Best Online Betting Sites: February 2025 Update

Brett Curtis
Viola D'Elia
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The best online betting sites in the US combine competitive odds, standout features, and generous bonuses. With Americans wagering over $130 billion on sports in 2024, the best sportsbooks are stepping up with better odds, bigger promotions, and more markets. We’ve ranked the top sites to help you get started.

5
5 Stars
Welcome Bonus of $250 in Free Bets and 100 Free Spins
FREE250
BET NOW
To qualify, you must enter promo code FREE250 in the cashier and make a minimum deposit equivalent to $50. Qualifying accounts will instantly receive Free Bet credit upon successful completion of their first-ever deposit. The Free Bet credit issued will be equal to 50% of the amount of your first-ever deposit, up to the maximum of $250. Free Bet credit is for use in the Sportsbook only and subject to Free Bet rules. Winnings from Free Bet are paid directly to your cash balance. The risk amount of Free Bet is not included in any returns or winnings. Free Bet credit expires in 30 Days unless otherwise stated. At the 30 day mark, any unused Free Bet will be removed from your account.
5
5 Stars
Welcome Bonus of 125% up to $1,250 For New Players
BIGACTION
BET NOW
Minimum deposit is $30. Wagering 10x, no max Cash Out. Other terms and conditions apply, please make sure to fully read the full document before signing up
5
5 Stars
Credit Card Welcome Bonus 150% up to $225 or 200% up to $200 with Crypto
BN150
BET NOW
Sign-Up Bonus will be credited in the form of Free Play. Receive a 50% match on your First Deposit + $10 Casino Chip. The maximum bonus you can receive is $1,000. The Sign-Up Bonus requires a minimum deposit of $50. There's a 10x Rollover attached to the Free Play. There's a 20x Rollover attached to the Casino Chip. This promotion is only valid on your First Deposit. To receive this bonus, redeem promo code MB50 in the Cashier. Your First Deposit must be successful for you to receive the Sign-Up Bonus. MyBookie reserves the right to alter or amend the terms and conditions of this promotion at any time without notice.
4.5
4.5 Stars
Match Bonus 50% up to $250 Using Credit Card
Rollover is 5x Sports/5x Horses/30x Casino on both the initial deposit and the bonus amount. Rollover in our Sportsbook, for winning wagers, will be determined by the lesser of your risk or win amount at the time of wager settlement; for losing wagers your risk amount will be credited to your rollover contribution. Bonus funds cannot be used for play on Live Dealer games. If a withdrawal is made before the bonus terms are met, all bonus funds as well as any money earned by wagering the bonus will be forfeited. The general rules and policies of www.bovada.lv shall also apply to the Promotion
5
5 Stars
Welcome Bonus 50% up to $1,000 for New Players
Sign-Up Bonus will be credited in the form of Free Play. Receive a 50% match on your First Deposit + $10 Casino Chip. The maximum bonus you can receive is $1,000. The Sign-Up Bonus requires a minimum deposit of $50. There's a 10x Rollover attached to the Free Play. There's a 20x Rollover attached to the Casino Chip.
This promotion is only valid on your First Deposit. To receive this bonus, redeem promo code MB50 in the Cashier.
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Best Sportsbooks Compared

Let’s take a closer look at the best gambling sites out there. We’ve tested the leading sportsbooks for Americans based on odds, bonuses, sports coverage, and crypto options to make your research easier.

Best Sports Betting Site Overall

🥇 Winner: BetOnline

  • Pros: Long history, early betting lines, huge market depth, no wagering on welcome bonus.
  • Cons: Limited payment options outside crypto, high withdrawal fees for some methods.

Why we chose BetOnline: BetOnline post betting lines ahead of the competition giving early bettors a valuable edge. Combined with regular contests with big prize pools and a fast, crypto-friendly platform, it’s our top overall choice for sports betting online.

🥈 Runner-Up: BetWhale

  • Pros: Generous welcome bonus, great odds, wide sports coverage, fast payouts.
  • Cons: No sports promos, occasional site lag, no loyalty rewards.

🥉 Podium Finish: Bovada

  • Pros: Quick transactions, low-juice odds, parlay booster, excellent customer support.
  • Cons: Limited ongoing promos, some regional restrictions.

