Sports betting has taken the country by storm in recent years. This page will review the best sports betting sites for this month. The sports betting experts at TheLines have created a top 10 list below that includes Caesars Sportsbook and BetMGM.
Best Sports Betting Sites For VirginiaOctober 2023
Top 10 sports betting sites
The 10 best sports betting sites are Caesars, BetMGM, BetRivers and FanDuel. These sportsbooks offer premium sports betting promos and bonuses and have top-notch user experience and customer service. Cashing out is a painless process, and they offer a wide range of markets for betting. Most importantly, each one operates legally in the US, meaning your money is safe on a regulated sports betting website. Here are the top sports betting sites.
- 1. Caesars Sportsbook
- 2. BetMGM Sportsbook
- 3. BetRivers Sportsbook
- 4. FanDuel Sportsbook
- 5. Bet365 Sportsbook
- 6. Betway Sportsbook
- 7. PointsBet Sportsbook
- 8. Unibet Sportsbook
- 9. Betfred Sportsbook
- 10. DraftKings Sportsbook
1. Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars has an intuitive setup on its app, with big, clearly defined buttons corresponding to each available sport on the top row. Navigating to each one will let you see available markets, with big buttons marking each available wager with the price. There’s even a shortcut to available profit boosts right among the sports menu.
At the bottom, you can find a shortcut to available promos. In the top right, you’ll find relevant account information and settings.
Caesars also broke new ground in 2022 by becoming the first sportsbook app to livestream NFL games. That gives them an inside track for some unique in-app betting opportunities.
Perhaps the best part about using Caesars Sportsbook is they tie their loyalty system to Caesars Rewards. That lets you rack up status points and rewards points that can be redeemed at casinos nationwide.
Caesars NFL odds boost: Caesars has many odds boosts for this Sunday’s NFL games. Its Playoff Contender boost is Dolphins, Eagles, Steelers and Bengals all to win. It has been boosted to +700.
| Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code | THELINES1000 |
|---|---|
| Welcome Bonus | $1,000 First Bet on Caesars |
| Payout Speed | Up to 72 hours but “usually within a day or two.” Can take an additional 2-5 business days to reach account |
| Best App For | Loyalty rewards |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Web |
| Our Rating | 4.8 |
| Apple Rating | 4.6 |
| Google Rating | 4.4 |
Here are three more reasons why Caesars is a great option when shopping around for the best sportsbooks:
Caesars Rewards: The Caesars brand has long been associated with sports betting as Caesars Palace in Las Vegas has had a retail sportsbook for decades. You can earn discounts on a trip to Las Vegas and a stay at Caesars Palace by betting on the Caesars app through the sportsbook’s Rewards program.
NFL live streaming: Caesars is an official sports betting partner of the NFL and offers a new “NFL Watch and Bet” feature on the sportsbook app.
Caesars has the best odds: The sports betting experts at TheLines always encourage you to shop around for the best odds. Caesars often has the best odds available. For instance, if you wanted to bet the Dallas Cowboys to win the Super Bowl prior to the start of the NFL season Caesars Sportsbook had the best odds at +1500. Other betting sites had the Cowboys with +1300 or +1400 to win it all.
2. BetMGM Sportsbook
The BetMGM app features a fast, easy-to-use search bar right at the top so you can quickly find the sport or even the player or team you’re looking to bet on. There’s a quick nav bar right underneath that with the most popular sports, or you can click on the “Sports” button to the left of the search bar for the full list.
At the bottom of the app, hit “Promotions” and then select “Sports” at the top of the page to see a wide-ranging selection of promos. BetMGM has some of the most extensive promos and odds boosts in the industry.
Additionally, bettors can link their accounts to existing MGM Rewards accounts and rack up status that will come in handy when visiting MGM properties nation-wide, including some of the best resorts in Las Vegas.
BetMGM Sportsbook NFL Week 4 Specials: BetMGM Sportsbook is offering elevated odds on bets for the highest-scoring or lowest-scoring game or for the highest-scoring or lowest-scoring team on Sunday’s slate (excluding the Falcons-Jaguars game in London). Below are some of the noteworthy odds in each group:
- +1600 odds on a bet that the Patriots-Cowboys showdown is the highest-scoring game.
