With so many options for bettors in today’s online sports betting market, picking an app can seem overwhelming. That’s why we put together a list of the best sports betting sites in the US, each one ranked and reviewed by betting experts at LSR.

Legal online sports betting is now available in 26 states plus Washington, DC., and residents of North Carolina can look forward to likely being next. In many states, competition for customers is intense as the top sports betting sites attempt to offer the best sportsbook promos and bonuses for new users.

Taking advantage of those promos and getting started at an online sportsbook is quick and simple. In most locales, you can register online via mobile or on a sportsbook’s website. This page will highlight everything you need to know about online sports betting, how to get started, and the best sports betting promotions and bonuses.

RANK
OPERATOR
BONUS
INFO
ACTION
1
UP TO $1,000
In Bonus Bets
First Bet Safety Net up to $1,000, or 
Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+ 
Use Bonus Code: LSRVA
2
UP TO $250
Bonus Bet with First Wager
First Bet Reset Up to $250 Back in Bonus Bets
Get Betway Boosts & Enhanced Odds
To Claim: Click Play Now
3
UP TO $1,500
In Bonus Bets
$1,500 Paid Back in Bonus Bets
Free Live Streaming – Watch Live Games 
Use Bonus Code: PLAYLSR
4
$1,000 FIRST BET
On Caesars
Up to $1,000 Bonus Bet if Your Bet Loses
Stream NFL Games In-App for Free
21+ Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Use Promo Code: LSR1000
5
Bet $5
Get $150
In Bonus Bets
Up to $150 in Bonus Bets if Your Team Wins
Available on Desktop, Android & iOS
To Claim: Click Play Now
6
$100 Bonus
No Regret First Bet
Up to $100 Back if Your First Bet Doesn’t Hit
Get Your Bets Boosted
To Claim: Click Play Now
7
$500 BONUS
2nd Chance Bet
Up To $500 in Bet Credits
ONLY 1x Play Through!
Use Exclusive Bonus Code: LSRRIV

Top 10 sports betting sites USA

Online sportsbook availability will vary by state. Some have more than 20 options, while others may have as few as one or two. In some states, new betting sites continue to launch.

Online sports betting in Virginia launched in January 2021. The state prohibits betting on in-state college teams and events. Top sportsbooks in Virginia include BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel and Caesars.

The list of online sports betting options continues to grow. Here are the best betting sites in the US today:

Caesars Sportsbook

Caesars Sportsbook has expanded its online presence since it acquired William Hill’s US assets. Now one of the top online sportsbooks on the market, the Caesars app combines a simple and solid sports betting experience with competitive odds and a steady stream of boosts and promos. From same-game parlays to live betting, there isn’t much you can’t do on the app. You should also be able to find whatever sport or event you want to wager on, as Caesars boasts one of the deepest catalogs of available betting options among its peers.

But, the top draw to the Caesars Sportsbook app might be the Caesars Rewards program. The program allows bettors to accumulate points they can redeem for betting promos, bonuses, and even perks such as discounted or free nights at Caesars hotels around the world.

with the Caesars Sportsbook promo code LSR1000

Bet365 Sportsbook

One of the world’s largest sportsbooks and sports betting sites, bet365 has begun an expansion into the US and is now available in six states, with more likely on the way. Daily odds boosts and super boosts are one of the hallmarks of the bet365 app and are prominently displayed for users to take advantage of. The app is beginner-friendly and easy to navigate but also offers a personalized display to spice up the experience for users of all levels. Live-betting options are plenty; users can even live-stream some events from the app.

With so many exciting features, it’s easy to see why bet365 proliferates across North America. However, Android users have consistently left poor app reviews, with customer service and app navigation being particular areas of concern.

with the bet365 bonus code LSRVA .

BetMGM Sportsbook

BetMGM Sportsbook has become a leading option in many states where sports betting is legal. BetMGM is known for its deep menu of sports available for betting and some of the best promotions and bonuses for users. Right now, you can get up to $1,500 back in bonus bets if you don’t win when you sign up at BetMGM and use the promo code PLAYLSR.

The “Edit my bet” feature may be the most popular function on the app as it allows users to add, remove, or swap selections on an already active bet slip. Users can also increase their stake to improve odds or take a cash-out option to cut their losses. The app can take some getting used to and isn’t known for offering the most competitive odds, but the sleek interface, rewards program, and menu of betting options still make this app a top choice for many bettors.

with the BetMGM bonus code PLAYLSR.

