The best sportsbooks in US for June 2024

ONCE a restricted and underground activity, sports gambling continues to gain widespread acceptance and legality across the United States.

Following the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) by the Supreme Court in 2018, the door was opened for each individual state to take its own stance on sports gambling.

Motivated by the newfound avenue for tax revenue and the strong desire of US citizens to participate, there has been rapid growth in the availability and accessibility of online betting. 

With Vermont being the latest state to change its legislation, sports betting is now legal in 37 states as well as Washington D.C. Four states have yet to launch their programs, making it only operational in 33 states, with 28 having legalized and operational mobile sports betting.

The convenience, accessibility, and excitement offered by online betting platforms have contributed to its rapid growth, allowing it to grow as a mainstream activity among sports fans in many states. Here is a deep dive into the best US online sportsbooks and important notes to make about each platform. 

Best US sportsbooks

1. DraftKings (Available in: AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, and WY)
2. BetRivers (Available in: AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, WV, and WY)
3. BetMGM (Available in: AZ, CO, FL, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MD, MA, MI, MS, NV, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, PR, TN, VA, WA, WV, and WY)

A closer look at the top US sports betting sites

Each online sportsbook has pros and cons, and people may weigh these slightly differently based on what is important to them. Here is a brief breakdown of what to expect from the top US sportsbooks. 

1. DraftKings

• Rapid payouts
• User-friendly interface
• Same-game parlays

2. BetRivers

• Competitive odds
• Generous promotions and odds boosts
• Strong security

3. BetMGM

• Established and trustworthy brand
• Live-streaming and live-betting
• Extensive betting options

How we evaluated US sportsbooks

When assessing the quality of a sportsbook there are a number of factors that come into play. This section will dive into the key factors that impact a sportsbook’s quality, including legality and safety, ease of use, payment methods, customer support options, and more. These factors each play a significant role in impacting the overall user experience and level of enjoyment that a betting platform can produce. 

Legality and safety

A primary consideration when evaluating a sportsbook’s quality should be its legality and safety. There are differences in the legality and availability of each bookmaker based on the state you are in and this should be checked based on where you are located. A reputable and licensed sportsbook assures users that their funds and personal information are secure and typically involve encryption protocols or data protection policies.

The widespread legalization of sports gambling has put in place the standards that sportsbooks must abide by which has improved the safety of betting in a major way. 

Ease of use

The ease of use of an online sportsbook plays a major role in the overall user experience. This includes a well-designed interface that allows users to navigate the platform effortlessly and find desired betting options. Some of the user-friendly features include search functions, filters, and clear menus. Mobile compatibility of apps enhances convenience by enabling users to bet on sports from their smartphones or tablets with the same options as they have from desktop. 

Payment methods and speed

Having a diverse availability of reliable payment methods is essential for a high-quality sportsbook. Users should have access to a number of payment options such as credit/debit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers. Some bookmakers also offer crypto or bitcoin cashouts.

The efficiency and speed of deposits and withdrawals play a crucial role in the satisfaction of a user. A seamless and rapid payment process enables users to manage their funds efficiently and maximize their earnings. 

Live betting and streaming

A quality sportsbook is expected to provide real-time updates on ongoing events and offer live betting options which enable users to place bets as the action unfolds. There has also been growth in the number of sportsbooks that offer streaming capabilities that can enhance the excitement by allowing you to watch the event inside the sportsbook app. This creates a much more immersive and interactive betting experience for users. 

Customer support options

While the goal of all sportsbooks is for the system to run flawlessly, at times there is a need to ask a question or have a concern about the interface. When this occurs it is important for each operator to have effective customer support availability.

A quality sportsbook offers multiple customer support channels, such as live chat, email, and phone support. Responsiveness, professionalism, and the availability of support services around the clock contribute to a positive user experience. 

Competitive odds

While there are plenty of other factors that impact your sportsbook experience, ensuring there are competitive odds is the most important factor in regard to potential profitability. Better odds offer users the potential for greater returns on their bets. This includes spreads, props futures, and live betting. A sportsbook should strive to provide competitive odds across a wide range of sports and events including football, basketball, hockey, baseball, and soccer. There is often more of a difference in the odds in sports such as MMA, Boxing, UFC, Golf, and Tennis. There is more volatility in each of these sport’s odds due to their individualized nature. 

Bet markets and type variety

In addition to the odds being competitive, it is essential that the sportsbook offers the desired selection of betting options. This includes traditional bets (such as moneyline, point spread, and totals) as well as exotic bets (such as parlays, teasers, and prop bets). The availability of more unique betting types allows users to explore different betting strategies and find options that align best with their interests and expertise. 

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Which US states offer legal online sports betting?

