Online Betting Sites in the US

Bet with the best online betting sites in the US. Find odds on football, basketball and baseball with real money or play fantasy sports, only with approved sportsbooks.

The team at USBetting tested all operators to recommend you the best online sportsbooks in the US. If online betting is legal in your state, you can place your first online bet in minutes!

 

Best Online Sportsbooks in September 2024

Top Results for Virginia, US
Change location:
# Sportsbook Bonus
1.
Caesars Sportsbook

Bet $50 Get $250 in Bonus Bets

Cashback

Caesars Sportsbook
  • Market leading betting apps
  • Massive selection of future bets
  • No live streaming
Mastercard
PayNearMe
PayPal
Play+
VISA
Discover
2.
FanDuel Sportsbook

Up to $1,000 risk-free bet

Free bet

FanDuel Sportsbook
  • Wide range of betting markets
  • Great odds on major sports
  • Poor betting blog
PayPal
VISA
Mastercard
PayNearMe
Discover
Use bonus code: No bonus code required; Register to claim
Qualifying bet: No minimum bet amount
Wagering requirement: 1x bonus
3.
BetMGM

Up to 1500$ first bet offer

Cashback

BetMGM
PayPal
Play+
Use bonus code: No bonus code required. Register to claim offer
Qualifying bet: No minimum bet amount and no odds restrictions
Wagering requirement: 1x bonus.
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (available in all of US)
21+ only. Please gamble responsibly. Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (NY), 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
4.
BetMGM

Up to 1500$ first bet offer

Cashback

BetMGM
  • Highly competitive odds
  • Excellent betting promotions
  • Slow betting app
PayNearMe
PayPal
Play+
Discover
Use bonus code: No bonus code required. Register to claim offer
Qualifying bet: No minimum bet amount and no odds restrictions
Wagering requirement: 1x bonus.
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (available in all of US)
21+ only. Please gamble responsibly. Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (NY), 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
5.
BetMGM

Up to 1500$ first bet offer

Cashback

BetMGM
  • Highly competitive odds
  • Excellent betting promotions
  • Slow betting app
VISA
Mastercard
PayPal
Play+
VIP Preferred
Discover
Use bonus code: No bonus code required. Register to claim offer
Qualifying bet: No minimum bet amount and no odds restrictions
Wagering requirement: 1x bonus.
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (available in all of US)
21+ only. Please gamble responsibly. Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (NY), 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
6.
BetRivers

100% up to $250

Match deposit bonus

BetRivers
  • Strong odds especially on NHL
  • Live streaming available
  • Average betting promotions
VISA
Mastercard
VIP Preferred
PayPal
Play+
PayNearMe
Use bonus code: 250MATCH
Qualifying bet: No minimum bet amount and no odds restrictions
Wagering requirement: 1x bonus
Restricted
It seems you are in Virginia, US, where US online sportsbooks are not legal. You can change your location or browse the recommended fantasy sports betting sites below.

How We Pick the Best Betting Sites

The method and criteria are not a secret. All it takes is betting experience and a clear set of rating rules. This way, regardless of the sport you’re into or the type of bonus you’re looking for, you’re getting exactly what you expect.

  • license
    Licenses

    The only right way to bet online is to bet with a licensed online sportsbook. Thanks to PASPA, bettors in more than 25 states can enjoy betting, and almost as many can do so online. Betting with a US-authorized online betting site gives you peace of mind that you will get your winnings paid out. Your local gaming & betting regulator is there to protect your interest should any disputes arise.

  • App interface & features

    Your online betting experience is conditioned by the mobile app interface and the features it offers. Whether it’s the way betting markets are filtered, or in general, the interface of the app, we compare that too. Access to early cash-out, combined with a user-friendly in-play betting interface sets the ground for memorable bets.

  • betting bonuses
    Betting bonuses

    A big welcome bonus is a good enough incentive to join a new sportsbook! As the market is growing, US online sportsbooks are rather generous with their promotions. They are in the range of $200 to a staggering $1,000. Free bets, match bonuses, and boosted odds are up for grabs. In addition, the wagering requirements are in most cases extremely favorable. Promotions for registered bettors are also part of the review process.

  • select sport
    Betting offer

    The choice of markets is rarely a problem if you bet on the most popular sports. However, we also cater to bettors who are into niche sports. A top-class sportsbook offers odds on the most popular sports but also on the ones that are not in the spotlight. In addition, top betting sites offer more markets than the mediocre ones.

