Us Based Sports Betting Sites

Only a few years ago legal online sports betting became available to sports fans in the US, which ushered in a new era of sports betting and a number of successful sportsbook sites.

The Supreme Court of the United States overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), a federal mandate that outlawed sports betting.

The overturn of PASPA gave states the green light to offer legal sports betting. Individual states can now pass their own legislation and allow both retail and online sports wagering within their state.

Secured US Sports Betting. To offer you complete peace of mind, all the sports betting sites that we recommend for Americans are licensed and legal. This means you can enjoy fair odds and wager in an. Online betting is the best option and SportsInsider.com has made it easier for you to bet at the best US facing sportsbook – BetOnline.ag For US sports betting, there’s a reason that the top Internet based betting sites still dominate the American marketplace. Our rankings of the top sports betting sites for the USA are based on a long list of factors that will impact your overall online sports gambling experience. We consider every aspect that truly matters when betting on sports online for real money. Some of the factors are important for all types of online gambling sites.

Several US states introduced legal online sports betting in the wake of the fall of PASPA. In states like Pennsylvania and New Jersey, online sports betting accounts for more than 80 percent of all statewide sports betting revenue. More than a dozen states offer legal online sports betting, with more to come.

Best Online Sportsbooks

Online SportsbookStates OperatingBonus Offers
DraftKings SportsbookNew Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New Hampshire, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Colorado, Tennessee, Michigan, Virginia20% Deposit Match Bonus up to $1000
FanDuel SportsbookNew Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Colorado, Tennessee, Michigan, Virginia$1000 Risk-Free Bet
BetRiversNew Jersey (as SugarHouse Sportsbook), Pennsylvania, Illinois, Indiana, Colorado, Iowa, Michigan, Virginia100% Deposit Match Bonus (up to $250)
BetMGMColorado, Indiana, Iowa, Nevada, New Jersey, Tennessee, West Virginia, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Virginia$600 Risk Free Bet
PointsBetNew Jersey, Indiana, Iowa, Illinois, Colorado, Michigan$2000 in 2 Risk-Free Bets

States With Legal Online Sportsbooks

Colorado

May 1, 2020, marked the beginning of a new era of sports betting in Colorado. The first wave of the state’s legal online sportsbooks launched that day, with four different mobile platforms debuting.

DraftKings Sportsbook, FanDuel Sportsbook, BetRivers, and BetMGM all began operations on the May 1 launch date. BetMonarch and FoxBet joined the fray later in May. Four more sportsbooks launched in June and July including SBK Sportsbook, Sky Ute Sportsbook, Circa Sports, and BetWildwood.

These already-operating platforms are just the beginning of the emerging Colorado market. As many as 20 or more different online sportsbooks could operate in the Centennial State eventually. Even with the challenging sports environment, Colorado sportsbooks took in $38million in wagers in June 2020.

Learn more about Colorado Online Sports Betting.

Illinois

Retail and mobile sports wagering were legalized in Illinois in June 2019. Online sportsbooks launched in June 2020 starting with BetRivers. William Hill launched in Illinois on August 3, and DraftKings Sportsbook launched in Illinois on August 5 as a partner of Casino Queen out of East St. Louis. During the last week of August, FanDuel launched as a partner of Par-A-Dice Casino in Peoria, Illinois. On September 12, Pointsbet Illinois launched as a partner of Hawthorne Race Course.

See our guide to Online Gambling In Illinois.

Indiana

Indiana lawmakers signed legal online sports betting into law in May 2019. State-regulated mobile sportsbooks started to launch in the Hoosier State in October 2019.

Online sportsbooks available to Indiana bettors include BetRivers, BetMGM, BetAmerica, and PointsBet. Like most other US states, these brands operate as license partners of Indiana’s retail casinos.

Several other brands are already approved by the Indiana Gaming Commission, and will eventually join the state’s mobile sports betting market.

See our full guide to Online Sports Betting In Indiana.

Iowa

Iowa joined the list of US states to offer legal online sports betting in May 2019. Governor Kim Reynolds signed bill SF617, which legalized both retail and online sports betting in the Hawkeye State.

Both land-based and online sportsbook launched at the same time in Iowa, with legal sports betting going live in Iowa on August 15, 2019.

The Iowa mobile sportsbook betting market includes a couple of brands not seen in other states. Q Sportsbook and Elite Sportsbook join well-known brands like PointsBet and DraftKings Sportsbook as legal sports betting options in Iowa.

See our full guide to Online Gambling In Iowa and our Iowa Sports Betting Guide.

Michigan

Michigan approved legal online sports betting in December 2019. State-regulated mobile sportsbooks launched in January 2021.

Sportsbooks operate in partnership with Michigan’s land-based tribal and commercial casinos. BetRivers, William Hill, FanDuel, BetMGM, PointsBet, DraftKings, and Golden Nugget are among the first wave of mobile sportsbooks going live in the Wolverine State.

PointsBet also announced a partnership with the Detroit Tigers, the first MLB relationship of its kind. Since then, several other Michigan sportsbooks announced partners with Detroit teams.

