Beginner

Best Sports Betting Sites for Beginners

With so many options available nowadays, choosing a betting site can feel like mission impossible. How do you decide between so many options? With differing opinions and betting preferences, the process requires some consideration and reflection on your part, something this guide will help you with.

Choosing a betting site for beginners guide

What are the Best Online Sports Betting Sites for Beginners?

Dipping into online sports betting can feel daunting because so many options exist. Every sportsbook boasts about being the best for one reason or another. Prospective bettors all have different preferences for the perfect online betting site.

Using our expertise, we’ve compiled a list of what we consider to be the best online betting sites for beginners. We’ve also broken down what to look for as you begin your betting journey. Everything you need to know about finding your starter sportsbook in the US is right here.

21+. Bet Responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
The 8 Best Online Sports Betting Sites for Beginners
Operator BonusAction
#1
Bet $5, Get $200
in Bonus Bets Instantly
#2
Bet $1, Double Your Winnings on Your Next 10 Bets
#3
Bet $5, Get $250 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins
#4
Bet $5, Get $150 or
$1,000 First Bet Safety Net
#5
Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win
#6
Fanatics Sportsbook bonus
Fanatics Sportsbook
4.5/5
Get up to 10x $100 No Sweat Bets
#7
Second Chance Bet up to $500
#8
Get up to $100 in Bonus Bets Back if Your First Bet Doesn't Win

What to Look For in a Beginner Online Betting Site

Availability

Being able to use your preferred book is the first thing that matters when picking your first betting site. A state may allow online betting, but that doesn’t mean every online operator is available in that state. Ensure that the sportsbook you want is legal in your state or a state that you travel to before deciding on it.

Only eight books are available in at least 10 states. Only one betting site is legal in half of the states. Tying yourself to a restrictive betting site isn’t a wise first move, especially if you travel frequently.

Suggested Betting Site: DraftKings

User Friendliness

Nobody wants to get stuck with an app that they don’t like or understand, especially their first one. Everyone has different tastes, but the top betting sites for beginners share a few common traits. They’re simple to navigate and aesthetically pleasing.

Look for an online betting site that has bets, sports, and promotions clearly marked. Platforms that offer tutorials are a plus. Every corner of the betting site should be easily accessible, even for rookies.

Suggested Betting Site: FanDuel

Banking

These sportsbooks will be handling your hard-earned money. Whichever site you choose should be able to accommodate your preferred payment methods. Transactions, both deposits and withdrawals, must be quick and secure.

Not every book offers Venmo or PayPal. Some companies take longer to process withdrawals than others. Ensure that your first betting site won’t leave you financially frustrated.

Suggested Betting Site: Caesars Sportsbook

Customer Support

Nobody wants to be in a situation that requires customer support, but sometimes, it’s unavoidable. Having a betting site that you can trust is imperative. Getting spun in circles without receiving an answer is an annoying experience. Take your services to a book that will answer inquiries quickly and concisely.

Some companies offer 24/7 services. Getting in touch with a real person is easier at some online betting sites than others. Don’t take customer support services for granted when browsing for a book.

Suggested Betting Site: DraftKings

Promotions & Bonuses

How your welcome bonus rewards you can dictate your entire experience with an online betting site moving forward. Make sure the terms and conditions are crystal clear. Find the welcome offer that aligns best with how you want to play and gets you off to a strong start.

Besides just the welcome bonus, seek out books that consistently run promotions for returning customers. Don’t get locked into a company that offers low-value bonuses. Taking advantage of promotions is the best way to beat the books every day.

Suggested Betting Site: Caesars Sportsbook

Odds

The other way to beat the books is by finding the one with the best pricing. Each betting site offers different odds for each event. Make sure that your bets have the highest earning potential possible.

If you only bet on one or two sports, take the betting site that usually offers the best odds. For people who want to bet on niche sports, you need to make sure your book has odds available for it. Check out the odds difference between all of the top sites before locking one in.

Suggested Betting Site: Caesars Sportsbook

Variety

A versatile betting site is a great way to keep things fresh. That doesn’t just mean a bunch of different sports to choose from. It also includes the bet types available in each league.

Does this betting site offer all of the same live betting options? An online casino is included with certain sportsbooks. Some sites offer more bet types for parlays than others. Find a company that can keep things fresh.

