Best Sports Betting Sites in the USA for 2025

The online sports betting landscape in the US has exploded since 2018, with 30 states now offering legalized online sports betting. While most bettors have settled into their favorite mobile apps, the desktop experience offers sharper interfaces, deeper markets, and features.

Not all sportsbooks are created equal, and choosing the wrong one means clunky navigation, subpar odds, and promotional fine print that bites back. We cut through the noise and break down which sports betting sites actually deserve your bankroll.

Popular
Crypto Sportsbook
Racebook
Live streaming
Odds boost
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125% Welcome Bonus Up to $2,500
  • Up to 25% in re-up bonuses when adding funds
  • Bitcoin and Bitcoin cash payment require a minimum deposit of $10
  • 2% rebate on sportbook losses, 10% rebate on racebooks
9.6 5 Stars
Play Now
BN100
150% bonus up to $2,000 + Free Spins & Free Bets
  • Bet $30 Get $10 free bet on horse racing
  • 40% extra returns with the Acca Boost Club
  • Build your own bets with the new event builder tool
9.8 5 Stars Review
Play Now
READW
200% Deposit Bonus - Up to $6,000 to Bet on Sports
  • Esports from CS:GO to FIFA to NBA2K to Call of Duty with Twitch video feeds
  • 50% bonus on your sportsbook wagers once a day with Winstreak
  • Various markets, including parlays, player props, futures and spreads
125% Sign Up Bonus up to $2,625
  • Nearly 30 years of experience in the North American market
  • Exclusive sports blogs, picks and previews from The Locker Room and BetUS-TV
  • Sports contests with free entries like Ironman, 12th Man and Gridiron Guru
50% Deposit Match Bonus Up To $100
  • 105(1.95) pricing on all events
  • Displayed limits and Arbitrage Bets Welcomed
  • Daily Promotions & Giveaways including 25% cashback
50% up to $1,000 + $10 Casino Chip
  • Reload bonuses & 8% racebook rebates + risk-free bets & odds boosts via VIP+
  • Contests for NFL/NBA/NCAAF betting, including Survivor and Squares
  • MyBookie VIP treatment with 24/7 support, top bonuses, and bigger bets
First Deposit Bonus Up to $500 + $10 Casino Chip
  • 25% sports reload bonus and a 7% daily rebate on horse racing wagers
  • Betting with low minimum crypto deposit of $20 + free picks and tips from pros
  • The best horse racing markets for bettors
$250 in Free Bets and 100 Free Spins
  • Official betting partner of La Liga, Golden Boy, and the LFA, offering Pick'em and Survivor
  • The earliest moneylines, with access to odds before events commence
  • Cutting-edge live in-play sportsbook, with multi-view options
9.8 5 Stars Review
Play Now
FREE250
100% Welcome Bonus up to $500
  • Improved live betting with multiscreen technology, multiview and halftime betting
  • Promotions exclusive to parlay betting, like Parlay Prince and Parlay Free Bets
  • Direct SMS delivery of exclusive sports offers to bettors
9.8 5 Stars Review
Play Now
WELCOME500
100% Up to $2,500 on Your First Deposit
  • Payouts processed within 24 hours using any of the 10 cryptos
  • Credit card deposits earn crypto rewards
  • Covering all US and international racing with top explainers

Best Online Sportsbooks at a Glance in December 2025

Bookmaker Welcome Bonus Best Features Our Rating
BetWhale 125% bonus up to $1,250 Futures and prop markets

Big coverage of US and international events

9.9
BetNow 100% bonus up to $2,500 Free sports contests with real prizes

Prop Builder

9.8
BetUS 100% sports bonus up to $2,000 + 25% casino bonus up to $625 The latest updates on major sports

Odds Boost

Prop Builder

9.7
Everygame 100% first deposit match up to $500 Weekly live free bets

$1,000 monthly bonus, no rollover

Monthly free cash prizes

9.6
MyBookie 10% deposit bonus up to $200 Five-tiered deposit match bonus structure for crypto deposits

crypto reload up to $5,000

9.5
BetOnline Up to $250 in free bets + 100 free spins Odds Boosters

Book My Bet

Same Game Parlay

9.4
BUSR Up to $1,500 on the first deposit Early cashout

Exclusive team props

300+ horse racing tracks

9.3
SportsBetting $250 in free bet credit + 100 free spins Frequents contests across the NFL, NBA, and NHL

Mega Parlays

9.2
XBet 50% card deposit match up to $200 in bonus bets Bet Boost

Loyalty program with exclusive bonuses and rakeback

9.2
Bet105 Deposit $20, get $25 free bet 25% UFC cashback

Reduced juice

High betting limits

9.1

Best US Sports Betting Sites Reviewed

Below, we’ll review five of the best online sportsbooks for USA players so you know what to expect. Read more about their sports betting options, promotions, and top features so you can find the right fit for you

