Best Betting Sites USA 2025 – Top Real Money Sports Betting Sites

If you’re on the hunt for the best betting sites in the US, you’re in luck. Whether you’re looking to stake a few dollars on your local favorites or fancy yourself a sports betting expert with a lock on a big potential upset, finding the right sportsbook for your style of play can make all the difference.

We’ve reviewed the best online sportsbooks for the sports they offer, their market depth and betting options, welcome bonuses, regular promos, and plenty more. Now we’re giving you the chance to find the perfect betting site to suit your preferences.

Read on to find out how you can take your sports betting experience up a notch.

Top 10 Betting Sites Ranked

Find the Best Online Sports Betting Site for You

From our list of betting sites, we have shortlisted the three we think stand out the most: BetWhale, BetOnline, and BetUS. Let’s break down why these top our list of recommended brands with in-depth sports betting site reviews.

BetWhale – Best Overall Sportsbook for US players, with 30+ Sports

BetWhale is a comprehensive gambling provider launched in 2023 that provides dedicated sportsbook and online casino platforms. The sportsbook offers plenty of betting options across a wide range of US and international sports. With a welcome bonus of 125% up to $1,250 and payment options from Visa to PayPal and cryptocurrencies, getting started with BetWhale couldn’t be easier.

💡 Expert’s Opinion

Offering over 30 sports options means that BetWhale is a solid choice among top betting sites, giving fans of all playstyles plenty from which to choose. What’s more is they offer incredible depth for their betting markets. Taking the NFL as an example, you have options for moneylines, totals, and spreads on most games, as well as outright options on conference winners and the regular season MVP. Major events like the Super Bowl also usually come with extra prop bets so you can diversify your betting strategy.

BetOnline – $10,000 Prize Pools for Free Contests

Originally founded as a traditional sportsbook back in 1991, BetOnline is a predominant operator in online gambling. The sportsbook covers a broad selection of US and international sports, including football, basketball, hockey, and more across all of the leagues you would expect. New users can take advantage of up to $250 in free bets with promo code FREE250. The amount you receive will be equal to 50% of whatever you decide to deposit the first time around.

💡 Expert’s Opinion

Our favorite feature at BetOnline is access to free contests. These usually run for major sports events, such as the Super Bowl, UFC fight nights, March Madness, Stanley Cup playoffs, and more. With a prize pool usually of $10,000, top prizes up to $500 and 100 free spins, and prizes up to 500th place of $10, BetOnline’s contests offer a chance for top sports betting fans to cash in on their superior knowledge at no extra cost.

BetUS – 200% Crypto Sign-Up Bonus up to $1,500

BetUS is a name that many may recognize, having launched in 1994. The platform features a full sportsbook across 29 sports, including coverage of the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and more. With a dedicated racebook, as well as contests such as Survivor Pools, Parlay Challenges, and Betting Squares, BetUS provides an excellent range of gambling options to keep players of all kinds entertained.

💡 Expert’s Opinion

Where BetUS really shines is its list of welcome offers. Crypto fans have the chance to triple their bankroll with a 200% sign-up bonus. This is split between 150% up to $1,500 for sports and 50% up to $1,250 for casino. It is worth noting that there are rollover requirements of 18x for sports and 30x for the casino credit, but that is significantly lower than the 60x requirements we have seen on a lot of other betting sites, and you get big cash value at that.

How to Choose the Best Online Sportsbook

Bettors want all the fun of legal sports betting sites without having to worry whether a site is safe, what markets are on offer, and how they can withdraw funds from their account. They also don’t have hours to find out how to compare betting sites to get the most value from their gambling experience. As such, we have written a quick guide on how to choose the best online sports betting sites to suit your needs.

Licensing

The best online betting sites are all licensed by reputable international gambling bodies, such as the Malta Gambling Authority, Anjouan Licensing Services, or Curacao licensing bodies. Having such a license means that an online gambling operator must follow regulatory standards. Legal sports betting sites therefore offer a fairer experience to their players, giving you peace of mind that you can withdraw your account balance when you are finished playing.

Any site that does not hold such a license should be immediately ignored. These illicit sites are most likely illegal gambling providers and may also provide you with a poor experience, potentially voiding your bets without reason or withholding your funds when you try to withdraw them.

