Best Betting Sites for Novice and Seasoned US Sports Gamblers

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Online sports betting in the US is booming, and finding the best betting sites for you and your wagers can make all the difference. To identify the best options for you, we highlight what matters most to sports bettors – sharp odds, user-friendly platforms, reliable payouts, top sportsbook promos, and plenty of betting options. Below is a list of the top sports betting sites available.

Best Sports betting sites in the US

Rank
Sportsbooks
Bonus
Features
Play
1
Up to $1,500
In Bonus Bets
BetMGM Sportsbook Review
  • Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win*
  • *Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms. 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
  • Use Bonus Code: THELINES
2
Up to $1,000
In Bonus Bets
Bet365 Sportsbook Review
  • Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose
  • OR First Bet Safety Net up to $1,000
  • 30% Extra on Same Game Parlay Profit
  • T&Cs Apply. Gambling Problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER 21+
  • Use Bonus Code: THELINESVA
3
Bet $1, Double Your Winnings
On Next 10 Wagers
Caesars Sportsbook Review
  • Stream NFL Games In-App for Free
  • 21+ Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
  • Use Promo Code: THELINESDYW
4
Bet $5
Get $300
In Bonus Bets
FanDuel Sportsbook Review
  • Bet $5, Get $300 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins
  • Available on Desktop, Android & iOS
  • Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. 21+
  • To Claim: Click Play Now
5
Up to $100
In Bonus Bets
Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook Review
  • Up to $100 in Bonus Bets if First Your Bet Doesn't Win
  • Get Your Bets Boosted
  • 21+. Gambling Problem? Call/Text 1-800-Gambler. T&Cs apply
  • To Claim: Click Play Now
6
Up to $1,000
In No Sweat Bets
Fanatics Sportsbook Review
  • Bet and Get up to $1,000 in No Sweat Bets
  • Earn FanCash & Spend it on Team Swag or More Bets
  • 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
  • To Claim: Click Play Now
7
Up to $1,250 Bonus
New User Bonus. T&Cs Apply.
DraftKings Sportsbook Review
  • Bet & Get up to $200 in Bonus Bets
  • PLUS up to $1,000 Deposit Bonus
  • PLUS $50 Bonus Bet on Deposit
  • PLUS King of the End Zone Promo
  • Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

Key details for top betting sites

SportsbookWelcome OfferBonus Code
FanDuelGet $300 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins
Click to claim promo
bet365$1,000 Bonus!
THELINESVA
BetMGMWelcome Bonus up to $1,500THELINES
Fanatics Up to $1,000 in bonus betsClick to claim promo
Caesars Bet $1, Double Your Winnings on Next 10 WagersTHELINESDYW
Hard Rock Bet Get $100 in bonus bets if your first bet doesn’t winClick to claim promo 
DraftKingsGet up to $1,250 in bonuses + King of the End Zone PromoClick to claim promo
BetRivers$500 welcome bonus!LINESRIV
ESPN Bet Coming SoonN/A
Bally Bet Coming SoonN/A

Best Sports Betting Sites Reviewed

FanDuel 

FanDuel Sportsbook has been one of the most popular sportsbooks in the US for years now. FD offers perhaps the most well-reviewed app in the business, which has helped it 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 and help 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.

Right now, the book has a new welcome offer for new users: Bet $5, Get $300 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins. To claim, new users need to register, make a first-time deposit of $5 +, and then place their first real-money wager on any market (no odds limits) live on the platform. All users will receive $300 in Bonus Bets if their first bet wins within 72 hours of the bet settlement. No promo code is needed, click on the FanDuel Sportsbook link to get started.

bet365 

A big name in the international sports betting scene, bet365 Sportsbook is one of the top best betting sites that has just begun to stake its claim to the growing US 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. New users in most states can take advantage of one of two welcome offers: a First Bet Safety Net up to $1,000 OR a Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose*. These offers come with a simple 1x playthrough requirement for Bonus Bets.

The bonus code THELINESVA can be used during registration but does not change the offer amount in any way.