- +4000 odds on a bet that the Dolphins-Bills divisional clash is the lowest-scoring game.
- +5000 odds on a bet the Ravens are the highest-scoring team of the day in their matchup against the Browns.
- +5000 odds on a bet the Dolphins are the lowest-scoring team of the day in their matchup against Buffalo.
| BetMGM Sportsbook Promo Code | THELINES |
|---|---|
| Welcome Bonus | Up to $1,500 back in bonus bets if you don’t win (Excludes DC, MS, NY & ON). |
| Payout Speed | Review period of up to 5 days, then 1-4 business days depending on the method chosen |
| Best App For | Odds boosts |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Web |
| Our Rating | 4.8 |
| Apple Rating | 4.8 |
| Google Rating | 4.5 |
In addition to the reasons above as to why BetMGM is one of the best sports betting apps in the country, here are more great features:
Odds Boosts: BetMGM customers enjoy daily “Lion’s Boost” or boosted odds for MLB, NBA, and NFL games. If you think the Dodgers will beat the Brewers and the two teams will combine for 10 total runs, you might see +300 odds (boosted from +230). Like with a parlay, both legs of the Lion’s Boost must happen in order for the wager to pay out.
MGM Rewards: MGM Rewards accounts can be activated on the BetMGM sportsbook app. Gamblers earn rewards and tier credits that can be used for hotel stay and dining at Aria in Las Vegas, MGM National Harbor in Maryland or any of the other MGM properties across the US.
Betting Markets: Besides the major American pro sports, BetMGM offers odds for less popular betting markets such as beach volleyball, cricket, and snooker. As an added bonus, the sports menu has live events listed separately.
3. BetRivers Sportsbook
While not as nationally known as some of the other sportsbooks due to less marketing spend, BetRivers has carved out a solid portion of the market thanks to a strong app offering and a unique betting menu. Their “House Specials” option lets bettors shop some interesting markets that they may not find elsewhere.
Navigating the app is easy, and the program is responsive. The nav bar at the top lets you quickly scroll left and right through different sports, but the search bar is perhaps the most useful part of the app. Just type in a team, for example, and you can find all relevant markets including futures.
At the bottom of the app, you can hit “Promotions” and browse a large selection of options. You can even add your own bonuses via the “Bonus Store” by trading in some of your BetRivers rewards points.
BetRivers Sportsbook Quick Picks: BetRivers is offering multiple same-game parlays for Sunday’s NFL Week 4 games, including:
- A four-leg same-game parlay for Sunday’s Bills-Dolphins showdown that carries +2800 odds and cashes if the Dolphins’ Raheem Mosert and Tyreek Hill and the Bills’ Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis all score at least one touchdown apiece.
- A three-leg same-game parlay for Sunday night’s Chiefs-Jets primetime battle that carries +540 odds and cashes if the Chiefs’ win the game outright, and both Kansas City’s Travis Kelce and Isiah Pacheco each score a touchdown.
| BetRivers Sportsbook Promo Code | LINESRIV |
|---|---|
| Welcome Bonus | Second chance bet up to $250 in CO, NJ. Second chance bet up to $100 in AZ, IA, OH, WV. |
| Payout Speed | “Typically processed within 24 hours,” then available within 30 minutes via PayPal, 2-5 business days via eCheck/online transfer |
| Best App For | House special betting options |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Web |
| Our Rating | 4.6 |
| Apple Rating | 4.5 |
| Google Rating | 4.4 |
4. FanDuel Sportsbook
One of the first big names in mobile betting and still one of the best. FanDuel Sportsbook offers perhaps the most well-reviewed app in the business, which has helped them claim the largest slice of the revenue pie.
The interface features snazzy, colorful print and logos that stand out compared to the drab nature of some of the competition. A quick nav bar at the top can take you right to popular sports, as well as helping you check out current promos and boosts.
Popular same-game parlays are a hit and a highlight on FanDuel. The bets, which often have mega-payout potential, have been copied by many competitors. But, FanDuel arguably still does them the best, showing the payouts for each individual bet in the parlay to give added price transparency.
