We reviewed and tested many of the leading online sportsbooks available to U.S. bettors, focusing on the things that matter most: odds and market depth, welcome offers, payout speed, customer support, app performance, and licensing standards.
Below, you’ll find our current rankings of regulated, real-money sportsbooks in the U.S., along with notes on how we tested each platform and what to consider before choosing a betting app.
How We Tested These Sportsbooks
Our rankings are based on hands-on testing conducted by the ATS.io editorial team as of June 2026.
Where available, we tested sportsbooks in multiple regulated U.S. jurisdictions, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Colorado. Testing focused on real-world bettor experience and included:
- Account registration and identity verification
- Deposits using debit cards, ACH online banking, PayPal, and Venmo (where supported)
- Live betting performance during high-traffic events
- Withdrawal requests across multiple payment methods
- Customer support response times via live chat and email
- Mobile app performance on iOS, Android, and desktop browsers
For payout testing, we submitted multiple withdrawals per sportsbook using different methods to evaluate approval speed and processing time. Results may vary by state, payment provider, and account verification status.
Rankings are updated regularly to reflect platform changes, new features, and regulatory updates.
Top Rated Online Sportsbooks at a Glance
| 🏈 Sportsbook | 🎁 Welcome Bonus | 📍 Legal States | 🏆 Best for… | Who Shouldn’t Use It | ⭐ ATS.io Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇1. FanDuel | Get $350 in Bonus Bets Guaranteed – When You Bet $5 for 7 Days | AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY | Same Game Parlays | Straight bettors | 5.0/5.0 |
| 🥈2. bet365 | Bet $10, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Deposit required. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New Customers only. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. | AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA | Ongoing Promotions | Bettors in a majority of states | 4.8/5.0 |
| 🥉3. DraftKings | Bet $5, Get $100 In Bonus Bets Instantly | AZ, CO, CT, DC, IN, IA, IL, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV or WY | Fast Withdrawals | Those who want large bet amounts for promos | 4.7/5.0 |
| 4. BetMGM | Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Back if your First Bet Does Not Win | AZ, CO, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY | Live Betting | Bettors in a hurry | 4.5/5.0 |
| 5. Caesars | Bet $1, Double Your Winnings 10x | AZ, CO, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NV, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WY, WV | Daily Odds Boosts | Prop bettors | 4.3/5.0 |
| 6. Fanatics | 10 x $100 Bet Match In FanCash | AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY, & DC | Loyalty Rewards | Sharp bettors | 4.2/5.0 |
| 7. BetRivers | Second chance bet up to $500 | AZ, CO, IN, IA, IL, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, WV | Customer Service | Those who want bigger rewards | 4.2/5.0 |
Affiliate Disclosure
ATS.io uses affiliate links. If you sign up through a link on this page, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Rankings are based on hands-on testing and published criteria, and affiliate relationships do not determine placement.Important note: Regulated sportsbooks are licensed by U.S. state gaming authorities and allow real-money betting. Sweepstakes sportsbooks use promotional coins and prize redemptions and are regulated under sweepstakes laws, not sports betting laws.
Top Rated Online Sportsbook Reviews In The US
In this section, you’ll learn more about the 10 best sports betting sites and apps in the U.S. today. Each “mini-review” will share some key info about the sportsbook’s top features, along with its biggest strengths and weaknesses.

1. FanDuel Sportsbook: Best Overall
- 🎁 Welcome Bonus: Get $350 in Bonus Bets Guaranteed – When You Bet $5 for 7 Days
- 🎉 Exclusive Promo Code: Click To Claim
- ⭐ ATS.io Rating: 4.8/5.0
FanDuel is one of the market leaders in U.S. online sports betting, and it makes sense if you’ve ever used the app. It’s fast, easy to navigate, and great for bettors who like to put together Same Game Parlays, which gained most of their popularity from FanDuel’s platform.
With that said, there is no loyalty program at FanDuel, which is a major criticism I can’t ignore. I place a lot of sports bets, and not reaping any benefits for being a frequent customer is the biggest miss on this app, as some players may wish to go elsewhere to get some kind of rewards for placing bets frequently like I do.
Learn more in our full FanDuel Sportsbook review.
Key Features
- YourWay: FanDuel YourWay lets you adjust lines, customize player props, and get instant odds on markets that aren’t available anywhere else.
- Bet Protect: FanDuel Bet Protect provides a 100% refund in bonus bets if the NFL player you bet gets injured in the first quarter.

