USA's Best Gambling Sites

How We Review US Betting Sites

For us to recommend a betting site to our readers, it needs to score highly in a number of areas. During our testing process, our experts put every betting site through its paces to ensure it’s of the highest quality. 

Of course, you’ll have your own idea of what makes the best US betting site — but we assess any and every aspect of a site, whether it’s a casino or sportsbook review. Below are just a few of the factors we consider.

Licensing

A valid US gambling license is the first port of call in any of our betting site reviews. Licensed sites offer a degree of protection to their customers as they must adhere to strict regulatory requirements set out by the state. We’ll never recommend an unlicensed site and you should never play at one.

Bonuses

No matter what your betting preferences are, there’s a good chance you want to take advantage of a bonus. Nearly every site offers some form of sign-up bonus, but we assess their true value by taking T&Cs like wagering requirements into account alongside the size of the bonus. 

We’re also looking for plenty of reload promotions to reward long-standing players, and enough choice to suit every preference. That means matched deposits and free spins on the online casino side; for sportsbooks, we like to see free bets, bet refunds, acca insurance, and more.

Sports Coverage

If the site in question is a sportsbook, it goes without saying that top-tier sports coverage is a must. There should be a wealth of betting options on all the major sports and leagues, whether it’s NBA, NFL, or MLB. And the more sports on offer, the better — coverage of less popular markets like badminton, volleyball, or the latest esports titles means more choice for sports bettors. 

Casino Games

Many US betting sites, and of course dedicated online casinos, feature a solid catalog of casino games. Whether you’re looking for online slots, a few hands of blackjack, a spin on the roulette wheel, or the personal touch of a live dealer game, there’s a site out there for you. We look at how many of these games are featured at the best betting sites, as well as the depth the site offers when it comes to game variety. Lightning Roulette, Speed Blackjack, progressive jackpot slots, and even live dealer Monopoly are among the options available, and the more a site has to to offer the better.

Special Features

There’s no shortage of sites where you can bet in the US, so how can these sites differentiate themselves? The best sportsbooks integrate cutting-edge features like live betting and streaming of events in order to enhance the experience. Meanwhile, online casinos might offer exciting tournaments where you can face off against your fellow players. The sky’s the limit here, and we’re always looking for the latest innovations at the best online betting sites.

Site Design

Site design plays a crucial part in the betting experience. Whether a sportsbook or casino, all pages and functionality should be laid out logically so they’re easy to find. The deposit and withdrawal process must be straightforward and expedient so there are no hold-ups, whether you’re waiting to play or cashing out your balance. Attractive graphics are the icing on the cake.

Payment Options

Getting cash in and out of the betting site is another key focus for our experts. Our readers like to take advantage of the great range of payment methods on offer today, and this should be reflected in the choice at the betting site. Bank cards, e-wallets, prepaid cards, pay by phone bill — the best sites provide at least one choice in every category.

Customer Support

When your money’s on the line, you need to know the betting site has you covered in case something goes wrong. Struggling to cash out? Haven’t been awarded your bonus? Most betting sites offer live chat to resolve issues as soon as possible, and the highest performers in this category offer this service round-the-clock.

Mobile

A basic watermark for us is in whether a US betting site offers a fully functional mobile website, and beyond that we’ll award higher scores to sites that offer native smartphone apps. There’s really no excuse for US bettors to be chained to a desktop whenever they fancy a bet, or a spin on the latest slots, and you can rest assured that every site featured here makes it easy for you to gamble on the go.

Bonus Types Explained

When you sign up at a new gambling site, you’ll almost always be offered a welcome bonus. At the best US betting sites, various promotions for existing customers are also available. Here are some of the top bonus offers available at online casinos, sportsbooks, or both:

Matched Deposits

Matched deposit bonuses are the most common welcome offers at all US betting sites. When you make your deposit, the gambling site will match it to a certain percentage and a set limit. For example: 100% up to $500. Matched deposit bonuses usually come with terms and conditions attached such as playthrough requirements and game or bet restrictions. 