BetRivers Sportsbook

BetRivers is another book that features a large menu of sports and betting options. Bettors will find valuable stats and tips within the game listings in the main betting lobby and a large selection of alternate lines and props. BetRivers also has a rewards program, iRush Rewards, that bettors can use to gain points toward VIP gifts, event tickets, BetRivers branded merch, and other special offers.

Despite low reviews from iPhone users, BetRivers is known for speedy cash-out approvals and a generally smooth experience dealing with customer service. And while BetRivers delivers consistently competitive odds for its deep menu of sports, the UX on the app and desktop is a bit chaotic.

with the BetRivers bonus code LSRRIV.

FanDuel Sportsbook

A nationwide leader in the sports betting industry, FanDuel Sportsbook has become ubiquitous in almost every legal state. A smooth, user-friendly app goes a long way when recruiting new users, as does offering competitive odds, enticing promotions, and a deep catalog of sports to wager on. FanDuel checks all of those boxes and more. Top-notch customer service and quick deposits and withdrawals are also a calling card of this app.

The same-game parlay feature is one of the more popular aspects of the FanDuel app, and the large selection of player props makes using it even easier. While FanDuel consistently changes its sports betting promotions to entice new bettors, it could offer recurring promos to existing users better. The selection of odds boosts also tends to lag behind other top competitors.

No FanDuel promo code necessary.

DraftKings Sportsbook

The DraftKings Sportsbook app is one of the most popular in the US, as virtually everything you need in a sports betting site is just a click or swipe away. First, DraftKings’ app is one of the best for pure aesthetics. The dark-mode color scheme and user-friendly design make this app not only pleasing to look at but also highly functional.

It doesn’t take long to sign up, and customer service is easy to access through live chat or email, but the in-app betting features set DraftKings apart from many other apps. DraftKings is known for its selection of live-betting options complete with real-time updates so you can monitor in-game situations. Bettors can also take advantage of the betting pools feature, which allows users to compete in small groups with friends.

DraftKings also has some of the best new-user promotions in the industry. While the app could improve its daily odds-boost offerings and promos for existing players, this sleek, easy-to-use app is top-of-class in many states for a reason.

No DraftKings promo code necessary.

Unibet Sportsbook

The Unibet app has a solid selection of live-betting options and a good menu of props and sports. You can also live stream thousands of events on the Unibet app and take advantage of a competitive welcome bonus when you sign up.

Unibet doesn’t have the same depth of betting options as some of the options listed above, but it does offer competitive odds and every type of bet you could want for major sports. Unibet’s weekly parlay boosts are also a popular feature, as the app will provide a larger boost as you add more legs to the parlay.

Overall, Unibet may not stand out with the flash and menu of options provided by some competitors. Still, it’s a solid app – especially for the bettor who likes live betting on major North American sports.

Betway Sportsbook

Betway is a newer name in US sports betting circles but is a well-known brand in several overseas markets. There’s plenty of experience behind the scenes, and that shows up in a clean and efficient sportsbook with regularly competitive odds and lines, along with a great betting selection. Betway might be new to the scene but generally ranks highly among sports betting sites.

The menu of options available at Betway stands out, particularly for bettors who like to wager on niche sports or international competitions in sports like cricket or handball. While some apps reserve their promos primarily for new users, Betway does a good job featuring promotions for existing bettors, such as daily odds boosts and event-specific parlay boosts. Betway also provides a rewards program for users and offers a popular early cash-out option.

Fanatics Sportsbook

Fanatics is available in a few states, but that will likely grow with the company’s purchase of PointsBet. The sportsbook itself is fairly simple, as it has recently launched a beta version of its app. However, bettors can still expect all the typical bets they would find on more established platforms. “FanCash” is the reward program, offering between 1% back on straight bets and 5% on same-game parlays.

    How we rank the best sports betting sites

    Choosing the best betting sites takes many factors into account. First, each legal sportsbook’s menu of available bets is a major influence on its ranking. The more options available to bettors, the better. Having competitive odds can also make a sportsbook stand out from its competitors.

    The customer service reputation of the sports betting site is also essential. Bettors want fast-paying sportsbooks, easy deposits, and smooth communication with customer support. Users also always look at available bonuses, loyalty programs, and odds boosts.

    We also take into account the performance of each sports betting site from a user experience perspective and consider any distinct features that an app may provide. For example, DraftKings offers betting pools that allow customers to wager alongside friends and family.