FanDuel Sportsbook Sunday Red Zone Specials: FanDuel Sportsbook is offering multiple boosted prop and parlay bets based on touchdown scoring for Sunday’s Week 4 games, including:
- A bet with +300 odds that cashes if any four of the 49ers’ Christian McCaffrey, the Cowboys’ Tony Pollard, the Vikings’ Justin Jefferson, the Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase and the Chiefs’ Travis Kelce score a touchdown in their respective Week 4 games.
- A bet with +1000 odds that cashes if the 49ers’ Brock Purdy, the Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa and the Steelers’ Kenny Pickett combine to throw for 8+ touchdowns during their respective Week 4 games.
| FanDuel Sportsbook | Click to claim promo |
|---|---|
| Welcome Bonus | Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets |
| Payout Speed | As fast as 24 hours for debit card withdrawals, up to 7-10 business days via check |
| Best App For | Same-game parlays |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Web |
| Our Rating | 4.6 |
| Apple Rating | 4.8 |
| Google Rating | 4.7 |
Here are some more top reasons as to why FanDuel is such a great sports betting app:
Same Game Parlays: FanDuel does a great job of highlighting the most popular SGP available each day, making the info extremely easy to find when opening the app. It also shows a running total of how many people have placed the wager.
Market leader: FanDuel has quickly established a reputation of being one of the top-performing brands in every market it enters in terms of handle and revenue.
Promos: The promo menu on the FD sportsbook app is one of the strongest out there. Besides the welcome offer, new and existing customers can choose from MLB profit boosts, bonus bets, and the unique free chicken dinners.
5. Bet365 Sportsbook
A big name in the international sports betting scene, bet365 has just begun to stake its claim to the growing U.S. market.
Set up like many betting apps with quick navigation to various sports at the top, the first thing you might notice is a distinct international flair to some of the offerings. Sports like snooker, darts and cricket have a place among the top billing. If you like to bet on what most Americans would call niche sports, bet365 has a market for you.
The most user-friendly part of the bet365 experience certainly comes from the sign-up bonus, one that new bettors and those working with smaller bankrolls will welcome. A mere $1 wager brings back $365 in bonus bets, a ratio you can’t find anywhere else. The offer is available in Colorado, Iowa, Kentucky, New Jersey, Ohio, and Virginia.
| Bet365 Sportsbook Promo Code | CO, IA, KY, NJ, OH & VA (Use state specific promo codes listed below) |
|---|---|
| State specific Bet365 Promo Codes | Colorado: THELINESCO Iowa: THELINESIA Kentucky: THELINESKY New Jersey: THELINESNJ Ohio: THELINESOH Virginia: THELINESVA |
| Welcome Bonus | Bet $1 and Get $365 in Bonus Bets in Colorado, Iowa, Kentucky, New Jersey, Ohio, Virginia |
| Payout Speed | As little as 2 hours via VISA direct, as many as 5 business days on certain other methods |
| Best App For | Generous sign-up bonus for new bettors |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Web |
| Our Rating | 4.3 |
| Apple Rating | 4.7 |
| Google Rating | 2.0 |
Here are more reasons why the sports betting experts at TheLines love Bet365:
Welcome offer: Bet365 awards $365 worth of bonus bets no matter if bettors win or lose that first $1 wager. This is different from many competitors where the initial wager needs to be a losing bet to unlock the bonus.
Early payout: Depending on the sport, Bet365 will declare a moneyline bet a winner before the game ends if the team you wagered builds a large lead. For MLB games, the early payout happens if the team you bet on goes up by five runs.
Parlay boosts: Bet365 users will find daily parlay boosts for as much as 70%. The offers are easy to find when opening the app.
6. Betway Sportsbook
Betway has the same amount of top sports available to bet on as the sportsbooks listed above. This book has daily offers in the form of “Betway Boosts,” which are odds boosts on specific parlay bets and prop bets.
