With more sportsbooks opening their virtual doors in the USA, it can be difficult to know which platforms are truly worth signing up for. That’s why, I’ll look at six of the best online sportsbooks, all of which promote a safe, legal, and smooth experience. I’ll also cover how to pick the right sportsbook for you, how to get started, and which are the leading platforms for the major American leagues.
Top 6 Online Sportsbooks in the United States
Here are six of the best sports betting sites available for players in states where online wagering is legal. Each platform offers a wide range of betting markets, including both major leagues and more niche sports.
They also offer a variety of secure payment options and have a professional customer support team available to address any issues.
- BetMGM Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- Caesars Sportsbook
- bet365 Sportsbook
- ESPN Bet Sportsbook
#1 BetMGM Sportsbook

BetMGM is a well-known name in the gaming industry, and its app has been downloaded by hundreds of thousands of users worldwide. The site stands out for its wide range of betting markets, often tailored to local teams, and Daily Fantasy Contests (DFS) are also available. During their time here, players can benefit from the MGM Rewards program, which is linked to MGM resorts and casinos for extra perks even outside the app.
The BetMGM app is very easy to get the hang of, making it simple to find your favorite sports, check odds, and place bets quickly. Live betting is available on all the major sports, along with live streaming for some of these games. Another useful feature of the app is ‘Edit My Bet’, which allows players to add, delete, or replace selections on active betting slips.
| Our BetMGM Score | 4.8/5 |
| Best Feature | Ongoing promotions such as bonus bets and cashbacks |
| Reward Program | MGM Rewards |
| Mobile App Score | iOS 4.8 / Android 4.2 |
| Available States | AZ, CO, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MD, MI, MS, NJ, NV, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY |
#2 DraftKings Sportsbook

DraftKings is another one of the best online sportsbooks, especially known for its industry-leading DFS Contests and frequent promotions. The sportsbook covers just about any major league, including the NFL, NBA, PGA, MLB, and NHL. With its sleek and intuitive app, you’ll be able to find all your favorite sports and make bets easily.
In addition to live betting, DraftKings provides live streaming for hundreds of events and the option to cash out early. With their VIP program, you can receive rewards for every dollar wagered, and you can also join betting pools to compete against other players across the country, adding a fun social element to the experience.
| Our DraftKings Score | 4.7/5 |
| Best Feature | Live Streaming |
| Reward Program | Dynasty Rewards |
| Mobile App Score | iOS 4.8 / Android 4.4 |
| Available States | AZ, CO, CT, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV, WY |
#3 FanDuel Sportsbook

FanDuel is one of the industry leaders in the sportsbook world, and its app is designed to make betting straightforward and enjoyable. The app loads smoothly, and the odds are very quick to update, even during peak times. You can also set up notifications on the app for promotions, bet results, and account updates, keeping you always connected.
For markets, you can expect access to all the popular leagues in the country, along with smaller ones like golf and darts. You can expect local teams to be highlighted here depending on where you’re playing from, making the betting experience feel more personalized. Other than that, FanDuel is also known for its consistent range of promotions and sharp odds, and they also have one of the best same-game parlay systems in the industry, especially for NFL betting.
| Our FanDuel Score | 4.6/5 |
| Best Feature | Same-Game Parlays |
| Reward Program | FanDuel Players Club |
| Mobile App Score | iOS 4.9 / Android 4.7 |
| Available States | AZ, CO, CT, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MO, MD, MI, MS, NC, NJ, NY, NV, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WA, WV, WY, PR |
#4 Caesars Sportsbook

Caesars is a legendary name in the gambling industry, having been around ever since 1937, and its sportsbook lives up to that reputation. The platform, along with the app, is well-designed, intuitive, and makes it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for, whether that’s a particular team or league.
