With so many online sportsbooks launched in the United States in recent years, opting for one can prove tricky for sports fans.
While they are all unique, they also have many similarities; A situation reminiscent of opting for cereals in the supermarket.
That said, there are several key spaces in which a bookmaker can excel. Sports bettors are looking for full-fledged sports betting sites that go beyond fundamental standards.
Finding a high-quality bookmaker can be time-consuming, which is why we’ve combined this advisor to help you find the right one for you.
Before exploring online sportsbooks in the United States, here are some tips on how to begin your variety process.
Before you sign up for a sports site, it’s vital to know how seriously you’re going to take sports and what you need to get out of them.
If you’re a more casual sports bettor and plan to bet occasionally, features like rewards programs, existing visitor promotions, and visitor service possibly don’t matter as much. However, if you plan to bet more often, those features are more important. .
You should also ensure that the sports betting site offers a smart variety of bet types and betting markets, competitive odds compared to other sports betting sites, and an intuitive interface that makes locating and placing bets quick and easy. Have fast and convenient deposit and withdrawal methods.
If you plan to spend a lot of time at a sports site, having a stylish and rewarding experience is a must. Not only will it save you a lot of time in the long run, but it can also save you money.
Online sports is legal in the majority of states, yet not in all. The first step is to check if your state permits sportsArray as some states have not yet legalized it or only permit in-personArray
If so, the next step is to see which online sportsbooks operate in your state. While larger sportsbooks like FanDuel and DraftKings are available in most legal states for sports betting, some sportsbooks are only available in certain states.
Obviously, being in a state where only a handful of sportsbooks are legal makes selection less difficult than if you were in a state with more than a dozen sportsbooks.
Also make you of legal age to bet on sports. The age limit is 21 in most states, but in some states it is 18.
Before states began legalizing online sports betting, sports bettors turned to illegal offshore sports betting sites to place their bets. This is no longer mandatory now that sports betting is legal in many states.
All legal sports betting in the United States is regulated and will need to meet certain criteria in order to operate. They are required to pay out their winnings and have strict security measures in place to protect your personal and financial information.
Many foreign bookmakers are not subject to the same supervision and are not subject to the same laws, making them less reliable and trustworthy. If you win cash on an illegal online sports site, you are not guaranteed to get your winnings, and it will possibly take much longer to get your payout, if at all.
If you are a victim of fraud or theft at an offshore sports betting site, there is usually not much you can do because those sports betting sites operate outside of US jurisdiction.
Using sports betting abroad is risky, and it can simply charge you money. Legal and regulated U. S. sportsbooksTheir U. S. products are much safer and offer guarantees to their customers.
In addition to having websites, many online bookmakers also offer mobile apps. Before opting for a bookmaker, make sure that it has an app for your operating formula (iOS or Android) on the App Store or Google Play Store.
Once you’ve downloaded the app, try it to see how you feel. Each sports app has a different interface, features, design, and load times, so make sure it’s comfortable and easy to use. You don’t need a clunky, slow, or problematic application.
You can access a sportsbook through your desktop browser or mobile device, but the user experience may not be as simple.
One of the most important aspects when comparing online sports betting is the sign-up bonus. Most bookmakers provide welcome to entice new consumers to sign up, and they regularly offer bonus bets or immediate chance bets if you lose your first bet.
It is imperative to know the difference between those offers, what they mean and the terms related to them.
An example is a bookmaker that offers you $200 in bonus bets for a $5 bet. In this case, the bookmaker will necessarily give you $200 in loose credits on the site for just $5.
However, many bookmakers have a promotion that gives you an extra bet if you lose your first bet. For example, if you bet $100 on your first bet and lose, the sportsbook will likely offer you a $100 bonus bet so you can pay out and get your money back.
One offer isn’t necessarily better than another, but it depends on your goal. If you want to place other bets and explore sports betting, it’s often best to ask for a “bet and get” offer with bonus bets. If you’re just looking to sign up to be able to bet on one game (e. g. , the Super Bowl) but don’t plan on placing much sports betting in the future, a momentary chance bet will usually suffice.