  • odds
    Odds

    US online sportsbooks have a rather similar offer, in terms of features, bonuses and payment methods. The odds are the thing that no betting site can fake. They either got it or they don’t. An odds comparison goes a long way in helping determine which is the betting site for you. It’s perfectly reasonable to shop for a betting site based on the odds.

  • live betting
    Live betting

    In-play betting, also known as live betting, mandates entirely different evaluation criteria. We pay attention to how quick the site is, whether it’s responsive, and the choice of markets available. The odds are important, but you can’t compare them in a reliable way. As part of the in-play betting rating, we also look into live streaming. Nothing beats being able to follow the action in real-time and placing a bet seamlessly.

  • payment methods
    Deposit and withdrawal policy

    How you get your money to your betting account is rarely the issue. Frustrations can arise once you submit a withdrawal request. This is why we test and compare payout times, fees, and if the operator is known for random more detailed checks than they have to. In addition, it’s best to plan ahead and choose a payment method that enables you to deposit and withdraw hassle-free.

You can get all the details on how we rate sportsbooks here. This gives you a better picture of what we value the most, and ideally, what you should do as well. Since no two bettors have identical criteria, we’ve made sure to cover all angles, such as popular sports, payment methods, types of bonuses, and a few other factors such as live betting, and a separate category of new sportsbooks.

 

Mobile Betting Apps

“Online betting” and “mobile betting” are used synonymously in the US. The reason behind this is your location, or in other words, where you are at the time of placing the bet. Almost all sportsbooks have apps for both Android and iOS, with a few giving priority to iPhone users.

Both iOS and Android apps are essentially a carbon copy of the desktop site, making it as easy as possible to bet on mobile and on a computer.

Online betting operators have to pack as many features as possible in the most compact and easy to digest way. This is what sets great mobile betting apps from the average.

betmgm app screenshot

Live streaming interface and sports betting pages on mobile.

betmgm app screenshot

You can create a betting account directly in less than 2 minutes.

betmgm app screenshot
Use the main menu to navigate quickly to what you need. You can make in-app deposits, request payouts, and talk to custo View more

Use the main menu to navigate quickly to what you need. You can make in-app deposits, request payouts, and talk to customer support instantly.

Mandatory geo-location

Betting on your phone, either via app or on the mobile version of the site, requires location services to be turned on. This allows the operator to ensure you are physically located within a legal state.

 

Live Betting

Live betting gives you the opportunity to wager on games as they happen, opening up a wealth of possibilities. It’s not suitable for all sports, but the big four certainly is! The NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL tick all the boxes when it comes to live bets.

Most bettors use statistics for pre-game wagering but in-play betting allows you to see how the game is being played out to judge whether a bet is worth placing.

For instance, an NFL game between the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills in 2021 saw the Patriots pass only three times and rush an incredible 46 times, which was not expected to be the case before the game.

It can bring a lot of value as the pre-match odds are not always accurate. Alternatively, if you’ve placed a pre-match bet, you can hedge it with an in-play one! Live betting opens an entirely new chapter to those who have been betting pre-match exclusively.

Pros
  • More potential value
  • Can hedge pre-game bets
  • Wager based on run of play
  • Adjust wagering strategy as game goes on
Cons
  • Can get carried away
  • Limited markets compared to pre-game

Provided you go into games with a strategy and ensure you keep track of how much you are betting, live betting can prove to be a fruitful endeavor. However, it’s very easy to get carried away, trying to bet your way out of an existing losing position. Hedge your bet only if it’s reasonable and within budget.

 

Bonuses

One of the great things about online sportsbooks is that they will often reward you with betting bonuses just for using them to place your wagers. The incentive is usually free bets or extra betting balance, giving you more money to bet with.

There are a few different types of bonuses available to customers and whilst they tend to offer similar rewards, it’s important to know how to qualify for each type.

Types of bonuses

Match Bonus

Almost every legal US betting site will offer you an incentive to join, which can range from $100 up to as much as $2,000. This usually comes in the form of a risk-free bet, where your first bet stake is returned to you as a free bet if it loses.

Free Bets

These are set wager amounts that you can use at that specific sportsbook in lieu of your own money. Unlike regular bets, free bet stakes are not included in any returns.

No Deposit Bonus

This type of bonus is the best one because you don’t need to do anything to get it. They will usually appear in the promotions section of your account.

Reload Bonus

A bonus you can get for depositing over a certain amount after playing through your previous deposit.