Here you can see the list of states that currently allow sportsbetting in the list. The list is subject to change as regulations change, and will get updated accordingly when new states open up the gates for the sports betting industry.

• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Mississippi
• Michigan
• Montana
• Nebraska (in-person only)
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• Tennessee
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington D.C.
• West Virginia
• Wyoming

Sports gambling legal but not online:

• Florida (Legal but not yet launched)
• Kentucky (Legal but not yet launched)
• New Mexico (Retail only and limited locations)
• Oklahoma (Legal but not yet launched)
• Vermont (Legal but not yet launched)
• Washington (Retail only)
• Wisconsin (Retail only)

Retail only means that sports betting is legal but must take place in a casino or brick-and-mortar sportsbook rather than mobile betting being available. 

What sports can I bet on online in the US?

There are plenty of options when it comes to betting on sports online in the United States. With the NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, and college sports dominating the attention of the country, there are a number of different ways to wager on these sports and be a part of the action. There are some restrictions from state to state on the availability, most common with player props or college sports, but most lines and odds are standardized across the country for available bets. 

NBA betting

NBA betting offers a number of ways to get involved in the action including:

• Moneyline
• Point Spread
• Team and Game Totals
• Prop Bets
• Futures (NBA Champion, MVP, Player Season Stats, etc)

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NHL betting

NHL Betting allows users to bet on various aspects of the game including

• Moneyline
• Puck lines
• Totals
• Player props
• Futures (Stanley Cup winner, team total wins, player points, etc)

NFL betting

NFL betting is the most common sport to wager on in the United States. There are a number of bet types such as:

• Moneyline
• Team and game totals
• Player props
• Futures (Super Bowl, MVP, team total wins, etc)
• Scoring outcomes

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MLB betting

MLB betting offers a number of options from a game-by-game or full-season standpoint including

• Moneyline
• Run lines
• Totals
• Player props
• Futures (World Series winner, team total wins, player home runs, etc)

College sports

College sports is another significant category which includes college football, basketball, and baseball

• March Madness is the busiest betting day of the year
• College sports can be the most restricting on a state-by-state basis but there is a similar range of betting options as professional sports when fully available

Other sports

Online sportsbooks also cover a wide range of other sports including soccer, tennis, golf, XFL, boxing, UFC, NASCAR, and more. There are a variety of other options and leagues for each sport with various bet types and options available.

What are the most popular bet types in US sportsbooks?

• Moneyline: The most straightforward type of wager is a bet on the moneyline which simply comes down to which team will win. If you bet on the favored team (the team with negative odds) you must wager more money than the return while if you bet on the underdog (the team with positive odds) you can earn a significant payout. For example, if the favorite has -130 odds you must bet $13 to win $23 versus if you bet the underdog at +130 odds you would only need to bet $10 to win $23. 
• Point spreads: Betting on the point spread involves wagering on the margin of victory in a matchup. Spreads are designed to create a more even betting field by giving points to the less talented team in an effort to appeal to both sides. If you are betting on the favorite to cover the spread, they must win by a certain amount of points. If you are betting on an underdog to cover the spread, they either must win the matchup outright or lose by the set amount of points. For example, if the spread is set at 3.5, The favorite (-3.5) must win by 4 or more points while the underdog (+3.5) can lose by 3 or fewer or outright win the game for the ticket to cash. 
• Totals: Betting on the total, or over/under, involves wagering on the combined score or outcome of a game. The sportsbook sets a predicted total for both teams and you bet on whether you think the outcome will be over or under that set number based on their combined score. 
• Parlays: One of the most popular ways of betting is parlays due to their lucrative payouts. This involves placing multiple individual wagers into a single bet. Parlays require each individual bet to be successful for the ticket to cash. If any individual bet does not hit the bet is unsuccessful. Parlays offer higher payouts but also carry higher risk due to the requirement of winning all sections. 
• Futures bets: Slightly different from single-game wagers, futures bets are based on outcomes that will be determined at a later date, typically the end of a season. Popular futures bets include the winner of the championship, conference, division, or MVP awards. 
• Prop bets: Short for proposition bets, prop bets focus on specific events or outcomes within a game. These can range from individual player performance (points scored, passing yards, etc) to team-specific events (first team to score, number of total touchdowns, etc). 
• Live betting: There also has been a growth in the popularity of wagering during games as real-time odds shift. These shifting odds allow users to capitalize on potential value as the game unfolds while also allowing users to get a feel for the game as it occurs.

What is the difference between US-regulated sportsbooks and “offshore” betting sites?

The difference between US-regulated sportsbooks and “offshore” betting sites primarily has to do with their legal status and regulatory oversight.

US-regulated online sportsbooks must follow specific laws and regulations within the jurisdictions in which they operate. This also allows users to be more confident in the protection of each user’s funds as well as the requirement that all earnings are subject to applicable state and federal taxes. 

