Best Online Sports Betting Sites

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With so many sports betting sites claiming the best odds and biggest bonuses, it’s tough to know which ones truly deliver.

We’ve placed real bets across major leagues to find the best US sports betting sites worth your time.

We'll help you compare sportsbooks based on odds quality, live betting features, niche markets availability, bonus fairness, and payout speed. That way, you can bet with confidence, not guesswork.

Nerd Picks of the Month

5/5
Welcome Bonus 125% up to $1,250 Play Now Read Full Review
4.5/5
Welcome Bonus 50% up to $250 + 100 Free Spins Play Now Read Full Review
4.5/5
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4.5/5
Welcome Bonus 225% up to $3,625 Play Now Read Full Review
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4/5
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Welcome Bonus Bet $100 & Earn up to $50 Play Now Read Full Review
4/5
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4.5/5
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4/5
Welcome Bonus 100% up to $500 Play Now Read Full Review
4/5
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4/5
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Top Sports Betting Sites by Category

Top Sports Betting Sites of 2025

No two sports betting sites are the same, which means there is plenty to evaluate when deciding where to play. The GamblingNerd team has handpicked the most trusted sportsbooks for you to compare.

  • BetUS – Best Overall Sportsbook
  • Bovada – Best Props Builder at a Sports Betting Site
  • Everygame – Best Sportsbook for Parlay Wagers
  • BetOnline – Sportsbook with Daily Odds Boosters
  • SportsBetting.ag – Best Sportsbook for Betting Contests
  • MyBookie – Best Sportsbook for Live Betting
  • BetWhale – Best Sports Betting Site for eSports
  • BetNow – Best Racebook

Best Overall Sportsbook

BetUS
225% up to $3,625 Welcome Bonus
Casino Games: Blackjack, Slots, Video poker +2 more Roulette, Baccarat.
Live Dealer: Yes
Payment Options: Visa, MasterCard, American Express +6 more Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, Bank Transfer, Bankwire, Check.

BetUS is our top choice for US sports bettors because it ticks all the boxes and then some. The sportsbook has odds on everything from the Super Bowl to Stranger Things, esports to the stock market. The live betting site is also impressive, as it includes prop and player-specific bets for foreign leagues as well as domestic ones.

When it’s time to withdraw your winnings, most payouts are processed within 48 hours. We recommend withdrawing with Bitcoin because payouts are free and happen instantly once they’re processed by the site.

It’s clear that the team at BetUS are passionate about sports. BetUS TV produces regular free content across MLB, NBA, NFL & more. There is also a handy series called ‘How to Bet on Sports’ which offers a solid foundation for beginners. You can reach the sportsbook’s customer support via live chat, telephone, or email. We recommend the live chat which is open 24/7.

When you consider fair deposit match and cashback bonuses and a reliable mobile site, and it’s not hard to see why BetUS has topped the rankings.

  • Several different welcome bonus options including a 200% crypto bonus
  • Sports Betting options include: pro football, college football, live betting and more
  • Same-day payouts up to $5000
  • Limited time (14 days) to clear bonus playthrough requirements
  • BetUS is not available in Washington state

Best Props Builder at a Sports Betting Site

Bovada
100% up to $1,000 Welcome Bonus
bovada screenshot
Casino Games: Live dealer, Slots, Blackjack +3 more Roulette, Baccarat, Progressive jackpot.
Live Dealer: No
Payment Options: Visa, MasterCard, Bitcoins +7 more Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, Secure Voucher, Bank Transfer, Check, American Express.

The popularity of prop betting has skyrocketed in recent years, and Bovada has played a key role in the revolution. Their unique Props Builder feature allows you to combine multiple selections to create your perfect bet, covering tons of markets across a range of sports and leagues.

Let’s say that you want to build a bet containing several player props for an NBA game. All you need to do is head to Bovada’s sportsbook menu, click ‘Props Builder’, and select ‘Build Mode’. You can then choose from a wide variety of markets, including points, rebounds, assists, and 3-pointers.