Beyond the welcome it offers, it is also vital to compare the promotions and rewards that the bookmaker offers to existing users. One bookmaker may offer odds boosts that can only be discovered on their site, while another may possibly offer their consumers bonus bets and referral bonuses.
Some bookmakers offer strong praise systems that offer users problems or bonus bets for each bet placed, while other bookmakers do not have any kind of praise system.
Again, it depends on how you plan to bet. If you bet frequently, it is more important to locate a sportsbook with daily promotions and a solid loyalty program.
Odds vary between bookmakers, so it is important to ensure you are getting competitive odds on your bets.
Think about both the odds and the prices. If you can get a gallon of gas for $3. 10 at station A or $3. 20 at station B, it’s better to get it at station A.
The probabilities are presented in the same way. Suppose you need to place a cash line bet on the Dallas Cowboys. If one bookmaker has odds at -200 to win and the bookmaker has them at -220 to win, you will make more money with the first bookmaker.
The differences are minimal, but they increase in the long term, especially if you bet on longer units.
A sports betting site will never offer the most productive odds for each and every sporting event (otherwise it wouldn’t be as profitable), however, it pays to buy food to get the most productive value on an occasion in which that you need to bet. . It takes a little time, but it’s worth it.
While pre-match odds are easy to compare, it’s also worth looking at how they differ in other markets, such as live betting, prop betting, and parlays. Some bookmakers offer more favorable odds in certain areas, especially in live markets. where the odds are shifting.
Another area in which bookmakers differ is in the games and bets they offer.
While most sportsbooks offer popular betting markets (moneyline, spread, total, etc. ) on major US sports, there are a few spaces where sportsbooks can stand out. One is prop bets, particularly player prop bets. Some sportsbooks have a probably infinite range of prop bets for each game, while others offer more limited selections.
Another domain is niche markets and foreign games. Some sports sites offer a much wider variety of foreign sports to bet on, from foreign football matches to darts, billiards, rugby, and much more.
If you are a serious bettor or a fan of a tied league, you will want to make sure that your national sportsbook offers odds on your game.
Most online bookmakers have some sort of visitor service and have multiple tactics for contacting them, whether it’s by phone, email, or online chat.
You never know when a challenge or query might arise, so preferably the bookmaker will have a 24/7 option in case you want it on the weekend or late at night. Some bookmakers are known for being more responsive and available, while others don’t offer much more than pre-written guides and FAQs.
You can check out a bookmaker’s visitor service by emailing/chatting or calling them to see how long it takes for them to respond.
A bookmaker deserves to have strategies to deposit and withdraw the flight budget from your account.
These features would likely vary by state, as some states do not allow credit cards for sports betting, for example. However, it will be easy to link your bank account, card information, or virtual wallet like PayPal or Venmo for quick transactions.
Regulated sportsbooks in the U. S. The U. S. uses this data with strict security measures, so you don’t have to worry about your account data being hacked or stolen.
You’ll also want a bookmaker that processes invoices and withdrawals quickly. If you make a deposit, you will be able to use your budget almost immediately. Withdrawals usually take a little longer, but they arrive in your account within 1-3 business days. .
Most bookmakers offer features and processing speeds in this regard, although some take longer than others.
Although there are many legal online sports betting sites in the United States, DraftKings and FanDuel are the most popular in terms of market share. Not only are they well-known and established brands with strong marketing campaigns, but they also built a giant visitor base through fantasy sports for years before sports betting became legal.
DraftKings and FanDuel are also the most widely available, operating in more states than their competitors.
BetMGM and Caesars are also solid brands that offer high-quality sports betting, although they are not as popular as DraftKings and FanDuel. Bet365 is founded and has over 90 million consumers worldwide, but continues to build its presence in the United States.
Meanwhile, bookmakers like Fanatics, ClutchBet, and ESPN BET, which debuted more recently, still have a long way to go to catch up.