Enhanced/boosted odds

Some sportsbooks will boost odds of certain markets, usually to beat competitors and ensure they have the best price available. Enhanced odds tend to have stake limits.

Matched Deposit Bonus

As the name suggests, this is a bonus you get for depositing. The betting site matches the deposit in bonus funds or a free bet, giving you more money to wager with.

 

New Betting Sites

Online betting is legal since 2018 and so new sportsbooks are popping up regularly, especially as more states begin to allow wagering.

It is quite common to see existing operators launch in new states as soon as they can, but there is still plenty of room for competition from new sportsbooks.

best new betting sites
Check out an updated list of new online betting sites. All of them are licensed in the US. New sportsbooks

Because of the infancy of the betting industry in the US, new sportsbooks are popping up all the time and particularly as more states legalize online wagering.

Bettors can be wary of new betting sites, preferring established sportsbooks instead, but there are plenty of new sportsbooks that are worth joining.

 

What Sports Can You Bet on at Online Sportsbooks?

No matter what sport you want to bet on, you’ll almost certainly be able to find a betting site that caters to your needs.

Every US sportsbook offers betting on major sports such as football, basketball, hockey, baseball, and soccer, whilst it is also common to see the likes of tennis and golf at most betting sites.

  • football
    Football

    Football is the most popular sport in the US, with the Super Bowl attracting over 100 million viewers every year. The NFL season runs from September through to February, with each team playing 17 games, and the top 14 teams go into the playoffs. It is estimated that $4.5 billion is wagered on the Super Bowl. Now, you can bet on the NFL online as well.

  • basketball
    Basketball

    The NBA continues to attract millions of fans and is the second-most viewed sport behind football. All the popular basketball betting markets are available. In addition, if you choose to bet online, you get to take advantage of promotions and specials. NCAA basketball is also incredibly popular and some states allow betting on college teams.

  • baseball
    Baseball

    No pro sports league has more games in a season than baseball, with each of the 30 teams playing a mammoth 162 games per year. The culmination of this comes with the World Series, a best-of-seven series played between the winner of the American League and the National League. That’s 162 matches you can bet on online in a year. Follow the actions from the stands, and place your bets in-play if you like!

  • hockey
    Hockey

    Hockey is certainly the least watched sport of the ‘big’ four but it still remains extremely popular in certain pockets of the US. Bet on the Stanley Cup, or bet on some of the less popular hockey leagues and competitions from Europe. In terms of the offer, nothing’s different between betting in a betting shop and online.

As well as the sports mentioned above, the more established sportsbooks will also provide niche sports like handball, rugby, and darts. Smaller betting sites usually just stick to offering a few sports.

US sportsbook also cover all the international sports events, such as the Olympics and world cups for different sports. Some of the more popular events usually have tens if not hundreds of markets available. For example, soccer World Cup betting is available at every betting site you see on this page.

Betting sites tend to prioritize different sports and so finding the best one for you is crucial as it will make sports betting more enjoyable.

If you like to wager on basketball but choose a site that specializes in football, they will likely offer worse NBA odds than competitors and have fewer promotions.

 

Payment Methods

Sportsbooks often have a range of ways for you to deposit money into your account, ranging from simple bank transfers to physically visiting a partnered casino to deposit at the cage.

We list all the available betting payment methods and the sportsbooks that accept them.

  paypal logo credit or debit cards “play+ “vip
Average withdraw time2 days1-5 days2-3 days3 days
Min withdrawal$5$10$10$10
Max withdrawal$25,000$30,000$25,000$10,000
Min deposit$5$10$10$10
Max deposit$25,000$30,000$10,000$10,000
FeesNoneNoneNoneNone

State regulations do prevent some methods from being available everywhere. For instance, BetMGM offer 13 unique methods for New Jersey customers but those in Wyoming are restricted to only four.

It should also be noted that not every method can be used for withdrawing money, so you should always check that with your betting site.

What Makes a Great Betting Platform

There are certain aspects that separate strong betting sites from poor ones as these factors directly affect your betting experience, sooner or later.

These criteria that we look for at USBetting when assessing sportsbooks as they can determine how highly our experts rate them.

 

Customer Support

Having good customer support is critical for any online business, let alone betting. You are betting with real money, the least you should expect is a real person at the other end of the live chat. Whether it’s an issue you are experiencing and you want to raise a dispute, or just a general question related to betting, your needs should be addressed.

Some markets or promotions are not always worded in the best way and so having knowledgeable representatives – who are easy to contact – to explain things can be very helpful.

