Best Online Sportsbooks

The Best Sportsbook State By State

Click on the button below to find the best sportsbooks available in your state:

Arizona Sportsbooks

Colorado Sportsbooks

Illinois Sportsbooks

Indiana Sportsbooks

Iowa Sportsbooks

Louisiana Sportsbooks

Massachusetts Sportsbooks

Maryland Sportsbooks

Michigan Sportsbooks

New Jersey Sportsbooks

New York Sportsbooks

Ohio Sportsbooks

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-522-4700; 21+, must be physically located in OH.

Pennsylvania Sportsbooks

Tennessee Sportsbooks

Kansas Sportsbooks

Virginia Sportsbooks

West Virginia Sportsbooks

Wyoming Sportsbooks

How to Choose Safe Betting Sites in the US

The most important thing for us at BettingPicks4You is to make sure that all of our US readers who bet online have a good and safe time. This is the reason why we have experts capable of advising you not only with picks and analysis but also to guide you in choosing safe betting sites and taking advantage of the best offers and promo codes.

Our experts love sports and bet on them professionally, so they have a lot of knowledge that they can share with you. On this page, you will find a list of what we believe are the best betting sites available in the US at the moment. All are absolutely safe and legal. Just make sure you’re connecting from a state where online sports betting is legal. Sports betting in the US has changed dramatically since 2017.

Individual states can now create their own laws on whether or not they accept sports betting. Here at Betting Picks 4 You, we strive to provide you with the most up-to-date information on legal sports betting in your state and to recommend the best US sports betting sites and sports betting apps to use online.

Legal US Betting Sites With Promotions

The legal sports betting marketplace is pretty crowded these days in the US. This is undoubtedly a positive for sports bettors, as more competition among online betting sites means more offers and better odds across the board. As we’ve seen recently, in a competitive environment, service has improved with the various platforms eager to develop and raise the bar.

But with more sports betting sites to choose from, which one is worthy of your time and business? We will provide information on this page to help you find an answer to your question. This page will be kept updated with new entrants being considered all the time, so make sure you bookmark it and come back regularly.

Best offer of the day

How to Find the Right American Online Sportsbook

Finding a good bookmaker is never easy, especially in America, where each state has its own legislation, and Las Vegas has been for a long time the only home for legal sports betting. Finding the right sportsbook usually comes down to your personal preferences, yet there are some standard items that nearly all US bettors have at the top of their lists.

Things like a solid website and app and a good range of promotional offerings. Here at BettingPicks4You.com, we consider only these legal and licensed sportsbooks that operate in the United States. We also look for sports betting sites that hit the mark on the most critical betting factors.

After all, to have an excellent online sports betting experience, you want to have a safe book that provides some solid bang for your buck. The competition is so vast right now in the US that being picky will pay you back big time. Below are some essential things you should consider:

• When lines are released, an operator that can release lines early should be preferred to those that just follow what the rest of the market says. You surely want a sports betting site to release lines for the NFL and college football as soon as the current slate is over. In daily sports like the NBA, NHL, and MLB, you want the odds to start appearing the night before the game.
• How good are the odds at online sportsbooks? You will find that most operators have relatively close odds. If you find a book ahead of the pack, you will make sure that you can take advantage of the best odds before sharp bettors get over them. Ideally, you want several top sportsbooks in your betting portfolio so that you can regularly compare them to ensure you get the best possible value.
• How good are sports betting site promotions? Having extra value in the form of regular offers is also important in the long run. With the competition being so fierce in the US, you will find that some books will consistently offer value in some markets in the form of no-juice or reduced rake spreads, bonus offers, and general promotion. You surely want to get these offers, which represent a big plus when choosing the right sports betting site. 

How to Sign Up at a US Sports Betting Site

Signing up at a US sports betting site is pretty straightforward. Betting Picks 4 You will not only be presented with the best betting sites in the US, but we will also show you how to open a new account. We will also notify you of the best welcome bonuses and promotions available in your state. Of course, it goes without saying that we only consider safe, licensed, and legal operators. So to open a new account, simply follow these easy steps:

• Step 1: Find a sports book. First of all, you need to select an online sports book that is licensed and legalized in the state in which you are resident. You can register once you are certain that the sportsbook has checked all of these boxes. Click on the “Sign Me Up” button.
• Step 2: Sign up. You will be directed to the “Sign Up” page. Here, you can choose a username and a password. You would also need to provide your email address, full name, home address with the state, your date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security Number. When finished, click “next.”
• Step 3: Verify Your Account A legalized sportsbook will always check the information you have entered to ensure everything is correct. The software will check the federal record to ensure you are a resident of the state in which you claim to live. This is a legal requirement of their licensing and has to be carried out before you can get your account activated. If all the checks are passed, you will be asked to confirm your identity and email address.
• Step 4: Log in and start wagering! After receiving your email, click on the link to verify it. If all is correct, your account will be open and available to be used. Simply log in with the username and password you created in the second step, and you are ready to start wagering on the sport! Good luck.