As major rivals and competitors, FanDuel and DraftKings are very similar. You may not find many major differences in their odds, promotions, betting markets, and visitor service.
Two areas where they differ are their design and their rewards program. FanDuel’s interface is sleek, modern, intuitive, and easy to use; Many are committed to being one of the most productive in the business.
DraftKings’ interface is rarely too bad, but it does seem more dated than FanDuel’s, which makes it a bit more difficult to locate the bets you’re looking for.
On the contrary, DraftKings has a merit with its rewards program. FanDuel does not have a loyalty program, so bettors get nothing there. DraftKings, on the other hand, offers problem bets that can then be converted into bonus bets, DraftKings products, or other rewards.
In other words, FanDuel offers a smoother experience, but DraftKings is more rewarding.
As stated above, a sports betting site will never have the most productive odds for each and every sport, or it would not be as successful as its competitors.
However, the odds differ depending on the bookmaker. The differences are minimal, as if one team is the favorite with a moneyline of -150 in one place and -160 in another. You’ll never see a team indexed as a transparent favorite on one site and a big loser on another.
The key is to see which bookmaker offers the odds for the quick bet you need to make. Sometimes the odds will be exactly the same, but other times there will be small differences that you can take advantage of.
Ultimately, it’s up to the sports bettor to locate the odds, as a bookmaker won’t offer you the odds on everything.
Many welcome offers are comparable, so it’s tricky for a bookmaker to have the best one. Also, bookmakers replace their sign-up bonuses, so a welcome offer probably won’t last long.
As mentioned above, it’s also vital to note the difference between be’s offerings. Just because a BE offer has a higher financial price doesn’t mean it’s better.
For example, a bookmaker may offer you a bonus bet of up to $1500 if you lose your first bet. However, if you win your first bet, you won’t get a bonus.
On the other hand, some bookmakers offer a smaller amount of guaranteed bonus bets. The bonus can be lower ($100 or $200), but you are guaranteed to get it regardless of the final outcome of your first bet.
Since guaranteed bonus bets necessarily involve cash to play with, those types of offers are higher unless you plan to bet a lot of money on a single bet.
In terms of rewards, Fanatics is the most productive thanks to its exclusive FanCash program.
Fanatics offers bettors a stake percentage (up to 10%) in FanCash based on the odds of their bet. The higher the odds, the more FanCash you will receive. The more you bet, the more FanCash you will accumulate.
You can withdraw FanCash whenever you need and withdraw all or just a part. You have two features with your FanCash, as you can convert it into bonus bets to use at sportsbooks or redeem it for credits on the Fanatics retail site, where you can use it to purchase merchandise or clothing from your favorite team.
FanCash doesn’t expire, so you can save up for a big bonus bet or a big acquisition like a t-shirt. Either way, the flexibility of the program is a plus.
Here’s a look at the most productive online sportsbooks available to US bettors. U. S. :
If you’re into sports or fantasy sports, you’ve probably heard of DraftKings Sportsbook. It is one of the first sports sites in the U. S. to be held in the U. S. The U. S. sports site is one of the two largest sports sites in the country in terms of market share, along with FanDuel. It is also a leading player in the DFS space.
DraftKings offers odds boosts, a physically powerful rewards program, and a sign-up bonus for new customers. It also has a Parlay Builder tool that makes it easy to create parlays.
The markets and types of bets at DraftKings are also extensive. DraftKings is known for offering one of the widest options for prop betting and futures betting on the market.
In short, DraftKings has everything you expect from a bookmaker.
FanDuel Sportsbook rivals DraftKings as one of the largest and most well-known brands when it comes to sports and DFS.
Although the two apps have many similarities, FanDuel gets top marks for its sleek, intuitive design that makes locating bets quick and easy.
FanDuel has tons of betting markets, but it never feels overwhelming. It also offers a sign-up offer for new visitors, odds boosts, and top-notch visitor service. The only thing missing is a rewards program.