FireKeepers launched its retail sportsbook in Michigan in 2020, making it the first tribal casino in Michigan to operate its own sportsbook.

Keep up-to-date on developments in our Michigan Online Sports Betting Guide.

Montana

Legal online sports betting in Montana doesn’t quite operate the same way it does in other US states.

The Montana Lottery oversees the state’s sports betting industry. The agency approved one legal online sports wagering operator, Sports Bet Montana. Intralot, the Montana Lottery’s technology partner, is the company behind Sports Bet Montana.

Businesses offering lottery and alcohol sales can apply for approval to install Sports Bet Montana kiosks. Hundreds of locations throughout the state will likely eventually host these kiosks.

Montana bettors can place sports wagers directly through these kiosks, or on a downloadable mobile app. Bets placed on the mobile app, however, must be within a close distance of a Sports Bet Montana kiosk at the time of a bet.

Nevada

Before the overturn of PASPA, Nevada held the position as the only US state legally able to offer full-scale sports betting. Nevada casinos got the jump on other states regarding legal online sports betting platforms.

Most of Nevada’s legal mobile sportsbooks operate as casino-branded platforms. Casinos offering self-branded online sportsbooks include South Point, Wynn, Station Casinos, Atlantis, and Golden Nugget.

William Hill and Westgate Superbook also offer mobile sports wagering platforms in Nevada.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire entered the legal sports betting market in July 2019. Governor Chris Sununu approved a bill to bring both retail and online sports betting to the Granite State.

Online sports betting brands won’t operate as license partners to land-based casinos. This is because New Hampshire doesn’t have any retail casinos. Instead, the New Hampshire Lottery licenses and approves all online sports betting operators in the state.

DraftKings Sportsbook launched in December 2019, as New Hampshire’s first legal mobile sportsbook.

New Jersey

New Jersey sets the bar as the state with the biggest selection of legal online gambling options. It comes as no surprise that the Garden State stands at the front of the curve in the US legal mobile sports betting industry.

The state legalized online sports betting in June 2018. The first of New Jersey’s legal mobile sportsbooks launched the following month.

New Jersey leads the US in online sports betting revenue. Bettors in the Garden State can access more than a dozen mobile sportsbooks. Brands include Unibet, Fox Bet, William Hill NJ, and theScore Bet.

Learn more about Online Sports Betting In New Jersey.

Oregon

The fall of PASPA didn’t affect Oregon sports betting laws. This is because the state was already exempt from the federal ban on sports wagering mandated by PASPA.

Similar to Montana and New Hampshire, the Oregon Lottery regulates the state’s legal sports betting industry. Oregon bettors can access a single mobile platform in the state. The Oregon Lottery Scoreboard app permits sports betting from anywhere within state borders.

Only professional sports are open for betting on the Scoreboard platform, as the Oregon Lottery restricts betting on college sports.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania went to work on sports betting legislation before the official overturn of PASPA. An October 2017 package of bills legalized retail and online sports betting in the Keystone State.

The reversal of PASPA allowed Pennsylvania casinos to begin launching mobile sports betting platforms in May 2019. SugarHouse and BetRivers, both owned by Rush Street Interactive, were among the first legal sports betting sites to launch in the state.

Pennsylvania is second only to New Jersey in online sports betting revenue in the US. Other online sports betting brands in the state include Parx Sportsbook, FOX Bet, and Unibet.

Check out our comprehensive Guide To Sports Betting In Pennsylvania.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island legislators approved retail and online sports betting in the state in June 2018. The Rhode Island Lottery regulates the state’s legal sports betting industry.

Bettors in the Ocean State can wager on a single online sports betting site, Sports Bet Rhode Island. The technology behind the platform comes from a collaboration between IGT and William Hill.

Sports Bet Rhode Island operates as a license partner of Twin River Worldwide Holdings, which operates two land-based casinos in the state.

Tennessee

Tennessee approved online sports betting in April 2019. The Volunteer State takes a unique position in the mobile sports betting industry, as the state doesn’t host any land-based casinos.

Online sports betting companies can apply for licensure as standalone platforms. Tennessee’s legal online sportsbooks launched on November 1, 2020. The first sportsbooks to debut include fan-favorites DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM.

Virginia

Virginia legalized sports betting in March 2020, with the legislation going into effect in July 2020. Virginia’s gambling laws permit brick-and-mortar casinos to open in a handful of cities in the state. There will most likely be retail sportsbooks at some of these casinos as well.

What is more exciting is that the gambling bill legalized online sports betting in Virginia. On September 15, 2020, the Virginia Lottery, which will regulate sports betting, finalized its rules and regulations.

This process opened the application process for standalone online sportsbooks to operate in the state. FanDuel Sportsbook launched in Virginia in January 2021 as the first online sports betting platform to go live. DraftKings followed just a few days later, and BetMGM shortly after that.

Washington DC

Washington DC Mayor Muriel Bowser’s signature on DC Council Bill 23-25 approved sports betting in the US capital in January 2019.

