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Looking for a sports betting site in the US? You’ll find the best American betting sites in this article!
To fully enjoy sports betting sites, you must play at the most trusted sportsbooks. We have prepared a list of the best sportsbooks for each licensed US state for this specific reason. Our online bookmakers offer players great free bets, sports betting bonuses, and more.
In the following headlines, we will give you a thorough walk-through of how we review betting sites in the US.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a rookie or a high roller. Every punter deserves to know to whom their money is going. This was important in the early 2000s, and it’s even more crucial now when dozens of sites compete for your attention.
For this reason, you should always research the site’s history. Check if their track record is clean and if they have any unresolved complaints or scandals. If players have good things to say about them and safety is on par with industry standards, you have nothing to worry about. Look for firewalls and SSL in particular.
Transfers are the aspect of online betting sites that everyone hates the most. Bettors are used to slow and inefficient processes, which is the exact thing we’re trying to avoid. Gambla’s goal is to help rookie bettors feel secure and able to do everything on their own. Smooth deposits and withdrawals are, thus, indispensable.
First and foremost, the betting site has to accept the biggest credit card providers – American Express, VISA, and MasterCard. Next, we look for eWallets such as PayPal and Neteller. And last but not least, we try to ensure there are no fees to pay or extra requirements to complete.
This is the gist of it all. It’s no coincidence that we pay the most attention to the sportsbook. More than anything, we want our readers to access many sports.
This means it’s not enough to offer a few NBA, MLB, and NFL markets and call it a day. On the contrary, bettors nowadays are interested in far more sports and leagues than ever. Premier League, Aussie rules, and winter sports are just some of the sections we monitor. If there are a lot of sports, we want to see fair odds on them, too.
One can’t experience a betting bonus just by reading the description. To prevent you from taking unnecessary risks, Gambla’s experts claim every sports betting promo when reviewing a site. This lets them see the bonus from the player’s eyes, plus it’s easier to notice any discrepancies or misleading statements.
If the sportsbook is found to have lied about wagering requirements or paying out winnings, they are permanently blacklisted. This website has no place for scams; such behavior will never be condoned. Our team will immediately notify readers whenever we see unethical behavior.
Aside from various processes and data models, Gambla also has internal blacklists. It doesn’t contain betting sites but regulators, operators, and anyone suspected of being shady. If there’s a match during our search, the site is, you’ve guessed it – blacklisted.
But we don’t stop there. Expert reviewers also dig through internet forums and discussion boards to see if a sportsbook is reputable. Sometimes, the people’s voice is a reader’s most accurate assessment. That’s why we research any recurring accusations, claims, and rumors.
At this point, the initial review process is finished. The experts turn their findings into written text, which gets forwarded to our editors and quality team. During the editing part, we double-check all the information again and try to make the review as comprehensive as possible.
Our quality team then takes over and adds the finishing touches. If all our panel members are satisfied with the outcome, the green light goes off, and you get the latest scoops. But even though the brunt of the work has passed, there’s still one crucial step to cross off the list.
We know everything about it now that we’ve reviewed, tested, and graded the site. This allows our team to compare any sportsbook to the previous ones. And since we use the same in-house processes and tools for each review, we can quickly see how the candidates stack up against one another.
The panelists then vote for the place they believe the site deserves. This is followed by a final set of discussions, followed only by the announcements of the site’s placing on our list. If you don’t agree, feel free to tell us why!
There’s one mistake people make all the time when analyzing online sportsbooks. That’s, of course, looking at it as an isolated case when, in fact, sites are always affected by their competition. Of course, different sites have different goals and target audiences, so you can’t compare apples and oranges. If an eSports bookmaker has no NBA markets, it’s not bad because it’s not what they’re supposed to be. However, a few things are affected by trends on a market-wide level. We use the following to resolve tie-breakers and finalize our rankings:
Since our team’s goal is to provide you with unbiased reviews and rankings, there’s no place for mercy or lenience in our rankings. With hundreds of licensed sportsbooks in the US, players have no time to wade through dozens of mediocre ones. But what exactly makes a betting site stand out? We believe it might be due to the following:
We won’t lie – bonuses were much simpler 10 or 15 years ago. Sites would give you money to play around with and not bother you again. Unfortunately, the concept of bonuses has turned into a lucrative customer attraction scheme with more strings attached than ever.
