Written by:

Brett Crown

Brett Crown

Brett is a passionate sports writer who majored in Sport Management at Florida State University. He combines his knowledge of stats with his understanding of game theory to find the best values when sports betting. Brett enjoys golfing, playing cornhole, and hanging out by the pool when he's not locked in watching games.

Brett Crown

Sportsbooks · Updated September 2026

Best US Sportsbooks In 2026: Online Betting Sites Compared

Picking from the best US sportsbooks starts with one question: where are you standing when you place the bet? More than 30 states and Washington, DC, license online sportsbooks such as FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM. Everywhere else, those apps refuse the wager, and that gap is why offshore sites like Bovada and BetOnline still draw so much American action.

We compared both kinds. The table below ranks ten books on bonus value, payout speed, market depth, and how each one treats bettors once the deposit clears. Outside a licensed state, Bovada is our pick for most people. Inside one, FanDuel is. Keep reading for full reviews, this month’s welcome offers, a 50-state legal breakdown, and the real trade-offs of betting offshore.

Reviewed and current as of September 2026
10Sportsbooks ranked and reviewed
39 + DCJurisdictions with legal sports betting
BovadaOur pick outside licensed states
FanDuelOur pick inside licensed states

Best Legal Sports Betting Sites For October 2026

# 1 Rated #1
Bovada Sportsbook4.5/5 Editor’s Pick
Welcome Bonus 50% up to $250?
Min Deposit $20
# 2
BetOnline Sportsbook4.4/5
Welcome Bonus 50% up to $250?
Min Deposit $50
# 3
MyBookie4.3/5
Welcome Bonus 100% up to $1,000?
Min Deposit $45
# 4
BetUS4.2/5
Welcome Bonus 225% up to $3,625?
Min Deposit $50
# 5
SportsBetting.ag4.3/5
Welcome Bonus 50% up to $250?
Min Deposit $50
# 6
Xbet4.2/5
Welcome Bonus 50% up to $200?
Min Deposit $50
# 7
Everygame4.1/5
Welcome Bonus 100% up to $500?
Min Deposit $50
# 8
FanDuel Sportsbook4.6/5
Welcome Bonus Bet $5, get $350 in bonus bets?
Min Deposit $5
# 9
DraftKings Sportsbook4.6/5
Welcome Bonus Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets
Min Deposit $5
# 10
BetMGM4.5/5
Welcome Bonus First bet up to $1,500?
Min Deposit $10

How We Rank The Best US Sportsbooks

Methodology

A giant welcome match means little if the rollover eats it. So we score the terms behind every bonus, then weigh six other factors that decide whether a book deserves your money for a full season rather than a single deposit.

FactorWhat We CheckWhy It Moves The Ranking
Bonus valueMatch percentage, cap, rollover, minimum odds, expirationShows how much of the advertised number you can actually keep
Payout speedTime from withdrawal request to cash in hand, by methodSlow cashouts drive more complaints than any other issue
Market depthPlayer props, alternate lines, live markets, niche sportsSeparates books that post a game from books that post everything in it
Odds qualityStandard juice on spreads and totalsA few cents per bet adds up over hundreds of wagers
AccessStates a book accepts or holds a license inA great book you cannot use ranks nowhere
BankingDeposit and withdrawal options, minimums, feesCrypto, cards, and bank transfers decide who can fund an account
Support and track recordContact channels, years in business, dispute historyOffshore books have no state regulator to back you up

Our table weighs access heavily, which explains why offshore books hold the top seven spots. If you live in a state with licensed apps, jump to FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM at #8 through #10. Those three offer consumer protections no offshore site can match.

Reviews Of The Best US Sportsbooks

Top 10

Each review follows the order of our ranking table. Bonus figures reflect the offers live in September 2026, and every book lists the states it accepts or holds a license in.

#1 Bovada Sportsbook

Offshore Pick
Ranked #1 Offshore

Best All-Around Pick For Bettors Outside Licensed States

Bovada launched in December 2011 as the US-facing spinoff of Bodog, and it remains the first offshore book most Americans try. The draw is breadth. Bovada hangs deep alternate lines on NFL and college football, lets you build custom player props with its Prop Builder, and supports same-game parlays and cash out on the major US leagues.

Its reach has shrunk, though. Bovada has long blocked a handful of states, and a wave of state cease-and-desist letters that began in 2024 pushed its restricted list to 19 states plus DC, including New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan. Bettors in the other 31 states can still sign up. Bovada says it holds a license from Anjouan in the Comoros, not from any US state.

Bovada At A Glance

  • Welcome bonus 50% up to $250 (75% up to $750 on crypto deposits)
  • Minimum deposit $20
  • Betting age 18+
  • Accepts players from 31 states (blocks 19 states plus DC)
  • License Anjouan (Comoros)
  • Deposits Visa, Mastercard, Bitcoin, and other crypto
  • Mobile Browser-based site, no App Store app
Visit Bovada

Read our full Bovada review →

Pros:

  • Prop Builder for custom player props
  • Same-game parlays and cash out on major US leagues
  • Crypto bonus triples the standard cap
  • Accepts bettors 18 and older

Cons:

  • Blocks 19 states plus DC
  • No US regulator to hear a dispute
  • Standard card bonus caps at $250

#2 BetOnline Sportsbook

Offshore Pick
Ranked #2 Offshore

Early Lines And High Limits For Serious Bettors

BetOnline went live in 2004 and operates under a license from Panama. Regular bettors know it for two habits. It posts lines early, often before the state-licensed apps, and it takes bigger wagers than most offshore rivals. If you like to grab a number before the market moves it, start here.