    Live betting options, live streaming availability, app intuitiveness, usability, and personalization are essential factors in deciding the best betting sites.

    New sports betting sites for December 2023

    The landscape of legal sports betting in the US is changing rapidly. Every month, new online sports betting sites pop up across the country and it can be difficult to keep track of what is happening in each state. The chart below will help you identify the new sports betting sites in every state while providing the latest promo or bonus code available now in each sportsbook.

    SportsbookNew StatesLatest Welcome BonusLatest Promo Code
    Bet365 SportsbookLA, CO, IA, KY, OH, VABet $5 and get $150 in bonus betsLSRVA
    Betfred SportsAZ, IA, OH, VAUp to $105LSRBONUS
    BetMGM SportsbookKS, KY, MA, MD, OHUp to $1,500 in bonus bets as a refund if your first bet doesn’t win.PLAYLSR
    BetRivers SportsbookKY, MA, MD, OHSecond-chance bet up to $500LSRRIV
    Betway SportsbookAZ, OH, VAFirst bet reset up to $250 back in bonus bets if your first bet losesNo code necessary; click to claim
    Caesars SportsbookKS, KY, MA, ME MD, OH$1,000 first bet on CaesarsLSR1000
    DraftKings SportsbookKS, KY, MA, MD, OH, MEGet up to $1,200 in bonusesNo code necessary; click to claim
    FanDuel SportsbookKS, KY, MA, MD, OHBet $5 on any money line, get $150 in bonus bets if your team wins.No code necessary; click to claim
    Pinnacle SportsbookONN/AUse affiliate code LSR
    Tipico SportsbookOHN/ANo code necessary; click to claim
    Tonybet SportsbookONN/ANo code necessary; click to claim

    Top 3 new sports betting sites for 2023

    As the US sports betting industry evolves, new sportsbooks continue to pop up nationwide. A new state launch, such as Kentucky or North Carolina, can bring some familiar sportsbooks to new groups of people. In other instances, businesses change brands as companies dissolve, invest, and divest. Below is a list of three of the newest sportsbooks in the US.

    1. Hard Rock Bet

    Hard Rock Bet is the new name and rebrand of the old Hard Rock Sportsbook. The book is owned and operated by the Florida-based Seminole Tribe and is currently live in Arizona, Florida, Iowa, Indiana, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee, and Virginia.

    Hard Rock is likely better known for its casino and restaurant businesses, but the app offers a sleek, aesthetically pleasing interface and a top-of-the-industry loyalty program for sports bettors.

    2. ESPN Bet

    When PENN Entertainment announced that it was selling the Barstool brand back to outspoken founder Dave Portnoy, it also announced a new deal with media titan ESPN, owned by Disney, to rebrand Barstool Sportsbook as ESPN Bet.

    After a couple of months of preparation work with state gaming regulators, ESPN Bet launched in 17 states on Nov. 14, 2023. The familiar sports giant used two of its well-known media personalities as the initial faces of the brand, and early reviews were mixed after some users experienced trouble with the app. Still, ESPN figures to be a significant player in legal states nationwide as one of the most recognizable sports entities in the US.

    ESPN Bet is live in Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.

    3. Fanatics Sportsbook

    Like ESPN Bet, Fanatics found its way into states with legal sports betting by taking over an existing brand. The apparel giant purchased PointsBet’s US assets in June 2023 and began slowly rebranding PointsBet to Fanatics Sportsbook over the following months. Now live in Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia, Fanatics plans to continue expanding across the country.

    PointsBet is still available in Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. These states are likely to make the change from PointsBet over to Fanatics in the coming weeks or months.

    Yes, in some places. To date, 26 states, plus Washington, DC, have legalized online sports betting, and the list will likely continue growing in the coming years. In 2018, the US Supreme Court overturned a federal ban on sports betting and placed the decision of whether to allow the activity into the hands of individual states. While sports betting has since become legal in many states, there hasn’t been any federal legislation.

    Where can I place a legal online sports bet?

    The list of legal online sports betting states continues to grow. Currently, it’s up to 24 states plus Washington, DC, but the official launch is still pending in some jurisdictions. Florida, meanwhile, saw the launch of legal online sports betting in November 2021, had it discontinued pending a lawsuit, and now could return at some point in 2023.

    Arizona sports betting

    Arizona legalized sports betting in April 2021 after months of maneuvering in the state Legislature and public statements of support from Gov. Doug Ducey. The subsequent launch in September 2021 featured the arrival of both retail and online sportsbooks in the state. DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars, were among the first books to open for business in Arizona.