Similar to Rhode Island, Montana, and a few other US states, legal sports betting in Washington DC is regulated by the Office of Lottery and Gaming.

Intralot, the technology company behind the lottery in Washington DC, operates the district’s lone mobile sports wagering platform. The platform, christened Gambet DC, debuted in May 2020. In December 2020, William Hill launched in Washington DC, but bettors can only place wagers within a few blocks of the Capital One Arena in downtown DC. It is anticipated that BetMGM is also on its way through a partnership with the Washington Nationals.

West Virginia

West Virginia went all-in on legalized online gambling after the fall of PASPA. Mobile gambling options in the Mountaineer State include online sports betting, which was legalized in May 2018.

The first online sportsbook in West Virginia, BetLucky, launched in August 2018. The platform was short-lived, however, ceasing operations after just a few months.

Online sports betting reemerged with the debut of FanDuel Sportsbook in August 2019. Other platforms currently operating in West Virginia include DraftKings Sportsbook and BetMGM.

The Future Of Online Sports Betting

More states will eventually join the list of states with legal online sports betting, as the industry continues to expand in the US. Several states already have legislation in place to offer legal mobile sports betting, with the launch of products in those states pending.

States like New York, Arkansas, Mississippi, North Carolina, and New Mexico currently offer legal retail sports betting. Online sports betting regulation could be on the horizon in those states.

Maryland and Louisiana both took steps towards legalizing sports betting with ballot measures during the 2020 election. Each state will need to enact rules and regulations before any online sports betting launches in the state.

Many other states are considering legalizing sports betting, including California, Florida, Massachusetts, and Kentucky, among others.

Online Sports Betting Sites In The US

DraftKings Sportsbook

DraftKings Sportsbook looms as a leading brand in the US online sports betting industry. In virtually every state in which it legally operates, DraftKings Sportsbook stands as one of the top revenue-earning mobile sportsbooks.

The brand currently operates legally in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New Hampshire, Indiana, Iowa, Illinois, Colorado, Tennessee, and Michigan.

New bettors can earn up to $1,000 in bonus money upon registering at DraftKings Sportsbook. The bonus includes a deposit match bonus of 20% up to $1000.

With one of the most user-friendly interfaces in the sports betting industry and a wide selection of sports, DraftKings Sportsbook should appeal to bettors of all experience levels.

Check out our complete DraftKings Sportsbook Review.

FanDuel Sportsbook

Along with its closest competitor, DraftKings Sportsbook, FanDuel Sportsbook holds a position as one of the most popular online sports betting platforms in the US.

Sports bettors located in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Indiana, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Tennessee, Virginia, and Michigan, can wager at FanDuel Sportsbook. In many of those states, FanDuel Sportsbook emerged as one of the top-earning mobile sports betting sites.

Bonus offers at FanDuel Sportsbook include a $500 risk-free bet for new players. After an initial deposit, new account holders are eligible for up to a $500 rebate on the first bet made on the platform, if the bet results in a loss.

FanDuel Sportsbook offers a wide array of betting markets. Bettors looking for action on domestic professional and college sports, as well as international leagues and niche sports, can find plenty of options at FanDuel Sportsbook.

FOX Bet

The FOX Bet platform is committed to a massive US expansion. Several states with legal online sports betting will eventually include the FOX Bet brand among online sportsbook offerings.

FOX Bet operates as a partnership between FOX Sports and The Stars Group. This collaboration pairs one of the most visible US sports media companies with the world’s biggest online gambling brand.

Bettors located in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Michigan can access the FOX Bet platform. New players can unlock both a $500 risk-free bet and a 50% deposit match bonus, up to $500.

Casual bettors should enjoy the FOX Bet platform, as it consistently offers good odds on favorites. The bonus offers, which can unlock up to $1,000, are generous as well.

BetRivers

The BetRivers brand emerged as a legal online gambling platform owned by Rush Street Interactive. Poised to be a major player in the US legal online sports betting market, BetRivers currently offers mobile sports betting in Pennsylvania, Indiana, Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, and Michigan. BetRivers operates in New Jersey as SugarHouse Sportsbook.

BetRivers offers one of the most player-friendly deposit match bonuses in the US. New bettors can unlock a 100% match bonus, up to $250, with just a 1x playthrough requirement.

The minimal playthrough requirement is unmatched by any other mobile sportsbook brand. That bonus offer, and an overall outstanding sports betting platform, makes BetRivers a top choice for any sports bettor.

PointsBet

The Australian-owned PointsBet brand committed to a stateside business plan with the implementation of two land-based headquarters in the US. The PointsBet platform currently offers access to bettors in New Jersey, Indiana, Iowa, Illinois, Colorado, and Michigan.

Legal

New bettors can take advantage of up to $1,500 in risk-free bet bonuses upon sign-up at PointsBet. They also offer a tiered deposit match bonus for new bettors.

The brand is known for its one-of-a-kind “PointsBetting” style of wagering. This bet awards (or takes) more money depending on the margin of victory in a selected game.

Bettors looking for unique action and big potential payouts should enjoy betting at PointsBet.