The Betway sports betting app also has a “Cash Out” option, which puts the bettor in control. You can get your winnings before a game finishes if it’s looking like you’re on your way to victory early on but don’t want to risk a comeback. Or you can cut your losses if you anticipate an “L” while the game is taking place.
Betway was founded in 2006 and has strong roots in the European marketplace. It is available in Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
| Betway Promo Code | Click To Claim Promo |
|---|---|
| Welcome Bonus | First bet reset up to $250 back in bonus bets if your first bet loses (Excludes Ohio). Bet $20, Get a $40 Bonus Bet on Your First Wager (Ohio only). |
| Payout Speed | Up to 48 hours for processing, then depends on withdrawal method |
| Best App For | In-game cash out |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Web |
| Our Rating | 4.1 |
| Apple Rating | 4.7 |
| Google Rating | 4.6 |
7. PointsBet Sportsbook
PointsBet stands out among its competitors due to its unique, eponymous PointsBet offering. Users can make wagers that “scale” – that is, bets that win by greater margins pay out more, and bets that lose by greater margins deduct more. Be sure to research PointsBetting and see if it’s a good option for you.
Naturally, PointsBet also offers normal betting markets, but even there, they stand out with reduced juice in many cases, giving customers a better value on their money.
To use the app, the best way to find a market is the search function at the bottom of the page. Once you click the desired sport, find the game you’re looking for, and you can make a bet. Or, click that game, and you can change from fixed odds to PointsBetting.
| PointsBet Promo Code | None – Use Links |
|---|---|
| Welcome Bonus | Get up to $1,000 in Second Chance Bets |
| Payout Speed | Up to 2 business days via PayPal, up to 5 business days for bank transfer/eCheck |
| Best App For | Prop bettors, price shopping |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Web |
| Our Rating | 4.3 |
| Apple Rating | 4.8 |
| Google Rating | 4.7 |
8. Unibet Sportsbook
Unibet is new to most in the United States, but in Europe it has been a staple of legal sports betting for decades. The sportsbook mostly sticks to its European roots as sports such as soccer, tennis and cricket are prominently featured on the book’s homepage.
Unibet has “matchday specials,” most often called “odds boosts” in the US, most every day for futbol matches. The book also allows its users to bet on esports.
Of course, Unibet doesn’t want to be on the outside looking in when it comes to American sports betting. The sportsbook allows you to bet on all of the most popular sports in the United States, including the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL.
| Unibet Promo Code | Click To Claim Promo |
|---|---|
| Welcome Bonus | Up to $500 Insured First Bet |
| Payout Speed | Up to 48 hours for processing, then depends on withdrawal method |
| Best App For | Soccer betting |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Web |
| Our Rating | 4.0 |
| Apple Rating | 4.4 |
| Google Rating | 4.5 |
9. Betfred Sportsbook
Betfred is a fantastic option when it comes to sports betting. The book is currently available in Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington.
Betfred has European roots and has been around for decades. It was founded north of England way back in 1967 and is a betting staple in Europe.
The book has a healthy welcome bonus offer and has market for all of the most wagered-on sports in the US including the NFL, NBA and college football.
| Betfred Sportsbook Promo Code | BETBONUS |
|---|---|
| Welcome Bonus | Up to $1,111 in bonus bets |
| Payout Speed | Within 1-2 days |
| Best App For | Safety |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Web |
| Our Rating | 4.6 |
| Apple Rating | 4.5 |
| Google Rating | 4.5 |
Some of the best features about Betfred are highlighted below.
Trusted betting site: Betfred has been operating in Europe for over half a century. It is just getting its foothold in the US but can be trusted as a safe betting site.
Welcome bonus offer: Betfred has a welcome bonus offer that stacks up against all of the competitors listed here.
10. DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings Sportsbook can be a bit overwhelming when you first open the app, with buttons everywhere and splashy ads to sell you on recommended parlays and boosts. But once you get the hang of how to use it, DraftKings has a pretty easy-to-use interface.
The cleanest sports selection will come from the “All Sports” button at the bottom menu. Once there, it’s easy to find your sport of choice and then the bet you want to make. In the top left corner, you can browse all the relevant settings and personalize your account, including setting responsible betting limits.
