Top Legal Online Bookmakers & Sportsbooks (2022)

  • BetMGM Risk-Free First Bet up to $1000 Licensed in AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, MI, MS, NV, NJ, NY, PA, TN, VA, WA, WV, WY
    • Fantastic Mobile Betting Apps for iOS & Android
    • High Betting Odds
    • Wide Range of Live Streaming Broadcasts
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  • WynnBet Bet $100 Get $100 in Free Bets Licensed in AZ, CO, IN, MI, NJ, NY, TN, VA
    • New Betting Site (2020)
    • Boosted Bets Daily
    • Great Betting App for iOS and Android
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  • FanDuel Up To $1000 Back in Free Bets Licensed in AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, MI, NJ, NY, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY
    • Trusted, Safe & Legal Sportsbook
    • Live in NY, NJ, AZ, CO, CT, IA, IL, IN, LA, MI, PA, TN, WY & WV
    • High Betting Odds
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  • Caesars Up to $1,250 on Us Plus 1,000 Reward Credits and 1,000 Tier Credits Licensed in AZ, CO, IL, IN, MI, NV, NJ, NY, TN, VA, WV
    • Top-Tier Betting Apps
    • High Betting Odds
    • Great Rewards Progam
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  • BetRivers 2nd Chance Bet Up to $100 in Free Bets Licensed in AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, MI, NJ, NY, PA, VA, WV
    • Top Sports Betting Apps for iOS & Android
    • Great Rewards Program
    • Free Live Sports Streams
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  • Pointsbet 2 Risk-Free Bets up to $2000 Licensed in CO, IL, IN, IA, MI, NJ, NY, PA, VA, WV
    • 20+ Sports
    • High Betting Odds
    • Free Live Streaming
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    “Risk Free” means that if your first settled Fixed Odds and/or PointsBetting Wager loses, you are eligible to receive Free Bet Credits in the amount of the losing wager (up to the stated maximums).
  • Unibet $100 Risk-Free Bet Licensed in AZ, IN, IA, NJ, PA, VA
    • 35+ Sports & High Odds
    • Live Streaming
    • Mobile Friendly
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  • bet365 Join the World's Best Online Betting Site Licensed in IN, NJ
    • Only Legal in NJ Currently
    • The Best Sports Betting Apps
    • Free Live Streaming
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  • Borgata Join Borgata Licensed in NJ, PA
    • Free Live Streaming
    • Trusted Brand Since 2003
    • 20+ Sports
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  • PlaySugarHouse Join PlaySugarHouse Today! Licensed in CT, NJ, PA
    • Top-Tier Sports Betting Apps for iOS & Android
    • Free Live Sports Streaming
    • Only 1x Wagering for the Sports Bonus!
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Top 10 Best Sports Betting Sites for US Players

The history of gambling in the US dates back to the 1600s when horse racing betting was popular in states like Virginia. However, for most of recent US history, betting was banned through the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) until 2018, when the Supreme Court lifted this ban. This meant that sports betting was no longer federally illegal, but each state was left to make its own rules.

In the first year after the ban was overturned, New Jersey, Mississippi, New York, Arkansas, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Delaware all launched their first legal sportsbooks. Delaware was the first to kickstart legal sports betting, with New Jersey following shortly after. Now there are about 31 states where sports betting is legalized, including 18 that legalize online sports wagering.

The ruling of the federal ban on betting in the US has really boosted the growth of the industry. More than ever before, millions of Americans now have access to quality gambling options where they live. Now you can wager on various sports competitions, including soccer, NFL, NHL, MLB, UFC, and basketball, among many others. In addition, there are a plethora of legal online bookies for you to enjoy the best gambling experience.

This review goes in-depth on the best betting sites in the US to help you navigate the gambling space. We apply very rigorous criteria to compile a list of the top bookmakers. Let's get started.

Here are the best sites offering sports betting in the US:

#1 Best US Sportsbook - Caesars

Licensed in AZ, CO, IL, IN, MI, NV, NJ, NY, TN, VA, WV

Known as the largest gaming company in the US, Caesars' legacy began way back in 1937. With the largest loyalty program in the industry, Caesars certainly deserves a place on this list. In October 2021, they were rightly awarded the 'Customer Loyalty Program of the Year' at the Global Gaming Awards. Caesars also offers quality betting products and services, including in-betting, live-betting, and live streaming for some sports.