The live betting section at Caesars is one of this site’s best features. You’ll be able to place bets in real-time on all the hottest leagues in the market, with live scores and updated odds visible as you watch the games. Another feature I love is its Quick Picks. Here, bettors can create same-game parlays (SPGs) without needing to manually assemble them, all curated by Caesars.
| Our Caesars Score | 4.5/5 |
| Best Feature | Quick Picks |
| Reward Program | Caesars Rewards |
| Mobile App Score | iOS 4.7 / Android 4.5 |
| Available States | AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, NV, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, DC, WY |
#5 bet365 Sportsbook

bet365 is another excellent option for those seeking premium gaming experience. The platform offers a huge range of sports markets, from major American leagues to international events like the Premier League and top golf tournaments. Live streaming is also available, covering soccer, tennis, basketball, and even niche sports like darts and snooker, so you can follow the action while placing your bets.
The app is fast, intuitive, and highly rated, making it easy to place bets in seconds and track your wagers on the go. bet365 is known for offering very competitive pricing, even for local teams, and they are regularly updated to reflect current market conditions. Same-game parlay options and early cash out on a select number of games are also available.
| Our Bet365 Score | 4.4/5 |
| Best Feature | Extensive Live Streaming selection |
| Reward Program | N/A |
| Mobile App Score | iOS 4.7 / Android 4.4 |
| Available States | NJ, CO, OH, VA, IA, KY, LA, IN, AZ, NC, PA, TN |
#6 ESPN Bet Sportsbook
IMPORTANT UPDATE
”Following the termination of the partnership between ESPN and PENN Entertainment on December 1, 2025, the ESPN BET sportsbook has been discontinued.ESPN has announced a new exclusive partnership with DraftKings. If you are looking to bet directly with ESPN’s official partner, check out our DraftKings Review.
For Existing Users: Your account, bankroll, and open bets are being automatically migrated to theScore.Bet, PENN’s returning flagship brand – Stay tuned for our theScore.Bet review”
ESPN launched in November 2023 and is currently available across 17 states. One of the site’s best features is the promotions that it rolls out on a regular basis, including odds boosts, profit boosts, and bonus bets. Like the sites above, ESPN offers live stats and real-time game tracking, allowing you to lock in bets while the game is ongoing.
As a relatively new app on the market, the interface is clean, modern, and easy to navigate, making it simple to move between sections and add bets to your slip. A unique feature of ESPN Bet is its integration with ESPN personalities, allowing you to follow their picks and boosts, offering some extra guidance when placing bets.
| Our ESPN Bet Score | 4.2/5 |
| Best Feature | Fast Payouts |
| Reward Program | Penn Play |
| Mobile App Score | iOS 4.7 / Android 4.3 |
| Available States | AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, DC |
`The brand $ESPN BET Sportsbook is currently inactive or not allowed in this country!`
Comparison of the Top Sportsbooks
Below, I’ve outlined all the welcome bonuses you can get at the previously mentioned best online sportsbooks in the USA. This way, you can compare your options and choose the brand that best fits what you’re looking for.
| Sportsbook | Bonus | Live Betting | Cash Out |
| BetMGM | Get up to $1,500 Paid Back in Bonus Bets if You Don’t Win | Yes | Yes |
| DraftKings | Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly | Yes | Yes |
| FanDuel | Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets if You Win | Yes | Yes |
| Caesars | First bet matched up to $250 as a bonus bet win or lose | Yes | Yes |
| bet365 | Up to $1,000 First Bet Safety Net or Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets | Yes | Yes |
| ESPN Bet | Receive five 30% Profit Boosts for use on any market(s) | Yes | Yes |
Choosing the Right Online Sportsbook
Here’s the main criteria to keep in mind when choosing the best online sportsbook for you:
Sign-Up Offers
The best online sportsbooks will have welcome promotions for you to trigger upon making your first deposit and wager. These can take various forms, such as bonus bets, first bet offers, deposit matches, and site credits, and they’re an excellent way to potentially get more value for your money when getting started. For this reason, before signing up, it’s always a good idea to make sure the bonus matches your preferences.
Also, when looking at a sign-up offer, don’t just focus on the bonus amount. Read through the terms and conditions carefully, as they contain important information regarding wagering requirements, eligible sports, and expiration dates. Being aware of these specifics will ensure that there are no unnecessary surprises when triggering the bonus.