Safety and Security

Your personal data and money should be protected at all costs, so choosing a site that prioritizes your safety and security is paramount. Look for sites that use SSL encryption, fraud detection, and two-factor authentication to keep your information safe from cyber threats. We also advise checking that your chosen site has a transparent privacy policy.

Sports Betting Markets

A betting site that does not offer the markets on which you want to bet is going to be pointless to you, regardless if it has the best offers in the world. Make sure your new site offers both the sports and the level of coverage you want before starting an account with them.

Welcome Offers

If you want to get the most from your money, claiming a welcome offer when you sign up to a site can give your bankroll a boost and leave you able to place more or higher bets. Be careful, however, as betting sites are not just giving away free money which you can withdraw straight away. There are usually terms and conditions attached to offers, such as playthrough requirements to meet before any bonus money becomes yours. Therefore remember to read all T&Cs before claiming any offer.

Recurring Promotions

Regular or ongoing promotions work in the same manner as welcome offers, but the great thing is that these are open to regular customers, so you don’t need to keep signing up to new sportsbooks to benefit. Most sites advertise their regular offers on a Promotions page, so it is worth considering if a better site offers good value in the long run before signing up.

Payment Methods

To place a bet, you will need to have money in your betting site account. How you get money into your account is up to you. Not all betting sites online use the same types or number of payment methods to put credit on your betting account, so it is important to check that your preferred site accepts the banking method you want to use.

Live Betting

Also known as in-play betting, live betting allows you to continue placing bets when a game has started, giving you more ways to play. Most modern betting sites, including all of those that we recommend, offer this feature, but it is still worth discovering whether or not your chosen site has live betting features prior to creating an account.

Mobile Optimization

Smartphones have become the standard way to bet nowadays, and all of the best betting sites offer sites that are mobile optimized, including our top ten. Some sites even offer casino apps or access to casino services via Telegram, meaning you can access your betting account in a few simple taps.

Betting Odds

Different sportsbooks have different opinions on the outcomes of markets, meaning that odds can differ from one site to another. It is always best to check out a sample to see if a site’s odds are competitive. Those in our top ten list of the best betting sites are among the most competitive when it comes to setting odds.

Customer Support

You may be lucky enough never to need to contact customer support, but it is worth ensuring that there is a team available to help in case anything goes wrong – the most likely examples being a paid not settling or a payment issue. The best betting sites offer 24/7 availability through live chat and phone support, but there is usually also an email option and FAQs.

Things to Avoid When Searching for the Best Online Betting Sites

We have discussed the outstanding features which can enhance your gambling experience; now let’s look at the reverse and see what you should avoid when looking for a betting site.

• Poor reviews: It is impossible for a betting site to be perfect for everyone, but the best betting sites will still have a vast majority of positive feedback and a rating above four out of five. Avoid sites with lower ratings than this or that have consistently poor feedback in the last three months.
• Unclear bonus terms: If you want to claim any of a site’s bonuses, but you are unsure how they work due to T&Cs that are far from transparent, you may be dealing with a poor operator, and it is not worth risking your cash in trying to claim such offers.
• Lacking security features: This one can be harder to see if a site’s security is not up to modern standards. If, however, you see that a site does not offer SSL encryption or other important security features, it is likely an illicit provider. You should avoid this at all costs.
• Unlicensed providers: These sites are both illegal and do not have your best interests at heart. There is no need to play at an unlicensed provider when there are plenty of legal online sportsbooks that offer a better service.

How to Start Playing for Real Money in the US at Top Betting Sites

Getting signed up and started at a betting site is a simple process that can take only a few minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Select a site: Choose which site suits you best from our recommended list of online sportsbooks.
2. Sign up: Head to the site, click the button to register, and fill out your personal details to create your account.
3. Verify your account: You should receive an email from your betting site. Open the email and click the button to verify. You should be taken to the site, and there should be a pop up to confirm verification.
4. Deposit funds: Head to the Banking/Payments section of the website. Choose to deposit funds, select your preferred payment method, and set the amount you would like to put into your account. Double check you have typed the correct amount, and then click to confirm your deposit.
5. Choose your bet: Head to the sportsbook section of your site. Filter by sport and market, and then select a game on which you want to bet. On the game page, set up your bet slip by selecting your markets. Fill out the amount you would like to bet for each market or choose a combination bet. Once your bet slip is complete, click to confirm. Your bet(s) will be placed!

