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The online sportsbook industry is filled with options when it comes to betting on teams and games. Just like any industry; some do their job much better than others. Our mission is to break this industry down on a book by book basis and our goal is to find the best online betting sites for US players.
In the table below, you'll find our top rated sportsbooks and welcome offers We will continue adding more great offers and reviews as states continue to legalize online sports betting, so check back often!
- How Betting Odds Work. When it comes to sports gambling, the odds are an essential part to your bet. When one team is favoured, the payouts are affected. In essence, odds represent the probability of a win and how much it’s worth. When calculating payouts, bettors need to use their bet amount multiplied by the odds.
- Betting odds are shown as decimals on our betting website. To see your winnings, multiply the odds in the decimal by your stake. The best way to view potential winnings is to use the bet slip which automatically calculates your potential winnings minus charges free of charge.
In the above example, if you bet $100 on Golden State to win, you could make a $90.91 profit $100 x (10/11), and could get back your initial stake of $100, resulting in a total payout of $190.91. Betfair: Min £5 bet on the SBK, min odds 1.5 (1/2). Rewards valid for 7 days. Free bets must be placed at min odds of 1.5 (1/2). Exchange free bet limited to certain markets. Payment restrictions.
Top Online Sportsbooks Betting Offers
Updated on :
| Rank | Sportsbooks | Welcome Offer | Legal States | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | FanDuel Visit | Review | Risk-Free Bet up to $1,000 T&C’s Apply, 21+ | Available in CO, IA, IL, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA, WV | |
| 2. | Unibet Visit | Review | Multiple Risk Free Bet Offers T&C’s Apply, 21+ | Available in IN, NJ, PA | |
| 3. | WynnBet Visit | Review | Up To A $500 Risk-Free Bet T&C’s Apply, 21+ | Available in CO, MI, NJ | |
| 4. | BetMGM Visit | Review | Risk-Free Bet up to $600 T&C’s Apply, 21+ | Available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, NV, PA, TN, VA, WV |
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In order to place bets on these sportsbooks, you must be in a state in which sports betting is regulated and where the corresponding sportsbook has a sports betting license. Welcome offers through VegasInsider are currently available in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, West Virginia, Tennessee, and Colorado.
Welcome offers may differ depending on where you register. Please visit the sportsbook using any of our links, change to your location and confirm your welcome bonus offer and requirements before you register.
Sports betting in the United States alone generates billions of dollars of revenue every year. One of the fastest-growing segments of this industry is online sports betting. There is a wide array of online sportsbooks that cater specifically to US players. This makes it easy to generate some action on Sunday’s big game or any other live sporting event. You can also check out which sportsbooks offer Live Stream Betting.
Recent changes in the law have enabled individual states to offer legal sports betting within their borders. Many of these states are also expanding the sports betting market with online access to sports betting sites, with Colorado sports betting and Tennessee sports betting going live, and states like Michigan, Virginia, and Maryland, close to launching online gambling.
To get the freshest US sports betting news and learn about recent developments, you can also check out our weekly industry report from February 2nd 2021 : Weekly Sports Betting News
How We Pick Our Top Sportsbooks
Comprehensive and unbiased online sportsbook reviews are the best source of information for today’s avid bettors. By analyzing online sports betting sites over a wide array of criteria, we can drill down into features they provide. By testing their services, we can verify this information to a very high degree.
With so many online betting options to choose from, sports bettors can benefit from these expert reviews. However, we also recommend that bettors perform a personal search. The ultimate goal is to find a quality online sportsbook that best meets any bettor’s overall sports betting needs.
To make our list as the “best of the best”, simply being good is not good enough. Areas such as overall customer service, betting options, bonuses and incentives and ease of use are closely examined. One of the most important aspects is a bookmaker’s payment record on requested withdrawals.
Everything that goes into running an online sportsbook is under review and graded on an unbiased basis. This adds a very high level of authenticity to every online sportsbook review we produce.
Best Sports Betting Sites 2020
| Rank | Betting Site | Bonus | Legal In | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | bet365 Sportsbook | Open Account Offer | NJ | Visit bet365 |
| 2 | BetMGM Sportsbook | Risk-Free Bet up to $600 | CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, NV, PA, TN, VA, WV | Visit BetMGM |
| 3 | Wynnbet Sportsbook | Up To A $500 Risk-Free Bet | CO, MI, NJ | Visit WynnBet |
| 4 | FanDuel Sportsbook | Risk-Free Bet up to $1,000 | CO, IA, IL, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA, WV | Visit Fanduel |
| 5 | Unibet Sportsbook | Multiple Free Bet Offers Available | IN, NJ, PA | Visit Unibet |
| 6 | PointsBet Sportsbook | 2 Risk Free Bets to $2,000 | CO, IA, IL, IN, MI, NJ | Visit PointsBet |
| 7 | BetRivers Sportsbook | 100% Deposit Match up to $250 | CO, IL, IN, MI, PA, VA | Visit BetRivers |
| 9 | SportsBetting.com Sportsbook | Double your Deposit Up To $300 | CO | Visit SportsBetting |
| 9 | William Hill Sportsbook | Get a $500 Risk-Free Bet | CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, WV | Visit William Hill |
| 10 | Fox Bet Sportsbook | Signup Bonus up to $1,000 | CO, NJ, PA | Visit Fox Bet |
| 11 | Draftkings Sportsbook | Get a Sign Up Bonus up to $1000 | CO, IA, IL, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA, WV | Visit Drafkings |
Online Sports Betting in the USA: Where is it Legal?
Legality issues when it comes to betting on sports is always a hot topic with US players. This is a global industry that offers legal betting in a number of different jurisdictions.
The Caribbean and Central America were some of the earliest markets. This gave rise to the offshore sportsbooks that started the first online sportsbooks that serviced the US market illegally. However, now that the PASPA act has been lifted, some states are starting to have regulated and legal sports betting. On VegasInsider, we only promote legal sportsbooks, that have active licenses in certain states. Check out our state by state info pages in order to know which ones you can bet on.
As mentioned above, legal sports betting in the US is currently broken down on a state by state level. The federal government still has certain laws on the books aimed at bookmakers (not actual bettors).
Individual states now have the right to determine the legality of sports betting within their borders. Some states are more progressive than others. Utah, Vermont, Alaska, and Hawaii have laws on the books prohibiting state-regulated sports wagering. However, in today’s favorable sports betting environment everything is subject to change.
Nevada was the only state with legal sports betting in the US. That all changed in May of 2018 with a landmark decision by the US Supreme Court. This paved the way for more states to join the mix.
Best Online Sports Betting Apps
Today’s sophisticated sports bettor expects more from the bookmaker where they place their sports bets. Major advances in technology and online gambling software have catered to this crowd with advanced online betting apps.
A mobile betting platform allows bettors to manage their online accounts from the ease of any handheld device with internet access. From checking account balances to placing a bet just minutes before kickoff, this has revolutionized the bookmaking industry.
bet365 Sports Betting App
Bet365 sits at the top of the list of the best sports betting platforms worldwide. The app, available for iOS and Android, is easy to download and install. One account grants access to the casino, sportsbook, and a few sections with a few other operators.