Regular Promotions
Apart from welcome bonuses, most American sportsbooks offer a range of ongoing promotions, all of which are there to reward their regular players. These often align with the sports calendar, so there’s always something new to take advantage of, whether that’s weekly bonuses, odds boosts, profit boosts, or seasonal specials.
When choosing a sportsbook, it’s worth looking at the types of promotions the site offers and whether they’re to your liking. You can also check whether the promotions are easy to claim, what the wagering requirements tend to be like, and whether the offers apply to the sports you enjoy most.
Betting Markets & Wagering Types
The best online sports betting sites will give you access to a wide range of sports and leagues. This selection often spans popular ones like the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, along with more niche and even international events. This way, you can find everything in one place without hopping between sites.
Apart from betting markets, the top sportsbooks will also offer a range of bet types. Some of the most popular ones here include moneylines, props, spreads, totals, futures, and SGP. Make sure that the platform you sign up with covers the specific sports or bet types you’re interested in, especially if they’re less popular in the US. This way, you’ll know exactly what’s available before you create an account.
Competitive Odds
Odds determine how much you can win on a wager, and the more competitive they are, the bigger your potential payout for the same bet. Keep in mind that odds vary across sportsbooks, even for the same events. For this reason, it’s a good idea to check that any sportsbooks you’re interested in offer consistently fair and attractive lines.
I’d like to mention here that all the sportsbooks mentioned above offer consistently sharp odds, and this is precisely what makes them some of the best US sportsbooks.
Mobile Apps Reliability
Nowadays, it has become more popular for bettors to use sportsbooks on their smartphones or tablets rather than on a desktop platform. The best sportsbook apps should replicate the whole desktop experience, offering access to sports, markets, and wagers, without any compromises. Speed is another important factor, especially when it comes to live betting—odds should be updated instantly, allowing bettors to lock in their bets quickly.
Before you sign up, always make sure that the app is highly rated and loved amongst players. When creating our list of the best betting sites in the USA, we always verify that they have a dedicated app that’s intuitive, seamless, and allows you to place bets easily.
Payment Options & Withdrawal Speed
Always confirm that the sportsbook you’re playing with allows you to make payments with your preferred banking solutions. The top sportsbooks will offer a variety of safe and secure payment solutions, ranging from credit cards, debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, mobile payments, and sometimes, even cash deposits at partnered locations. These deposits should be processed instantly, so you can start playing right away.
When it comes to withdrawals, the best sites want you to get access to your winnings quickly and without any hassle. Again, be sure to check how quickly your site of choice processes withdrawals, to avoid any disappointments when receiving funds.
Safety & Security
Any US betting site you visit and spend time with must be licensed by the official regulator of the state you’re playing from. Betting on a regulated platform helps ensure your data is encrypted, responsible gaming tools are available, and your rights as a player are generally protected.
For this reason, you should never create an account and make bets with a platform that is regulated offshore, as you simply won’t have the same level of protection. All the platforms I mentioned above operate with SSL encryption and firewalls, helping to keep your personal and financial information safe.
Customer Support Options
Even on top-rated platforms, issues can sometimes come up that you’ll want help with. For this reason, any top platform you visit must have a customer support team that can be easily reached via live chat, email, or phone.
Ideally, a platform should offer customer support around the clock, so that you’ll always have someone to assist you, even if it’s late at night or early in the morning.
An extensive FAQ section is also a plus, as it allows you to quickly find answers to common questions without waiting for a response.
Reputation & Trustworthiness
Finally, before signing up with a platform, especially a newer one, always check its reputation and player reviews. Platforms such as Trustpilot are great for gaining first-hand experience and feedback from other users, making them one of the best ways to gauge whether a brand is truly reliable.
Ideally, your sportsbook of choice should have a long-standing presence and boast glowing reviews from players. They should also have a reputation for transparency while also promoting fair play policies.