*Offer Terms and Conditions: Subject to meeting qualifying criteria. Bonus Bets expire after seven days. A $10 minimum deposit and a minimum $5 wager are required. The qualifying wager must have odds of -500 or longer. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. Available in-app only.

New Pennsylvania customers will instead receive a Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose offer, PLUS 50 spins.

BetMGM 

BetMGM Sportsbook is a top sports betting site with a fast, easy-to-use search bar at the top of the home page, so you can quickly find the sport, player, or team you want 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” 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 be useful when visiting MGM properties nationwide, including some of the best resorts in Las Vegas.

Fanatics 

Fanatics Sportsbook is a unique new sportsbook. The company’s origins are as a retailer of licensed sportswear. The book rewards new users with FanCash, which can be used for sports apparel purchases.

Fanatics offers betting markets for all the major sports in the US, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, and College Football Playoff quarterfinals. The book offers daily profit boosts and an extensive menu of popular parlays. Fanatics Sportsbook is currently available in nearly two dozen states, including North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Wyoming, and Vermont.

Caesars 

Caesars Sportsbook is a sports betting site with an easy-to-use interface. Big, clearly defined buttons correspond to each available sport on the top row. Click on a sport to see available markets and odds. There is also a shortcut to available profit boosts within the sports menu. At the bottom of the betting site, you can find a shortcut to available promos. This is where you’ll find all of the current promos Caesars Sportsbook has available.

Perhaps the best part about using Caesars Sportsbook is that its loyalty system is tied to Caesars Rewards. This lets you rack up status points and rewards points that can be redeemed at Caesars properties nationwide for free or discounted dining, hotel stays, and entertainment.

Hard Rock Bet

Hard Rock Bet has international brand recognition, but the sportsbook product needs to enter more markets before it can compete with the big boys among the best sports betting sites. At the moment, Hard Rock Bet is only live in nine states, including Florida, New Jersey, Iowa, Arizona, and Virginia. Having Grammy winner Post Malone as a pitchman should help attract new bettors.

Users will find markets for all of the major sports betting events, such as NFL, CFB Playoff, March Madness, NBA, MLB, and more. Hard Rock also offers a solid in-game betting menu. The welcome bonus available to new users is on the smaller side compared to other books mentioned on this page. At the same time, customers who decide to go with Hard Rock will find the sportsbook odds measure up with Caesars, BetMGM, and DraftKings.

DraftKings 

DraftKings Sportsbook remains one of the most popular sportsbooks in the US. The DK betting site 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. 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. 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.

BetRivers 

While not as nationally known as some of the other sportsbooks due to less marketing spend, BetRivers Sportsbook is one of the best options. 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. 

ESPN Bet

ESPN Bet is the only betting site on our list with ESPN branding. This means fans of the 24-hour sports network will find promos built around top ESPN personalities. On any given day, you might see a list of Mad Dog’s NFL Specials or boosts associated with Mike Greenberg. These are just a couple of examples. ESPN Bet’s biggest challenge is trying to gain a bigger market share in states where the app is live.

ESPN Bet, which replaced Barstool Sportsbook, is available in 19 states. Individual betting menus are easy to find by scrolling across the different options clearly displayed near the top. Existing customers can take advantage of 20% profit boosts and odds boosts broken down by the sports taking place each day.

Bally Bet Sportsbook

Bally Bet might not be on the same level as the other best sports betting sites listed above, but the brand hit the restart button last year by rolling out a new platform. Bally Bet is currently available in 10 states along with Ontario. The company has ditched the Bally Casino offering in favor of a combined Bally Sportsbook & Casino product.

The new layout is extremely user-friendly, with promos, boosts, and the parlay zone all clearly labeled. This is a great way for existing customers to find the best offers currently available. Boosts are broken down by sport.

Alternative Betting Sites to Consider

Depending on which state you call home, there might be alternative betting sites worth considering. Certain brands are exclusive to a particular jurisdiction. Here are a couple of examples that fall into this category.

