With so many online sportsbooks introduced in the United States in recent years, opting for one can be tricky for sports fans.
While they are all unique, they also have many similarities; A situation reminiscent of opting for cereals in the supermarket.
That said, there are several key spaces in which a bookmaker can excel. Sports bettors are looking for full-fledged sports betting sites that go beyond fundamental standards.
Finding a high-quality bookmaker can be time-consuming, which is why we’ve combined this advisor to help you find the right one for you.
Here are a few things you should do when opting for a sportsbook to get the most out of your sports betting experience.
Before you explore online bookmakers in the United States, here are some tips on how to start your variety process.
Before signing up for a sports site, it’s vital to know how seriously you’ll take sports and what you need to get out of them.
If you’re a more casual sports bettor and plan to bet occasionally, features like rewards programs, existing visitor promotions, and visitor service may not matter as much. However, if you plan to bet more frequently, those features are more important. .
You should also ensure that the sports betting site offers a smart variety of bet types and betting markets, competitive odds compared to other sports betting sites, and an intuitive interface that makes locating and placing bets quick and easy. Have fast and convenient deposit and withdrawal methods.
If you plan to spend a lot of time at a sports site, having a stylish and rewarding experience is a must. Not only will it save you a lot of time in the long run, but it can also save you money.
Online sports are legal in most states, but not all. The first step is to check to see if your state allows sportsArray, as some states haven’t legalized it yet or only allow it in person.
If so, the next step is to see which online sportsbooks work in your state. While larger sportsbooks like FanDuel and DraftKings are available in most states that are legal for sports betting, some sportsbooks are only available in certain states.
Obviously, being in a state where only a handful of sportsbooks are legal makes selection less difficult than if you were in a state with more than a dozen sportsbooks.
Also, make sure you are of legal age to bet on sports. The age limit is 21 in most states, but in some states it is 18.
Before states began legalizing online sports betting, sports bettors turned to illegal offshore sports betting sites to place their bets. This is no longer mandatory now that sports betting is legal in many states.
All legal bookmakers in the United States are regulated and must meet certain criteria in order to operate. They are required to pay out their winnings and have strict security measures in place to protect their private and financial information.
Many foreign bookmakers are not subject to the same supervision and are not subject to the same laws, making them less trustworthy and trustworthy. If you win cash on an illegal online sports site, you have no guarantee of getting your winnings, and it will possibly take much longer to get your payout, if anything.
If you are a victim of fraud or theft at an offshore sports betting site, there is usually not much you can do because those sports betting sites operate outside of the U. S. jurisdiction. U. S.
Using sports betting abroad is risky, and it can simply charge you money. Legal and regulated U. S. sportsbooksThe U. S. is much safer and offers safeguards to its customers.
In addition to having websites, many online sports sites also offer mobile applications. Before opting for a sportsbook, make sure they have an app for their operating formula (iOS or Android) on the App Store or Google Play Store.
Once you’ve downloaded the app, try it to see how you feel. Each sports app has a different interface, features, design, and load times, so make sure it’s comfortable and easy to use. You don’t need a clunky, slow, or problematic application.
You can access a bookmaker through your desktop or mobile browser, but the user experience may not be as straightforward.
One of the most important things when comparing online sports betting is the sign-up bonus. Most bookmakers provide welcome offers to entice new consumers to sign up, and they regularly offer bonus bets or second chance bets if you lose your first bet.
It is imperative to know the difference between those offers, what they mean, and the terms related to them.
An example is a bookmaker that offers you $200 in bonus bets for a $5 bet. In this case, the bookmaker is necessarily giving you $200 in loose credits on the site for just $5.
However, many bookmakers offer a promotion that gives you a bonus bet if you lose your first bet. For example, if you bet $100 with your first bet and lose, the bookmaker will possibly offer you a $100 bonus bet so you can pay to get your cash back.