Suggested Betting Site: Bet365

Safety

Do not take your business to a site that you can’t trust. Ensure that whatever betting site you choose is legal and regulated wherever you are wagering. These are companies with access to sensitive personal information.

American states require each legal sportsbook in their jurisdiction to acquire a license before it can operate. A licensed sportsbook is legally bound to tight regulations that protect every user. An offshore or unlicensed sportsbook can treat users like you unfairly without repercussion, whereas a licensed sportsbook could be subject to severe penalties.

Pay attention to what others have to say about the sportsbook. Research the betting site’s security history. Only sign up for sportsbooks that you know are credible.

Suggested Betting Site: BetMGM

The Best Beginner Sports Betting Sites Reviewed

Everyone has different priorities when it comes to choosing their first betting site. However, it's tough to know which books satisfy those requirements before trying them out. We've got you covered. These are the betting sites that you should be looking at for your first foray into sports betting, as they're widely available and far from complicated.

#1 DraftKings

DraftKings Sportsbook

Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly

A betting site ubiquitous with American sports betting, DraftKings is beginner-friendly from start to finish. Signing up is simple, the app is easy to maneuver, and DraftKings’ minimum deposit is only $5. Its withdrawals are also swift.

DraftKings is legal in half the country. There are a ton of leagues, props, and futures to choose from on DraftKings. This is one of the best live betting sites available in America. DraftKings also offers a comprehensive betting guide for beginners. It’s an excellent book, especially as a first choice.

Why It's Great for Beginners

DraftKings is the most available sportsbook around. Along with that, the navigation is great, its banking is strong, and customer support is readily available 24/7. DraftKings has a ton of betting markets available. This is a safe and easily accessible betting site that will hold your hand as you learn the ropes.

DraftKings Available States

DraftKings is available in the following states: AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, ME, MD, MI, NH, NC, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY

DraftKings Pros
  • Very user-friendly

  • Strong live betting

  • Quick and easy banking

DraftKings Cons
  • Low maximum wager for promos

#2 Caesars Sportsbook

Caesars Sportsbook

Bet $1, Double Your Winnings on Your Next 10 Bets

There isn’t much that Caesars Sportsbook doesn’t do right. The app is very smooth and has an innate feel. Its easy accessibility is great for beginners. Caesars’ Help Center has a “Getting Started” section as well.

With this betting site, you’ll experience some of the best odds on the market. Caesars Sportsbook is also generous with its odds boosts. This app pairs a wide variety of sports with in-app live-streaming capabilities. Caesars has a thorough list of payment methods. Caesars Sportsbook is a great site to start with.

Why It's Great for Beginners

It's tough to beat a book with consistently competitive odds as your first choice. It's not like Caesars Sportsbook has glaring holes in any other facets. The app is easy, banking is a breeze, and Caesars has a large selection of sports to choose from. The bonuses that come with Caesars Sportsbook are just the cherry on top.

Caesars Sportsbook Available States

Caesars Sportsbook is available in the following states: AZ, CO, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, PR, TN, VA, WV, WY

Caesars Pros
  • Daily odds boosts

  • Great NFL live streaming

  • Plenty of banking options

Caesars Cons
  • Mediocre live betting

#3 FanDuel

FanDuel

Bet $5, Get $250 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins

FanDuel is one of the most popular betting sites in the country. Its availability in almost every legal state helps it reach everyone. Another reason that FanDuel resonates with the public is that the app is intuitive enough for everyone to love instantly.

Banking with FanDuel is always a breeze, and it’ll have any payment option you want. There’s always something new to bet on with this sportsbook. FanDuel is straightforward, and their welcome bonus can be very rewarding. It’s one of the best in the business for good reasons.

Why It's Great for Beginners

Some apps can feel confusing for newcomers, but FanDuel is the easiest to understand on the market. It also allows every preferred banking option and has a ton of betting markets available. FanDuel stretches from coast to coast and is one of the top operators in each of its states.

FanDuel Available States

FanDuel Sportsbook is available in the following states: AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, PR, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY

FanDuel Pros
  • Elite app design and navigation

  • Great payment options

  • Wide range of markets

FanDuel Cons
  • Inconsistent with cash outs

  • Less favorable parlay odds

#4 Bet365

Bet365

Bet $5, Get $150 or $1,000 First Bet Safety Net

One of the biggest betting sites on the planet, Bet365’s transparency is a major reason it shines worldwide. When it comes to America, Bet365 brings its expertise from the jump. Betting guides and a sweet welcome offer are just the start with this sportsbook.

