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. 

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.

Competitive Odds

For many, betting is really only worthwhile if the odds reflect the wager’s fair value. We’re therefore only interested in reviewing and recommending sportsbooks that offer the most competitive odds, ensuring that the incentive to place a bet is established in the first place. 

The best US betting sites will offer promotions such as odds boosts, where the sportsbook artificially inflates the odds of a specific event in an effort to encourage a higher frequency of bets. These types of promos are prominent in the build-up to a major sporting fixture, such as the Super Bowl or World Series, and will generate greater potential returns on standard betting predictions.

We also like to see ongoing offers of best odds guaranteed on sports such as horse racing and Formula 1. This promotion locks in your pre-race selection at the best possible odds, regardless of when you decided to put your money on the line. So, if you’ve picked Charles Leclerc to win the US Grand Prix at +300, and the betting odds rise to +400 five minutes before the race, your bet slip will take on the more favorable odds.

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 – let’s take a look at some of the top bonus offers available at sportsbooks:

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 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.

How to Claim a Bonus at US Betting Sites

For the majority of our readers, the primary purpose of the Compare.bet site is to connect them to the best bonuses at the top US betting sites. No matter which sports or betting types you favor, here’s a quick step-by-step guide to finding the right bonus offer for you. 

1. Compare the offers and sportsbooks on this page
   Venturing out into the world of online sports betting can be a little overwhelming, particularly now that the US market has officially taken off. Our expert guides and reviews aim to simplify things for you, collating only the best sportsbooks and bonuses into one place and making it easy for you to compare offers. All you need to do is pick one that suits your interests. 
2. Click through and sign up
   Once you’ve made your selection, you can head straight to the sportsbook’s registration page by clicking on our links. The sign-up process begins with you submitting some personal information, before completing any know your customer (KYC) checks set out by the betting site. This process is simple but can take up to 24 hours to complete, and may require you to upload recent proof of address and proof of identity. 
3. Make your first deposit, in line with the bonus T&Cs
   Only when KYC checks are finished will you be able to make your first deposit. There are a few things to be careful of here: first, whether you’re depositing with a payment method that qualifies you for the bonus offer; second, whether you’re in line with the minimum deposit requirement; and third, whether or not the bonus is unlocked by a promo code or opting in. The terms and conditions will affect the bonus in other ways beyond the deposit, so make sure you read them in full before you commit. 
4. Enjoy your bonus
   Your welcome bonus can come in many different forms: matched deposits, free bets, no sweat first bets, and more. It’s up to you how you want to use it. 

How to Deposit and Withdraw at US Betting Sites

At the best US betting sites, you’ll have lots of choice in terms of both deposit and withdrawal options. Each of the payment methods available will offer something different, but how you approach the depositing and withdrawal process remains largely the same for all of  them. Let’s start with deposits:

1. Check out the betting site’s cashier page
   You’ll want to make sure your payment method of choice is available before you sign-up — information that can be found easily on-site. 
2. Sign up and complete KYC checks
   If you’re satisfied with the payment method menu, sign up to the sportsbook and complete the necessary KYC checks — only when this is done will you be able to make a deposit. 
3. Make your first deposit
   When the checks are complete, you can head over to the cashier page, pick your preferred payment method, and transfer funds to your new sportsbook account. Keep in mind things such as minimum deposits, promo codes, and whether or not you need to opt in to receive a bonus offer. 
4. Enjoy your funds
   Almost all US betting sites process deposits in an instant, so your funds will be available as soon as you’ve hit the confirm button. You’ll then be able to place your first bet. 

For withdrawals, the process is much the same:

1. Head to the cashier page
   In exactly the same way you would if you were making a deposit, requesting a withdrawal starts with a trip to the cashier page. 
2. Select your withdrawal method
   Some sportsbooks only allow customers to withdraw to the same method with which they’ve deposited; in any case, it makes sense to do so, because it will reduce the withdrawal time. Key in the amount you’d like to withdraw and hit confirm. 
3. Wait for processing 
   The amount of time you’ll have to wait for a withdrawal depends on two things: first, how long it takes for the betting site to process the request; second, which payment method you use. Withdrawals are slower than deposits at any betting platform, but some modern payment methods like e-wallets are able to process withdrawals within the same day. Other options such as bank cards tend to take longer. 
4. Enjoy your funds
   When processing is complete, the amount will appear in your betting account.

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.

Soccer

With a World Cup returning to North America in 2026, a genuine excitement around the talent within the men’s side, and the best women’s team in the world, soccer in the US continues to grow.

This growth will be reflected in the soccer markets available at the best US betting sites, which covers the MLS, NWSL, and other less prestigious competitions here at home. Further afield, market coverage of all the biggest competitions from Europe and South America will be vast, with many sportsbooks accepting bets on matches in dozens of football-playing nations.