Pros
- Daily Profit Boosts & Parlay Promos
- Easy-to-Use, Beginner-Friendly Mobile App
- My Spend (for Win/Loss Tracking)
Cons
- No Sportsbook Rewards Program
- Bad Teaser Prices

2. bet365 Sportsbook: Best for Ongoing Promotions
bet365 might surprise some people at No. 2, but it’s quickly growing into one of the top online sportsbooks in the U.S. today. It’s already one of the biggest gambling brands in the world, and it’s starting to become a major player here too.
The real standout feature is its ongoing sportsbook promos: Super Boosts, Early Payout offers, and rotating daily deals make it worth checking every day. Get more info in our full bet365 Sportsbook review.
The unfortunate thing for bet365 is the fact that it is only available in a handful of states at this time. That could always change in the future, but a sportsbook this good should be in as many states as an operator like FanDuel and DraftKings. That is simply not the case at this time. Not having a loyalty program is also a setback, as is the case with FanDuel.
Key Features
- Same Game Parlay+: bet365’s SGP+ feature lets you combine several same-game parlays bets into one.
- Early Payout: bet365’s Early Payout offers automatically grade your bet as a win if the team you’re backing takes a big enough lead.

Pros
- Tons of Player Prop Markets in NBA & NFL
- Great for Live Streaming Games
- 24/7 Live Chat Support
Cons
- No Sportsbook Loyalty Program
- Quick to Limit Winning Bettors

3. DraftKings Sportsbook: Best for Fast Withdrawals
- 🎁 Welcome Bonus: Bet $5, Get $100 In Bonus Bets Instantly
- 🎉 Exclusive Promo Code: Click To Claim
- ⭐ ATS.io Rating: 4.7/5.0
DraftKings sits at No. 3 on our list, though there’s a real case for it being higher. It’s one of the most established sportsbook apps in the U.S., and you can tell the moment you open it why that is the case. It’s easy to find your bets without clicking through a bunch of menus, which is important when prices can change at any moment.
Another thing DraftKings does well is withdrawals. Most of the time, your money hits your account pretty much immediately, and even when it’s not instant, it doesn’t take more than a couple of hours. We break this down (and more) in our full DraftKings Sportsbook review. You can also see our withdrawal testing data below to see more on DraftKings’ strength in payouts.
The biggest negative as far as I’m concerned with DraftKings is the fact that their profit boosts and other daily promos are often restricted to small bet amounts. In my experience, I was limited to promotional bet sizes of around $5, which doesn’t do much to move the needle for any serious bettor.
Key Features
- Dynasty Rewards: Earn tier credits with every wager you place on the DraftKings sports betting app. You can redeem these for extra bonus funds, merch, and other rewards.
- My Stat Sheet: A built-in tool that shows your net wins and losses over time. It’s very helpful for keeping track of all your play.