Bet365 specializes in high-quality promos to make up for a less competitive quantity. Live bettors will quickly fall in love with what Bet365 has to offer. This site feels like it has limitless markets to choose from at times. Beginners, especially those who love soccer, should head to Bet365 immediately.

Why It's Great for Beginners

Bet365 leans on its experience to help beginners discover how a strong betting site should operate. They have all of the features that turn a good betting site into a great one. There's no shortage of sports or bet types to choose from. Bet365 will elevate your expectations of a betting site.

Bet365 Available States

Bet365 Sportsbook is available in the following states: AZ, CO, KY, IA, IN, LA, NJ, NC, OH, PA, VA

Bet365 Pros
  • Top live betting site

  • Very valuable promotions

  • Great variety of betting markets

Bet 365 Cons
  • Visually boring

  • Limited amount of promos and rewards

#5 BetMGM

BetMGM

Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win

BetMGM has a massive reputation that its sportsbook lives up to comfortably. The app and site are very kind to bettors, both old and new. There are plenty of features to explore, and BetMGM makes them easy to use.

Using the bet slip is simple. Crafting parlays is seamless. BetMGM has a deep catalog of markets for beginners to explore. Great promotions are just the cherry on top of a beginner-friendly betting site.

Why It's Great for Beginners

BetMGM is reliable and makes it easy to find whatever you're looking for. Using its bet slip will teach you the ropes right away, especially for parlays. The BetMGM app is extremely responsive and has all of the top features around. There won't be any headaches if you start with BetMGM.

BetMGM Available States

BetMGM is available in the following states: AZ, CO, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, PR, TN, VA, WV, WY

BetMGM Pros
  • Impressive, easy-to-use mobile app

  • Simplified parlay creation

  • Great selection of features

BetMGM Cons
  • Subpar customer support

  • Unexceptional withdrawal minimum and speed

#6 Fanatics Sportsbook

Fanatics Sportsbook

Get up to 10x $100 No Sweat Bets

Fanatics Sportsbook has put together a mobile app that is impressively competitive. It also has a very generous welcome offer for all new customers. Immediately, Fanatics Sportsbook endears itself as a comforting option for beginners.

The FanCash rewards program is one of the best around and ties Fanatics sportsbook to Fanatics’ mammoth merchandising brand. Fanatics Sportsbooks offers NFL live streaming and player prop insurance that will make other sportsbooks feel hollow. Fanatics may be new to the betting site game, but it’s a great starting point for newcomers.

Why It's Great for Beginners

Understanding a sportsbook's rewards system can be tricky, but not with Fanatics Sportsbook. It's tied to their merchandising store, and the bet slip informs users how much FanCash they're earning with every wager. Then, the app is lightning fast and has everything clearly marked. The new kids are doing alright when it comes to welcoming beginners.

Fanatics Available States

Fanatics Sportsbook is available in the following states: AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, OH, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY

Fanatics Pros
  • Top-notch rewards system

  • High-quality mobile app

  • Detailed NFL live streaming

Fanatics Cons
  • No desktop availability

  • Inconsistent customer support

#7 BetRivers

BetRivers

Second Chance Bet up to $500

If you’re looking for a nice gambling experience from day one, BetRivers may be the betting site for you. It offers a second-chance bonus bet on your first wager if it loses. BetRivers’ rewards are also worth returning for.

BetRivers has plenty of promotions to explore, especially for new bettors trying to find their footing. It’s a strong site for live betting and offers plenty of sports to choose from. It may not have a household name, but BetRivers is kind to beginners.

Why It's Great for Beginners

Offering a second chance bet is a great way to help beginners discover their path. Then again, BetRivers is a fantastic platform for newcomers to learn about promotions in general. Learning the best ways to bet on different sports and utilize bonuses is the reason beginners should turn to BetRivers.