How to Choose the Best Online Sportsbook Sites in the United States

Are you looking for the best online sports betting sites? Do you want to know how to choose them and who to trust and stay away from? Whether you are a new or seasoned bettor, our experts offer some insights to help you choose the right sports betting site in the USA. We have helped millions of people find a sportsbook site that meets their needs more closely, and we can do the same with you!

How We Choose the Top Online Sportsbooks

Every bettor has different needs and wants, but there are some things you should look for in a sportsbook. Along with fair odds, good promotions, and good customer service, it’s important to look at how reliable, professional, and easy to use the platform is. Fast payments and low fees are also important, especially as you get better at online betting and bet more often.

It would help if you started your research of the sportsbook by asking yourself some questions: What types of bets will I be making? How frequently will I be wagering? What services do I require? To help you in this task, below, you will find the main criteria we use when reviewing sportsbooks in the USA to find the best betting sites.

Bonuses and Promotions

We all love generous bonuses! But we love them even more when they can continue for a long time after you sign up. A nice welcome bonus is surely something great to get started, but having recurrent promotions can add great long-term value, especially if you plan to bet regularly, for instance, on the NFL season, NBA season, or NHL season. So, bonuses and promotions are an important part of our sportsbook reviews.

Customer Service

Great customer service might be vital in certain situations. When you run into a problem on an app or website, having someone who can help resolve the problem quickly can make the difference. This is why we thoroughly evaluate sports betting sites’ customer service to determine how useful it is.

Website Design and Layout

The best betting sites in the US are easy to use and navigate. You should be able to place bets seamlessly on both websites and mobile devices, with intuitive navigation. If you find yourself spending too much time placing a single bet, then you might want to look for another sports betting site.

How We Continuously Monitor Sportsbooks’ Performance

To figure out how well USA sportsbooks are doing, we make regular accounts, put money in them, take money out, and talk to customer service. We get a firsthand look at what it’s like to work with a specific operator. Bookmakers’ performance can vary over time, so we do reviews on an ongoing basis. In this way, we can provide US bettors with the latest and most reliable information that can be used when picking a wagering site. Our review process is based on three milestones:

• hands-on sports betting experience. We play and interact with the sites that we review and recommend.
• standardized review process so that we can fairly compare sportsbooks’ performances
• We score operators based on specific criteria in order to make objective recommendations about the best USA betting sites.

After doing a lot of research and testing, we only recommend sportsbooks that we feel good about.

How to Deposit Money at a US Betting Site

As soon as you have created your new account, the next thing to do is to make a deposit with the wagering site. This is pretty straightforward, as all you need to do is click on the account button and then select the amount of money you wish to deposit. Every payment method has a different process, but you would need to enter your payment details if you were opting for an ACH transfer.

Alternatively, you can use one of the e-wallets like PayPal or a credit or debit card. Once you’ve entered the information, simply click “Submit.” As soon as the money reaches your account, you can start wagering, but remember to claim the signup bonus to which you are entitled.

More Information on Choosing the Best Online Sportsbooks?

Let’s start by saying that finding the sportsbook that works best for your taste depends on some aspects of your personal preferences. Said that, there are some standard wish list items that nearly all users are keen on, like a solid platform, good promotional offerings, and safety. This page will go into detail about the top operators who excel in these areas.

It is important to find a reliable book that goes beyond the basics, is keen to innovate, and pays attention to the little things in addition to the main stuff. So when choosing which sports betting site should have you as a customer, make a list of questions that are most important to you. This will help you judge what they have to offer and, in the end, give you a better chance of being happy. Below, we have listed some of the most important ones we believe need to be considered.

• How early are lines being released? Choosing a sports betting site on the ball is a good idea, as you will be able to find the best value. It is important for the NFL and college football to bet with a book that is releasing lines as soon as the current slate is over. For daily sports like the NBA, NHL, and MLB, you would want the odds to come out the night before.
• Picking an online sportsbook that has value odds: If you shop around, you will notice that the majority of the operators have pretty similar odds. To find some value, you need to stay ahead of the curve and place a wager before sharp bettors. Make sure you line-shop regularly and open an account with the operators that frequently have the best lines.
• What sports betting sites offer a juice break? As previously stated, competition among operators is fierce.Some sports betting sites offer no-juice or reduced rake spreads for a limited time to stand out from the crowd. For instance, they could be offering -105 odds on NFL and NBA spreads instead of the standard -110.
• What sportsbooks have loyalty programs? Sign-up offers are great, but some operators go beyond and reward existing customers with loyalty bonuses and programs. These promotions can provide incredible added value for an extended period of time, so don’t pass them up.
• Generous Bonuses and Promotions: For the same reason as just above, sportsbooks are providing lots of bonuses and promotions. These are sometimes only for new customers when they sign up, but some operators are very generous with their current customers and around big events like the Super Bowl.