BetOnline retired its old BOL1000 match. Promo code FREE250 now returns 50% of a first deposit of $50 or more as free bet credit, up to $250, plus 100 casino spins paid out 10 per day. The credit carries no rollover, but a winning free bet pays profit only. New Jersey residents cannot register, while most other states can.

BetOnline At A Glance

  • Welcome bonus 50% up to $250 in free bets plus 100 casino spins (code FREE250)
  • Minimum deposit $50
  • Betting age 18+
  • Accepts players from Most states (blocks New Jersey)
  • License Panama
  • Deposits Cards, bank wire, and a long list of cryptocurrencies
  • Payout speed Crypto usually within 24 hours; wires and checks take 5-15 business days
Visit BetOnline

Read our full BetOnline review →

Pros:

  • Among the first books to post weekly NFL lines
  • Higher betting limits than most offshore books
  • No rollover on the welcome free bets
  • Poker room and racebook under one account

Cons:

  • Free bet stakes do not come back with winnings
  • Non-crypto withdrawals can take two weeks or more
  • No native mobile app

#3 MyBookie

Offshore Pick
Ranked #3 Offshore

A Prop Menu Built For NFL Sundays

MyBookie opened in 2014. Duranbah Limited N.V. runs it under a Curaçao license, with day-to-day operations in Costa Rica. What sets it apart is volume. Player props, team specials, and entertainment markets run deeper here than at most books its size, and its bracket contests turn March Madness into a free side game.

The welcome offer is simple: a 100% match up to $1,000 on a first deposit of $45 or more. Cashing out is less simple. MyBookie leans on Bitcoin and bank wires for withdrawals, so bettors who fund with a card should plan their exit before they deposit.

MyBookie At A Glance

  • Welcome bonus 100% up to $1,000
  • Minimum deposit $45
  • Betting age 21+
  • Accepts players from Most states; the blocked list changes, so check at signup
  • License Curaçao
  • Deposits Visa, Mastercard, and crypto
  • Withdrawals Mainly Bitcoin and bank wire
Visit MyBookie

Read our full MyBookie review →

Pros:

  • One of the deepest prop menus offshore
  • Free bracket and pick’em contests
  • Round-the-clock support by chat and phone

Cons:

  • Few withdrawal options
  • Requires bettors to be 21
  • No state oversight

#4 BetUS

Offshore Pick
Ranked #4 Offshore

The Biggest Welcome Package On This List

BetUS has taken bets since 1994, which makes it one of the longest-running names in offshore betting. It pairs a full sportsbook with a racebook, a casino, and BetUS TV, an in-house channel that publishes picks and game previews. Support covers live chat, email, and phone.

The 225% package with code JOIN225 tops out at $3,625, but read the split before you chase the headline. Sports gets a 100% match up to $2,000, or $1,500 on crypto deposits. Another $625 goes to the casino as a 25% match. The last 100% arrives later by email invitation, either as 10% casino credit per day for 10 days or a 25% sports bonus per week for four weeks.

BetUS At A Glance

  • Welcome bonus 225% up to $3,625 (code JOIN225)
  • Minimum deposit $50
  • Betting age 18+
  • Accepts players from Most states
  • License Offshore; not licensed by any US state
  • Deposits Cards and crypto
  • Extras Racebook, casino, BetUS TV picks
Visit BetUS

Read our full BetUS review →

Pros:

  • Largest total welcome package we found
  • More than 30 years in business
  • Phone support on top of chat and email

Cons:

  • Bonus spreads across casino, sports, and several weeks
  • Crypto deposits get a lower sports cap
  • Interface feels dated next to newer books

#5 SportsBetting.ag

Offshore Pick
Ranked #5 Offshore

BetOnline's Sister Site, With More Ways To Pay

SportsBetting.ag shares BetOnline’s ownership, its Panama license, and a nearly identical platform. That sounds like a reason to skip it. We see it as a reason to open both. The two books sometimes hang different numbers on the same game, and an account at each lets you take whichever price is better.

Banking is where it pulls ahead. SportsBetting.ag supports more than a dozen cryptocurrencies alongside cards and bank transfers, though a few methods carry minimum deposits of $300 or more. New bettors who deposit $50 or more with code WELCOME get 50% back as free bet credit, up to $250, plus 100 casino spins.

SportsBetting.ag At A Glance

  • Welcome bonus 50% up to $250 in free bets plus 100 casino spins (code WELCOME)
  • Minimum deposit $50
  • Betting age 18+
  • Accepts players from Most states
  • License Panama
  • Deposits Cards, bank transfer, and more than a dozen cryptocurrencies
  • Payout speed Crypto usually within 24 hours
Visit SportsBetting.ag

Read our full SportsBetting.ag review →

Pros:

  • Wide crypto menu for deposits and payouts
  • Second set of lines to shop against BetOnline
  • No rollover on welcome free bets

Cons:

  • Some deposit methods start at $300
  • Promotions largely mirror BetOnline’s
  • Browser-only on mobile

#6 Xbet

Offshore Pick
Ranked #6 Offshore

A Card-Friendly Bonus For Bettors Without Crypto

Most offshore books save their best offers for crypto. Xbet flips that. Its welcome bonus of 50% up to $200 in bonus bets applies only to a first deposit made with a credit card, using code XBWELCOME50. If you have never bought Bitcoin and do not plan to, that detail matters more than the modest cap.

Xbet launched in 2014 under a Curaçao license. Its main lines load right on the sportsbook homepage, which keeps things simple for newer bettors, and its support team answers by chat, email, and phone in English and Spanish. The trade-off is depth. Prop menus run thinner than at Bovada or MyBookie, and it offers few payout options.