    Read more: Arizona sports betting sites

    Colorado sports betting

    Voters approved legal sports betting in Colorado in 2019. The official online and mobile rollout took place on May 1, 2020, with DraftKings, FanDuel, BetRivers, and BetMGM all going live on the same day. More books have since gone live in the state.

    Read more: Colorado sports betting sites

    Connecticut sports betting

    Legal online sports betting is available in Connecticut. The launch occurred in October 2021, with DraftKings, FanDuel, and PlaySugarhouse now available for bettors. The new gambling compact with the state’s tribes allows retail betting and online sportsbooks. The Gaming Division of the Department of Consumer Protection oversees betting in the state.

    Read more: Connecticut sports betting sites

    Illinois sports betting

    Illinois passed sports betting legislation in 2019, with the official launch in March 2020. Initially, the state required in-person registration for online and mobile bettors. That provision expired on March 5, 2022. Illinois sports bettors can download sportsbook apps, create accounts, and bet from anywhere within the state. DraftKings, BetMGM, PointsBet, BetRivers, and FanDuel are some of the top betting options in Illinois.

    Read more: Illinois sports betting sites

    Indiana sports betting

    Indiana legalized sports betting in 2019. The rollout happened quickly, with retail options opening up in September of that year, followed by an online and mobile launch in October. DraftKings and BetRivers were the first online sports betting sites available, followed by FanDuel a month later. The list of available options continues to grow.

    Read more: Indiana sports betting sites

    Iowa sports betting

    Iowa was also among the states that both legalized and went live with sports betting in 2019. It passed legislation in May, with the retail and mobile launch in August. As of January 2021, online and mobile users can register on a sportsbook app from anywhere in the state since the in-person requirement ended on Dec. 31, 2020. DraftKings, PointsBet, and Caesars are among the live books in Iowa.

    Read more: Iowa sports betting sites

    Kansas sports betting

    Kansas legalized sports betting in the spring of 2022, and it went live on Sept. 1 with six sports betting sites available. Gov. Laura Kelly signed the legislation into law in May, which went into effect on July 1. The law tethers online sportsbooks to commercial casinos in the state, with carveouts for pro sports teams who partner with a casino and the Kansas Speedway. Each casino license is permitted three online skins.

    Read more: Kansas sports betting sites

    Kentucky sports betting

    Kentucky made sports betting legal on the last day of its 2023 legislative session. It opened up the market with in-person betting on Sept. 7, 2023, and online sports betting on Sept. 28. Eight online books have received licenses in Kentucky, with seven launching on Day 1 of legal online betting in the state.

    Read more: Kentucky sports betting sites

    Louisiana sports betting

    Online sports betting launched in Louisiana in January 2022 and is legal in 55 of the state’s 64 parishes. There are now eight online books available in the state, including DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and BetRivers.

    Read more: Louisiana sports betting sites

    Maine sports betting

    The most recent state to launch online betting, Maine’s process to legalization was a long one. Online sports betting launched on Nov. 3, 2023 with Caesars and DraftKings the only two betting apps available.

    Read more: Maine sports betting sites

    Maryland sports betting

    Like in Louisiana, Maryland voters passed a referendum in November 2020 authorizing sports betting in the state. The state Legislature followed through and officially legalized retail and online betting in 2021. Maryland officially launched legal online sports betting on Nov. 23, 2022.

    Read more: Maryland sports betting sites

    Massachusetts sports betting

    Massachusetts legislators struck a last-second deal in the 2022 session to bring legal sports betting to the state. Online sportsbooks launched on March 10, 2023, with six to start with and as many as 15 permitted in the state.

    Read more: Massachusetts sports betting sites

    Michigan sports betting

    Michigan signed sports betting into law in December 2019. Retail sportsbooks opened up in March 2020, and online followed in January 2021. There are around a dozen online sportsbook options available in the state.

    Read more: Michigan sports betting sites

    Nevada sports betting

    Nevada’s days as the only legal US sports betting option are over. Not much has changed for the state since the US Supreme Court ruling. While more known for in-person wagering at casinos throughout Las Vegas, such as Westgate and Caesars, the state also has online and mobile options from books like BetMGM.

    Read more: Nevada sports betting sites

    New Hampshire sports betting

    Legal sports betting officially debuted in New Hampshire in December 2019 after the state Legislature approved it earlier in the year. The approval covered both retail and online books. DraftKings is the exclusive provider of online and mobile wagering in the state and also the operator of retail betting locations.