Caesars Sportsbook is one of the most productive sports betting apps for several reasons, but what stands out is the increased odds. Caesars has the most in the industry, delivering dozens of improvements across a variety of sports every day. .
Beyond that, Caesars also offers a wide diversity of regular markets. It also offers a sign-up promotion for new consumers and a “FireBets” feature that makes life easier.
Caesars also offers a generous rewards program. In addition to earning betting emissions that can then be used for bonus bets, you can also enter to win at Caesars casinos and resorts.
BetMGM Sportsbook is helping to raise the bar for sports sites.
BetMGM offers an exciting welcome and reward offer to consumers with odds boosts and an MGM Rewards program where users have the chance to win VIP trips to MGM homes nationwide.
BetMGM features reliable visitor support, betting markets, and a modern, easy-to-navigate interface. In other words, it ticks all the boxes.
Fanatics is one of the latest bookmakers on the market, introduced in 2023 after merging with PointsBet.
As mentioned earlier, Fanatics offers the industry’s loyalty program with its FanCash rewards.
It also offers a great experience by tailoring the homepage to your history, making it easier to locate the sports and types of bets you like to bet on.
Fanatics also has a modern interface, odds boosts, and many betting markets, making it a wonderful addition to the sports betting landscape.
Based in the United Kingdom, Bet365 is one of the most popular sports sites in the world with a maximum of one hundred million users and has also expanded to the United States.
Bet365 is ideal for new users as it allows them to choose between two welcome offers. There are also many foreign markets and specialty sports that are not found on U. S. sports betting sites. U. S.
While not as common as the other bookmakers on this list, Bet365 is a wonderful option if you can access it.
ClutchBet Sportsbook, one of the latest bookmakers on the market, debuted in Iowa in 2022 and has since expanded to several states.
While it has yet to catch up in terms of popularity and market share, ClutchBet is a significant addition to the market with its blank design, vast markets, competitive odds, and counterfeit promotions.
ClutchBet is only available in a few states, but it’s worth checking if you can access it.
BetRivers has a smaller appearance than larger bookmakers, making it more manageable and less difficult for new users to navigate.
It also has a more local flavor with a welcome offer that varies by state and increased odds on local sports teams.
BetRivers may not have many features, but it covers the basics and is a solid option.
ESPN BET, a sportsbook introduced in November 2023, was renamed Barstool Sportsbook. It has a modern app with many wonderful features, adding a wonderful welcome offer, exclusive odds boosts and common promotions.
With connections to ESPN personalities, competitive odds, and a clever variety of markets, ESPN BET is a high-quality bookmaker.
We took the time to analyze and study many sportsbooks, narrowing down a list of the most productive in the industry. These ratings can help you determine which ones you should check first.
Our ratings are based on scores in the following categories:
Below, we’ll break down each category and why it’s vital to your sports betting experience.
A quick and easy way to get an idea of the quality of a bookmaker is to compare user reviews on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android). Since the scores are five stars, you’ll need a reputable bookmaker with an average rating of at least 4 stars.
You can also check out users’ quick reviews to get an idea of what other people are saying about the app and if there are any recurring cases or court issues. This can be useful for functions that are difficult to compare until you use the app, such as heist or visitor service.
A lot of commentators are there to complain, so don’t put too much emphasis on express criticism.
That said, if you notice common themes in the comments, we warn you about the upheavals you may encounter with the app.
Each state handles sports differently. Some states allow in-person and mobile sportsArray, while others would only allow in-person sports or impose a strict limit on the amount of mobile sports betting allowed.
As a result, sports betting varies by state, as both states will have to approve a sports bet before it can be introduced there. There are no sportsbooks in one or both states that offer legal online sports betting, but some have been introduced in most of them.
Generally speaking, the more states a bookmaker is available, the better. This means it’s more likely to be available in your state, in a border state, or in a state you’re likely to go to, making it less difficult and more convenient to use. This way, you can take your sportsbook with you instead of having to sign up for a new one every time you leave your state.
