Legal online sports betting appeals to a wide swath of people in the United States who enjoy watching sports and wagering on potential winners. Instead of driving to a physical casino, Americans in many states can now sit on their couch and bet on whatever game is on television instantly from the comfort of their laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
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Online sports betting is legal on a state-by-state basis. The first states to legalize online sports betting were New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Today, at least a dozen states offer legal online sportsbooks. There are several more that are in the process of rolling out this type of wagering. Clearly, there is a real desire for online sports betting, and additional states will likely follow soon.
What might be surprising is how diverse the people are who use online sportsbooks today. Since you can place bets from your home, the local sports bar, or anywhere else you happen to be, people from all backgrounds participate in online sports betting. It makes an excellent alternative for those who are nowhere near or cannot access a physical sportsbook.
5 Best Legal US Online Sports Betting Apps
Matched betting is a method of turning a free bet offered by an online bookmaker into real money. The technique allows you make money from the various bookmaker bonus offers out there. The idea is that instead of relying on luck, you cover all potential outcomes of an event by placing two bets, allowing you to win no matter what happens. Where some of the other real money sports betting sites on this list stop with a welcome offer, BetOnline keeps going with incentives like free bets and risk-free wagers. And when you add all this to the laundry list of betting options available at BetOnline, it’s hard to pass up some of these perks! People who bet frequently. Free Bet Promotions. A popular promotion that we see at a lot of the bigger-name online sportsbooks is a free bet promotion. Basically, the sportsbook offers to cover your first bet if you lose up to a certain amount (usually in the $10-$25 range). They don’t give you the cash back if you lose, but they give you credit.
- A guide to the sports betting bonuses & free bets offered by online sports betting sites. Bonuses are a great way to add to your bankroll, and some sites are quite generous, particularly to new customers signing up and depositing for the first time. Find out why sites give away free money.
- Free Online Sports Wagering BetBomb.com is all of the excitement of betting on your favorite teams and sports with none of the gamble. Make your picks across all of the major leagues: MLB, NFL, NHL, NBA, NASCAR, Soccer as well as american football college and Basketball against real spreads, lines, and totals.
- William Hill – Best for New Bettors
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Best Real Money Online Sportsbooks For January 2021
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FanDuel is one of the most top-notch online sportsbooks in the US. Available in multiple states, they offer a wide range of sports and favorable odds. FanDuel Sportsbook offers one of the best risk-free bet offers for new bettors.
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BetRivers Sportsbook offers one of the best bonus offers for new players. Claim a 100% deposit bonus up to $250 with only 1x playthrough. Available in a handful of states, they are expanding quickly under the BetRivers brand. They operate as Sugarhouse in NJ.
Which States Have Legal Online Sports Betting Today?
At the time of writing, online sports betting is legal in over a dozen states. There are a handful of states that are leading the pack. For example, New Jersey and Pennsylvania were early adopters of legal online gambling, including sports betting. Other states have since joined suit. West Virginia is interesting because the state legalized sports betting and online gambling. Also, Colorado and Illinois both debuted legal sports betting in 2020 and are poised to lead the industry for a variety of reasons.
Below is a round-up of information about how online gambling works in each of the previously-mentioned states, as well as some of the top online sportsbooks available in the state.
LEGAL ONLINE SPORTS BETTING IN COLORADO
Colorado has offered the ability togamble on slots, video poker, and table games in certain mountain towns for several decades as a way to bring tourists to those locations. However, up until now, the state has not allowed legal sports betting at those casinos or through websites and mobile applications for tablets and phones. That all changed in November 2019 when Proposition DD passed with just 51% of the vote.
Colorado online sports betting launched on May 1, 2020. Physical sportsbooks launched shortly after. There are more than a dozen online sports betting sites already live in Colorado, with more to follow in 2021. Big names like DraftKings and FanDuel are live in the state as well as Colorado-specific sportsbooks such as Sky Ute and BetWildwood.
Here are a couple of our favorite Colorado sportsbooks:
BetMGM Colorado
Bonus: 100% deposit match bonus up to $500
States: CO, IN, NJ, NV, PA, TN, WV
A trusted name in gambling, MGM is making great strides across the country with both sports betting and online casino gaming. For MGM casino gamblers, the BetMGM Sportsbook makes perfect sense as online bets earn gamblers M Life reward points. Although the app can be a little difficult to navigate at times, BetMGM offers tons of available sports and strong odds.
BetRivers Colorado
Bonus: 100% deposit match bonus up to $250 (1x playthrough)
States: CO, IL, IN, NJ, PA
Like BetMGM, the BetRivers Sportsbook offers a reward system to keep bettors long-term. BetRivers Colorado is also doing a fabulous job of attracting new bettors in the state by offering a 100% deposit match bonus with only a 1x playthrough requirement. Although the BetRivers name will become well-known to bettors in Colorado, Illinois, and Indiana, they operate under the Sugarhouse brand in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
William Hill Colorado
Bonus: Up to $500 welcome bonus for new bettors
States: CO, IL, IN, IA, NJ, NV, WV
William Hills brings its international reputation to the US as it quickly expands across the country. They have a strong app and competitive odds that work well for savvy bettors. In Colorado, William Hill partnered with Eldorado Resorts.
Legal Online Sports Betting In Illinois
On June 2, 2019, new legislation made sports betting legal in Illinois. The bill passed the House and Senate and was ratified on June 28 by Governor J.B. Pritzker. The bill made it possible for sports venues to offer betting kiosks and also made it possible for those in Illinois to wager using online sportsbooks like FanDuel and DraftKings.
