Online sports betting is one of the most popular and exciting ways to enjoy your favorite sports and events. Whether you are a fan of the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, or any other sport, you can find a variety of betting options and markets to suit your preferences and skills. However, online sports betting is not legal in all states, and there are some important things you need to know before you start placing your bets.
In this article, we will cover the following topics:
• The legal status of online sports betting in the USA
• The best online sports betting sites and apps in the USA
• The benefits and risks of online sports betting
• The types of bets and odds you can find online
• The tips and strategies to improve your online sports betting experience
The Legal Status of Online Sports Betting in the USA
Online sports betting is regulated at the state level in the USA, which means that each state has its own laws and rules regarding the activity. As of February 2024, there are 29 states plus Washington, DC that have legalized online sports betting in some form. These states are:
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Michigan
• Mississippi
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wyoming
However, not all of these states have launched online sports betting yet, and some of them have restrictions or limitations on the types of bets, sports, or operators that are allowed. For example, some states only allow online sports betting through tribal casinos, while others only allow online sports betting on professional sports, not college or amateur sports. Therefore, it is important to check the specific laws and regulations of your state before you start betting online.
Additionally, there are 11 states that have legalized sports betting in some form, but have not yet authorized online sports betting. These states are:
• Alaska
• California
• Hawaii
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• Minnesota
• Nebraska
• Ohio
• Vermont
These states may launch online sports betting in the future, depending on the legislative process and the public opinion. However, until then, you cannot legally bet online in these states.
Finally, there are 10 states that have not legalized sports betting at all, and have no plans to do so in the near future. These states are:
• Alabama
• Georgia
• Idaho
• Missouri
• North Dakota
• Oklahoma
• South Carolina
• Texas
• Utah
• Wisconsin
These states have either constitutional or statutory bans on gambling, or have strong opposition from religious or political groups. Therefore, you cannot legally bet online or offline in these states.
The Best Online Sports Betting Sites and Apps in the USA
If you are in a state that allows online sports betting, you have a wide range of options to choose from when it comes to online sports betting sites and apps. However, not all of them are equally reliable, safe, and user-friendly. Therefore, you need to do some research and comparison before you sign up and deposit your money.
To help you with that, we have reviewed and ranked the best online sports betting sites and apps in the USA, based on the following criteria:
• Reputation and trustworthiness
• Licensing and regulation
• Security and privacy
• Customer service and support
• Banking options and speed
• Bonuses and promotions
• Variety and quality of sports and bets
• Odds and payouts
• User interface and design
• Mobile compatibility and functionality
Based on our analysis, here are the top 10 online sports betting sites and apps in the USA:
FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel is one of the most popular and reputable online sports betting sites in the USA, with a smooth and intuitive interface, a wide range of sports and bets, and generous bonuses and promotions. New customers can claim $150 in bonus bets if they win their first $5 wager after signing up.
DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings is another leading online sports betting site in the USA, with a similar level of quality and variety as FanDuel. DraftKings also has a Parlay Builder tool that makes it easy to assemble parlays for almost any game. New users can get a bonus bet back up to $1,000 if their first wager loses.
BetMGM Sportsbook
BetMGM is a well-known and trusted brand in the gambling industry, with a user-friendly and attractive online sports betting site and app. BetMGM also has some of the best live-betting odds and casino integration. New players at BetMGM can grab $150 in bonus bets after placing a $5 wager (win or lose).
Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars is another established and respected name in the gambling world, with a comprehensive and competitive online sports betting site and app. Caesars has the most extensive array of odds boosts in the industry, and also offers live streaming of NFL games. New users can claim a bonus bet up to $1,000.
Bet365
Bet365 is a British-based gambling company with an outstanding global reputation and presence. Bet365 offers a superb online sports betting site and app, with extensive live betting options, more markets than any other sportsbook, and one of the best apps in the industry. New customers can claim up to $1,000 in bonuses.