Free Spins

A popular bonus for casino players, free spins bonuses involve a set number of free plays on one or two selected slot games. Usually, there are around 10 spins on offer here, and there are generally terms and conditions attached. This type of bonus is a great way to introduce yourself to a new slot without risking your own funds. 

Free Bets

Sports betting players will occasionally be offered a free bet bonus as part of a welcome promotion or existing customer offer. Usually provided in conjunction with a deposit being made by the player, a free bet of a certain amount is given. There will normally be odds limits on what bets you can make, and winnings will be treated as bonus funds, meaning playthrough requirements may be attached. 

Best Odds Guaranteed

Best odds promotions usually run alongside major sporting events such as the NFL Super Bowl or MLB World Series, or sports like horse racing where ante-post bets are popular. Here, you‘ll be guaranteed that you’ll always be paid out at the best odds on the market you’re betting on, no matter when you placed the bet. Sometimes this is because odds are enhanced as part of the promotion, or they might fluctuate during the event.  

Cashback

Cashback is another promotion that can be offered to both casino and sportsbook players. This is a way to recoup a little of your losses within a set period of time. An example of a cashback promotion is 10% back on all of your losses within a one-week timeframe. 

Risk-Free Bets 

A risk-free bet is a popular welcome bonus at US sportsbook sites. When you sign up, you’ll be offered the chance to make a bet within a set budget and odds limit. If you win this bet, you take home the profit and everyone gets on with their day. However, if you lose, you will be reimbursed for your loss in the form of a free bet bonus, so you get another try.

Payment Methods at US Betting Sites

Safe and secure deposits and withdrawals are vital for players at US betting sites. There’s a wide spectrum of choice and each service has its own pros and cons. Below, we’ve broken down the most popular payment methods for US gamblers along with the benefits and drawbacks. Here are the most popular payment methods for US gamblers:

Debit Cards

• Deposit speed: Instant
• Withdrawal speed: 3–5 business days

The most popular method by far for US players, debit card payments are quick and efficient. When you input your card details, the sports betting site can optionally save them so you can deposit almost instantly. The main drawback is the speed of withdrawals, which usually take around 3–5 business days. On the plus side, debit card deposits are always eligible for bonuses. If you’re a Visa card holder, look out for the Fast Funds service — if it’s supported by the betting site, you could receive your funds within just 30 minutes of requesting a cash out.

Credit Cards

• Deposit speed: Instant
• Withdrawal speed: 3–5 business days

Using a credit card to top up your bankroll is the exact same process as with a debit card, but there are some extra considerations. If you’re playing at an offshore gambling site, there’s a strong chance you won’t be able to use a credit card to make deposits — for example, the UKGC banned credit card transactions in 2020.

US-licensed sites can legally accept credit card payments, but whether they actually will depends on your state’s laws as well as your bank’s policies. We’d also caution our readers to think twice before betting with a credit card. It’s easy to spend more than you can afford to, and gambling can be addictive.

PayPal

• Deposit speed: Instant
• Withdrawal speed: Instant – 24 hours

PayPal is the most popular e-wallet option for US players. If you’re unfamiliar, an e-wallet is a digital wallet where you can store payment methods like cards and bank accounts, and also hold a balance. When you use an e-wallet to deposit or withdraw, it effectively acts as a middleman so players don’t need to share any banking details with the betting site. Withdrawals are also rapid with e-wallets, usually processing within 24 hours after funds are released by a casino or sportsbook. 

So, why choose PayPal over anything else? First, it’s free to sign up. There aren’t generally any fees to use it, unless there’s a currency conversion involved. You’ll benefit from two-factor authentication (2FA) to protect your account, as well as fast withdrawals which could land in your PayPal account within an hour. The main drawback is PayPal is frequently excluded from claiming bonus offers.