Borgata Sports

Borgata Sports is a sister site of BetMGM and shares the same name as the flagship Atlantic City casino resort. The product is a joint venture between MGM Resorts International and Entain Holdings. Users will not find as many promos with Borgata Sportsbook compared to BetMGM, but the betting site highlights available futures associated with local teams. One example is the Eagles to win the Super Bowl (+180).

Crab Sports

The Crab Sports Sportsbook brand is exclusive to Maryland bettors. Major betting markets such as the NFL, NBA, NHL, and college basketball are all available. In terms of promos, the “Everyday SGP” promo gives bettors 50% bet insurance for their SGP wager.

Best betting sites rated by users

SportsbookiOS RatingGoogle Play Rating
Caesars 4.64.4
BetMGM4.84.5
BetRivers4.54.4
bet3654.74.6
FanDuel4.84.7
DraftKings4.84.6
Fanatics4.64.2

Sports Betting sites by state

StateOnline Sports Betting?Retail Sports Betting?Best Online Sportsbooks Available
Arizona SportsbooksYesYesDraftKings, BetMGM, and FanDuel
Arkansas SportsbooksYesYesN/A
Colorado SportsbooksYesYesDraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, and FanDuel
Connecticut SportsbooksYesYesDraftKings, FanDuel
Delaware SportsbooksNoYesN/A
Illinois SportsbooksYesYesDraftKings, Caesars, and FanDuel
Indiana SportsbooksYesYesDraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, and FanDuel
Iowa SportsbooksYesYesDraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars
Kansas SportsbooksYesYesDraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, and FanDuel
Kentucky SportsbooksYes Yes DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, and FanDuel
Louisiana SportsbooksYesYesDraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, and FanDuel
Maine SportsbooksYesComing SoonDraftKings, Caesars
Maryland SportsbooksYesYesDraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, and FanDuel
Massachusetts SportsbooksYesYesDraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, and FanDuel
Michigan SportsbooksYesYesDraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, and FanDuel
Mississippi SportsbooksNoYesN/A
Montana SportsbooksNo YesN/A
Nevada SportsbooksYesYesN/A
New Hampshire SportsbooksYesYesDraftKings
New Jersey SportsbooksYesYesDraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, and FanDuel
New Mexico SportsbooksNoYesN/A
North Carolina Sportsbooks
YesYesCaesars, FanDuel, BetMGM, and bet365
New York SportsbooksYesYesDraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, and FanDuel
Ohio SportsbooksYesYesDraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, and FanDuel
Oregon SportsbooksYesYesDraftKings
Pennsylvania SportsbooksYesYesDraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, and FanDuel
Rhode Island SportsbooksYesYesN/A
South Dakota SportsbooksNoYesN/A
TennesseeYesNoDraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, and FanDuel
Vermont SportsbooksYes NoDraftKings, FanDuel
Virginia SportsbooksYesYesDraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, and FanDuel
Washington, D.C. SportsbooksYesYesBetMGM, Caesars
West Virginia SportsbooksYesYesDraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, and FanDuel
Wisconsin SportsbooksNoYesN/A
Wyoming SportsbooksYesNoDraftKings, BetMGM, and FanDuel

Best betting site for each sport

Best Sports Betting Site for NFL

The NFL is the most popular sport to bet on in the USA. The best NFL betting site is FanDuel Sportsbook, as it sets the industry standard when it comes to Same Game Parlays. When you open the FanDuel Sportsbook app, NFL SGPs are ready and available for every game during the pro football season. The sportsbook has updated NFL conference championship odds to bet on now. FanDuel continues to offer SGP profit boost tokens for each round of the NFL Playoffs.

Top Sportsbook for NBA

You can bet on the NBA at any of the sportsbooks listed above, but the best user experience for pro basketball betting is at Caesars Sportsbook. After clicking on the NBA tab at the Caesars betting site, you will instantly see NBA Quick Picks that have odds boosts baked in. “Double Trouble” with +867 odds is one example in which a winning $10 bet would pay $86.70. In this case, the bettor needs Anthony Davis, Nikola Jokic, Josh Hart, Bam Adebayo, and Deandre Ayton each to record a double-double for the ticket to cash. You obviously don’t have to bet on these Caesars house specials, but savvy NBA bettors can use these bets as ideas to create a unique NBA parlay.