Betting Apps In US Sports Betting Markets

Mobile Sports Betting Explained

Mobile sports apps are very convenient ways for bettors to wager on the go. If you don’t already have a sports betting account, the first thing to do is create one, verify your identity and address, deposit some money, and place the wagers you are most interested in. Even if they want to bet on the most obscure sports, mobile sports betting is usually streamlined so that bettors can easily find the markets of interest in a few steps.

Many apps also have live betting available so that bettors can enjoy the thrill of being in real-time action while they are watching a game. Legal sports betting apps are very popular across the US and are increasing daily. With new states that have legalized and launched mobile betting, and existing states that are improving their offerings, there are plenty of options for US bettors. Here you will find our recommendations on finding the best sports betting apps in the US, ensuring the best bonus offers, promo codes, and mobile betting odds.

How We Rank US Sportsbook Apps

Having a variety of sportsbook apps is great, but it can be difficult for bettors to choose the best one for their needs. There are more than a dozen to choose from in some states, like New Jersey. In addition, you will see that most states host the same sportsbook companies like BetMGM, but others will also have their own local sportsbooks.

So, bettors will likely find a mixture of big brands and local companies when deciding which sportsbook app to go with. These sportsbooks are ranked by BettingPicks4You based on the most important criteria for bettors.We evaluate and compare sportsbook odds to see which apps are most valuable for US bettors.

Welcome bonuses are also critical to our rankings. Starting with a decent amount of free credits is excellent, but we also look at longer-term promotions, as receiving regular added value is also something that can significantly increase the chances of success over time. We also navigate and test each app; some are easier to navigate than others, and some are faster. All these characteristics have to be considered when making a choice.

New betting sites in the United States

In the US, sports betting is always changing, and as a result, there are a lot of new betting sites popping up every month. Increased competition is great for customers, but it also makes it more difficult to find new betting sites worth considering. Our team of experts, however, is here to help you.

They have looked through all the best new US sportsbooks and selected those worthy of a try. We have analyzed many different factors to come up with this list, from bonuses to live streaming, customer service, security, etc. Of course, it goes without saying that we have only considered the bookmakers that have a license to operate in the US state or states. Bettors have high expectations when it comes to wagering at a new betting site.

To get and keep customers, a new sportsbook should have interesting new features and high standards for the ones that have been around for a long time. As a result, we have noticed that many top new US betting sites are now offering, for instance, the “Build Your Bet” feature. Using this new way to bet on sports, you can make a prop bet for most of the major US sports games.

One main reason why many customers are reluctant to try out new operators is security. This is something that can make or break new betting sites: the best new operators go to great lengths to ensure that all customer information is completely secure. They spend money on the newest technologies to make sure that personal and/or financial information doesn’t get stolen. Always stick with fully licensed and regulated new bookmakers, as these are not in it for the short term and are eager to build a trusted and loyal customer base.

US Sports Legal and Licensed Betting Apps

In the past few months, the quality of sports betting apps has gotten a lot better. In the US, legal sports betting is still in its early stages, but the best operators have hit the market with a bang, offering great platforms, great bonuses, and a lot of features. As more and more legal states come online, we expect this trend to continue, and we will continuously update this page with the best online betting sites for you to consider.

BetMGM Sportsbook App

It is easy to see that the folks behind the sports betting app at BetMGM have considerable gambling experience. Their online sports betting shows this, with accurate odds and lines and a wide range of markets to choose from. If you like niche sports, you will love BetMGM, but the same can be said for bettors that only focus on the big market movers. Even if the navigation online is not as smooth as with some other top operators, it is pretty intuitive, and surely we can say that BetMGM has had a great start in the online sports betting world.

• Review: BetMGM Sportsbook
• Best sportsbook for odds boosts
• BetMGM is legal in: Arizona, Colorado, Washington D.C.*, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi*, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming (at the time of writing).

Caesars Sports Betting App

Caesars Entertainment is one of the most recognized and largest names in gambling. Caesars now owns William Hill, which is rapidly becoming one of the biggest names in sports betting as well. Caesars Sports has lines for almost everything, and the more you play, the more points you earn with their Caesars Rewards program.

By being a loyal customer, you can receive comps, freebies, and plenty of other goodies to use on the online sportsbook and Caesars locations around the world. Not surprisingly, Caesars Sports has top-notch customer service, with agents available via different touchpoints, like phone, email, and live chat. In the states where online casinos and poker are legal, you can look forward to a fully integrated online offering, where you can switch easily from one product to another.

• Review: Caesars Sports
• The best sportsbook for loyalty rewards
• Caesars Sports is legal in: WA, WV, NV, AZ, TN, NY, NC, VA, CO, MD, MI, LA, OH, IA, IN, and IL (at the time of writing).

Unibet Sportsbook App

Despite being new to the US online sports betting market, Unibet is a brand that has lots of experience in this field and a massive presence across the world. Their sportsbook offering is relatively simple, but they cover all the basics very well. So if you are looking for a legal and safe place to wager and are not too into special features, then you will like Unibet. A big plus for United is their live betting feature. They have invested heavily in it and are undoubtedly ahead of their many competitors for the time being.