What Online Sportsbook Bonuses Are Available?

Risk-Free Bets

Many legal online sportsbooks offer sign-up bonuses in the form of risk-free bets. A risk-free bet offers a refund on the first bet made at an online sportsbook, up to a certain amount. The refund only applies if the bet results in a loss.

At FOX Bet, for example, new account holders can apply a risk-free bet offer to the first bet on the site, up to $500. The potential $500 refund only applies to the first single wager a new bettor places at FOX Bet.

The refund bonus matches the amount of the bet, up to $500, in the event of a loss.

Other online sportsbooks offering risk-free bet bonuses include FanDuel Sportsbook, DraftKings Sportsbook, and PointsBet.

Deposit Match Bonuses

Deposit match bonuses can be found at many legal online gambling platforms, and mobile sportsbooks are no exception. A deposit match bonus awards bonus money that matches a certain percentage of a player deposit.

At BetRivers, for instance, new bettors can enjoy a 100% deposit match bonus, up to $250. A $250 deposit is eligible for a $250 bonus, a $100 deposit can earn a $100 bonus, and so on.

Deposit match bonuses aren’t always as generous as the BetRivers offer. The 100% deposit match is one of the biggest in the industry.

The deposit match bonus offer usually requires a certain amount of playthrough, or money wagered, to unlock the bonus. BetRivers, again, offers one of the most generous promotions in this aspect as well, requiring just a 1x playthrough.

At PointsBet, they offer a tiered deposit match bonus. A $150 deposit unlocks $150 in bonus bets, and that tier yields a total of $300 in cash and bonus betting credits for your $150 deposit. The highest tier awards players who deposit at least $250 with $250 in bonus bets, and with this tier a $250 deposit awards $500 total to bet with.

No-Deposit Bonuses

Some mobile sports betting platforms offer free betting credits just for signing up for a new account. This is becoming a little less common for online sportsbooks in favor of other types of bonus offers.

What Sports Can You Bet On In The US?

Betting On US Pro Sports

Legal online sportsbooks in the US offer a robust selection of betting markets on US professional sports leagues.

US bettors can find moneyline, point spread, parlays, and numerous other betting options for NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, and MLS games. Virtually every game from the regular season and postseason is available for betting at legal mobile sportsbooks. You can bet on the Super Bowl online as well.

Moneyline and point spread betting on individual games present just a piece of the betting opportunities available on US major sports leagues. Other ways to bet include futures markets, in-game wagering, and prop bets.

Prop betting isn’t limited to just on-field contests. Bettors can place prop bets on events like the NFL Draft and NBA Draft. OR, they can bet on season-long statistics like NFL rushing leaders, NBA scoring champion, and many other unique ways to bet.

Most US professional leagues and events offer betting markets with no restrictions. Sports fans can legally bet on home teams from their respective states without worry.

College Sports Betting

College basketball and football represent some of the most wagered-on sports events in the US. The NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, aka March Madness, rings in one of the highest-volume betting events on the US sports calendar.

College football, in many states, encompasses loyal and massive fan bases that in some cases eclipse professional sports leagues. Saturdays during college football season draw big sports betting interest. This culminates in the College Football Playoff each winter.

Other college sports, like baseball, hockey, lacrosse, and women’s basketball, present even more betting opportunities at US legal online sportsbooks.

Betting on college sports, however, can present restrictions in some US states. Some states don’t allow betting on college sports. Others allow betting but restrict who can place bets on collegiate sports.

New Jersey College Sports Betting Restrictions

Betting on in-state teams and events is outlawed in New Jersey. For both retail sports betting, and wagering at online sportsbooks, New Jersey-based college programs and events are off the menu.

These restrictions include college programs like the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, Princeton Tigers, and Seton Hall Pirates. College sports contests held in New Jersey are also restricted for bettors, even if a New Jersey team isn’t involved.

Rhode Island and New Hampshire College Sports Betting Restrictions

Rhode Island and New Hampshire sports betting laws dictate similar restrictions, with betting on in-state teams and events outlawed.

Oregon College Sports Betting Restrictions

Oregon’s lone legal mobile sports betting platform, the Oregon Lottery Scoreboard, outlaws betting on any college sports altogether.

Placing any kind of college sports bet in Oregon requires a trip to a legal retail sportsbook.

Illinois College Sports Betting Restrictions

Bettors in Illinois will be able to place bets on college sports, but they may not bet on Illinois university games. This restriction includes games played in Illinois as well as out-of-state.

Iowa College Sports Betting Restrictions

Betting on in-state teams and events in Iowa is legal, save for a restriction on prop betting.

Individual Sports Betting

Betting on major US professional sports isn’t just limited to team sports. MMA, boxing, golf, NASCAR, and tennis open up even more ways to bet at legal mobile sports betting platforms.

Major fighting events include championship bouts in boxing, UFC, and other MMA promotions.

NASCAR betting markets include races from the NASCAR Cup Series. This features some of the biggest names in US auto racing. Other NASCAR events open for betting include the Xfinity Series and Truck Series.

