Can you legally bet on sports in the US?
Since PASPA was overturned in 2018, each individual state now has the power to create its own laws and legislation surrounding online sports betting. With this in mind, it comes as no surprise that the current position across the US is a little complicated.
Thankfully, we’ve got our fingers on the pulse and have been quick to pick up on any recent amendments. Plus, we’ve taken time to create a guide that offers a complete insight into the position of each legal state. Alternatively, you can use the map below to see if you can bet on sports today.
Sports
Sport
Casino
Poker
Horse Betting
Daily Fantasy Sports
Social Casino
What to expect from online bookmakers: Key attributes of the very best sportsbooks around
Once you’ve established that sports betting is legal in your state or a state you plan to visit, you’ll want to find yourself one of the best online operators around. PromoGuy is full of reviews of the best names in the business – but what exactly do we judge these sites on?
As we’ve already established, all legitimate online operators will be governed by the laws set out by each state. In turn, you will find that legitimate state-specific licenses must be obtained before opening their virtual doors. Once acquired, you can feel confident that your online sportsbook provides a fair and safe betting experience.
Alongside a legitimate license, you’ll also want to be certain that your personal information is kept secure at all times. This is just one of the reasons that we make sure we check various security features are present. We aim to confirm encryption technology is used and KYC checks are performed before recommending any operator to our readers.
Understandably, you’ll want to make sure that you give your sports betting experience the perfect head start. While there are no guarantees when making use of a bonus, they can give you a little extra room for an error – something that can be common amongst new bettors.
In our dedicated operator and bonus reviews, you’ll find that we detail the ins and outs of the welcome offer before focusing on the various perks that come from becoming a loyal member. VIP programs, odds boosts, and bonus bets are all covered here.
In short, there is no point in releasing a fantastic new customer offer if you do not have the relevant sports betting markets or great odds to begin with.
Usually, you’ll find that all major US sports are covered; however, if you’re looking for specific UFC markets you’ll definitely want to make use of our reviews. We also give you a complete rundown of the odds expected, whether they can be boosted, and any betting limits to consider.
Usability and Accessibility
A user-friendly experience should be high on any bettor’s checklist and it should begin at the registration process. In our sportsbook reviews, you’ll find that we give you a full rundown of what to expect, where to find important areas of the site, and whether you can expect bets to be built promptly.
The use of mobile applications is growing, too. So, it comes as no surprise that we also focus our efforts on the mobile experience. While many sites will mimic their desktop counterparts, others will provide app-only bonuses and other perks as an incentive to head on over to the app store and download today.
Arguably one of the most underappreciated attributes of an online sportsbook is the customer support team. However, we at PromoGuy believe that a responsive and knowledgeable set of agents can really boost the overall experience.
In our sportsbook reviews, you’ll find that we check out exactly how you can get in contact, detail the response times of agents, and work our way through the FAQs available onsite, too.
How to register with an online bookmaker in the US: A quick step-by-step
As briefly touched upon earlier, the online experience should allow for a seamless registration to take place. Although this will differ slightly from operator to operator, you can expect to work your way through the below steps.
Read our reviews: Of course, the first thing you’ll need to do is make sure that you choose a safe and enjoyable place to play. We aim to keep our reviews as objective and authentic as possible, providing a complete and up-to-date overview of what you can expect.
Download the app or visit your chosen site: Once you’ve found your perfect match, you’ll want to head on over to the sports betting site or download the mobile app.
Register: Next, you’ll want to sign yourself up by clicking on the relevant link and entering some basic details.
Enter your promo code: At this stage, you’ll also be prompted to enter any necessary promotional codes. Be sure to check out our bonus reviews if you are unsure.
Provide relevant documents: After clicking submit, you’ll be required to pass KYC checks. These checks are conducted by all legit operators and help to ensure that you are who you say you are.
Wait for confirmation: Before you can make your first deposit, you’ll need to await confirmation that all of your documents are suitable. Usually, this is a very quick process.
Deposit and place your bets: All cleared? Excellent – you can now head on over to the deposit screen, fund your account, and build your bets.
1.
100% up to $1000
Players from Virginia accepted
2.
–
Players from Virginia accepted
3.
Get up to $1,000 back in bonus bets
Players from Virginia accepted
4.
Bet $1 & Get $200 in Bonus Bets
Players from Virginia accepted
Bet $1 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets at bet365. Deposit required. Bonus Bets winnings are added to Bonus Bets balance. Bonus Bet wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
5.