Xbet At A Glance

  • Welcome bonus 50% up to $200 in bonus bets on a card deposit (code XBWELCOME50)
  • Minimum deposit $50
  • Betting age 21+
  • Accepts players from Most states
  • License Curaçao
  • Deposits Credit cards and crypto
  • Extras Racebook for horse betting
Visit Xbet

Read our full Xbet review →

Pros:

  • Welcome bonus built for card deposits
  • Clean layout for first-time bettors
  • Bilingual phone, chat, and email support

Cons:

  • Thinner prop markets
  • Limited withdrawal methods
  • Smallest welcome cap among our offshore picks

#7 Everygame

Offshore Pick
Ranked #7 Offshore

A 1996 Original That Still Covers Hockey Better Than Most

Everygame took its first online bets in 1996 under the Intertops name and rebranded in December 2021. Three decades in, it still covers the edges of the betting board well. NHL bettors get deep game and futures markets, and the book posts European hockey leagues that many US-facing sites skip entirely.

New players get a 100% match up to $500 on a first deposit of $50 or more made with a non-crypto method. Everygame shut down its poker room in November 2025, so the brand now focuses on sports and casino. Withdrawals are its weak spot: several methods move slowly and carry fees, so check the cashier before you pick one.

Everygame At A Glance

  • Welcome bonus 100% up to $500 on a first non-crypto deposit
  • Minimum deposit $50
  • Betting age 18+
  • Accepts players from Most states
  • Operating since 1996 (as Intertops)
  • Deposits Cards, bank transfer, and crypto
  • Extras Casino; poker closed in November 2025
Visit Everygame

Read our full Everygame review →

Pros:

  • Strong NHL and European hockey coverage
  • Full 100% match for card and bank deposits
  • One of the oldest online sportsbooks still operating

Cons:

  • Slow, fee-heavy withdrawals on some methods
  • Crypto deposits do not qualify for the welcome bonus
  • No poker room anymore

#8 FanDuel Sportsbook

State-Licensed Pick
Ranked #8 State-licensed

The Best App In States With Licensed Betting

FanDuel holds the largest share of the regulated US market, and the app earns it. Menus load fast, the Parlay Hub groups popular same-game parlays by sport, and BetProtect+ lets you insure an NFL bet against a player injury for a small fee. FanDuel operates in 24 states plus Washington, DC, and requires bettors to be 21.

New customers who deposit $5 and bet at least $5 on seven straight days can collect up to $350, at $50 per day. Depending on the state, FanDuel pays that $50 as bonus bets or as a Bet Reset token that refunds a losing wager, so read the version in your app before you opt in. Two complaints keep FanDuel out of the top spot on our list: it limits bettors who win consistently, and it has no phone support.

FanDuel At A Glance

  • Welcome bonus Bet $5 on 7 straight days, get up to $350 ($50 per day)
  • Minimum deposit $5
  • Betting age 21+
  • Licensed in 24 states plus Washington, DC
  • Regulator Each state’s gaming commission
  • Deposits Debit cards, PayPal, Venmo, online banking, Play+
  • Mobile iOS and Android apps, rated about 4.8 on the App Store
Visit FanDuel

Read our full FanDuel review →

Pros:

  • One of the fastest, cleanest apps on the market
  • BetProtect+ injury insurance on NFL bets
  • State regulation protects your balance

Cons:

  • Limits sharp bettors quickly
  • No phone support
  • Unavailable in 26 states

#9 DraftKings Sportsbook

State-Licensed Pick
Ranked #9 State-licensed

The Deepest Menu Of Props And Daily Promos

DraftKings covers more ground than any licensed book on this page: 27 states plus DC. Its prop selection is enormous, its daily profit boosts give existing customers a reason to log in, and its Early Exit policy settles player props when an injury knocks a player out early. Since December 1, 2025, DraftKings has also served as ESPN’s official sportsbook and odds provider.

Bet $5 and DraftKings pays $200 in bonus bets, released as $50 every seven days over 21 days. That offer ends September 20, 2026. New users in most states can also claim a 20% deposit match up to $1,000, but it carries a 25x playthrough, so treat it as a bonus for high-volume bettors only. Our main knock: DraftKings prices many markets with more juice than FanDuel.

DraftKings At A Glance

  • Welcome bonus Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets (through Sept. 20, 2026)
  • Minimum deposit $5
  • Betting age 21+ (18+ in DC, New Hampshire, and Wyoming)
  • Licensed in 27 states plus Washington, DC
  • Regulator Each state’s gaming commission
  • Deposits Debit cards, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, online banking
  • Rewards Dynasty Rewards
Visit DraftKings

Read our full DraftKings review →

Pros:

  • Widest state footprint of any licensed book
  • Early Exit protection on player props
  • Steady stream of boosts for existing users

Cons:

  • Higher average juice than FanDuel
  • Deposit match requires 25x playthrough
  • Limits winning bettors

#10 BetMGM

State-Licensed Pick
Ranked #10 State-licensed

The Biggest First-Bet Safety Net

Deposit at least $10, place your first real-money bet, and if it loses, BetMGM refunds the stake in bonus bets up to $1,500. A losing first bet over $50 comes back as five bonus bets, each worth 20% of the stake. In Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, BetMGM may instead offer $150 in bonus bets if a $10 first bet wins. The offer does not apply in DC, Mississippi, Nevada, or New York.

Beyond the bonus, BetMGM ties every wager to MGM Rewards points you can spend at MGM resorts, and its Edit My Bet tool lets you swap legs on an open parlay. Golf bettors get a rare perk: BetMGM pays ties on finishing-position bets in full instead of dividing the payout. The app can lag, and BetMGM trims limits on sharp bettors fast.

