Best Sports Betting Sites for 2024

Our expert reviews and ratings of the best sports betting sites in the US ensures you find top-notch platforms for an unparalleled online betting experience.

21+. Bet Responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Best Betting Sites in the US
Operator Bonus Promo Code Min Deposit TurnoverAction
#1
First Bet up to $1,000 on Caesars
Promo Code
UG1000
Min Deposit
$10
Turnover
1x
#2
Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets
Promo Code
No code
Min Deposit
$10
Turnover
1x
#3
Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly
Promo Code
No code
Min Deposit
$5
Turnover
1x
#4
Bet365 bonus
Bet365 bonus
Bet365
4/5
Bet $5, Get $200 or
$1,000 First Bet Safety Net
Promo Code
UG365
Min Deposit
$10
Turnover
1x
#5
Second Chance Bet up to $500
Promo Code
UGBONUS
Min Deposit
$10
Turnover
1x
#6
BetMGM bonus
BetMGM bonus
BetMGM
4/5
Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win
Promo Code
No code
Min Deposit
$10
Turnover
1x
#7
Bet $25 on a Parlay,
Get $75 in Bonus Bets
Promo Code
No code
Min Deposit
$25
Turnover
1x
#8
Bet $5 & Get $100 in Bonus Bets
Promo Code
No code
Min Deposit
$10
Turnover
1x
#9
Up to $250 in Matched Bets
Over Your First 5 Weeks
Promo Code: CLUTCH250
Promo Code
CLUTCH250
Min Deposit
$10
Turnover
1x
#10
Cash Back up to $300
Promo Code: UGST
Promo Code
UGST
Min Deposit
$5
Turnover
1x
#11
Bet & Get up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets
Promo Code
No code
Min Deposit
$5
Turnover
1x
#12
Bet $20, Get $100
Promo Code
No code
Min Deposit
$20
Turnover
1x
#13
Bet $20, Get $100
Promo Code
No code
Min Deposit
$20
Turnover
1x
#14
First Bet Insurance up to $500
Promo Code
No code
Min Deposit
$10
Turnover
1x

Take a look at our quick recommendations below to find the betting site that best suites your betting preference, or feel free to continue scrolling to find our top 10 betting sites list just a little further below!

⭐️ Best Betting SiteCaesars ➡️
🏀 Best for NBA BettingBetMGM ➡️
💰 Best Betting BonusBet365 ➡️
🏈 Best for NFL Betting Caesars ➡️
📱 Best Mobile Betting AppFanDuel ➡️
Best Live BettingBet365 ➡️
🇺🇸 Most Widely AvailableDraftKings ➡️
🆕 Best New Betting SiteBetfred ➡️

Top 10 US Sports Betting Sites

Below you will find our ranked list of the top 10 sports betting sites in the US, including popular names such as Caesars Sportsbook, FanDuel Sportsbook, DraftKings Sportsbook, and Bet365.

With superior user interfaces, outstanding gaming experiences, and the necessary licenses to operate legally and safely, these platforms stand out as the best betting sites currently available for players in the US:

  1. Caesars Sportsbook
  2. FanDuel Sportsbook
  3. DraftKings Sportsbook
  4. Bet365 Sportsbook
  5. BetRivers Sportsbook
  6. BetMGM Sportsbook
  7. Betfred Sportsbook
  8. Hard Rock Sportsbook
  9. ClutchBet Sportsbook
  10. Sporttrade Sportsbook

1. Caesars Sportsbook

First Bet up to $1,000 on Caesars
📜 Legal Caesars StatesAZ, CO, D.C., IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MD, MA, MI, NV, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY
🖥️ Available OnDesktop, iOS, Android
📺 Live StreamingYes ✅ (inc. NFL live streaming)
💸 Payout Speed1-2 days


What we like about Caesars Sportsbook

🔥 NFL live streaming
🔥 Lots of easy payment methods
🔥 Regular promos & odds boosts

Caesars Sportsbook distinguishes itself with its industry leading NFL live streaming, coupled with a steady stream of promotions and odds boosts for new and existing players. Both the desktop site and mobile app offer a smooth and intuitive gaming experience that's suitable for players of all experience levels. Moreover, the inclusion of a robust selection of payment options underscores Caesars Sportsbook's commitment to creating a seamless and convenient experience.

