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How to create a sports betting account
Welcome to this chapter of the Beginner’s Guide to betting in the US, where we will show you how to create a betting account.
You’ll be pleased to learn that regardless of the betting site you choose, a straightforward sign-up process awaits. From start to finish it should take no longer than ten minutes to complete.
So, let’s get straight to it! Here’s a quick summary of what you need to do when creating an online betting account in the US.
How to Set Up a Sports Betting Account
- Choose a betting site
- Register personal details
- Choose your payment method
- Make your first deposit
- Collect your welcome bonus
1. Choose a betting site
Choosing a betting site is all about knowing what you want out of an online sportsbook. Once you do know what you’re looking for, you can focus on which betting sites meet your requirements.
With all of the sportsbooks in the US now, whether you're after the best odds, payment methods, live betting, customer support, or welcome bonus, finding a top-notch operator has never been easier!
In the previous chapter, we discussed at length how to choose a betting site and the factors to consider. But if you’re short on time, we’ve provided a small collection of our staff's personal favorite betting sites for you to pick from directly. All are reputable betting sites, licensed and legal in the US.
| Operator | Bonus | Action | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 |
Bet $1, Double Your Winnings on Your Next 10 Bets |
T&C apply
Get 10 100% Profit Boosts After Your First Real Money Wager of $1 21+ only. New customers only. Must use Promo Code UNITEDDYW. AZ/CO/IL/IN/IA/KS/KY/LA/ME/MA/MD/MI/NJ/NY/NC/OH/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY/DC only. Deposit required (min $10). Must place first real money Qualifying Wager (min $1) within 30 days. Receive ten 100% Profit Boosts to use on any market. Maximum wager for each profit boost is $25. Maximum additional winnings for each rewarded profit boost is $2,500. Profit Boosts expire 14 days after receipt. See full T&C at Caesars. | |||
#2 |
Bet $5, Win $150 in Bonus Bets |
T&C apply
Place a $5 Wager and Get $150 in Bonus Bets if Your Wager Wins 21+. New customers only. Offer(s) available in AZ/CO/CT/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/MA /MI/NC/NJ/NY/OH/PA/TN/VT/VA/WV/WY/DC. Minimum $10 first deposit required. Promotion bonus will be credited to your account within 72 hours of settlement of Qualifying Wager as a win. First online real money wager only (minimum $5). Bonuses issued as non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. See full T&C at FanDuel. | |||
#3 |
Bet $5, Win $150 in Bonus Bets |
T&C apply
Get $150 in Bonus Bets If You Win Your First Real Money of $5+ 21+. 1 per new customer. Offer available in DC/IA/KS/KY/LA (select parishes only)/MD/MI/NJ/NY/TN/VA/VT. Bonus Bets do not require a winning wager in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/MA/ME/NC/OH/PA/WY/WV. Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. Min. $5 deposit. Min. $5 qualifying wager. Max. $150 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. See full T&C at DraftKings. | |||
#4 |
Bet $5, Get $150 or $1,000 First Bet Safety Net |
T&C apply
Get $200 in Bonus Bets After Your First Real Money $5 Wager or Up to $1,000 Back in Bonus Bets if Your First Wager Loses 21+. New customers only. Limit one bonus per user. Offer available in AZ/CO/IA/IN/KY/LA/NJ/NC/OH/VA. Different offer available in PA. First online real money wager for both offers. $10 first deposit required within 30 days. Minimum wager of $5 required to claim the $200 Bonus Bets. Must contain at least one selection at odds of -500 or greater. Loss refunded as bonus bets up to $1,000 with Safety Net Offer. Bonus issued as non withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. See full T&C at Bet365. #ad | |||
#5 |
Second Chance Bet up to $500 |
T&C apply
Up to $500 Back in Bonus Bets if Your First Wager Loses 21+. New customers only. Offer amount varies by state. Up to $500 bonus in IL/IN/MD/LA/MI/PA/VA. Up to $250 bonus in CO/NJ Up to $100 bonus in AZ/IA/NY/OH/WV Must make a qualifying deposit of $10+ with promo code UGBONUS. Must make qualifying cash wager with odds of -200 or greater. If the first qualifying wager settles as a loss, receive a non-withdrawable Bonus Bet equal to your stake, up to a maximum of $500. See full T&C at BetRivers. | |||
#6 |
Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win |
T&C apply