Best Online Sportsbook for Bonuses

🥇 Winner: Everygame

  • Pros: Larger crypto welcome bonus, 8x wagering, regular contests, free sports bets, win sports tickets.
  • Cons: Less markets than competitors, wagers on horse racing do not count towards rollover.

Why we chose Everygame : With multiple sign-up and reload bonuses, exciting competitions like Super Bowl ticket giveaways, free NFL bets and free parlay bets for near misses, Everygame offers a solid set of promos.

🥈 Runner-Up: BetOnline

  • Pros: No wagering on welcome bonus, odds boosters, free contests with big-money prizes, tiered VIP rewards.
  • Cons: Not many ongoing sports promos.

🥉 Podium Finish: BetNow

  • Pros: Unlimited reload bonuses, industry leading rebate program on sports and horse bets, weekly contests.
  • Cons: Could be more free bet bonuses, no loyalty rewards.

Best Betting Site for Sports Coverage

🥇 Winner: BetOnline

  • Pros: 30+ sports, early odds, major leagues covered, esports section, niche events.
  • Cons: Limited college sports betting options, restricted in New Jersey.

Why we chose BetOnline: BetOnline offers extensive sports coverage, including major leagues and niche events like lacrosse, surfing and wrestling. Whatever sport you’re looking to bet on, you’re likely to find it here.

🥈 Runner-Up: Bovada

  • Pros: Wide sports coverage, good market depth, competitive odds.
  • Cons: Restricted in several states, fewer niche sports than BetOnline.

🥉 Podium Finish: BetWhale

  • Pros: 20+ sports, major leagues, esports, solid odds.
  • Cons: Limited niche sports, fewer international leagues.

Best Betting Company for Crypto Payments

🥇 Winner: BetOnline

  • Pros: 16 cryptocurrencies accepted, same-day payouts, easy crypto tutorial.
  • Cons: Limited fiat payment options, restricted in some regions.

Why we chose BetOnline : BetOnline makes crypto betting simple, supporting 16 coins for deposits and withdrawals. Same-day payouts and an easy-to-follow tutorial make it ideal for both experienced crypto users and newcomers.

🥈 Runner-Up: BetWhale

  • Pros: Accepts 7 cryptocurrencies for deposits, supports Bitcoin and Tether for withdrawals, crypto bonuses available.
  • Cons: Limited withdrawal options, fewer altcoins than competitors.

🥉Podium Finish: Bovada 

  • Pros: Crypto-exclusive bonuses, no transaction fees, anonymous betting.
  • Cons: Limited variety of crypto options, withdrawal times slower than some competitors.

Best Online Betting Sites at a Glance

CategorySportsbookKey FeaturesWhy It Stands Out
Best OverallBetOnlineMassive market variety, props builder, early oddsTop-tier coverage, innovative tools and a wager-free welcome bonus
BonusesEverygameUS sports focus, excellent soccer coverage and promos, free bet poolsLong-standing reputation, exciting promotions, fast withdrawals
Sports CoverageBetOnline30+ sports, niche markets, same-game parlays, daily odds boostsOutstanding international leagues and niche offerings, including politics and entertainment
Crypto PaymentsBetOnline16 cryptocurrencies, same-day payouts, crypto tutorialLargest selection of cryptocurrencies and beginner-friendly support

How to Pick a Top Sportsbook in the USA

Choosing the right US sportsbook isn’t just about picking a fancy-looking website. Here’s what to focus on when looking for a new sports betting site.

➡️ Did You Know? Americans have wagered over $385 billion on sports since June 2018. The states with the highest sports betting handles are New Jersey, New York, Nevada, Illinois, and Pennsylvania.

Explore Market Depth & Odds

When evaluating online sportsbooks, start with the odds and the markets. You’ll want all the big US sports like the NFL, NBA, and MLB, plus your favorite sports and wager types of course. 

Don’t forget to look for niche events like esports, international leagues, and even politics. The more options, the better—because who doesn’t like variety?

Check for Licensing & Reputation

Stick to sportsbooks with a strong reputation and a valid license. Our recommended offshore sportsbooks are all licensed in reputable jurisdictions overseas such as Curacao or Costa Rica. This allows them to offer more betting options, better bonuses, and instant crypto payouts.

Look for Bonuses & Promotions

Free bets are always a win. The best sportsbooks know this and use promos to attract new bettors and keep the regulars happy. From sign-up bonuses to odds boosts, parlay insurance, and loyalty rewards, the best betting sites use promos to keep you coming back. Don’t ignore them—take advantage of offers to boost your bankroll and profits.