2. FanDuel Sportsbook

Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets
📜 Legal FanDuel StatesAZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MD, MA, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY
🖥️ Available OnDesktop, iOS, Android
📺 Live StreamingYes ✅
💸 Payout Speed1-2 days


What we like about FanDuel

🔥 Best mobile sports betting app
🔥 Unrivaled Same Game Parlay options
🔥 Wide range of betting markets available

FanDuel Sportsbook stands out as a premier destination for sports betting with its unparalleled Same Game Parlay options, allowing for highly customized bets. Recognized for the excellence of its mobile app, FanDuel offers a seamless and user-friendly mobile betting experience as well as an equally good desktop site for those that prefer to play on the computer. FanDuel boasts an extensive array of diverse betting markets and a wide range of sports that covers many of the biggest leagues in the world, making it a comprehensive hub for diverse betting options.

3. DraftKings Sportsbook

Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly
📜 Legal DraftKings StatesAZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MD, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY
🖥️ Available OnDesktop, iOS, Android
📺 Live StreamingYes ✅
💸 Payout Speed1-3 days


What we like about DraftKings Sportsbook

🔥 Most beginner friendly app
🔥 Stats Hub feature offers extra insight
🔥 Wide range of betting markets available

Renowned for its beginner-friendly approach and wide state availability, DraftKings Sportsbook presents a user-friendly betting experience that caters to beginners while still proving to be a good option for professional cappers as well. In addition to all of your standard sports betting options, DraftKings also features free-to-play daily pools as well as an online casino in select states, making it a complete entertainment hub for both sports and gambling enthusiasts alike.

4. Bet365 Sportsbook

Bet $5, Get $200 or
$1,000 First Bet Safety Net
📜 Legal Bet365 StatesAZ, CO, IA, LA, NJ, OH, VA
🖥️ Available OnDesktop, iOS, Android
📺 Live StreamingYes ✅
💸 Payout Speed1-2 days


What we like about Bet365

🔥 Best overall for live betting
🔥 Massive selection of sports to bet on
🔥 Great parlay bet builder

Bet365 stands out as the ultimate destination for live betting, providing an unmatched experience for in-the-moment wagering. With a vast array of sports to choose from, the platform caters to diverse preferences. Additionally, Bet365 offers a remarkable parlay bet builder, empowering users to craft personalized combinations for an enhanced betting journey.

5. BetRivers Sportsbook

Second Chance Bet up to $500
📜 Legal BetRivers StatesAZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, WV
🖥️ Available OnDesktop, iOS, Android
📺 Live StreamingYes ✅
💸 Payout Speed1-2 days


What we like about BetRivers

🔥 Good live betting options
🔥 MLB & NHL live streaming
🔥 Good variety of popular sports

BetRivers excels in live betting, providing a dynamic platform for real-time wagering. Adding to its allure, the platform offers live streaming for both MLB and NHL events, enhancing the overall user experience. With a robust selection of popular sports, BetRivers caters to a wide range of preferences, making it a compelling choice for sports enthusiasts.

6. BetMGM Sportsbook

Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win
📜 Legal BetMGM StatesAZ, CO, D.C., IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MD, MA, MI, MS, NJ, NV, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY
🖥️ Available OnDesktop, iOS, Android
📺 Live StreamingYes ✅
💸 Payout Speed1-2 days


What we like about BetMGM

🔥 Fantastic parlay betting options
🔥 Micro-betting
🔥 Earn MGM Rewards

BetMGM shines with its exceptional parlay betting options, allowing users to create exciting combinations. Additionally, the platform offers micro-betting, enabling users to engage in real-time wagers on specific in-game events. As a bonus, bettors can earn MGM Rewards, enhancing the overall value and appeal of the platform.