A significant feature is the in-play multi-view. Sometimes, swapping between pages and tabs can cause frustration. The application allows you to maintain up to 12 different events on your screen to avoid this problem.
The bet365 notification settings also stand out. You can set reminders for events or matches to stay on top of your betting plans. Also, considering the relatively simplistic and appealing interface, it’s easy to change settings to fit your needs. Additionally, you can access customer support through the app, something essential for players that make a plethora of transactions and bets.
- Review: bet365 Bonus Code
- Bonus: $500
- Bet365 is legal in: NJ, NY
- iOS review: 3/5
BetMGM Sports Betting App
BetMGM is one of the more unique platforms. With one set of login credentials, you gain access to an online casino, poker, and sports betting. The operator’s application for sports bets, specifically, is fantastic.
The BetMGM app is another example of excellent design and functionality. A comfortable and easy to navigate interface mixed with a healthy amount of settings to tweak make for a fantastic experience. A mobile application should make it simple and straightforward to place bets; BetMGM does just that.
One critique thrown at this operator rather frequently is that it does little to educate and inform its players. While this has no significant impact on the app’s quality, it’s worth considering before joining the platform.
In terms of sports, betting types, and promotions, the BetMGM application does a great job providing plenty for each category.
- Review: BetMGM Bonus Code
- Bonus: $500
- BetMGM is legal in: CO, IA, NJ, MI, NV, WV, IN, VA
- iOS review: 5/5
FanDuel Sports Betting App
FanDuel stands out with some of the most terrific promotions around. It’s another of the sportsbooks that provides a smooth, seamless experience for users. It’s also considered one of the safest in the industry.
Like a small handful of other operators, it offers a majority of the titles available on the website and the same promotions for the players using the application. Welcome bonuses, for example, are accessible for first-time users signing up on a mobile device.
You can track your winnings, place bets, request withdrawals, and much more, thanks to a clean background makes it easy to read links, odds, and other necessary information.
The betting slip configuration stands out the most. When you select a team, sport, or event to bet on, a slip pops out over the app interface. This provides all the information you need for placing a wager.
- Review: FanDuel Betting Site
- Bonus: $1000
- FanDuel is legal in: NJ, PA, CO, IN, IA, WV, IL, MI, VA
- iOS review: 4/5
PointsBet Sports Betting App
You can download and install the PointsBet sports betting app on iOS and Android. The interface is complicated and frustrating, to say the least. You can access the deposit, withdrawal, and bonus sections with some ease, but other features are challenging to find. The color scheme is jarring, despite the black background that many consider more appealing.
There’s a stark contrast, though, between the desktop and mobile experience. While there are notable flaws with the app, it’s smoother than the alternative. Yes, betting, depositing and withdrawing funds, and setting notifications, is much easier on the application when compared to the website for desktops.
Despite the visual setbacks, the PointsBet sports betting app is efficient. If you can get past specific frustrating details, you’re left with a fantastic choice for placing wagers on teams, matches, and events.
- Review: PointsBet Promo Code
- Bonus: $250
- PointsBet is legal in: NJ, IA, IL, IN, IO, CO, MI
- iOS review: 4/5
BetRivers Sports Betting App
BetRivers enters the scene having only a few payment and withdrawal options. The application is also only readily available for Android devices; iOS users need to take extra steps to gain access. It makes up for these issues with plenty of other highpoints.
The BetRivers application itself is fast and responsive. It stuffs all the functionality of the desktop website into a small and easy-to-navigate application. It also makes all the betting markets and sports from the web page available on mobile devices.
A vital feature involves bet slips. These can pop up in the form of smaller windows, and you can minimize them without losing any data you’ve entered. The interface is simple, but some of the colors pop out and make it feel slightly obnoxious. The BetRivers sports betting app matches the minimum expectations for players.
- Review: BetRivers Promo Code
- Bonus: $250
- BetRivers is legal in: PA, IN, CO, WV, MI, VA
- iOS review: 3/5
SportsBetting.com Sports Betting App
SportsBetting.com is one of the few platforms that accept cryptocurrency. Although the website is overall fantastic, the application has a few issues. For example, sometimes the resolution is a problem, and images or information might not appear.
Despite its faults, the SportsBetting.com app is quite comfortable and easy to use. If you can get past the cluttered interface and visual errors, you’ll find a few fantastic features. We recommend accessing the application in landscape mode, as the portrait is uncomfortable. Consider using an above-average device; the app demands a lot from the hardware.
While most of the same events and matches are available on mobile devices through the app, there are sometimes differing bet amounts and types. Regardless, this has minimal impact on the overall experience. It’s basic, but offers more than enough for players of any sort.
- Review: SportsBetting.com Sportsbook
- Bonus: $300 Double your Deposit
- SportsBetting.com legal in: CO
- iOS review: 4/5
William Hill Sports Betting App
William Hill stands as one of the most well-designed and optimized sports betting platforms worldwide. These qualities are on full display with the William Hill app. It’s easy to use, has a fantastic interface, and provides a plethora of information on each screen without feeling cluttered.
You’ll find a smooth blue that sits well next to a white background. The home page allows access to plenty of features on the application. Icons are simple and easy to understand and following different elements is a breeze. You won’t find lag spikes, slow loading times, or freezing with this app.
The William Hill sports betting application boasts one-tap functionality. You can make deposits, withdrawals, and place bets with up to five screen interactions. One of the best components is swipe compatibility. You can drag the screen to access additional options, place bets, and monitor your current wagers.
- Review: William Hill Promo Code
- Risk-Free Bet : $500
- William Hill is legal in: NJ, IA, CO, IL, WV, MI, VA
- iOS review: 5/5
FoxBet Sports Betting App
FoxBet is another operator that keeps the same bonuses consistent for the website and the mobile app. The application, though, is less appealing than some other platforms. The colors feel jarring, but this is one of the only negatives that come with the app.
The downloading and installation processes are fast and easy, and it’s available for iOS and Android. Upon opening it for the first time, you’ll find the homepage and the current popular wagers. This makes it easy for new players to jump right into the action.
A huge benefit is the wide variety of payment options for the application available on the website. Aside from this, you’ll find a satisfying and engaging rewards program. Playing on your mobile device offers the unique option to add rewards to chests that grow over time.
- Review: FoxBet Promo Code
- Bonus: $500
- FoxBet is legal in: NJ, PN, CO
- iOS review: 4/5
DraftKings Sports Betting App
DraftKings is known for its excellent interface and easy-to-navigate website. The same qualities are available on the mobile app. You can gain access to the application for devices that run iOS and Android.
We found that the app was easy to install and set up. The overall user experience is excellent. It covers the essentials, along with additional bells and whistles for some extra interactive components and fun.