Pros
- Most Withdrawals Are Instant
- Elite Live Betting Experience
- Daily Profit Boosts & Game of the Week Promos
Cons
- No Real Live Chat Support (Only Chatbots)
- Lots of Juiced Odds in Secondary Markets

4. BetMGM Sportsbook: Best for Live Betting
- 🎁 Welcome Bonus: Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
- 🎉 Exclusive Promo Code: ATSBONUS1500
- ⭐ ATS.io Rating: 4.5/5.0
BetMGM is another top online sportsbook that a lot of people are familiar with. And there’s a lot to like about it. What stands out to me is the live betting experience. BetMGM gives you a lot of in-game wagering options across the major leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL), plus plenty of smaller and international sports. And the app has live streaming built in for select events, so you can watch while you bet.
My biggest criticism of the BetMGM app is that it can take a while to load relative to the other sports betting apps on the market. It can take a while for the login process to take place, or the facial recognition does not result in the app displaying your specific account data on occasion. Once you are in the app successfully, there isn’t much to complain about. But the time spent logging in can lead to bettors missing the best possible odds.
Read our complete BetMGM Sportsbook to learn more.
Key Features
- MGM Rewards: Every time you place a real-money bet, you earn points through the BetMGM Rewards program. You can trade those in for bonus bets, hotel stays, meals, or other rewards at MGM properties around the country.
- Auto Cash Out: BetMGM also lets you choose a number ahead of time where you’d be happy to cash out. If your bet reaches that value during the game, it can automatically cash out for you (no need to watch every second or make the decision on the fly).

Pros
- Plenty of Pre-Built Parlays & Same-Game Parlays
- Competitive Odds
- Great Reputation & Trusted Brand
Cons
- Slow Loading Times on Mobile App
- Limited Ongoing Promotions

5. Caesars Sportsbook: Best for Daily Odds Boosts
- 🎁 Welcome Bonus: Bet $1, Double Your Winnings 10x
- 🎉 Exclusive Promo Code: CLICK TO CLAIM
- ⭐ ATS.io Rating: 4.3/5.0
Caesars Sportsbook is another one of the best online betting sites. And you can feel confident using the platform since it’s backed by Caesars Entertainment, one of the largest casino and hospitality companies in the country. You can earn Caesars Rewards credits that carry over to hotel stays, dining, and more.
Odds boosts also provide some extra value for those who use this app often. Caesars Sportsbook runs a ton of boosts every day, across almost every sport that is in season at the time. You’ll also get “custom” boosts you can apply to any market you want, which adds a lot of flexibility. You can learn more in our full Caesars Sportsbook review.
If you are someone who likes a lot of prop betting markets, you may prefer some of the other apps on this list more than Caesars. This app covers the major player prop markets, but lacks some of the more creative entries that sites like DraftKings concoct over the course of the major sports seasons. I was somewhat disappointing in the prop betting options at this site.
Key Features
- Caesars Rewards: Place wagers at Caesars Sportsbook and earn rewards points. Then, turn them into bonus bets and real-life rewards (hotel stays, dining, VIP experiences) at Caesars properties across the U.S.
- Quick Picks: Caesars Sportsbook has dozens of premade parlays for you every day. You can easily sort through them based on odds (Under +1000, +1000 to +2500, 2500+ to +5000, & Over 5000+).

Pros
- Unique Welcome Offer
- Solid Odds for Teasers
- Integrated with Caesars Racebook (in Eligible States)
Cons
- Fewer Props & Alternate Lines Than Competitors
- Mobile App Layout Could Be Better Organized

6. Fanatics Sportsbook: Best for Loyalty Rewards
- 🎁 Welcome Bonus: 10 x $100 Bet Match In FanCash
- 🎉 Exclusive Promo Code: Click To Claim
- ⭐ ATS.io Rating: 4.2/5.0
Fanatics Sportsbook has been getting more attention lately, and the main reason is FanCash Rewards. Every bet earns you FanCash, win or lose. You can use that credit for bonus bets, or you can put it toward buying fan gear for your favorite team from the Fanatics store. It adds up quietly while you’re betting and ends up being something you can actually use, not just points sitting in an account.
Payouts are pretty quick here as well. The Fanatics sports betting app shows each step of the withdrawal process, so you always know where things stand and when the money should arrive. You can read more in our full Fanatics Sportsbook review.
Fanatics has drawn some criticism for limiting sharp players more quickly than its competitors. This is a practice that prevents any bettor who finds an edge from using this site, which is something you should keep in mind as a possibility if you are a bettor who typically beats the closing line.
Key Features
- Fanatics Fair Play: If you bet on a player prop and the athlete leaves the game early with an injury, you’ll receive a full refund in cash.
- Lightning Bets: In sports like the NFL and NBA, Fanatics Sportsbook’s Lightning Bets let you bet on individual moments in the game (things like the outcome of the next play, drive, possession, or shot).