How do you then separate fact from fiction and know which bonuses to avoid? It’s easy; look for one of these red flags:
Many believe a no deposit bonus is the pinnacle of sports betting promos. And in a way, we agree. It’s the only type of promo to come with absolutely no strings attached. Deposit bonuses may award you more money, but it comes at the cost of a mandatory deposit beforehand. You can, however, claim a no-deposit deal, spend it and never turn back.
So, how does it work? It’s simple. You can opt into the bonus at signup and use it once the registration is complete. But be wary about the T&C and read them meticulously. It’s here that no-deposit bonuses ‘hide’ their downsides. They usually have low deposit and bet limits, high wagering requirements, and harsh penalties for supposed rule breaches.
Another flaw is that these bonuses are rarely lucrative due to being devoid of mandatory deposits. At most, you’ll get $20. Instead of being disappointed because you can’t place bets, look at it like a free trial of the sportsbook. You can technically bet on most markets, which is enough to let you come to a verdict about whether to continue playing or not.
We think you should go for a no-deposit bonus. It’s one of the only ways to have fun at online sportsbooks without spending a dime. Just be careful when accepting the terms. Take your time, analyze the rules, and don’t hesitate to ask support for help.
There is a wide selection of sportsbook operators in the US, and this list helps you separate the good betting sites from the bad.
Good Betting Sites in the US | Bad Betting Sites That Should Be Avoided |
🎲 Wide variety of sports available | 📌 Barely any sports are available |
🎲 A good sportsbook software | 📌 A buggy sportsbook software |
🎲 Offers live betting | 📌 Only accepts pre-match bets |
🎲 Offers re-load sportsbook promos | 📌 Only offers a first-deposit sportsbook promo |
🎲 SSL security + other measures to protect player data | 📌 No information about the site’s security, license, or fairness |
🎲 Fast settlements of won bets | 📌 Slow bet settlements. |
Take your first step into the world of online sportsbooks for US players by doing the following:
Remember, the US has no such thing as a federal sports betting license. That’s why you must look for legal betting sites approved by your state’s regulators. Not only does this mean the bookie is safe, but also gives you the right to legal assistance in case of a dispute.
Gone are the days of bettors having one or two deposit options. Nowadays, you can pick one from a list and start playing quickly. Make sure it’s a payment provider you’ve already used that fits your sports betting-related goals. Be sure to check the minimum and maximum deposit limits.
After signing up, betting sites want to sweeten your first deposit by offering a 100%+ match. Before opting in, analyze the Terms & Conditions carefully. If anything seems amiss, abort the process. Don’t worry if you don’t like the bonus. Claiming it isn’t mandatory, and you can skip this step.
Don’t start experimenting right away. Focus on one or two sports/leagues. Trying something new is tempting, but you must get used to the new betting site first. NBA and NHL games are perfect for this because there are a lot of them. You can see everything the sportsbook has to offer.
Bonuses come with something called wagering requirements. It’s a rule which states you have to wager the bonus amount an X number of times before withdrawing. Betting sites use this insurance when someone places a winning bet with the bonus. Check your Account page to see the progress in fulfilling the wagering requirements.
Email promos are an excellent way to get wind of the newest deals before other bettors do. In addition, US betting sites are known to send exclusive offers, promo codes, and bundles via email. This doesn’t cost you anything, so Gambla suggests you tick the box once you see it.
US sportsbooks are required by law to ask for identity proof. The system was designed to prevent money laundering at betting sites. Completing the process is easy and requires sending documents to support. Follow the instructions on the site for more details, and ensure you have a good camera.
And last but not least, claiming what you won. To complete this, go to the Banking page, select Withdraw and see the exact steps from that point onwards. Generally, the withdrawal process is the same as the deposit one, with minimal difference. Wait for the transfer to clear and enjoy the cash.
We’re far from the only ones to review betting sites, so why us? That’s a good question. Instead of boasting about our team members’ experience in the industry, we’ll rather lay out a set of factors that make Gambla reviews unique:
Terms and Conditions are the that long, dry text you must accept when creating an account somewhere. Contrary to popular belief, skipping it and clicking take is very unwise. Why? Well, at betting sites, mainly, the T&C is the site’s rulebook. It outlines the player’s rights, as well as all their obligations. Everything you can and cannot do and the corresponding rewards/punishments. Study every line closely before you create an account.
