Sports & Betting
January 16, 2024
Shaun Stack
- Casino
- Sports Betting
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- US Casinos
Sports Betting Sites in the USA
Sports betting in the United States has changed a lot in the past few years. Many states have legalized sports betting and fully implemented a regulated market. Other states have yet to hop on the bandwagon and restrict sports betting to tribal casinos.
Depending on where you live in the US, your options for online sports betting might vary greatly. In this article, we’ll discuss the state of both legal and unregulated sports betting in the US, as well as provide you with access to a full state directory for online bettors.
Our Top Sportsbooks
Best Overall Sportsbook for US Players – BetUS The Best Sports Betting Sites for USA PlayersThe Best Sports Betting Sites for USA Players
There are hundreds of online sportsbooks available to players in the US, but your options might vary depending on where you reside.
We’ve identified three of the best sportsbooks that are available in almost every state. If you want to see more options, check out our full list of our recommended sports betting sites.
- BetUS: Best US Sportsbook Overall
- BetOnline: Most Flexible Banking Options
- SportsBetting.ag: Best Sports Betting Promos and Contests
BetUS: Best US Sportsbook Overall
BetUS
125% up to $2,625 Welcome BonusCasino Games: Blackjack, Slots, Video poker +2 moreLive Dealer: YesPayment Options: Visa, MasterCard, American Express +7 moreBetUS is the best sports betting site in the United States right now. They have been in business since 1994 and have a solid reputation. In 2020, they redesigned their platform to improve user-experience and modernize the sportsbook.
You can bet on football, basketball, baseball, hockey, golf, soccer, tennis, MMA, boxing, NASCAR, and many additional sports at BetUS. The site covers a large array of leagues for each sport, including international leagues.
The top features at BetUS include a props builder, daily odds boosts, live esports streaming, regular contests, a blog called The Locker Room, and a section named BetUS TV, which sees pro handicappers give out picks. The site offers quick and reliable payouts too, plus excellent customer support 24 hours a day.
- Available in all states except Washington
- Sportsbook on desktop and mobile
- 11+ bonuses and contests to choose from
- 10-day withdrawals for bank wires and checks
- Limited eSports coverage
BetOnline: Most Flexible Banking Options
Casino Games: Slots, Video poker, Blackjack +5 moreLive Dealer: NoPayment Options: Visa, MasterCard, American Express +14 moreBetOnline has the most flexible banking options, including deposit and withdrawal limits, among US sports betting sites.
You can deposit between $20 and $500,000 with Bitcoin, and up to $100,000 with 17 other cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum and Litecoin. Alternatively, you can use Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, or Discover to deposit between $25 and $2,500. They also offer options for Person2Person, money order, and wire transfer.
When it comes to withdrawals, you can use crypto to request up to $100,000 per payout. Or, you can use money orders, bank transfers, checks by courier, or Person2Person for payout between $400 and $25,000.
Compared to BetUS, BetOnline allows you to withdrawal more at a time via more methods, making it better for players who prefer altcoins or money orders.
- Available in all states except New Jersey
- High withdrawal limits for cryptocurrency
- Payout requests are processed within 48 hours
- No debit card withdrawals
- 9.75% fee on card deposits
How We Evaluate Sportsbooks for USA PlayersSportsBetting.ag: Best Sports Betting Promos and Contests
Casino Games: Slots, Blackjack, Video poker +4 moreLive Dealer: YesPayment Options: Bitcoins, Bitcoin Cash, Cardano +10 moreIf you’re looking for promotions or to take part in betting contests, SportsBetting.ag is the site for you.
You can start off with a welcome bonus match that gives you a 100% boost up to $1,000 with only 14x rollover. Afterwards, you can elevate your bankroll with a 25% sports reload bonus, or claim a $100 risk-free wager.
However, the most exciting part of SportsBetting.ag is their contests. During the NFL season, you can take part in a $300,000 NFL Survivor bracket or a score predictor for a stab at $1 million in prizes. They also consistently offer props challenges for UFC fights, Copa America, golf tournaments, and the MLB. Most of these contests have free entry, and are a risk-free way to spice up your sports betting hobby.
- Bonuses for fiat and crypto deposit methods
- $25 racebook free play
- Been in business since 2003
- Some withdrawal methods come with fees
- Slightly higher rollover than at competitors
How We Evaluate Sportsbooks for USA Players
We have an extensive review process for how we rank online gambling sites. We examine. It each site’s reputation, banking options, reliability, customer service, bonuses and promotions, betting options, and mobile access.
We also focus on four additional criteria when seeking out the best US sports betting sites:
Is Online Sports Betting Legal in the US?Is Online Sports Betting Legal in the US?
In May 2018, the US Supreme Court overturned a federal sports wagering ban called the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PAPSA). That decision gave each state the power to legalize sports betting at a local level.
Prior to 2018, Nevada was the only state with locally regulated online sportsbooks, as it was exempt from PASPA. However, more than 20 additional states have introduced local sports betting markets in the years since the federal ban was overturned. They include New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois.