How to Start Online Sports Betting in the US
Creating an account with a sportsbook is typically a straightforward process. Below, I’ve outlined everything you need to know:
Select the Best Online Sportsbook
First, ensure that the sportsbook you choose is properly licensed in your state. When playing on a licensed platform, you can rest assured that it is operating legally and is also helping keep your personal information safe.
Remember, each state has its own official betting authority, so the site you choose must be approved by your state’s regulator.
Complete Sign-Up
Before you can make a deposit and start making bets, you’ll have to create an account. To do this, simply locate the ‘Sign up’ or ‘Register’ button on the platform and follow the steps on the screen. This typically involves entering your personal information, such as name, surname, email address, and home address.
Ensure this information matches the details on your official documents, as they will be used for verification purposes later.
Verify Your Account (KYC)
Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations in the US require sportsbooks to verify the age and identity of every customer. To do this, you’ll usually have to upload a government-issued ID and, in some cases, proof of address and your SSN. Some platforms can verify you automatically, but not always.
Note that it’s only when your account is verified that you are able to make bets, deposit, and withdraw any winnings.
Fund Your Account
Now, you can fund your account using the site’s selection of payment solutions. When playing at the best online sportsbooks, you’ll always have a myriad of banking options to choose from, including debit cards, credit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and mobile payments.
Before making a payment and engaging in online betting in the USA, ensure you check the minimum deposit requirement, as this varies by site.
Place Your Bet
You’re all set to make your first wager. To do this, all you have to do is browse the site’s available sports and markets, select your bet, enter your stake, and then confirm.
Leading Sportsbooks for America’s Major Leagues
Each sportsbook covers a range of major leagues, but most have one league where they really go all out. This means that they’ll offer sharper odds, tailored promotions, and special betting features all designed to improve your experience when betting on the game.
Let’s have a closer look at which sportsbooks are best for each major league.
Best NFL Betting Site – BetMGM
BetMGM is an excellent choice for NFL betting, thanks to its array of football markets that keep things exciting from the preseason through the Super Bowl. Every game comes with a wide range of options, from spreads, totals, player props, and even quarter- and half-specific wagers. It’s Easy Parlay builder also helps make constructing Same Game Parlays simple, and payouts are also typically processed quickly here.
This brand has official partnerships with the league, which means its markets and odds are not only comprehensive but reliable. NFL promotions are awarded regularly, especially around big events like the Super Bowl, and with the app, you can live bet while also streaming the games directly.
- ✅ Excellent promotions tied to the NFL, especially when it comes to the Super Bowl. This includes odds boosts and parlay payouts
- ✅ Wide range of NFL markets, including quarter-by-quarter and player props
- ✅ Welcome Promotion: Up to $1500 bonus bets if your first bet loses, and comes with no wagering requirements
Best NBA Betting Site – DraftKings
The DraftKings app offers a truly excellent user experience, and live odds are usually updated quickly. This allows you to place your bets immediately and stay on top of all the NBA action. Every league comes with hundreds of props, including player points, rebounds, team performance, and quarter-by-quarter outcomes. They also offer ‘Flash Props’ and future markets, such as win totals and player awards, giving NBA bettors plenty of options whether they prefer single-game wagers or long-term predictions.
Another reason why DraftKings stands out is its integration of Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS). Here, you can draft NBA lineups, collect points based on their real-life performances, and compete for daily prizes.
- ✅ Welcome Bonus: $200 in Bonus Bets that can be used on NBA games
- ✅ Top-rated app, making it one of the best in the betting world
- ✅ Huge range of NBA props and futures, including unique Flash Props
Best MLB Betting Site – FanDuel
FanDuel is one of the industry leaders in the sportsbook industry. One of the primary reasons this site is excellent for baseball bettors is that it posts MLB lines earlier than other major sportsbooks and is often the first to post props. It also typically offers a wider variety of baseball props, covering many aspects of the game, such as strikeouts and total doubles.
MLB promotions are regularly featured here, mostly in the form of odds boosts and ‘bet and get’ deals. FanDuel also offers live streaming of select MLB games, allowing you to watch and place bets simultaneously, with up-to-the-minute updates on pitchers, lineups, and momentum shifts.
