Several betting sites are available in the United States, and choosing the right one shouldn’t be difficult. We’ve carried out expert sportsbook reviews to pinpoint the top options, and you’ll discover them in this guide.
Our best five brands to consider are BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, and bet365. Individual local authorities license these sites in the states where they operate, making them legal. They excel in various areas regarding sports betting, and you’ll get the details as you continue reading. We’ll also share our tips for selecting them.
Quick facts about US sportsbook sites
- Online sportsbooks are legal in 35+ US states.
- Available betting brands differ from state to state.
- You can only bet with sportsbooks licensed in your region.
Are online sportsbooks legal in the US?
The answer is yes. Online sportsbooks are legal in the US, but the situation varies per state. Based on our research, more than 35 states approve some form of online sports betting.
Sportsbook sites are permitted in many locations since making predictions involves skill and research. We can draw a comparison with real money casino sites, which are not widely legal because they feature games of chance. In our online casino app reviews, we confirmed that only seven states allow the brands.
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Expert sportsbook app reviews – Top 5 brands in the US
After extensive expert tests and analyses, here are our best five online US sportsbooks to join:
BetMGM – Best for sports coverage
- Mobile app available for Android and Apple devices
- Available in 21 states
- Comprehensive sports coverage
- Not available to all US bettors
BetMGM is our leading sportsbook, as the brand is active in over 20 states. When you sign up, you can bet on more than 25 sports, including football, baseball, basketball, hockey, and more.
Our analysis confirms that the odds are fair with margins staying under 5% for top games. Therefore, you'll be getting more potential payouts in the long run for correct predictions.
As a new BetMGM bettor, you can claim up to $1,500 paid back in bonus bets if your first wager doesn't win. However, in some states, the popular sportsbook has a Bet $10 and Get $150 in bonus bets welcome offer. Over time, you can join the MGM Rewards program for exclusive benefits. Check the latest BetMGM Bonus Code before signing up to make sure you're getting the best available offer.
Caesars – Ideal choice for bonuses and promotions
- First bet safety net offer
- Dedicated mobile app
- User-friendly platform
- Live chat and phone support
- Not available in all states
With Caesars, you can bet on 20+ sports. The brand provides all the major markets for pre-game and in-play, and there are decent bonuses to claim while wagering. After registration, the welcome offer varies depending on your state.
The most popular we saw is up to a $25 boost on 20 wagers after your first. To qualify, you just have to make a $1 initial wager. If you don't see this promo, you can get up to $150 in bonus bets if your first $5 wager wins.
More bonuses are available in the Caesars Rewards program as you continue betting. The exclusive scheme runs on Tier Credits and Rewards Credits, and the latter is redeemable for bonus bets and other benefits. Use the latest Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code to maximize your welcome bonus at sign-up.
DraftKings – Leading football betting brand
- Sports welcome offer
- Diverse range of betting markets
- Separate sportsbook and DFS page
- No phone customer support
- No live chat
On the DraftKings app, it's pretty easy to stake on NFL games. We say so because the sportsbook lists the top football events on each big gameday on the main tab. Once you click, you instantly get a rundown of all featured markets.
You can begin betting on football with DraftKings with $300 bonus bets from the welcome offer. Just sign up, place a $5+ qualifying wager, and you'll get the reward if you win. Grab the DraftKings Promo Code to ensure you activate the full welcome package.
Based on our expert DFS app reviews, DraftKings is also ideal for Daily Fantasy Sports. For context, the brand is an official DFS partner of the NFL, so it offers dedicated features for making picks in football.
FanDuel – Best mobile app performance
- Variety of betting markets
- DFS contests
- Downloadable mobile app
- Not available in all states
The FanDuel mobile app is available for iOS and Android through official download stores. From our tests, it has one of the friendliest designs among US sportsbooks. During our DFS sites review, we also marked FanDuel as one of the best for new players.
This fact is thanks to the minimalist white and blue colors, neat sans serif fonts, and well-arranged market tabs. Plus, FanDuel displays official league logos in the top tab, so finding games to bet on takes seconds.
If you're new to the FanDuel app, you can claim $300 in bonus bets after registration. The requirement is for your first qualifying wager of $5 or more to win. Be sure to use the current FanDuel Promo Code when you register.