In addition, Caesars offers a sign-up bonus worth a few thousand. The good news is that this sportsbook is legal and available across many states in the US, including Colorado, Iowa, Los Angeles, Maryland, North Carolina, Indiana, Arizona, Illinois, Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, Nevada, New York, Washington DC, Michigan, and New Jersey.

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#2 Best US Sportsbook - DraftKings

Licensed in

Offering a 20% deposit match up to new players, DraftKings is currently available in over 15+ states across the country. It became operational after the legalization of online sportsbooks in the US in 2018.

DraftKings is a reputable and trustworthy platform with a license from several state gaming authorities. In addition, the sportsbook covers over 20 sports, including football and basketball. And just like other sportsbooks on this list, its customers are offered a great degree of safety.

Additionally, the sportsbook is known for its Daily Fantasy Sports offering. In essence, users in a couple of states first experience this sportsbooks as a DFS bookie. 

#3 Best US Sportsbook - FanDuel

Licensed in AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, MI, NJ, NY, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY

FanDuel is undoubtedly one of the best sportsbooks in the US, having launched fully in 2018 following the ban-lift on betting in the country. Currently, it is licensed in about 15+ states, has numerous markets for top sports and leagues to minor sports events, and offers unique bonuses and promotions for the different states. One of such is the generous welcome bonus with a risk-free bet.

The FanDuel Sportsbook offers a mobile app that is available on Android and iOS platforms. With a great user interface, it is quite easy to navigate, and users can easily access the sports and markets. Another great feature of the bookie is that bettors can live stream matches while placing live bets within the app.

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#4 Best US Sportsbook - bet365

Licensed in IN, NJ

Founded in 2000, Bet365 is branded as the world's favorite online sports betting site. It is licensed and regulated by the gambling authority of several states in the US. This betting site offers up to a 100% bonus offer on your initial deposit. Bettors just need to make a minimum deposit of $10. Since this bookmaker cuts across various countries, there is a pool of available sports you can place bets on. 

Currently, the bookie is only legal in 3 states – New Jersey, New York, and Colorado – and is only available in New Jersey. This means US bettors must be physically present in New Jersey to access the site. However, the bookmaker is set to grow across the country in the near future.

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#5 Best US Sportsbook - BetRivers

Licensed in AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, MI, NJ, NY, PA, VA, WV

If you are searching for the top betting sites in the US, BetRivers might be the option for you. This bookie offers a bonus package for new players on first deposit. Returning or regular players are also not left out, as a lucrative loyalty program is available on the site. In addition, BetRivers Sportsbook features fun promotions all year round, like the weekly pro football Pick'Em contest where players can win $125,000+ with a deposit as low as $150.

In addition, they offer live betting and live streaming with fast payouts. They also provide a wide selection of deposit and withdrawal options, including PayPal, credit/debit cards, bank transfer, BetRivers Play+ Card, etc.

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#6 Best US Sportsbook - WynnBet

Licensed in AZ, CO, IN, MI, NJ, NY, TN, VA

WynnBet is one of the internationally recognized betting sites available in the US. It is owned and operated by WSI US, LLC, and is authorized to operate sports betting in certain jurisdictions across the country. These states include Arizona, Louisiana, Michigan, Virginia, Tennessee, New York, and New Jersey.

Only available to users who are 21 years old and above, the bookmaker provides competitive odds for its customers. New customers receive an exciting welcome bonus of a risk-free bet. However, you can only qualify when you make a minimum deposit of $20. In addition, the sportsbook offers live and even pre-game wagering for users.

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#7 Best US Sportsbook - FoxBet

Licensed in

Available in Colorado, Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, FOX Bet is an online sports betting brand developed from a first-ever partnership in the US between national media (FOX Sports) and sports betting brands (BetStars).

Apart from offering a betting platform where gamblers can place wager on their favorite games, this bookie offers expert commentary, which can help the gamblers make big wins. In addition, the bookie offers generous sign-up, loyalty, parlay bonuses, and promotions for new and existing players.

It is among the most secure and trusted online bookies in the US. As a new customer, you are entitled to a 100% match-up bonus to a fixed amount. There is also a loyalty bonus of 50% deposit bonus up to $500. Additionally, the bookmaker offers very fast deposit and withdrawal payment options.

#8 Best US Sportsbook - PlaySugarHouse

Licensed in CT, NJ, PA

Known for its aesthetic design and great user interface, this betting platform offers attractive bonuses to new and existing customers. For example, on the first deposit, new players are entitled to a 100% match-up bonus.