7. Betfred Sportsbook

Bet $25 on a Parlay,
Get $75 in Bonus Bets
📜 Legal Betfred States

AZ, CO, IA, MD, OH, PA, VA

🖥️ Available OnDesktop, iOS, Android
📺 Live StreamingYes ✅
💸 Payout Speed2-7 days


What we like about Betfred

🔥 -105 NFL spreads
🔥 Great new player offer
🔥 Daily odds boosts

Betfred presents a standout feature with its attractive -105 NFL spreads, providing favorable odds for NFL enthusiasts. New players are welcomed with one of the best sports betting offers currently on the market, enhancing the betting experience from the get-go. Additionally, Betfred keeps the excitement alive with daily odds boosts, adding even more value to the betting experience.

8. Hard Rock Sportsbook

Bet $5 & Get $100 in Bonus Bets
📜 Legal StatesAZ, FL, IA, IN, NJ, OH, TN, VA
🖥️ Available OnDesktop, iOS, Android
📺 Live StreamingYes ✅
💸 Payout Speed1-3 days


What we like about Hard Rock Bet

🔥 Flex Parlays
🔥 Odds Boosts & promos
🔥 Streaming Hub

Hard Rock Sportsbook is a one of the newer betting sites in the US that offers a top of the line betting experience. With tons of unique features such as its signature FLEX PARLAYS, Hard Rock Bet offers a super fresh betting platform that does a great job at keeping players entertained and satisfied. It is also currently the only legal option for online betting in Florida!

9. ClutchBet Sportsbook

Up to $250 in Matched Bets
Over Your First 5 Weeks
Promo Code: CLUTCH250
📜 Legal ClutchBet StatesCO, IA
🖥️ Available OniOS, Android
📺 Live StreamingNo ❌
💸 Payout Speed1-3 days


What we like about ClutchBet

🔥 Exclusive head-head wagers (ClutchClash)
🔥 No minimum withdrawals
🔥 Good Same Game Parlays

ClutchBet is a rather unique sportsbook that is available in Colorado and Iowa.

ClutchBet offers a unique type of wager that can't be found on any other sportsbook, ClutchClash. This is a wager type where you can put two real life players compete head-to-head and wager on who will out-perform the other! If this sounds like a fun way to bet for you, we highly recommend downloading the ClutchBet app!

10. Sporttrade Betting Exchange

Cash Back up to $300
Promo Code: UGST
📜 Legal Sporttrade StatesCO, NJ
🖥️ Available OnDesktop, iOS, Android
📺 Live StreamingNo ❌
💸 Payout Speed1-3 days


What we like about Sporttrade

🔥 Zero delay in-play betting
🔥 No limits
🔥 Betting exchange odds

Sporttrade, currently available in NJ & CO, is a revolutionary betting site looking to offer an alternative to the traditional sports book. As a betting exchange, Sporttrade emulates a stock-market experience combined with a sportsbook, where players can buy and/or sell wagers in a peer-to-peer setting. Check out our Sporttrade review to learn more about how this betting exchange works!

USA license

Before we help you find the right betting site for your betting needs, a note:

The Best Sports Betting Sites are Legal and Licensed in the US.

At UnitedGambers.com we take safety and security very seriously, which is why all sports betting sites featured on this page are operated by reputable sports betting companies that are licensed and regulated in the USA. That being the case, you don't need to worry about varying trust or reliability between the betting sites we recommend.

Why it's important to use licensed betting sites

Nick Albert
Nick Albert - Content Writer

Betting sites that are licensed and fully authorized in your state are run by a reputable operator. Each has passed strict regulatory standards and been issued with a US sports betting license. In short, legal betting sites are safe to use.

