The Best Sports Betting Sites

It is easy to get confused when you are looking for the best online sportsbooks. There are so many websites and sportsbooks to choose from, so we’ve put together a list of the best betting sites available. This guide is out there to really help you win.

Best Online Sportsbooks

How We Pick Our Top Sportsbooks

Selecting the ultimate betting platform is a difficult task, as each platform offers something different, so here is the criteria we lay out when choosing sportsbooks.

Type of Bets

First and foremost players should consider the different types of bets. The most basic bet in sports is what is called a straight bet or a moneyline bet. A betting line, referred to as a point spread is set and the player can choose to bet on a particular team or athlete to win the game outright. Odds will vary depending on who is favourite to win or who is the underdog. The game is decided only on who wins the event outright.

Spread betting are wagers that are made against the spread. The spread, or line, is a number assigned by the bookmakers which handicaps one team and favors another when two teams play each other and one is perceived as being more likely to win. The favorite "takes" points from the final score and the underdog "gives" points. This number can also be in increments of half-a-point (.5) even though very few sports have .5 point scoring (i.e., The Ryder Cup), in order to avoid the possibility of a tie.

Total (Over/Under) bets are wagers made based on the total score between both teams. Example, if an MLB game has a total of 10.5, an over bettor will want the combined total to be greater, and the opposite for a bettor taking the under. If the combined total is the same as the proposed total, the bet is a push. Most sportsbooks refund all wagers on pushes, though a minority counts them as losses.

Proposition bets are wagers made on a very specific outcome of a match not related to the final score, usually of a statistical nature. Examples include predicting the number of goals a star player scores in an association football match, betting whether a player will run for a certain number of yards in an American football game, or wagering that a baseball player on one team will accumulate more hits than another player on the opposing team.

A parlay involves multiple bets that rewards successful bettors with a greater payout only if all bets in the parlay win. A parlay is at least two bets, but can be as many as the bookmaker will allow.

An if bet consists of at least two straight bets joined together by an if clause which determines the wager process. If the player's first selection complies with the condition (clause), then the second selection will have action; if the second selection complies with the condition, then the third selection will have action and so on.

There are many, many more types of bets, but these are the most common.

Trustworthiness

The next and perhaps the most important part in the selection of Sportsbooks is the trustworthiness factor. A betting platform can be trusted completely by its players when it's safe and legal, with the correct licensing. A platform which is not transparent is bound to give rise to unnecessary complications and lead to a less than satisfactory gambling experience.

Odds and Lines

The next point of clarity must be focused on odds and lines. They refer to the probability of success of a bet and how much resources can be accumulated by the payout. It’s worth comparing the market and looking at which platforms offer the best odds for your team.

Bonuses, Promotions and Rewards

Often platforms attract new users with incentives. These incentives present themselves in terms of rewards and bonuses, and also promotional activities. It’s worth shopping around to see who is offering the greatest bonuses and rewards

Usability

The usability is a mark of a well established sportsbook. This helps players gain a sense of interest in the betting, and they won’t be put off by difficult interfaces.

Deposit and Withdrawal Options

Security and transparency are of utmost importance when it comes to online Sportsbooks. But the deposit and withdrawal options also have to be easy, so that you can fund your account and get betting and claim your winnings without hassle.

Customer Service

The effective running and functioning of any organization depends upon customer satisfaction. Online Sportsbooks are no different as customer service is an important parameter when it comes to choosing the best game experience.

Live Betting and Live Streaming

With the advent of independent content creators, the need for live betting and live-streaming platforms are almost always in the rise. These are also complemented by a good mobile version of the application.

Additional Features

Along with these, there are certain additional features like transparency and audience reviews which come into play while selecting the best online sportsbooks.

Online Sports Betting in the USA: Where is it Legal?

To be able to place bets on any sportsbooks, you have to check out which state has legalized sports betting in the US in the first place. Also, do check if the sportsbook you are using has their license in the state before placing any bet. Some differences in the law have given certain states the right to start legal sports betting centers inside their borders, like Colorado sports betting and Tennessee sports betting becoming live, and then some states like Virginia, Michigan, and Maryland are almost there at starting online betting processes.

With the PASPA Act being lifted, several states have decided to allow sports betting legally and this has been a move that has included previously rigid states like Utah, Hawaii and Vermont.

Nevada at one point of time, was one of the few states that allowed sports betting legally all over the US. This changed in May 2018 with a landmark decision by the Supreme Court. 

How To Bet On Sports In The US?

Do you really understand what sports betting means? There are so many benefits to it, but you must know the basics of the business first.

The first thing after the registration process, which we will explain a bit later, is to pick who you think will win. If they win, you win too!

Sports betting is usually possible for all sport games in the US with the favorites being basketball, football, soccer, boxing, ice hockey, and baseball. Not your type of sport? Do not fret because there are sportsbooks that  provide you betting options in sports like combat sports (UFC), golf, tennis, and NASCAR. Certain sportsbooks also give you the option to bet on handball, bowling, croquet, and even volleyball.

However, you must always realize that there is indeed risk involved in placing a bet on anything!

Choose Your Sportsbook

The sportsbook that you choose might just be your pathway to success. It may be online or offline, in casinos with large screens that show you the odds and exactly what you get if your bet is a winner. Online sportsbooks are great because they also let you remain anonymous, should you want. Moreover, with just a few clicks, you are open to a wide range of sports and possibilities like never before! For ratings of the best sports betting platforms, check our table above.