Ease of use is a priority for gambling on a mobile device. DraftKings provides fantastic useability for players. It’s quick and easy to make deposits, place bets, and request withdrawals. Additionally, you’ll find all the same games and promotions on the app as you would on the site. This level of quality is rare in the market and sets high standards for the competition.
- Review: DraftKings Sportsbook
- Bonus: $500
- DraftKings is legal in: IO, NJ, PN, IN, IL, NH, WV, CO, TN
- iOS review: 5/5
SugarHouse Sports Betting App
The SugarHouse betting app presents its users with a pretty decent interface. It boasts fast deposits and wagers, along with a simplistic design that appeals to new users. While the company is still struggling with the Apple iOS Store approval, you can download it through third-party websites for Android right now. However, iPhone users can access the platform through a web browser.
The SugarHouse sports betting app excels in deposit and withdrawal methods and stability. However, as many alternatives shine in the same categories, it’s worth noting that this application offers a ton of variety for its users. This is what makes SugarHouse worth a look.
The platform also sprinkled in a few fantastic bonuses and promotions to expand its audience; the competition is quite fierce. For this reason, despite its flaws, it still stands as an excellent right choice.
- Review: SugarHouse Betting Site
- Bonus: $250
- SugarHouse is legal in: NJ, PA
- iOS review: 3/5
Unibet Sports Betting App
Unibet is one of the largest online gambling operators in the world, with over 16 million customers. After the company debuted in a single U.S. state market in late 2019, it began a slow process of expansion. As of 2021, the app is available in NJ, PA, and IN.
That said, the Unibet sportsbook app is one of the best sports betting apps in the market. Owing to the company’s industry expertise, it’s a robust and reliable platform for sports betting. Unibet offers excellent betting odds, numerous markets and leagues, and a diverse selection of promotions and bonuses.
- Review: Unibet Sportsbook
- Bonus: Multiple Free Bet Offers
- BetMGM is legal in: IN, NJ, PA
- iOS review: 4/5
WynnBET Sports Betting App
WynnBET is Wynn Resorts’ contender in the digital sports betting sector. Wynn Resorts is a well-established land-based casino and sportsbook operator known across the U.S. The company has offered its sports betting services in Nevada for a number of years now.
More recently, Wynnbet launched in New Jersey, and revealed a planned expansion to Colorado and Indiana. The app offers sports betting action across college, professional, and international leagues, with many promotions and player rewards. It also incorporates a full online casino, including live casino tables, making it one of the best betting apps on the market.
- Review: WynnBET Sportsbook
- Bonus: $500
- BetMGM is legal in: CO, NJ, MI
- iOS review: 4/5
How To Bet On Sports In The US
Now that legal sports betting is taking off in the US, an increasing number of online sportsbooks are available with great offers and betting markets. If you want to experience online sports betting, the steps below can help you get started.
1. What Are The Laws In Your State?
Before you place your first bet, you need to establish that online sports betting is indeed legal in your state. Some states have legalized betting at a retail sportsbook but don't allow online betting. Others only have online options, and some have yet to make it a legal activity.
2. Choose Your Sportsbook
With legal sports betting still a growing area in the US, you may not have too many sportsbook options. Do some research as to which are the best sports betting sites, and then check each one individually, paying attention to the following:
Welcome bonuses
Payment options
Range of sports available
Terms and conditions
3. Register With A Sportsbook
You may have to visit the physical casino where a sportsbook is based, as some states don’t allow online registration. In other states, you can register online by completing a form with personal details. The sportsbook may request some documents to verify your identity, but this is a standard procedure for legal sports betting.
4. Fund Your Account
Choose from the options available to find your sportsbook account. Deposits are usually immediate, whether you pay by debit card, e-wallet, or prepaid card. Ensure that you activate any promotions or deposit bonuses by entering a promo code when requested.
.Some of the most popular money transfer services include Skrill and Neteller. Paypal is less commonly used in the online sports betting industry. One of the fastest growing ways to make deposits is through Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. The transactions are devoid of personal information and many can be made with no added fees.
5. Place Your First Bet
Select a sport and match from the list, and locate your betting slip. This slip is usually clearly displayed on the right-hand side of the screen. Enter your bet and follow any prompts that appear. Betting is a straightforward process, but don’t finalize your bet until you’ve checked the slip to ensure that all details are accurate. Submit your wager, and wait in anticipation to see if you're a winner!
6. Withdrawals
When it comes to requesting a withdrawal from an online betting site, most of the same methods can be used. Bettors should always consult the banking section of an online sportsbook to determine its available options.
Best Sports Betting Events and Markets
Popular US Sports Betting Events
Legal sports betting in the US hasn’t been around long and has yet to reach some states. However, US bettors have embraced this activity and regularly wager at online sportsbooks or sports betting apps on various sports and tournaments. Some of the best sports betting is on these popular events.
- Super Bowl
- Kentucky Derby
- NBA Finals
- World Series baseball
- FIFA World Cup
- Stanley Cup Final (NHL)
- PGA Golf
- College Football Playoffs
- Rugby World Cup
- Triple Crown
- Major League Soccer (MLS)
- UEFA Champion's League
NFL Betting
Professional football in the US is the most popular betting sport. The primary league is the NFL which is made up of 32 different teams. The regular season consists of 16 weekly games played on Thursday night, Sundays and Monday night. The season starts in early September and runs right through the end of the year.
The NFL postseason consists of three rounds of games leading up to the league championship. Known as the Super Bowl, the title game is considered to be the biggest single-day sports betting event of the year.
Most online betting action for NFL games is placed on the point spread and total line. Multiple bets can be grouped together in a parlay wager. To win a parlay, a bettor needs to win every bet grouped together.
NBA Betting
The NBA is the biggest professional basketball league in the US. It ranks second to the NFL in popularity among sports betting customers. The point spread and total line also bring in the most action when it comes to online betting in the USA.
There are 30 NBA teams. They play an extended 82-game regular season that runs from mid-October through early April. There are three rounds of best-of-seven playoff series leading up to the NBA Finals. The top team from the Eastern Conference faces off against the Western Conference Champion in one final best-of-seven tilt.
MLB Betting
Major League Baseball is considered America’s Pastime. Yet, it ranks third on the list when it comes to betting action bookmakers take in for a professional US league. There are 30 MLB teams playing an extended 162-game regular season.
A wild card game plus two rounds of playoffs will designate the American League Pennant and the National League Pennant. Those two winners meet in the best-of-seven World Series. Played in late-October, this championship series is also known as the Fall Classic.
The MLB regular season gets underway in late-March. The most popular online bet is on the moneyline along with the total. Baseball also has a run line that acts as a spread. The favorite gives 1.5 runs and the underdog gets 1.5 runs. To win a bet on the favorite, that team must win the game by two or more runs.
NHL Betting
The top professional hockey league for online betting in the USA is the NHL. It is comprised of 31 teams with seven franchises based in Canada. There is an 82-game regular season running from October through early April. Very similar to the NBA, there are three rounds of best-of-seven playoffs series leading up to the championship series. This is referred to as the Stanley Cup Finals.
