a state where it’s regulated. If you live in Texas, for example, where it’s not legal, but visit Louisiana, where it is (in most of the state, anyway), you can place a legal online sports bet while there.
What is responsible gambling?
Sports betting operators are sensitive to the issue of gambling addiction and are committed to helping those with a problem. Responsible gambling is the term to describe the concept of being aware of the signs of problem gambling and setting up limits on the amount of time and money individuals spend at a betting site.
When a sportsbook offers a welcome bonus, is that cash?
For the most part, no. For instance, when you see a sportsbook announce a bonus of $150 if you place a bet of $5 or more, it isn’t giving you $150 in cash. That $150 will take the form of a credit that you can use to place a bet or bets at the book.