DraftKings Sportsbook has become a market leader for a reason and belongs on any list of the best sports betting sites. Additionally, they’re often one of the first places to find betting odds, meaning you can get in the action early while the lines are most profitable.
DraftKings Sportsbook All Sunday Profit Boost: DraftKings Sportsbook is offering a single-use 25% Profit Boost Token to use with on any NFL bet for games taking place Sunday, 10/1. Maximum bet is $25 and there is a minimum odds requirement of -500 or longer per leg when used on a same-game parlay bet. Each customer is only allowed one Profit Boost Token during the promotional period. Boost must be selected in the bet slip before wager is finalized in order to be active. Cash out bets and voided bets are ineligible for the promotion.
| DraftKings Sportsbook Promo Code | Click to claim promo |
|---|---|
| Welcome Bonus | Get up to $1,250 in bonuses including a $50 bonus bet with $5 deposit (excludes MA). Bet $5, Get $200 in MA. |
| Payout Speed | Usually just a few hours with PayPal. Other methods as long as 5-7 business days. DraftKings cashouts processed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET daily. |
| Best App For | Live betting |
| Platforms | iOS, Android, Web |
| Our Rating | 4.9 |
| Apple Rating | 4.8 |
| Google Rating | 4.6 |
There is so much more to love about DraftKings sports betting. Here are more reasons why DK is one of the best options when wagering:
Live betting: The DraftKings Sportsbook app includes an “In-Game” icon where bettors will see the exact number of live betting markets currently available.
Unique markets: In states where bets are permitted, DraftKings is the place to find Academy Award odds months before the Best Picture nominations are even announced. The sportsbook also is the place bettors can find odds for the annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating contest.
Shared wallet: DraftKings daily fantasy sports, DK horse, and online casino customers have the ability to share their funds between the four different products. This means the winnings from the Kentucky Derby bet can be used to wager on Kansas City Chiefs to cover the spread versus the Denver Broncos.
Best Kentucky Sports Betting Sites
Kentucky sports betting went live on September 28, and sportsbooks released their sign-up offers for new customers, featuring up to thousands of dollars in bonus bets.
BetMGM Kentucky
Right now, users who sign up for BetMGM Kentucky can get up to $1500 in bonus bets back if their first wager loses with promo code THELINES. Customers who claim this offer will not be eligible for future new user offers.
Bet365 Kentucky
New Bet365 Kentucky users who sign up for the sportsbook will get a Bet $1, Get $365 offer when they they sign up using code THELINESKY.
FanDuel Kentucky
New FanDuel users who sign up for the sportsbook will get a “Bet $5, Get $200” in bonus bets offer.
Caesars Kentucky
New Caesars KY users can bet $50 and get $250 in bonus bets when they sign up with code THELINESGET.
DraftKings Kentucky
When creating a new account, new customers to DraftKings can score up to $1,250 in bonuses plus three No Brainer Offers when using the link below.
Other betting sites
Sports betting in the United States is a rapidly growing industry with more and more online sportsbooks popping up. One of the big brand names that we will soon see among the big boys of the industry is Fanatics Sportsbook. Other betting sites that may soon crack our top 10 sports betting sites list as well are Hard Rock Sportsbook and/or Bally Bet.
Some states have yet to legalize online sports betting. In many of those states, daily fantasy sports and free-to-play social betting sites offer sports fans an alternative to real money online wagering, like these California betting sites.
How to choose a sports betting site that’s right for you
Choosing the best sports betting site for you is a process that depends on a variety of factors. As one can see in the reviews above, different online sportsbooks have different strengths, which may appeal to different types of customers.
Factors like welcome bonus, customer service, ease of use, availability, and many more should play a role in where you decide to take the majority of your business.
Ultimately, though, the best thing to do is spread your bankroll around to several highly regarded sportsbooks.
Take advantage of each welcome bonus to maximize your bankroll. And after that, you’ll have several outlets through which you can line shop, getting the best price on your bets. This is a key strategy if you want have success. Getting better prices can add hundreds to thousands of dollars to your bankroll long-term. Consider that if you get +105 instead of +100 on 100 winnings bets, that’s an extra $500 in your pocket.