• Review: Unibet Sportsbook
• The best sportsbook for simple-to-use apps
• Unibet is legal in: AZ, IN, IA, NJ, PA, and VA (at the time of writing).

The advantage of sports betting apps

Sports betting apps are very popular, and it is not surprising as they allow you to have a real-time sportsbook on the go. All the major operators have a mobile option: they either have an app for iOS or Android or a fully optimized site that works on mobile. Once you have created an account by clicking on the links on this site, you will be able to download the app directly from the operator’s website.

As soon as the app is ready on your mobile device, you can simply login with your account details and you will be all set. In most markets, you can complete the entire signup procedure online, but you would need to do an in-person registration at a retail sportsbook in certain states. You will find some state-by-state requirements here, but always make sure to double-check with local authorities if some of the rules have changed.

It is important to note that you would have to be physically located within state lines to actually place bets. This is because sportsbooks are using a software called geolocation tracking to ensure they are compliant by accepting bets only from users in the state. You can, however, manage your wagering account when out of state with the app; for instance, New Jersey bettors can check their accounts or make withdrawals while in New York, but they would have to come back to New Jersey when they want to place wagers.

Finding the best odds and lines

Before placing your wagers, you must ensure you are getting the best possible odds. Initially, the difference between -105 and -110 might not seem like much, but if you bet frequently, it will add up to a significant amount in the long run. Considering that odds and lines are moving very often, the best approach to ensuring you are always betting at the best possible price is to have several accounts with all the top bookies and check, bet by bet, who has the best price.

So before placing any bets, remember to compare the odds at multiple books to find the best possible deal. For instance, an MLB money line for a favorite might reveal prices of -120, -125, and -115. As you can see, the last sports betting site has the best deal, but if you hadn’t checked, you could have gone for one of the other two, missing out on some extra value. Once you have multiple accounts with sports betting sites, it is straightforward to compare the odds, and it won’t take more than 5 minutes.

Betting sites offering futures and props

In addition to checking the best odds and lines, you also want to ensure that the online sportsbook you are planning to wager with has a full range of bet types. Of course, all the major books have standard sides and totals, but some also excel at offering plenty of futures and props. Futures markets are getting more and more popular in the US as online sports betting grows.

With these wagers, you can predict an outcome that won’t be immediate, like the winner of the next Stanley Cup or the next Super Bowl. Standard operators tend to offer the basics on signature events, but others go further by providing, for instance, the odds on the winner of the next NL Cy Young Award or which team will get the top pick in the NBA draft.

Prop bets are another way to bet on games, and the best sportsbooks have added a lot more options in this area in recent years. To find these types of wagers, you just need to click through on the individual game listings, and you will see the available markets for that event. If you think a book is not offering enough markets and you feel somewhat limited in your wagering, don’t hesitate to move to a different provider. There are many opportunities out there with the increased competition.

Is it safe to bet with US online sportsbooks?

The wait for the legalization of sports betting has been long, but many operators were prepared when it happened. To get a license in legal states, sportsbooks have to go through a somewhat complex process before gaining approval. Checks are challenging and rigorous, and despite the fact they can slow down the market’s growth, we are all benefiting from them.

The operators that get the stamp of approval from the state are legal, regulated, and completely safe to play on. You will have peace of mind knowing that your funds will be safe and secure, and you don’t have to worry about any potential funny business going on behind your back. This is why you should never use sportsbooks on the unregulated black market or on sites that are located outside of the United States.

How to figure out a legal sports betting site

Many states now make it easy to use online sports betting sites that are legal and regulated. This is great news, but it doesn’t mean that the unregulated operators have all disappeared. Most of them are still there and will be trying to get your money. To avoid issues, you must learn to distinguish between who can be trusted and who can’t. Below are some crucial flags to watch out for: 

• Unusual domain name: all the legal operators have a.com at the end of their address. You should be careful if you see something uncommon with endings like ag or lv.
• Cryptocurrencies are being proposed as funding options. Although there is nothing illegal about that, legal online sports betting sites normally stick to the basics like credit cards and e-wallets like Paypal.
• Markets that can’t be wagered on in the US, such as the odds on the presidential election. Legal US online sports betting sites won’t risk their licenses, so these markets’ presence is a red flag in and of itself.
• Poor website or app with long load times and numerous advertisements Legal operators invest heavily on the tech side, so their products are well constructed. 
• Bad reviews or poor company information on Google: If you carry out a simple Google search and struggle to find information about the company or find plenty of bad reviews, it is a sign you want to pass to another operator.

Why it is important to avoid offshore betting sites

Despite many states now offering opportunities to bet legally, offshore betting sites haven’t disappeared. Many will be trying to attract US bettors with rather convincing arguments. Don’t fall for it. There are plenty of horror stories out there about offshore sites, and it is paramount to avoid the risks. Here are a few problems that can happen when you use an offshore betting site:

• Bankroll funds disappear
• Bonus offers that never materialize
• Lengthy payout or no payout at all?
• Operators that completely disappear
• After winning, your account was locked.