States Where Online Sports Betting is Legal

Laws on sports betting sites differ from state to state. The table below gives an overview of which states allow for online, retail, and offshore sportsbooks.

*Missouri has passed legislation to allow both retail and online sports betting, but this will only come into effect in December 2025.

**Montana state law allows you to create a betting account, view odds, deposit funds to your account, and even build a bet slip from anywhere in the state. You can not finalize any wager, however, unless you are physically inside a licensed retail location, such as at a licensed bar, restaurant, or kiosk.

***Washington and Wisconsin do technically have state-approved mobile apps for sports betting, but it is only possible to access and use them when physically located at tribal casinos, which makes their use equivalent to in-person betting.

Online Sports Betting vs Retail Sports Betting

Both online sports betting and retail sports betting present exciting options for fans to get more involved with the action. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each betting style.

The Best Online Sports Betting Sites by Sport

Not every sports fan is into every sport. That’s why we have researched which sports betting sites are best for each category. Check out what our experts think are the best sportsbook online for each sport below.

Best Sports Betting Site for NFL

Our favorite betting site for football betting has to be BetWhale. The site runs deep betting markets, usually with 20+ options per game, including moneylines, totals, and spreads.

Best Sports Betting Site for NBA

While a few of our sites have equal coverage across moneylines, spreads, totals, and outright winners, BetOnline takes the top spot for basketball betting due to the extra free contests it runs – especially around March Madness. That means even more ways to win without spending extra money.

Best Sports Betting Site for MLB

BetWhale is a great option for MLB betting, covering standard lines such as innings, player props and team totals. This market depth also runs over to live betting options, meaning you can still keep placing wagers after the first pitch.

Best Sports Betting Site for NHL

Most of our best betting sites offer similar coverage for the NHL, but our top spot goes to BetUS. The clear interface keeps betting simple, and you have all of the core markets, including moneylines, puck lines, totals, and a few player props.

Best Sports Betting Site for Soccer

Everygame covers everything from the MLS to foreign domestic leagues and international games. Their market depth goes above and beyond most of the best betting sites, offering match winners, first half winners, half with most goals, first and last teams to score, double chances, totals, team totals, and a whole host more.

Best Sports Betting Site for Horse Racing

BUSR is an easy winner for horse racing. It has a dedicated racebook with national and international events, a dedicated racing welcome bonus up to $150, and offers up to 10% rebate on losses, which is paid daily.

Best Sports Betting Site for Esports

The best coverage for esports is at BC.Game, allowing for betting on titles such as CS:GO, Dota 2, League of Legends, Valorant, and Overwatch. Betting markets include options for match winners, total maps, first blood, and map handicaps.

Bonuses Available at the Best Online Sportsbooks

From welcome bonuses to reloads, rebates, and exclusive VIP rewards, the best online sports betting sites keep their players interested by delivering extra value at every step. Find out what betting site bonuses you can expect to find.

Welcome Bonuses

Welcome bonuses are a tactic that betting sites use to attract new players, but they can offer great benefit if used wisely. The welcome offers can vary, depending on with which site you sign up, but they usually come in the form of deposit matches (wherein the casino will add a percentage of your first deposit up to a certain amount to your bankroll), free bets, entries to betting competitions, and more.

Reloads

While welcome bonuses can be a great way to get extra value from a sportsbook at the start of your experience with them, having further bonus options as a regular players can make your experience more rewarding. Reload offers also tend to come as deposit matches and free bets, but the number you can claim may be a key condition to consider before claiming an offer. The best betting sites offer reloads with every deposit while others only let you reload once per week. Make sure you understand how your preferred betting site’s offer before claiming it to get maximum value from it.

Xbet offers a fantastic deal on reload bonuses, giving you 50% up to $500 on any reload deposit.

Rebates

You can’t win all of the time, but some online sports betting sites can make losing feel a little better by offering you a rebate on your losing bets. This usually works by the site calculating your net losses for the week and adding rebate cash to your account on the following Monday. For example, if you bet on Monday night football and won $20 but went on to lose $30 on an NBA game later in the week, your net loss for that week would be $10. The site would then give you a percentage of that net loss the next week.

BetNow is a good example of a provider with a rebate offer, giving players 2% back on net losses every Monday.