What makes a great customer support?
Live chat

Available 24/7

Phone support

Available on weekends

Email

Response within 24 hours

Social media

Respond quickly

The best betting sites offer most of or all of these support methods, and if they are not able to respond to you within the timeframe above then they should at least tell you how long the wait will be. Reliable customer support is essential. It’s one of the most important things we value when rating sportsbooks.

 

Cash Out

Early cash out allows you to settle your bet before a game is completed for a determined amount of money. This feature is a necessity for a good sportsbook to have, although its usage varies by the betting site.

Some betting sites may offer it for a wide range of sports and markets, whilst others may simply have it for the most popular betting markets.

Example

You bet $20 on Pittsburgh Steelers to beat Minnesota Vikings at +140, which would be a total payout of $48. If the Steelers then go up 28-10 in the fourth quarter and you decide you don’t want to ride the rest of the bet out, you can cash out for a profit that will be less than the total returns.

That bet is then settled and even if the Steelers go on to lose, your bet would still be classed as a winner.

Sportsbooks take a premium of around 10-25% for the privilege of offering you early cash out. The amount shown on screen is what you get but the return is around 10-25% less than the amount should be based on the betting site’s odds.

The theoretical cash out value can be calculated by dividing the winning potential of the bet by the current odds available (in decimal format).

Using the example above again: If the Steelers’ odds moved to -1000 when they went 28-10 up then you should theoretically be offered $43.64, including stake, to cash out ($48/1.1). A sportsbook would likely offer you somewhere in the region of $33-39.

 

Live Streaming

More and more sportsbooks are starting to offer live streaming of sports on their website or app, making it as easy as possible to see what you’re betting on.

The video of the game appears on the same page as the markets, so you can easily watch and bet at the same time. This is a trait of top-level sportsbooks. Some recently launched betting sites or ones that are owned by small companies cannot afford it.

How to Get Started with US Betting Sites

Opening an online betting account is easy and simple, taking a few steps only. You only need to know the basics to place your first bet.

To make it as easy as possible for beginners, all the information you need to start wagering on sports online is right here.

 

How to Start Betting Online

Note, you have to be within state borders where online betting is legal to place your bets. You can register even if you’re not within state lines.  However, once the time for placing your bets come you are required to be in a state where online or mobile betting is legal.

1
find legal sportsbook
Join an online betting site

Use our recommendations to find the best sportsbook for you.

2
register account
Open a betting account

Sign up with the betting site, providing all required personal details.

3
deposit
Make your first deposit

Make your first deposit and claim the welcome bonus along the way.

4
find event
Find the event you want to bet on

Enter the sportsbook, and find the odds of the event of your interest.

5
pick betting market
Pick a betting market

Do your research, and based on your analysis, place your bet. If it’s a pre-match bet, take your time.

6
enter stake
Enter your stake

Enter the bet amount. Remember to wager money you are comfortable losing. There are no guarantees.

7
confirm bet
Confirm the bet

Tap on the “place bet” button on the bet slip and wait for it to settle.

With your account all set up, you can now check out the events listed, look for good odds and a betting market you are most comfortable with. This is where we can help.

 

Betting Odds

The way US betting sites display odds is nothing short of baffling for inexperienced bettors. Although more confusing than decimal or fractional odds, American odds are actually pretty easy to understand.

Odds that start with a plus display the amount you would win from a theoretical $100 wager. The higher the number, the less likely it is that the bet will be successful.

If the number has a minus in front of it, then that is the amount that must theoretically be wagered to win $100. Numbers that are higher mean the bet has more chance of coming in and thus lower your returns will be.

Example

Pittsburgh Steelers are +140 to beat Minnesota Vikings. A $10 wager on this would return $14 in profit plus the initial stake for a total of $24.

On the other side, the Vikings can be backed at -170 and a $10 wager here would return $15.88 including the $10 risked.

Odds Comparison

Finding the best odds available for your bet means you can win more money if you are right. Even the slightest bit of difference can have a big impact in the long run.

You should also be looking at sportsbooks with lower margins, as these tend to have better odds. The margin is the money that a betting site theoretically makes on a market and is calculated by adding together the theoretical probability of the selections and taking 100 away.

Example

A market that is priced at -110 on each side has a margin of 4.8% because -110 translates to an implied probability of 52.4%. 52.4%+52.4% = 104.8%, then -100% gives 4.8%.