States with legal online sports betting
Legal sports betting in the U.S. was, for decades, constrained primarily to Nevada. After New Jersey’s challenge to national sports betting law succeeded in 2018, the doors opened up to any state that wished to pass legislation.
Thus far, that has been more states than not. Thirty-four states (plus DC) have legalized some form of sports betting as of September 2023. While three of those have yet to sustainably launch, that still means more than half of U.S. states offer legal betting.
Twenty-five jurisdictions have legal online sports betting:
- Arizona betting apps
- Arkansa sports betting apps
- Colorado sports betting apps
- Connecticut sports betting
- Illinois sports betting sites
- Indiana sports betting sites
- Iowa sports betting
- Kentucky sports betting apps
- Louisiana sports betting
- Maryland sports betting apps
- Massachusetts sports betting apps
- Michigan sports betting sites
- Montana sports betting
- Nevada sports betting
- New Hampshire sports betting sites
- New Jersey sports betting sites
- New York sports betting apps
- Ohio sports bettting sites
- Oregon sports betting
- Pennsylvania sports betting sites
- Rhode Island sports betting sites
- Tennessee sports betting
- Virginia sports betting sites
- West Virginia sports betting
- Washington, D.C.
- Wyoming sports betting
States with only retail betting
Additionally, some states have passed sports betting laws that legalize retail (in-person) betting, but have yet to launch legal online betting. Obviously, this constrains the size of the market, since the majority of bets are made via mobile devices. It remains to be seen if these states will amend their laws at some time in the future.
Here are the states with retail betting, but no mobile betting:
- Delaware
- Mississippi
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Washington
Sports Betting in Other States
Sports Betting Legalized but not Active
Some states have officially legalized sports betting, but the market has yet to launch. Whether due to regulatory hang-ups or just having no real urgency to expedite things, these states are biding their time but will be collecting tax revenue sooner rather than later:
- Florida sports betting apps
- Maine
- Nebraska
- Virginia
An exception would be Florida. The situation there is more complex due to the nature of gambling in Florida – the state must operate within the bounds of compacts with the Seminoles. While sports betting briefly launched there in 2021, it’s back on ice as a court battle rages between the state and the tribal interests. That could potentially take years to play out.
Sports Betting Legislation in Progress
Still other states have live bills or ballot initiatives that could potentially bring legal betting. While success rates have been fairly high in recent years, there’s certainly no guarantee the legislation passes. But, we could see sports betting in the near future in the following states:
- California sports betting apps
- Missouri
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Texas sports betting apps
Of these, most industry pundits tab Missouri as the most likely to get something to the finish line.
Getting started making legal online sports bets isn’t hard, exactly, but it does involve a multi-step process.
How to bet using Online Sports Betting Sites
To start betting online there are a few things you need to make sure of. Make sure you are up to date on knowing all of the new online sportsbooks available. You will need to be of legal age for sports betting in the state that you are physically located in. Last, you need to be physically in a state with legal online sports betting.
Creating Your Sportsbook Account
When signing up for a new sportsbook account, you will need some key information and documentation handy. Before you do anything, make sure you copy down the relevant promo code above for the site in question, which will enable you to get the best sportsbook promotions available.
You will need to provide your name, email, phone number, address, date of birth and social security number. Then, the online betting operator will verify your info, which should only take a few moments.
While creating your account you’ll need to choose a payment method. Debit cards, credit cards, Venmo and Paypal are typically available at most sportsbooks. Be sure to check out credit card betting sites before wagering.
Different Kinds of Odds and Types of Bets
Looking at an online sportsbook for the first time can feel overwhelming. There are numbers and names everywhere. Depending on the app, a bunch of them may be color-coded and even moving in real-time if looking at a live-betting interface.
So, it’s nice to know what you’re looking for going in.
Basic futures bets include Super Bowl odds. These typically look like Eagles (+750) or Bills (+900).