Unlicensed operators aren’t just a myth. They exist but won’t actually ‘flex’ without a legitimate license. Instead, they’ll offer some sob story about regulators restricting their ways of providing services to players or something along those lines. Don’t fall for this. Playing at unlicensed sites means you cannot protect against scams, hacks, or other issues. If you’re defrauded, there’s no licensor to punish the betting site. Usually, there’s a reason why the bookie doesn’t have a license. So, save yourself the trouble, pick a licensed US sportsbook from Gambla’s list, and place bets legally and safely.
Mobile betting sites are perhaps the best invention since sliced bread. They allow bettors to keep track of their betting slips and place bets anywhere. We’ve come a long way since shoddy sites took ages to load. Nowadays, all the best betting sites in the US have their own apps and a hybrid website that works equally smoothly on all platforms. Gambla believes cross-platform play is one of the essential features, so we always ensure to add new and exciting mobile sites to our rankings. Here are the best ones for US players in 2022.
Don’t believe the hype or the advertisements you see online. Selecting an online sportsbook isn’t something you do in minutes. Rash decisions can lead to you wasting money on an outdated betting site prone to hacking, has low odds, or is plainly unusable. Before creating an account or doing anything, check Gambla’s verdict on the site. Also, don’t hesitate to look around and see other players’ thoughts. Sometimes, other people’s bad experiences can prevent you from falling into a trap. Of course, licensing and security are at the top of the priority list.
We know how uneasy it might feel to give your information to an online sportsbook. Even if the site’s secure, you might feel like using a fake name or playing under a friend’s identity. As enticing as this sounds, don’t even think about doing it. Not only does every online betting site in the US require you to give accurate information, but such actions could also be considered identity theft. You have nothing to worry about. Just ensure the licensing and security measures are okay. In that case, the sportsbook must be cautious; otherwise, they’ll face legal consequences from the licensor.
As silly as it sounds, a bonus isn’t just the money you’re getting. Yes, of course, you’re claiming it for the money, but it’s far from the only factor you should pay attention to. Wagering requirements have a much more profound effect on your experience. Even if you find a 300% match on your first deposit, it isn’t beneficial if the wagering requirements are 70x. Gambla’s advice would be to look for the ideal balance between lucrativeness and how easy it is to claim the promo. You should also have enough time to use and experience
This might seem similar to the second entry on this list but it can also bring forth additional problems. If you use a friend’s PayPal account or credit card, the sportsbook might flag your transaction or block it. Many websites have a built-in system that always cross-references your account with the name on the card/eWallet account. The money is frozen if they don’t match, and your account will most likely be banned. Just like using other people’s details, this might result in the police knocking at your door. Ensure your deposit methods are ready for use before you start the registration process.
No matter how much fun you’re having, never treat sports betting as anything more than fun. If you ever feel like your gambling activities are disrupting your daily life, don’t hesitate to seek out help. Betting sites are required to post links to services such as Gamblers Anonymous, which enables you to start the recovery process. There are also self-exclusion schemes, which allow you to temporarily block yourself from visiting a betting site. To prevent all of this from happening, you ought to stick to your budget, play moderately and take regular breaks. It’s the only way to stay in control.
NFL betting sites have become increasingly popular as more and more people are taking their chances on the outcome of professional football (NFL) matches. Whether it’s predicting whether a team will cover the spread, or picking which team will win outright, NFL betting has become an integral part of football fandom. But with so many different sites available, how do you know which one to trust?
The first thing to do is ensure the NFL betting site you choose is reputable and trustworthy. Look for information on licensing, security measures, encryption protocols, customer service ratings, and overall feedback from other users. Once you have that assurance, you can focus on what type of wagers they offer. Some sites may only offer straight-up money line bets, while others will have spread betting and parlay opportunities. Most sites allow you to place wagers on single games or even across multiple-game spreads.
Almost every licensed US betting site accepts PayPal. Most states offer limited licenses, so PayPal already knows these sites are legitimate. Thus, they establish working relationships pretty quickly. Just to be sure, check the deposit and withdrawal limits before creating an account. These vary from site to site.
The exact list of the top online betting sites depends on which state you’re located in. For instance, if one sportsbook is the best in New Jersey, that doesn’t mean they’re also the top dog in Nevada. Check our top lists, as they always contain the best of the best when betting on US sports.
On Gambla.com, you’ll only find legal sites that ethically conduct their business. This, of course, involves only sites that pay out in full and on time. We determine this by actually playing and withdrawing money at these online sportsbooks. Our findings are then turned into a grade and a review.
