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The Best Betting Sites for US Players in December 2024

Written by: Declan Willis

Fact checked by: Martin Pramatarov

Do you want to find the best betting sites for US players that offer competitive odds, great bonuses, and diversity? Who wouldn’t want to register at the top gambling platforms but deciding which ones to sign up for seems easier than it really is. Here we help you with our recommendations for the leading sportsbooks you can rely on by explaining their main features and what to expect as a registered user.

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The top sports betting sites in the USA

Verified by: Declan Willis Author at GameZinger.com
Last updated: 17.12.2024
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Many states have already legalized sports betting and others are on the way. It is getting easier to place bets on your favorite teams and have even more fun while watching the game. You can even download a betting app for your iPhone or Android device to play from anywhere.

The competition in the online sports gambling market is stronger than ever. And that’s good news for you. The best platforms are fighting for your attention. They are bringing outstanding bonuses, adding extra features like live streaming for no extra cost. Many of the sites even follow the Responsible Gambling philosophy and provide you a bet safety net, so you don’t lose a big amount of money, but choosing one could be a real challenge.

We combine a list of the top sports betting sites for you, all of which have excellent offers. Go ahead and check them out, and if you want to know how we chose exactly these ones, keep on reading and find out more about our reviewing process.

Where is sports betting legal in the US?

If you’re eager to explore your gambling options in the United States, you’ll want to know where sports wagers on the internet are legal. Thankfully, the landscape has evolved in recent years, offering more opportunities for enthusiasts like you.

Currently, the following states have embraced online sports wagering:

These have recognized the demand for this activity from enthusiasts and have taken steps to legalize and regulate it. This means you can place your wagers conveniently from your computer or mobile device without needing to visit a physical sportsbook.

With the growth of the industry, bettors have more flexibility and convenience in their activities, and now can explore a wide array of activities they follow. From traditional favorites like football and basketball to niche sports and international competitions.

So, if you’re keen on engaging in legal betting, rest assured that there are plenty of opportunities available to you in various states across the USA. Take advantage of the convenience and excitement of digital wagering while staying within the bounds of the law.

US StateOnline Sports Betting Legal?Land-based Sports Betting Legal?State Review
AlabamaNoNoAL online betting
AlaskaNoNoAK online betting
ArizonaYesYesAZ online betting
ArkansasYesYesAR online betting
CaliforniaNoNoCA online betting
ColoradoYesYesCO online betting
ConnecticutYesYesCT online betting
DelawareYesYesDE online betting
FloridaYesYesFL online betting
GeorgiaNoNoGA online betting
HawaiiNoNoHI online betting
IdahoNoNoID online betting
IllinoisYesYesIL online betting
IndianaYesYesIN online betting
IowaYesYesIA online betting
KansasYesYesKS online betting
KentuckyYesYesKY online betting
LouisianaYesYesLA online betting
MaineYesYesME online betting
MarylandYesYesMD online betting
MassachusettsYesYesMA online betting
MichiganYesYesMI online betting
MinnesotaNoNoMN online betting
MississippiYesYesMS online betting
MissouriNoNoMO online betting
MontanaYesYesMT online betting
NebraskaNoYesNE online betting
NevadaYesYesNV online betting
New HampshireYesYesNH online betting
New JerseyYesYesNJ online betting
New MexicoNoYesNM online betting
New YorkYesYesNY online betting
North CarolinaYesYesNC online betting
North DakotaNoYesND online betting
OhioYesYesOH online betting
OklahomaNoYesOK online betting
OregonYesYesOR online betting
PennsylvaniaYesYesPA online betting
Rhode IslandYesYesRI online betting
South CarolinaNoNoSC online betting
South DakotaYesYesSD online betting
TennesseeYesNoTN online betting
TexasNoNoTX online betting
UtahNoNoUT online betting
VermontYesYesVT online betting
VirginiaYesYesVA online betting
WashingtonYesYesWA online betting
Washington DCYesYesDC online betting
West VirginiaYesYesWV online betting
WisconsinYesYesWI online betting
WyomingYesYesWY online betting

History of USA sports betting legalization

The betting landscape in the United States has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past several decades. Being largely illegal for much of the 20th century, it was further constrained by the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) of 1992.