BetRivers Available States

BetRivers is available in the following states: AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, WV

BetRivers Pros
  • Plenty of bonuses and promotions

  • Large variety of live betting options

  • Sweet rewards system

BetRivers Cons
  • Limited banking options

  • Rough mobile app

#8 Hard Rock Bet

Hard Rock Bet

Get up to $100 in Bonus Bets Back if Your First Bet Doesn't Win

Florida’s only betting site is available in other states and has plenty worth signing up for. Hard Rock Bet is a great option if you want to create parlays frequently. This is also a strong betting site for its loyalty rewards.

Users who want to handle banking through Venmo can turn to Hard Rock Bet, something that a lot of other books can’t brag about. Hard Rock Bet’s customer support tends to be reliable. Don’t sleep on this solid option, which is expanding its reach.

Why It's Great for Beginners

Parlays are talked about a lot in American betting circles, and Hard Rock Bet is a strong operator when it comes to crafting parlays. Between its loyalty program and customer support, it's clear that Hard Rock Bet takes care of its customers too. Newcomers should trust this solid app that will not leave users out to dry.

Hard Rock Bet Available States

Hard Rock Bet is available in the following states: AZ, FL, IA, IN, NJ, OH, TN, VA

Hard Rock Bet Pros
  • Fantastic loyalty rewards program

  • Strong selections for parlays

Hard Rock Bet Cons
  • Average live betting

What Did You Choose?

André Ifill
André Ifill

My first betting site was DraftKings. I'm someone who crosses state lines frequently, and I like that I can be in betting groups with a bunch of my friends across the country who also have DraftKings. When making my first choice, I checked out DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM before settling on DK.

Best Beginner Online Betting Sites for Each Sport

There's no shame in having a favorite sport, especially not in the betting world. Sticking to what you know, or what works, is a smart idea. Although you can probably pick a betting site with your favorite sport available, that doesn't mean it's the best one.

If you're looking to wager on a specific sport on your first betting site, these are the options to consider for America's top sports.

Football

In America, football is the most important betting market. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, considering that football is the most popular sport in the nation. Parlays, pools, DFS, and more are among the ways to get money on gridiron action.

The NFL is king, earning most of the attention every week. The NFL is partnered with multiple sportsbooks, as are several of the league’s teams. At the college level, states that permit collegiate betting have received plenty of wagers on NCAA football.

Every company tries to win in football. These are the books doing it the best right now:

Best Football Betting Sites for Beginners

  1. Caesars Sportsbook - Top odds and NFL live streaming in app

  2. FanDuel - Best book for same game parlays

  3. Fanatics Sportsbook - NFL live streaming and Fanatics Fair Play

Basketball

There isn’t a league in America that welcomed legalized betting more openly than the NBA. They’re also partnered with multiple betting sites, and so are most of the franchises. It has been a win-win situation, as daily NBA promotions help both parties.

Then, there’s college basketball, most notable for the craze that accompanies it every March. The NCAA Tournament, more affectionately known as March Madness, is great for pools, bracket challenges, and special promos.

If you’re looking for a great basketball betting site, these are the top options to check out:

Best Basketball Betting Sites for Beginners

  1. BetMGM - Best betting variety

  2. Bet365 - Best for NBA live betting

  3. Caesars Sportsbook - Most competitive odds

Baseball

There’s a lot of time when baseball, particularly MLB, is the only major sport active in America. The good news is that every day is different in baseball. BetMGM may be the only official MLB sponsor among betting sites, but every site offers something new.

Home runs, strikeouts, and first five innings wagers are among the most popular ways to hop into MLB action. Here are the best baseball betting sites available:

Best Baseball Betting Sites for Beginners

  1. BetMGM - Consistently offers strong promotions

  2. Caesars Sportsbook - Most MLB markets

  3. DraftKings - Best MLB props

Hockey

Stay hot when the weather turns cold with these great hockey betting sportsbooks. The NHL is the most popular league, but there are plenty of international tournaments and leagues to choose from as well.

If you’re looking for a great hockey betting site, check out these sportsbooks:

Best Hockey Betting Sites for Beginners

  1. DraftKings - Best for promotions

  2. BetMGM - NHL live streaming

  3. FanDuel - Best options for building SGPs

Soccer

The most popular sport on the planet gets plenty of traction with American sportsbooks. From soccer’s superstars to the most popular leagues, you should find a book with the fixtures that you want.

These are the top betting sites when it comes to soccer:

Best Soccer Betting Site for Beginners

  1. Bet365 - Most leagues available

  2. BetRivers - Best soccer promos

  3. DraftKings - Top prop options

Where Are Online Betting Sites Legal in the US?