Prioritize Privacy & Security

If you value your privacy when sports betting online, offshore sportsbooks offer the perfect solution. Choose betting companies that let you bypass ID checks and use cryptocurrency for secure and anonymous withdrawals.

It also means no betting transactions on your bank statements. Traditional state-licensed sportsbooks, on the other hand, usually require laborious KYC checks (Know Your Customer).


Player Reviews: Real Experiences at Top US Sports Betting Sites

Here are some genuine user reviews to give you an inside look at their experiences with top US sportsbooks. These are real posts found on forums, giving you an honest look at what players think.

  • BetOnline: “Betonline is a legit site. Customer service isn’t the best but they do respond quickly. Crypto deposits and withdrawals are simple and extremely fast. I believe the longest I’ve waited is 1 hour for withdrawal. Odds are pretty equal to competition. I only bet baseball, basketball and football so the other odds may not be equal, idk.” – from bigdank8
  • BetWhale: “OMG, this is definitely the bookmaker to try. It’s such a smooth experience compared to other offshore sportsbooks, even the legal one! I used to bet all the time on BetMGM, but I believe this will be the one.” – from Kimkiemae
  • Bovada:“I’ve been with Bovada for 8 years now and haven’t had any issues with them whatsoever. When you think about it..it totally makes sense that Bovada wants to double check your ID information when you win upwards of 10K. I would assume it’s for safety reasons but Bovada is a good book IMO. Customer service is extremely helpful as well.” – from Clarkey11

Sports betting laws in the US vary from state to state. Some states have fully legal sports betting, while others only allow online, retail, or tribal options. Below, we break down the states based on their sports betting status.

Sports betting is fully legal, regulated, and operational in these states. You can place bets both online and in-person without restrictions.

Fully Legal States: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington D.C.

Online Only

In these states, you can only bet online—no in-person retail sportsbooks are available. But don’t worry, you can still enjoy sports betting from the comfort of your home.

Online Only States: Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia.

Retail Only

These states allow sports betting at physical sportsbooks only. If you want to place a bet, you’ll need to visit a casino or designated location.

Retail Only States: Montana, Oregon, South Dakota

Illegal

Sports betting is not allowed in these states, either online or in-person. While no state-licensed American sportsbooks are available, you can still use offshore sites licensed overseas—just be sure they’re trustworthy before placing any bets.

States Where Betting Is Illegal: Alabama, Alaska, Georgia, Idaho, Minnesota, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Utah.

Tribal Gaming Only

In these states, sports betting is limited to tribal casinos and gaming establishments. Only certain areas are allowed to offer betting options.

Tribal Gaming Only States: California, Hawaii, North Dakota, Wisconsin

Offshore Sites

If you’re in a state with no legal options, offshore sportsbooks are available for residents everywhere. You can still bet, but always check the site’s reputation and security.

Offshore Betting States: Residents from all US states can bet offshore.


Bonuses at Online Sportsbooks

betonline free bets betonline free bets

When selecting the best sports betting sites, bonuses and promotions play a big role. Here are some of the key offers to watch for.

Welcome Bonus

One of the top perks of registering with new sports betting websites is the welcome bonus—it’s almost always the largest one. Most sportsbooks offer a choice of sign-up bonuses, so opt for a sports welcome bonus, rather than a casino one.

For example BetWhale, one of the best betting sites, offers a 125% sign-up bonus which can be used for sports betting online—deposit $100 and receive another $125 in site credit.

You can score even bigger rewards with cryptocurrency. Just make sure to check the terms for things like wagering rollover requirements, odds restrictions, and time limits. And stick to sports bets that count towards the rollover.

Reload Bonus

The best gambling sites reward all your deposits with bonuses. A reload bonus is a smaller deposit match, typically between 10% and 50%. The upside? It often comes with lower wagering requirements, making it easier to cash out your winnings.

For instance, BetNow offers a 25% reload bonus up to $500—so a $200 deposit adds $50 to your bankroll. It’s an easy way to stretch your budget and get more bets in.

Risk-Free Bets

Risk-free bets are exactly what they sound like. If your bet loses, the betting company gives you your stake back, usually in site credit. You’ll find these in welcome offers, loyalty perks, or as rewards for near misses. 