Offshore betting sites are not licensed or regulated by US gaming authorities.

They operate from jurisdictions outside of the United States where their activities may or may not be legal under local law. This leads to a lack of regulatory oversight which increases the risk of a violation of fair play, security, and the handling of personal and financial information. It also is more difficult to pursue legal recourse on offshore sites due to them not being subject to US jurisdiction. 

Many of the offshore sites also present challenges with banking and payment methods. US banks and financial institutions may restrict transactions making it more difficult to deposit and withdraw funds. There also has been a growth in sites promoting crypto as the primary currency that is wagered on.

Transactions based in cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, can provide users with increased anonymity due to the encryption and decentralized nature of blockchain technology which can increase potential security risks.

These are sometimes referred to as a Bitcoin sportsbook. While the best Bitcoin sportsbooks can provide users with a positive experience, there is more risk than the government-regulated sportsbooks which do not accept any cryptocurrencies at the moment. 

Are there any betting sites blacklisted by the US government?

Yes, there are betting sites that have been blacklisted by the US government. Several sites that have been deemed illegal or non-compliant with US laws and regulations have resulted in the government taking steps to restrict or block access to certain offshore betting sites.

Dafabet and Lotus365 are three examples of websites that can no longer be accessed. It should be noted that one of the primary driving forces behind the legalization of sports gambling was to make it a safer experience for users and that it is always recommended to use licensed and regulated betting sites within your jurisdiction to ensure a safe and legal betting experience. 

How to create an account at a US online sportsbook

• Visit the website or install the app of your desired sportsbook
• Click on “Sign Up” or “Register” on the homepage which is typically right near the top or easily accessible. Select this and begin the registration process.
• Provide personal information: Fill out the registration form with all the required information which includes your full name, date of birth, email address, phone number, and home address.
• Create a username and password
• Set preferences and confirm: Select any preferences or options offered during the registration process such as marketing communications and account settings. You must then read and accept the terms and conditions as well as the privacy policy.
• Complete the verification process: You must verify your identity and age to ensure you are complying with all legal and regulatory requirements. This typically involves submitting identification documents such as a copy of your driver’s license or passport. 
• Fund your account: Once the account is created and verified, you can deposit funds in your account through the deposit section. The available payment methods vary based on the site, but there are typically multiple options to ensure there is one that works for you. 
• Start betting: Once the account is fully set up and funded you can search through the available sports betting, casino games, and other gambling activities. Select the bets you desire to make and place wagers responsibly.

How to place a bet at a US sports betting site:

After going through the necessary registration process on a sports betting website, you can proceed toward placing a wager. 

• Familiarize yourself with the betting interface: Explore the site’s betting interface to better understand the available sports, events, and bet types. The best betting sites have a user-friendly interface that allows you to navigate to the sport or type of wager you desire. 
• Choose your bet: Scroll through the betting lines and select the sport and event you wish to bet on. It is always advisable to do your research on the matchups and explore different betting tips before officially placing the wager. There are a number of different betting companies and gambling websites which can provide you with the tools to help. 
• Set your stake: In the bet slip, enter the amount you wish to wager on the selected bet. It is important to make smart decisions when it comes to bankroll management and never to risk more than you can afford to lose. 
• Confirm and place your bet: Review your bet slip to ensure you have selected the correct bet. If everything is as expected and you feel good about your wager- hit send. 
• Monitor your bets: While most sports betting sites offer cashouts on wagers which are worth keeping an eye on, you likely will be monitoring the progress of your wagers as the game unfolds. You can place additional bets or wager on other matchups while this is in play, but it will take until the conclusion of the matchup for the bet to be decided. 
• Withdraw your winnings: If your bet is successful, you can withdraw your winnings. Visit the sports betting site’s cashier or banking section and choose to withdraw. Select the method you desire and follow the instructions on the sportsbook to initiate. 

What bonus types do US betting sites offer?

One area that can separate the best online betting options from any other great sportsbook is the types of bonuses that are offered. Most sports wagering sites offer some sort of enticing bonus that can be helpful to maximize your earnings. It should be noted that sports betting sites often shift the availability and types of bonuses on a regular basis. 

Welcome bonuses

Welcome bonuses are common types of bonuses offered with the goal of attracting new customers. These typically provide a boost to the initial deposit made or offer a risk-free bet. Welcome bonuses are a great way to kick off your first sportsbook bet and give you added protection as you start out. DraftKings, BetMGM, and TwinSpires each are currently offering a welcome bonus to new users. 

Free bets

Another popular type of bonus that is offered on the best sports betting sites is free bets. These bonuses provide sports bettors with the opportunity to place bets without risking their own money.