BetMGM At A Glance

  • Welcome bonus First bet refunded up to $1,500 in bonus bets
  • Minimum deposit $10
  • Betting age 21+
  • Licensed in 23 states plus Washington, DC
  • Regulator Each state’s gaming commission
  • Deposits Cards, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, online banking, Play+
  • Rewards MGM Rewards
Visit BetMGM

Read our full BetMGM review →

Pros:

  • Largest first-bet refund in regulated markets
  • MGM Rewards points on every wager
  • Pays golf ties in full

Cons:

  • App can run slow during peak hours
  • Quick to limit winning accounts
  • Welcome offer unavailable in four jurisdictions

Best US Sportsbook By Category

Quick Picks

Short on time? Match your priority to a pick below. We list one offshore book and one state-licensed book per category, since your location decides which column applies to you.

If You WantOffshore PickState-Licensed PickWhy
The best all-around bookBovadaFanDuelDeepest US menus on each side of the licensing line
The biggest welcome offerBetUSBetMGMUp to $3,625 in combined match money vs. a $1,500 first-bet refund
A bonus with no rolloverBetOnlineDraftKingsFree bet credit vs. $200 in bonus bets for a $5 wager
Early linesBetOnlineFanDuelBoth post next week’s NFL numbers ahead of most rivals
Player propsBovadaDraftKingsProp Builder vs. the largest licensed prop menu
Crypto bankingSportsBetting.agNot offeredMore than a dozen coins; licensed books rarely accept crypto
Fast withdrawalsBetOnlineBetRiversCrypto payouts inside about 24 hours vs. RushPay auto-approvals
Betting at 18BovadaDraftKingsBovada takes 18+ bettors; DraftKings does in DC, New Hampshire, and Wyoming
Rewards that feel realBovadaBetMGMBovada’s points program vs. MGM Rewards hotel and dining perks

Other State-Licensed Sportsbooks Worth A Look

Licensed Options

Our top ten covers the books most readers ask about, but six more licensed operators hold real market share. If you live in a regulated state, add at least one of them for line shopping.

SportsbookCurrent Welcome OfferWhere It OperatesBest Feature
Caesars SportsbookBet $1, get ten 100% profit boost tokens ($25 max bet per token)22 states plus DCCaesars Rewards credits for hotel stays and dining
bet365Bet $10, get $365 in bonus bets, win or lose ($150 in IL and TN)About 17 statesSharp pricing and a daily menu of boosts
Fanatics SportsbookUp to $1,000 in FanCash, matched up to $100 a day for 10 days23 states plus DCFanCash redeemable for team merchandise
theScore BetUp to $1,000 first bet reset, paid as five bonus betsAbout 20 statesSyncs with theScore news app for tailored promos
Hard Rock BetBet $5, get $100 in bonus bets10 states, including FloridaFlex Parlays that pay even if one leg misses
BetRiversSecond-chance bet up to $500 (varies by state)About 15 statesRushPay auto-approves most withdrawals

Hard Rock Bet deserves a special mention for Florida readers. Through the Seminole Tribe’s compact, it is the only legal online sportsbook in the state.

Head-To-Head: Which Sportsbook Should You Pick?

Comparisons

Two comparisons matter most for readers of this page. Here is how we settle them.

FanDuel Vs. DraftKings

FanDuel wins on price and polish. Its app runs faster, its standard lines usually carry less juice, and BetProtect+ covers NFL bets against injuries. DraftKings wins on reach and variety, with 27 states against FanDuel’s 24, a bigger prop menu, and two-team, six-point NFL teasers that often price at -120 where FanDuel asks -130 or worse.

If both operate in your state, open both and bet wherever the number is better. If you can only choose one, pick FanDuel for straight bets and same-game parlays, or DraftKings if props and teasers make up most of your card.

Bovada Vs. BetOnline

Access settles this one for many readers. Bovada blocks 19 states plus DC, while BetOnline turns away far fewer, so bettors in states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, or Michigan will find BetOnline open when Bovada is not. Where both accept you, Bovada offers the friendlier interface, the Prop Builder, and a larger crypto match of up to $750.

BetOnline suits bettors who care more about the number than the look. It posts lines earlier, takes bigger bets, and its $250 free bet offer carries no rollover. Casual bettors should start at Bovada, while anyone betting larger amounts or chasing early lines should start at BetOnline.

US Sportsbook Bonuses Compared

Promotions

Offshore books mostly match your deposit. Licensed books mostly hand out bonus bets after a small first wager. Neither format wins by default, which is why we list the fine print next to each headline number below.

SportsbookWelcome OfferBonus TypeMinimum DepositPromo Code
Bovada50% up to $250 (75% up to $750 with crypto)Deposit match$20Selected in cashier
BetOnline50% up to $250 in free bets + 100 spinsFree bet credit$50FREE250
MyBookie100% up to $1,000Deposit match$45Listed in cashier
BetUS225% up to $3,625Split sports and casino match$50JOIN225
SportsBetting.ag50% up to $250 in free bets + 100 spinsFree bet credit$50WELCOME
Xbet50% up to $200 in bonus betsCard deposit match$50XBWELCOME50
Everygame100% up to $500Non-crypto deposit match$50Listed in cashier
FanDuelUp to $350 over 7 daysDaily bonus bets or bet resets$5None needed
DraftKingsBet $5, get $200 in bonus betsBet and get$5None needed
BetMGMFirst bet refunded up to $1,500First-bet safety net$10Varies by partner link

Promotions change often, sometimes mid-month. We update this table when an operator changes its terms, and DraftKings’ current offer already carries a September 20 end date.