Skrill

• Deposit speed: Instant
• Withdrawal speed: Instant – 24 hours

Skrill is another popular e-wallet found at many of the best US betting sites. It functions much like PayPal, sharing benefits like strong security and fast withdrawals. Likewise, it may not be eligible for betting offers so you should check the T&Cs before you deposit.

Another drawback to Skrill is there are some fees. While the service is free to sign up and use, you may have to pay a small charge to withdraw your Skrill balance back to your bank account. 

Neteller

• Deposit speed: Instant
• Withdrawal speed: Instant – 24 hours

Neteller is another e-wallet commonly available to US bettors, delivering quick payouts and safeguarding your bank details from the betting site. 

Along with Skrill, Neteller is owned by the Paysafe Group and is subject to some of the same fees. For example, you could pay up to 3.99% when withdrawing your Neteller balance to a debit card. On the plus side, you have the option of a Net+ Prepaid Mastercard, and there are zero fees on international transfers.

Paysafecard

• Deposit speed: Instant
• Withdrawal speed: Not supported

Paysafecard is a prepaid card you might find at the best US betting sites. The vouchers can be purchased in advance from participating retailers, and the printed 16-digit code can be used to make a deposit. The main reason to use Paysafecard is security: you won’t have to share any bank details with the online betting site. It’s also a great way to keep a close eye on your bankroll as vouchers are only available in denominations from $10 to $100.

A key drawback of Paysafecard is it doesn’t support withdrawals, meaning you’ll have to pair it with another method in order to cash out. It’s sometimes excluded from claiming a bonus too.

AstroPay

• Deposit speed: Instant
• Withdrawal speed: Instant – 24 hours

If you’re looking for the benefits of a prepaid card combined with the functionality of an e-wallet, look no further than AstroPay. Through the app, you can generate virtual prepaid cards which can then be used to make deposits at betting sites. Once you’re ready to cash out, simply request a withdrawal to your AstroPay wallet. You can then transfer the balance to your bank account or use it to top up new virtual cards. This service is rather new so isn’t yet available at that many betting sites.

Cryptocurrencies

• Deposit speed: Instant
• Withdrawal speed: Instant

The rise of cryptocurrency as an alternative payment method has been undeniable in recent years, and the iGaming world has taken notice. At this point, there are still limited online betting sites allowing deposits and withdrawals to be made using the likes of Bitcoin and Ethereum, but there are other options available and we expect more sites to offer crypto payments in the future. Crypto’s main advantage is the anonymity and speed of transactions, but the lack of availability at online betting sites — for the time being at least — is an issue, as is its volatile nature.

Sports Markets at US Betting Sites

US sports are huge around the world, but the biggest audience is right here at home, and betting sites in the US cater to those wanting to bet on the biggest leagues and events in the country. Here are some of the biggest markets for those looking to make moneyline wagers, bet on the spread, or find parlay or prop bet options. 

Football

Dating back to 1869, football stands as the country’s most popular sport today in terms of broadcast viewership. Considered by some to be the most strategically advanced sport in the world, it’s no wonder it’s just as popular when it comes to sports betting, with the savviest bettors looking to make a tidy profit on a well-chosen pick. 

The National Football League is where you’ll find the cream of the crop. A lightning-quick season sees just 17 regular-season games and then single-elimination playoff rounds. Despite this, the NFL has the highest average attendance of any professional sports league in the world, and the Super Bowl is one of the biggest global betting events in the calendar. 

The NFL is another good place for prop bets, with passes thrown, yards run, touchdowns made, and many other options on the table. You’ll find more tips and information on our football betting page.

Basketball

Often chaotic but never short of thrills, basketball sees two teams of five players vie for enough points to take the win when the clock draws to a close. It’s one of the most popular sports in the world, with a huge range of international games to bet on.

The National Basketball Association is the premier men’s league in the world, and here at home, it’s the third wealthiest professional league by revenue. The NBA sees big betting action all year round as games take place in the regular season, with a regular boost of interest around the All-Star Game. 