Another great thing about Bovada’s Props Builder is the ‘Player Filter’ feature, which enables you to search for specific players. If you’re betting on the NHL, you can search for props related to David Pastrnak, Connor McDavid, and all the top players in the league.

Bovada’s Props Builder also allows you to create unique wagers for the NFL, MLB, NCAAF, and NCAAB, in addition to soccer leagues like the Premier League, Champions League, La Liga, and MLS.

  • More than 20,000 sports betting markets
  • Excellent mobile live betting interface
  • Two sportsbook welcome bonuses
  • Limited sports promotions for existing customers
  • Strict betting limits to discourage professional gamblers

Best Sportsbook for Parlay Wagers

Everygame
100% up to $1,000 Welcome Bonus
everygame sportsbook screenshot
Casino Games: Progressive jackpot, Slots, Roulette +3 more Blackjack, Video poker, Keno.
Live Dealer: No
Payment Options: Visa, American Express, MasterCard +7 more Bitcoins, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, EcoPayz, Paysafe, Check, Bank Transfer.

All of our recommended online sportsbooks offer parlays, but Everygame is the pick of the bunch in this department. While some betting sites require you to enter parlay mode, Everygame automatically groups selections and calculates the combined odds.

When you select your wagers, the bet slip will feature single bets at the top and parlays underneath. This means that you can choose from singles, doubles, trebles, and multis in the same area, with the odds neatly displayed alongside each option.

Plus, Everygame has a special promotion dedicated to parlay bettors. If your parlay loses due to one incorrect selection, you will be automatically entered into a weekly draw to win one of 20 free parlay bets worth $50.

Everygame allows you to bet on a wide array of sports, from popular options like football, basketball, and soccer to niche events such as Aussie rules, darts, and handball. As a result, the parlay opportunities are almost endless.

  • Over 5,000 sports wagers available every day
  • Live betting with unique multi-view feature
  • Odds boosters for multiple sports and events
  • No VIP program for sportsbook users
  • No props builder or early cashouts

Sportsbook with Daily Odds Boosters

BetOnline
50% up to $250 + 100 Free Spins Welcome Bonus
betonline screenshot
Casino Games: Slots, Video poker, Blackjack +5 more Craps, Baccarat, Roulette, Live dealer, Progressive jackpot.
Live Dealer: No
Payment Options: Visa, MasterCard, American Express +14 more Bitcoins, Ethereum, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Interac e-Transfer, Person2Person Transfers, Money Order, Bank Transfer, Check, Cardano, Dogecoin, Ripple, Tether, Usdt.

If you’re looking for a sportsbook with daily odds boosters, look no further than BetOnline. Every day, BetOnline offers enhanced odds on a variety of markets. To access these enhanced prices, simply click ‘Odds Boosters’ on the sportsbook menu.

The great thing about BetOnline’s boosted odds is that you can see the price difference for each market. For example, Real Madrid to Win and Jude Bellingham to Score First – WAS +750, NOW +850.

It is worth noting that odds boosters typically limit the amount you can wager, so you won’t be able to risk the same amount as a non-boosted bet. However, these markets give you the chance to take advantage of prices that can’t be found elsewhere.

BetOnline has many other promotions for sports bettors, including the 50% Sports Welcome Bonus, the Risk-Free Player Prop, and the Risk-Free Live Bet.

  • 50% sports welcome bonus up to $1,000
  • Thousands of betting markets across dozens of sports
  • Dedicated racebook with live betting
  • Few evergreen sports promotions for frequent bettors
  • Some bonuses have rollovers as high as 45x

Best Sportsbook for Betting Contests

SportsBetting.ag
50% up to $250 + 100 Free Spins Welcome Bonus
SportsBetting Screenshot
Casino Games: Slots, Blackjack, Video poker +4 more Live dealer, Baccarat, Roulette, Craps.
Live Dealer: Yes
Payment Options: Bitcoins, Bitcoin Cash, Cardano +10 more Dogecoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, Tether, MasterCard, American Express, Visa, Bank Transfer, Check.

