Sports betting has rapidly made its way into more than two dozen US states. More are on the way, and some expect sports betting to be legal in more than 40 states in the near- to mid-future.
If you’re looking for the best sports betting sites, it can be difficult to differentiate between the good and the bad. On this page, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, including how to find the top betting sites and how to get the most bang for your buck when using them.
Best Sports Betting Sites in 2024
It’s 2024, and sports betting has been meandering its way into numerous legal markets. We’re at a point in sports betting’s rapid growth trajectory where players require a full-service sportsbook review to find the app that works best for them. Below, we’ll discuss some of the best legal sports betting sites available in the US and what makes them worth your while.
#1 — FanDuel Sportsbook
Where there’s a DraftKings, there’s usually a FanDuel! The sportsbook from Flutter Entertainment is among the best sports betting sites available in any market, and in many ways, it beats out most of the competition.
Available in: <AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY>
Simply put, FanDuel has the best look and feel of any sportsbook app available. It’s easy on the eyes and incredibly simple to navigate. That’s all fine and dandy, but it also has amazing functionality and features. The odds are competitive, there are plenty of payment and withdrawal options, and it has some of the best same-game parlay options in all sports betting.
That’s a mouthful, but it’s all true. FanDuel is the cream of the crop, and it competes with the best of the best because it is one of them. Look to FanDuel for odds that often beat out the competition and rotating bonuses to boost your profits.
The FanDuel welcome bonus in most legal states is a slam-dunk offer. Just bet $5, and you will receive $150 in bonus bets if your initial wager wins. In addition, you’ll also receive three free months of NBA League Pass. Your earned bonus bets can be used on any sporting event and any betting market. That $150 bonus is in addition to the amount you will receive from a winning wager.
Claim your $150 in bonus bets + 3 free months of NBA League Pass at FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Best app in the business | Doesn’t accept AmEx or Discover |
| Ultra-competitive odds | |
| Great bonus |
#2 — bet365 Sportsbook
bet365 Sportsbook promotes itself as the “world’s favorite sportsbook” and it has a 20-year track record to back up that claim.
It began in the United Kingdom but Bet365 has spread its tentacles over the Atlantic Ocean since sports betting began spreading in the US in 2018.
Today, bet365 Sportsbook is active in Arizona, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia, but it has its sights set on launching in more states soon.
As for the welcome offer at bet365, new bettors can choose between a first bet safety net up $1,000 or a bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets. The first net safety bet means if your first wager isn’t a winner, you’ll receive a bonus bet from bet365 equal to the amount of your losing stake up to $1,000.
The minimum deposit to participate is $10, with a minimum first bet of $5 necessary to qualify for the bonus.
New bet365 users in Colorado will get $150 in bonus bets with their $5 initial wager plus a complementary 2-month trial of Altitude+ streaming service, featuring live coverage of Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche games.
As for new bet365 customers in Pennsylvania, they will score a guaranteed $150 in bonus bets plus 50 complimentary spins at bet365 Casino.
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ, CO, IN, KY, LA, NC, NJ, OH, VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ only (18+ in KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IN/KY/LA (select parishes)/NC/NJ/OH/VA/PA.
Bet365 bonus code BETROCK: First bet safety net up to $1,000 or bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets
#3 BetMGM Sportsbook
Available in: AZ, CO, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MD, MI, MS, NV, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY
BetMGM has competitive odds and impressive market depth. You can rely on BetMGM to have plenty of markets and games available to bet on at any given time. There’s also a wide variety of deposit and withdrawal methods available at BetMGM, so you’ll have your pick of methods via which to fund your account.
The minor downside to BetMGM is that its app, though recently revamped, still isn’t quite up to snuff when compared to the other big names like FanDuel or DraftKings. Still, it’s a solid overall choice and should be in your sportsbook rotation.
BetMGM’s sign-up offer will refund new users’ first-bet stake up to $1,500 in bonus bets paid back if that wager does not win.