When betting on individual games you’ll notice lots of three-digit numbers with a plus or minus sign in front of them, -110 likely being the most common. This denotes the price, using what’s called “American odds.” Simply put, these are the prices scaled to a $100 bet, with plus indicating an underdog ($100 wins more than $100) and minus indicating a favorite (you must be more than $100 to win $100). For example:
- Jacksonville Jaguars +370
- Kansas City Chiefs -460
The Chiefs are favored, so you need to bet $460 for every $100 you hope to win. Since the Jaguars are underdogs, every $100 you wager will net you $370 if they win.
In most cases, spread bets will be priced -110 both ways, since there’s a handicap that makes the team’s theoretically about even. So, you pay the sportsbook what’s called vigorish (“juice”) no matter which side you bet.
Generally most bets can be categorized into spread (or handicap) betting, moneyline betting (which team or athlete will win), over under (totals) betting, and futures betting. Each has its own ins and outs, which you can learn from the linked pages.
How to Bet on the NFL
Betting on the NFL usually means betting spreads, totals and moneylines. Spread betting is by far the most common way to wager on the NFL. Make sure you read up on things likey key numbers and important metrics like EPA. That will arm you with info you need to make informed bets.
Live, or in-play, betting is also incredibly popular in the NFL. These wagers, made during the course of play instead of before the game, enable bettors to ride the swings of the game as each team makes adjustments and gains momentum in the contest.
American football is a very live-friendly product due to the frequent stoppages of play.
How to Bet on the NBA
Betting the NBA means sticking with a long grind of a season. It means discipline and diligent attention paid to injuries, as the night-to-night movement of players in and out of NBA lineups move lines like absolutely nothing else short of superstar QB injuries. It also means paying attention to scheduling swings, as rest advantages or disadvantages can pay huge dividends. Bettors must keep on top of changing NBA betting odds to have a shot at winning.
How to Bet on College Sports
While betting on college sports is very popular – more popular than pro sports in certain parts of the country – be aware that laws can vary here on a state-by-state basis. You may not have access to bets involving in-state colleges or taking place at in-state venues, depending on your location. Entire subsets of bets, like player props, may be unavailable to you.
Be sure to read up on local regulations so you know what to expect when betting on college sports.
Online betting sites FAQ
Sports betting is now legal in more than half of the states in the US. Some states only allow for retail sports wagering but most also have online options.
The best sportsbooks mentioned above – BetMGM, Caesars, FanDuel and PointsBet – allow you to bet on most major sports and many niche sports. The types of bets you can place include spread betting, moneyline betting, over under betting and same-game parlays.
The NFL is king when it comes to sports betting. College football is also one of the popular sports to bet on. Bettors in the US also enjoy betting on the NBA, MLB, NHL and college basketball.
Online sportsbooks give you easy withdrawal options. Most books will deposit money into your bank account instantly when you opt to withdraw money. Many online betting sites will send you a check in the mail upon request as well.
All top US sportsbooks like BetMGM, Caesars, BetRivers and FanDuel have awesome deposit bonuses. These bonuses are often worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars in bonuses.
The best online sports betting sites for sports are BetMGM, Caesars, BetRivers and FanDuel.
Minimum deposits at sportsbooks vary but anywhere from a $5 deposit to a $25 minimum is standard. FanDuel lets you deposit $5 minimum while Caesars Sportsbook has a $20 minimum, for example.
Sportsbook promotions change all the time but FanDuel, Caesars and BetMGM consistently have the biggest deposit bonuses available in the legal US market.
Caesars will give new users a bonus bet and a deposit bonus. BetMGM will also give you a large bonus upon sign-up.
That may depend on where you are located. All online sports betting sites have their pluses and minuses. You can probably find testimonials and horror stories alike online about each one.
The bottom line is, the best way to figure this out is to decide on a few to give your business to at the start, then keep exploring to figure out which experience you like best.
Other Sports Betting Options
If legal online sports betting doesn’t exist in your state, then you can try free-to-play games like FOX Super 6 and SI Perfect 10. Daily fantasy sports is also legal in some places that have yet to add sports betting, and operators like FanDuel and DraftKings still provide an outlet.