100% up to $500
Players from Virginia accepted
New US Sports Betting Sites Are Added Regularly
While the choice of online sportsbook sites for US players is not as extensive as that of their European counterparts, there are still plenty of new sports betting sites to choose from. Whenever a new sportsbook, online casino or sweepstakes casino is set to open up its virtual doors, you will be able to find an expert review on it here at PromoGuy. New US sports betting sites are thoroughly researched by our editorial team before they can make it on our website, so we can guarantee the safety of every player.
1.
Bet $100 Get $100
Players from Virginia accepted
2.
5 x $50Bet Credits
Players from Virginia accepted
3.
Bet $1 & Get $200 in Bonus Bets
Players from Virginia accepted
Bet $1 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets at bet365. Deposit required. Bonus Bets winnings are added to Bonus Bets balance. Bonus Bet wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
4.
Players from Virginia accepted
5.
100% up to $100
Players from Virginia accepted
Funding your account: Why does your chosen method matter?
When working your way around our dedicated hub, you’ll find that we have guides on ways to fund your sports betting experience. You may be wondering why this is such a big consideration. However, when we break it down, it’s actually rather straightforward.
- Certain payment methods may not allow you to redeem bonuses
- Some deposit and withdrawal methods will incur fees
- Alternative funding options do not always allow for withdrawals to be made
| Method | Pros | Cons | Full Article |
| Visa | - Available at almost all online sportsbooks
- Instant deposits
- Traceable transactions | - Could affect chances of securing credit elsewhere | Visa Payment Article |
| PayPal | - Instant and secure deposits
- Minimal fees
- Available at many top online bookmakers | - Will not always release bonuses and promotions | PayPal Payment Article |
| Apple Pay | - Fast deposits
- One of the most secure ways to fund your account
- Widely accepted across the US scene | - Withdrawals may not always be available | Apple Pay Payment Article |
| Mastercard | -Lightning-fast and secure deposits at any online sportsbook
-Widely accepted at most online sports betting and casino sites
-Withdrawals can take as little at 3 business days | -Might affect credit score when using credit to play at online betting sites | Mastercard Payment Article |
| Venmo | -Easy to use mobile app
-Secure and fast transactions for both deposits and withdrawals | -Not widely available at the majority of sports betting sites | Venmo Payment Article |
| PayNearMe | -Able to deposit at retail locations
-Safe and secure payments through your bank account | -No withdrawal options | PayNearMe Payment Article |
| Amex | -Available at most online sports betting sites and casinos
-Secure deposits and withdrawals
-Preferred by many US players | -Withdrawals can take up to 5 business days provided the betting site offers this service. | Amex Payment Article |
Placing your bets: A closer look at moneylines, spreads, totals, and beyond
After making your way through our payment method articles, you should soon find yourself an ideal way to fund your account. From here, you can make your way to the sportsbook and begin working your way through the available markets.
The moneyline is the main type of bet that most of you will be familiar with. It is a simple bet that requires you to choose the winner of a particular fixture or whether it will end in a draw.
A spread is very similar to a moneyline. However, the outcome has been leveled out, thanks to a positive/negative score adjustment.
As the name suggests, the total market refers to the number of combined points scored at the end of the match. You’ll also find various other totals that are similar, including combined cards, fouls, and offsides.
Your prop bets are focused on everything that does not directly affect the outcome. For example, when looking at NFL betting odds, you’ll find that you can place a wager on the first TD scorer or whether the coin toss lands on heads or tails.
Alternatively, you can bet on the competition as a whole, rather than individual fixtures. In other words, you can predict that a certain player will win the PGA Tour, a specific player will become Super Bowl MVP, or similar.
Here at PromoGuy, our editors handpick each and every bonus carefully to make sure you get the best deals. We believe that diversity is what many bettors are after, which is why we try to offer as many different types of bonuses as possible. We continue to scour the web in search for new offers and promotions to elevate your betting experience. On our site you will find a vast collection of sign-up bonuses, deposit bonuses, reload bonuses, promo codes and much more!
We appreciate that not all of our readers are going to reside in a state where online sports betting is considered legal. So, we’ve made sure to cover all bases by providing a detailed look at some great alternative ways to bet and play online.
Daily Fantasy Sports
One of the first forms of online gambling to be legalized across much of the US was daily fantasy sports. DFS is considered to offer games of skill – rather than luck – meaning that it can be enjoyed legally by the masses.