No-Sweat Bets (Free Bets)

These are risk-free wagers, whereby you will be given a set amount of credit to bet on eligible sports. If your bet wins, your winnings will be credited to your betting account, ready to be withdrawn (subject to any rollover requirements). You will not, however, receive back your stake (the free bet). If your bet loses, it is the same as normal and you get nothing, but the upside is that you will not have staked your own money.

BetOnline delivers up to $250 in free bets as part of their welcome package. Use the promo code FREE250 to unlock this offer.

Odds Boosts

Our best betting sites already offer some of the most competitive odds on the market, but some of our sites also go one step further by stretching your odds when you place multiple individual bets at the same time or combine odds as part of a parlay.

BUSR includes both Bet Boost and Parlay Boost as part of their sports features.

VIP Rewards

On top of reload bonuses, the best betting sites like to reward their high rollers with exclusive rewards as part of their VIP program. This can take the form of extra deposit matches, free bets, daily cash races, dedicated account managers, cash boosts, refer-a-friend bonuses, and more.

BetOnline has a fantastic VIP program, starting with Bronze level and going up all the way to Black III for wager amounts of $100 million+.

Online Sportsbook Payment Methods

Here are the typical payment methods you can expect from our top brands.

Bank Wire Transfer

This classic banking method is not the most efficient for smaller deposits, given it can take a few working days to hit your casino account and possibly longer to withdraw funds. It is still a useful payment method at betting sites, however, because it usually comes with the highest deposit and withdrawal limits. That means if you are more of a high roller, you can enjoy greater credit on your account in one transaction compared to using a credit card or e-wallet.

Credit and Debit Cards

Credit cards are still the most popular transaction method for betting accounts. Deposits usually end up in your account instantaneously, and while gambling providers usually say withdrawals can take up to five working days to process, top sites like the ones we recommend usually process them much faster. There are lower deposit and withdrawal limits compared to bank wire transfers, but given these can still be in the thousands and that you get much greater convenience with a credit card, it is no wonder that this is the standard choice for most players.

E-wallets

E-wallets such as PayPal and Skrill are ideal payment methods for players looking for extra privacy. This is because you can top up your e-wallet from your bank account and then fund your betting account from your e-wallet, eliminating the potential for your bank to know that you have used the funds for gambling purposes. Deposits from e-wallets and usually instantaneous, but, like with credit cards, it may take a few working days to receive withdrawals.

Cryptocurrencies

Crypto payments offer the utmost anonymity for gamblers while usually also offering the fastest transactions – withdrawals are usually instantaneous. While you will not be able to fund your account with all of the cryptocurrencies that exist, the best betting sites for crypto payments usually accept the main coins, such as Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Litecoin, and XRP. Just remember that you may have to pay gas fees to send funds from your crypto wallet to your betting account.

Prepaid Cards

Prepaid cards, such as Paysafe, allow you to fund your betting account with what is essentially a coupon that you can spend online. You choose how much to put on the prepaid card, and then you use this at your chosen betting site. Although you are unable to use cards like this to withdraw funds when you are done gambling, they can be a great option for those players that want to help control their spending.

Responsible Gambling at the Best Sports Betting Sites

Everyone likes to win, but there are no guarantees in sports. That is why we insist that our readers take responsible gambling seriously: to protect themselves from financial harm and the consequences of problem gambling.

The best betting sites offer an array of responsible gambling tools to help you stay in control of your spending. This includes daily, weekly, and monthly deposit limits; reality checks that remind you of how much time you have spent gambling; and self-exclusion options if you feel you can not control your gambling.

We also work to promote non-profits and other help organizations that can support you if you feel gambling has become too much:

• National Council on Problem Gambling: 1-800-GAMBLER

Have You Found the Perfect Sports Betting Site for You?

There are numerous sportsbooks out there, but very few offer the same level of quality to US players as our best betting sites. Whether you are looking for bonuses, a range of betting markets, crypto payment methods, or even free contests, our sites have got you covered.

All our sites are licensed, secure, and backed by positive player reviews. Whatever your betting preference, we have all the details above about how you can get the most from your gambling experience.

For an overall best sportsbook with coverage of a range of sports, we recommend BetWhale, with its 30+ sports options. With a welcome bonus of 125% up to $1,250, plenty of regular promotions, and payment options from credit cards to e-wallets and cryptocurrencies, there are plenty of reasons why players choose to gamble with BetWhale.

FAQs: Best Betting Sites