There are many scams out there, and, to be honest, the risks are not worth it, especially as in most states, there are sports betting sites that are legal and reputable, like the ones we list on this site. 

The different types of online sportsbook bonuses and promotions

Since the competition is increasing in many states, legal bookmakers try to make themselves visible by offering lots of bonuses and promotions. Some offers are just a one-time thing, while others reward loyalty. It might become confusing with so many opportunities out there, so below, we have summarized the most common ones to help you get oriented.

• No deposit: This is usually a small free bet of $10 that is offered to users who sign up for a betting site. These free funds can be used before making the first deposit.
• Risk-free bet: with this promotion, you will get a refund if your free bet ends up losing. The refund can be as much as $500, although you would have to play it through on the site before being allowed to withdraw.
• Deposit match: the sports betting site will match your initial deposit up to a certain amount. Similarly to above, the matched funds won’t be immediately eligible for withdrawal.
• Odds boost: books will boost the odds for some bets from time to time. This is a great chance to get extra returns on wagers that you might already have wanted to place.
• Parlay insurance: if one leg of your multi-team parlay loses, you will get your money back. It’s a great way to lower the risk of a parlay bet, but you have to choose at least a certain number of options to be eligible for the offer.

Even if the promotions we have listed above are very popular, each operator will have different terms and conditions. Therefore, to stay on top of the current offers and avoid disappointments, make sure you understand all the terms well before getting involved. 

Online sports betting launch dates by state

The time when sports betting was only legal in Nevada is long gone. With the change in the law in 2018, now every state in the US is free to determine if they want to make sports betting legal. Below is an updated view of all the different states in the US where you can wager on sports at the moment of writing.

Arizona Sports Betting – Legal, launched September 2021

Colorado Sports Betting – Legal, launched May 2020

Connecticut Sports Betting – Legal, launched October 2021

Illinois Sports Betting – Legal, launched August 2020

Indiana Sports Betting – Legal, launched October 2019

Iowa Sports Betting – Legal, launched August 2019

Louisiana Sports Betting – Legal, launched January 2022

Maryland Sports Betting – Legal, launched November 2022

Michigan Sports Betting – Legal, launched January 2021

Mississippi Sports Betting – Legal, launched September 2021

Montana Sports Betting – Legal, launched March 2020

Nevada Sports Betting – Legal, online launched in 2010

New Hampshire Sports Betting – Legal, launched in December 2019

New Jersey Sports Betting – Legal, launched in August 2018

New York Sports Betting – Legal, launched in January 2022

Kansas Sports Betting – Legal, launched in September 2022

Oregon Sports Betting – Legal, launched in October 2019

Ohio Sports Betting – Legal, launched in January 2022

Pennsylvania Sports Betting – Legal, launched in May 2019

Rhode Island Sports Betting – Legal, launched September 2019

Tennessee Sports Betting – Legal, launched November 2020

Virginia Sports Betting – Legal, January 2021

Washington, DC Sports Betting – Legal, launched August 2020

West Virginia Sports Betting – Legal, launched August 2019

Wyoming Sports Betting – Legal, launched September 2021

Clearly, this picture is not the final one. There are lots of states that are at different stages in the process of legalizing sports betting. As the situation progresses, we will update the table accordingly, and you can also check our dedicated section, where we provide the latest in-depth guide on what the situation is in each of the listed states and how things are going there.

As you can imagine, rules and regulations aren’t the same for every state: for instance, some states allow retail sports betting but not online, while others offer both but still require in-person registration. Furthermore, each state has different views on the types of bets that are permitted, particularly in college sports. All the legal states, however, have some common rules, and these are:

• All bets must be made within the state on a licensed app or website for sports betting.
• You can’t bet on high school sports or events where most of the people involved are underage.

Legal Sports Betting by State Guide

At the time of this writing, sports betting is legal in roughly half of the United States. Several states are in the process of legalizing their sportsbooks, so the situation is in rapid evolution. Even states that have traditionally been against gambling expansion, like Tennessee and Virginia, now have online sportsbooks these days. As you can see, the sports betting situation in the US is very fluid, yet below we have provided an overview of the current scenario state by state at the moment of writing. This will be updated from time to time.

States with legal online and retail sports betting

If you want to have full-service sports betting, several states offer that. Lots of these states were the first to launch sports betting after the fall of PASPA.

Arizona

The Grand Canyon State made it from passing the law (April 2021) to launching (September 2021) in only five months. The official launch was Sept. 9, with the online sports betting market having seven apps on opening day. Additionally, two sportsbooks opened at the Phoenix stadium.

Colorado

Colorado has rapidly become one of the hottest markets after legalizing sports betting. A 2019 referendum legalized retail and online wagering, with casino sportsbooks and online apps launching in 2020. Currently, around two dozen sportsbooks apps live in Colorado, including some top names in the industry.