If you wonder why this is important, would you use a betting site that couldn't protect your financial information. Or held back your winnings for no reason? Highly unlikely.

That’s why, ultimately, the best betting sites are legal. By using betting sites that are licensed in the US, you are guaranteed:

  • Secure payment methods: you know your money will arrive in your betting account securely via trusted payment options such as PayPal, VISA/MaterCard.
  • To be treated fairly: if you win, you will have your winnings paid to you without an issue.
  • Safeguarding measures: you have the tools in place to ensure you bet responsibly and safely.
  • Peace of mind: you know will provide a safe and secure online betting experience.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST BETTING SITE FOR YOU

Finding the right betting site ultimately comes down to you - your betting preferences, your personal taste, and your level of betting experience. It's about finding the site which suits you the best.

At UnitedGamblers.com, our goal is to match sports bettors in America with the betting site best for their specific requirements.

We do this by measuring US sports betting sites and identifying the best options based on certain factors. The checklist below sets out the list of factors we use when reviewing betting sites for the American bettor.

Checklist for choosing a betting site in USA

Factors to consider when choosing a sports betting site
  1. Betting experience: Are you an expert bettor, a complete novice, or, somewhere in between?
  2. Your location in the US: Does your state have a number of legal betting sites available?
  3. Range of payment methods: Are there plenty of banking options or are they limited? Is there a good range between online and offline methods? Does the site support popular payment options like PayPal, VISA/Mastercard, PayNearMe?
  4. Variety of sports and betting markets: Does the betting site offer markets across an array of sports, leagues, and competitions? What about types of bet? Is the betting menu extensive?
  5. In-play betting experience: How good is the live betting experience? Is there live streaming? Which games and sports are broadcast?
  6. User experience: Is it straightforward to navigate the site? Can you find the sport and betting market quickly? How clean is the interface?
  7. Odds: How are the odds priced your favorite sport? Are the odds competitive compared with other betting sites?
  8. Mobile betting: Does the site cater for betting on mobile? Does it have a betting app for added convenience?
  9. Customer support: What's the level of support like? Is there a range of options available day and night? Can you speak with somebody directly?
  10. Betting features: Are there all the modern-day features such as cash-out, in-built stats centers, parlay builders?
  11. Availability of casino & poker: Does the betting site offer online casinos and poker as well? Are your favorite games available?
  12. Welcome bonus: How good is the welcome bonus on offer? Is it in line with competitors? Does the bonus come with a lot of terms and conditions attached?

Compare betting sites

Ian Rutherford
Ian Rutherford - Senior Editor

When deciding on a new betting site to sign up with, there's no better tool to use than comparing betting sites side-by-side. For some expert betting site comparisons check out some of the following articles!

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Betting sites with best payment options

Depositing money or withdrawing winnings should be straightforward, secure, and quick, enabling you to get on with more important things, like betting!

The top betting sites will support popular payment methods such as PayPal, VISA/Mastercard, Bank transfers, PayNearMe and, in general, offer a variety of different options.

Ideally, you’ll be able to use your preferred option to deposit and withdraw. But this isn’t so common with US betting sites, while payment options also differ depending on the state. That's why it's good practice to check the payment methods available.

Betting sites that accept PayPal

PayPal is one of the most trusted banking methods, not just in the US, but all over the world. With PayPal every transaction is safe and secure and once set up with a PayPal account, it is an extremely easy way to fund your betting account.

The e-wallet also doubles up as a deposit and withdrawal method at most of the top US sports betting sites, hence why betting sites with PayPal are very popular among US bettors.