    Read more: New Hampshire sports betting sites

    New Jersey sports betting

    The Garden State was among the first to act after the landmark Supreme Court ruling. Retail sports betting rolled out in June 2018. DraftKings was the first online option in August, followed by BetRivers and FanDuel. There are now nearly two dozen NJ sports betting apps on the market.

    Read more: NJ sports betting sites

    New York sports betting

    Legal sports betting arrived in New York in 2019 via retail wagering at commercial and tribal casinos. In April 2021, Gov. Andrew Cuomo added an online sports betting piece to the state budget, which passed both houses. Online sports betting went live in the state in January 2022 with Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetRivers. BetMGM and PointsBet joined shortly after.

    Read more: NY sports betting sites

    Ohio sports betting

    It was a long march for the Ohio Legislature, but lawmakers passed a sports betting bill in December 2021. Gov. Mike DeWine signed it into law shortly thereafter. Online sportsbooks launched in Ohio on Jan. 1, 2023. As many as 25 online sportsbooks can be available in the state at maturity.

    Read more: Ohio sports betting sites

    Pennsylvania sports betting

    Pennsylvania was among the states that moved quickly after the Supreme Court’s PASPA ruling. Retail sportsbooks opened for business in the state in November 2018. The official launch of online sportsbooks took place in May 2019. SugarHouse was the first online sportsbook to go live, and sister property BetRivers and others, including DraftKings and FanDuel soon joined it.

    Read more: Pennsylvania sports betting sites

    Tennessee sports betting

    Tennessee approved sports betting in April 2019. There are no retail sportsbooks in the state, only online and mobile. Legal online betting was launched in the state in November 2020.

    Read more: Tennessee sports betting sites

    Virginia sports betting

    Virginia legalized sports betting in April 2020, and the first sportsbook launched in January 2021. According to state law, there can be a minimum of four and as many as 12 online sportsbooks available.

    Read more: Virginia sports betting sites

    Washington, DC, sports betting

    The city council approved sports betting in 2018, but the bill didn’t become law until January. GambetDC, an offering run by the lottery and powered by Intralot, has been the sole online and mobile option for bettors in the district since its launch in 2020. The Caesars Sportsbook app is only available in a geofenced area around Capital One Arena.

    Read more: DC sports betting sites

    West Virginia sports betting

    West Virginia also sprang into action following the Supreme Court ruling. Retail sportsbooks opened in the state in September 2018. BetLucky was available for a short time as a mobile option, but it shut down the following year due to a technology dispute. DraftKings and FanDuel went live in WV soon after, and others joined them.

    Read more: WV sports betting sites

    Wyoming sports betting

    Wyoming legalized online sports betting in April 2021, with the first sportsbook launching a few months later in September 2021. The market features an online-only model.

    Read more: Wyoming sports betting sites

    Other legal online sports betting states

    States with limitations

    Another group of states also allow online sports betting, albeit with limited options for users. While many of the legal markets have opted for a competitive multi-sportsbook approach, others have settled on a single option or two to control the marketplace. Here are the details on those states.

    Events to bet on

    One of the convenient things about sports betting is that there are plenty of choices. For example, you can shop around for your favorite places to wager and focus on one or more bets that work for your approach. The same applies to what you’re wagering on. There are various choices, from the most popular games and leagues to less well-known options. Here’s a look at some of the most popular odds at legal sportsbooks:

    How to bet on sports online

    While signing up to bet on sports in legal states isn’t tricky, what to do from there can be more difficult. However, several dedicated resource pages provide detailed information on the basics.

    The best options available for US sports bettors come via the sites that state regulators have approved for operation. Gaining acceptance and approval is not easy, and those who have joined the approved sportsbooks list have invested heavily.

    While there remains an active black market for sports betting via illegal offshore sites, there’s no reason to take the risk. Here are some of the main points to understand:

    Things you can’t legally bet on in the US

    Each state where sports betting is legal sets its own rules and regulations regarding what you can bet on. While there’s not complete uniformity among all markets, what is or isn’t allowed is one area of some common ground. You won’t be able to bet on the following at legal online sportsbooks in the US:

    Betting on the Oscars has been available in a few states, but sports betting is technically supposed to involve actual sporting events. The line gets a little blurry for the Super Bowl as off-the-field props may be available, such as the result of the coin flip.