The tide began to turn in the early 21st century as public opinion changed, and states looked for new sources of revenue. In a pivotal 2018 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down PASPA, granting every state the authority to regulate its sports wagering.

This ruling opened a wave of legalization, with numerous states quickly allowing betting on sports in various forms. New Jersey led this way spreading also to Pennsylvania, Michigan, Illinois, and many others following suit. Let’s explore the history of sports betting regulation in the United States as we delve into the key milestones and the socio-economic implications of these changes.

Pre-20th Century sports betting

Back then, placing bets on horse racing was a popular pastime across the USA. You could easily find it in Delaware, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and many more states. However, concerns about corruption and morality led to widespread gambling bans, including on sports betting, were enacted in the early 20th century.

Legalization in Nevada in 1949

After the dark days of prohibition, in 1949, Nevada became the first state to make modern sports betting lawful. The state’s goal was to attract tourists to its casinos and revitalize the economy. And sure, it worked out! Plenty of tourists started coming, and now Nevada is one of the best-known gambling destinations. There are almost no people in the world who don’t know Las Vegas as a key casino and gambling destination.

Federal Restrictions

The federal government couldn’t make up its mind. More restrictions came to ban both sports and casino gambling in America. The 1961 Wire Act and the 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) largely prohibited sports betting outside Nevada. During that time, Nevada was a safe spot, a true haven for sports enthusiasts. The regulation of sports wagering was put on hold for a long time after PASPA.

PASPA Overturned

Many fans were already out of hope and thought that legal betting was a thing of the past. They enjoyed the major sporting events but could not wager any bet.

In a landmark decision in 2018, the Supreme Court struck down PASPA, allowing states to legalize sports betting at their discretion—paving the way for the future’s legalization. So, online gambling was starting to develop. Just a bit later, the first US sports betting sites started to develop.

State-by-State Legalization and the start of online sports betting sites

Since PASPA’s repeal, numerous states have taken steps in regulating sports gambling, both land-based and online as a way to generate revenue and control a previously underground industry. Some of the most trusted sports betting sites we know, and love today have started doing business. If you are wondering which are these, scroll up to the beginning of this page, and check them out.

How we rate

Writing sportsbook reviews is not easy. First, we need to find licensed and safe online betting sites. Then, we carefully investigate each aspect of their services, check for apps, and evaluate them based on our strict criteria. We strive to provide top-notch reviews that will satisfy your curiosity and answer all your questions.

License

The first thing each bettor should do is choose a legally operating platform such as Caesars Sportsbook, Fanatics Sportsbook, FanDuel Sportsbook, BetMGM Sportsbook, DraftKings Sportsbook, or another. It must hold a valid license for providing such services for each state it operates in, guaranteeing that the site is regulated. If this condition is met, you can bet without worrying about becoming a victim of fraud.

Betting odds

The sports gambling scene is very competitive, and every operator does wonders to attract players’ attention. One of the best ways to get new bettors is to offer very competitive odds. Sometimes, sportsbooks offer special odds-boosting bonuses that can increase your chances even more. We pay attention to online bookies’ odds for for the same games and compare them. After evaluating all their offers, we can recommend only the best ones for you. The sites that offer the minimum odds we rate lower on our charts.

Betting types

It’s important to consider not only the wagering odds but also the betting types. If you are a master strategist, you can create sophisticated bets on a game and gain far more than a simple single bet. Most sites already offer Moneyline, Point Spread, over/under (Total), Parlay, Proposition (Prop), Futures Betting, and more. We want to provide you with choices and an exciting experience by ranking the sites that offer wider choices higher.

Promotions and bonuses

Without checking the sportsbook bonuses, we can’t tell you which ones are the best. Online wagering gets really interesting when there are generous promotions and good chances for success. All sites are competing for your attention with attractive offers that we investigate and check their wagering requirements. After careful evaluation, we determine how good these promotions are and use them to form the final score for each online sportsbook. We also collect all relevant sportsbook promo codes so you can benefit from the best bonuses right from the start.

Live betting

For many sports buffs, the answer to the question “Which online betting site is the best?” is the explicit “The one with the best live betting.” There is no stronger adrenaline than watching your favorite team play and being able to bet as the game progresses.