Men’s and women’s tennis and golf present even more chances to bet on individual-based sports.

International Sports Betting

Overseas sports leagues and events open up a world of possibilities at legal online sportsbooks in the US.

International soccer leagues like the English Premier League, Spanish La Liga, and German Bundesliga are home to some of the most popular sports teams in the world. US bettors looking to wager on clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich can find those teams and many more on legal mobile sports betting sites.

Other international team sports on the menu at legal online sportsbooks include cricket, rugby, basketball, and baseball leagues from around the world.

International motorsports, along with niche sports like table tennis, give US bettors access to a wide array of sports to bet on outside of the US.

Limitations On Other Betting

The explosion in popularity of esports brings with it a rapidly-expanding betting esports market on offshore gambling sites. Esports betting isn’t currently explicitly legal in any US state, although sportsbooks in Nevada and New Jersey have occasionally offered betting on esports events.

Betting on events outside of sports is generally not permitted on US online sportsbooks. This includes betting markets on political elections, award shows, and other non-sports events.

See our Complete Guide To Sports Betting Odds.

How Can I Bet On Sports In The US?

iOS Mobile Devices

Most of the legal online sportsbooks operating in the US can be downloaded as mobile apps for iOS devices. These mobile apps allow for betting from the comfort of anywhere within legal state borders.

For iOS devices, legal mobile sportsbooks can be downloaded from the App Store. These apps can be downloaded for free, and allow for betting right from a mobile device.

Android Devices

Android device users are in luck, as most US mobile sportsbooks are downloadable as Android apps as well.

Mobile sportsbook apps for Android devices must be downloaded directly from the sportsbook’s website, as the Google Play store restricts real-money gambling apps.

Desktop

The easiest way to start betting at an online sportsbook is directly through a desktop browser. Legal mobile sportsbooks generally operate from a web-based homepage that can be accessed from virtually any desktop or laptop.

Learn more in our Guide To How To Place A Sports Bet Online.

What Deposit And Cashout Options Are Available On Legal Online Sportsbooks?

ACH/eCheck

The ACH/eCheck deposit option presents the most widely accepted method of depositing money on a legal online sportsbook.

Deposits made using an electronic check (eCheck) deposit generally become available instantaneously at the sportsbooks of choice. This method is occasionally rejected by the bank but works roughly 80 percent of the time.

ACH/eCheck can also be used to cash out from an online sportsbook.

Prepaid Cards

Some online sports betting sites offer site-branded prepaid cards, which operate as debit cards that can be used for depositing funds.

Online sportsbooks directly issue prepaid cards, which can be loaded with funds via eCheck, debit cards, credit cards, and some other methods. After purchasing a prepaid card, funds can be transferred to an online sportsbook balance immediately, with no need to wait for the physical card to arrive by mail.

Prepaid cards can also be used for withdrawals.

PayPal

PayPal deposits generally require a few more security steps to go through before a deposit is approved. These extra steps are only a minor inconvenience, however, and worth the effort, as PayPal deposits have nearly a 100% success rate.

Withdrawals are also possible using PayPal.

Debit/Credit Cards

Most legal mobile sportsbooks accept debit and credit cards for deposits, but this method is regularly declined by the issuing bank. Credit card deposits can also incur cash advance fees from the bank.

Debit and credit cards cannot be used to withdraw funds from an online sportsbook.

Casino Cage Deposit

Most online sportsbooks operate as license partners to land-based casinos. Depositing and withdrawing in-person at the casino cage related to an online sportsbook is a secure but less convenient option.

History Of Legal Online Sports Betting In The US

The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA)

A 1992 federal law known as the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act banned sports betting across most of the US. The mandate exempted Nevada from the ban, and also permitted limited sports betting lotteries in Montana, Oregon, and Delaware.

Interests behind PASPA included former NBA commissioner David Stern and former NBA star Bill Bradley. Bradley was a US Senator from New Jersey at the time PASPA passed.

Bradley, Stern, and executives from other major sports leagues viewed sports betting as a potential problem for sports in the US. President George H.W. Bush signed PASPA into law in October 1992.

PASPA Overturned

New Jersey lawmakers challenged PASPA in the late 2000s, in an effort to bring legal sports betting to Atlantic City casinos.

State voters approved a 2011 amendment to the state constitution that legalized sports betting. New Jersey legislators then passed the NJ Sports Wagering Act in 2012, a bill that formally legalized sports betting at Atlantic City casinos.

The four major US sports leagues and the NCAA challenged New Jersey’s new sports betting laws. The battle eventually went to the Supreme Court of the United States.

The Supreme Court ruled PASPA as unconstitutional under the Tenth Amendment in May 2018. With PASPA overturned, individual states became free to pass sports betting legislature.

A New Era In Legal Online Sports Betting

The overturn of PASPA allows states to legalize both retail and online sports betting. New Jersey and Pennsylvania emerged as the leading mobile sports betting markets in the US in the aftermath.