One offer isn’t necessarily better than another, but it depends on your goal. If you need to place other bets and explore sports betting, it’s often best to ask for a “bet and get” offer with bonus bets. If you’re just looking to sign up to be able to bet on one game (i. e. the Super Bowl) but don’t plan on placing much sports betting in the future, a momentary chance bet will usually suffice.
Beyond the welcome they offer, it’s also vital to compare the promotions and rewards that bookmakers offer to existing users. One bookmaker would possibly be offering odds boosts that can only be discovered on their site, while others would possibly be offering their consumers bonus bets and referral bonuses.
Some sports betting sites offer strong praise systems that offer users problems or bonus bets for each bet placed, while other sports betting sites do not have any kind of praise system at all.
Again, it depends on how you plan to bet. If you bet frequently, it’s more important to locate a bookmaker with daily promotions and a strong loyalty program.
Odds vary between bookmakers, so it’s vital to make sure you’re getting competitive odds on your bets.
Think about both odds and prices. If you can get a gallon of gas for $3. 10 at Station A or $3. 20 at Station B, it’s best to get it at Station A.
The odds are presented in the same way. Suppose you need to place a cash line bet on the Dallas Cowboys. If a bookmaker has odds of -200 to win and the bookmaker has odds of -220 to win, you will make more money with the first bookmaker.
The differences are minimal, but they increase in the long run, especially if you bet on longer units.
A sports betting site will never offer the most productive odds for each and every sporting event (otherwise, it wouldn’t be as profitable), however, it’s worth buying food to get the most productive value on an occasion when you need to bet. . It takes a bit of time, but it’s worth it.
While pre-match odds are easy to compare, it’s also worth looking at how they differ in other markets, such as live betting, prop betting, and parlays. Some bookmakers offer more favorable odds in certain areas, especially in live markets. where the odds are shifting.
Another area where sports differ is the games and the types of bets they offer.
While most bookmakers offer popular betting markets (moneyline, spreads, totals, etc. ) on major US sports, they are not available in the U. S. In the U. S. , there are a few spaces where sports betting can stand out. One is that of side bets, particularly side bets on players. Bookmakers offer a probably infinite diversity of support bets for each game, while others offer more limited selections.
Another domain is niche markets and foreign games. Some sports sites offer a much wider variety of foreign sports to bet on, from foreign football matches to darts, billiards, rugby, and much more.
If you’re a serious bettor or a fan of a league tie, you’ll want to make sure that your selection’s bookmaker offers odds for your game.
Most online sports betting sites have some sort of visitor service and have multiple tactics for contacting them, whether it’s by phone, email, or online chat.
You never know when a challenge or query might arise, so ideally the bookmaker should have a 24/7 option in case you want it on the weekends or if you are late at night. Some sports betting sites are known for being more responsive and available. while others don’t offer much more than FAQs and pre-written guides.
You can check a bookmaker’s visitor service by emailing/chatting or calling them to see how long it takes them to respond.
A bookmaker has a variety of strategies for depositing and withdrawing the flight budget from your account.
These features can vary by state, as some states don’t allow credit cards for sports betting, for example. However, it will be simple to link your bank account, card information, or virtual wallet like PayPal or Venmo for quick transactions.
Regulated sportsbooks in the U. S. The U. S. uses this data with strict security measures, so you don’t have to worry about your account data being hacked or stolen.
You’ll also want a bookmaker that processes invoices and withdrawals quickly. If you make a deposit, you will be able to use your budget almost immediately. Withdrawals usually take a little longer, but they arrive in your account within 1-3 business days. .
Most bookmakers offer features and processing speeds in this regard, although some take longer than others.
Although there are many legal online sports betting sites in the United States, DraftKings and FanDuel are the most popular in terms of market share. Not only are they well-known and established brands with strong marketing campaigns, but they have also created a giant visitor base. through fantasy sports for years before sports betting became legal.
DraftKings and FanDuel are also the most widely available and operate in more states than their competitors.
BetMGM and Caesars are also solid brands that offer high-quality sports betting, although they are not as popular as DraftKings and FanDuel. Bet365 is founded and has over 90 million consumers worldwide, but continues to build its presence in the United States.