Users are typically awarded a free bet token which can be used to place a wager and potentially win real money. Free bets are a valuable perk that allows users to explore the platform without any financial risk using the bonus bets. 

Deposit match bonuses

Deposit match bonuses are when the sportsbook matches a percentage of the user’s deposit to provide them with additional funds to wager with in addition to the amount they commit to. Some sites may offer a 100% deposit match bonus up to a certain amount, allowing you to double your money on the first deposit. This can significantly enhance the betting experience by providing extra funds to explore a wider range of bets and potentially increase earnings. BetRivers and Desert Diamond Sports each offer some form of deposit match bonus at the moment. 

Reload bonus

Reload bonuses are offered to existing customers when they make subsequent deposits after initially signing up. These provide an incentive for users to continue betting and depositing funds in their account as the sportsbook rewards customer loyalty by providing users with extra funds. Unibet currently is offering a reload bonus to active users. 

Which US sportsbooks have mobile betting apps?

While many people are content with using a website or even in-person sports betting, it is clear the best online sportsbooks are setting themselves apart with the availability of mobile apps.

Being able to a mobile app at your fingertips and immediately scroll through the betting odds is the most efficient way to bet on sports. DraftKings, BetRivers, BetMGM and Unibet each offer an app that is available for mobile devices on the app store. 

Do I have to pay taxes on my betting winnings from US online sportsbooks?

Yes, you are responsible for paying taxes on your winnings from all US online sportsbooks. In the United States, gambling winnings are generally considered taxable income and must be reported on your federal tax return.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) treats gambling winnings as taxable income regardless of whether they were obtained from a physical casino or an online sportsbook. It should be noted that tax laws can vary based on jurisdiction and that specific rules and regulations may apply.

Some online sportsbooks may issue IRS forms for documentation on significant winnings, but it is advisable to consult with a tax professional for specific advice. 

What is the legal age limit for betting online in the US?

There is some variance across the country but 21 is the most common age limit to legally bet online. In some states, there are situations where casinos will allow gambling for 18-year-olds, but for betting online 21 is the set standard in almost every legal market. 

Is DFS betting available in all US online sportsbooks?

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) betting is available on many US online sportsbooks but is not universally accepted on all platforms. DFS is a distinct form of sports betting which involves creating virtual lineups of real players and earning points based on their performance in actual games.

There are many football betting apps specifically designed for this as football has been the primary sport in which it has been optimized and grown in popularity in a significant way. 

Toeing the line between sports betting and fantasy football, there are more intricacies of the legalities regarding Daily Fantasy Sports. Some states have specific legislation that allows and regulates DFS while others have imposed restrictions or not explicitly addressed its legality.

As of May 2023, there are 45 states in which DFS is legal with Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Washington being the only ones without it accessible to citizens. 

Do all US sportsbooks require age verification?

Yes, all US sportsbooks require age verification in order to comply with legal and regulatory requirements. Age verification is a crucial step in the registration process for online sportsbooks to ensure that users meet the minimum age requirement for online gambling in their respective states.

Each sportsbook and site may have a slightly different process to verify age but the requirement is some form of government-issued ID or proof of address during the registration process. 

Our top 5 tips for betting in US online sportsbooks:

• Understand the sports and leagues: Develop a strong understanding of the sports you plan to bet on before getting involved. You will have much more success wagering on a sport you are familiar with rather than a random match that is taking place in India when you have the late-night itch to place a wager. Stay up to date on the latest news and developments, including teams, players, and recent form, to make the most informed betting decisions. 
• Manage your bankroll: Set a budget for your betting activities and stick to it. Avoid chasing losses and only wager what you can afford to lose. It is also important to stay consistent with the size of a unit when placing a wager if you desire to be profitable rather than increasing the amount you wager as you win. 
• Keep emotions in check: Avoid letting emotions guide your betting decisions. Stay objective and make rational choices based on your analysis and research, especially if there is a team or player you are a fan of. 
• Capitalize on bonuses and promotions: Sportsbooks rotate their available promotions and bonus often so it is important to keep an eye out when one that you could utilize is available. Having access to free bets or bonuses can help you to maximize your earnings as you utilize the funds for wagers that otherwise would not be available. 
• Compare odds or lines: While it is easiest to choose what you believe is the best sportsbook and remain loyal to them, it is more profitable to have accounts on multiple platforms and to compare odds. The difference may be slight but it matters over time if you are getting +130 on a payout on one site versus +110 on another. It also can make or break a wager if there is a difference in the line across two sites such as one having it as -7 and another having it as -7.5. Do your research, trust your judgments, and find the spot which can give you the best payout and odds.

Responsible gambling 

Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
• National Council on Problem Gambling – https://www.ncpgambling.org/
• Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 1-800-522-4700 or go to ncpgambling.org/chat