ReadWrite’s Pick of the Best Online Sports Betting Site – BetWhale

best sports betting sites

BetWhale is the overall best online sportsbook, offering a substantial $1,250 welcome bonus for new users. The bookie has coverage for nearly 30 sports, from football to squash, and a dedicated live section where you can live stream games. With baseball tips, guides to different basketball bet types, and more, this is a perfect place for both casual bettors and seasoned players.

  • ✅ Why we picked it: Big sports coverage and live streaming
  • ❌ Reason to avoid: Limited recurring sports promotions

🥈Runner Up: BetUS – A great BetWhale alternative that appeals to US sports fans, with coverage of NFL, NBA, NCAA, and other domestic leagues. It offers fewer sports than BetWhale, but competitive odds are guaranteed.

BetWhale Sports US
9.8

Biggest Free-to-Enter Sports Contests for Active Bettors – BetNow

best sports betting sites

 

BetNow runs some of the most rewarding free-entry contests, offering bettors a chance to win real money without a buy-in. The headline NFL King of the Hill Contest pays up to $20,000 weekly, plus a $20,000 season-long grand prize and $30,000 in additional cash payouts. There’s also a $10,000 Weekly NBA Pick’em and seasonal events tied to Thanksgiving, March Madness, and more.

  • ✅ Why we picked it: Free contests with prize pools reaching seven figures
  • ❌ Reason to avoid: Eligibility requires placing at least two bets per week

🥈Runner Up: SportsBetting – It offers frequent contests like the $200,000 NFL MegaContest and $10,000 NBA Pick’em, but many require a small entry fee, unlike BetNow’s entirely free lineup.

BetNow Sports US
9.6

One of the Highest Matched Sports Bonuses – BetUS

best sports betting sites

BetUS is our top pick for the best online betting site as it offers two sports welcome bonuses. New customers receive a 100% sign-up bonus of up to $1,500 on their first three crypto deposits ($100 minimum), with a 14x rollover. There’s also a 150% sign-up bonus of up to $1,500 on the first $100 minimum crypto deposit with an 18x rollover.

  • ✅ Why we picked it: Two lucrative welcome bonuses with acceptable rollover requirements
  • ❌ Reason to avoid: Welcome bonus requires a steep minimum deposit of $100

🥈Runner Up: BetWhale – Another honorable mention offering a 50% welcome bonus up to $250 in free bets. Although the bonus amount is smaller, you only need to roll it over once, and all winnings are yours.

BetUS US Sports
9.6

Top Free Bet Program With Weekly and Seasonal Rewards – Everygame

best sports betting sites

Everygame rewards consistent bettors with a range of recurring free bet offers. Hockey fans can claim a $10 weekly free bet by placing $50 in live wagers on ice hockey, while NFL fans can get up to $400 in total free bets over the regular season. There’s also a parlay promotion that awards $50 free bets to players who lose by just one leg.

  • ✅ Why we picked it: Frequent, attainable free bet offers across major leagues
  • ❌ Reason to avoid: Free bets carry an 8x wagering requirement

🥈Runner Up: BetNow – Features strong ongoing promotions like a 35% sports reload and 8% horse rebate, but lacks Everygame’s regular free bet schedule linked to major sports.

Leading Crypto Sportsbook With Lightning-Fast Payouts – MyBookie

best sports betting sites

MyBookie stands out as the best crypto betting site, offering a 100% bonus up to $1,000 on your first crypto deposit, while regulars can claim tiered reload bonuses up to $5,000. Supported coins include BTC, LTC, ETH, BNB, SOL, ADA, USDT, SHIB, and BCH, all with a $20 minimum deposit. BTC withdrawals start at just $25, carry no fees, and are processed within 12-24 hours.