Other states now offering legal online sports betting include Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, along with others. In most of these states, online sportsbooks operate in partnership with in-state retail casinos. Tennessee is unique in that there are no retail casinos so online sportsbooks are independent.

Legal Online Sportsbooks Versus Illegal Online Sportsbooks

With a growing number of states offering legal online sports wagering, bettors in some US states can access an unprecedented selection of online sportsbooks.

State-regulated online sports betting platforms generally operate in partnership with retail casinos in their respective states. As such, these legal mobile sportsbooks operate under the same regulatory bodies as the land-based casinos in which they’ve partnered.

Government agencies like the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement oversee the states’ casino industries. These regulatory bodies ensure accountability and transparency from online sportsbook operators.

Us based sports betting sites free

As state-regulated gambling platforms, legal online sportsbooks offer security of player funds and personal information. State casinos operate with a vested interest in fair games and prompt payouts from their online gambling platforms.

Reasons To Stay Away From Offshore Gambling Sites

State-regulated online sportsbooks always display a seal of approval from the governing agency of their respective states. Any online gambling platform not bearing one of these seals is an offshore/illegal gambling site.

Offshore sites operate illegally in the US. Playing on these platforms is also illegal and could subject the player to criminal penalties.

Depositing money on an offshore gambling site can be risky, with no regulations in place to ensure safe withdrawal of the funds.

Legal Online Sports Betting FAQ

Yes. US states can individually decide to offer legal, state-regulated online sports betting. The current boom in the US online sports betting industry happened in the aftermath of a lift on the federal ban on sports betting.

A 1992 mandate called the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act outlawed sports betting in the US, except for Nevada and a few other states. The Supreme Court of the United States overturned PASPA in May 2018, clearing the way for US states to offer legal online sports betting.

21 in most states. The minimum age for legally betting on an online sports wagering platform depends on state laws.

In most US states, 21 is the minimum age. Some exceptions, like Rhode Island, set the minimum age at 18 for online sports betting.

Yes. DraftKings Sportsbook legally operates in several US states.

These states include New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, New Hampshire, Indiana, Iowa, Illinois, Colorado, Tennessee, and Michigan. DraftKings Sportsbook uses geolocation technology to determine a user’s location at the time of a wager. The DraftKings Sportsbook software blocks bets made outside of the states on this list.

Yes. FanDuel Sportsbook operates legally in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Indiana, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Tennessee, Virginia, and Michigan.

Several more states will likely join that list eventually as FanDuel Sportsbooks expands into more US jurisdictions.

No. Legal online sportsbooks generally don’t offer credit lines for betting.

Players earn betting credits and bonus money through various promotions across legal online sports betting sites. DraftKings Sportsbook, for example, awards $25 in betting credits as a sign-up bonus.

Not currently. Individual states can draft legislation to allow esports betting at legal online sportsbooks, but no state has done so yet.

Esports events have appeared on the betting menus at some Nevada and New Jersey sportsbooks at times. Neither state, however, has passed laws explicitly legalizing esports betting.

Online sportsbooks each operate with their own rules regarding maximum bets size. The terms and conditions at DraftKings Sportsbook, for example, state that the platform can restrict bets where the potential payout exceeds $500,000.

Other platforms, like FanDuel Sportsbook, use different maximum payouts for different sports. Bettors can find more information on betting limits and maximum payouts in the terms and conditions of an online sportsbook.

Yes, at legal, state-regulated online sports betting sites. Legal online sportsbooks operate under the oversight of government regulatory bodies in the US.

Betting at a legal mobile sportsbook carries the same level of security as betting at a legal retail casino.

Offshore/illegal online gambling sites, however, do not guarantee the same level of security.

Georgia has never been known as a gambling destination. It’s a shame, because
this state has one of the largest and most passionate sports fan bases in the
country. Today, our team is going to explain how you can find the best Georgia
sports betting sites currently operating.

Despite some strict laws towards gambling, many people in this state love to
place wagers on their favorite sports. Those completely new to sports gambling
may find it difficult to choose a good online sportsbook for the first time. To
help out, we’re going to list the most important features to look for in a
sports betting site. Later on, we’ll look over the current laws and regulations
surrounding online sports gambling in Georgia.

Below are our top recommended sports betting sites in Georgia available
right now. Check them out today!

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How Can I Find Safe Georgia Sports Betting Sites?

If it is your first time online betting in Georgia, you may be surprised to find
that many of the best online sportsbooks in the country are available here.
Choosing one of these sites to join should be easy! Our team has come up with a
few important features that all Georgia betting sites should provide.

We highly recommend that, before joining any site, you make sure it offers
the features we’re listing below.

Us Based Sports Betting Sites Odds

Safe and Simple Cashier System

The first thing you should always look for in a sports betting site is a safe
payment system. A website’s payment system, in case you’re unaware, is what
processes both the deposits and withdrawals you make with your betting account.
There’s nothing more important than knowing that the money you gamble with is
protected.