Deposits made using PayPal are available almost instantly with withdrawals processed within 24 hours and sometimes as quick as 12 hours.

betting sites that accept paypal

Best PayPal Betting Sites

  1. DraftKings Sportsbook
  2. FanDuel Sportsbook
  3. Bet365
  4. Caesars Sportsbook
  5. BetMGM
21+. Bet Responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Best Betting Sites with PayPal
Operator BonusAction
#1
First Bet up to $1,000 on Caesars
#2
Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets
#3
Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly
#4
Bet365 bonus
Bet365 bonus
Bet365
4/5
Bet $5, Get $200 or
$1,000 First Bet Safety Net
#5
Second Chance Bet up to $500

Best Betting Websites for Variety

You may only be interested in betting on the NFL or the NBA. But having the opportunity to wager on a variety of other sports, alongside your favorite, is a great way to make your betting experience even better.

The best betting sites offer a list of sports as long as your arm, not only from America but across the world and though betting markets available will vary depending on the popularity of the sport, the very best sports betting sites have an exhaustive list of markets for every sport.

Recommended betting site for variety

DraftKings Sportsbook

Super selection of sports and markets

DraftKings is one of the best football betting sites for its coverage of the NFL and College football, though, in fairness, DraftKings offers one of the best selections of sports, period.

From Australian Rules to UFC, all sports are covered comprehensively making it possible to bet on any number of Table Tennis tournaments and an endless amount of European soccer leagues at the same time.

You can place single-game bets as well as parlays on DraftKings Sportsbook for a large variety of sports.

The Boston-based betting company has even started to cover some of the more niche ‘sports’, shall we say, including Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest!

Best live sports betting sites

Live betting has added another dimension to how people wager. The thrill of betting on a game 'in-play' is second to none and growing in popularity all of the time.

It's no secret that industry experts view in-play betting as a key battleground for all betting sites in the US going forwards. But while there are many live betting sites to choose from, each option will be different in terms of the live betting experience it offers.

There are betting site operators that have managed to achieve the basics and also those who have excelled in providing bettors with the best in-play betting experience possible.

Best Live Betting Sites

  1. Bet365
  2. FanDuel Sportsbook
  3. Caesars Sportsbook
  4. DraftKings Sportsbook
  5. BetMGM
21+. Bet Responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Best Betting Sites for Live Betting
Operator BonusAction
#1
Bet365 bonus
Bet365 bonus
Bet365
4/5
Bet $5, Get $200 or
$1,000 First Bet Safety Net
#2
Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets
#3
First Bet up to $1,000 on Caesars
#4
Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly
#5
BetMGM bonus
BetMGM bonus
BetMGM
4/5
Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win

Best betting site for Live betting

Bet365

Most comprehensive live betting experience

If you've used Bet365 you're unlikely to be thrilled by its spreadsheet-like appearance or by the promos. But that's the thing about the world's most popular betting site. When Bet365 offers a new feature or service they make sure it's the best on the market!

This is certainly the case with Bet365's live streaming platform in particular which is seamless and available across a range of sports. The swift cash-out feature and a stack of in-play stats mean you have everything you need to place that in-game wager!

Sports betting sites with the best odds

Finding a betting site with the highest odds for your sport or specific game can make a big difference to potential winnings and, ultimately, put more money in your back pocket.

If you’re choosing between two betting sites you’re almost certain to choose the one offering the highest odds and the best bang for the buck.

Our tip for finding the best odds is to compare betting sites based on your particular sport, competition, or event.

Betting Sites with the Best Odds

  1. Caesars Sportsbook
  2. BetMGM
  3. FanDuel Sportsbook
  4. DraftKings Sportsbook
  5. Bet365
21+. Bet Responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Best Betting Sites for Odds
Operator BonusAction
#1
First Bet up to $1,000 on Caesars
#2
BetMGM bonus
BetMGM bonus
BetMGM
4/5
Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win
#3
Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets
#4
Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly
#5
Bet365 bonus
Bet365 bonus
Bet365
4/5
Bet $5, Get $200 or
$1,000 First Bet Safety Net

Best sports betting apps

Online sports betting isn’t just limited to your desktop computer or laptop any longer. Sports betting apps have transformed the betting industry enabling bettors to wager on sports from anywhere.