The federal government has not provided any legal framework to govern the industry on a nationwide basis. That has allowed each state to set its own regulations and tax rates, creating a legal patchwork. For example, some states only permit retail sportsbooks and they do not allow local operators to launch online sports betting sites.
Others have prohibited prop bets on college sports, and some do not allow wagering on in-state college teams. States like New Jersey, and Colorado have more than 20 locally regulated online sportsbooks, whereas others – including Montana, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Oregon – only permit one.
Despite the emergence of state-regulated sports betting, many offshore sites still accept US customers.
Understanding Offshore Sports Betting SitesUnderstanding Offshore Sports Betting Sites
Offshore sports betting sites do not fall under the jurisdiction of the US federal government or state governments. They are generally based in Central America or the Caribbean, and they are licensed and regulated in their own jurisdictions.
Many Americans choose to play on offshore sites because they offer a far larger range of betting options than state-regulated sportsbooks based in the US. For example, they can accept bets on politics, entertainment, and esports, and they can also offer a full menu of props on college games. Plus, offshore sites frequently hand out free bets and welcome bonuses to new and existing players.
By contrast, locally regulated sportsbooks in the USA cannot take bets on politics, while esports and entertainment bets are rarely permitted, and they also face major restrictions on college sports.
Where Is Sports Betting Legal in the US?Where Is Sports Betting Legal in the US?
This section highlights the current legal situation on a state-by-state basis. There are three potential statuses for each state:
- Legal – The state has legalized sports betting and the market is fully launched.
- Physical and Offshore Only – The state has in-person sports betting available at select tribal casinos, but offshore options are still available.
- Offshore Only – The state has yet to regulate sports betting, but bettors can use offshore sportsbooks.
- Active Legislation – The state has active bills that are attempting to legalize sports betting.
You can click on your state for an in-depth guide to betting on sports there.
Status States Legal Online Sports Betting Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut,
Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky,
Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts,
Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York,
North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania,
Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia,
West Virginia, WyomingPhysical and Offshore Sports Betting Only Delaware, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska,
New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota,
Washington, WisconsinOffshore Sports Betting Only Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho,
Minnesota, Oklahoma, South Carolina,
Texas, UtahActive Legislation Alabama, Georgia, Missouri The Future of Sports Betting in the US
More states are likely to pass laws permitting online sports betting in the future. They can either do so via the legislature, or voters can approve sports betting when they head to the ballot boxes. However, certain states – including Texas, Hawaii, and Utah – appear highly unlikely to legalize sports betting anytime soon.
In the meantime, sports bettors can always use offshore sportsbooks to place an array of wagers on popular American sports, such as football, baseball, and basketball.
Tips for Using Sports Betting Sites in AmericaTips for Using Sports Betting Sites in America
Here are our top five tips for using sports betting sites in the United States:
- Sign up with multiple online sportsbooks. It will allow you to claim multiple bonuses, and you can then shop for the best lines and odds on any bets you like.
- Place most of your bets on markets that carry a relatively low house edge, which is known as the juice or the vigorish. Parlays and props are fun, but it is difficult to generate long-term profits on those wagers, as the sportsbooks take a higher edge. Stick to spreads, totals, and moneylines for the bulk of your wagering activity.
- Hedge futures bets if the opportunity arises. If you place a wager on a team to win the Super Bowl at the start of the season, and that team wins its conference, place a bet on the opposing team. That way, you will be guaranteed a profit, no matter which team wins.
- Conduct detailed research. Do not simply bet on every sport or event – stick to a small selection of leagues that you know well. Watch as many games as possible, delve into the stats and harness your expertise. Stay up-to-date with player and team news, line movements and betting trends, spotting any opportunities to fade the public or benefit from arbitrage.
- Gamble responsibly. Set a bankroll for the year, and manage it carefully. Do not bet with money you cannot afford to lose, and make sure it remains a source of entertainment.
Sports Betting Blogs
Stay up-to-date with all the latest in US sports. We cover the NFL, NBA, MLB, and many other leagues over on our blog.
Responsible Sports Betting
Shaun Stack
Sports & BettingJanuary 11, 2024Shaun Stack
Sports & BettingJanuary 11, 2024Shaun Stack
Responsible Sports Betting
Please gamble responsibly. Online sports betting is a form of entertainment, and it should not be viewed as the solution to any financial difficulties you may be experiencing. Set a budget and stick to it. Do not gamble with any money you cannot afford to lose, and take regular breaks from online sports betting.
If you are concerned about your gambling, visit one of these sites for support:
Sports Betting Online in the United States is Growing
Sports betting in the United States is growing rapidly, and hopefully many more states will add sports betting legislation to their dockets.
As it stands, online sportsbooks in the US are available throughout the country, whether they are regulated by the state or regulated by an offshore authority.
BetUS, BetOnline, and SportsBetting.ag are our top picks for anyone looking to get started with sports betting in the US. They offer unrivalled selections of competitive odds, have helpful customer service, offer players exciting promos, and have been trusted in the industry for many years.
- Sports Betting