Over at PromoGuy, you’ll find that we have a great range of reviews on the best DFS operators available today. Here, you’ll find all there is to know about redeeming bonuses, building your lineups, and ensuring that your betting experience remains safe at all times.
Sweepstakes Casinos
If your preferences extend beyond the sporting world, then sweepstakes casinos could be a top alternative for you. Much like DFS sites, social casinos are considered to offer games of skill. Plus, they do not require a purchase to play.
Instead, you’ll make use of virtual currencies that allow you to play for fun or to later redeem real-world prizes. Thanks to a recent surge in popularity, you’ll also find that the casino-style games on offer are of the highest quality and are often backed by top software providers like NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, and Hacksaw Gaming.
1.
100% up to $1000
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Bonus, Min. Deposit: $10
2.
–
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Bonus
3.
Get up to $1,000 back in bonus bets
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Deposit, Min. Deposit: $10
4.
Bet $1 & Get $200 in Bonus Bets
Players from Virginia accepted
Min. Deposit: $10
Bet $1 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets at bet365. Deposit required. Bonus Bets winnings are added to Bonus Bets balance. Bonus Bet wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
5.
100% up to $500
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Bonus, Min. Deposit: $10
Safe and Legal US Sports Betting Sites Only
Depending on which US State you live in, betting online might be legal. With the repeal of the PASPA Act, it opened up the possibility for each state to decide whether online betting wager would become legal or not. Ever since then, many states have taken the necessary jurisdictional steps to make online sports betting available to its residents. Today, many US citizens can enjoy placing wagers on their favorite sports and teams from the comfort of their own home. If you live in a state where online betting has not been legalized yet, then don’t fret! You will still be able to enjoy the casino action through sweepstakes casinos, which offer a Vegas-style experience similar to that of a regular online casino.
Top Picks: Our favorite places to bet and play online in the US
We’ve got all of the tools and resources to help you make your own decisions on where to bet online. However, we’ve also got a few standout sportsbooks that will provide a great introduction to your betting journey. These three sites have continued to impress and tick all of the boxes we detailed earlier.
BetMGM - providing the complete sports betting experience
We kick things off with BetMGM. The established online sportsbook provides ample betting opportunities covering all sorts of major sports and market types. However, one thing that really helps to set BetMGM aside from the pack is the option to bet on niche sports, like ski jumping and water polo.
Beyond a serious lineup of sports betting opportunities, you’ll find a brilliantly designed site and intuitive mobile app. Regardless of how you plan to register and bet with BetMGM, you’ll benefit from a sizable sign-up offer, too. Of course, should you opt to continue wagering with BetMGM, you’ll find plenty of ongoing rewards and perks to enjoy along the way.
DraftKings - an established name across the scene
Another top name to consider is DraftKings. The popular online sportsbook first became a household name, courtesy of its daily fantasy sports offering. Since 2018, we’ve found that DraftKings has extended on its success and now provides one of the most complete sports betting experiences across the US.
You’ll find that DraftKings is home to an abundance of sports and has great market coverage. Sports betting odds are fair across the board and you can quickly build your bets in play, too. Plus, you’ll want to make sure you head on over to the promotions section to pick up some fantastic first-bet offers, bonus bets, and beyond.
Stake.us - a popular alternative to real money sports betting
For those who find online sports betting inaccessible, Stake.us has you covered. Here, you’ll find that you can enjoy over 300 casino titles powered by some of the biggest names in the industry. Additionally, we have a Stake.us bonus that can be unlocked by entering our exclusive promo code: PMGSOCIAL. Our exclusive bonus allows you to receive 5% rakeback on all future casino spins and accompanies the daily login bonus.
Once you’ve released your Gold Coins and Stake Cash, you can head to the lobby and decide how you plan to play. Should you wish to play for fun only, you’ll find the full casino portfolio awaits. Alternatively, you can play with the chance to later redeem cash prizes, vouchers, or merchandise. However, you'll need to play on a select number of promotional titles and meet minimum requirements.
FanDuel - A strongman on the DFS playing field
If you are looking for a safe, secure and most of all, exciting place to wager on both DFS and real sports, then FanDuel is the choice for you. Along with DraftKings, FanDuel is king of the hill when it comes to Daily Fantasy Sports. They are well-beloved thanks to their extremely user-friendly mobile app, which allows you to take your DFS experience with you wherever you go. FanDuel is also popular among its clientele thanks to the regular promotions, prize pools and other bonuses it offers.