In-play and parlay betting is particularly popular with soccer fans, especially when game days frequently involve so many teams kicking off at the same time. 

Horse Racing

Placing bets on horses has been a pastime in the US for centuries. Despite gambling on horse racing events being illegal at the time, there were said to be over 300 race tracks across the US at the end of the 19th century. It’s a sport that continues to flourish in the states, with the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes representing some of the biggest events in the global horse racing calendar.

Of course, the top horse racing betting sites provide great coverage of these races and smaller ones here at home, as well as other major events from around the world. Look out for odds boosts in the build-up to any significant races, and if horse racing is your betting sport, make sure you pick a sportsbook that offers best odds guaranteed. 

Golf

The furore surrounding the establishment of the LIV Golf League has fractured the sport, and in turn has created a betting market with fascinating side plots and controversies. Opposition to the players that have joined the Saudi-backed division is loud, but will it make a difference to performances out on the course?

The US has always been blessed with great golfers: 12 of the world’s top 20 men’s players are American, with Scottie Scheffler, Patrick Cantlay, Xander Schauffele, Will Zalatoris, Justin Thomas and Collin Morikawa all currently inside the top 10. You can track their progress and others’ at the three major tournaments in the US: the Masters at Augusta, the US Open, and the PGA Championship. The sport’s only other major event is the British Open, which usually takes place at St Andrews in Scotland.

Again, best odds guaranteed on any pre-tournament golf selection is regularly available at the best US betting sites. Sportsbook bonuses also ramp up around the time of the Ryder Cup — a biannual competition that pits selected players from the US against the best from Europe. 

Tennis

It’s a fascinating time to be a tennis fan, as the vacuum left by the sport’s three greatest ever players — Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic — provides an opportunity for the establishment of a new world order. That is presuming that Nadal and Djokovic eventually hang up their racquets of course. 

US betting sites get pretty excited in the build-up to the sport’s four major tournaments: the US Open in New York, the French Open in Paris, the Australian Open in Melbourne, and Wimbledon in London. You’ll come across plenty of bonuses and promotions during these events, but the best sportsbooks go much deeper than the biggest competitions, offering markets on smaller matches and tournaments too. 

With tennis’s enduring popularity across the globe, you can more or less always guarantee that a match is taking place somewhere. This makes tennis another popular sport for in-play bettors.

Types of Bets

One of the great things about sports betting is its dynamism. At an online casino, the rules of play are clearly defined according to the game you’re playing, but at a sportsbook, you make your own rules. The types of wagers you’re able to place means that no two bet slips ever need to look the same — here are some of the most common sports bets. 

Moneyline Bets

A moneyline wager is sports betting in its simplest form: picking the winner of the game. In an NHL game for example, both teams will have odds set in relation to the moneyline, with $100 used as a standard betting unit. The favorite will have a – in front of their odds, while the underdog will have a +. 

Let’s say the Jets (-150) are facing the Coyotes (+150). To win $100 on a Jets victory, you’d need to wager $150; to win $100 on a Coyotes win, you’d need to wager $100. Where a draw is a possible result, the moneyline will cover this third option too. 

Futures

As the name suggests, futures look beyond the outcome of a single match. These bets typically focus on season-long achievements, such as whether the Astros will defend their World Series crown. 

Prop Bets

Short for proposition bets, these are wagers placed on the details within a game. For example, you might place a prop bet on Lamar Jackson to throw four touchdowns in the Ravens game. 

Parlay Bets

Parlay bets combine the odds of multiple wagers into one bet slip. Each individual selection must come through if bettors are to win a parlay, but since the odds are multiplied together, potential winnings can rack up very quickly. 

Spread Betting

Spread betting rewards bets that come in comfortably and punishes those that lose by a distance. For example, let’s say you’ve placed $10 on Giannis to score 35 points against the Lakers; you’ll win an additional $10 for every point he scores beyond 35, and lose an additional $10 for the opposite. 

Totals

In this market, you’re making a prediction on a combined total in the match — whether that’s points, touchdowns, cards, or whatever else it may be. Totals is also known as the over/under market. 

Mobile Betting

Nowadays, gambling on the go is hugely important, and all the best American betting sites provide exceptional apps allowing instant access to sports betting markets, bonuses, and more. 

The top smartphone and tablet apps have easy-to-use interfaces, fingerprint logins, and touchscreen capabilities allowing for easy accessibility. 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 and varied gambling experience. For sports betting apps, all the usual 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. 

Pros and Cons for Mobile Betting

If you’re not sure about whether mobile betting in your browser is for you, here are some of the pros and cons. 

Pros and Cons of Mobile Betting Apps

Similarly, if you’re unsure about downloading a specific mobile gambling app, perhaps our list will help you make a decision. 

Apps vs Betting Sites

In several states, you can access an online sportsbook 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.