Meanwhile, bookmakers like Fanatics, ClutchBet, and ESPN BET, which debuted more recently, still have a long way to go to catch up.
As major rivals and competitors, FanDuel and DraftKings are very similar. You may not find many major differences in their odds, promotions, betting markets, and visitor service.
Two areas where they differ are their design and their rewards program. FanDuel’s interface is sleek, modern, intuitive, and easy to use; Many are committed to being one of the most productive in the business.
DraftKings’ interface is rarely too bad, but it does seem more dated than FanDuel’s, which makes it a bit more difficult to locate the bets you’re looking for.
On the contrary, DraftKings has merit with its bounty program. FanDuel doesn’t have a loyalty program, so punters don’t get anything through it. DraftKings, on the other hand, offers themes for betting that can then be converted into bonus bets, DraftKings products, or other rewards.
In other words, FanDuel offers a smoother experience, but DraftKings is more rewarding.
As stated above, a sports betting site will never have the most productive odds for each and every sport, or it would not be as successful as its competitors.
However, the odds differ depending on the bookmaker. The differences are minimal, as if one team is the favorite with a moneyline of -150 in one place and -160 in another. You’ll never see a team indexed as a transparent favorite on one site and a big loser on another.
The key is to see which bookmaker offers the odds for the quick bet you need to make. Sometimes the odds will be exactly the same, but other times there will be small differences that you can take advantage of.
Ultimately, it’s up to the sports bettor to locate the odds, as a bookmaker won’t offer you the odds on everything.
Many welcome offers are comparable, so it’s tricky for a bookmaker to have the best one. Also, bookmakers replace their sign-up bonuses, so a welcome offer probably won’t last long.
As mentioned above, it’s also vital to note the difference between be’s offerings. Just because a BE offer has a higher financial price doesn’t mean it’s better.
For example, a bookmaker may offer you a bonus bet of up to $1500 if you lose your first bet. However, if you win your first bet, you won’t get a bonus.
On the other hand, some bookmakers offer a smaller amount in guaranteed bonus bets. The bonus could be smaller ($100 or $200), but guaranteed to be obtained regardless of the final results of your first bet.
Since guaranteed bonus bets necessarily involve cash to play with, those types of offers are higher unless you plan to bet a lot of money on a single bet.
In terms of rewards, Fanatics is the most productive thanks to its unique FanCash program.
Fanatics offers bettors a percentage of the bet on FanCash depending on the type of bet:
The more you bet, the more FanCash you accumulate.
You can withdraw FanCash whenever you need and withdraw all or just a part. You have two features with your FanCash, as you can convert it into bonus bets to use at sportsbooks or exchange it for credits on the Fanatics retail site, where you can use it to buy merchandise or clothing from your favorite team.
FanCash doesn’t expire, so you can save up for a big bonus bet or a big acquisition like a t-shirt. Either way, the flexibility of the program is a plus.
Here’s a look at the most productive online sportsbooks available to US bettors. U. S. :
If you’re into sports or fantasy sports, you’ve probably heard of DraftKings Sportsbook. It is one of the first sports sites in the U. S. to be held in the U. S. The U. S. sports site is one of the two largest sports sites in the country in terms of market share, along with FanDuel. It is also a leading player in the DFS space.
DraftKings offers odds boosts, a counterfeit rewards program, and a sign-up bonus for new customers. It also has a Parlay Builder tool that makes it simple to create parlays.
The markets and types of bets at DraftKings are also extensive. DraftKings is known for offering one of the widest options for prop betting and futures betting on the market.
In short, DraftKings has everything you expect from a bookmaker.
FanDuel Sportsbook rivals DraftKings as one of the largest and most well-known brands when it comes to sports and DFS.
Although the two apps have many similarities, FanDuel gets top marks for its sleek and intuitive design that makes locating bets quick and easy.
FanDuel has tons of betting markets, but it never feels overwhelming. It also offers a sign-up offer for new visitors, odds boosts, and a top-notch visitor service. The only thing missing is a rewards program.