However, it’s when the NBA playoffs begin that things really get interesting. Thanks to the smaller teams and individual nature of basketball as a sport, prop bets are particularly popular, with bettors placing over/under wagers on Steph Curry’s three-point shooting for a night, or whether CP3 will throw ten assists, for example.

Whether you want to wager on NBA, FIBA, or one of the other many leagues around the world, check out our guide to basketball betting and we’ll help you on your way. 

Ice Hockey

Ice hockey is seen by many as a brutal sport, but those in the know appreciate the artistry of this beautiful game. 

The National Hockey League, or NHL, is considered by most to be the top ranked professional league for ice hockey in the world. In fact, the Stanley Cup trophy, awarded to the playoff champion, is the oldest professional sports trophy in North America. 82 games played per team in the regular season results in more than 1,300 games in a little over half a year. This huge number of matches being played almost every day means parlay bets are a popular choice for NHL fans. 

With a number of other leagues contested across the globe — and not forgetting ice hockey is one of the sports featured in the Winter Olympics — there’s no shortage of betting opportunities. You can find out more information about ice hockey sports betting on our dedicated page.

College Sports

In certain states, bets can only be made on college teams, while others don’t allow college sports betting at all. However, for those states that do allow NCAA betting, some games can be as big as the professional leagues. College football and basketball are particularly popular, but there’s plenty to sink your teeth into here.

March Madness is one of the busiest times of the year, with the likes of Duke, Kentucky, and Gonzaga always tempting people to bet on them to win it all. With competitions for all manner of sports, where do you begin? Whether it’s mainstays like hockey and baseball, or less popular sports like lacrosse, rowing, or track and field, US bettors are spoilt for choice.

Fantasy Sports

Think you’ve got the sporting knowledge and predictive prowess to come out on top? In fantasy sports, you can prove it. You’ll need to choose your team wisely — the number of points you get is based on their performance in real matches. Some leagues run over a full season, but daily fantasy sports has exploded in popularity since its introduction to the US by DraftKings and FanDuel. As of January 2022, DFS is legal in 45 states. 

DFS takes the traditional format of fantasy sports, which was previously a season-long affair, and condenses it into a high-octane daily game. Players draft their fantasy roster of sportsmen and women and fight it out to win big daily prizes.

Mobile Betting

Gaming on the go is a big part of the online gambling world for US players, and all the best American betting sites provide exceptional apps allowing instant access to games, bonuses, and more. 

The top smartphone and tablet apps have easy-to-use interfaces, fingerprint logins, and touchscreen capabilities allowing for simple gameplay. These apps are designed to adapt to fit any screen size, so regardless of the device you’re using, you’ll get a well-designed, immersive gaming experience. 

Long gone are the days when players had limited gaming options on mobile devices. Casino apps offer a wide array of slots, table games, and live dealer options that are similar to those offered to desktop players. For sports betting apps, all the available markets should also be available to smartphone users. 

There are some downsides to betting apps. For one, there’s still a more limited selection of games, especially for casino players. Additionally, betting apps can take up quite a lot of space on your device, and certain payment methods and bonuses may not be available to customers on mobile. 

However, if you consider the upsides — from easy access, to the ability to play from anywhere within a legal gambling state, to the outstanding graphics and animations that casino and sportsbook apps have to offer, to potential mobile exclusive promotions and push notifications letting you know the latest games, odds, and bonuses — there’s definitely more positive than there is negative. 

Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of mobile betting apps:

Apps vs Betting Sites

In several states, you can access an online casino from your smartphone or tablet without downloading an app. This is done by simply accessing the site from your web browser, similar to how you would from a desktop. 

It’s worth noting that you won’t be able to do this in all states, and the browser version of a smartphone betting site will usually lack much of the enhanced usability you can expect from apps. However, if you’re looking to save space on your device and want to avoid downloading an app, this is an excellent way to get the best of both worlds.