BetOnline’s welcome offer stands out in this department—up to $250 in risk-free bets with no wagering requirements—a rare deal among sports betting websites.

Odds Boosts

Odds boosts are a great way to get more juice from your bets. Sportsbooks increase the payout potential on select bets, such as boosting a +200 line to +250.

BetWhale offers daily odds boosts for top games, giving you better returns on the bets you’re already making.

Parlay Insurance

It always hurts when just one leg of your parlay lets you down for a big payout. The best sportsbooks offer parlay insurance that gives you a consolation prize by refunding your stake, usually as site credit.


Safe Banking Options at Sports Betting Sites

The best sportsbooks provide a broad range of safe and trustworthy payment methods. Here are the main types.


Wagers & Betting Markets at the Best Online Betting Sites

betwhale odds betwhale odds

Here are the most popular bet types at the best online betting sites.

Moneyline

A moneyline bet is as simple as it gets: just pick the team you think will win. The favorites are represented by a – sign with the underdogs represented by a + sign. 

For example, if the Dallas Cowboys are at -200 and the New York Giants are at +180, you’d need to bet $200 on the Cowboys to win $100. If you’re feeling lucky and betting on the Giants, a $100 bet would win you $180 if they pull off the upset.

Point Spread

Point spreads help balance the odds when one team is clearly stronger, making it more like a 50/50 proposition. If the Lakers are -5.5 against the Celtics, they need to win by 6 points or more. If you bet on the Celtics at +5.5, they can lose by 5 or less, or win outright, and you still win your bet.

➡️ Did you know? On December 15, 2024, the New York Giants were 16.5-point home underdogs against the Baltimore Ravens—the biggest home underdog spread for the Giants since 1966. Despite this huge handicap, they failed to cover the spread, losing 35-14.

Totals

Totals betting is an easy one. You’re simply betting on the combined score of both teams

For example, in an NFL game between the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys, you might bet on whether the total score will be over or under 45.5 points. Betting “Over 45.5” means you expect the game to exceed 45 points. 

The best sportsbooks will let you bet on individual team or individual player totals too.

Prop Bets

Prop bets, or proposition wagers, let you bet on almost anything during a game. It could be points scored, passing yards, or rebounds. You might even find prop bets on whether a player hits a home run or who wins the coin toss. 

BetOnline stands out with its extensive options and customizable props builder, giving you more ways to enjoy the action.

Parlays

Parlays combine multiple bets into one wager, giving you a shot at a bigger payout. Each individual bet, or “leg,” must win for the parlay to cash.

For example, you can bet on the Cowboys, Lakers, and Yankees all to win, or create a same-game parlay with picks like the winner, total points, and a player to score. 

BetOnline makes it easy with a simple parlay builder, daily parlay boosts, and same-game options—letting you combine bets for bigger potential payouts.

➡️ Did You Know? In 2015, one lucky bettor turned a $5 parlay into over $100,000 by correctly picking 15 NFL games in one weekend. The odds? A staggering 20,000 to 1. It’s proof that a small parlay can lead to a massive win if everything lines up perfectly.

Live Betting

Live betting, also known as in-play betting, lets you place wagers after the game has started. It’s perfect for reacting to the action as it unfolds. 

If you can spot momentum shifts or predict what’s coming next, you’ll often find great value in the real-time odds. SportsBetting.ag is known for its fast updates and wide range of live markets.

Futures Betting

Futures are long-term bets on events that play out over a season. You can wager on things like the Super Bowl winner or NBA champion anytime, but the best odds usually come before the season kicks off. 

BetNow offers competitive early-season odds and a wide range of futures markets.

➡️ Did You Know? In 2022, Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale placed a total of $10 million in bets on the Houston Astros to win the World Series at average odds of +750. When the Astros clinched the title, he secured a record-breaking $75 million payout—the largest in sports betting history.


Expert Sports Betting Tips

Betting on sports is exciting, but a smart approach can make all the difference. Here are some expert tips to help you get the most out of your bets.

👤Use Social Media

Social media can be a goldmine for up-to-the-minute updates on player injuries and team news, often breaking before it’s picked up by mainstream media. Keep an eye on players, team accounts, and trusted insiders. Spotting a last-minute injury or lineup change can give you a real advantage.