Imagine this:

Time is running out. Your team is behind. It looks like there is nothing that can save the game. The odds are against your team. At that moment, you decide to put a grand on your team winning. Yes, nothing points towards their win, but you know. Deep down, you know that this is the case. They are going to make it. Just seconds before the end and sco-o-o-re! Your team made it. Your heart is beating like a train. What a feeling!

Online sportsbooks with live betting can be the most exciting way to bet. We check all such options and the odds they offer and show you the best of them.

Live streaming

Recently, the leading internet sportsbooks in the USA have started adding live-streaming features. You don’t need any cable TV, an online ESPN subscription, or any other source anymore. The top US betting sites usually provide free live streaming to their platforms combined with live betting to give you the best experience you can get. We evaluate such platforms highly and put them high on our charts.

Payouts

Bettors often overlook payment methods, but they are important, too. You should be able to deposit money easily, and there should be as little friction as possible when you want to start betting for real money. We give higher scores to sportsbooks that offer a wide variety of deposit methods and fast transactions.

Sports bettors should also be able to withdraw their winning easily. These transactions are usually a bit slower because they need to pass through verification, but still, the faster they are, the higher score we give to the respective gambling sites.

Additional features

The digital sports betting industry in the USA is intense. Many states have legal options, and each can be seen as a separate market since bettors can wager only inside their state of residence. All sports markets compete for the attention of the end users by offering exclusive features. One can offer curated news about your favorite sports, while another can provide live coverage of the important events. The Gamezinger.com team evaluates these differences and adds extra points when there is a precious or unique extra feature.

Sports diversity

We rate the websites based on the diversity of sports you can bet on. The more, the better. It is really important to cover all the popular sports in the USA and provide international competitions.

Football

Football is the most important sport in the USA, and it must be present on the top-rated platforms. It feels like a serious omission if a site lacks it, and we can’t put such an operator on the top of our lists. The National Football League (NFL) is necessary to be present in all sports betting markets, while college football is a plus.

Basketball

Of course, basketball should also be available at all of the trusted online sports betting sites. You can find NBA (National Basketball Association), college and intentional basketball. The more options a site has for your preferred sport, the better.

Baseball

No US sports betting site can brag to be worth it without offering baseball for placing wagers. No doubt, Major League Baseball (MLB) is deserving of your attention. You can find all kinds of sports bets and have more fun while watching.

Ice Hockey

Having the ice hockey betting option is important for all US residents. Many would choose National Hockey League (NHL) games to try their luck and test their skills and knowledge. Being able to wager on the Stanley Cup playoffs is an opportunity that few ice hockey fans would miss.

Daily fantasy sports

If you don’t know what daily fantasy sports (DFS) is, it’s a simulated game based on statistics where you can create your dream team out of the players you want and let the team take part in tournaments. But keep in mind that not all websites offer daily fantasy sports, so when we see it present, we add additional points to the ranking of the sportsbooks in question.

E-Sports

E-sports are still not as popular as traditional sports in the USA. Surely, you can find some gambling websites offering Dota 2, League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), Fortnite, Overwatch, Call of Duty, or FIFA, but it is not something typical you can expect. That’s why such operators get extra points in our reviews.

Horse Racing

Betting on horse races was one of the first sports in the USA to have become legal and regulated. Although it has always been popular in the country, it is not legalized in all states yet, so there are some limits. Of course there are online sportsbooks that provide horse race betting, but it all depends on where they are allowed to operate in.

Soccer

The best online betting sites in the USA normally include soccer. Although it is not one of the top sports in the US, there are quite exciting leagues and tournaments worldwide. That is especially true in Europe. Many of the top-rated wagering sites offer betting on soccer, which gives you additional options to win.

Online sports betting site of the month

There are plenty of legal wagering platforms in the USA that compete by offering more and more sports to choose from. On their websites and apps you can expect to find MMA, football, basketball, soccer, tennis, baseball, boxing, Formula 1, NASCAR, snooker, and much more. But how can you choose one among all these top betting websites in the USA?

Don’t worry. We have the perfect choice for you. This betting odds provider has shown an excellent selection of sports. It also has an amazing welcome bonus and additional promotions that are worth your time. Check it out and enjoy all of its features.