While small “local” bookmakers offer profit boosts and other bonuses based on local teams, they can only be obtained at most in a handful of states and offer limited availability.
This is important. How much cash will a bookmaker give you for signing up?
Most bookmakers offer welcome offers to attract new customers, but it is vital to know how they work. Just because an offer is related to a higher amount does not necessarily mean that it is better.
Some sports sites offer “bet and get” promotions where you get bonus bets (site credit) just for wagering a small amount of cash. For example, you can get $200 in bonus bets just by placing a $5 bet. Get loose money to bet on.
Other sports sites offer “effortless” offers that offer a bonus bet only if you lose your first bet.
For example, if you place a $20 bet after registering and lose, you will get a $20 bonus bet that will be refunded.
These offers tend to impress bettors with larger amounts than “bet and get” promotions, going up to $1,000 or $1,500. However, you will only get a bonus bet if you lose your first bet, in which case you will want to use the bonus bet you must place to get your coins back. If your bet wins, you will get your winnings in coins as an overall bet, but you will not get any bonus.
As a result, “effortless” offers aren’t as smart as “bet and get” promotions.
When comparing sports betting, the most productive thing to do is to opt for welcome offers with guaranteed bonuses that give you credits on their site no matter what.
The duration of the bonus on offer may not matter if it is difficult to claim.
The best sports bonus offers are as undeniable to claim as they are generous, being undeniable and straightforward without needing to overcome any hurdles.
The most productive bonuses are guaranteed and arrive immediately in your account as soon as you place your first bet. They will also be easy to meet and possibly won’t require you to tick boxes to get your bonus.
Some sports betting bonus offers require you to place bets or wait days or weeks to unlock your full bonus. This can be inconvenient, especially if you’re looking to get your full bonus before an important sporting occasion like the Super Bowl or March Madness.
More complex donations can be overwhelming, so we prefer simplified donations with fewer requirements.
If you bet and plan to use a bookmaker frequently, a counterfeit rewards program is essential.
Loyalty systems differ depending on sports betting. Some offer you praise for the bet, which can then be turned into bonus bets or other praise. Others offer high praise, such as free rides, hotel stays, tickets to sporting events, and more. .
On the other hand, some betting houses do not offer any rewards. This may not be a big deal for casual bettors, but it can make a difference for regular sports bettors.
It’s like paying for anything with money other than a credit card. If you place a bet on one site without a loyalty program, you’ll lose problems elsewhere.
While major sports such as football or basketball can only be enjoyed via classic cable or streaming services, some bookmakers offer the option to stream smaller sports on the app, which is a merit. for bettors.
For example, the FanDuel app streams tennis matches, making it less difficult to follow the action and place live bets.
Beyond live streaming, we also considered the length of the stream, the amount of battery used, and the number of occasions available to stream on the app.
Most bookmakers offer some form of welcome and offer to attract new customers, but where they differ is their promotions for existing customers.
Some sportsbooks offer a multitude of daily promotions such as odds boosts, no-hassle bets, bonus bets and much more to keep consumers coming back every day. Others offer them only in moderation or not at all.
A key promotion for existing users is the referral bonus. Many sportsbooks offer some type of referral bonus to entice someone else to sign up, but the amount can vary ($50 per child, $100, $200, etc. ). If you plan to bet with friends or family, this can be a wonderful way to get extra bets for you and them.
Similar to a rewards program, if you plan to gamble regularly, look for a sportsbook with common offers for existing customers.
Robust visitor service features are a must for any sports betting site, given that most disputes or appeals involve someone’s money.
High marks were given to all bookmakers that provide visitor service 24/7 (after all, sporting events end at night), while problems were deduced if a betting house Betting relied on an FAQ page as a key component of its visitor service profile. If you touch on visitor service (email, chat, phone, etc. ), the better.
Customer support is a must to ensure a stylish sports betting experience. If a challenge arises, it is vital to address it temporarily and efficiently.
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