Similar to baseball, the moneyline and total are the most popular online sports betting activities. Hockey also uses a 1.5 goal spread for its puck line bet. Sportsbooks will set a corresponding moneyline as part of the puck line bet.
NCAA Betting
Online betting sites will also set betting lines for most college football and college basketball games. Each sport is a huge part of the total revenue generated by bookmakers. Point spreads and totals account for the bulk of the online betting action.
College Football Betting
The college football regular season mirrors the NFL with most games played on Saturdays. One of the biggest online betting events of the year is the college bowl season in late-December and early January. There are over 40 different games highlighted by the College Football Playoff National Championship.
College Basketball Betting
The college basketball regular season runs from November through early March. Conference championship tournaments set the stage for the annual men’s basketball NCAA Tournament. Referred to as March Madness, this is the most heavily bet tournament of the year.
Online Sportsbook Bonuses
One of the most effective marketing tools incorporated by the best online sportsbooks to attract new bettors is a welcome bonus.
1. Welcome Bonus
These bonus offers are normally based on the initial deposit made to open a new online account.
A typical example of a welcome bonus would read:
“A 100% Cash Bonus on First Deposit up to $500”
A new bettor could earn up to an additional $500 in cash if all the rollover or playthrough requirements are met. This refers to how many times the amount of the initial deposit must be bet. There could also be a rollover requirement attached to the actual bonus amount.
2. Free Play
Sometimes the sportsbook bonus will be designated as Free Play. This means the earnings will be in the form of free bets. There are also bonuses offered for reloads. This refers to additional deposits to an online betting account.
3. Customer Referrals
Another popular sportsbook bonus for cash or free play is offered for customer referrals. A referral needs to open an online betting account with an initial deposit that may have rollover requirements.
Some of the other ways sports bettors can stretch their bankroll with incentive offers include:
4. Reduced Juice Betting Options
This offer lowers the amount of commission that is charged to book a bet. The (-110) next to point spreads and total lines designate juice of 10 percent. A reduced juice offer next to a betting line might read (-105). This designates a five percent commission.
5. Risk-Free Bet
This offer is used for various online sportsbook betting options. For example, a book may offer a $20 risk-free bet for a player’s first mobile bet. They have also been used for the first live-in game wager.
Sportsbook bonuses and other customer loyalty incentives are a big part of the way online betting sites promote their business.
Sports Betting Apps vs. Online Sports Betting Sites
Now, let’s talk about sports betting apps and how they stack up against online sports betting sites. While both forms of sports betting offer similar advantages over retail sportsbooks, each has unique qualities. Mobile sports betting packs a number of perks that betting sites don’t.
For example, the best sports betting apps have excellent accessibility, with a mobile-first design that’s incredibly user-friendly. Online betting sites, on the other hand, can often be visually cluttered and hard to use. User experience tends to be far superior on mobile devices as well. Customers tend to feel very much at home inside a well-designed sportsbook app.
There’s also convenience to consider. While both forms of sports betting are more convenient than retail sportsbooks, betting apps have an edge over betting sites. You have to sit at your PC to use most betting sites. Meanwhile, the best sports betting apps are always with you, right in your pocket.
Also worth mentioning are the additional perks. The best sports betting apps often have special bonuses and promotions not otherwise available. These can range from simple offers to enticing rewards, depending on the operator.
Is Sports Betting Not Available in Your State? Try Daily Fantasy Sports
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) is a unique new way to bet on your favorite sports teams and players. DFS is available in many states throughout the country. If your interested in playing DFS, then read our Monkey Knife Fight review or check out other great resources such as Rotogrinders. Instead of playing against other players, you are playing against the MKF house. You play fantasy games by playing prop contests on different sports events like football, basketball, baseball, soccer, golf, and hockey.
Also consider checking out our Jock MKT and BetVigtory reviews for a different spin on fantasy sports!
Online Casino Gambling
There may be different laws involved for each state when looking for legal online casino gambling. Check out our Casino Directory for information on where casino betting is legal, our online casino reviews, and bonus codes for when you sign up. There are also legal online poker sites available in the United States. Check out our information to make sure you are playing with trustworthy websites.
Top States with Online Sports Betting
Nevada Online Sports Betting
Nevada has operated legal sports betting since 1949. It was one of the few states exempt from the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act implemented in 1992 to ban sports betting countrywide.
Sports betting is thriving in Nevada. Players can bet offline at one of the many casinos in the state or online at some of the best sports betting sites. Bettors must be within the state lines to wager at online sportsbooks.
New Jersey Online Sports Betting
New Jersey launched legal sports betting soon after Delaware, on June 11th, 2018. In the state, wagering is widely available at physical casinos, racetracks, and online at various sports betting apps.
The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement regulates legal sports betting in New Jersey. Players must be within state lines to bet online, although they don’t have to reside in the state.
You can take advantage of our exclusive bet365 bonus code in New Jersey !
West Virginia Online Sports Betting
West Virginia became the fifth US state to join the ranks offering legal sports betting. The activity was legalized in March 2018, with the first bets placed in August that same year. There are currently five casinos where you can wager offline on sports.
Online sports betting became legal in December 2018, with BetLucky.com. After four months, however, this app shut down due to a dispute with its technology provider. FanDuel and DraftKings stepped up and have been operating their online sportsbooks and sports betting apps in WV since 2019.
Pennsylvania Online Sports Betting
After the Supreme Court dropped the federal ban on sports betting in 2018, Pennsylvania activated its 2017 law legalizing sports betting in the state. Retail sportsbooks were the first to open in November 2018, with online sportsbooks following about six months later.
SugarHouse was the first sports betting app in Pennsylvania. Not to be outdone, others like DraftKings and FanDuel quickly followed, and there are currently eight online sportsbooks available to bettors.
Colorado Online Sports Betting
After gaining approval for the bill allowing sports betting in November 2019, Colorado launched legal sports betting on May 1st, 2020. There are 33 casinos in the state, and each can apply for a license to operate a sportsbook. At present, over twenty have secured licenses for legal sports betting.
Online sportsbooks must partner with a physical casino to secure a license to offer online sports betting. There are already numerous sports betting apps live in the state for Coloradans to wager on, with a handful more waiting in the wings.
Iowa Online Sports Betting
August 2019 saw the launch of both retail and online sportsbooks in Iowa. Iowa was the first state in the upper midwest to offer legal sports betting and the first in America to simultaneously launch both retail and online betting. All 19 casinos in the state have secured licenses to provide their best sports betting options.
To wager online in the state, bettors needed to register at a physical sportsbook. Since January 1st 2021, bettore can register directly online to place bets on sports betting apps from anywhere in the state.
Illinois Online Sports Betting
Legal sports betting in Illinois went live in March 2020. This was nine months after Governor Pritzker signed the capital bill that included legislation for legal sports betting. Residents of and visitors to Illinois who are over 21 and within state lines can wager on professional, collegiate, and international sports events.