Casino Rating4.9/5
WELCOME BONUS Up to $1,500 Paid Back in Bonus Bets
Payment Methods
Secure LinkVisit Casino Website
Significant TermsTerms & Conditions apply

More about the top betting sites and apps

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BetMGM sportsbook

BetMGM is one of the top dogs in the US gambling market, having earned its reputation by providing excellent service both as an online casino and sports betting operator. BetMGM sportsbook boasts an outstanding portfolio by offering an excellent user-friendly site and a mobile sportsbook app that is just as good. Using it, you can pick from many different wagering options, including money lines, point spreads, totals, parlays, props, futures, and more.

You should also check the live streaming and live betting, which is something that only a few other sports digital betting portals offer right now. So, it is worth at least giving a glimpse. In our opinion, the BetMGM sportsbook is one of the top ones in the US right now. We recommend you check BetMGM Casino as well.

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Fanduel sportsbook

Fanduel Sportsbook is another of the stellar internet wagering operator open to Americans. It offers similar services to BetMGM’s, with live streaming, live betting, a superb selection of betting options, and responsive customer service.

We were pleased with the Fanduel sportsbook app as all the actions inside it were easy. We also liked the selection of sports you can bet on. Overall, it is a first-class brand and service provider.

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Caesars sportsbook

Caesars Sportsbook is another popular sportsbook available in many states, including AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, NC, NJ, NY, NV, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, and WY (+ DC). It offers competitive odds on a wide range of sports. Thanks to the industry’s intense competition, most betting apps and sites in the USA provide excellent odds. Caesars is a very good choice for all of those playing in the USA.

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Fanatics sportsbook

Fanatics Sportsbook is another legal betting site that operates in the following states: CO, CT, IA, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, MI, NC, NY, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, and WV. Its sign-up bonus that can give you up to $1000 bonus bets, a very good number for the US sports wagering industry. Just like most of the previously mentioned brands, this one also has live betting and live streaming. You can enjoy its casino site as well and play the casino games you like.

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How to sign up and start betting

  1. First, find trusted online sports betting sites.The easiest is to check Gamezinger.com’s top chart at the beginning. That way, you will have plenty of choices instantly.
  2. Choose one platform.After reviewing trusted online bookmakers, select the one that best suits your taste. Check the bonuses, the available sports to bet on, and additional features before making the final decision.
  3. Create an account.The process is simple. You just need to register with your real name and email and verify your account. Later, you will need to prove your identity by sharing your ID with the sports betting site.
  4. Deposit.Some betting portals offer free bonus bets, but if you want to have many exciting moments while gambling, you must move some money to your account. Search for the Cashier or Deposit button. Check the payment methods and find the one that best suits you. Cash in and start betting.
  5. Claim the welcome bonus.Remember to get all the bonus bets, sign up deals, and additional promotions the site offers. Sometimes, you need to add a promo code when you deposit so you can benefit from the bonus bets. We list the promo codes for each sportsbook on our top charts to save you some time and make your betting experience easier and faster.
  6. Bet and have fun.Remember, betting is all about having fun. It is not a job. Follow the Responsible online betting practices and have a balanced experience. Don’t overspend, and use healthy betting limits. Enjoy your favorite games, and add a bit of extra adrenaline with small bets.

Advantages of online sports betting

  • ConvenienceYou can access it anytime, anywhere, with an internet connection, allowing you to place wagers from wherever you like.
  • Variety of optionsThe digital bookmakers offer a wide range of sports, leagues, and betting markets to choose from. The options often exceed the sports available inside the country.
  • Competitive oddsSince you can access all available sites, you can find the best odds for the game you prefer.
  • Bonuses and promotionsThanks to the strong competition in the industry, you can benefit from many sports betting bonuses and promotions.
  • Live bettingAlmost all online platforms feature live betting options, which allow you to place wagers in real time during games and events.
  • Live streamingEven if you are not in a mood for wagering, many of these betting operators offer free live streaming you can benefit from just watching the games.
  • Information and analysisGet more information about the games. Read analysis from the top sports experts and make more educated wagers.
  • Secure transactionsMany safe betting apps and sites take extra measures to ensure your safety while banking and whole experience.