Best Sports Betting Site for Golf

Expert bettors know that golf betting can be the most lucrative sport to wager on. Picking the winner of a tournament featuring over 100 golfers is difficult, for sure, but that is reflected by the long odds for even big-name golfers like Scottie Scheffler or Xander Schauffele. One of the best golf betting sites is DraftKings, as the book is typically the first to post odds for upcoming tournaments such as The Masters and US Open. Getting a good number early in the week can be a huge advantage when betting on the PGA. Plus, 2025 golf specials like Jon Rahm to win a major in 2025 with +225 odds is one of the many options available now.

Top-Rated Spoorts Betting Site for Baseball

Baseball betting is increasingly popular due to the variety of live betting options available. BetRivers is the best betting site for MLB due mostly to its plethora of in-game baseball bets available. Bettors at BetRivers can garner big payouts if they nail a “player X to hit a home run” bet or an “outcome of next plate appearance” wager.

Best Sports Betting Site for Hockey

The best betting site for hockey betting is bet365. If you scroll over to the NHL tab on the bet365 site, you should immediately notice bet boosts available for a particular day. These bet boosts are typically 3 legs, and each includes the number of bets placed for a specific boost. As an added bonus, bet365 offers an early payout on straight bets if the team you bet on builds a 3-goal lead. The same rule applies to a parlay leg. It doesn’t matter if the team you bet on is winning 3-0 in the second period, but ends up losing in OT.

Best Sports Betting Site for College Football

Searching for specific college football games to bet on can be overwhelming at some sportsbooks due to the sheer volume of games being played each week. BetMGM makes it easy on bettors as it has color-coded helmet logos for each school. There is also a “Build Parlay” button in the bottom left corner of each game at BetMGM. When the new season begins later this year, bettors can expect to see stuff like College Football No Sweat Tokens, Lion’s Boosts, and more. For the Cotton Bowl Classic, BetMGM offered a boost in which Texas had to cover the +9.5 alternative spread, and over 48+ total points scored boosted to +150.

Best Canadian betting sites

SportsbookPromo CodePayout Speed
BetRiversPLAYRIV1 Hour
BetMGMN/A3 to 5 Days
DraftKingsN/A1 to 5 Days
bet365N/AInstant Payouts
Sports InteractionN/AInstant Payouts
BetVictorN/A2 to 5 Days

Most Popular Betting Sites for live betting

Live Betting is another great option available through the best betting sites. It adds an extra layer of excitement to the NFL or college basketball betting experience, especially if the game has many lead changes. With live betting, the odds will change after almost every play or possession throughout the game.

The team at TheLines views FanDuel as a prime option for live betting. One reason is the book regularly offers a 25% profit boost to use on a live NFL bet. Additionally, the top navigation bar includes a “live now” icon that informs bettors exactly how many live events are currently available for wagering. Plus, its menu is broken down by sport, making it even more user-friendly to find a specific event.

BetMGM is another top choice for those who prefer live betting. Look for a red light in the top left corner with the word “live” next to it, and you’ll see a number. Click on the button to find the menu broken down by football, basketball, hockey, soccer, table tennis, and more. Users also have the option of streaming certain events via a link clearly labeled at the top.

The experts at TheLines monitor and review the best sportsbooks. Our expert rankings, first and foremost, consider the best sportsbook promos for each day. Sportsbooks are constantly updating their welcome bonus offers and also have daily odds boosts. We rate the sites based on which have the best sign-up promos and daily profit boosts.

Another aspect of our rankings concerns how easy the betting sites are for the consumer to use. The betting experts at TheLines consider the interface of each site that we rank. Does the betting site allow bettors to easily create parlays? Does the betting site display its current promos well enough? How easy is it to find the games you most want to bet on?

In addition, TheLines staff rates the betting sites on how easy it is to deposit and withdraw funds. We consider which sites have the fastest payouts and the most variety of payment methods. Not all sites allow you to deposit and withdraw funds using credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Venmo. It’s certainly important to know your options before using a particular sportsbook.