Types Of Sportsbook Bonuses

  • Deposit match: The book adds a percentage of your first deposit as bonus money. Bovada, MyBookie, and Everygame use this format, and it almost always comes with a rollover.
  • Free bet credit: BetOnline and SportsBetting.ag return part of your deposit as free bets with no rollover. A winning free bet pays profit only, so a $100 free bet at even money returns $100, not $200.
  • Bet and get: DraftKings and bet365 give bonus bets after one small qualifying wager, win or lose.
  • First-bet safety net: BetMGM and theScore Bet refund a losing first bet in bonus bets. These offers reward a large first stake, which makes them risky for small bankrolls.
  • Profit boosts: Caesars gives tokens that double the profit on future bets up to a maximum stake.

How To Read Bonus Terms Before You Claim

Four terms decide what a bonus is really worth. Rollover tells you how many times you must bet the bonus before withdrawing; a 10x rollover on $500 means $5,000 in wagers. Minimum odds rule out heavy favorites, often anything shorter than -200. Expiration windows at licensed books usually run seven days from issue. And most offshore books require you to pick or enter the promo code at the moment you deposit, not afterward.

Offshore Vs. State-Licensed Sportsbooks

Key Differences

Seven of our ten books operate offshore, and three hold state licenses. The difference shows up in almost every part of the experience, from signup to the moment you try to withdraw.

Offshore SportsbooksState-Licensed Sportsbooks
ExamplesBovada, BetOnline, MyBookie, BetUSFanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars
Who licenses themForeign bodies in Panama, Curaçao, or the ComorosEach state’s gaming regulator
Where you can betMost states, minus each book’s blocked listOnly while physically inside a licensed state
Minimum ageOften 18Usually 21
Typical welcome offerPercentage deposit matchBonus bets or first-bet refund
BankingCrypto, cards, wires; rarely PayPalPayPal, Venmo, debit cards, online banking
College player propsWidely offeredSeveral states ban them
If a dispute arisesNo US regulator will interveneFile a complaint with the state regulator
Tax formsMost send noneW-2G on qualifying wins

Are Offshore Sportsbooks Legal?

No US state licenses Bovada, BetOnline, or any other offshore book on this page. Several states have gone further and sent cease-and-desist letters, which is how Bovada’s restricted list grew to 19 states plus DC. At the federal level, the Wire Act and the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act target businesses that take bets or process gambling payments, not the person placing a bet.

That does not make offshore betting risk-free. A few states criminalize the bettor’s side, and Washington treats online gambling as a felony under RCW 9.46.240. The bigger practical risk is money. If an offshore book freezes your account or voids a winning bet, you have no state regulator to call and no US court with easy jurisdiction. Bettors who use offshore sites should keep balances small and withdraw winnings often.

How To Tell If A Sportsbook Is Safe

  • A license you can check: Licensed books name their state regulator in the site footer. Offshore books name a foreign one, such as Panama for BetOnline or Curaçao for MyBookie, and a real seal links to that regulator’s register.
  • A long track record: BetUS has operated since 1994 and Everygame since 1996. Longevity does not guarantee fair treatment, but books that stiff players rarely survive for decades.
  • Posted withdrawal rules: A trustworthy cashier lists minimums, maximums, fees, and processing times before you deposit. Vague rules are a warning sign.
  • Account security: Look for an HTTPS connection and an option for two-step login. State regulators hold licensed books to written security standards.
  • A clean complaint history: Search the book’s name alongside words like “withdrawal” or “confiscated” before you deposit. A pattern of unpaid winnings should end your interest.

Where Is Sports Betting Legal? A State-By-State Look

50-State Guide

States have set their own sports betting laws since the Supreme Court struck down the federal ban in Murphy v. NCAA on May 14, 2018. By September 2026, 39 states and Washington, DC, had live, legal sports betting in some form. More than 30 of those allow online betting statewide, and 11 states still allow none at all.

StateStatusNotes
AlabamaNot legalBills have failed repeatedly
AlaskaNot legalNo active framework
ArizonaLegal onlineLive since September 2021
ArkansasLegal onlineOnline books operate through the state’s licensed casinos
CaliforniaNot legalVoters rejected Props 26 and 27 in 2022
ColoradoLegal onlineLive since May 2020
ConnecticutLegal onlineLive since October 2021
DelawareLegal onlineFirst state to take single-game bets after PASPA fell, on June 5, 2018
FloridaLegal onlineHard Rock Bet only, through the Seminole Tribe
GeorgiaNot legalNo bill has passed
HawaiiNot legal2025 bills stalled
IdahoNot legalNo active framework
IllinoisLegal onlinePer-wager tax may pass through to bettors
IndianaLegal onlineLive since 2019
IowaLegal onlineLive since 2019
KansasLegal onlineLive since September 2022
KentuckyLegal onlineLive since September 2023
LouisianaLegal onlineParish-by-parish approval
MaineLegal onlineOnline books partner with the state’s tribes
MarylandLegal onlineLive since November 2022
MassachusettsLegal onlineState law bars credit card deposits
MichiganLegal onlineLive since January 2021
MinnesotaNot legalBills tied to tribal compacts have stalled
MississippiRetail or on-site onlyMobile betting works only on casino property
MissouriLegal onlineLaunched December 1, 2025
MontanaRetail or on-site onlyState lottery app works at licensed locations
NebraskaRetail or on-site onlyMobile betting on the November 3, 2026 ballot
NevadaLegal onlineMany apps require in-person signup at a casino
New HampshireLegal onlineDraftKings holds the only online license
New JerseyLegal onlineLaunched in June 2018, weeks after PASPA fell
New MexicoRetail or on-site onlyTribal casinos only
New YorkLegal onlineNo betting on New York college teams
North CarolinaLegal onlineLaunched March 11, 2024
North DakotaRetail or on-site onlyTribal casinos only
OhioLegal onlineState regulators bar college player props
OklahomaNot legal2025 bills stalled
OregonLegal onlineDraftKings is the state’s online partner
PennsylvaniaLegal onlineOnline since May 2019
Rhode IslandLegal onlineSportsbook Rhode Island runs through the state lottery
South CarolinaNot legalNo active framework
South DakotaRetail or on-site onlyDeadwood casinos and tribal properties
TennesseeLegal onlineOnline only, no retail sportsbooks
TexasNot legalLegislature meets next in 2027
UtahNot legalConstitution bans all gambling
VermontLegal onlineOnline only, launched January 2024
VirginiaLegal onlineNo betting on Virginia college teams
WashingtonRetail or on-site onlyTribal casinos; mobile works on premises only
West VirginiaLegal onlineLive since 2018
WisconsinRetail or on-site onlyStatewide tribal mobile law signed April 2026, not yet live
WyomingLegal onlineLive since September 2021
Washington, DCLegal onlineCitywide mobile betting since 2024