Register With A Sportsbook

Registering with a sportsbook is actually very easy. Just click on a tab and enter your details including the level at which you belong in the betting circuit.

Fund Your Account

It is important that you fund your account with enough money to place a substantial bet that will earn you a handsome return. For beginners, start with small bets as that will ensure you do not lose a huge sum of money at one go, without really understanding the odds of betting.

Place Your First Bet

For this you need to understand the odds that are involved. The odds are low, high and even. These depend on who you're placing the bet on, how reliable they are and how much money you will be rewarded with if the bet works out in your favor. For low odds, the reliability is high, but the payout is low. For high, it is just the opposite. However, the idea for beginners is to place a bet on even odds that gets you both money and reliability.

Withdraw Your Funds

Once you have placed your bet, and won, you get to withdraw all the funds that you win. If you didn't win, then bad luck, but you can always try again.

Popular US Sports Betting Events

NFL Betting

NFL Playoffs are the betting season for everyone. Teams just have one chance to proceed to the next round or face elimination. The action is intense because of the Wild Card Weekend meaning that a lower seeded team could knock out a division winner and be in with a chance of making the Super Bowl!

NBA Betting

The NBA basketball finals are great with a dramatic best-of-seven game series to determine the league champion, bringing some of the world’s biggest franchises into contention.

MLB Betting

This is the only real series for baseball fans to bet on. However, after the strike of 1994, the MLB( Major League Baseball) has seen drops in betting.

NHL Betting

People who love ice hockey bet on the ultimate ice hockey competition in the US. From October to June, till the Stanley Cup gets awarded, bettors have plenty of action to bet on.

NCAA Betting

• College Football Betting (NCAAF): This begins the weekend just after Labour Day and fans live for this. There are no end of betting options and this increases with the Bowl season that has 39 games to bet on.
• March Madness: The NCAA Basketball Tournament gets the vote for the second most crowded season for all sports bettors. These include two weeks in March  with four weekends of betting action.

Online Sportsbook Bonuses

Just like other businesses, online sportsbooks also need their customers. So, they give you special perks and that help you with betting and give you reason to come back over and over again.

• Welcome Bonus: This is the deposit bonus for beginners that rewards you as much as 100% of your first deposit.
• Free Bet: Some sites will give you a free wager on a certain game or event.
• Referrals: Some sites offer a bonus if you convince the people you know to give them a shot. These are commonly available.
• Risk-Free Bet: This lets you place a bet with the peace of mind that you will get your money back even if you lose the bet. It is usually a welcome gift.
• Boosted Odds: Want to increase your profit after winning by up to 40%? Then this is just the bonus coupon you need.
• Parlay Bonuses: If your bet is successful, you  get a parlay bonus of 5 to 70% depending on the number of your selections.
• Loyalty Program: Are you a seasoned bettor or are you planning to be one? Sportsbooks always serve their loyal patrons well, which means that there are hundreds of offers that you will get if you continue on with them.

FAQ - Online Sports Betting

HOW TO BET ON SPORTS IN THE US?

The first step to becoming a sports bettor in the US is to recognize where you can do so legally and where it will be a fun way to get money. The next step is to choose the correct sportsbook. For that, you need to check the bonuses available and the odds they offer. Be aware that betting always has risks, ones that you might just end up enjoying.

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR SPORTSBOOK?

The following rules will help you choose the ideal sportsbook:

• Check the betting offers: what kind of bets do they allow?
• Bonuses: Does the website have a loyalty program or welcome bonuses for you?
• The interface: Is the website easy to use and available for all kinds of electronic devices?
• Funding and withdrawing: Is the website as fast at depositing as it is at withdrawing your winnings?
• Reputation: How trustworthy is the sportsbook?
• Customer first: Is there a 24×7 customer service helpline for any troubleshooting needs?
• Currency to be used: Always check if you can use USD.
• Language available: You need to be able to understand the odds so settle for nothing less than English.

HOW TO REGISTER WITH A SPORTSBOOK?

The rules below will help you to register:

• First, choose a reliable sportsbook to bet in.
• Enter your information which usually includes username, password, full name and email address.
• Submit some documentation to verify that you are a real person.
• Deposit some cash to start betting.

IS ONLINE BETTING LEGAL IN THE US?

It depends on the state you are betting in. There are great welcome offers in the states of New Jersey, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Illinois, West Virginia, Colorado, and Tennessee.

WHAT IS THE BEST SPORTS BETTING SITE IN THE US?

Some of the best sports betting sites in the US are:

• DraftKing
• FanDuel
• Caesars
• PointsBet

ARE SPORTS BETTING APPS SAFE?

The simple answer is yes, but there are obviously a few scams to look out for. Firstly, never place a bet with an illegal bookie. That being said, look out for red flags in sports betting apps which might include glossed over information regarding withdrawal, pushy salespeople or huge reward promises.

HOW DO I OPEN AN ACCOUNT WITH AN ONLINE BETTING SITE?

To open an account with an online betting site, you'll need to create a username, a password, and give some details like your full name, your email address and a security question. You will have to provide documentation to confirm your identity. All this being genuine, you can start depositing and place your first bet.