Betting sites can’t say Super Bowl because the word is trademarked. And even though it’s not illegal to use trademarked words, the NFL has been notoriously trigger-happy when it came to suing people and brands. As weird as it sounds, no one wants to risk battling the legal team of a multi-billion-dollar organization.
Aussie rules football is one of the most popular niche sports in the world and is present at various US betting sites. Generally, big names such as William Hill, Drake, or 888sport have great league coverage, with a full array of props, exotics, and even an odds boost or two.
No deposit bonuses at US betting sites are a rarity nowadays. They were popular in the early 2010s when online sportsbooks wanted to attract players by any means necessary. Online betting sites usually offer a deposit bonus to protect themselves from too much expenditure. Once you deposit a certain amount, you’ll get bonus funds, too.
Betting sites calculate odds using a variety of ways. Some employ their oddsmakers. These professionals analyze the market and come up with numbers that at least remotely mirror the actual probabilities. Most sites purchase them from a white-label provider, as it’s hard to run your own operation.
It’s impossible to tell how many betting sites exist in the US, let alone the world. New licenses are awarded daily, old ones get revoked, or brands exit the market. Nevertheless, the Gambla team always surveys what’s going on, as we want our top betting site rankings to be always up to date.
Legal US betting sites don’t accept Bitcoin. Simply put, BTC isn’t legally regulated; if it is in some states, the legislation is still ambiguous and open for interpretation. In addition, BTC is a volatile commodity. Sportsbooks don’t want your $100 BTC deposit to suddenly turn into $50 the next day.
The only legal sports betting sites are licensed in one or more US states. This license allows them to accept money from people within state lines. Also, it’s a seal of approval. It means the local government did a background check on the people behind the site.
Unlike no deposit bonuses, betting sites give new players free bets. To claim yours, look at your list of the top US online sportsbooks and pick one with the best bonus. You’ll be able to use the bonus funds with severe restrictions, so don’t expect big winnings.
Sports betting sites make money through players’ deposits and, eventually, losses. That’s why bonuses aren’t a waste of money for sportsbooks. Sure, one player might spend his $100 welcome bonus and leave, but a lot more will continue depositing. Customer retention is almost like a science nowadays, too.
MasterCard is the world’s second-most popular card provider after VISA. As such, you’ll always find US sports betting sites that accept MasterCard deposits. Credit and debit cards are accepted everywhere. Take a look at our rankings to find the best options for this payment method, as well as eligible bonuses.
On a global level, Neteller is one of the most popular eWallets. However, most US bettors prefer PayPal and other options. Therefore, not every sportsbook accepts Neteller deposits. The number is rising, though, as sites gain customers with different preferences and requests. Again, our list always contains a few Neteller betting sites.
A DTS rating is a special way of ranking bookmakers according to several special models and criteria. This includes the website’s surface level and the operation’s backend part. Such a rating is often a valid indicator of the best betting sites in the US.
Nowadays, almost every online sportsbook accepts deposits of $10 or less. Casual and special event-focused bettors comprise most of every site’s player base. Because of this, they want people to feel welcomed and able to bet however they want to. Bookies like this aren’t high-roller-friendly.
Almost every US-licensed betting site has a self-exclusion program. This lets players curb their problem gambling or take a break when they want you. You’ll have to enable the feature on your Account page or contact customer support directly. The self-block can be for up to one year in most cases.
Sports betting sites ask for social security numbers to comply with transparency and money laundering laws. States often require sportsbooks to verify the identity of each player, to prevent any cheating or illegal activity. If the site is licensed and secure, your data will be safe in their hands.
eSports betting has grown immensely during the pandemic. Nowadays, all the top online sportsbooks in the US support this niche. You’ll find eSports markets on games such as CS: GO, Call of Duty, NBA 2K, FIFA, DOTA, LoL, and others. Make sure you familiarize yourself with the rules before betting.
Free bets are given by betting sites when there’s a big sporting event coming up. So, expect to see free bets for the Super Bowl, the NBA Finals, and even the World Series. Be sure to read the Terms & Conditions carefully in case there are some hidden stipulations.
In the UK there are over 150 online bookmakers. We list them all on this page if you are visiting from the UK.
The Gambla team has consistently advocated for responsible gambling when dealing with money. We love trying new strategies and chasing the best lines as much as the next person, but it’s still risky. To prevent this from happening to you, apply these tips to your gameplay:
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