  • ✅ Why we picked it: Generous crypto bonuses, low deposit minimums, and fast, fee-free BTC payouts
  • ❌ Reason to avoid: Non-crypto users receive smaller bonuses and higher deposit minimums

🥈Runner Up: BetUS: Also offers crypto deposit matches and reloads, but MyBookie’s wider coin support gives it the edge.

Legal Sports Betting in the USA (Updated December 2025)

Online and mobile sports betting is now legally available in 30 US states. Below, we’ve gathered all the states where you can make sports bets legally.

Licensed Online Betting

Here’s the list of states where licensed online betting is legal: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

Retail-Only Sports Betting

Here’s our comprehensive list of states that offer legal and licensed retail-only sports betting: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico

New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Tribal-Only Sports Betting

Here’s the list of states with tribal-only sports betting: Arizona, Florida, Connecticut, Michigan, Washington, New Mexico, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, and California.

Offshore Betting

Offshore betting is an excellent way to get your fair share of sports wagering action if it’s not legal in your state. However, offshore gambling sites are not strictly regulated, so they aren’t as safe as well-established US-licensed brands. You won’t have any guarantees of receiving your winnings on time, and consumer protection laws are almost impossible to enforce.

How to Choose the Right Sports Betting Site

When shopping for the best US sportsbooks online, there are a few facets you should look into to ensure you have the best betting experience possible. Below, we’ll address the things to look for when choosing the right platform for your sports wagering needs.

Licensing, Safety, and ReputationBonuses and PromotionsBetting Markets and VarietyOdds and Lines QualityUser ExperiencePayment OptionsCustomer Support

Always start with a licensed sportsbook that’s regulated in your state, as this ensures legal protection and fair play. From there, check its security measures, like encryption and verified payment options.

A solid reputation, transparent terms, and positive player feedback signal reliability, while unclear ownership or unresolved complaints should raise immediate red flags.

When evaluating US sports betting sites, look beyond flashy welcome offers and examine the real value. Focus on fair wagering requirements, reasonable expiry dates, and transparent terms.

Consistent promotions, loyalty rewards, and odds boosts can add lasting value. Steer clear of platforms that hide fine print or make withdrawing difficult – genuine deals enhance, not restrict, your play.

The best online wagering platform stands out through its depth and diversity of betting options for all types of bettors. It should offer not only the major leagues, such as the NFL, NBA, and Premier League, but also niche markets and emerging sports.

Additionally, look for a wide range of bet types (spreads, props, parlays, and live wagers), so you can explore different strategies and maximize value.

Odds allow you to assess the likelihood of winning a wager and the amount of money you can earn on each bet. 5 to 1 odds mean you earn $5 for every dollar spent. The platforms reviewed here pack competitive odds across major sporting events to give you a fair chance of scoring top cash prizes. Additionally, the bookie you opt for should post betting lines promptly to suit your betting habits. Some prefer their lines as early as possible, others prefer them an hour before the game starts.

You can find the site/app with the most versatile sports betting markets and wagering options, but it won’t mean much if you can’t find your way around it. The best operators offer desktop (Windows/Mac) and mobile options (Android/iOS), with a user-friendly interface, streamlined navigation, and transparent options. In addition, the best sites offer unmatched live betting experiences via various live wagering options to fortify your winning chances as the action unfolds.

Top-quality bookmakers make payments effortless, secure, and tailored to every player’s needs. They support trusted methods, like Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, and ACH transfers. For a stress-free banking experience, prioritize sites with instant deposits, quick payouts, and full transparency on fees and limits.

The bookmaker should offer prompt customer support to help you deal with any issues when betting online. They should offer several help channels, such as phone, email, and/or 24/7 live chat, to resolve problems as they arise. Make sure the customer service works as expected to avoid leaving anything to chance. Check the live chat feature or email support upon signup to assess the responsiveness of the customer service.

Online vs. In-Person Wagering: Which is Better?

Though online bookies may seem more popular compared to their offline competitors, physical sportsbooks are still in high demand due to being immersive and traditional, offering the perks of in-person betting, instant cashouts, and social interaction. Online bookmakers, on the other hand, are more accessible and tend to spice things up with more appealing bonuses, promotions, and betting options.