Upon its launch in 2019, PlaySugarHouse made a deal with IMG Arena, granting the website permission to cover live tennis matches. In addition to tennis, the site offers betting options for sports like MMA, Baseball, Soccer, Football, and Basketball, among others. Players can also access live betting and live streaming features for these sports.

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#9 Best US Sportsbook - BetMGM

Licensed in AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, MI, MS, NV, NJ, NY, PA, TN, VA, WA, WV, WY

BetMGM is another leading name in the sports betting industry. The sportsbook is currently active in about ten states in the US. For most states, as long as you're 21 and above, you can access this amazing betting site. The only exception is Wyoming, where the age limit is 18 years.

Like the other bookies on this list, BetMGM offers very generous welcome bonuses, including risk-free bets for newly registered players. In addition, the sportsbook also offers promo codes which users can use to receive even more lucrative features. For example, with the right promo code, you can get $25 on no-deposit offers and up to $1000 on the first deposit of a minimum of $20.

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#10 Best US Sportsbook - Borgata

Licensed in NJ, PA

Founded in 2003, Borgata remains one of the most competitive names in the gambling industry. The sportsbook operates only in New Jersey and Pennsylvania with a license from each state's regulatory body. In addition, it offers a huge range of betting markets and options like spread bets and Moneyline bets with high-quality customer service and security.

Popular betting markets on the site include NFL, MLB, NBA, Golf, NHL, Rugby, and MMA. The bookie also offers a generous welcome bonus for new users. Users receive free bets with their first deposit of at least $20.

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How We Review the Best Sports Betting Sites in the US

Our compilation of the best betting sites is based on well-researched information and defined methodology by our team of experts. Here are the key factors and criteria we consider when selecting a sportsbook for our list or readers:

License

For a sportsbook to be deemed fit to be on our list, we ensure the sportsbook is licensed to operate in at least one state in the US. Individual states of the country are responsible for their own betting laws and offer licenses through their regulatory body. As a result, these sportsbooks are licensed in different states.

Safety

The internet is riddled with fraudsters and identity thieves, so choosing a site with top-notch security is crucial. The best bookmakers use Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption certificates to protect users' personal and financial information.

Apart from this, the licenses of sportsbooks allow for their books to be open to legal, third-party audits to ensure the customers are not defrauded. On the other hand, offshore sites are quite risky as you have no guarantee of payment.

Reputation

All the bookies on our list are well-known by gamblers all over the world. Some have even gotten awards and merged with other credible sectors or industries. Their good reputation also guarantees credible bonuses and betting options to their customers.

Payment Methods

Bookies generally provide numerous banking gateways for deposits and withdrawals. To pick the best of the best bookmakers, we evaluate the availability, accessibility, convenience, security, and efficiency of the payment channels available on the platform. Popular banking options include credit/debit cards, e-wallets like PayPal and Skrill, bank transfers, and cash at casino cages.

Free Bets & Bonuses

Bonuses and free bets are essential to make customers satisfied. The casinos we have chosen offer captivating welcome bonuses to attract new customers, and mouthwatering bonus offers to keep the regular users elated.

Customer Support

The best sportsbooks don't operate one-sidedly. Instead, they ensure their customers' opinions and concerns are always considered. The sportsbooks on our list have accessible emails and live chat channels available for most hours of the day. Though they all don't have phone numbers available, there are comprehensive FAQs with already answered questions that users might find helpful.

Mobile Apps

Another vital thing is the mobile sports betting apps of these bookmakers. We ensure they are compatible on numerous devices and platforms like iOS and Android. We are also particular about the site design, functionality, and navigation in assembling the best bookmakers. We consider how easy punters are able to get what they want. Is the search filter available? Can users get a seamless transaction with the mobile app?

Sports Betting Markets

There is no sportsbook without sports, so we take this criterion quite seriously. We review sportsbooks that have numerous sports that bettors can place bets on, ranging from football, soccer, hockey, MMA, golf, and horse racing to hockey. Not to mention, a sportsbook should be able to provide users with major and minor sports events across all geography. 

Betting Odds

We pick the sportsbooks with the most favorable betting odds for players. These sportsbooks offer consistent, competitive, and impressive betting odds to satisfy you. This ensures players have a higher chance of winning more money.

Unique Features

Live streaming and live betting are innovative features the best bookmakers are implementing to create the best gambling experience on their sites. Players can now place real-time bets while watching a live match. In addition, the best bookies provide free bet clubs for additional bonus offers and cash-out options to help users withdraw their winnings at any point. They also feature Acca insurance offers which prevent bettors from losing out on bets.