Pros
- Earn FanCash for Bonus Bets & Merchandise
- Widely Available in the U.S.
- Trusted, Reputable Brand
Cons
- No Desktop Site (Only on Mobile)
- Quick to Limit Winning Bettors

7. BetRivers Sportsbook: Best for Customer Support
- 🎁 Welcome Bonus: Second chance bet up to $500
- 🎉 Exclusive Promo Code: BONUSPLAY
- ⭐ ATS.io Rating: 4.2/5.0
BetRivers is owned and operated by Rush Street Interactive, a Chicago-based company. And it comes in at No. 7 on our list of the top sportsbooks. You’ll find a wide range of betting options and plenty of player props across all the major sports: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, soccer, tennis, golf, all of it.
But my favorite thing is that BetRivers Sportsbook is the No. 1 sports betting app when it comes to customer support. Live chat is available around the clock, and you usually get a real person within a couple of minutes. Read our full BetRivers Sportsbook review for more details.
One issue I had in my use of BetRivers is that their rewards program pales in comparison to other sites. It has a rewards program, which is better than FanDuel can say. But the accumulated rewards credits expire very quickly, making it hard to take full advantage of accumulating them in the first place.
Key Features
- iRush Rewards: Wager real money and earn Bonus Store Points automatically. Redeem these points in the Bonus Store for cruises, concert tickets, sports tickets, and (of course) bonus bets on the apps.
- 1x Wagering Requirements: All sportsbook promos at BetRivers come with just a 1x playthrough requirement. That makes it pretty easy to turn your bonus into real money winnings.