BetRivers was one of the first online sportsbooks to operate in Illinois. It opened to the public in June 2020, and other sports betting apps soon followed. There are now five in Illinois, including some of the best sports betting sites, such as DraftKings and FanDuel.
Indiana Online Sports Betting
Indiana was the 13th state to legalize sports betting, and it went live in September 2019. Fittingly, Governor Holcomb placed the very first sports bets. The industry has developed enormously, and fourteen gambling establishments now hold licenses to operate sportsbooks.
Online sports betting took off one month later in October 2019. DraftKings and BetRivers were the first of the best sports betting sites to launch in Indiana. Other online sportsbooks followed, and an estimate shows that 80% of all sports wagers in Indiana take place online or through sports betting apps.
Tennessee Online Sports Betting
Tennessee opened up to legal sports betting from the beginning of November 2020. It is the only state offering wagering through sports betting apps and online sportsbooks only. There is currently no option for retail outlets.
BetMGM and FanDuel were among the best sports betting operators to open in Tennessee. Other sportsbooks are waiting for the go-ahead to operate online, but there are no plans at this stage for any physical outlets for legal sports betting.
Virginia Online Sports Betting
Sports betting became legal in Virginia in April 2020. Legal sports betting falls under the Virginia Lottery Board’s control, which anticipates going live in 2021. Initially, only online sportsbooks will operate; however, the Board has earmarked six cities to develop casino complexes in the future.
Twenty-five of the best sports betting operators have applied for licenses to operate their sportsbooks in Virginia. It’s possible that we won’t find out who they are until the Lottery Board announces the successful applicants.
Michigan Online Sports Betting
Michigan welcomed the first legal sports bets at casinos in Detroit in March 2020. For a sportsbook to operate, it must have a land-based, physical partner. This partner can be one of the three commercial casinos in Michigan, or one of the twelve Indian tribes that operate 23 tribal casinos.
Online sports betting is yet to get going in Michigan. Although plenty of the best sports betting operators are ready to hit the ground running, they are likely to only get the green light in 2021.
FAQ - Online Sports Betting
Check out this FAQ section to learn more about common questions.
Is online betting sites legal in the US?
Yes, depending on your location. It’s legal in 20 states, listed in the section above. Six states are moving to activate their online sports betting market, and another 21 are moving to legalize sports betting. It remains completely illegal in Utah, Idaho, and Wisconsin.
What is the best sports betting site in the US?
The answer depends on your personal preferences. Different apps have different strengths and will be ideally suited for different types of players. Check out the features each of the best sports betting site offers and choose the one that matches your needs.
Are sports betting apps safe?
They can be. There are disreputable operators out there, and they sometimes provide apps that don’t meet basic security standards. However, the best sports betting apps meet regulatory security protocols and requirements. They also guarantee that your funds and data remain safe.
How do I open an account with an online betting site?
There are two simple steps to get started:
1. Complete an online registration form. This will require personal information to confirm identity, age and permanent address.
2 Make an initial deposit using an approved banking method.
Is it safe to deposit money with an online sportsbook?
You should always perform your own due diligence when it comes to opening any online betting account. Key aspects of the vetting process include:
- Comprehensive and unbiased sportsbook reviews
- Rankings and/or ratings for any potential bookmaking service
- Customer reviews/complaints
What are the minimum/maximum betting limits?
Betting limits are determined by each individual sports betting site. Some of the determining factors include:
- The actual sports bet. Limits may be higher for straight bets on point spreads, totals and moneylines. They may be lower for exotics such as parlays, teasers/pleasers etc.
- The actual sport. There may be limits in place based on the individual sporting event. For example, there may be special limits set for Super Bowl prop bets.
- Individual bettors. High rollers and heavy bettors can request higher limits based on their overall betting activity.
Legal online sportsbooks in the US offer numerous ways to bet on sports but sports betting odds can be confusing to new bettors. Time-tested betting methods like moneyline, point spread, totals, and parlays represent just some of the overall betting markets available on mobile sports wagering sites.
Futures, in-game, in-play, and prop betting offer even more ways to wager for bettors in the US. Brands like DraftKings Sportsbook and FanDuel Sportsbook each employ linemakers, tasked with setting the in-house odds and lines for all games.
US federal law allows individual states to legalize and regulate sports betting. As of January 2021, 14 states legalized online sports wagering.
Types Of Bets Available At Online Sportsbooks
Legal online sportsbooks offer a vast number of different ways to wager on sports. Sports bettors have engaged in point spread and moneyline betting for decades, as these betting types represent some of the most time-honored and simple ways to bet.
Totals bets (aka over/under bets) task the bettor with predicting the total final score between two teams in a sports contest.
Bettors have enjoyed parlay wagers throughout the entire history of sports betting. Parlays allow multiple wagers to be placed on the same ticket, with the parlay paying out only if all bets on the tickets win. Parlays can generally involve any combination of different bet types, with winning tickets offering massive potential payouts.
Futures bets allow wagering on a season-long event. A futures bet sets sports betting odds on events like what team will win the NHL Stanley Cup, or which player will win the NBA scoring title.
Modern online sportsbooks also offer in-game and in-play betting, allowing for wagers on a contest while it’s being played.
Learn more in our Guide To Placing A Sports Bet Online.
Straight Bets
Moneyline
Moneyline bets represent the most straightforward kind of sports wager. This kind of wager tasks the bettor with simply picking the winning team in a sports contest.
Underdog teams pay out at better odds than favorites in a moneyline bet. For example, an NBA moneyline bet offered by DraftKings Sportsbook might look like this:
| Team | Moneyline Odds |
|---|---|
| Orlando Magic | -240 |
| Brooklyn Nets | +195 |
This line sets the Orlando Magic as the favorite. The -240 odds mean that a $240 wager would net $100 in profit if the Magic win.
The Brooklyn Nets +195 line means a $100 bet yields $195 in profit if the Nets win.
Over/Under
Over/Under, aka totals bets, allow bettors to wager on the total number of points scored in a game. An over/under line looks like this:
| Teams | Total |
|---|---|
| Orlando Magic | Over 211.5 -112 |
| Brooklyn Nets | Under 211.5 -109 |
This line allows bettors to wager on whether the total score of the game will go over, or fall under 211.5 points. The under bet pays slightly better than the over in this example.
Note that both the over and under lines represent a bet on the total score from both teams. The bottom row isn’t offering a bet on the Nets to go under 211.5, for example.
Point Spread
The most popular bets at most sportsbooks are point spread bets. These bets allow the bettor to choose the underdog plus points, or the favorite minus points. Instead of significantly better odds on the underdog, the point spread allows sportsbooks to set the favorite and underdog at relatively even odds.
Here’s the Magic vs. Nets example from above as a point spread bet:
| Team | Point Spread |
|---|---|
| Orlando Magic | -6 -110 |
| Brooklyn Nets | +6 -110 |
Bettors can pick favored Orlando with six points deducted from its final point total, or underdog Brooklyn plus six points. Both teams pay -110 odds in this bet, meaning a $110 wager wins $100 in profit.