Claim $1,500 in Bonus Bets with BetMGM bonus code ROCKYBET
*Bonus Bets expire in 7 days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms.
BetMGM Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Recently redesigned app | App still not quite as good as competitors |
| Solid odds | |
| Crossover into BetMGM casino account where legal |
#4 — Caesars Sportsbook
>Here’s another huge name in land-based casinos, here to stake its claim in the online sports betting world. Caesars was late to the party, so to speak, buying early market entrant William Hill, then rebranding to Caesars Sportsbook and spending oodles of money on advertising to catch up to the other big guys. Risky? Sure, but it worked.
Available in: AZ, CO, IN, IA, IL, KS, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV
Sign up with Caesars Promo Code START1000 and get up to a $1,000 first bet on Caesars.
Caesars offers one of the best welcome bonuses in sports betting — a first bet on Caesars of up to $1,ooo. Not only do you get your first bet back (in the form of site credit) if it loses, but you get to join the Caesars Rewards program. This is especially great news if you also like to play at Caesars Online Casino (where legal) or visit the company’s land-based properties.
Tack on all the fixings of an amazing app: good odds, competitive market depth, and great ease of use. Caesars is the full package. The only struggle for the Caesars app is it’s not quite as smooth or quick as its top competitors.
Claim your $1,000 first bet on Caesars
Caesars Sportsbook Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great welcome bonus | App could be faster |
| Excellent rewards program |
#5 BetRivers Sportsbook
Chicago-based Rush Street Interactive has carved out quite a niche for itself in the sports betting world. BetRivers is available in numerous states, and it has a reputation as a friendly app for casual bettors.
Available in AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, WV
BetRivers counts itself among the top sports betting sites, but it’s not without its flaws.
First, the good. BetRivers has great promos, including a second-chance $500 bet ($100 in NY) as a welcome bonus. In other words, if your first bet loses, you get site credit back, up to $500. The nice thing about BetRivers is that this offer contains far fewer restrictions on qualifying bets than most other operators. Ongoing promos at BetRivers are solid too, and the sportsbook excels at localized promos for fans of regional teams. The odds are competitive, and the market depth is there.
Where BetRivers falls short is in functionality. The app leaves a lot to be desired, and the quality of BetRivers’ parlay tools or general experience is lackluster in comparison to other sportsbooks. Still, BetRivers is a great overall sportsbook worth your time.
Claim a 2nd Chance Bet up to $500 with BetRivers bonus code ROCKRIV
BetRivers Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great localized promotions | Clunkier, slower app |
| Good welcome bonus |
#6 — DraftKings Sportsbook
Simply utter the phrase “sports betting,” and DraftKings is likely among the first names to pop up. It’s one of the best US sports betting sites, and it has a well-earned reputation as an amazing sportsbook.
Available in: AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY (CT, NH)
DraftKings covers all the bases a great sportsbook needs to cover. The odds are incredibly competitive, to the point where you’ll frequently find the best lines at DraftKings when you compare them to odds at other sportsbook sites.
You will find plenty of market depth and sports available to bet on at DraftKings, whether it’s the most popular game of the day or an obscure option like darts or rugby.
In addition, the DraftKings welcome bonus comes in three parts:
- Bet $5 and get $150 in bonuses if your first wager wins
- A 20% deposit match up to $1,000 (25x playthrough)
- A $50 bonus bet with $5 deposit.
So in total, new users can claim up to $1,200 in bonuses from DraftKings Sportsbook.
Also, with the start of the 2024-25 NBA season, DK has a daily King of the Court profit boost available on the qualifying NBA player prop of your choice.
And for new DraftKings customers in Massachusetts, collect up to $250 in bonuses (bet $5 get $150 in bonus bets with winning initial wager plus a $50 bonus bet with ac $5 deposit).