SportsBetting.ag boasts an unrivalled selection of betting contests. From football, basketball, and hockey to golf, horse racing, and MMA, the contests at SportsBetting.ag are the best in the business.

Recent contests include a $10,000 prize pool for bettors who correctly predict the first and last horses in the Kentucky Derby. They also offer free contests related to the Super Bowl, NFL Draft, NBA Playoffs, Sweet 16, and March Madness.

If you want to access bigger prize pools, you can enter paid contests like ‘Bracket Madness’. This March Madness contest has a cash prize pool of at least $200,000. Entries cost $20, with up to 20 entries available at discounted rates as low as $5.

Existing customers can also make use of reload bonuses, odds boosters, and many other ongoing promotions at SportsBetting.ag. Despite the impressive collection of bonuses, the betting contests are still the main event here.

  • Dozens of sports promotions and betting contests
  • Customize the menu by favoriting sports and leagues
  • More than two decades of experience in the industry
  • Maximum parlay payouts of $150,000
  • Unfavorable limits for non-crypto banking methods

Best Sportsbook for Live Betting

MyBookie
100% up to $1,000 Welcome Bonus
mybookie screenshot
Casino Games: Slots, Video poker, Blackjack +4 more Baccarat, Roulette, Keno, Scratch tickets.
Live Dealer: No
Payment Options: Visa, MasterCard, Bitcoins +10 more Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Ethereum, Tether, Cardano, Dogecoin, MoneyGram, Person2Person Transfers, eCheck, Bank Transfer.

MyBookie’s live betting platform enables you to place in-play wagers on a variety of sports and events from around the world. Whether you want to bet on a live football game in the US or a live table tennis match in the Czech Republic, MyBookie is the place to go.

Click ‘Live Betting’ on the header menu to view the latest in-play options. You can then choose from moneylines, totals, spreads, and many other live markets. The tennis options are particularly impressive, as you can find in-play props for specific games and sets.

There is also a ‘Live Lines’ section on the sportsbook menu, with specific categories for basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis, table tennis, and eSports. Each category has multiple options, enabling you to filter different leagues and events depending on your preferences.

Better still, MyBookie has a mobile-optimized sportsbook, so you can gamble on the go without any issues. Their mobile website is compatible with Android, iOS, and Windows devices, making it easy to place live bets via your smartphone or tablet.

  • Live streams for in-play betting
  • Sports bonuses with low wagering requirements
  • Free betting tips and stats available
  • Low maximum wagers of $250 for props and futures
  • Limited withdrawal options with fees attached

Best Sports Betting Site for eSports

Betwhale
125% up to $1,250 Welcome Bonus
betwhale screenshot
Casino Games: Blackjack, Baccarat, Video poker +3 more Slots, Progressive jackpot, Roulette.
Live Dealer: Yes
Payment Options: Visa, MasterCard, American Express +3 more Bitcoins, Ethereum, Litecoin.

While all of our top-rated betting sites offer eSports wagers, no site boasts as many eSports options as BetWhale. Despite only launching in 2023, BetWhale has already established itself as the go-to destination for eSports bettors.

Head to BetWhale’s eSport section to find odds for Counter-Strike 2, League of Legends, Dota 2, Call of Duty, Valorant, King of Glory, and other popular games. If you prefer sports games, you can bet on NBA 2K and FIFA.

There is a wide range of tournaments and events on offer, from ESL, IEM, and PGL Majors to smaller leagues in Europe and Asia. There is also a massive variety of betting markets available, including moneylines, totals, spreads, props, and even in-play wagers with live streams.

BetWhale is a modern gambling site, and its eSports options certainly reflect that. If you want a break from betting on regular sports, BetWhale is undoubtedly the best option for eSports.