The number of apps rivals that of New Jersey, showing that this state is a central one for the US sports betting industry. In Colorado, you will also find several commercial and tribal casinos, with the majority positioned in the gambling cities of Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek. 

Connecticut

For a variety of reasons, the launch of sports betting in Connecticut took longer than expected. But in May 2021, a law signed by Gov. Ned Lamont got things on the way, and there have been three sports betting apps launched in October 2021, with the opening of temporary sportsbooks at Mohegan and Foxwoods casinos. 

Illinois

The Land of Lincoln has legalized sports betting in 2020. Strangely, the law that made sports betting legal in Illinois said that a person had to go to the state to sign up for and put money into an online sportsbook account. This requirement expired on March 5, 2022.

Indiana

Indiana took part in the second wave of sportsbook launches of 2019. Online betting was launched in October 2019 in the Hoosier State, with bettors able to register through their computer or mobile device and place wagers on almost everything, including in-state college teams. The Indiana Gaming Commission has veto power over live betting and data sources in sports betting, with around a dozen online and retail sportsbooks currently active in the state. 

Iowa

Iowa launched its sports betting market in August 2019. The Hawkeye State was able to debut sportsbooks just three months after Gov. Kim Reynolds signed SF 617. Initially, Iowa maintained that players had to register and make their first deposit into online sportsbooks in the state in person. That provision, however, ended in 2021, so now it is perfectly possible to register a new account, transfer funds, and place your bets from anywhere inside Iowa, as well as remotely. Unfortunately, it is not possible to bet on in-state college teams.

Louisiana

Louisiana launched sports betting in October 2021. Around a dozen retail sportsbooks have opened in the Pelican State since then. The sports betting market in the state expanded in January 2022, with online sports betting launched in 55 of the state’s 64 parishes. Louisianans can now bet on the Saints, Pelicans, and even Tigers of LSU. 

Michigan

Michigan has made a name for itself with online gambling and sports betting. The Great Lakes State had ten different apps that came online simultaneously, most of them representing some of the world’s most trusted and largest sportsbook brands. In addition, Michigan is one of four states that currently offer (or plan to offer) online casino, poker, and sports betting. The Michigan Gaming Control Board offers in-state college teams and has even allowed Oscars betting. There are no prop bets on college sports at the Michigan sportsbook.

Nevada

Nevada was the first state in the United States to legalize online sports betting. Thanks to PASPA, the Silver State had a monopoly on online sports betting for decades. Now that many states are coming online, Nevada is still leading the way, thanks to the collective expertise that the state has acquired over the years.

Even so, Silver State requires players to visit the land-based partner casino of the sportsbook app they want to use in order to complete the registration. Additionally, all deposits and withdrawals have to be completed in person. The rule, which is likely to stay, is a protection for the state’s biggest taxpayers, which are the casinos, of course. 

New Hampshire

New Hampshire is an example of a state-run operator offering sports betting is New Hampshire.Unlike other states, New Hampshire conducted an open bidding process for a single license. The winner was DraftKings, which had to agree to share 50% of its revenue with the state as a tax. Surely, that level is higher than in other states, but the operator will have a monopoly and control over the state’s land-based sportsbooks.

New Jersey

New Jersey is, without doubt, the new center of sports betting in the US. Sports bettors wager around $1 billion per month on sportsbooks in New Jersey, with the vast majority (more than 90%) of these bets occurring online. Also, the state is on the cutting edge of new features like the cashout option and is looking into the possibility of live betting and betting on the Oscars.

New York

New York is the most populous state to offer sports betting. The Empire State has been a full-service sports betting location since January 2022, with online and retail sportsbooks available within its borders. Sports betting is not entirely new for New York, as, since July 2019, four commercial casinos and some of its tribal casinos have been allowed to host retail sports betting. A half-dozen sportsbook apps are operating in the state, with nearly a dozen sportsbooks taking wagers here. 

Ohio

Although it wasn’t simple, Ohio’s lawmakers eventually passed a sports betting bill in December 2021, and Gov. Mike DeWine signed it. Ohio’s online sportsbooks launched on January 1, 2023, and the state will have up to 25 online sportsbooks when it reaches maturity.

Oregon

Oregon is not a full-service state for sports betting because its sportsbook app has some limitations right now. Similarly to New Hampshire, Oregon lawmakers decided to keep online sports betting more ‘in-house’ than in other states, with the Oregon Lottery controlling the whole industry. Scoreboard is the only app in the state at the moment.

Kansas

Kansas has legalized sports betting, and on September 1st, a limited launch took place with six sports betting sites available. Each casino license allows three online sportsbooks in addition to retail sportsbooks. The four casinos in the state are allowed to run brick-and-mortar sportsbooks and collaborate with a maximum of three internet casinos.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania was the first “main” state to offer online sports betting within its borders. When the Supreme Court struck down PASPA, Pennsylvania had a law in place similar to New Jersey’s that permitted sports betting.So the launch of sports betting was just a matter of time.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board required a $10 million license fee and a 36% tax rate for any online sportsbook, which has slowed down the delivery of licenses. Despite that, Pennsylvania is now home to a dozen online sportsbooks, which can accept wagers on most sports, including college sports.