Fanatics Sportsbook
Fanatics is one of the newest online sports betting sites in the USA, launched in 2023 as a rebrand of PointsBet. Fanatics offers a unique and innovative online sports betting site and app, with features like PointsBetting, Name a Bet, and Karma Kommittee. New users can earn up to $1,000 in bonus bets.
BetRivers Sportsbook
BetRivers is a reliable and reputable online sports betting site and app, with competitive odds across all markets, a well-organized live betting section, and a loyalty program that rewards you for your betting activity. New users can get up to $250 in bonus bets.
Betway Sportsbook
Betway is another British-based gambling company that has expanded to the US market, with a massive selection of markets, an easy-to-use interface, and a wide variety of banking options. New users can get up to $250 in bonus bets.
ClutchBet Sportsbook
ClutchBet is a new and promising online sports betting site and app, with a great user interface, a deep selection of bets in major sports, and ongoing promotions for recurring players. New users can get up to $250 in bonus bets.
The Benefits and Risks of Online Sports Betting
Online sports betting can be a fun and rewarding activity, but it also comes with some benefits and risks that you need to be aware of. Here are some of the pros and cons of online sports betting:
Benefits
• Convenience: Online sports betting allows you to bet anytime and anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection and a compatible device. You don’t have to travel to a physical location, wait in line, or deal with cash. You can also access a variety of sports and bets that may not be available offline.
• Choice: Online sports betting gives you more choice and flexibility when it comes to betting options and markets. You can compare odds and lines between different online sports betting sites and apps, and find the best value for your wager. You can also place different types of bets, such as live bets, parlays, teasers, props, futures, and more.
• Bonuses: Online sports betting offers you more opportunities to boost your bankroll and increase your winnings, thanks to the bonuses and promotions that online sports betting sites and apps offer. You can take advantage of welcome bonuses, free bets, odds boosts, cashback, loyalty programs, and more.
• Information: Online sports betting gives you access to more information and resources that can help you make better and more informed betting decisions. You can research and analyze the stats, trends, news, and opinions of experts and other bettors, and use tools and features that can enhance your betting experience.
Risks
• Addiction: Online sports betting can be addictive, especially if you have a gambling problem or a tendency to chase losses. Online sports betting can make it easier to lose track of time and money, and to bet more than you can afford. Online sports betting can also affect your mental and physical health, as well as your personal and professional relationships.
• Fraud: Online sports betting can expose you to fraud, scams, and identity theft, especially if you use unlicensed or unregulated online sports betting sites and apps. You may encounter rigged games, unfair odds, delayed or denied payments, or stolen personal and financial information. You may also fall victim to phishing, malware, or hacking attacks.
• Legal: Online sports betting can be illegal, depending on where you live and where you bet. You may face fines, penalties, or prosecution if you bet online in a state that does not allow it, or if you use online sports betting sites and apps that are not licensed or regulated. You may also have difficulty withdrawing your winnings, enforcing your rights, or resolving disputes if you encounter any issues with an online sports betting operator.
• Financial: Online sports betting can be risky and unpredictable, and you can lose money quickly if you are not careful. You may also encounter hidden fees, high commissions, unfavorable odds, or other costs that can eat into your profits. Online sports betting can also affect your credit score, insurance premiums, taxes, and other financial aspects of your life.
Overall, online sports betting can be a fun and exciting way to enjoy your favorite sports and events, and to potentially make some extra money. However, it is important to approach online sports betting responsibly and cautiously, and to be aware of the legal, financial, and personal risks involved.
The Types of Bets and Odds You Can Find Online
Online sports betting offers a wide variety of bets and odds that you can choose from, depending on the sports, events, and markets you are interested in. Here are some of the most common types of bets and odds you can find online:
• Moneyline: A moneyline bet is a straightforward bet on which team or player will win a game or match, without any point spread involved. Moneyline odds are presented as positive or negative numbers, indicating the potential payout or risk of the bet.