New Betting Sites in the US

The new betting sites in the US offer welcome bonuses to attract potential customers and loyalty offers to keep existing ones happy and satisfied. They are licensed in the US and have user-friendly apps on numerous devices. They also have a variety of odds from which customers can choose to win big.

Some of the new ones include Fubo Gaming, which launched around November 2021. Based in Chicago, Fubo Gaming is licensed in 10 states. Maximbet is another new betting site launched in late 2020. It offers great bonuses and promotions, but there are limited banking options.

Best Betting Sites for Different Sports

Here are the betting sites offering the best betting markets for the sports below:

Soccer – DraftKings

DraftKings offers well over 100 soccer leagues to choose from, and most of them include live betting. They also feature the most World Cup qualifying same-game parlays betting options. You can also get a 20% bonus on any Champions League same-game parlay with a maximum bet of $50.

Hockey – BetMGM

BetMGM is a high-rated NHL sportsbook with some of the best bets and Moneyline bets in the game. They offer a Stanley Cup Finals promo where you can get $200 when you make a bet of $10.

Baseball – WynnBet

Wynnbet offers a large betting market for MLB leagues. The promotions offered by WynnBet include parlay boosters, free bets, and boosted odds during specified days or events.

Basketball – FanDuel

When it comes to basketball betting, this is one of the best, as you have a chance of getting $200 in free bets once you make a minimum deposit of $5. In addition, they offer the widest range of betting markets throughout the NBA season.

Football – PointsBet

This sportsbook offers unique NFL markets, betting options, and promotional offers. In addition, there are generous risk-free bets for newly registered users. All bettors, including Spreadline and Moneyline bettors, who have had bad beats would get reimbursed by the Karma Kommitee.

Sports Betting Laws in the US

In May 2018, the PASPA federal ban on sports wagering in the US was lifted, allowing individual states to make decisions on betting laws. However, sports betting is not yet legalized in all states. Here are the states that allow legal sports betting: 

Arizona

Arizona residents can legally place bets on sports, and this took effect in September 2021. In addition, the bill allows the operation of retail and online sportsbooks within state lines and daily fantasy sports. The Arizona Department of Gaming regulates sports betting in Arizona.

Arkansas

Sports betting has been legal in retail capacity since July 2019. The Arkansas Racing Commission (ARC) governs sports betting in this state. There are currently four active sportsbooks in the state. However, the state does not have online sports betting platforms as it is not legal yet.

Colorado

The Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission and the Colorado Division of Gaming are the regulatory bodies for sports betting in Colorado. Sports betting, including retail and mobile wagering, became legal in this state in May 2020. The state has about 33 physical sportsbooks in operation.

Connecticut

The sports betting market in Connecticut became a reality in May 2021. It is regulated by the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Gaming Division, which regulates all legal gambling in the state.

Delaware

With sports betting legalized in June 2018, Delaware became one of the first states to launch legal sportsbooks after the federal ban was lifted. The state has licensed three casinos at the moment for operation. However, while physical sportsbooks are active in the state, there is no online sports betting platform.

Illinois

Sports betting became legalized in Illinois by June 2019. And it is presently regulated by The Illinois Gaming Board. There are currently seven land-based sportsbooks active in the state.

Indiana

The regulator for Indiana sports betting is the Indiana Gaming Commission. Sports betting in Indiana became legal in May 2019 and was launched in September 2019. Over 20 different sportsbooks offer retail and online sports betting in the state.

Iowa

Sports betting was launched in Iowa in May 2019. The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission regulates sports wagering in the state. Iowa sports betting takes place at 19 physical sportsbooks. There are also online wagering markets available.

Louisiana

Sports betting in Louisiana fully came to light in June 2021. The regulatory body is the Louisiana Gaming Control Board (LGCB). The first sportsbook was launched in January 2022, offering mobile and desktop sports wagering.

Kansas

The licensing body is the Kansas Lottery, while the regulating body is the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission (KRGC). Sports betting in Kansas was signed into law on May 12, 2022. The law will be in effect by July 1, 2022, with operators to launch on or before January 1, 2023.

Maine

On May 2, 2022, Governor Janet Mills signed Maine's sports betting bill into law. The Gambling Control Unit regulates this activity.

Maryland

The State Lottery and Gaming Control Agency regulate sports betting in Maryland. On May 18, 2021, Governor Harry Logan signed sports betting in the state into law.