Caesars Sportsbook is one of the most productive sports betting apps for a number of reasons, but what stands out is the increased odds. Caesars has the best in the industry, delivering dozens of improvements in a variety of sports every day. .
Beyond that, Caesars also offers a wide diversity of regular markets. It also offers a sign-up promotion for new consumers and a “FireBets” feature that makes life easier.
Caesars also offers a generous rewards program. In addition to earning betting broadcasts that can then be used for bonus bets, you can also participate to win trips to Caesars resorts and casinos.
BetMGM Sportsbook is helping to raise the bar for sports sites.
BetMGM has an exciting welcome offer and rewards consumers with odds boosts and an MGM rewards program where users have the chance to win VIP trips to MGM homes across the country.
BetMGM has reliable support for visitors, many markets, and a modern and easy-to-navigate interface. In other words, it ticks all the boxes.
Fanatics is one of the latest bookmakers on the market, introduced in 2023 after merging with PointsBet.
As mentioned earlier, Fanatics offers the industry’s loyalty program with its FanCash rewards.
It also offers a great experience by tailoring the homepage to your history, making it easier to locate the sports and types of bets you like to bet on.
Fanatics also has a modern interface, odds boosts, and many betting markets, making it a wonderful addition to the sports betting landscape.
Based in the United Kingdom, Bet365 is one of the most popular sports sites in the world with a maximum of one hundred million users and has also expanded to the United States.
Bet365 is ideal for new users as it allows them to choose between two welcome offers. There are also many foreign markets and specialty sports that are not found on U. S. sports betting sites. U. S.
While not as common as the other bookmakers on this list, Bet365 is a wonderful option if you can access it.
ClutchBet Sportsbook, one of the latest bookmakers on the market, debuted in Iowa in 2022 and has since expanded to several states.
While it has yet to catch up in terms of popularity and market share, ClutchBet is a significant addition to the market with its blank design, vast markets, competitive odds, and counterfeit promotions.
ClutchBet is only available in a few states, but it’s worth checking if you can access it.
BetRivers has a smaller appearance than larger bookmakers, making it more manageable and less difficult for new users to navigate.
It also has a more local flavor with a welcome offer that varies by state and increases odds on local sports teams.
BetRivers may not have many features, but it covers the basics and is a solid option.
ESPN BET, a sportsbook introduced in November 2023, was renamed Barstool Sportsbook. It has a modern app with many wonderful features, which adds a wonderful welcome offer, exclusive odds boosts, and common promotions.
With ties to ESPN personalities, competitive odds, and a clever variety of markets, ESPN BET is a high-quality sportsbook.
We took the time to analyze and study many sportsbooks, narrowing down a list of the most productive in the industry. These ratings can help you determine which ones you should check first.
Our ratings are based on scores in the following categories:
Below, we’ll detail each category and why it’s vital to your sports betting experience.
A quick and easy way to get a sense of how smart a bookmaker is is to compare user reviews on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android). Since the scores exceed five stars, a reputable bookmaker with an average rating of at least 4 stars is regularly needed.
You can also check out users’ quick reviews to get an idea of what other people are saying about the app and if there are any recurring cases or court issues. This can be useful for functions that are difficult to compare until you use the app, such as heist or visitor service.
Many commenters are there to complain, so don’t put too much emphasis on express criticism.
That said, if you notice any common themes in the comments, take them as a warning about any issues you have with the app.
Every state handles sports differently. Some states allow sportsArray in-person and on mobile, while others would only allow in-person sports or impose a strict limit on the amount of mobile sports betting allowed.
As a result, sports betting varies by state, as both states will have to approve a sports bet before it can be introduced there. There are no sportsbooks in one or both states that offer legal online sports betting, however, some have been introduced in most of them.
Generally speaking, the more states a bookmaker can have, the better. This means you’re more likely to have it in your state, in a neighboring state, or in a state you’re likely to go to, making it less difficult and more convenient to use. This way, you’ll be able to take your bookmaker with you instead of having to sign up for a new one every time you leave your state.