Every state is free to decide whether or not they’ll legalize sports betting within their borders and to what extent if they choose to. That has led to inconsistencies coast to coast.

Some states only offer retail betting, while a couple only offer online betting. A sportsbook can be legal in one state but unavailable in a neighboring state. There are still 12 states where placing a sports bet in any form is illegal.

There’s much to consider when picking a betting site, assuming it’s even allowed in your state. Below is a list of the types of betting legalized, if any, by state.

State

Online Betting

Retail Betting

Alabama

No

No

Alaska

No

No

Arizona

Yes

Yes

Arkansas

Yes

Yes

California

No

No

Colorado

Yes

Yes

Connecticut

Yes

Yes

Delaware

Yes

Yes

Florida

Yes

Yes

Georgia

No

No

Hawai’i

No

No

Idaho

No

No

Illinois

Yes

Yes

Indiana

Yes

Yes

Iowa

Yes

Yes

Kansas

Yes

Yes

Kentucky

Yes

Yes

Louisiana

Yes

Yes

Maine

Yes

Yes

Maryland

Yes

Yes

Massachusetts

Yes

Yes

Michigan

Yes

Yes

Minnesota

No

No

Mississippi

Yes*

Yes

Missouri

No**

No**

Montana

No

Yes

Nebraska

No

Yes

Nevada

Yes

Yes

New Hampshire

Yes

Yes

New Jersey

Yes

Yes

New Mexico

No

Yes

New York

Yes

Yes

North Carolina

Yes

Yes

North Dakota

No

Yes

Ohio

Yes

Yes

Oklahoma

No

No

Oregon

Yes

Yes

Pennsylvania

Yes

Yes

Rhode Island

Yes

Yes

South Carolina

No

No

South Dakota

No

Yes

Tennessee

Yes

No

Texas

No

No

Utah

No

No

Vermont

Yes

Yes

Virginia

Yes

Yes

Washington

No

Yes

West Virginia

Yes

Yes

Wisconsin

No

Yes

Wyoming

Yes

No

Washington, D.C.

Yes

Yes

Puerto Rico

Yes

Yes

*Mississippi allows online betting but only on the premises of a casino

**Online and retail sports betting will be live in Missouri by December 1, 2025

Promos for the Best Beginner Betting Sites Explained

When you sign up for a new betting site, they typically offer you a special one-time bonus for joining them. Further, existing customers are often offered promotions to boost specific bets every day. Most betting sites also feature a rewards program. There's plenty to learn about promotions and bonuses. Here's a quick breakdown of what the common types of promos entail:

    Profit Boost

    One way to entice bettors is by beefing up their potential winnings on a wager. Profit boosts are pretty self-explanatory; they increase the amount of money a winning bet would normally pay out. An example is a 25% profit boost turning a $14 profit into $17.50.

    Bet & Get

    It's difficult to mess up a bet and get promo. Once you satisfy the conditions of a bet and get, whether that's simply a wager amount or a winning wager, you will receive your reward. DraftKings and FanDuel use bet and gets as their primary welcome offer.

    No Sweat

    Also referred to as second-chance bets or insured bets, the name doesn't change the function. With a no-sweat bet, you wager money and receive non-withdrawable funds to use on another bet if the initial one loses. It's like an extra life in a video game.

    Deposit Match

    As its name entails, the operator will match a percentage of your deposit with any deposit match promotions. For example, if you deposit $1,000 with a 50% deposit match, it'll net you $500 as a reward. Who doesn't like a little extra cash?

    Rewards Program

    Betting sites tend to give back to customers who consistently use their platform. Typically, each wager nets a reward (e.g., FanCash on Fanatics Sportsbook) that accumulates and can be redeemed for something else. VIP programs and loyalty programs have different names but function the same. Don't let these rewards go to waste!

    Refer-a-Friend

    On almost every betting site, you (and sometimes your buddy) will be rewarded if you refer them to their platform. This usually works by having someone you know sign up with a special code tied to your account. Once that person meets the refer-a-friend requirements, you reap the rewards! Often, betting sites allow you to redeem multiple refer-a-friends.