GameFOX BetBetMGMPointsBet
Minnesota Vikings Spread-110 (-3.50)+100 (-3.5)-110 (-3.5)
Pittsburgh Steelers Spread-110 (+3.50)-120 (+3.5)-110 (+3.5)
Spread margin4.8%4.5%4.8%
Minnesota Vikings Moneyline-175-167-171
Pittsburgh Steelers Moneyline+150+140+140
Moneyline margin3.6%4.2%4.8%

The comparison table shows that BetMGM are slightly better for both the Vikings spread and the Vikings Moneyline, but if you want to bet on the Steelers to cover the spread then you should use one of the other two.

 

Betting Markets

Most sports games have dozens of markets available to bet on with some having upwards of 100, but there are a few key ones that are important to understand fully.

These markets are available on most sports and the concepts can be applied to other markets that aren’t listed here.

Popular bet types

Spread betting

Spread betting is applying a handicap to the team you bet on. The favored team receive a negative handicap, which means they have to win by a certain number of points (or more) for the bet to be successful. The underdog gets a positive handicap and can lose by up to that number of points, or win the game, for them to cover the spread.

For instance, Minnesota Vikings are -3.5 favorites against Pittsburgh Steelers. If Minnesota wins by four points or more then spread bets on them will win. If the Steelers lose by three points or fewer, or win the game, then bets on them will win.

Moneyline

Simply which team will win the game with no other handicaps or conditions applied.

Totals betting

Each game is assigned a projected total number of points, goals or runs (depending on the sport). You can bet on whether the actual number will be over or under.

Props betting

Like totals, player props also employ over/under to determine the success of a bet. A player is assigned a number of actions within a game and you can wager whether they will go over or under that total.

For example, Kirk Cousins’ over/under for passing yards against Pittsburgh Steelers is 252.5.

Futures betting

Also called outrights, these are bets that are long-term and usually settle at the end of the season. Futures can be team markets such as Super Bowl Winner, or individual player markets like MVP Winner.

 

Where Are Online Betting Sites Legal?

Online sports betting is only legal in certain states and sportsbooks have to apply for individual licenses to operate in each location. Online betting was legalized in the US in 2018 and each state must legislate separately if they want residents to be able to wager. PASPA (Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992) prohibited betting nationwide, with a few exceptions. Its overruling set the ground for legalized betting!

Every betting site that we recommend is safe and approved, which means you have legal recourse if they try to keep your money or grade a bet wrong and refuse to change it.

StateYear legalizedNumber of online sportsbooks
Arizona20219
Colorado202022
Illinois20205
Indiana201911
Iowa201911
Louisiana20206
Michigan202113
Mississippi20211
New Jersey201820
New York20225
Pennsylvania20199
Tennessee20207
Virginia20219
West virginia20194
Wyoming20213
Arkansas20222
Delaware20182
Montana20191
Nevada201811
New Hampshire20191
South Dakota20214
Oregon20191
Rhode Island20181
Washington DC20192

As such, not every state offers online sports wagering as it has to go through legal avenues, and simply it is not a priority for many states.

Not Recommended Betting Sites

There are a lot of offshore bookmakers that you may stumble across and should avoid because they are not licensed in the US.

The main problem with this is that if an offshore site refuses to settle a bet properly or they decide to just keep your deposit, there’s not much you can do. They also charge extortionately high fees for deposits and withdrawals.

 

Conclusion

Online betting in the US is here to stay, with more states paving the way for online sportsbooks replacing local betting shops. All arguments are in favor of remote betting, including tax collection, monitoring, control, and protection of patrons under threat of problem gambling.

If online betting still hasn’t gotten the green light from your local authorities, you can still test your betting skills with fantasy sports.

 

FAQs

There is no one legal betting site that is more trustworthy than others. Any sportsbook that has a valid US license is secure, legit, and safe, meaning you can safely bet with them. Remember to only bet with state-approved sportsbooks.

You can find our list of the top betting sites here. They are rated on a variety of factors including bonus, number of sports available, and how easy it is to use. Sportsbooks availability depends on your location. Patrons in some states get more options than others.

All betting sites that are licensed in the US are safe. They have to abide by state regulations and if they try to keep your money or refuse to pay you out, you can go to your state’s gambling regulator. Betting with a local sportsbook is the wise choice to make. Disputes of this kind happen rarely.

The best betting sites are listed at the top of this page and are chosen based on criteria such as bonuses, range of deposit methods, live betting, and how many markets they have. In short, it’s a legal US sportsbook, with decent odds, great bonuses and reliable customer support.

Online sports betting is legal in Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington DC, West Virginia, Wyoming.

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