Tips for selecting the right Sports betting site

For sports bettors, there are several factors to conider when selecting the right sports betting site. One of the most important ones is ensuring the site is licensed and regulated to guarantee a safe betting environment.

Another is comparing the best sportsbook promos and bonuses currently available to maximize your betting value. Look for a site with extensive sports coverage and betting options that match your preferences. A user-friendly interface and reliable app are crucial for a smooth betting experience.

Also, check for efficient payment methods and strong security measures. Reading user reviews can provide insights into the site’s overall reliability and customer satisfaction.

Sports Betting Sites vs retail sportsbooks

While the basic sports betting concept is the same at retail and online sportsbooks, there are some clear differences between the two options.

One of the biggest is the best betting sites offer welcome bonuses that are available once you create an account and make an initial deposit. At retail sportsbooks, there is no need to create an account as you just walk up to the betting window or kiosk and place bets.

Betting apps also offer outstanding promos to new and existing customers such as odds boosts or a SGP profit boost. The only way to get these deals at a retail book is the place your bet via the app.

Additionally, when using a mobile app, you avoid the long lines at the casino or racetrack as bettors try to get those wagers in just before kickoff.

Retail sportsbooks are more of an additional entertainment amenity in which bettors can sit back in a cozy chair and watch those bets unfold in a movie theater like viewing experience. Many casinos also offer food, drink, and table games inside the sportsbook space. Basically, it comes down to personal preference.

betting sites to avoid 

Thanks to the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) being overturned in 2018, the path was cleared for states to legalize sports betting. Each jurisdiction has a regulating body that makes sure the sports betting sites legal, safe, and secure. At the same time, some offshore and unregulated sportsbooks remain in operation, and it’s crucial to avoid these. The list includes:

  • Bovada
  • BetOnline.AG
  • MyBookie
  • Jazz Sports
  • SportsBetting.AG
  • BetUS

Legality of online sports betting in the US

The best online sports betting sites are currently legal in 30 states and the District of Columbia. While there aren’t any set launch dates, expect additional states like Missouri to join the fold. In 2018, the US Supreme Court overturned a federal ban, opening the door for states to legalize sports betting.

The decision to legalize sports betting is left in the hands of individual states, and often requires voters to approve the measure via a ballot question. Because of this, online sportsbook giants like Fanduel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Bet365, Fanatics, etc., have been able to thrive only in the states they’re allowed to operate in.

Responsible sports gambling 

Responsible Sports Gambling (RG) is a crucial component of online sports betting. This includes providing gamblers with the necessary tools to recognize limits and practice moderation. Each state’s regulatory body constantly monitors RG and often requires sportsbooks to display the RG logo on their platform.

By clicking on the RG logo, users will find several different tools to help practice responsible gambling, including:

  • Deposit limits
  • Wagering limits
  • Time limits
  • Ways to reach out if you’re concerned about a family member’s gambling habits.

Betting Sites FAQs

Is sports betting legal?

Sports betting is now legal in more than half of the US states. Some states only allow retail sports wagering, but most also offer online options that include the best betting sites highlighted above.

What types of bets can I place at online sportsbooks?

The best sportsbooks mentioned above – BetMGM, Caesars, FanDuel, and BetRivers – 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.

What are the most popular sports to bet on?

The NFL is king when it comes to sports betting. College football is another popular sport to bet on, especially with the new College Football Playoff. Bettors in the US also enjoy betting on the NBA, MLB, NHL, and college basketball.

What are the best betting sites?

The top-rated sites for sports are BetMGM, Caesars, BetRivers, and FanDuel.

What sports betting site has the biggest deposit bonus?

Sportsbook promotions change frequently, but Caesars, BetMGM, and BetRivers consistently offer the biggest deposit bonuses in the legal US market.

What is the most reliable sports betting site?

That may depend on which state you call home. All online sports betting sites have their pluses and minuses. You can probably find testimonials and horror stories alike online about each one. The best way to figure this out is to give a few of the top sports betting sites a trial run, then keep exploring to figure out which experience you like best.