Up to $1,500 Back in Bonus Bets if Your First Wager Doesn't Win 21+. New users only. Offer available in AZ/CO/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA/MD/MA/MI/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY. Different offer available in NC. Offer not available in NV/NY/PR. Qualifying deposit (min $10) and first real money wager required. If qualifying bet settles as a loss, user is refunded 100% in non-withdrawable bonus bets up to $1,500. Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. See full T&C at BetMGM. 21+. Bet Responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. NY: Call (877-8-HOPENY) or text HOPENY (467369). 21+. | |||
#7 |
Bet $25 on a Parlay, Get $75 in Bonus Bets |
T&C apply
Get a $75 Fred Bet after placing a 3+ leg parlay of $25 or more 21+. New customers only. Offer available in AZ/CO/IA/MD/OH/VA. No Bonus in PA. Minimum qualifying wager of $25+. Minimum odds of -200 per leg or +125 minimum cumulative odds. Fred Bet awarded within 48 hours of bet settlement. Maximum bonus awarded is $75, and Fred Bets must be wagered within 7 days of receiving. See full T&C at Betfred. | |||
#8 |
Bet $5 & Get $100 in Bonus Bets |
T&C apply
Bet $5 & Get $100 in Bonus Bets 21+. AZ/NJ/TN/VA only. Different offer(s) available in FL/IA/IN/OH. New customers only. Must make a deposit and qualifying wager of $5+. Qualifying bet must have odds -250 or longer (i.e., +100, -110). Bonus Bets will be split up into 5 $20 Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets will be loaded into accounts on bet placement. Bonus Bets will expire 14 days after issuance. See full T&C at Hard Rock Bet." | |||
#9 |
Up to $250 in Matched Bets Over Your First 5 Weeks Promo Code: CLUTCH250 |
T&C apply
100% Bet Match up to $50 on Your First Wager Each Week for Your First Five Weeks 21+. New customers only. CO and IA only. Must deposit and wager $10+ within 30 days to become eligible for the 100% Bet Match up to $50 in non-withdrawable bonus bets for five (5) consecutive weeks (maximum total of $250). Bet Matches will only be applied to the first qualifying wager of each week. Promotional weeks begin on Monday, and wagers must be straight bets (no promotional markets) with odds of -200 or greater. Qualifying wagers must settle within seven (7) days of the bet placement. Must use promo code CLUTCH250 See full T&C at ClutchBet. | |||
#10 |
Cash Back up to $300 Promo Code: UGST |
T&C apply
Up to $300 Cash Back over the first 7 days Sign up using code UGST 21+ only. New customers only. NJ/CO only. Deposit required. Earn 3% cash back on each qualifying wager through the first 7 days of betting, up to $300. The promotional period begins after the first wager. Cash back will be awarded within 72 hours at the end of the player's 7 day period as a single sum. See full T&C at Sporttrade. | |||
#11 |
Bet & Get up to $1,000 in No Sweat Bets |
T&C apply
Up to $100 Back in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Loses Every Day for 10 Straight Days (Up to $1,000 Total) 21+. New customers in AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KY/LA/MD/MA/ MI/NC/OH/PA/TN/VT/VA/WV/WY/DC only. Different offer available in NY. Must opt-in and make a qualifying wager of $1+. One qualifying wager per day. Qualifying cash wager must have odds of -500 or greater. If the qualifying wager settles as a loss, receive a non-withdrawable Bonus Bet equal to your stake, up to a maximum of $100 per day. Bonus bets paid out within 72 hours of qualifying wager settlement. Bonus Bets expire 7 days from issuance. See full T&C at Fanatics Sportsbook. | |||
#12 |
Bet $20, Get $100 |
T&C apply
Get $100 in Bonus Bets After Your First Real Money $20 Wager 21+. New customers only. NJ only. Qualifying deposit (min $20) required. First online real money wager required (min $20, odds -200 or greater). Bonus issued as non-withdrawable bonus bets that expires in 7 days. See full T&C at Borgata. | |||
#13 |
Bet $20, Get $100 |
T&C apply
Get $100 in Bonus Bets After Your First Wager of $20 or More 21+. New customers located in AZ only (excludes Indian lands). Minimum $20 deposit. Qualifying wager must be made with real money and meet minimum odds of -200 or longer. Bonus amount issued as five $20 bonus bets after qualifying wager is settled. Must stake Bonus Bets on wagers with odds of -200 or longer. Bonus Bets expire 14 days after issuance. See full T&C at Desert Diamond. | |||
#14 |
First Bet Insurance up to $500 |
T&C apply
Get Your First Bet Refunded 100% up to $500 in Bonus Bets 21+. New customers located in MD only. Minimum $10 deposit. Must make qualifying cash wager with odds of -120 or greater. If the first qualifying wager settles as a loss, receive a non-withdrawable Bonus Bet equal to your stake, up to a maximum of $500. Bonus Bets awarded in $25 increments, rounded down to the nearest multiple. Winnings from bonus bets are capped at 2x the stake. See full T&C at Crab Sports. | |||
2. Register personal details
Now you’ve picked a betting site, you can press ahead with setting up your account.