Online Sports Betting Bonuses & Promos Explained
Online sports betting operators use many different types of promotions to encourage bettors to give them business instead of wagering with competitors. These online sports betting promos can take many different forms.
Oftentimes, but not always, they’ll add value to your betting experience.
Here’s a list of some different types of promos, what they mean, and how they work. You may find even more sports betting bonuses than these in your betting journey.
First-bet insurance: Be aware that despite terminology in some areas, these are not free. Free means you get something for nothing, but in most cases with first-bet insurance promos, you must lose your first wager for the promo to kick in. In that case, the operator will match some percent of your bets (often 100%) in site credit. You can use this site credit to make more bets, but you can only cash out the winnings of said bets.
Odds boosts: Usually these promos take a regular wager and give it some more value by cutting the price. It’s essentially a sale. Sometimes, the boost is a parlay. For example, Caesars Sportsbook is offering +400 on Giants QB Daniel Jones to exceed 249.5 yards and 1.5 TD passes in the NFL playoffs against the Eagles. Much like shopping at Costco, be aware that this doesn’t always add value. Make sure you do some research on what the market prices for the boosted bet(s) are so you can tell the real boosts from the fakes.
Site credit/bonuses: Sometimes, operators will reward you for making certain bets by giving you site credit. For example, one year, FanDuel offered a promo on NFL futures. Bettors who made a bet on a team to win the Super Bowl would get $5 in site credit for every game that team won in the regular season. Much like the bets mentioned above, you’ll only keep your winnings from these bets in most cases.
Refunds/parlay insurance: Refunds can take a variety of forms and be offered for a variety of reasons. “Parlay insurance” is a pretty common promo where the sportsbook returns your bet (sometimes as site credit) if you bet a parlay that meets certain conditions and it loses. Another example from BetMGM this NBA season has the site offering a 50% refund (up to $10) for customers who bet on “First Basket” markets in certain NBA games and lose. Occasionally, sportsbooks will even give customers their money back if they suffer a particularly excruciating loss on an unlucky finish. But, don’t count on it.
Regulated Sportsbooks vs Offshore Betting Sites
Many online sportsbooks attempt to disguise themselves as legitimate operations, when they are in fact offshore companies operating illegally in the U.S. Unregulated offshore betting operations may offer enticing odds and friendly sign-up bonuses in some instances, but bettors should be aware of the dangers involved.
There are many instances of offshore betting companies simply shutting down shop and defaulting on everyone’s outstanding balances. That’s the biggest threat. At any moment, they could cut and run with your money. Without responsible regulators (tax haven island authorities don’t meet this threshold), nothing is stopping them and you have no recourse.
By the same token, if you ever have a dispute with an offshore betting company, you also have no recourse. You just have to hope they throw you a bone. If not, you’re stuck with their ruling on any dispute, without any ability to escalate it to a neutral third-party regulator.
Betting on legal, regulated sites offers protection for the customer. Your funds are safe, you can feel comfortable that your personal information is being stored responsibly, and you have the ability to get a fair shake if you ever feel wronged.
If you’re ever unsure of the credentials of a betting site, keep your money in your pocket. Do more research until you find yourself 100% you’re depositing money with a legal operator.
Safety When Using Sports Betting Websites
Beyond just betting with legal and regulated sportsbooks, bettors should be aware of responsible gambling parameters. Use of techniques like bankroll management and tools like self-imposed limits will help keep betting fun and engaging, rather than frustrating and destructive.
You can find entire books and websites devoted to these sorts of topics. Always remain aware that betting on sports, like any gambling, can be harmful and addictive if done in the wrong doses and/or the wrong ways.
Avoid wagering when feeling emotional or when under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Use responsible betting limits, and if you find yourself overly upset after losses, try reducing your stake or taking a break altogether until you feel at ease.
For most people, betting should be entertainment. If they win, that’s great. If they lose, it should be with disposable income. While it’s definitely possible to win and make money, it isn’t easy, and usually requires discipline, research and/or diligent attention to market movement. Respect the market and bet responsibly.
If you or someone you know needs responsible gambling resources, you can reach the organization by calling or texting 1-800-522-4700.