- ✅ One of the official betting partners of the MLB
- ✅ Thousands of daily markets for all 30 teams
- ✅ Regular promotions offered on MLB games
Best NHL Betting Site – bet365
When it comes to NHL betting, bet365 is one of the best choices, and you can make bets on every game in the league here. The brand has official partnerships with the NHL, including the Colorado Avalanche, which adds extra credibility to the platform.
bet365 offers early payout specials, and their live streaming feature lets you watch a wide variety of NHL games while placing bets. Fans can enjoy a wide variety of bets, from standard moneylines to player props. Alternative puck lines are also available for every game.
- ✅ Live streaming on many NHL games
- ✅ Competitive Odds
- ✅ Offers tailored to the NHL
What Matters Most When Picking a U.S. Betting Site
Here’s a summary of the main criteria to keep in mind when it comes to choosing a sports betting company:
- License: Make sure that the site is licensed by your state’s official regulator. This helps ensure that your rights as a player are protected.
- Sportsbook Coverage: Sign up with platforms that offer a wide range of sports, leagues, and bet types. This way, you can find everything you want in one place.
- Odds Competitiveness: Look for sportsbooks that consistently offer fair and attractive odds, as even small differences can affect your potential payouts.
- Mobile App: A premium mobile sports app should be intuitive, quick to load, easy to use, and quick to update its payouts. Anything less can slow you down, especially during live betting.
- Banking Options: When playing at the best sportsbooks online, you’ll always have access to a wide range of safe and secure payment solutions. This way, your data is encrypted, and the risk of it falling into the wrong hands is close to null.
- Responsible Gaming Tools: Any licensed platform will offer gaming tools to help you play responsibly. If these are not available, it could mean that the site is not regulated.
- Customer Support Team: You never want to be in a situation where you encounter a serious problem during betting and there is no one to assist you. The best sportsbooks will have a professional customer support team that’s there to help with any queries.
Responsible Gambling at U.S. Sportsbooks
Betting is only fun when it’s done responsibly. When playing at the best betting sites in the USA, you’ll have access to a full suite of responsible gaming tools to help you play within limits. These tools include the following:
- Deposit limits: Set a daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limit.
- Loss limits: Cap the total amount of money you are allowed to lose within a set time period.
- Time limits: Limit the number of hours you can spend on the sportsbooks each day or week.
- Wagering limits: Limit the total amount of wagers you can make in a session.
- Cool off: Suspend your account for a short period (24 hours up to some weeks).
- Self-exclusion: Voluntarily prohibit yourself from accessing your account for an extended period. This can range from a minimum of 1 year up to a lifetime.
If you’d like to take a clean break from gambling or stop it altogether, you can enroll in your state’s statewide self-exclusion program. This is only available in states where gambling is legal. When you sign up for this, you’ll be blocked from accessing any kind of betting site, and this can be set up usually for a minimum of 1 year, 2 years, 5 years, or a lifetime.
For more information about responsible gambling, I highly recommend checking out the following sources for education, tips, and help:
- Our Responsible Gambling Guide
- National Council on Problem Gambling
- Responsible Gambling Council
- Play Smart from the Stars
US Online Sportsbook FAQs
Some of the best online sportsbooks include FanDuel, BetMGM, bet365, ESPN, DraftKings, and Caesars.
Not all states have legalized online sports betting. The easiest way to find out if it’s legal where you are is to visit your state’s official government website for the most up-to-date information.
To ensure a platform is safe and trustworthy, make sure that the state’s official betting regulation licenses it. I also suggest playing on established platforms, such as those mentioned in the guide.
The typical minimum deposit and minimum bet at the top online betting USA sites is $5. This can go up to $10 at other platforms.
DraftKings, ESPN, bet365, FanDuel, Caesars, and BetMGM are all praised for their quick payouts.
Yes, when playing at licensed sportsbooks, you’ll always have to verify your identity. Upon signing up, you’ll often be asked to fill in your personal data and to submit some form of government ID and SSN. Once your data has been verified, you’ll be able to start betting and request withdrawals.