Most popular types of online bets

Moneyline bets

It’s the simplest type of sportsbook bet where you just choose which team, or player will win a given sporting event.

Parlay bets

These are also known as same game parleys that combine multiple individual bets into one big single wager, with the condition that all selections must win for you to get a payout. The same game parleys offer a higher potential reward but with higher risk involved.

Point spread bets

You can bet on a margin of victory in a game by wagering on whether the favorite team or player will win by more points than the spread or the underdog will lose by fewer points than the spread.

Over/Under bets

You can place bucks on whether the combined score of both teams or players in a game will be over or under a specific number.

Position (Prop) bets

This type does not involve the final score of a game and is related to different events and statistics during the game. Placing such wagers can be fun for people who don’t know much about the sport they are watching.

The conclusion

So, what have we learned so far? Many US states have already legalized online sports betting. So, you can find plenty of excellent sportsbooks and enjoy multiple amazing promotions in the following states: NV, NJ, PA, NY, IN, IA, WV, CO, IL, NH, OR, RI, MI, DE, AR, TN, VA, MD, SD, WY, AZ, CT, LA, WA, MA.

Thanks to the huge competition, there are many sports you can bet on, some of the most popular being Football (NFL), Basketball (NBA), Baseball (MLB), Soccer (MLS, international leagues), Hockey (NHL), College Football (NCAA), College Basketball (NCAA), Tennis (ATP, WTA), Golf (PGA Tour, LPGA Tour), Mixed Martial Arts (UFC), Boxing, Auto Racing (NASCAR, Formula 1), Horse Racing, Esports (League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Dota 2, etc.), Rugby (NFL, international leagues).

If you live in one of the states listed above and want to have some fun trying your luck with your favorite sports, now is the moment. Check out our selection of best sports betting sites and apps and choose one, two, or three! You can register on multiple and collect their welcome bonus. That way, you can get big wins from many sources and compare the odds for the same games. We wish you lots of positive emotions and good luck!

Declan WillisAuthor at Gamezinger.com

The best online betting sites in the USA FAQ

Which US states have legalized online sports betting?

These are Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, DC, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. If you’re wondering which are the best betting sites in the USA, just jump to the top of this page.

What is the legal online betting age in the US?

Almost all American states establish a minimum age of 21 for betting on the best online sportsbooks, except for Montana, Rhode Island, Kentucky, Wyoming, New Hampshire, and Washington DC, which set an 18-year-old age limit. In most states to be able to place wagers on horse racing you need to be at least 18, again with several exceptions.

Are there any free bets I can claim from sports betting apps?

Yes, many platforms give them as a welcome or no deposit bonus, risk-free bets, etc. you can use on the sports you like. After meeting the wagering requirements set in the terms and conditions, simply collect your wins. You can also use such promotions for live betting to make your experiences significantly more exciting.

Do I need to pay taxes on my winnings from sports wagers?

Yes, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers rewards from sports betting gambling winnings, so you need to report them in your federal income tax return. The taxable amount will be calculated based on your gambling losses and winnings, so deduct your losses by showing receipts, tickets, and statements to reduce your taxes.

What are daily fantasy sports?

Daily fantasy sports (DFS) are virtual team contests based on the statistical performance of the players and the teams of the chosen sports. People bet on virtual versions of their favorite teams, with different configurations of players and strategies, where a computer decides the outcome.

What can I do if I have a gambling problem?

First, acknowledge the problem and seek support, attend groups, get professional help, taking active steps to avoid potential triggers. Some national and non-government organizations, such as the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), Gamblers Anonymous (GA), and state problem gambling helplines can be useful. Gambling is for fun. To prevent complications, follow the Responsible Gambling practices.

What do competitive odds mean?

To consider certain odds competitive odds means that you get better chances for winning from a particular sports event on a certain website or app, in comparison with others.

What are odds boosts?

Odds boosts, also known as enhanced odds, are marketing promotions that allow you to increase the potential payout for a specific bet. They can apply to a particular event or be part of a bigger promotion.

What are minimum odds?

Minimum odds are promotional requirements that set the lowest possible odds for a bet to participate in a bonus offer. Sports betting sites set minimum odds for using bonus money so bettors can`t wager on the safest possible outcome and easily win the additional bonus money.