Fanatics Sportsbook – Fast-growing challenger brand
How to choose the right US sports betting site
Are you wondering how to select an ideal sportsbook site in the US? If so, these are the factors that matter:
Licensing and availability
Above all, the brand you pick must be licensed and available in your state. Otherwise, you can't bet legally on the site or app. Remember that sweepstakes sportsbooks are alternatives if real money brands are not legal in your location.
With sweepstakes sites, you make predictions using virtual currencies and not actual money. One of the best is Fliff, which has been around since 2019. You can check our guide on is Fliff legal to know if you can use the app.
Sports and markets
In our expert US sportsbook reviews, we prioritize brands with a strong coverage of US leagues. Don't compromise on this factor. You should be able to stake on the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA football, and NCAA basketball. We also publish Free Picks across all major sports to help you identify value before placing your bets.
The markets are just as important, and the best sportsbooks feature more than just moneylines, totals, and spreads. Look into the player props and futures for various sports, plus the live markets for in-play betting.
We recommend a similar tip in our guide to choosing DFS brands. During our expert DFS app reviews, we assess the featured sports and contest types. For the latter, contests like Guaranteed Prize Pool (GPP), Cash Games, Head-to-Head (H2H), Double-Ups, Single Entry, and Flex are essential.
Bonus terms and conditions
It's okay to select a sportsbook with interesting bonuses. However, pay more attention to the terms and conditions, such as:
| Term | Description |
| Minimum deposit | The smallest amount to deposit to claim the bonus |
| Wagering requirement | How many times you’ll bet the bonus amount before withdrawing potential winnings |
| Validity date | The duration you have to use the bonus and meet wagering requirements |
| Eligible sports | Which sports, leagues, or bet types qualify for the bonus |
| Odds limits | Minimum or maximum odds required for bonus bets to count |
| State availability | Some bonuses may only be valid in certain US states |
The above details tell you if you can actually get something positive from the offer. At sweepstakes sportsbooks, bonuses don't come with individual terms and conditions, so you can be a bit relaxed while using the sites. The same applies to sweepstakes casinos.
For example, the SC we once received from Stake.us bonus code drops didn't feature any validity date. We could use the virtual currencies at any time, provided our account is active.
Payment methods
For this factor, you'll want only secure and fast payment options. We prioritize methods like Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Apple Pay, and bank transfer in our sportsbook analysis. It doesn't end with just the payment methods, though. Also consider the transaction limits and processing time, especially for payouts.
This factor is also key in our online casino and Daily Fantasy Sports app reviews. If you go for a sweepstakes sportsbook or casino, still look at the payment methods. That said, note that the sites don't use real money.
For instance, there's no Jackpota no deposit bonus because the brand doesn't support deposits in any form. Payment methods only come in for purchasing optional GC bundles or redeeming eligible SC for real prizes.
Pros and cons of US online sportsbooks
These are the upsides and downsides we observed while reviewing US sports betting brands:
- Variety of legal brands
- Broad coverage for US sports
- Rewarding bonuses and promos
- Limited availability in some states
Join a legal sportsbook site today
You may prefer predicting games in the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, or other sports. Whichever, it's essential to only use legit sites for betting. The good news is that renowned sportsbooks are legal and active across different states. You can explore all our Best Sportsbooks to compare your options in one place.
As we noted, the limited availability in some locations is a drawback. However, things are that way because the brands have to respect local authorities. Besides, compared to findings in our expert online casino reviews, sportsbooks are more widely available than gaming sites.
If legal in your state, our expert reviews will help you pick the right sportsbook. You can go through our analysis of BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics to select a brand that works best for you. When you make your choice, click the banners on this page to visit the site today.
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Expert sportsbook reviews FAQs
What betting sites can I use in the USA?
You can use several betting sites in the USA, depending on which is legal in your state. Our top five sportsbooks to consider are BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Fanatics.
What is the best online sportsbook in the USA?
The best online sportsbook will depend on your preferences as a bettor, but we recommend BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, or Fanatics.
Can I use US sports betting apps with a VPN?
No, US sports betting apps don't allow VPN access. You can only bet with sportsbooks legally available in your state.