  • Unrivalled range of eSports betting options
  • Flexible sportsbook bonuses
  • Over 27,000 sports betting markets
  • No quarter lines for football, basketball, or hockey betting
  • High minimal withdrawals of $150 for all payout methods

Best Racebook

BetNow
125% up to $2,500 Welcome Bonus
betnow screenshot
Casino Games: Slots, Blackjack, Roulette +4 more Baccarat, Craps, Video poker, Live dealer.
Live Dealer: Yes
Payment Options: MasterCard, Bitcoins, Visa +2 more American Express, Bitcoin Cash.

For horse racing, BetNow can’t be beat. Its racebook section includes races in the US as well as Canada, Finland, Ireland, France, South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia. Betting options include both thoroughbred and harness events. Within each, you can toggle to bet on individual races and wager across straights, doubles, picks, and parlays.

To make things even clearer, BetNow has a tiered system which allows you to order your bets based on what you think will happen. Notably, BetNow doesn’t have any greyhound racing odds on site, but the selection of horse racing more than makes up for it. Plus, all net losses at the racebook are given a weekly rebate of 10% cashed straight to your account each Monday. Compared to other online sports betting sites, racing at BetNow is a cut above the rest.

  • Flexible welcome bonuses
  • Weekly NFL, MLB and NBA contests with $10,000 giveaways
  • Comprehensive sportsbook with great odds
  • Great live dealer casino
  • Variety of banking options including multiple cryptocurrencies
  • Lacking slots and table game variety
  • Payout fees and restrictions on some banking options
  • Outdated UI design

Comparing the Best Sports Betting Sites

SportsbookSports Welcome BonusRolloverMin Deposit Live Betting
BetUS100% up to $2,50010x$10Yes
Bovada50% up to $2505x$10Yes
Everygame100% up to $5008x$5Yes
BetOnline50% up to $1,00010x$20Yes
Sportsbetting.ag100% up to $500 x214x$20Yes
MyBookie50% up to $1,00010x$20Yes
BetWhale125% up to $1,25010x$10Yes
BetNow150% up to $22520x$1Yes
Best Betting Sites by Sport and Market

Best Betting Sites by Sport and Market

No two sportsbooks excel in the exact same areas. Some deliver unbeatable odds for the NFL or NBA, while others dominate in global soccer, eSports, or novelty markets. Below, we break down which betting sites perform best across different sports and markets, and why they deserve a spot on your shortlist.

Major US Leagues

When it comes to American sports, every major sportsbook we tested covers the essentials: pro football, basketball, baseball, hockey, and college leagues. But BetUS, Bovada, Everygame, BetOnline, and MyBookie go further, here’s why: 

  • BetUS stands out for its deep props on NFL and NBA games, with alternate spreads and creative player markets that casual fans won’t find elsewhere.
  • Bovada delivers a clean, intuitive interface and an edge in same-game parlays, especially for NFL and NCAA football.
  • Everygame earns points for consistent early line releases and reduced-juice options on major matchups.
  • BetOnline is ideal for volume bettors, thanks to its competitive odds and massive weekly market count.
  • MyBookie shines with niche college sports and WNBA lines.

International Markets

Global sports fans need books with reach beyond American leagues and that’s where BetOnline and Everygame.

  • BetOnline offers one of the most complete international catalogs, covering European soccer (EPL, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga), Asian leagues, and even smaller markets like darts, handball, and table tennis.
  • Everygame has the widest range of lower-division soccer leagues, including Scandinavian, South American, and women’s competitions.

eSports Betting

Here, we’re focusing on competitive gaming titles like CS2, Dota 2, LoL, Valorant, and Rocket League, plus mobile titles such as Honor of Kings. For competitive gaming, not all books treat eSports as a priority, but BetWhale, BetOnline, and SportsBetting.ag clearly do.

  • BetWhale leads this category with coverage for 10+ titles, including League of Legends, CS2, Dota 2, Valorant, Rocket League, and mobile hits like Honor of Kings. Its interface also lists match stats and live odds during major tournaments.
  • BetOnline is known for its tournament depth and early eSports lines, making it ideal for bettors who want to analyze markets ahead of events.
  • SportsBetting.ag complements that with one of the best live eSports betting sections, offering dynamic in-play odds and prop-style markets.