To do this, simply visit the homepage of your chosen betting site or, if you've selected one of the above sites, tap the create account button. You’ll be taken to the homepage of your chosen betting site where you will then need to register personal details and create a login.
The information you need to provide includes:
- Full name
- Gender/Title
- Date of birth
- Last 4 digits of your SSN
- Full Address (city, state, zip code)
- Mobile number
- Security question & answer
- Email address & password
This list is typical of all US betting sites. The order in which you’re required to enter the details may vary depending on the betting site, however.
At this point, you may also get to set certain preferences such as deposit limits (daily, weekly and monthly), how you want the odds displayed, and your preferred time zone.
Depending on which betting site you’re signing up with they may also prompt you to enter your welcome bonus code.
What to bear in mind when signing-up
Enter all information accurately. We appreciate your desire to bet asap but make sure you provide accurate information. You could face issues further down the line otherwise.
Read terms and conditions. You don’t need to read every single word. But pay close attention to how the Ts and Cs attached to the welcome bonus especially.
You need to verify your identity. Every new customer must confirm they are who they claim to be. This is a compulsory requirement that you cannot avoid.
- HOW VERIFICATION WORKS AT US BETTING SITES
Legitimate betting sites across the world are obliged to follow the Know Your Customer (KYC) process in order to verify your identity and that you are old enough to bet online, and comply with online gambling laws. By confirming the identity of all new customers, betting sites are able to protect themselves from fraudulent activity and also protect players.
The betting site in question may ask for a copy of a valid government ID and proof of residence. Should your ID show your address, that’s all you need. Otherwise, you’ll need to send a scanned copy (or a mobile image) of a recent utility bill that shows your name is registered to that address.
And if you’re thinking, “who the heck still has paper bills sent to them” then don’t fret; most sites will accept a recent bank statement as proof of address.
Once the operator is satisfied, you won’t be asked to confirm your identity again, though you will have to go through the same process if you choose to sign up with another site further down the line.
3. Select your preferred payment method
As a new bettor, you’re no doubt eager to get money in your account as quickly as possible.
At the same time, it’s important to choose a way of paying that is convenient for you and you’re comfortable with using.
Here's a list of banking options you will find offered by the majority of US betting sites:
- Credit/Debit Card
- E-wallets
- Prepaid Card
- Online Bank Transfer
- Bank Wire/Check
- Cash Cage
Payment methods explained
- Credit/Debit Card
By far the most popular means of funding your account is through VISA or MasterCard.
Thanks to online payment processors all that’s required is for you to punch in the long number on the front, the expiry date and the last three digits on the signature strip, on the reverse of the card - referred to as the Card Security Code (CSC) or Card Verification Value (CVV) - and you’re good to go!
Unfortunately, you may find that some popular banks do not allow online gambling transactions. Cards issued by Bank of America, Capital One or Santander, for instance, are not accepted. But it's always best to check this with the betting site.
- E-wallets/PayPal
An e-wallet acts as a middleman between you and the betting site and is a popular payment option for many bettors.