Criteria Online Sportsbooks Retail Sportsbooks
Convenience and Accessibility Highly convenient and generally highly accessible from any location Medium convenience with limited accessibility by operating house and physical location
Bonuses and Promotions More appealing, versatile, and generous Less favorable due to higher overhead costs
Betting Variety A wide range of sports and bets are available More limited betting types and sports markets
Ease of Betting Research Easy and quick due to streamlined app navigation Not as swift as with online operators
Withdrawal Speed Instant (rare), 24 (more common), 1-5 business days (most common) Instant payouts at the sport, but requires physical presence
Social Experience Individual, absence of social interaction, and other aspects of betting More engaging, social interactions, and community discussions
Costs Lower due to lower overhead Higher due to higher overhead

Different Bonuses at the Best Sports Betting Sites

The best sports betting sites offer an array of bonuses and promotions to boost your wagering experience. Bonuses such as signup offers, reload, cashback, and free bets significantly improve your chances of claiming top prizes and cash rewards.

Welcome Bonuses

Welcome bonuses are offers that sportsbooks reward new players with, usually on their first deposit. These are called matched deposit bonuses: the operator matches your deposit by a certain percentage (50%, 100%, etc.) up to a specified amount. You will usually have to wager your deposit and bonus 10x, 20x, or more times before you can withdraw any winnings.

Bonus Bets and Bet Credits

Bonus bets or bet credits are common offers you’ll find across most online bookmakers as part of their welcome offers or other promotions. These bonuses allow you to place bets and win real cash prizes without using your own money. The leading online betting platforms offer these rewards in exchange for customers creating accounts, making deposits, and placing cash bets. For example, claiming $10 in bonus credits at +100 odds earns you $10 profit.

Second Chance Bets (First Bet Insurance)

Second-chance bets work as a form of insurance against losing your first wager. If you lose your first bet, this safety net helps mitigate your loss. For example, if you made a $100 second-chance wager and lost, you would earn $100 in free bets. Most first-bet promos come with bet type and size requirements and include time restrictions. In addition, they are not withdrawable as real cash.

Reload Bonuses

Reload deals are similar to matched welcome bonuses, except that they are for existing players. Bookmakers offer customers a percentage match, usually lower than the one for new players. It is typically a weekly promotion, helping you boost your bankroll if you make a qualifying deposit on a specified day of the week.

Odds Boosts

Odds boosts, or enhanced odds, are a special type of promotion that enhances the payout on selected bets. The sports betting operator will choose the most popular events of the day and offer increased odds on them, allowing you to get a bigger return than usual. The best bookies provide boosted odds daily, often with restrictions, such as a maximum stake cap.

Refer-a-Friend Bonuses

Some betting sites have referral programs, where you can earn bonus rewards for referring your friends to the sportsbook. When your friend signs up using a special code and makes a deposit, the bonus, which ranges from free bets to bonus cash, will be credited to your account.

At the time of writing this review, BetUS offers an amazing referral bonus. It awards a 100% bonus worth up to $2,000 on your friend’s initial three deposits, allowing you to get a maximum of $6,000 total.

Parlay Insurance

Parlay insurance is a smart option for punters who often place accumulator wagers. It helps you mitigate losses by offering a refund on your bet if one of your selections loses. To be eligible for a refund, which typically comes in the form of a free bet, and rarely, cash, your multi-bet must have the minimum odds and number of legs set in the terms.

Legal Sports Betting in the USA (Updated 2025)

Online and mobile sports betting is now legally available in 30 US states. Below, we’ve gathered all the states where you can make sports bets legally.

Licensed Online Betting

Here’s the list of states where licensed online betting is legal: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

Retail-Only Sports Betting

Here’s our comprehensive list of states that offer legal and licensed retail-only sports betting: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico

New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Tribal-Only Sports Betting

Here’s the list of states with tribal-only sports betting: Arizona, Florida, Connecticut, Michigan, Washington, New Mexico, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, and California.

Offshore Betting

Offshore betting is an excellent way to get your fair share of sports wagering action if it’s not legal in your state. However, offshore gambling sites are not strictly regulated, so they aren’t as safe as well-established US-licensed brands. You won’t have any guarantees of receiving your winnings on time, and consumer protection laws are almost impossible to enforce.