Michigan

In 2019, the legislature approved sports betting in Michigan. The Michigan Gaming Control Board is in charge of sports betting regulation in the state. There are currently nine retail sportsbooks locations in the state.

Mississippi

Presently regulated by the Mississippi Gaming Commission (MGC), sports betting in Mississippi was legalized in August 2018. However, bets must be placed within the four walls of a casino. The state features 29 retail physical sportsbooks.

Montana

Sports betting in Montana became legal in March 2020. Though, online betting is restricted to certain areas of the state. Currently, Montana Lottery is the sole regulator overseeing the legal sports market in the state.

Nebraska

In 2021, Governor Ricketts signed a bill that creates a regulatory framework for in-person sports betting. The sports betting industry in Nebraska is expected to be regulated by the Nebraska State Racing and Gaming Commission.

Nevada

The Nevada Gaming Commission and Nevada Gaming Control Board oversee the gambling industry. Surprisingly, Nevada has been the only state where betting has been legal since 1949. As a result, it is regarded as the home of betting in the US.

New Hampshire

The New Hampshire Lottery Commission oversees and regulates sports betting in New Hampshire. The market was launched in December 2019, and this state frowns at underage and college-level betting. Players have to be 18+.

New Jersey

New Jersey was among the first to launch sports betting after the PASPA ruling. The Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) regulates sports betting in New Jersey. And sports betting was officially launched in the state on June 14, 2018.

New Mexico

Sports betting in New Mexico was launched in October 2018. The state offers and regulates retail wagering, but online sports betting is not available yet.

New York

On July 16, 2019, sports betting in New York was fully legalized following the ban lift. The governing body for sports betting is the New York State Gaming Commission. There are currently seven physical sportsbooks locations. However, online sports betting is yet to launch in the state.

North Carolina

Sports betting was fully legalized in North Carolina in June 2020. The North Carolina Lottery Commission is the regulatory body.

Oregon

After PASPA was judicially overturned in 2018, Oregon, which had a previous history of gambling, made sports betting legal in 2019. The Oregon Lottery oversees sports betting in the state.

Pennsylvania

November 2018 was a major turning point in legalizing sports betting in Pennsylvania. Retail and online wagering is offered at 30+ sportsbooks, and as of December 2020, about 90% of all sports wagers are placed via online sportsbooks. The Pennsylvania sports betting body is the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB).

Rhode Island

Sports betting started in Rhode Island in November 2018, and since then, many developments have occurred, like retail and online wagering offered at more than five sportsbooks. The Rhode Island Lottery regulates sports betting in the state.

South Dakota

South Dakota has the South Dakota Commission as the regulator for sports betting. In 2021, legislators finally legalized betting in the state.

Tennessee

Having taken off by November 1, 2020, with nearly five operators, the growth in sports betting in Tennessee is hindered by delays to incoming platforms getting their licenses. Retail wagering is currently legal and regulated in the state. Tennessee's Sports Wagering Advisory Committee is the regulator.

Virginia

Sports betting didn't become legal in Virginia until January 22, 2021. The Virginia Lottery is in charge of regulating the market. There is no physical sportsbook in the state yet, and online sports wagering is offered at only one sportsbook. More retail sportsbook locations are set to launch soon. 

Washington DC

Having launched in May 2020, Intralot – GamBetDC is the only legal and regulated sports betting option currently available in the whole state. The Office of Lottery and Gaming (OLG) strictly regulates sports betting in DC. But, players can also use BetMGM and Caesars if they're within the radius of the Nationals Park stadium.

West Virginia

In late August 2018, sports betting was legalized in the state of West Virginia. Since then, West Virginian bettors have been able to place bets on sports events legally. The West Virginia Lottery Commission is the regulator for sports betting here.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin legalized in-person sports betting on July 1, 2021. The Wisconsin Gaming Commission is likely to regulate sports betting in the state.

Wyoming

Sports betting became legal in Wyoming in April 2021 after the bill was signed into law by Gov. Mark Gordon. The sports betting market started with two bookmaker brands, DraftKings and BetMGM. Sports wagering and gambling in the state are regulated and governed by the Wyoming Gaming Commission.

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Robert Miller
Robert Miller robert@bettingguide.com

Robert is responsible for all content on BettingGuide US. Robert previously worked as a poker dealer during his college years at MIT where he studied Computational Science and Engineering. With a great interest in gambling, Robert likes to go in-depth when writing so that you can make a wiser choice when choosing an operator.

Last updated: 8/15/2022