Claim up to $1,200 in welcome bonuses from DraftKings
DraftKings Sportsbook Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Amazing market depth | Full bonus requires hefty upfront cost |
| Available in many states | |
| Competitive odds |
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How We Rate and Review Sports Betting Sites
We consider several factors when recommending the best online betting sites to you. Here are the key criteria we look for in a solid sportsbook.
Availability of Bonuses
We seek out sportsbooks with lucrative bonus offers. Moreover, they should be easy to claim, and the fine print shouldn’t be too restrictive. The easier it is for you to claim a bonus the better. Plus, we try to find sportsbooks that don’t abandon you after sign-up. If a sportsbook can offer solid ongoing promotions to existing years (think odds boosts, parlay insurance, bet & get bonuses, referral credits, etc.), that’s a winner.
Types of Bets Offered
The best legal sports betting sites will all have moneylines, point spreads, and totals. Those are just a given. They’ll also go beyond those standard bets and offer tons of other options. Player props, parlays, same-game parlays, round robins, futures, game props, etc. Options should exist so you can place the type of bet that appeals to you.
Selection of Sports
You shouldn’t have to pry to find the sports you want to bet on. Top betting sites will have a wide selection of sports available for wagers. This obviously includes the major sports and leagues such as:
- NFL
- NBA
- MLB
- NHL
- PGA
- MLS
- NCAA
- UFC
Plus a variety of more obscure sports, like rugby, darts, motorsports, and big events like the Olympics or March Madness.
Competitive Odds
No sportsbook will be able to beat out the competition every time in terms of odds. But the best legal sportsbooks will often compete with one another, presenting a clear option for bettors seeking the best price or line on a particular bet. The more often a sportsbook can edge out its competitors, the better. As long as they compete to offer better lines than one another, customers can benefit.
User Experience
This one’s simple on the surface, but more complex as you dive deeper. User experience includes an app and desktop option and encompasses how easy they are to use. Navigation and speed are of the utmost importance.
This also includes how fast a sportsbook updates odds. If you’re live betting, every second counts. Your experience should be seamless from start to finish.
Deposit & Withdrawal Methods
Pretty straightforward here. The more deposit and withdrawal methods a sportsbook can offer, the more likely it is to appear in our top sports betting sites list. PayPal, Venmo, and ACH eCheck are a few of our top recommended methods.
VIP, Rewards, And Loyalty Programs
Are you rewarded for betting on one sportsbook many times over a long period? What sort of benefits do you get from being a loyal customer? We take these things into account when reviewing top legal sports betting sites.
Customer Service
Customer service includes two big factors:
- Number of available channels
- Response time
Sportsbooks with numerous outreach options—usually phone, email, and live chat—win the day. Plus, they should respond quickly and actually help you with your issue. We message every sportsbook’s customer service options when we review them to make sure their responses are timely.
Site Security
Your money and data should be safe at a top online sports betting site. In other words, the best sportsbooks will use top tools to keep you and your information safe. We dive deep into these practices when we review sportsbooks to ensure your entire experience is above board.
Tips For Choosing The Best Online Sportsbook For You
When it comes to choosing the best sports betting sites, reviews like the ones on Rocky Top Insider are extremely helpful. Getting a quick overview of any sportsbook can be a game-changer before you even sign up. You can use the details on this page and around this site to get crucial info and inform your decision.
One factor to help you find a good online sportsbook is line shopping. Pick a game, any game, maybe an NFL matchup. Look at the odds offered at various sportsbooks and compare them. You might want to lean toward the sportsbooks that offer the best payouts for that game.
In reality, though, you don’t need to worry too much about choosing a single sportsbook. Instead, we recommend signing up for multiple to claim various bonuses (without your financial means, of course) and pitting the books against each other when the time comes to make a bet. Online betting sites for sports fans will compete with one another, and you can use this fact to your advantage.
How To Sign Up With Top Online Sportsbooks
Ready to bet on sports? Here’s how you can sign up for our top online sports betting sites.