West Virginia

West Virginia launched its online sports betting surprisingly quickly. The Mountain State was ready immediately after the fall of PASPA, with several sports betting operators starting in the following months. Now online sports betting (and retail) is in full swing in the state. 

Rhode Island

Rhode Island was the first state to decide to operate a more state-run approach to sports betting. Sports betting started in November 2018 with a retail operation at the state’s two casinos in Lincoln and Tiverton. These two casinos are owned by Bally’s Corporation, with the sports betting operations run by IFT. Since September 2019, both online and retail sports betting have been available in the state, with the only online sportsbook brand being Sportsbook Rhode Island.

Washington, DC.

The nation’s capital is also a sports betting destination. Even though Washington, DC, is relatively small in terms of area, there are more than 700,000 residents and many visitors, making it a very attractive location for sports betting. The DC Lottery is in charge of sports betting in the district and is the only entity that can offer online sports betting with their GambeDC app.

DC also permits other companies to provide retail and online sportsbooks, but only in certain designated areas. As a result, the district is one of the few places in the US where retail sports betting has been more popular than online.

Mississippi

Mississippi was one of the first states to legalize sports betting. The law, however, makes online sports betting legal only while the player is present on the premises of the casino. So, although Mississippi is formally a legal online sports betting state, current restrictions prevent the development of a proper online sports betting market. 

Maryland

In November 2020, the people of Maryland passed a referendum that made it legal to bet in the state. The state Legislature then officially legalized retail and online betting in 2021, with legal online sports betting starting on November 23, 2022.

Montana

Montana is like Mississippi in that you can only bet on sports online when you are at a registered sportsbook. Montana has also kept things “in-house” with the only authorized sportsbook provider, Intralot, who has both control over retail and the limited online applications.

States with active online sports betting

Tennessee

Tennessee’s decision to let people bet on sports was surprising, to say the least, because the state has always been against gambling. However, in November 2020, the Volunteer State decided to allow four sportsbooks to start offering service online. So, Tennessee is the first state in the country to offer sports betting only online and not in stores.

Virginia

Similarly to Tennessee, Virginia doesn’t have any casino locations, yet decided in January 2021 to open its own sports betting market. Despite the fact that for the time being, Virginia is just online, there are plans to allow the construction of five land-based casinos in the state in the near future.

Wyoming

Wyoming launched its online-only market in September 2021. Similarly to Tennessee, the offer is only online, despite the fact that there are some tribal casinos that could offer sportsbooks if they decide to do so. 

States with retail sports betting active

Arkansas

Arkansas had a reputation for being gambling-hostile, so it was a surprise that sports betting was legalized in 2019. Mobile or online wagering is not yet allowed, despite several attempts to date.

Delaware

Delaware was the first state to offer single-event wagering after the fall of PASPA. Currently, there are three racinos in the state, and all of these are now sportsbook locations. Delaware has also legalized online betting, yet this is not live yet.

North Carolina

North Carolina doesn’t have comprehensive legislation to enable sports betting in the state. There are no regular casinos in the Tar Heel State, but tribal casinos are in operation by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, where sports betting has been allowed since July 2019. The first retail sportsbook was opened in March 2021, and both casinos, Harrah’s Cherokee and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River, now have sports betting operations. Online sports betting is not allowed in the state, so the current situation is pretty limited in North Carolina.

New Mexico

There is no active New Mexico sports betting legislature. However, Santa Ana Star Casino opened for sports betting in October 2018, even if this has been disputed. Since then, other tribes in New Mexico have opened four other sportsbooks in light of the evolving situation in the state.

South Dakota

South Dakota’s first retail sportsbook opened in September 2021, but right now sports betting is only allowed at the Deadwood casinos. This is because of a law that was passed in the spring of 2021. Mobile apps might become available, but they are currently limited to on-property betting only.

Washington

In September 2021, Washington’s first retail sportsbook was launched at Snoqualmie Casino. Since 2020, tribal casinos are allowed to offer sports betting and online sports betting only on site.

States with sports betting legalized but not yet active

There are a number of states that have passed legislation but aren’t yet active and are working on it. When they launch, we will provide more information on how this will effectively work. These are: 

Florida: Legal in May 2021; online and retail

Nebraska: Legal in May 2021; retail only

States with sports betting legislation in progress

Several states are working on or have serious plans for a sports betting bill. Things are rather fluid in these states, and as situations become clearer, we will provide further information. For the time being, we have listed the states below:

• Kentucky
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Vermont

To stay up to date on the latest betting developments in the various states, bookmark this page and visit Betting Picks 4 You. Also, check out our picks for the best sports betting sites of 2023 if you are in a state where online sports betting is legal!

What is the best site to wager on US sports?