Pros
- Huge Safety Net on Your First Wager
- Daily Profit Boosts & Parlay Promo Offers
- Most Withdrawals Are Instantly Approved
Cons
- Available in Less States Than Competitors
- Limited Withdrawal Options
Online Sportsbooks Ranked By Payout Time
Testing methodology (payouts)
To keep our payout comparisons grounded in real use, I submitted test withdrawals across different methods at each sportsbook during my actual use of each site while in states that allow them to be used legally. This included PayPal, online banking/ACH, and debit cards, depending on state support. All withdrawals were made from fully verified accounts and tracked from submission to approval and completion. This is not just a regurgitation of what you will find on other sites, these are my actual experiences with the payouts at each sportsbook.
Payout speed comparison at U.S. sportsbooks: Our Real Experiences
| Sportsbook | PayPal / E-wallets | Online Banking / ACH | Debit Card | Check by Mail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM | 3 hours | 24 hours | 24 hours | 1 week |
| FanDuel | 4 hours | 18 hours | 24 hours | 1 week |
| DraftKings | 3 hours | 12 hours | 24 hours | 1 week |
| Caesars Sportsbook | 5 hours | 12 hours | 24 hours | 1 week |
| BetRivers | 5 hours | 12 hours | 24 hours | 1 week |
Speed matters when requesting payouts, but flexibility matters just as much. Based on our payout testing, several U.S. sportsbooks consistently process withdrawals quickly across multiple payment methods. BetMGM continues to stand out overall, especially with e-wallets and online banking, while FanDuel and DraftKings offer a strong balance of speed and payout options. Traditional methods like checks and wire transfers are still available at most books, though they naturally take longer than digital payment platforms.
One thing worth noting: payout speed isn’t just about the sportsbook itself. Fully verified accounts, smaller withdrawal amounts, and using e-wallets tend to result in faster processing times across the board. We did not experience any instances of payment delays when conducting our testing, but a lack of account verification could impact that in your own personal use of these sites.
Best Online Sportsbook Bonuses for New Bettors
If you live in a state where sportsbooks are legal and you haven’t signed up with all of the top sports betting apps yet, it’s definitely worth doing.
Why? Because every sportsbook offers a sign-up bonus to new users when they first create a betting account. That means extra value right away, plus a chance to actually try the app, see how it works, and figure out whether it’s one you want to stick with.
I’ve listed and compared all of the best sports betting promos currently available in the table below.
| Sportsbook 🏟️ | Sign Up Bonus 🎁 | Wagering Requirements 🔁 | Days Before Expiration ⏱️ | Minimum Deposit 💰 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | Bet $5, Get $100 In Bonus Bets Instantly | 1x | 7 Days | $5 |
| FanDuel | Get $350 in Bonus Bets Guaranteed – When You Bet $5 for 7 Days | 1x | 7 Days | $5 |
| bet365 | Bet $10, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Deposit required. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New Customers only. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. | 1x | 7 Days | $10 |
| BetMGM | Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Back if your First Bet Does Not Win | 1x | 7 Days | $10 |
| Caesars | Bet $1, Double Your Winnings 10x | 1x | 14 Days | $5 |
| Fanatics | 10 x $100 Bet Match In FanCash | 1x | 7 Days | $10 |
| BetRivers | Second chance bet up to $500 | 1x | 7 Days | $10 |
Types of Sports Betting Promotions
- Bet & Get Offers: Place a small qualifying bet (usually just a few dollars), and the sportsbook gives you bonus bets automatically as a result. Sometimes the bet has to win to trigger the bonus. But other times, it doesn’t matter either way.
- Deposit Matches: Your deposit is matched with bonus funds up to a certain amount. The percentage varies, but a full match (100%) is pretty common.
- No Deposit Bonuses: You get some site credit or bonus funds just for creating a sportsbook account. No deposit required. These aren’t available that often (except at sports betting sites that use a sweepstakes model), but it’s always great when you find one.
- Bet Protection: Your bet comes with a safety net. If it loses, the site refunds you in bonus bets instead of making you take the full loss like you normally would
- Odds Boosts: The sports betting app increases the payout on select bets or parlays (so you get a slightly better return than the standard odds).
How We Rank Online Betting Sites & Apps
You might be wondering why the list in the last section looks the way it does. We talked about some of the things we liked about each one, but what actually makes these online sportsbooks the best of the best?
Well, our team at ATS.io looks at a bunch of different factors when evaluating sports betting sites and apps. These include:
Licensing & Security