Types of Wagers

With so many betting markets and types available online, it’s hard to find the right platform that can address your specific betting style and needs. That’s why it’s pivotal to understand different types of sports wagers, including how markets work, to make an informed decision.

Moneyline Bets

Moneyline betting is the simplest way to get into sports betting markets by wagering on which player or team will win a game. Since there’s no point spread to worry about, you win by simply picking the winner. Here’s an example. In a Boston Celtics vs. LA Lakers basketball game, the moneyline odds go -150 for the LA Lakers and +130 for the Celtics.

If the favorites win, you win $100 on a $150 bet. If the Celtics win, you earn $130 for every $100 wager. If you wish to start with moneyline bets, BetOnline is a great pick because of its sharp odds and early betting lines.

Point Spreads

Point spreads or lines are bets that help you even the odds between two sides in any game or event. The favorite carries a handicap that subtracts goals or points (minus sign). The underdog, on the other hand, gets favorable odds by receiving goals or points (plus sign).

To win, you must hit the goal or point difference between the actual outcome of the event. If your wager covers the point spread, you win. BetUS is one of the best destinations for predicting the victory margins across the major US sports like MLB, NBA, and NFL.

Totals (Over/Under)

Totals or over/under bets are wagers on the total number of points or goals scored in a sporting event. You’re betting on whether or not the combined amount of runs, goals, or points by both teams will go over or under a predetermined threshold. BetUS offers an array of totals betting options, including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MMA, UFC, and soccer.

Parlays and Same-Game Parlays

Parlays are wagers on two or more selections or teams that allow you to combine different moneylines, point spreads, totals, and even different sports. Same-game parlays are bets on two or more legs of the same match or game. By combining two or more bets, you can maximize the payout.

However, all teams must cover the point spread or win to cash out. BetOnline, BetUS, and BetNow are the best destinations for parlay and same-game parlay betting, offering the largest parlay bet payouts in the industry. The former pays up to a maximum of $150,000 on parlay wins.

Future Bets

Future bets offer higher odds as a reward for betting on events in advance. This type of bet allows you to wager on an outcome or event that will be determined at some point in the future. Typically, sportsbooks offer this type of betting beyond the current day or even week of a season.

For example, you can place a future bet on a player to win an award at the end of the season or on a team to win a championship. The most popular futures betting sports markets include NHL, MLB, NBA, NCAAB, NFL, and NCAAF.

Prop Bets

Proposition bets, or prop bets, are specific wagers set by the bookmaker. They commonly apply to big games across major US sports like the NFL and the NBA. They allow you to bet on the team to score first in the match, how many yards a team will score, or the total season wins by one team.

If you’re hungry for some top-tier prop betting action, check out BetUS and BetNow sportsbooks. These bookies offer the hottest prop bets across major NBA, NFL, NHL, and MLB events.

Live (In-Play) Betting

If placing bets throughout the game is your thing, live betting is right up your alley. Live or in-play bets are wagers placed on ongoing games or matches. For example, if the underdog starts winning, you can wager on a specific player’s performance or your team to cover the spread.

Betwhale and BetUS offer the hottest live betting odds for the NFL, NBA, and MLB events. You can tap into their live betting options to place wagers in real time for any major game or sporting event.

Top Sports You Can Bet on Online

Sports betting offers an exciting way to wager on your favorite sports events and win valuable prizes. Below, we’ll explore the best sports betting options you should keep on your radar, including where to find them.

Football 🏈

The National Football League (NFL) is one of the most popular betting options on online sportsbook sites. It provides top-grade betting action all year long and includes top events like Super Bowl Sunday.

If you wish to get the most out of football wagering, then create an account on the best NFL betting sites. Also, make your wagers right before kickoff (Sunday morning) or at the beginning of the week (Tuesday to Wednesday).

Basketball 🏀

During the season, bookies like to drop regular NBA betting bonuses, promos, and odds boosters to reward the customers for their loyalty. You can collect multiple rewards on the best NBA betting sites throughout the week, with Saturday and Sunday night matches being the prime time for promos. Other NBA highlights include regular May playoffs, mid-season tournaments, All-Star games, etc. Check out BetOnline’s NBA One-Point Payback promo to receive up to a $100 refund in cash.