Non-Sports & Specialty Markets

Beyond traditional sports, some books let you wager on everything from presidential elections to pop culture events. BetUS and Bovada dominate here.

  • BetUS offers unmatched range, posting lines on politics, entertainment awards (Oscars, Grammys), and trending topics like tech stocks or celebrity news.
  • Bovada follows closely with creative markets on TV shows, reality series, and financial odds — great for casual or novelty bettors.
  • MyBookie and SportsBetting.ag include political and entertainment props, but their boards update less frequently and with smaller limits.

Find a Sports Betting Site for Every Sport

Almost every sport has a betting scene, and you can find a sportsbook that offers odds. 

In the previous section, we compared the best betting sites by sport and market to show how each sportsbook performs across different categories.

This section goes a step further. Instead of ranking, it links directly to our individual guides for each sport, where you can explore the top sportsbooks, betting markets, and tips for that specific league or event.

NFLNBAMLBNHL
NCAABNCAAFUFCWNBA
SoccerBoxingFormula 1Volleyball
BadmintonGolfWWELacrosse
NASCARRugbyTable-TennisEPL
CricketVirtual SportsIndy 500Super Bowl
TennisWorld SeriesWNBA FinalsStanley Cup

How We Chose the Best Sports Betting Sites

We thoroughly evaluate each sportsbook to compare and recommend only the best.

It should go without saying that the first thing we look for is a safe betting site with a strict privacy policy and strong security features. Beyond that, this is how we evaluate online sportsbooks:

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Great Odds and Coverage

We prioritize sportsbooks which consistently offer great betting lines across all the major sports in the US. Sportsbooks also earn extra points if they offer coverage of leagues or event internationally, such as the Olympics, European Soccer, or UK reality TV.

play

Range of Betting Formats

For popular US sports, we look for sportsbooks with a wide range of betting options including moneyline, spread, over/under, and prop bets. We also like to see live betting on esports events, big league games such as the Super Bowl or Stanley Cup, as well as long-term futures on things like politics, NFL draft, and more.

bank

Fast, Reliable Payouts

We look for sportsbooks that have a wide range of online banking options, such as cryptocurrency, credit/debit cards, and eWallets. Plus, we assess the deposit/withdrawal limits and the transaction times. The faster the sportsbook can payout, the better.

free

Sports Betting Promotions

And finally, we like to look at a sportsbooks betting promotions and bonuses. While most sites hand out deposit boosts, we look for sites that have reasonable wagering requirements and additional promos, like free bets, contests, and cashback.

You can find out about our full process on our how we rank sites guide.

Common Types of Sportsbook Bonuses

Common Types of Sportsbook Bonuses

Sports betting bonuses come in many forms. Some are designed to attract new players, others to keep existing bettors active.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common bonus types and examples from our favorite sportsbooks.

Sign-Up Bonus

A one-time reward for new players, usually a deposit match or free bet credit on your first deposit.

  • Example: BetUS offers a 125% Welcome Bonus up to $3,125, giving new players one of the largest sportsbook boosts online. Bovada also runs a 50% Sports Welcome Bonus up to $250 (or 75% up to $750 with crypto).

Reload Bonus

Ongoing offers for returning players who make additional deposits, helping extend your bankroll after the first bonus is used.

  • Example: BetOnline and SportsBetting.ag both offer 25% reload bonuses for existing customers, while Everygame runs regular “Cash Reload” promotions with percentage-based matches on deposits.

Free Bet or Bet-Back Bonus

If your first wager loses, the sportsbook refunds your stake as a free bet or site credit. A low-risk way to start betting.

  • Example: MyBookie offers a “Bet Back” Bonus up to $500, returning your first wager as a free play if it loses.

Crypto Deposit Bonus

Larger match percentages or lower rollover requirements for players depositing with cryptocurrency.