With the appeal and popularity of apps continuing to grow, the quality of a betting app is a crucial factor and a key differentiator when deciding which betting site to pick.

A couple of things to consider here: the app needs to be able to run on your mobile’s operating system and you need to have the necessary storage space for it to run smoothly - nobody has time for an app constantly lagging. Also consider the app's functionality, how easy it is to use, and the design and layout of the app.

US sports betting apps

Best Mobile Sports Betting Apps

  1. FanDuel Sportsbook
  2. DraftKings Sportsbook
  3. Caesars Sportsbook
  4. BetMGM
  5. Bet365
21+. Bet Responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Best Sports Betting Apps
Operator BonusAction
#1
Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets
#2
Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly
#3
First Bet up to $1,000 on Caesars
#4
BetMGM bonus
BetMGM bonus
BetMGM
4/5
Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win
#5
Bet365 bonus
Bet365 bonus
Bet365
4/5
Bet $5, Get $200 or
$1,000 First Bet Safety Net

Best Betting Bonuses

Welcome bonus offers provide bettors with the opportunity to get extra rewards and perks when signing up with an online betting site.

New bettors in particular relish picking up a bonus offer to start out with. In turn, betting companies play on this fact by offering huge welcome bonus amounts. Just take a look at the list below of the best betting bonuses to see for yourself.

21+. Bet Responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Best Betting Bonuses
Operator BonusAction
#1
First Bet up to $1,000 on Caesars
#2
Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets
#3
Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly
#4
Bet365 bonus
Bet365 bonus
Bet365
4/5
Bet $5, Get $200 or
$1,000 First Bet Safety Net
#5
Second Chance Bet up to $500
#6
BetMGM bonus
BetMGM bonus
BetMGM
4/5
Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win
#7
Bet $25 on a Parlay,
Get $75 in Bonus Bets
#8
Bet $5 & Get $100 in Bonus Bets
#9
Up to $250 in Matched Bets
Over Your First 5 Weeks
Promo Code: CLUTCH250
#10
Cash Back up to $300
Promo Code: UGST
#11
Bet & Get up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets
#12
Bet $20, Get $100
#13
Bet $20, Get $100
#14
First Bet Insurance up to $500

Online betting sites with cash out

A betting site that was once used solely for the purpose of placing a bet. You placed your wager and waited for the final outcome, But today, it’s much, much more than that. Betting sites have introduced a number of features to enhance the overall experience of a sports bettor.

Examples of betting features:

  • Cash-Out - An essential feature for the modern-day bettor is the ability to ‘cash out’, i.e. settle a bet mid-game (or prior to its conclusion) and receive the real-time value of the bet.
  • Live Streaming - Bettors can watch the action and bet simultaneously via games and events broadcast on the betting site itself. That sounds like a dream, right? You do need to have placed a bet recently or have money in your account to view a game however - you can’t use the betting site like a TV channel!
  • Parlay Builders - The chance to create and customize your own bet for NFL, NBA, and MLS games is a seriously underrated feature that gives you the freedom to personalize your betting experience.
  • Statistics Center - If you’re a bettor you’re bound to love numbers. And that’s good because sports betting sites these days have heaps of facts and stats available to aid your betting pre-game and in-game.
The different types of welcome bonus you will find

Here are the common types of bonus offers in the US.

  • Matched deposit: make a deposit and receive a bonus of the same amount.
  • Bonus bets: deposit and make a wager - if it loses, your initial amount is paid back to you in bonus bets.
  • No Deposit Bonus: Receive a bonus bet simply for creating an account.

Related reading

How to Claim a Betting Site Joining Bonus
Jul 22, 2024

Ready to get your hands on the best betting joining offers in the US?

Benefits of legal betting sites

Whether it's bettors, operators, or individual states, everyone's a winner with a legal, regulated market. Legit betting sites benefit everybody and their importance cannot be emphasized enough.