States Where Offshore Books Turn Players Away

Offshore books keep their own restricted lists, and those lists grow when state regulators push back. Bovada’s is the longest among our picks. It blocks Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, West Virginia, and DC. BetOnline and SportsBetting.ag restrict far fewer, with New Jersey the most notable. If a book closes your state while you still hold a balance, contact support to arrange a withdrawal, usually in crypto.

What Changed In 2025 And 2026

  • Missouri went live: Online and retail betting launched December 1, 2025, after voters approved Amendment 2 in 2024.
  • ESPN Bet disappeared: PENN Entertainment rebranded it as theScore Bet on the same date. More on that below.
  • Wisconsin legalized mobile betting: Gov. Tony Evers signed AB 601 on April 9, 2026. The law routes all wagers through servers on tribal land, and no apps can launch until the state renegotiates compacts with its 11 tribes. A constitutional challenge filed in August 2026 could delay things further.
  • Nebraska heads to the ballot: Voters will decide on two mobile sports betting measures on November 3, 2026.
  • Tax rules tightened: Starting with the 2026 tax year, bettors can deduct only 90% of gambling losses.

Prediction Markets And Other Alternatives

Alternatives

Prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket let users buy yes-or-no contracts on game outcomes. Because the federal Commodity Futures Trading Commission oversees them, they operate in all 50 states, including the 11 with no legal sports betting. Several states and tribes argue that these contracts amount to unlicensed sports betting, and lawsuits over that question remain unresolved in 2026.

Two other options fill gaps in unregulated states. Daily fantasy sports apps offer pick’em contests on player stats, and social sportsbooks let you play with a sweepstakes currency that you can redeem for prizes. Neither offers the same markets as a sportsbook, and both come with their own state-by-state rules. Even DraftKings and FanDuel now run separate prediction apps, DraftKings Predictions and FanDuel Predicts, alongside their sportsbooks.

Sportsbook Deposit And Withdrawal Methods

Banking

Your banking options depend on which side of the licensing line a book sits. Offshore books built their cashiers around crypto because many US banks decline gambling transactions with foreign merchants. Licensed books use the same payment apps you already have on your phone.

MethodOffshore BooksState-Licensed BooksTypical Withdrawal Time
Bitcoin and other cryptoAccepted at all seven offshore picksRarely acceptedOften within 24 hours of approval
Credit cardsAccepted for deposits at most booksSome states bar them, and many banks decline themUsually deposit-only
Debit cardsHit or missStandardSame day to a few business days
PayPal and VenmoRarely offeredStandard at FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGMOften same day
Online banking and ACHLimitedStandardOne to five business days
Bank wire and checkCommon fallbackChecks at some booksUp to 15 business days
Cash at a casino cageNot availableBetMGM, Caesars, and other casino-owned booksSame day

How To Get Paid Faster

Identity checks, not payment methods, cause most withdrawal delays. Books verify your ID, address, and sometimes your payment method before releasing a first payout, so upload those documents the day you sign up rather than the day you win. After that, crypto usually clears fastest at offshore books, and PayPal or Venmo usually clears fastest at licensed ones.

Betting With Crypto

Crypto changes more than speed. At Bovada, it unlocks a bigger welcome match: 75% up to $750 instead of 50% up to $250. At BetUS, it lowers the sports match cap from $2,000 to $1,500, and at Everygame and Xbet, crypto deposits do not qualify for the welcome offer at all. Price swings matter too. If Bitcoin drops 10% between your deposit and your withdrawal, so does your bankroll in dollar terms.

Sports Betting Age Requirements

Age Limits

Twenty-one is the standard age at licensed sportsbooks, but state law and house rules do not always line up. Kentucky, Montana, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Wyoming, and Washington, DC, set their legal minimum at 18. Operators can still require 21. DraftKings, for example, accepts 18-year-olds only in DC, New Hampshire, Wyoming, and Puerto Rico.

Offshore books set their own limits. Bovada, BetOnline, SportsBetting.ag, BetUS, and Everygame accept bettors at 18, while MyBookie and Xbet require 21. Every book on this page checks ID before paying out, so lying about your age only ends in a frozen account.

Best Sportsbooks By Sport

By Sport

The right book changes with the calendar. Here is where we would place each type of bet in 2026.

NFL

Football drives more handle than any other sport. The American Gaming Association estimates Americans will legally wager $29.5 billion on the 2026 NFL season through regulated commercial sportsbooks, and that figure excludes offshore action entirely.

Offshore, BetOnline is our pick because it posts next week’s lines early and accepts larger bets. In licensed states, FanDuel wins on same-game parlays and its BetProtect+ injury insurance.