🎲 Check the Odds

Not all sportsbooks offer the same odds. Spend a little time comparing odds across multiple sports betting websites before placing your bet. Even a small difference in odds can add up over time, especially if you’re betting regularly.

🏌🏻Bet on Niche Sports

Most people stick to the big games, but there’s real value in looking at smaller leagues or niche events. Minority sports or niche leagues often get less focus from bookmakers, which can result in softer odds. If you’re knowledgeable about a less popular sport, you might uncover valuable betting angles that others tend to overlook.

💸 Don’t Chase Losses

Losing streaks happen to everyone, but doubling down to recover losses is a fast track to trouble. Stick to a budget and stay disciplined, even when bets don’t go your way. Responsible gambling is about staying in control and treating betting as entertainment—not a guaranteed win.

📈 Track Your Bets

Keeping a betting log might sound boring, but it’s one of the smartest things you can do. Write down every bet you place, including the amount, the odds, and the result. Over time, you’ll spot patterns and learn what works and what doesn’t. It’s great for refining your strategy.

🎁 Take Advantage of Promotions

Sportsbooks frequently offer welcome bonuses, free bets, and other promotional deals that can boost your bankroll. Keep an eye on these offers and read the terms and conditions carefully. Utilizing these promotions smartly can add extra value to your overall betting strategy.


Best Sports Betting Sites: Key Takeaways

The key to choosing the best and safest online betting sites is to select a platform that fits your needs. Look for secure banking, competitive odds, and solid promos.

While welcome bonuses are a great way to start, the real value lies in regular deals, early betting lines, and user-friendly features like live betting and the ability to cash out anytime.

We think that the best online sportsbook for Americans is BetOnline, thanks to its early betting lines, low juice odds, and wager-free welcome bonus. Offering excellent market depth, unique props, and same-game parlays, it’s our top pick if you’re looking for value and variety.

Remember, it’s a good idea to join multiple online sportsbooks so you can shop around for the best odds and promotions.


FAQs

Is online sports betting legal?

It varies by state. Some states have legalized online sports betting, while others haven’t yet. Always check your state’s laws before placing a bet.

What’s the best sportsbook online?

BetOnline is our top pick for the best online sportsbook. With competitive odds, early lines on major events, and a wide range of betting markets, it’s a favorite among bettors looking for value and reliability.

What types of bets can I place online?

ou can place a wide range of sports bets, including moneylines, spreads, totals, props, futures, parlays, and same-game parlays. Whether you’re focusing on player stats, game outcomes, or multi-leg wagers, the best sportsbooks offer plenty of options to explore different betting angles.

How do I choose a reputable online sportsbook?

Start with trusted options like the recommended sites on this page. Look for licenses, secure payments, fair odds, and good customer support.

What are the age requirements for online sports betting?

The legal betting age varies by state but is typically between 18 and 21. Always check your local laws to make sure you meet the age requirement before placing a bet.

How do I deposit and withdraw money from my online sportsbook account?

You can deposit and withdraw funds using bank cards, online wallets, bank transfers, cryptocurrency, or prepaid vouchers. Deposits are usually instant, but withdrawals may take longer depending on the method. Always check the sportsbook’s terms for limits, fees, or processing times.

What are the odds and how do they work?

Odds show the likelihood of an outcome and how much you’ll win. Lower odds mean a higher chance but smaller payouts, while higher odds are riskier but pay more if you win.

Can I bet on college sports online?

It depends where you live. Some states allow online betting on college sports, while others have restrictions, particularly on in-state college teams. Always check your state’s specific laws to ensure you’re betting legally. You can also use offshore sportsbooks to work around local restrictions.

Which is the safest betting site?

All our top online betting sites hold a verified license from a reputable regulator and are considered safe. However, BetOnline is our favorite safest betting site, thanks to its reputable licensing, advanced encryption, and secure payment options—including crypto. It also offers a comprehensive suite of responsible gambling tools to help you manage your betting effectively.


References

  1. https://www.ncpgambling.org  (National Council on Problem Gambling)
  2. https://www.gamingcontrolcuracao.org/ (Curacao Gaming Control Board)

Brett has been creating sports and gambling content for several years, having previously worked for the likes of Goal, Bleacher Report and Premier Bet. He lives and breathes every kick of the ball in the English Premier League, and he also enjoys playing EA Sports FC in his spare time.