Here are the main advantages of using only legal betting sites.

  • Safety and security guaranteed

    Number one - you do not have to worry that the site is unsafe or unreliable. You can bet knowing you’re doing so in a secure environment. Legal betting sites are operated by huge, million, even billion dollar gambling companies, known for their iconic betting brands. Not only are legal sites reliable but they are regulated too. This allows a player to seek out the regulator if there's an issue.

    • Better player protection

    With online betting growing, player welfare has never been more important for sports betting sites. Legal betting sites have safeguarding measures available such as betting limits and ‘time out’ periods to promote responsible gambling. What’s more, the regulatory bodies can step in and punish a betting operator if a customer is exploited.

    • Convenience

    All legal betting sites have a dedicated mobile app. This means you essentially have an online sportsbook in your pocket. If you’re out and about, you can pull out your phone and bet instantly. While if you’re at home, there’s no need to leave your front door or even move from the sofa!

    • Tax revenue boost for states

    States are guaranteed to benefit tax revenue generated by legal sports betting sites. The money is kept in-state and used to help fund initiatives or the general economy of the state. In Colorado for example, sports betting will finance the state’s water plan which is aimed to prevent water shortages and protect rivers in The Centennial State. In other words, the money goes to good use. This is far from the case with sites not legal. Because they’re not regulated, the state does not benefit at all. The money instead helps to support and preserve the illegal market.

    • Helps protect the integrity of sports

    A sports betting market that is regularly monitored helps combat illegal betting activity in sport. The chances of match-fixing are significantly reduced because of the specific regulations in place that require licensed sportsbooks, state regulators, and sports leagues to share information with the common goal of identifying unusual betting patterns. The transparency that a regulated market brings means criminals involved in betting rings and even players betting or planning to bet on a game they’re involved in are swiftly recognized.

    • Reduces the need for illegal betting sites

    The overall benefit of legal, licensed and regulated sites is eventually, we won’t have to worry about bettors using illegal sites. The more states that permit legal sports betting, the sooner offshore betting sites will become redundant.

    Why you should use legal sports betting sites

    • Safety and security guaranteed
    • Better player protection
    • Convenience
    • Tax revenue boost for states
    • Helps protect the integrity of sports
    • Reduces the need for illegal betting sites

    Legit betting sites vs. Offshore betting sites

    What is a legal betting site?

    A legal betting site is one that is licensed and regulated, i.e a license has been acquired and the operator has authorized by a state regulatory body.

    Legal sites only operate in states where regulations allow online sports betting.

    How to recognize licensed betting sites

    Check the legality of a site by ticking off these key details, the standard for all legal sports betting sites in the US:

    • Badge of US licensing authority can be found easily (normally at the footer of the website footer)
    • Popular deposit methods available eg. Credit/Debit cards, PayPal
    • The company is registered to an address in the state
    • Is there a dedicated mobile app you can downloads for Android/ iOS?
    • Make sure the site is listed by the American Gaming Association

    Examples of legal sports betting websites include FanDuel, DraftKings, 888sport, PointsBet, Caesars Sportsbook.

    What is an offshore betting site?

    An offshore betting site is not licensed and not regulated by a US regulatory body, which means they’re illegal. Such sites operate from overseas, normally in places like Panama or Curacao, hence why the term ‘offshore’ is attached. Such sites are not authorized to offer its product to US citizens but manage to do so anyway due to being outside of US jurisdiction.

    How to spot offshore betting sites

    If you’re unsure of the legality of a site, check for these issues, common on most offshore betting sites.

    • No badge to show US licensing authority
    • Limited banking options (e.g.check, bank wire, cryptocurrencies)
    • The company is not registered to an address in the state
    • Mobile app highly unlikely
    • No live betting

    Examples of offshore betting websites include Bovada, MyBookie, 5Dimes, BetOnline, Intertops.