BetRivers - A versatile option for both sports betting and casino
gameplay
BetRivers is a solid option for players who value the diversity of sports betting and casino gameplay. At this website you will find a smorgasbord of different gambling solutions, as well as exciting promotions and bonuses. Should you wish to take a break from the betting action, or if you are waiting for the match to start after placing your wager, you can always head over to their casino section to switch things up. There are a multitude of high-quality slots to choose from, as well as a decent selection of table games and live dealer games. Thanks to their extremely safe and secure website, you can rest assured that all winnings will be paid out in a timely manner.
Bet365 - A true online sports betting veteran
Bet365 is one of the longest standing sports betting sites you will find on the web. Their ubiquitous presence in the sports betting world has gained them positive notoriety among bettors all across the globe. Bet365 offers a wide range of sports to bet on, as well as a dedicated casino section where you will find games supplied by top-shelf software providers. Their generous welcome bonus makes sure you kick off your betting journey on the right foot with an extra boost on your bankroll. Bet365 is renowned for their customer support team, so should you run into any trouble with your account, you can be assured that any issues will be resolved in a professional and timely manner.
State-by-state Betting Guides To Help You Place Better Wagers
Whether you are new to sports betting or a seasoned veteran, there are always more tips and tricks to discover to increase the return on your wagers. Our experts have years of experience in betting at online sportsbook sites and are more than happy to teach you all that they know. All our betting guides include information about the legality of betting and casinos for each state, the gambling age, which types of betting are allowed, which institution is responsible for the safety of each player and the fairness of the betting sites.
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Make use of our dedicated reviews and guides today
It doesn’t matter whether you are completely new or an experienced online sports bettor – we at PromoGuy have something for all.
Firstly, we suggest making use of our sportsbook reviews before signing up to an online operator. Here, you can confirm that they tick all of the relevant boxes surrounding security, markets, bonuses, and support. Then, you can navigate your way around PromoGuy freely, picking up further tips and tricks on upcoming fixtures, how to build your bets, and the bonuses available today.
Best US betting sites FAQ
✅ What is the most trustworthy betting website?
Are you on the hunt for the best betting sites that you can trust? We review, rate, and compare all of the top betting websites on the market.
⚽ What is the most popular sportsbook in the USA?
When it comes to finding a top online sportsbook many attributes need to be considered. Thankfully, all of our online reviews are packed with industry insight. Stick with PromoGuy to find out more about the best bonuses, support, security, and available markets.
🏈 Where can I bet on sports in the USA?
Sports betting is immensely popular in the USA. Despite this, it can still be challenging to navigate your way through all of the rules and regulations. This is where we come in and save the day! You'll find everything from guides on the best betting sites for hockey to the best bonuses for NFL fans at PromoGuy.
💵 Which deposit methods should I use when betting online?
For speedy deposits, we recommend that you stick with debit cards such as Amex, Visa and Mastercard, as well as popular e-wallets like PayPal, Neteller or Skrill. For seamless withdrawals, we recommend you use the same deposit method that was used to place your deposit.
💸How fast will I be able to receive my winnings?
The payout speed on your winnings largely depends on the withdrawal method you have chosen. From the betting site side of things, withdrawals are usually processed within 24 hours of the initial request. Then it is up to the payment provider to make sure your winnings are deposited into your account. This usually takes up to 3 business days for e-wallets and debit cards, but can take up 5 business days with other payment providers. To make the withdrawal process as smooth as possible, make sure you complete the KYC process!
🛃 Why do I need to pass the KYC process in order to withdraw my winnings?
The KYC process is a one-time hoop the player needs to jump through in order to procure your hard-earned funds. This process is meant to combat money laundering and other malicious practices and makes sure that the winnings go to an actual real-life person and not a criminal entity.
🔐 Is my personal information safe with US betting sites?
All of our recommended partners at PromoGuy have been thoroughly vetted on security and licensing. We make sure that the sites are encrypted with state-of-the-art SSL technology to keep your data safe from third parties and other prying eyes.
🔞 What is the legal gambling age in the USA?
The legal gambling age for online casinos and sportsbooks is dependent on the state which you live in. It can either be 18 or 21. For some states, like Michigan, the legal gambling age is 18. For others, like New Jersey, the legal age is 21.
💟How do I gamble responsibly?
Every one of our sports betting partners has the tools available to make sure you stay in control of your gambling behaviour. If you are concerned about how much money or time you are spending gambling online, you can always set your deposit and session limits to keep yourself in check.