  • Example: BetWhale offers a 125% Crypto Welcome Bonus up to $1,250, while BetUS matches crypto deposits with 150% up to $7,500, making it one of the biggest incentives in offshore betting.

Refer-a-Friend Bonus

Earn rewards by inviting friends who sign up and deposit. Usually paid as free bets or a percentage of your friend’s first deposit.

  • Example: Everygame runs a Refer-a-Friend Bonus where you earn up to 35% of your friend’s first deposit, one of the best referral offers in the industry.

Odds Boosts and Rebates

Temporary enhanced odds or small refunds on losses, giving extra value on select markets.

  • Example: BetNow frequently runs odds boosts on NFL and NBA games during big weekends, while Bovada posts rotating “special boosts” and 5% cashback rebates for VIP players.
Wagers Available at Our Recommended Sports Betting Sites

Now that you know which sports and markets you can bet on, let’s look at the types of wagers available at top online sportsbooks.

These are the most common bet formats you’ll see across offshore sportsbook sites, each with its own strategy, payout potential, and level of risk.

Moneyline: The simplest form of sports betting where you pick which team or player will win. It’s straightforward and perfect for new bettors who prefer clear outcomes.

  • Reward potential: Low to medium

Point Spread: This bet focuses on the margin of victory. Favorites must win by a certain number, while underdogs can lose by less and still pay out. I like it because it keeps even lopsided matchups interesting.

  • Reward potential: Medium

Totals (Over/Under): You bet on whether the combined score will go over or under a set total. It’s great if you understand team tempo, weather, or defensive strength more than who might win.

  • Reward potential: Medium

Prop Bets: These focus on specific game outcomes, like how many yards a quarterback throws or which team scores first. Offshore sportsbooks tend to have far more prop options than state-regulated ones, which makes them a favorite of mine for variety.

  • Reward potential: Medium to high

Parlays: A collection of multiple bets on one ticket, where all selections must win. It’s exciting and can deliver massive payouts, but one loss ends the run. I see it as high-risk, high-reward entertainment betting.

  • Reward potential: High

Teasers and Pleasers: Variations of parlays that let you adjust the point spread or total. Teasers make bets safer with smaller payouts, while pleasers raise the risk for bigger returns. I use teasers when I like multiple teams but want to limit exposure.

  • Reward potential: Teasers = moderate, Pleasers = high

Futures: Long-term wagers on outcomes like league champions, MVPs, or season win totals. It’s a patient bettor’s market, but you can lock in great odds early.

  • Reward potential: High

Round Robins: A way to build smaller combinations of parlays from a larger group of picks. It offers some insurance if one leg loses, which is why I like it for covering multiple outcomes.

  • Reward potential: Medium to high

Live (In-Play) Bets: Bets placed while the game is underway. Odds shift as the action unfolds, making timing everything. Offshore sportsbooks tend to offer faster updates and more in-play markets, which gives them an edge.

  • Reward potential: Variable
Blacklisted Sports Betting Sites

Blacklisted Sports Betting Sites

Unfortunately, not all the sportsbooks we reviewed were up to scratch. Many made their way onto our list of rogue sites, and we do not recommend playing on the following sites:

GoldBet

Gold Betting

GoldBet has a long history of payment issues, often not paying out winnings to players at all. To top it off, they have unresponsive customer service and have been known to falsely advertise their bonuses.

The Daily Dime

DailyDime

DailyDime has issues with their website, which is sometimes available, and is down at other times. It’s unpredictable, and not a great user experience for players. Plus, many players have reported not receiving their winnings.

Rover

Rover Sportsbook

Rover Sportsbook’s website loads, unlike DailyDime’s, but it’s filled with ads. It’s a confusing layout that is polluted with adware. Plus, they have a history of customer service complaints and falsely advertising their offers.

Is Sports Betting Legal in the US?

Online sports betting is legal in most of the country, but the rules look different depending on where you live. Back in 2018, the US Supreme Court overturned the federal ban that used to block most states from offering sports betting.