• Point Spread: A point spread bet is a wager on the margin of victory in a game or match, with the favorite team or player handicapped by a certain number of points, and the underdog team or player given the same number of points. Point spread odds are presented as positive or negative numbers, indicating the favorite and underdog.
• Totals (Over/Under): A totals bet, also known as an over/under bet, is a wager on the total combined score of both teams or players in a game or match, regardless of the outcome. Totals odds are presented as a single number, and you can bet on whether the actual total score will be over or under that number.
• Parlays: A parlay bet is a combination of two or more individual bets, where all of the selections must win for the bet to be successful. Parlay odds are calculated by multiplying the odds of each individual selection together, resulting in a potentially higher payout than if you had bet on each selection separately.
• Teasers: A teaser bet is a type of parlay bet where you can adjust the point spread or totals in your favor, but at the cost of reduced odds and potential payout. Teaser odds vary depending on the number of teams or players involved, as well as the amount of points you tease.
• Props: A prop bet, short for proposition bet, is a wager on a specific event or outcome within a game or match, such as the first team to score, the total number of touchdowns, or the player to score the most points. Prop odds can vary widely and may be offered as positive or negative numbers.
• Futures: A futures bet is a wager on the outcome of a future event or season, such as the winner of the Super Bowl, the MVP of the NBA Finals, or the total number of wins by a team. Futures odds are presented as positive or negative numbers, and can change over time as the event or season progresses.
These are just a few examples of the types of bets and odds you can find online, and there are many more options available depending on the sports, events, and markets you are interested in. It is important to understand the rules and payouts of each type of bet, as well as the factors that can affect the odds, such as injuries, weather conditions, and public perception.
Tips and Strategies to Improve Your Online Sports Betting Experience
If you want to be successful and profitable in online sports betting, it is important to have a solid understanding of the sports, events, and markets you are betting on, as well as the strategies and techniques that can help you make better and more informed betting decisions. Here are some tips and strategies to improve your online sports betting experience:
• Do Your Research: Before you place any bets, take the time to research and analyze the teams, players, coaches, matchups, trends, statistics, and other relevant factors that can affect the outcome of a game or match. Use reliable sources of information, such as sportsbooks, sports websites, and expert analysis, and consider the context and significance of the game or match.
• Manage Your Bankroll: Set a budget for your online sports betting activities, and stick to it regardless of whether you win or lose. Only bet with money that you can afford to lose, and avoid chasing losses or betting more than you can afford. Consider using a staking plan or betting strategy to help you manage your bankroll effectively and responsibly.
• Shop Around for the Best Odds: Take the time to compare the odds and lines offered by different online sports betting sites and apps, and look for the best value for your wagers. Even small differences in odds can make a big difference in your overall profitability, so it pays to shop around and find the best prices.
• Take Advantage of Bonuses and Promotions: Online sports betting sites and apps offer a variety of bonuses and promotions to attract new customers and reward existing ones. Take advantage of these offers to boost your bankroll and increase your winnings, but be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully and understand the requirements and restrictions.
• Understand the Risks: Online sports betting is not a guaranteed way to make money, and there are risks involved that you need to be aware of. Understand the risks of addiction, fraud, legal issues, and financial losses, and take steps to mitigate them by betting responsibly, using licensed and regulated operators, and seeking help if you need it.
• Learn from Your Mistakes: No one is perfect, and everyone makes mistakes from time to time. If you have a losing streak or make a bad bet, don’t dwell on it or let it affect your future decisions. Instead, learn from your mistakes, analyze what went wrong, and use that knowledge to improve your online sports betting skills and strategies.
Final Words: Elevate Your Online Sports Betting Journey with Confidence
By following these tips and strategies, you can improve your online sports betting experience and increase your chances of success and profitability. Remember to bet responsibly, stay informed, and enjoy the excitement and thrill of betting on your favorite sports and events.