While small “local” bookmakers provide profit boosts and other bonuses based on local teams, they can typically only be obtained in a handful of states at most, and they offer limited availability.
How much cash will a bookmaker give you for signing up?
Most bookmakers offer welcome offers to attract new customers, but it’s vital to know how they work. Just because an offer is related to a higher amount doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better.
Some sports sites offer “bet and get” promotions where you get bonus bets (site credit) just for wagering a small amount of cash. For example, you can get $200 in bonus bets just by placing a $5 bet. Get loose money to bet on.
Other sports sites offer “hassle-free” offers that offer a bonus bet only if you lose your first bet.
For example, if you place a $20 bet after signing up and lose, you will get a $20 bonus bet that will be refunded.
These offers tend to impress punters with larger amounts than “bet and get” promotions, going as high as $1,000 or $1,500. However, you’ll only get a bonus bet if you lose your first bet, in which case you’ll want to use the bonus bet you need to place to get your coins back. If your bet wins, you will get your winnings in coins as a general bet, but you won’t get any bonuses.
As a result, “effortless” offers aren’t as smart as “bet and get” promotions.
When comparing sports betting, the most productive thing to do is to opt for welcome offers with guaranteed bonuses that give you credits on their site no matter what.
The length of the bonus offered may not matter if it is difficult to claim.
The most productive sports bonus offers are as undeniable to claim as they are generous, being undeniable and straightforward without the need to overcome any obstacles.
The most productive bonuses are guaranteed and arrive immediately in your account as soon as you place your first bet. They will also be easy to meet and possibly won’t require you to tick boxes to get your bonus.
Some sports betting bonus offers require you to place bets or wait days or weeks to release your full bonus. This can be inconvenient, especially if you’re looking to get your full bonus before a major sporting event like the Super Bowl or March Madness.
More complex donations can be complicated, so we prefer simplified donations with fewer requirements.
If you bet and plan to use a sports betting site frequently, a counterfeit rewards program is essential.
Loyalty systems differ depending on sports betting. Some offer you praise for the bet, which can then be turned into bonus bets or other praise. Others offer high praise, such as free rides, hotel stays, tickets to sporting events, and more. .
On the other hand, some bookmakers do not offer any rewards. This may not be a big deal for casual bettors, but it can make all the difference for ordinary sports bettors.
It’s like paying for anything with money that isn’t a credit card. If you place a bet on a site without a loyalty program, you will lose trouble elsewhere.
While major sports such as football or basketball can only be enjoyed through classic cable or streaming services, some bookmakers offer the option to stream smaller sports on the app, which is a credit to bettors.
For example, the FanDuel app streams tennis matches, making it less difficult to follow the action and place the bets live.
Beyond live streaming, we also consider the duration of the stream, the amount of battery used, and the number of occasions available to stream on the app.
Most bookmakers offer some form of welcome and offer to attract new customers, but what they differ from is their promotions for existing customers.
Some bookmakers offer a multitude of daily promotions, such as odds boosts, hassle-free bets, bonus bets, and much more to keep consumers coming back every day. Others offer them only in moderation or none at all.
A key promotion for existing users is the referral bonus. Many sportsbooks offer some type of referral bonus to entice someone else to sign up, but the amount can vary ($50 per child, $100, $200, etc. ). If you are making plans to bet with friends or family, this can be a wonderful way to get bonus bets for you and them.
Similar to a rewards program, if you plan to gamble regularly, look for a sportsbook with common offers for existing customers.
Strong guest service features are a must for any sports betting site, since most disputes or appeals involve someone’s money.
High marks were given to all bookmakers that provide 24/7 visitor service (after all, sporting events end in the evening), while problems were deduced if a bookmaker relied on an FAQ page as a key component of its visitor service profile. If you touch on visitor service (email, chat, phone, etc. ), all the better.
Customer support is a must to ensure an elegant experience in sports betting. If a challenge arises, it’s vital to solve it temporarily and efficiently.
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