Once that happened, each state got to decide for itself whether to allow online sportsbooks, and that ruling is the reason so many states have legalized mobile betting today.

Right now, over 30 states allow statewide mobile sports betting, and more are pushing legislation to join that group. Some states launched both retail and online at the same time, while others took a slower route, starting with retail sportsbooks and adding mobile later.

The table below gives you a clean snapshot of the current landscape, but here are the big things worth knowing if you care about online sportsbooks specifically:

  • Every state makes its own rules. There’s no federal license that covers the whole country. If a state hasn’t passed its own online betting law, mobile sportsbooks aren’t allowed there.
  • Legal doesn’t always mean “fully live.” A state might pass a bill but still be months away from launching mobile apps while regulators set licensing rules, finalize geolocation requirements, or work through tribal compacts.
  • Tribal-gaming states move differently. In places where tribes control most gaming, online betting often depends on negotiated agreements or compacts. That can speed things up or slow things down depending on the state.
Type of Sports BettingStates 
Legal sports betting (online & retail) — authorized and live in both channelsArizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, West Virginia. 
Online-only sports betting — statewide mobile permitted, no statewide retail booksTennessee, Vermont, Wyoming, Oregon, New Hampshire, Florida. 
Retail-only sports betting — in-person wagering allowed, no statewide mobileMississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico (tribal only), North Dakota (tribal only), South Dakota. 
Pending sports-betting legislation — active efforts to legalize or expandAlabama, California, Georgia, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Mississippi and Nebraska

What’s Next for Online Sports Betting?

Online sports betting is still expanding, and the next few years are shaping up to be big ones. Several states with huge populations like California, Texas, and Georgia, are expected to revisit online betting bills.

We’re also seeing more states move from retail-only setups to full mobile apps, plus stronger discussions around responsible-gambling tools, data transparency, and cross-platform protections.

To us, the trend is clear: more states are heading toward full online access, and the overall market is moving toward better tech, deeper betting menus, and a smoother experience for players nationwide.

Offshore vs. State-Regulated Sportsbooks

Offshore vs. State-Regulated Sportsbooks

Some states offer state-regulated sportsbooks like FanDuel or BetMGM, but in our experience, those platforms are still limited, especially when it comes to bet variety, markets, and promotional flexibility.

That’s why we prefer and recommend offshore sportsbooks. They’re available nationwide, offer broader market coverage (including college, international, and prop bets), and give bettors in states without local operators a chance to enjoy full access to sports betting. See a clear comparison below.

CategoryOffshore SportsbooksState-Regulated Sportsbooks
AvailabilityAccessible in most US states and territories. Operate under international gaming licenses.Only available in states where online sports betting is legalized and regulated.
Licensing and RegulationLicensed by international authorities such as Curaçao or Panama. Oversight varies by jurisdiction.Licensed and regulated by individual US state gaming commissions with strict local compliance.
Betting MarketsTypically broader, including international leagues, eSports, and non-sports markets such as politics or entertainment.Limited to approved sports and events within US regulations. Non-sports markets are generally not allowed.
Odds and Line VarietyOften post earlier lines and offer more alternate spreads, totals, and prop options.Odds usually match US market averages and are standardized across major operators.
Bonuses and PromotionsLarger welcome bonuses and crypto incentives but with higher rollover requirements.Smaller bonuses and lower wagering requirements.
Payment OptionsAccept both traditional and crypto payments, offering greater flexibility for deposits and withdrawals.Primarily limited to debit cards, bank transfers, and select e-wallets. Crypto is rarely supported.
Payout SpeedCrypto withdrawals are typically processed within hours. Traditional methods can take several business days.Withdrawals vary by operator and method, often between one and five business days.
User ProtectionsDepend on international regulatory bodies. Players must rely on site reputation and dispute-resolution channels.Stronger consumer protections and formal complaint mechanisms through state regulators.
Tax ReportingWinnings are not automatically reported to US tax authorities, but players are still responsible for self-reporting.Winnings are reported and may trigger automatic tax withholdings per US law.
Responsible Gambling ToolsSelf-exclusion and limit features vary by site. Support resources are available but less standardized.Mandated responsible gambling tools such as time limits, deposit caps, and access to support programs.
Top Tips for Winning at Sports Betting Sites