For example, if you bet $110 on Orlando, and the team wins the game by a 98-91 score, you get $210 back total for a $100 profit. Applying the -6 line to Orlando’s score still positions the team as a 92-91 winner.
Futures Bets
A futures bet generally functions as a wager on a season-long event, rather than a single game. An example of a futures bet might be a wager on what team will win the MLB World Series, or what player will win the NFL rushing title.
A futures bet can be made at any time before or during a sports league’s season, up until the specified event occurs.
NBA Finals Futures Bets
Just before the restart of the 2019-2020 NBA season in July 2020, FanDuel Sportsbook offered the following odds on NBA Finals futures bets:
| Team | Odds to win the 2019-2020 NBA Championship |
|---|---|
| Milwaukee Bucks | +240 |
| Los Angeles Lakers | +260 |
| Los Angeles Clippers | +320 |
| Houston Rockets | +1700 |
| Toronto Raptors | +2000 |
These five teams represent some of the favorites to win the championship, but all 22 NBA teams still in the championship hunt are available for betting.
MLB National League MVP Futures Bets
Before the start of the 2020 Major League Baseball season, FOX Bet set the following lines on what player would win the National League MVP:
| Player name | Odds To Win The 2020 NL MVP |
|---|---|
| Mookie Betts | +550 |
| Cody Bellinger | +650 |
| Christian Yelich | +750 |
| Ronald Acuna | +900 |
| Juan Soto | +1100 |
Futures market betting odds change as the season plays on, and the lines can alter drastically as the season comes into focus.
For example, if Mookie Betts leads the National League in multiple offensive categories with a few weeks left in the season, the odds on Betts winning the MVP will move closer to even money, or even beyond.
Prop Bets
A prop bet (short for proposition bet) is a wager on an aspect of a game unrelated to which team wins. Examples of prop bets can include what player will lead a basketball game in scoring, or whether the total number of points in the game will end up as an odd or even number.
Super Bowl MVP Prop Bets
The Super Bowl annually brings in the largest number of prop bets of any US-based sports event.
One of the most popular prop bets on the game each year involves predicting the Super Bowl MVP. Caesars Sportsbook set Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (+110) as the favorite to win the Super Bowl LIV MVP, and Mahomes did just that.
Player Prop Bets
Player prop bets involve wagering on an individual player’s statistics in a particular game. The 2017 NBA Finals, for instance, offered several ways to bet on LeBron James’ statistics.
James was then a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Available prop bets on any single NBA Finals game included over/under bets on his total points scored, whether he would lead a game in scoring, and many others.
Exotic Prop Bets
Exotic prop bets can be fun but largely involve luck. Examples of exotic prop bets include predicting what team wins the Super Bowl coin toss, or the length of the National Anthem before the game.
Super Bowl LIV offered numerous exotic prop bets, including a prediction of what color liquid would be poured over the winning coach’s head after the game.
Live In-Game Betting
In-game betting presents one of the most exciting and dynamic ways to wager on sports.
Unlike other types of bets, in-game betting allows for wagering on a game, while it’s being played. In-game betting odds on moneyline, point spread, and prop bets flow dynamically based on what already happened in the game.
For example, a standard NFL point spread bet might look like this before the game starts:
| Team | Point Spread |
|---|---|
| New England Patriots | -7 -110 |
| New York Jets | +7 -110 |
If the Patriots take a 7-0 lead in the first quarter, however, a sportsbook could offer an in-game bet with the following line:
| Team | Point Spread |
|---|---|
| New England Patriots | -10.5 -110 |
| New York Jets | +10.5 -110 |
With the Patriots holding a touchdown lead, the point spread on the underdog Jets switches from +7 to +10.5. In-game betting odds generally update at each commercial break for a televised sports contest.
In-play betting, a subset of in-game betting, offers an even more dynamic betting experience, with odds changing every few seconds during live play.
In-game and in-play bets are offered as time-sensitive bets, which must be made within a certain time frame for the bettor to get the advertised odds.
Where Can I Bet On Sports Online?
DraftKings Sportsbook
DraftKings Sportsbook stands as one of the leading brands in the legal US online sports betting industry. New players can sign up at DraftKings Sportsbook and enjoy a 20% deposit match bonus up to $500, a $500 risk-free bet, and a $25 no-deposit bonus.
States in which DraftKings Sportsbook operates include Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel Sportsbook, much like DraftKings Sportsbook, represents one of the most popular legal sports betting brands in the US. Bonus offers for new players at FanDuel Sportsbook include a risk-free bet up to $500.
Bettors in Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia enjoy access to FanDuel Sportsbook, with more states to come.
BetRivers
BetRivers Sportsbook originally launched in Pennsylvania, as a product of parent company Rush Street Interactive. The BetRivers platform now operates in four states, including Pennsylvania, Colorado, Illinois, and Indiana.
New player bonuses include a 100% deposit match bonus up to $250, with only a 1x playthrough requirement.
FOX Bet
Sports media powerhouse FOX Sports teamed up with gaming giant The Stars Group to launch the FOX Bet sports betting brand. The platform offers new players a 50% deposit match bonus up to $500, as well as a risk-free bet up to $500.
FOX Bet operates in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Colorado.
PointsBet
PointsBet offers a unique style of wagering known as “PointsBetting,” in which bettors can enjoy larger payouts based on how much their selected team wins by in a game.
Bettors in Indiana, Iowa, and New Jersey can wager at PointsBet. The platform includes a $200 risk-free bet bonus for new players.
How Odds Differ Across Legal Online Sportsbooks
Sports betting odds and lines for the same game often vary from one online sportsbook to another. Skilled bettors own accounts at multiple online sportsbooks, and shop for the most favorable lines.
For example, here’s a look at July 2020 futures odds for the NBA Championship, compared across five different legal online sportsbooks:
| Milwaukee Bucks | LA Lakers | LA Clippers | Houston Rockets | Boston Celtics | Toronto Raptors | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings Sportsbook | +250 | +240 | +333 | +1200 | +1700 | +2200 |
| FanDuel Sportsbook | +240 | +260 | +320 | +1700 | +1800 | +2000 |
| BetRivers | +250 | +240 | +333 | +1200 | +1700 | +2200 |
| FOX Bet | +250 | +250 | +300 | +1600 | +1800 | +2000 |
| PointsBet | +250 | +250 | +300 | +1200 | +1600 | +2000 |
A bettor looking to bet on the Houston Rockets to win the championship would find enormous value by line shopping. The odds on the Rockets at FanDuel Sportsbook and FOX Bet offer significantly better odds versus other sites.
How Sports Betting Odds Are Calculated
Moneyline Bets
Moneyline bets simply establish a favorite and an underdog for a game. Bettors choose which team they think will win, straight up, with no point spread.
Underdogs pay at better odds than favorites. To calculate the potential payouts of a moneyline bet, you must understand what the odds notations mean.