The best site to bet on US sports like football, hockey, basketball, and baseball largely depends on each bettor’s taste and requirements. Some bettors might be more likely to use an online sportsbook with a lot of betting options, such as several exotic prop bets. Others, on the other hand, might just be looking for a reliable operator that always has good lines.

Ideally, you should be looking for an online sportsbook with many markets and opportunities. Browse BettingPicks4You.com’s list of the best sportsbooks to find the best betting options for all the major US sports: NFL, college football, NBA, MLB, NHL, and UFC. All the sportsbooks we have selected will offer betting lines on a wide range of games, and for each match, you will also have several wagering options available, including live betting. In addition, you will also find plenty of futures betting options on football and other major US sports.

A good betting site will also have odds that are higher than the market average in more than one market. This lets you take advantage of the best lines all through the season. Football parlay odds and football teaser odds should also be able to get extra bonuses and betting deals. But before everything, make sure that the sportsbook is safe and licensed in the state where you live.

On BettingPicks4You.com, you will only find licensed and trustworthy websites that have a rock-solid reputation for treating customers fairly and paying them out on time. Every online sportsbook listed on BettingPicks4You checks all of these boxes, so if you’re looking for a top US sportsbook, check out our rankings.

What Sort of US Betting Site Should You Choose?

It largely depends on what type of bettor you are. Lots of sportsbooks will classify bettors into two categories: squares and sharps. A sharp bettor has a strong knowledge of the sport he is wagering on and top bankroll management skills. Sharp sports bettors tend to stake higher amounts than the average online sports bettor, and they are always on the lookout for good value odds.

Most bettors are not sharps but are armchair sports fans who enjoy wagering on the action and are not on a mission to try to make a consistent small edge through sports betting. If you fall into this category, you are less concerned with finding a sportsbook that allows you to place large bets. It would be more beneficial to find a site with a great sign-up bonus, an effortless way of depositing and withdrawing, top-notch customer service, lots of different betting options, a good selection of prop bets, etc.

If you enjoy a variety of sports, you’ll want to find a sportsbook that offers a wide range of options. All the best sportsbooks will have odds on major US sports like football, basketball, baseball, hockey, MMA, tennis, golf, and boxing; however, some will have more depth than others. You can use our rankings as a starting point in your research; all the sportsbooks we have selected are secure, reliable, and trustworthy.

Despite their differences, they all check all of the most important boxes for being a great operator. You can then determine the volume of wagers you are likely to place and the sports you are primarily interested in. This, together with an analysis of the bonus offered, will narrow down the list for you, and you will have a great chance of finding a handful of safe US sportsbooks that mostly suit your needs.

Conclusion

One day, it seems likely that online sports betting in the US will be available in most states. However, for the time being, make sure you check if online sports betting is available in the state you reside in, and always sign up with fully licensed sportsbooks in your state.

FAQs on Legal Sports Betting Sites in the United States

Is it possible to make money by betting on sports?

Everything is possible, but, as in all disciplines in life, you have to be good at it. The better you are, the more chances you will have to find an edge when wagering on sports. If you are an entry-level sports bettor, it will be challenging to make money straight away, so be patient and make the most of the sports betting offers available to increase your chances of success. Also, check out our sports betting picks from expert cappers.

How Can You Become a Better Sports Bettor?

Practice makes perfect, they say. Well, the same concept applies to sports betting. The more you bet, the more experience you will gain, and the better you will become. Therefore, it is advisable to concentrate first on a single team or a single league and only expand when you become more confident. Also, make sure you keep your bets small initially, as, in the first phase, you will likely lose more times than you win!

Which sports should I bet on?

You should focus on the sports that you are passionate about and that you know most about. For example, if you are a football fan, there is no point placing your wagers on soccer.

I’m new to sports betting and don’t understand how the odds work.

Understanding the odds is not difficult, and you will get used to it soon. Every event has a favorite (which has negative odds) and an underdog (positive odds). The odds are based on winning $100 (negative: the amount of money you need to stake to do so) or the amount you win if you bet $100 (when wagering on positive odds).

How do sportsbooks make their money?

They have a margin already built into the odds. This is also known as “vig’.”It is not something you have to worry about, as this is already factored into the odds you are given. Can I have multiple online sportsbook accounts?

Yes, you can have as many online sports book accounts as you want, as long as these operators are legal in your state. This is recommended because if you have more than one online sportsbook account, you can take advantage of more offers and better odds.

Can I bet in-play in the US?

In-play betting is legal in the US on sites that have been licensed by the government. However, most operators do not yet offer it. After all, sports betting in the US is still pretty new if we exclude Nevada, so sportsbooks are still advancing to offer similar services available in Europe, for instance. We foresee in-play betting being widely available in the US pretty soon. 

Can I stream events live when wagering at an online sports book?

All of the major US leagues have exclusive broadcasting rights, so it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to live stream them at online sportsbooks. There are, however, some sports that are live-streamed by sports books in the US. Check out our sportsbook review to learn more.