    21+. Bet Responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
    The 8 Best Online Sports Betting Sites for Beginners
    Operator BonusAction
    #1
    Bet $5, Get $200
    in Bonus Bets Instantly
    #2
    Bet $1, Double Your Winnings on Your Next 10 Bets
    #3
    Bet $5, Get $250 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins
    #4
    Bet $5, Get $150 or
    $1,000 First Bet Safety Net
    #5
    Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win
    #6
    Fanatics Sportsbook bonus
    Fanatics Sportsbook
    4.5/5
    Get up to 10x $100 No Sweat Bets
    #7
    Second Chance Bet up to $500
    #8
    Get up to $100 in Bonus Bets Back if Your First Bet Doesn't Win

    Key Betting Features in a Beginner Online Betting Site

    Betting features come up often, but what are they? The simplest way to describe them are as tools or options to enhance a customer's betting experience and get a leg up on the competition. How each betting site implements a betting feature, if at all, varies. Keep an eye out for these key betting features when choosing your first betting site.

    Cash Out

    Most sportsbooks offer a cash out option for bets these days. A cash out lets you settle a bet while the event is live for whatever the designated value is. It’s a way to minimize losses or avoid a bad beat before it’s too late.

    Every betting site has different calculations for their cash outs. Some sites are more reliable at offering cash outs than others. It’s a tool that can come in handy for every beginner sports bettor.

    Live Betting

    Live betting is a feature that lets bettors place wagers on games as they unfold. It has become commonplace for the top betting sites. Yet, not every sportsbook comes equipped with the same options or features.

    Not every online betting site allows for live same game parlays. Live player props are another feature that isn’t offered everywhere. It’s crucial to find a book that provides the best live experience if you want to bet on in-play markets.

    Parlays

    A parlay is what happens when you take multiple single bets and combine them into one. For example, taking the Yankees -110 and the Rockies -110 would create a +264 parlay. The catch is that the parlay won’t win unless every single bet that comprises it successfully hits.

    Same game parlays (SGPs) are one of the most popular ways to gamble on sports. Availability isn’t the only question when it comes to SGPs. It’s worth considering what bet types can be combined into a same game parlay, how frequently the betting site provides same game parlay promos, and how many leagues an SGP is available for.

    Responsible Gambling Tools

    A lot of sportsbooks have tools ready for users to help them control their respective accounts. That doesn’t mean that the company is strict about them or makes them easily accessible. If you want to impose limits on your betting account, you must register with a book that will honor the options you desire.

    Responsible gaming tools include wager limits, deposit limits, and loss limits. Some tools will let you voluntarily lock yourself out of your account for a set amount of time. If you desire control over your sports gambling, take the time to find a book that will provide it.

    Betting Tips for Beginners

    Be Patient

    People tend to chase life-changing wins immediately when they’re almost impossible to hit. Pace yourself, place reasonable bets, and don’t chase losses.

    Bet Responsibly

    Don’t gamble with money you can’t afford to lose. Remember that this is real money you’re putting on the line. Seek assistance if you need it.

    Optimize Promos

    Bonus bets, deposit matches, odds boosts, and more are ways to earn the most bang for your buck. Find and use promos that fit your betting style to beat the books.

    Create a Strategy

    Throwing money at everything that catches your eye will add up quickly. Have a plan, find what works, and stick to the script when browsing odds.

    Don't be Scared of Customer Support

    Customer support’s job is to assist you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, big or small, as clarity is important when betting on sports. They can help you a ton as you get your feet wet.

    How to Sign Up For Your First Sportsbook

    1
    Create a Login

    This usually entails providing a:

    • Username
    • Password
    • Email
    • Phone number
    2
    Verify Your Identity

    Betting sites require the following information to ensure you can bet with them:

    • Full name
    • Date of birth
    • Social security number (last four digits)
    • Home address
    3
    Confirm Key Information

    Betting sites typically require a few more things to ensure your account is secure and compliant:

    • Verification code
    • Security questions
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Location tracking
    4
    Initial Deposit

    This doesn't have to be done right away, but the final step before placing a bet is putting money into your account:

    • Choose a payment method
    • Select a deposit amount
    • Confirm your first deposit

    Best Beginner Betting Sites with Venmo and PayPal

    Every betting site that you use should make payments quick and painless. That includes deposits and withdrawals. You shouldn’t have to worry about your money with a trusted sportsbook.