Top Tips for Winning at Sports Betting Sites

Sports are unpredictable, and sometimes the underdog strikes a win. For that reason, success is never guaranteed and there is no fool-proof way to ensure your bankroll will grow. However, here are a few quick tips that can greatly improve your chances of doing well.

Have a Strategy

No strategy is perfect, but having a plan in place can make your betting life a lot easier. Your plan should include what types of bets you want to make, how much you plan on spending, and which sports you want to be on.

Don't Chase Your Losses

No one likes to stop betting after a loss. However, chasing your losses can end disastrously if you let your emotions rule your betting habits.

Shop for the Best Odds

Finding the best odds for a given event can take some time, but it will be time well spent. Always betting on the most favorable odds will create bigger payouts when you do win.

Watch and Research Sports You Bet On

Having knowledge of the sport you are betting on is a requirement for consistent success. You should plan on watching and researching the sports you want to bet on.

If you’re new to wagering or want to understand how odds, bankroll management, and strategy really work, check out our beginner’s guide to sports betting for a step-by-step walkthrough.

Ask the Expert

Everyone has different needs when it comes to sports betting, and sometimes our best overall sportsbook doesn’t have what you need or want out of a sports betting site. Here are a few questions to ask yourself if you’re struggling to choose an online sportsbook.

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How often do you plan on wagering?

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Answer

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If you’re the kind of gambler that only bets during big events, like a title fight or for the Super Bowl, you’ll probably want a sportsbook with low deposit and withdrawal limits. That way you can take out your winnings without having to bet a lot. Bovada and BetOnline allow you to withdraw as little as $20 using cryptocurrency.

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What sports do you enjoy betting on?

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Answer

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While most of our recommended sportsbooks offer lines on popular leagues like the NFL, MLB, or NBA, not all of them have a wide selection of niche or international sports. BetUS is your best bet for domestic sports, while MyBookie and BetWhale tend to have more international coverage, especially when it comes to soccer.

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Are you looking for betting value?

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Answer

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Are you more interested in betting on the most profitable odds instead of just a few games here or there? Well, sites like SportsBetting.ag and BetOnline offer boosted odds on the daily, which gives you the opportunity to lock in good rates for all kinds of games. And BetUS has an exclusive blog where they provide betting picks on MLB, NBA, NHL, and many other sporting events, all for you to take advantage of.

Responsible Gambling

As sports betting becomes more accessible, it’s vitally important that players understand how to gamble responsibly. Betting is supposed to be fun, but it does come with risks. Sportsbooks have created helpful tools to help you play safely and rationally.

Make use of the sportsbook’s responsible gambling tools, such as break timers, time-outs, and self-exclusion.

Make sure you know the signs of gambling addiction, and reach out for help when you suspect you have a problem. Please gamble responsibly.

Summary

The best online sports betting sites are those that offer a wide range of games, leagues, and contests to wager on. But they also have to have good customer service, many banking options, good player security, and generous bonuses.

Online sportsbooks like BetUS and Bovada provide a lot of value to bettors with boosted odds on popular sports, bonuses for new and existing players, and quick, accessible platforms. When choosing a sports betting site, make sure that they offer comprehensive odds on the sports you’re interested in.

You can also take advantage of bonus promotions and other perks to make your betting experience even better.

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About the Author

Isaac E. Payne is an experienced technical blogger, creative writer, and lead content manager at GamblingNerd.com. As a published author, he enjoys finding interesting and exciting ways to cover any topic. In his four years on the team, he has covered online gambling and sports betting and excelled at reviewing casino sites. In his free time, he enjoys playing blackjack and reading science fiction. 

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