College Football

College football is where offshore and licensed books differ most. Ohio banned college player props in 2024, and states such as New York and Virginia prohibit bets on their own colleges. Offshore books ignore those restrictions and post full player prop menus on nearly every Saturday game. Bovada’s alternate lines run especially deep.

NBA

Basketball props depend on minutes, and minutes depend on injuries. That makes DraftKings’ Early Exit policy and FanDuel’s injury protection unusually valuable during the NBA season. Offshore, Bovada’s Prop Builder lets you create combined stat lines the standard menu does not offer.

MLB

Each MLB team plays 162 regular-season games, so baseball bettors care about daily consistency more than welcome offers. Moneylines on baseball carry real juice, which rewards shopping two or three books every night. SportsBetting.ag and BetOnline make an easy offshore pair for that job.

NHL

Everygame covers hockey better than any other offshore book on our list, from NHL futures to European leagues that many US-facing sites skip. In licensed states, lean on line shopping instead, since hockey moneylines vary more between books than most bettors expect.

UFC And Boxing

Fight bettors want method-of-victory and round betting on top of the moneyline. Bovada offers both on major UFC cards, plus deeper props such as total significant strikes.

Soccer

The 2026 World Cup was the first played on US soil since legal sports betting spread beyond Nevada, and many new bettors stuck around for club soccer afterward. In licensed states, bet365 carries the deepest international menu, from the Premier League to smaller European and South American leagues. Offshore, BetOnline covers the major competitions and adds soccer to its early-line habit.

Horse Racing

Horse racing runs under separate federal and state rules, so many licensed books send racing bets to a companion app such as FanDuel Racing. Offshore, BetUS, BetOnline, and Xbet run racebooks inside the same account as their sportsbooks.

How To Read American Odds

Odds Basics

US sportsbooks quote odds based on $100. A minus sign shows what you must risk to win $100; a plus sign shows what a $100 bet wins. So -150 means risking $150 to win $100, and +150 means risking $100 to win $150. A winning bet always returns your stake on top of the profit.

Odds also hide the book’s cut, called the vig or juice. At -110 on both sides of a spread, the implied probabilities add up to about 104.8%, and that extra 4.8% is the book’s built-in margin. That is why shopping lines matters. A $100 bet at -105 wins $95.24. The same bet at -115 wins $86.96. Over a few hundred bets a season, that gap decides whether a decent bettor finishes ahead, and it is the main reason we suggest holding accounts at both BetOnline and SportsBetting.ag.

OddsRiskProfit If It WinsImplied Probability
-200$200$10066.7%
-110$110$10052.4%
+100$100$10050.0%
+150$100$15040.0%
+300$100$30025.0%

Types Of Sports Bets

Bet Types
Bet TypeHow It WorksExampleWhere We Would Place It
MoneylinePick the winner outrightDodgers -140 over the GiantsShop BetOnline against SportsBetting.ag
Point spreadThe favorite must win by more than the spreadEagles -6.5 against the CommandersBetOnline, for early numbers
Total (over/under)Bet on combined points scoredOver 47.5 in Chiefs vs. BillsWhichever book has the best price that day
ParlayCombine two or more bets; every leg must winThree NFL favorites in one ticketFanDuel
Same-game parlayCombine outcomes from one gameLakers win and LeBron James scores 25+FanDuel or DraftKings
TeaserShift football or basketball spreads for a lower payoutSix-point NFL teaser moves +2.5 to +8.5DraftKings, which often prices two-team teasers at -120
PropBet on a player or game event, not the final scoreOver 1.5 passing touchdownsBovada or MyBookie
FutureBet on a season-long outcomeTeam to win the Stanley CupBetOnline or Everygame
Live betBet after the game starts, with odds that update in real timeNext team to score in the third quarterFanDuel
NoveltyAwards shows, reality TV, and politics at offshore booksBest Picture at the OscarsBovada or BetOnline

State-licensed books do not take bets on elections, and most skip entertainment markets. Offshore books list both.

How To Sign Up At A US Sportsbook

Getting Started
  • Pick a book that serves your location. FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM work only inside states where they hold a license. Offshore books such as Bovada list the states they block at signup.
  • Create your account. Enter your legal name, date of birth, address, and email. Licensed books also ask for the last four digits of your Social Security number.
  • Allow location checks. Licensed apps confirm you are inside state lines every time you bet. On a computer, that usually means installing a small geolocation plugin.
  • Verify your identity early. Upload a photo ID and proof of address now, before a withdrawal request forces the issue.
  • Make your first deposit and claim the bonus. Enter or select the promo code in the cashier while you deposit, and check the minimum deposit for the offer.
  • Place your first bet. If the welcome offer requires a qualifying wager, confirm the minimum stake and minimum odds before you tap submit.

Sportsbook Apps Vs. Mobile Sites

Mobile

Licensed books offer native apps on iOS and Android, and the big three score around 4.8 out of 5 on Apple’s App Store. Those apps handle geolocation, Face ID login, and push alerts for line moves. Offshore books take a different route. Apple and Google do not list them, so Bovada, BetOnline, and the rest run browser-based mobile sites instead. A good offshore mobile site loads fast and places bets in two taps, and you can save it to your home screen so it behaves much like an app.

Customer Support: What To Expect

Support

Live chat is the default everywhere, but phone support splits the field. MyBookie, BetUS, BetOnline, and Xbet all list phone lines, and Xbet answers in English and Spanish. FanDuel and DraftKings, despite their size, route customers through chat and email only. At licensed books, a bad support experience has a backstop, since you can escalate to the state regulator. Offshore, the support desk is the last stop, so save chat transcripts and screenshots of any bet you think a book graded wrong.