We think it’s a good idea to find a website that allows deposits to be made
using debit and credit cards. It’s also important to check which withdrawal
options are available. Almost all Georgia sports betting sites only allow
payouts to be made using Bitcoin. Fortunately, a number of sites including
BetOnline
have entire pages that explain how to use Bitcoin for money withdrawals.

Us Based Sports Betting Sites Online

One easy way to learn more about a site’s cashier system is checking out our reviews page.
Our team has looked through hundreds of different betting sites over the years.
We talk about the payment system for each website that we review. We’ll let you
know if these sites have any reports of withheld payments or shady dealings.

It’s also a good idea to check these sites out for yourself as well. All
reputable sportsbook sites will allow you to check them out before you’ve even
signed up. You can head up to the online sportsbooks that we recommend at the
top of this page and look at the different payment systems for each website.

Reliable Customer Service Options

A solid customer support system is probably the most overlooked feature of Georgia
sports betting websites. This is unfortunate because customer service is an
extremely important part of online gambling. If you ever encounter an issue with
your betting experience, you’ll want to make sure that the website you play
through has your back.

Georgia does not regulate its sports betting industry (more on that later),
which means you will need to rely on the site you play at to help you out. There
are a few support options that we feel benefit players the most.

We recommend joining Georgia sports betting sites that offer a live chat
support option. This allows you to speak directly with a website representative
over text chat. If you need a question answered immediately, this is the best
option available.

It’s never a good idea to join a GA betting site that only
offers email support. Unfortunately, this customer service option can take weeks
to help you out at all. Find a great site that provides you with direct support
options, 24/7.

Great Design and Overall Functionality

Once you’ve found a few Georgia sports betting sites with a solid payment
system and helpful customer support options, take a look at their designs! The
design of these websites will affect your entire gaming experience. Make sure
the site offers a style that fits your gaming needs.

It’s also important to look into the overall functionality of these sites.
Scroll through a few different pages and make sure nothing crashes. Check to
make sure the actual betting process is simple as well.

Everyone has a different design preference. Some bettors prefer complex
websites that offer a wide range of unusual betting options. Others enjoy
simplistic websites that make it extremely easy to place wagers on major
sporting events.

The Georgia sports betting sites that we recommend at the
top of this page are all well-known for offering amazing designs. Make sure you
choose one that has a style that fits your gaming needs.

Wide Range of Betting Odds

Generally speaking, the more odds that a website provides, the better the
entire website is. Before joining a sportsbook, make sure that it provides you
with a wide range of betting odds across a variety of different sports. All of
the best sports betting sites in Georgia operating today offer thousands of
different odds every single day.

Are you a Braves fan? Look for an online sportsbook in GA
that offers MLB odds for every single game of the season. Do you love the
Falcons? Find a betting website that allows you to bet on the NFL’s regular and
postseason!

Based

Compare the odds between a few websites, too. Many bettors know that certain
sports betting
websites provide more lucrative odds than others. The better the odds, the
better your chances are to cash out.

It’s also a good idea to check out which novelty betting options are
available. A number of Georgia betting sites today allow their members to
place bets on things like politics and movie outcomes. Always check exactly
which betting options are available at the online sportsbooks you’re interested
in joining.

Sports Betting Sites in Georgia Are Growing More Popular Every Year

The popularity of online betting in Georgia and around the rest of the country is growing quickly. Back
in May of 2018, the Supreme Court ruled PASPA unconstitutional. This decision
allows every state to now set their own laws on sports gambling. More than 10
states across the country have fully legalized this industry.

Online sports betting is growing around the country as well.
Even in states without legalized online betting, this industry is thriving.
Online betting in Georgia is one of those states were it is not legalized but the industry is thriving.

We have asked a number of people here why they love to make their wagers over
the internet. There seem to be two main reasons that come up.

Easiest and Safest Option Available

There aren’t many options to place sports wagers in Georgia. Until this
industry is legalized, players here can either choose from an online sportsbook
or an illegal bookie on the ground. As you’d probably expect, most agree that
the online route is safer and more convenient.

Sports

As we mentioned earlier, there are some amazing sports betting sites in
Georgia available today. The majority of these websites take strict measures to
protect their members. The convenience of these sites also attracts new players
every single day.

Online sportsbooks allow you to place wagers from anywhere
with an internet connection. Most even let you place wagers on the go using a
smartphone! When it comes to safety and convenience, internet sports betting is
the far better option.

Massive Number of Betting Options

There are no land-based sports betting options inside Georgia. Even if there
were, these sportsbooks would not offer as many different betting options as the
top Georgia sports betting sites. Online sportsbooks simply have more room to
offer betting odds.

No matter what sport you want to bet on, there is a sportsbook offering odds
on it. There are literally thousands of different betting odds available every
single day through these sites. Don’t believe us? Check out the Georgia sports
betting sites that we recommend at the top of this page.

These websites will allow for a wide range of different parlay betting
options. Oftentimes, the odds here are better than what you will find at the top
Las Vegas sportsbooks. If you want more betting odds than you know what to do
with, GA sports betting sites are probably the option for you.

Are Sports Betting Sites in Georgia Actually Lawful?