Baseball ⚾

Late April marks the start of the MLB season. Tap into exclusive MLB betting bonuses and promos on the opening day, with the MLB All-Star game being the prime touchpoint for the hottest promo codes.

October is also fun due to the World Series and baseball playoffs. BetNow offers a 2% rebate program to ensure you get paid even if you lose. The best MLB betting sites, like BetOnline, let you maximize your winnings with top odds via the MLB Dime Lines promo.

Hockey 🏒

Early to mid-October is when the hottest NHL betting action takes place. You’ll find most bonuses and promos around the NHL opening night, All-Star game, and skills competitions. The Stanley Cup playoffs are also interesting, as you can score some top prizes. BetOnline’s Power Play Payday promo rewards with up to $100 cash if your team scores two power play goals and wins. Top NHL betting sites and apps tailor their promotions to the best hockey sporting events to boost your chances of scoring top wins and prizes.

Soccer ⚽

Soccer is a top sport to bet on due to domestic leagues playing games all year round. That also means plenty of prizes and bonuses during the World Cup and Euros. Top soccer betting sites like Everygame, run exclusive events such as the UEFA Soccer Challenge. Here, bettors compete for up to $1,000 in cash prizes based on their total winnings from bets on the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League.

College Football and Basketball 🏟

College football and basketball betting provide numerous opportunities to score top wins on competitive odds and betting lines. Rivalry games, bowl seasons, national championships, and big events like the Orange Bowl and Rose Bowl give you plenty of betting options. BetUS packs top college football wagering options, including moneylines, point spreads, totals, props, futures, and CFP odds.

MMA and Boxing 🥊

MMA betting allows you to harness the immense potential of the biggest MMA promotions, such as UFC events. You can also bet on pay-per-view events and Fight Night cards. BetNow’s Boxing betting section lets you view upcoming matches with odds and moneyline details so you can adjust your betting strategy. BetUS MMA props let you diversify your wagers by betting at more favorable odds and bet limits than the moneyline. As you can see, these top boxing betting sites offer custom-tailored incentives to keep you in the loop with the hottest sporting events through exclusive promotions.

NASCAR

NASCAR betting lets you place wagers on live NASCAR odds, winning team or constructor, podium finishes (top 3 positions), race winners, etc. You’ll find the best NASCAR betting options and odds on BetNow.

View the odds for events like AdventHealth 400, AdventHealth 400 and Heart of Health 200, and their respective race matchups. BetUS also offers hot NASCAR betting action, allowing you to bet on which driver has the best average finish odds.

Payment Methods at the Best Sports Betting Sites in the USA

The US sports betting sites are only as good as the payment methods they offer. The platform you opt for should have all your preferred deposit/withdrawal options to address your payout needs.

Payment Method How common is it? Payout time
Credit and debit cards Offered by the vast majority of bookmakers Usually limited to deposits
Bank transfers Widely available, but less popular among punters 3-15 business days
eWallets Common at modern online sportsbooks Instant-48 hours
Cryptocurrencies Steadily growing in popularity Typically instant-24 hours

How to Start Betting Online in the USA

Here’s a step-by-step guide to start betting online in the USA on top bookie websites like BetOnline. Keep reading to learn more about signing up for an account, making your first deposit, placing a bet, and requesting a withdrawal.

  1. Step 1: Create an Account

    best sports betting sites

    Getting started with BetOnline is straightforward. Visit the BetOnline website and click the Join button. Fill out the required details and click Create Account.

  2. Step 2: Make Your First Deposit and Claim the Bonus

    best sports betting sites

    Next, you’ll see 4 deposit options like Bitcoin, Credit Card, Litecoin, and Altcoins, including MoneyGram and Money Order. Each option discloses payment details, such as minimum deposit, maximum limit, and fee. BetOnline allows for feeless transactions if you opt to use crypto for your first deposit.

  3. Step 3: Place Your First Bet

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    Once you make your first deposit, you’ll be redirected to the main Sportsbook page. Find the Betslip section on the right and select the type of wager you wish to make – Straight, Parlay, Teaser, or If Bet. Enter the amount of your wager and click Place Bet.

  4. Step 4: Verify identity and Make a Withdrawal

    best sports betting sites

    To withdraw, simply click the Withdrawal option to make a request. Enter the amount you wish to cash out, select the preferred payment method, and follow the onscreen instructions to verify your identity and complete the transaction.