- Click our links to head to our top sportsbook recommendations and claim the bonuses there.
- Select “sign up” and follow the prompts to input your personal information.
- Choose a payment method and make a deposit, keeping any bonus in mind to be sure you get the full amount.
- Find your desired bet and place it.
- Watch the game(s) and hope for the best!
It’s really that simple. Customer service can help if you run into any problems with the process.
As for the info a sportsbook needs from you, be prepared to offer the following:
- First and last name
- Address
- Password (you’ll create one)
- Date of birth
- Phone Number
- SSN
- Government-issued photo ID
Sports Betting 101: How to Bet on Sports
Sports betting is exactly what it sounds like — betting on sports! This page has all sorts of info about choosing a sportsbook and getting a welcome bonus, but what if you need a primer on the basics? We’ve got you covered. There are three basic bets available on almost every team sport. We’ll explain them below, along with a quick primer on parlays.
Moneyline
A moneyline bet is a bet on a team to win. It’s the simplest form of betting on a team-vs-team matchup. The odds will favor the team expected to win, offering a lower payout than a bet on the underdog.
Point Spread
In spread betting, the favorite has phantom points taken from it while the underdog has phantom points given to it. It might look like so:
- Philadelphia Eagles -14 (-110)
- Houston Texans +14 (-110)
Note that these odds are for a game that has already happened and are only used for example purposes here.
In this case, the Eagles were expected to trounce the Texans. To “cover the spread” and make a bet on them hitting, the Eagles needed to win by more than 14 points. A final score of Eagles 38, Texans 14 would see the Eagles cover the 14-point spread because they won by 24 points.
On the other hand, if the Texans had lost but kept the game close to a final score of 20-14, then they would cover because they lost by fewer than 14 points.
Totals or Over/Under
When it comes to the Over/Under, you’re wagering on a point total, not a winner or loser. If you bet the “Over,” you believe the teams will combine to beat that point total. Bet the Under if you think they won’t meet it. Here’s another example:
- Eagles Vs. Texans
- Over 45.5 (-105)
- Under 45.5 (-115)
A final score of Texans 32, Eagles 25 would mean the Over hits because they combined for 57 total points. A final score of Texans 21, Eagles 10 would mean the Under hits at 31 total points.
Parlays
A parlay is a single wager that combines multiple bets. You’ll get much better odds and a better possible payout, but if one or more of the individual bets (called “legs”) of the parlay don’t hit, then the whole thing is busted. If you’re a new bettor, we recommend steering clear of parlays until you have a better grasp on betting and odds.
Best Sports Betting Sites FAQ
What is the best site for betting on sports?
There’s no single “best” online sports betting site. DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, BetRivers, and FanDuel are all among the top selections for sports bettors in the US.
What sport is easiest to bet on?
Football is a top contender just because there are so many fans. In truth, though, you will probably find that the sport you like the most is the easiest to bet on. The more you understand the game, the better you’ll be able to make savvy bets.
Which is the most trusted betting site?
Any legal and regulated betting site is trustworthy. If you’re in a legal betting state and you have a favorite site, check that it has a license and responsible gaming info. Those are good indicators that a site is above board and trustworthy.
What is the most profitable betting strategy?
There is no best betting strategy. Always bet with caution and within your means. Only wager what you’re comfortable losing.
Is DraftKings or FanDuel better?
Treat them as two sides of the same coin. Both FanDuel and DraftKings have a lot to offer. Instead of choosing between them, pit them against one another. Compare their odds and bonuses and use whichever gives you the best potential payout on any given bet.
How can I bet on sports online?
What betting site has the highest payout?
It varies. You can look at multiple sportsbooks to compare odds on your desired bet. Always go with the one that gives you the best payout for that particular bet, then repeat the process for your next wager.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call or text the Tennessee REDLINE: 1-800-889-9789. Please Gamble Responsibly. 21+