Historically speaking, Georgia has been one of the most anti-gambling states
in the US. Lawmakers here have worked to ban virtually all forms of gambling,
although that trend may soon be changing.

Back in January of 2019, a bill was introduced to fully legalize
sports betting in Georgia
. If this bill is passed, a Director of Sports
Betting position will be established. This bill will allow for wagering on both
college and professional sports.

This bill, called HB 570, is still being reviewed. At this point, it’s
unclear whether or not sports betting will actually become legal here. The fact
that lawmakers are considering opening up this market is a fantastic sign
though. At the moment, Georgia’s laws on gambling are pretty straightforward.

Section 16-12-28 of the Georgia Code states:

“A person who knowingly communicates information as to bets, betting
odds, or changes in betting odds or who knowingly installs or maintains
equipment for the transmission or receipt of such information with the intent to
further gambling commits the offense of communicating gambling information.

(b) A person who commits the offense of communicating gambling
information, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment for not
less than one nor more than five years or by a fine not to exceed $5,000.00, or
both.”

Based on these laws, it would seem almost all forms of gambling are
completely illegal here. It’s important to note that there are no laws here that
specifically mention the legality of online sports betting. For that reason,
many people here continue to make their sports bets over the internet.

Will I Be Prosecuted For Playing at Sports Betting Sites in Georgia?

It’s possible but unlikely. A bill to legalize sports betting is currently
being reviewed in Georgia. The exact legality of sports betting sites in Georgia
lies in a gray area. We have not come across any cases of an individual facing
legal trouble for making online sports bets in this state.

How Do I Stay Safe Playing at Sports Betting Sites in Georgia?

The US online gambling industry is safer than ever. Not long
ago, only a few sports betting sites were available in the country. Today, many
of the biggest gambling companies in the world are operating in the United
States, most of which allow players from Georgia.

Staying safe while betting online in Georgia is easy. We have come up with five basic
tips that you can follow to make sure your betting experience is completely
secure. Check them out below!

Only Play Through Reputable Websites

This is without a doubt the easiest way to stay safe while betting online.
All of the top sports betting sites in GA will take steps to ensure their
bettors stay completely safe. Before joining any website, make sure that it
provides you with a secure payment system and helpful customer support options.
The sites that we recommend at the top of this page are well-known for their
safety measures.

Keep Your Betting Account Information Private

This is an obvious one. Your betting account information is extremely
important. Make sure you never give out your username and password to anyone.
All of the reputable sports betting sites in GA operating today
will never ask for this information.

Be Willing to Reach Out to Customer Service

As we mentioned earlier, a solid customer support system is one of the most
important things to look for in sports betting sites in Georgia. If you ever
encounter an issue with your sports betting experience, make sure that you’re
willing to ask for help. The top Georgia sports betting sites will be available
to help you out 24/7.

Never Bet More Than You Can Afford to Lose

One of the most common ways for people to get in trouble betting online is
spending more money than they planned to. Don’t make this mistake! We highly
recommend that you always track exactly how much money you are betting. If you
realize that you are spending too much, take a break for a while.

Keep an Eye on Changes to Online Gambling Laws

Lawmakers in Georgia have made it clear they don’t like gambling. With that
being said, a bill is currently being reviewed here to legalize sports betting.
It wouldn’t be a surprise to see sports betting sites in Georgia completely
legalized here within a year or two. We recommend that you follow our
industry news page for updates
on regulation changes as they come up.

FAQ on Online Betting in Georgia

Why Should I Play at Georgia Sports Betting Sites?

There are many advantages to online gambling. There are currently no
land-based sportsbooks operating in Georgia. Because of this, the only options
to place sports wagers here are online or through an illegal bookie.
Sports betting sites in Georgia
are safer and provide thousands of
different betting options every single day.

Will Sports Betting Sites in Georgia Ever Become Fully Legalized?

It’s hard to say. Lawmakers here are currently reviewing a bill to legalize
sports betting in 10 different establishments across the state. It’s unclear
whether or not online sports betting will become regulated as well. Fortunately,
there are no laws here that specifically ban internet sports betting.

What Are Some of the Most Popular Georgia Sports Betting Sites Right Now?

Most of the top US sports betting sites are operating inside Georgia. At the
moment, Bovada
Sportsbook and
Mybookie.ag seem to be the most popular online sportsbooks in this state.
Both are known for offering safe payment options and a wide range of different
betting odds.

How Much Money Can I Win Betting on Sports Online Here?

There’s no limit to how much you can win. The more money you’re willing to
bet, the more money you can win. Some experienced bettors take advantage of
parlay bets to boost their winnings.

Conclusion

Georgia has taken an anti-gambling stance over the years. Fortunately, things
seem to be changing. Sports fans here already have access to some of the very
best online sportsbooks in the world. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see
online sports gambling
fully regulated and legalized here within just a
few years.

We highly recommend that you check out our favorite sports betting sites in
Georgia at the top of this page. Feel free to head over to our
gambling blog page to find
expert betting tips on sporting events taking place around the world. Good luck
making your bets!