Sports Betting Tips

If you’re wondering just how to start with sports betting on the right track, these guidelines can help. Keep reading to learn more about bankroll management, placing the best bets, the sports to wager on, odds, promos, and responsible betting.

Start Small

The first thing you should get into is bankroll management. It helps you start with an affordable wagering bankroll capable of mitigating losses. Start small to avoid big losses and get the most out of your betting moves. Set two fundamental goals – avoid betting more than you can afford to lose, and grow your bankroll as quickly as possible. BetWhale allows for bets as low as $0.52, making it an excellent online bookie for fresh starters.

Shop for the Best Lines

Line-shopping empowers you to use the pricing shifts and changes to your advantage between the same events at different bookmakers. Finding the best betting lines significantly boosts your odds and maximizes your wagering ROI. Though the profitability margins are low in sports wagering, line shopping might help you beat the vig (the fee for accepting your bet) that the bookies add to their betting lines.

Online bookmakers often offer the same spread lines for NFL, soccer, and NBA games. When they first release their lines, the point spreads for specific events tend to vary, giving you enough room for line shopping. Look into the betting lines and odds for NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, etc.

Know the Sport You Bet On

Understanding the sport you bet on is paramount to increasing your betting efficiency and claiming top payouts. Though professional bettors wager on multiple events across two or more sports, you should avoid that and stick with one sport. In other words, you invest in what you know. So, start with the sport you know the most about to get an edge over your bookie.

Understand Odds Boosts and Promotions

Bookmakers use odds boosts to offer better winning odds across specific sports betting markets. For example, you could get boosted odds on top NHL or NFL events. Typically, you’ll find odds boosters under the Promotions tab. Select the specific odds booster promo to apply the enhanced odds before making your bet.

Bet Responsibly and Avoid Chasing Losses

Use responsible gambling tools like periodic breaks, self-exclusion, budget restriction, and more, to bet responsibly and avoid taking unnecessary risks. In addition, you can also seek help by contacting customer support to receive the necessary resources and assistance. If you amass quite a few losses, the last thing you should do is chase them to make up for the money you’ve lost.

Responsible Gambling Guide

While the best US sportsbook websites make betting convenient, maintaining healthy habits should always come first. Use these core principles of responsible sports wagering to stay safe:

  • Manage Your Bankroll: Keep a dedicated betting budget and check it before every session. Adjust wager sizes to match what you can safely afford, and never dip into money meant for other responsibilities.
  • Set Limits Early: Use your sportsbook’s tools to cap deposits, wagers, or session lengths. With these limits in place, you’ll prevent impulsive choices when excitement or frustration hits.
  • Research Before You Bet: Look into stats, injuries, odds, and recent form before placing a wager. By making informed decisions, you’ll reduce unnecessary risk.
  • Schedule Regular Breaks: Step away from betting at set intervals, whether every hour or every few days. If wagering stops being fun, take a longer timeout to reset.
  • Track Your Betting History: Review your wager log every week to spot patterns, both good and bad. Doing so can help you identify and correct risky behavior and make more intentional choices in the future.
  • Avoid Betting When Distracted: Place wagers only when you can focus fully. Betting while multitasking, tiered, or stressed can lead to impulsive or poorly researched decisions.

If controlling your gambling becomes difficult, reach out to 1-800-GAMBLER, GamTalk, Gamblers Anonymous, or similar organizations, each offering private, judgment-free assistance whenever it’s needed.

FAQs

Is online sports betting legal in my state?

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About ReadWrite’s Editorial Process

The ReadWrite Editorial policy involves closely monitoring the gambling and blockchain industries for major developments, new product and brand launches, game releases and other newsworthy events. Editors assign relevant stories to in-house staff writers with expertise in each particular topic area. Before publication, articles go through a rigorous round of editing for accuracy, clarity, and to ensure adherence to ReadWrite's style guidelines.

Lewis Humphries
Sports Betting Expert

Lewis is a seasoned sports writer and betting expert at ReadWrite. He has been written about sports, remote betting and sportsbooks for more than 10 years, with his work featuring in publications such as The Boot Room, Yahoo Sports and 90min. He writes most extensively about soccer, basketball, American football and boxing, but retains an interest in a huge range of sports.