    Credit cards, debit cards, and online bank transfers are the most common methods bettors use to make transactions. However, e-wallets like Venmo and PayPal are becoming more popular every day. Not every betting site has joined the trend yet.

    Guarantee that your preferred banking method will be an option with your new betting site. Fortunately, these eight best beginner betting sites all offer Venmo and PayPal:

    Beginner Betting Sites With Venmo and PayPal

    • DraftKings

    • Caesars Sportsbook

    • FanDuel

    • Bet365

    • BetMGM

    • Fanatics Sportsbook

    • BetRivers

    • Hard Rock Bet

    App Ratings for the Best Beginner Online Betting Sites

    Wondering how users feel about the apps for these sportsbooks? Here's how the apps rate in their respective stores and how we have graded the betting site overall.

    Sportsbook

    App Store Score

    Google Play Score

    United Gamblers Score

    Caesars Sportsbook

    4.7/5

    4.5/5

    5/5

    FanDuel

    4.9/5

    4.7/5

    5/5

    DraftKings

    4.8/5

    4.3/5

    5/5

    Bet365

    4.8/5

    4.6/5

    4/5

    BetRivers

    4.9/5

    4.6/5

    4/5

    BetMGM

    4.8/5

    4.3/5

    4/5

    Fanatics

    4.8/5

    4.6/5

    4.5/5

    Hard Rock Bet

    4.9/5

    4.7/5

    3.5/5

    Top Beginner Online Betting Sites With an Online Casino

    As a bonus, a lot of sportsbooks also come with an online casino for their customers. It’s another way to wager with a familiar company. A greater variety is how these betting sites can keep things fresh for their existing customers.

    The best part is that you can use the same funds already tied to the sportsbook. Unlike betting on sports, playing at an online casino isn’t tied to a schedule. Poker, blackjack, slots, and roulette are among the games waiting to be played.

    Online casinos keep fun ways to play a tap away. However, every state with a company’s sportsbook may not have access to the casino. Real money online casinos are limited to the following states right now:

    • Connecticut
    • Delaware
    • Michigan
    • New Jersey
    • Pennsylvania
    • Rhode Island
    • West Virginia
    21+. Bet Responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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    FAQs About Online Betting Sites

    What is the best online betting site for beginners?

    Everyone has a different opinion on what constitutes the best online betting site. However, we consider these five sportsbooks to be the best.

    1. DraftKings

    2. Caesars Sportsbook

    3. FanDuel

    4. Bet365

    5. BetMGM

    What online betting sites should I avoid?

    Avoid offshore betting sites like Bovada, BetUS, and MyBookie. They are not legally licensed to operate in America and can’t be legally punished by states for unfair play like the legally licensed operators.

    Where are online betting sites legal in America?

    As of March 2025, 30 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico all permit online sports betting. Missouri will join the fray by December 2025. This is a complete list of where online betting sites are legal in America:

    • Arizona

    • Arkansas

    • Colorado

    • Connecticut

    • Delaware

    • Florida

    • Illinois

    • Indiana

    • Iowa

    • Kansas

    • Kentucky

    • Louisiana

    • Maine

    • Maryland

    • Massachusetts

    • Michigan

    • Nevada

    • New Hampshire

    • New Jersey

    • New York

    • North Carolina

    • Ohio

    • Oregon

    • Pennsylvania

    • Puerto Rico

    • Rhode Island

    • Tennessee

    • Vermont

    • Virginia

    • Washington, D.C.

    • West Virginia

    • Wyoming

    Why do betting sites need my social security number?

    US law requires that sportsbooks collect your social security number for identity verification purposes. It’s necessary for taxation purposes and helps to avoid fraud.

    Am I allowed to sign up for more than one betting site?

    Yes! It is legal to have an account with multiple betting sites, and many people do. However, with each sportsbook you use, you are only allowed to have one account.

    What is the most popular online betting site?

    FanDuel and DraftKings are the two betting sites used more than any other in America. They combine for over 70% of the country's sports betting market share.

    Andre Ifill
    Andre Ifill
    Betting Expert

    André has loved sports his entire life. He may be from Maryland, but his fierce love of the New York Giants, Knicks, Rangers, and Yankees passed down from his parents. A UConn graduate in communication, André’s passion for sports initially spawned a professional sports-capping career. Now, he’s shifted toward passing down his knowledge of the sports betting industry to others.