We only recommend sports betting sites that are fully licensed and regulated in the states where they operate. That means they’re required to follow strict rules around fairness, player protections, and secure transactions. If it’s not regulated, we don’t recommend it.
Payout Times & Banking Options
Getting paid quickly matters. We look for sportsbooks that process withdrawals fast (ideally within 24 hours) and offer reliable options like PayPal, Venmo, online banking, and debit card withdrawals. We also avoid betting apps that charge unnecessary fees or like to drag their feet on payouts.
Odds Pricing
The difference between winning long-term often comes down to the odds. We prefer sportsbooks that keep the vig (house edge) reasonable on standard markets.
For example, -110 (or better) on both sides of a spread is what we consider fair pricing. If a sports betting app consistently inflates odds, it’ll slide down our rankings.
Betting Markets
We look for online betting sites that don’t just offer the basics. They should have props, live betting markets, futures, parlays, and some depth beyond just the main leagues. More options usually means more ways to find value.
Mobile App & Performance
If the app is slow or hard to use, it doesn’t matter how good everything else is. We prefer sportsbooks with apps that load quickly, are easy to navigate, and hold up well when you’re trying to live bet a game.
Ongoing Bonuses & Promotions
A betting app having a big sign-up bonus is fine (and always appreciated), but we also look at what comes after that. Odds boosts, parlay promo offers, and other regular promos matter more long-term than one big upfront deal.
Customer Support
If something goes wrong, getting an answer shouldn’t feel like fighting a battle. We favor sportsbooks that respond quickly, actually want to help you out, and try to make everything easier for you.
Reputation & Long-Term Trust
Some online sports betting apps have been around for years and have built real trust. Others show up, offer flashy promos, then quietly disappear after a year or so. We weigh consistency, responsible gambling tools, and how each brand treats customers over time.
Full List of the Sportsbooks Reviewed at ATS.io
We try to review as many online betting sites and sportsbook apps as possible. After all, it wouldn’t make much sense to put together a list of the best sportsbooks if we haven’t actually tested everything ourselves. Below is the full list of sportsbook reviews our team at ATS.io has worked through so far:
Where Are Online Sportsbooks Legal in the U.S.?
Here’s the main thing to know about online sportsbooks in the USA: what’s legal for you depends on your state. There isn’t one national or federal rule that covers everybody.
When the Supreme Court overturned PASPA in 2018, the federal ban was removed, and states were more or less told to handle it themselves. And they’ve all handled it a little differently.
Some states moved quickly and approved a bunch of online sports betting sites. Other states only allowed one or two companies to operate, usually because of specific deals or agreements in place.
And there are still states where online sports betting just isn’t legal yet (no mobile apps, no betting from your laptop, nothing).
State-by-State Availability
Check the table below to see what the situation looks like in your home state. I also added some links to our state-by-state guides, so you can see which sportsbooks (or alternatives, if needed) are actually available where you live.
| State | Is Online Sports Betting Legal? |
|---|---|
| Alabama | ❌ No |
| Alaska | ❌ No |
| Arizona | ✅ Yes |
| Arkansas | ✅ Yes |
| California | ❌ No |
| Colorado | ✅ Yes |
| Connecticut | ✅ Yes |
| Delaware | ✅ Yes |
| Florida | ✅ Yes |
| Georgia | ❌ No |
| Hawaii | ❌ No |
| Idaho | ❌ No |
| Illinois | ✅ Yes |
| Indiana | ✅ Yes |
| Iowa | ✅ Yes |
| Kansas | ✅ Yes |
| Kentucky | ✅ Yes |
| Louisiana | ✅ Yes (55/64 parishes) |
| Maine | ✅ Yes |
| Maryland | ✅ Yes |
| Massachusetts | ✅ Yes |
| Michigan | ✅ Yes |
| Minnesota | ❌ No |
| Mississippi | ⚠️ Yes (but only on casino property) |
| Missouri | ✅ Yes |
| Montana | ⚠️ Yes (but only on casino property or licensed retail locations) |
| Nebraska | ❌ No |
| Nevada | ✅ Yes (in-person registration required) |
| New Hampshire | ✅ Yes |
| New Jersey | ✅ Yes |
| New Mexico | ❌ No |
| New York | ✅ Yes |
| North Carolina | ✅ Yes |
| North Dakota | ❌ No |
| Ohio | ✅ Yes |
| Oklahoma | ❌ No |
| Oregon | ✅ Yes |
| Pennsylvania | ✅ Yes |
| Rhode Island | ✅ Yes |
| South Carolina | ❌ No |
| South Dakota | ❌ No |
| Tennessee | ✅ Yes |
| Texas | ❌ No |
| Utah | ❌ No |
| Vermont | ✅ Yes |
| Virginia | ✅ Yes |
| Washington | ⚠️ Yes (but only on casino property) |
| West Virginia | ✅ Yes |
| Wisconsin | ⚠️ Yes (but only on casino property or approved retail locations) |
| Wyoming | ✅ Yes |
| Washington, D.C. | ✅ Yes |
Alternatives to Traditional Online Sports Betting Sites