By choosing to fund your account with PayPal for instance you can make deposits and withdrawals seamlessly and you money is secure in an account controlled by you.
Skrill and Neteller are also popular e-wallets you can use to fund your sports betting account.
- Prepaid Card
If you’re security conscious, then an option like PayNearMe is probably your best bet, pardon the pun!
Here, you make a deposit in cash at a participating 7Eleven store or gas station using a unique barcode created on the betting site.
You won’t get charged and you'll see your deposit in your account within 30 minutes. Security and anonymity is guaranteed, while you can also limit the amount you spend on betting this way too.
- Online Bank Transfer
VIP Preferred (ACH) and Online Banking provide an easy and secure way of making a payment to your betting account, especially for bettors less tech savvy, shall we say.
Don't choose this payment option if you're not prepared to wait some time though. To use this method, you need your bank to be included on the list of banks approved by the betting site.
- Bank Wire/Checks
A throwback to the good old days of transferring funds, a bank wire or a paper check isn’t at the top of payment methods used today.
In fact, it’s considered a last resort due to the time it can take, yet, wiring money or writing a check can be useful when depositing or withdrawing large amounts.
- Cash Cage
You can, of course, visit the land-based casino partner of your betting site and make a deposit or withdrawal in person. Retail casinos are subject to operating times however and often require you to make a car journey.
The opportunity to to deposit and withdraw funds freely is limited here.
What to consider when choosing a payment method
- Maximum/minimum deposit limits: What's the most/least amount of money you can put in your betting account?
- Maximum/minimum withdrawal limit: What's the most/least amount of money you can take out of your account?
- Processing times: How long does it take for your deposit or withdrawal to reach its destination?
- Flexibility of payment method: Can you deposit AND withdraw using your preferred option?
- The availability of payment options between states: Payment methods vary depending on the state you're in.
4. Make a deposit
Now you have selected your welcome bonus and the payment method of your choice, you’re now moments away from starting your online betting journey!
All you need to do at this stage is use your prefered payment method and enter the amount you want to deposit (the minimum is normally $10).
You can make a deposit anywhere in the US!
5. Collect your welcome bonus
You should now have a fully functioning betting account and be able to place real money wagers. It’s (typically) at this point where you can cash in on your welcome bonus, too!
Depending on the type of betting bonus, you may see your first deposit amount matched instantly, or, a bonus bet kick-in upon making your first wager. Bear in mind, a deposit is required for the majority of welcome bonuses to work.
Remember, you need to be physically located in a legal sports betting state in order to place a real money wager and pick up your welcome bonus!
Gambling Account FAQs
Your personal and financial information is 100% safe when you gamble online with legal & licensed gambling sites that operate in regulated markets.
For example, gambling with Bet365 (a legally licensed operator) in New Jersey (a legal and regulated state for online gambling) ensures your data and information are kept completely safe and you won't have to worry about being a victim of a scam.
Conversely, if you place a wager with an unlicensed operator that operates off-shore (such as Bovada), you are subject to having your money and personal information at risk, with no legal protection as a customer.
Every gambling operator we feature on this site is a licensed and legal gambling operator that adheres to strict regulations here in the USA. We will never recommend a dangerous, off-shore, and/or illegal operator.
In short, a lot. In fact, there are over 25+ different betting sites that legally operate in different states all around the US. Some major betting sites such as PointsBet, FanDuel, and Unibet operate in multiple states, while some smaller betting sites only operate in one state.
If you would like to learn more about which betting sites operate in your home state check out our sports betting sites page!
When determining what the best gambling site is you first need to consider what you want out of your betting site. With that said, here are some of our favorite online gambling sites in the US:
Typically, it takes no more than 5-10 minutes to create an online gambling account.
This can vary, however, depending on the operator and their ID verification method. Additionally, some state laws prohibit remote registration, which means customers in those states are required to register their accounts in person at designated locations (usually brick-and-mortar casinos). This would also affect the estimated time to set up an account.
In most states, the minimum legal age to gamble online is 21 years old.
However, there are some states where the legal gambling age is reduced to 18 or 19 years old. Make sure to always check out your state's gambling laws before creating an online gambling account.