    Another area to pay close attention to is wagering on college sports. While college betting is legal everywhere sports betting is legal, some states impose restrictions. For example, bettors in New Jersey cannot wager on in-state schools or events, but neighboring Pennsylvania has no such prohibition.

    Other states, such as Iowa, allow wagering on college sports teams but not prop bets on college athletes. For a detailed look at what is or isn’t legal, our state guides have additional insight.

    Why can’t you bet on elections or the weather?

    While there is often chatter about the betting odds for major political events such as the US presidential election, it remains illegal to bet on that in the US. There may be plenty of history to betting on who will be the next president, but that doesn’t mean it’s legal.

    Legal and regulated sportsbooks offer odds and wagers on sporting events. You won’t find options to legally bet on the weather or reality TV.

    How online sports betting became legal in the US

    Challenge in New Jersey

    New Jersey voters passed a non-binding referendum in November 2011 that instructed the state Legislature to legalize sports betting. Lawmakers quickly passed a bill that would have regulated sports betting at New Jersey racetracks and Atlantic City casinos. Gov. Chris Christie then signed the bill into law.

    The major sports leagues challenged New Jersey in court, claiming that the state was not exempt from the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act. Therefore, the leagues argued, New Jersey could not legalize sports betting. A lower court ruling sided with the leagues, and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed it. The US Supreme Court at that time refused to hear the case.

    New Jersey tried another angle. The state attempted to deregulate and decriminalize sports betting in the same venues as before. The sports leagues returned to court and challenged the new approach to sports betting. The leagues again prevailed in the lower court and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.

    New Jersey appealed and received a rehearing in the Third Circuit, which it also lost. The Supreme Court agreed to hear it, and New Jersey won its case in May 2018.

    American Gaming Association’s stance

    The American Gaming Association is the gambling industry’s lobbying group. It maintains that the black market of illegal gambling is too lucrative and thrives in an unregulated environment. The AGA supported the repeal of PASPA and also strongly advocated for states to be able to write their own sports betting laws.

    Daily fantasy sports vs. sports betting

    Daily fantasy sports contests are legal — or at least not explicitly illegal — in at least 40 states, according to the companies that promote the product.

    However, there are some differences between daily fantasy sports and sports betting. In sports betting, a bettor picks a team or multiple teams to win or cover a point spread. In daily fantasy sports, a user chooses athletes and enters a competition that computes a winner based on the statistics accumulated by the players.

    FAQ for betting sites

    Is it legal to bet on sports online?

    Yes, but it depends on where you are located. Legal sports betting is available online in many of the states mentioned above. You do not have to be a resident of a state to bet there, but you do need to be located within the state to place a legal online sports bet.

    Is sports betting legal in Europe?

    Online sports betting is legal throughout most of Europe, including the UK. This includes retail betting locations, sportsbook apps, and online sportsbooks. Some of Europe’s best online betting sites also operate in some US states.

    What is the safest betting site?

    The safest options for sports betting online are legal and regulated sites. DraftKings and FanDuel, for example, have received approval to operate online sportsbooks in many states. Legal and regulated sites must go through a lengthy application process, follow specific rules and regulations, and verify that customer funds are safe. That’s not the case with the unregulated options that may be available.

    Why do some online sportsbooks accept cryptocurrency?

    Cryptocurrencies aren’t on the list of approved banking options in legal online sportsbooks. The lone exception is Wyoming, a state that recently legalized online sports betting and has noted that cryptos are permitted for payment. While we might see this become an option elsewhere at some point, for now, cryptocurrency options are most commonly available on illegal and unregulated sites.

    Do I have to pay taxes on my winnings?

    Yes, profits from sports betting or any other type of gambling count as taxable income in the US. If you win above a certain level, sportsbooks may even provide you with a 1099-G that states your level of winnings, and the form will be filed with the IRS, as well. Complete tracking of the deposits and withdrawals you have made for gambling purposes is a good habit to get into. For specific questions regarding your personal situation, we encourage you to consult with a tax adviser.

    How legit is Bovada?

    Bovada is an unlicensed sports betting site that is not legal in the US. Bettors who use Bovada and other unregulated sportsbooks face risks of identity theft and financial mismanagement. Because these sportsbooks operate outside the legal bounds of the US, bettors have no legal recourse if an illegal book decides not to pay out winnings. With so many legal sportsbooks in the US, there is little reason to use a sportsbook such as Bovada, BetOnline or BetUS.