Here’s another look at the NBA moneyline example from above:
| Team | Moneyline Odds |
|---|---|
| Orlando Magic | -240 |
| Brooklyn Nets | +195 |
Moneyline betting odds with a “+” notation are relatively simple to calculate. The +195 line on the Nets means a $100 wager would net $195 in profit. In other words, the $100 bet would return a total of $295 (the $195 in profit and the original $100 bet).
Another way to calculate “+” moneyline odds is to divide the odds number by 100. Using this method, the +195 odds convert to 1.95.
Multiplying this decimal number by the amount of the bet yields the total profit amount. A $50 bet on +195 odds yields $97.50 in profit ($50 x 1.95).
Calculating “-“ odds on the moneyline is a little trickier. The -240 line for the Orlando Magic means you would have to bet $240 to win a $100 profit.
For “-“ odds, you must divide 100 by the moneyline odds number. For a -240 line, dividing 100 by 240 yields 0.416.
Multiplying your bet amount by 0.416 yields the total profit of the bet. A $50 bet, for instance, comes out to $20.80 in profit ($50 x 0.416). A $50 wager on the Magic, if it won, would result in the sportsbooks returning $70.80 to you ($20.80 profit plus the original $50 bet).
Point Spread Bets
A point spread bet adds points to the underdog’s score and subtracts that same amount of points from the other. Adding the point spread allows the sportsbook to put relatively even odds on the favorite and underdog.
The point spread variant of the Orlando vs Brooklyn NBA game looks like this:
| Team | Point Spread |
|---|---|
| Orlando Magic | -6 -110 |
| Brooklyn Nets | +6 -110 |
Bettors can choose the Magic with six points taken off their final score, or the Nets with six points added to their final score. Both choices pay the same -110 odds.
Bettors on Orlando wins if the Magic win by seven points or more. If Orlando wins by exactly six points, the bet is a push, and the wager is returned to the bettor.
If Orlando wins by five points or less, or if the Nets win the game outright, Brooklyn bettors win this point spread bet. For instance, if Orlando wins the game 98-94, the Nets +6 bet wins.
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Over/Under (Totals)
Over/under bets, aka totals bets, allow for wagering on the total combined score of a game. Bettors can wager that the game total will end either over or under a line set by the sportsbook.
Like point spread bets, the over and under options generally pay relatively even odds. For example:
| Teams | Total |
|---|---|
| Orlando Magic | Over 211.5 -112 |
| Brooklyn Nets | Under 211.5 -109 |
The sportsbooks set the total at 211.5 for this game. If the total goes over 211.5, the over bet wins at -112 odds. If the game score total finished under 211.5, the under bet wins at -109 payout odds.
If the Nets win the game by a score of 100-98, for example, the total for the game is 198. This total is under the 211.5 line, and therefore the under bet is the winner.
Moneyline, point spread, and totals bets use the same notations seen above across all sports. The betting types are offered for virtually every NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB contest.
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What Affects Sports Betting Odds Throughout A Season?
Each sportsbook employs its own linemakers (aka oddsmakers), and these expert analysts set the lines and odds for games. An algorithm determines the lines for certain kinds of in-play bets, as those lines rapidly change throughout a game.
Linemakers consider every imaginable factor when setting a game line, including lines set at other sportsbooks. Lines on a game can change considerably after they’re posted, as injuries, weather, lineup changes, and other factors influence the game.
NFL teams, for example, play just one game per week. The opening line on an NFL game could drastically change by kickoff time.
For instance, the Kansas City Chiefs could be listed as a 10-point favorite over the Los Angeles Chargers for an upcoming Sunday game. If Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffers an injury in Wednesday’s team practice, however, that 10-point line will drop, as it’s now unclear whether Mahomes will even play.
Linemakers will adjust point spreads and odds from game to game based on how teams are trending in recent contests. For example, the Milwaukee Bucks could stand as a strong pick to win the NBA title, prompting linemakers to set the Bucks as a big favorite in every game.
If the Bucks lose a few games in a row, however, linemakers will adjust accordingly, considering Milwaukee’s recent performances.
Sports Betting Odds For Professional Leagues
NFL Odds
The NFL stands as the most-watched professional sports league in the US. Point spread betting on NFL games represents one of the most popular ways to bet on any sport in the US.
The NFL plays regular season and playoff games in a weekly format. The 32 NFL teams play one game per week in the regular season, with 14 teams advancing to the playoffs.
Here’s a look at what an NFL bet for Week 1 of the 2020-21 regular season looks like at FanDuel Sportsbook:
| Week 1 | Point Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston Texans | +9.5 -105 | +350 | O 54.5 -110 |
| Kansas City Chiefs | -9.5 -115 | -460 | U 54.5 -110 |
Note that the “Total” column displays the over/under line for the combined final score. The “O 54.5” bet isn’t a bet on the Texans, even though it’s the same row as the point spread and moneyline options for the Texans.
The NFL season culminates in the Super Bowl, which brings in more bets than any other sporting event in the world. FanDuel Sportsbook, DraftKings Sportsbook, FOX Bet, and all other legal online sports betting platforms offer numerous ways to bet on the Super Bowl.
These betting options include exotic prop bets, such as betting on the color of Gatorade dumped on the winning head coach after the game. The Super Bowl produces many different prop bets not seen in any other sports event.
For more resources, check out our NFL Odds Calculator and Sports Betting Edge Table.
NBA Odds
Much like the NFL, the NBA functions as one of the most popular sports in the US. Ways to bet on the NBA regular season and playoffs are also similar to the NFL setup.
The NBA’s 30 teams play 82 regular-season games. Of those 30, 16 teams advance to the playoffs, with teams facing off in best 4-of-7 series until a champion is crowned.
With that many games on the schedule, betting opportunities abound for the NBA. Here’s a look at how an NBA bet is displayed at FanDuel Sportsbook:
| Point Spread | Moneyline | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Clippers | +1 -105 | -108 | O 218.5 -110 |
| Los Angeles Lakers | -1 -115 | -108 | U 218.5 -110 |
The linemakers at FanDuel set this game as almost dead even between the Clippers and Lakers. Note that the moneyline odds on both teams are identical, and there isn’t a favorite or an underdog on the moneyline for this game.
All legal online sportsbooks offer NBA betting throughout the regular season and playoffs, all the way through the NBA Finals. Special bets on the NBA Finals allow bettors to predict what player will win the NBA Finals MVP, what player will be the first to be ejected in a given game, and many more.
Major League Baseball Odds
The numbers for MLB single-game betting look a little bit different, as baseball by nature is a lower-scoring game than its NBA and NFL counterparts. The odds and lines work the same, however.
A typical MLB game setup at FanDuel Sportsbook looks like this:
| Point Spread | Moneyline | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York Yankees G. Cole | -1.5 +138 | -130 | O 7.5 +100 |
| Washington Nationals M. Scherzer | +1.5 -162 | +114 | U 7.5 -122 |
The names under the teams (G. Cole and M. Scherzer) are the names of the starting pitchers for this particular game. MLB teams generally use a rotating cast of 4-5 starting pitchers, with each pitcher starting around 30 games throughout the 162-game MLB season.