Taxes On Sportsbook Winnings

Taxes

Every dollar you win betting on sports counts as taxable income, whether it came from DraftKings or an offshore site that never sends you a form. The IRS expects you to report all of it. Licensed books issue a Form W-2G on qualifying large wins, including payouts of at least 300 times the wager. Offshore books generally issue nothing, which changes the paperwork but not what you owe.

A new rule took effect with the 2026 tax year. Itemizers can now deduct only 90% of their gambling losses, still capped at their winnings. A bettor who wins $10,000 and loses $10,000 in 2026 can deduct just $9,000, leaving $1,000 of taxable income on a break-even year. Keep a session log with dates, books, stakes, and results, because the IRS expects bettors to back up every loss they deduct.

Common Mistakes New Bettors Make

Avoid These
  • Treating parlays as a plan: A four-leg parlay at -110 per leg pays roughly 12-to-1. If each leg is a true coin flip, it hits about 6% of the time, when a fair payout would be 15-to-1. FanDuel’s Parlay Hub makes these tickets easy to build, and that is exactly the problem.
  • Laying big favorites: A -300 moneyline needs to win 75% of the time just to break even. One upset erases three wins.
  • Betting with your heart: Fans overrate their own teams, and some books shade hometown lines to profit from it.
  • Skipping records: Without a log, you cannot tell whether a strategy works. Offshore bettors need one most, since Bovada and BetOnline never send a tax form.
  • Betting without a unit size: Pick a flat stake, such as 1% to 2% of your bankroll, and hold it through hot and cold streaks. A $1,000 bankroll at $20 per bet survives a bad month; the same bankroll at $200 per bet may not survive a bad weekend.
  • Chasing losses: Doubling your stake after a bad night is how a $50 hobby turns into a $500 problem.

Responsible Gambling

Get Help

Licensed sportsbooks must offer deposit limits, time-outs, and self-exclusion, and most add reality-check pop-ups that show how long you have been playing. Offshore books such as Bovada and BetOnline offer some of those tools, but no regulator requires them, so set your own limits before your first deposit. Warning signs include betting money set aside for bills, hiding activity from family, and feeling restless when you cannot bet.

Free, confidential help is available 24 hours a day by calling 1-800-GAMBLER or visiting the National Council on Problem Gambling.

What Happened To ESPN Bet?

Industry News

ESPN Bet launched in late 2023 through a 10-year deal in which PENN Entertainment paid ESPN $150 million a year for the brand. It never gained the market share either side expected. In November 2025, the companies ended the deal early, and on December 1, 2025, PENN rebranded ESPN Bet as theScore Bet.

The same day, DraftKings became ESPN’s official sportsbook and odds provider, and ESPN Bet shifted to a betting content brand. PENN took an $825 million write-down on the exit. The episode shows how much even a giant media name struggles against FanDuel and DraftKings, which together handle most of the money Americans bet on sports.

Best Sportsbooks For International Players

Outside The US

Several books on this list also serve bettors outside the US. BetOnline has a large Latin American following and offers Spanish and Portuguese support. Bovada serves only the US, but its sister brand Bodog takes players in much of Canada. Canadians now have regulated options too: Ontario opened its market in 2022, and Alberta followed on July 13, 2026.

Our Top Sportsbook Picks

Bovada sportsbook logo Offshore

Bovada

Bovada launched in 2011 and pairs deep alternate lines with its Prop Builder for custom player props. New players get 50% up to $250, or 75% up to $750 on crypto deposits.

BetOnline sportsbook logo Offshore

BetOnline

BetOnline posts lines early and takes bigger wagers than most offshore rivals. Code FREE250 returns 50% of a first deposit of $50 or more as free bet credit, up to $250.

FanDuel sportsbook logo State-licensed

FanDuel

FanDuel holds the largest share of the regulated US market and operates in 24 states plus Washington, DC. New customers who bet $5 on seven straight days can collect up to $350.

Online Sportsbook FAQs

FAQ
Do I Have To Live In A State To Bet There?

No. Licensed sportsbooks care about where you are, not where you live. A Texas resident visiting Colorado can open a FanDuel account and bet while inside Colorado. The moment that person crosses back into Texas, the app blocks new wagers, although existing bets still settle and the account balance stays accessible.

Can I Have Accounts At More Than One Sportsbook?

Yes, and serious bettors do. Each book can only give you one welcome bonus, but holding several accounts lets you compare prices on the same game and take the best one. Rules against multiple accounts apply within a single book, not across different books.

What Happens If I Use A VPN To Bet?

Licensed books run geolocation software built to spot VPNs, and it blocks the wager when it finds one. If a book catches VPN use after the fact, it can void bets, confiscate winnings, and close the account. Offshore books also ban VPN use in their terms, and a location mismatch at withdrawal time is one of the fastest ways to get a payout frozen.

What Happens To My Bet If The League Postpones A Game Or A Player Leaves Hurt?

Most books void bets on games that do not start within a window spelled out in their house rules, and they return the stake. For player props, the standard rule says the player must take the field for the bet to stand. Injury protections go further. DraftKings’ Early Exit, FanDuel’s BetProtect, and Fanatics’ Fair Play refund some props when a player leaves early hurt.

Will A Sportsbook Limit Me If I Win?

It can. Both licensed and offshore books reserve the right to cap your maximum bet, and many do so quietly after a run of sharp, well-timed wagers. Limits do not affect bets you already placed. Bettors who get limited often move to books known for higher limits, such as BetOnline.

Can I Cancel A Bet After Placing It?

Usually not. Once a book accepts a wager, it stands. Cash out is the closest option, since it lets you settle a bet early for a price the book sets, often below fair value. BetMGM’s Edit My Bet also lets you swap or remove legs on some open parlays.