Let’s say you live in a state where online sportsbooks aren’t legal. Or maybe you’ve already signed up with all the regulated apps in your state and just want somewhere new to place bets. Either way, there are still some options out there.
Here are a few alternatives that people in the U.S. commonly use when they don’t have access to licensed online sports betting platforms:
Social Sportsbooks
Another alternative to regulated betting sites is social sportsbooks (sometimes also called “sweepstakes sportsbooks”). They work a lot like social or sweepstakes casinos, if you’ve seen those before.
Instead of betting real money, you use virtual coins to place your bets. One type of coin is just for fun, and the other (often called “Sweeps Coins”) can be redeemed for cash prizes through a promotional sweepstakes system.
Because of that setup, it’s not classified as “real-money gambling” in most states… though the rules vary and a few states have pushed back on these types of platforms.
If you’re interested, you can check out our full guide to social sportsbooks. We’ve also reviewed several of these apps ourselves, and you’ll find those reviews listed below.
List of Sweepstakes Sportsbooks We’ve Tested & Reviewed
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)
Another option people go with is daily fantasy sports, or DFS, which is considered different from traditional sports betting. In a lot of U.S. states, it’s viewed as a skill game, so it ends up being legal even in places where online sports betting isn’t.
You’ve probably seen or heard of some of the most popular DFS apps already: DraftKings, FanDuel, PrizePicks, Underdog, Sleeper, and so on.
With these, instead of betting on a team to win, you’re picking players and how you think they’ll perform in different stats (points scored in basketball, passing yards in football, things like that).
And if your picks are right, you win real money. Pretty straightforward. If you want to look into it more, we put together a guide to the best DFS sites. It walks through how each app works and what you can expect before getting started.
Sports Prediction Markets & Event Contracts
The last alternative to regulated sportsbooks that we’ll talk about today? Sports prediction markets.
These platforms let you buy and sell event contracts tied to different sports outcomes, like which team will win a game or which player will win the MVP award. There are even markets for non-sports-related events like political elections.
Two of the more popular options in this group right now are Kalshi and Polymarket. Basically, they just give you another way to get action on a game, structured a little differently than a traditional bet.
If you want to see how these sites and apps work in practice, we put together a guide to sports prediction markets that walks through the basics and what to expect.
Responsible Gambling Resources for Sports Bettors
All of the top sports betting sites offer resources to help you gamble responsibly. Look in your account menu for something like “Responsible Gaming” or “Limits” to find the responsible gambling tools available to you:
- Deposit Limits – Set a maximum deposit amount over a designated time period.
- Wager/Loss Limits – Set a maximum amount of money you can bet or lose.
- Time-Out/Cool-Off Periods – Temporarily lock your account for a short period of time.
- Self-Exclusion – Lock your account for an extended period of time.
- Account History Review – Review your results over time.
For additional information and confidential support, you can use any of the following resources (all are 100% free):
- 1-800-GAMBLER (National Problem Gambling Helpline)
- National Council on Problem Gambling
- Gamblers Anonymous
FAQs
In May 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed PASPA, a federal law banning sports betting. Since then, states have been able to decide for themselves whether or not to allow betting on sports. That’s why some states have legal online sportsbooks now and others don’t.
FanDuel is the best sportsbook for anyone who’s new to sports betting. It is easy to navigate around in the app, and it doesn’t feel overwhelming or confusing to place a bet. They also typically have one of the best welcome bonuses for new users, which is a great way to boost your betting bankroll while you’re still learning the ropes.
Yes. You can use the same account for any sportsbook that operates in more than one state… you don’t need to create a new account for each state.
All legal, regulated sportsbooks are required to verify who is using their app. It’s to ensure that you’re old enough to bet and to prevent things like multiple accounts or fraud.
Legal sportsbooks are licensed and regulated by U.S. states, while offshore betting sites are based outside of the U.S. and have no state oversight or guaranteed player protections.
No single sportsbook offers the best odds on every game. Sports betting odds can vary from site to site, so a lot of people like to use multiple apps and compare prices before they wager. That’s called line shopping, and it’s one of the easiest ways to get better value over time.