The MLB season culminates in the World Series, where the National League champion meets the American League winner in a best 4-of-7 series. Prop bets on the World Series include over/under lines on the number of strikeouts from a particular pitcher, odds on a certain player hitting a home run, and many others.
NHL Odds
The betting setup for an NHL game looks similar to an MLB contest. Like MLB, NHL games tend to be low-scoring contests, and as such point spreads typically linger around 1.5. Anything higher than that represents a pretty massive spread in an NHL game.
Here’s a look at the setup for an NHL game at FanDuel Sportsbook:
| Point Spread | Moneyline | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York Rangers | +1.5 -250 | +110 | O 5.5 -125 |
| Carolina Hurricanes | -1.5 +210 | -130 | U 5.5 +105 |
Like MLB games, payout odds on point spread bets are often wider than moneyline odds. This differs from the NFL and NBA, where the point spread usually evens out the odds.
The NHL plays 82 regular-season games and four rounds of best 4-of-7 series in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The playoffs end with the Stanley Cup Finals. Special bets on the Stanley Cup Finals include wagers that task the bettor with predicting the score at the end of the first period, and lines on whether a particular player will score a goal or assist.
See our complete guide to NHL Betting On The Stanley Cup.
Other Sports Betting Odds
College Sports Odds
The popularity of NCAA football and basketball in the US rivals that of any professional league. With hundreds of teams in each sport, bettors enjoy an enormous selection of games throughout the year.
The main difference between college sports and professional leagues is the larger point spreads in college contests, as the disparity between teams can be much greater.
College football games generally feature higher scores than an NFL game. College basketball games, however, usually end with lower scores than an NBA game.
NCAA Football And Basketball Postseasons
The biggest college football league, known as the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision, culminates its season with the four-team College Football Playoff.
The most prestigious college basketball championship is decided in the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament. This tournament, also known as March Madness, draws some of the biggest betting interest of any event on the US sports calendar.
March Madness starts with 68 teams and culminates in the Final Four each year, with the last four teams remaining to battle it out for the championship.
For both NCAA basketball and football, numerous special prop bets can be made on postseason games. The 2020 CFP National Championship Game was attended by President Donald Trump, and prop bets for the game included an option to wager on whether Trump would tweet during the game.
Different states have different laws on betting on off-the-field events like President Trump’s tweets, however, and these kinds of bets might not be offered in every state.
NASCAR Odds
NASCAR’s large and loyal fanbase makes the stock-car racing circuit one of the most popular sports in the US. Legal online sportsbooks allow wagering on the NASCAR schedule throughout the year.
NASCAR bets resemble futures markets bets for other sports. The most popular NASCAR bets involve picking the winner of a race from the NASCAR Cup Series, which represents the top level of the sports.
DraftKings Sportsbook offered the following betting lines on the O’Reilly Auto Parts 500, a NASCAR Cup Series race from July 2020:
| Winner | Top 3 | Top 10 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kevin Harvick | +300 | -125 | -670 |
| Denny Hamlin | +600 | +165 | -360 |
| Kyle Busch | +650 | +175 | -335 |
| Chase Elliot | +800 | +225 | -275 |
| Ryan Blaney | +900 | +250 | -250 |
The “Winner,” “Top 3,” and “Top 10” columns represent different bets. For example, if you make a “Top 10” bet on Kevin Harvick and he wins the race, your bet still pays out at -670 odds. The bet pays the same if Harvick finishes anywhere in the top ten places.
English Premier League Odds
Soccer betting on major international leagues like the English Premier League opens up even more betting opportunities at legal online sportsbooks.
Betting on the EPL offers many more lines on any single game, compared to domestic sports leagues. DraftKings Sportsbook offered the following moneyline odds on a July 2020 EPL match between Liverpool and Chelsea:
| Liverpool - Chelsea | ||
|---|---|---|
| Liverpool -103 | Tie +270 | Chelsea +265 |
Unlike the four major US sports leagues, EPL games can end in a tie. Moneyline bets for EPL games include an option to bet on a tie. Soccer moneyline bets are generally based on what happens during regular time in the match and doesn’t include overtime or penalty kicks.
Point spread bets for the same Liverpool-Chelsea match look like this:
| Liverpool - Chelsea | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Liverpool -1 | +185 | Chelsea +1 | -230 |
| Liverpool -3 | +1800 | Chelsea +3 | -3335 |
| Liverpool -0.75 | +128 | Chelsea +0.75 | -155 |
| Liverpool -2.75 | -215 | Chelsea +2.75 | -1667 |
| Liverpool pk | -278 | Chelsea pk | +175 |
| Liverpool +0.25 | -139 | Chelsea -0.25 | +220 |
Instead of one point spread for the Liverpool-Chelsea match, the sportsbook offers numerous different spreads with varying payout odds.
A unique feature of soccer betting is the “quarter goal handicap,” seen in this example on lines like Liverpool -0.75 and Chelsea +2.75. A quarter goal handicap bet on Liverpool -0.75 splits the bet between Liverpool -0.5 and Liverpool -1.
For example, you place a $100 bet on Liverpool -0.75. This places a $50 bet on Liverpool -0.5, and a $50 bet on Liverpool -1.
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Sports Betting Odds FAQ
Yes, in states that legalized online sports betting after the overturn of PASPA. Federal law allows US states to legalize and regulate online sports betting on an individual state basis.
States with legal online sports betting include New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa, among several others. Legal online sportsbooks in these states function as extensions of retail or tribal casinos.
All online sportsbooks employ their own team of linemakers, and odds and lines vary across all of the different sportsbooks.
Skilled bettors shop for lines, evaluating the odds at different sportsbooks before making a bet.
Odds written out as 5/1, 5-1, or 5-to-1, indicate fractional odds notation. The 5/1 odds here are just an example, as 10/1, 9-4, 7-to-2 and any other odds displayed in this fashion represent fractional odds.
A winning bet made at 5-to-1 odds means you win $5 for every $1 bet. For example, a $100 bet made at 5-to-1 odds pays $500 in profit ($100 x 5). This bet would return $600 total ($500 profit plus the return of the original $100 bet).
A 5-to-1 fractional odds bet is equivalent to +500 moneyline odds, or 6.00 decimal odds.
Decimal odds are written as Lakers 2.00, Bucks 3.00, Clippers 5.00, etc. The payout for this notation is calculated by multiplying the odds by the amount of the bet, then subtracting the original bet to determine the profit.
A $100 bet on Bucks 3.00, for instance, would result in a total return of $300. Subtracting the original $100 bet gives you $200 in profit.
A 3.00 decimal odds bet is equivalent to a +200 moneyline bet, or a 2-to-1 fractional odds bet.
No. Betting on contests involving athletes under the age of 18 is not permitted in any US state.
Yes. Some states do have restrictions on college sports betting. New Jersey, for example, outlaws betting on New Jersey-based college teams and contests.
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In general, however, college sports betting is permitted in all states with legal online sportsbooks.