The firstphysical sportsbookin Illinois opened in March 2020, and online sportsbooks weren’t far behind. Four online sportsbooks have launched in Illinois, and more are on the way.
BetRivers Illinois Sportsbook
Bonus: 100% deposit match bonus up to $250 (1x playthrough)
States: CO, IL, IN, NJ, PA
BetRivers was Illinois’ first online sportsbook. Rush Street Gaming, partial owners of Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, developed and released the online sports betting site for Illinois gamblers.
Right now, BetRivers has an Android, iOS, mobile browsing, and desktop app.
New users at BetRivers can claim a $250 deposit match bonus with only a 1x playthrough requirement.
Points Bet Illinois
Bonus: Up to $1,500 in two risk-free bets (use promo code BIGBONUS)
States: IL, IN, IA, NJ
PointsBet Sportsbook is an Australian company that is making a name for itself in the US. An industry veteran worldwide, they announced a partnership with NBC Sports in August 2020, which shows their commitment to US legal sports betting. In Illinois, Points Bet is partnered with Hawthorne Racecourse, just outside of Chicago making it one of the closest retail sportsbooks to the Windy City.
DraftKings Illinois Sportsbook
Bonus: 20% deposit match bonus up to $1,000
States: CO, IL, IN, NJ, PA, TN, WV
DraftKings partnered with Casino Queen in East St. Louis to launch the second online sportsbook in Illinois. DraftKings offers an iOS and Andoird app plus a desktop sportsbook. New players will appreciate the robust beginner’s guides.
When you sign up, DraftKings offers up to $1,000 in bonuses. This includes a 20% deposit match bonus up to $1,000.
LEGAL ONLINE SPORTS BETTING IN INDIANA
After the passage of House Bill 1015 in 2019, casinos in Indiana began to legally offer retail and online wagering for avariety of sports games, matches, and other events. September 2019 was a big month for Indiana, as it marked the birth of sports betting. By the end of the month, almost all casinos in Indiana had opened their own sportsbooks.
The introduction of online sports betting locations took next to no time after casinos completed their retail outlets. Many different legal mobile sportsbooks were online and live by the end of October 2019. Currently, there are more than a dozen casinos in Indiana that offer online sports betting options for bettors in Indiana. Many of these casinos are partnered with major nationwide sportsbook companies that provide services in several states.
Here are a few of the best Indiana sportsbooks:
BetMGM Indiana Sportsbook
Bonus: 100% deposit match bonus up to $500
States: CO, IN, NJ, NV, PA, TN, WV
BetMGMis an extension of MGM Resorts International, a company that operates casino resorts in the United States and abroad. This sports betting service features pre-game and in-play betting, offers live video streaming options, and comes with an easy-to-use app.
Those who choose to use BetMGM Sportsbook for sports wagering online in Indiana will receive an excellent bonus through a $500 deposit match.
BetRivers Indiana Sportsbook
Bonus: 100% deposit match bonus up to $250 (1x playthrough)
States: CO, IL, IN, NJ, PA
BetRivers Sportsbookis a property of Rush Street Interactive. It’s one of the top choices for sports betting online in Indiana. Partnered with French Lick Resort, BetRivers allows you to wager on a massive number of sports using the betting method of your choice.
When a resident of Indiana signs-up for BetRivers Sportsbook, the company credits you with a 100 percent match for your deposit of up to $250. There are also daily promotions, bonus playthroughs, and a loyalty program.
PointsBet Indiana Sportsbook
Bonus: Up to $1,500 in two risk-free bets (use promo code BIGBONUS)
States: IL, IN, IA, NJ
Finally,PointsBet Sportsbookis another one of the best sportsbooks in Indiana. It’s run by a reputable brand and features unique betting options. When you sign-up for this sports wagering service, you will enjoy a wide variety of pre-game wagers. You will also enjoy in-play betting options for any game you can imagine.
Residents of Indiana enjoy a free $25 bet when signing up for the service, but that isn’t the only promotion being offered. You can also enjoy two risk-free bets up to $1500 – one fixed bet up to $500 and one special points bet up to $1000.
Legal Online Sports Betting In Tennessee
The most recent state to launch online sports bettingoptions is Tennessee. It became legal in April 2019 thanks to Governor Bill Lee. The first sportsbook apps launched on November 1, 2020. Unlike other states where sports betting is legal, Tennessee’s law applies only to online sports betting and doesn’t include casinos. The online-only sportsbooks that launched in Tennessee on its first day included DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Action 24/7. We anticipate a litany of additional sports betting sites could launch in 2021.
DraftKings Tennessee Sportsbook
Bonus: 20% deposit match bonus up to $1,000
States: CO, IL, IN, NJ, PA, TN, WV
DraftKings Sportsbookis a major brand offering sports betting in several states including Indiana. The company is partnered with Ameristar Casino Hotel. It provides a considerable number of games to bet on and wager types, exclusive rewards, pools, and a highly-qualified support team.
Users who choose DraftKings Sportsbook in Indiana will have several promotions and bonuses to take advantage of, including a sign-up bonus for as much as a $1,000 deposit bonus.
BetMGM Tennessee Sportsbook
Bonus: 100% deposit match bonus up to $500
States: CO, IN, NJ, NV, PA, TN, WV
One of the best sportsbook options for Tennessee bettors, BetMGM is backed by the world-renown MGM casino brand. Unlike in other states, BetMGM Tennessee does not have a state partner as there are no retail casinos in the state.
Those who choose to use BetMGM Sportsbook for sports betting online in Tennessee will receive an excellent bonus through a $500 deposit match.
FanDuel Tennessee Sportsbook
Bonus: Up to $1,000 risk-free bet
States: CO, IL, IN, NJ, PA, TN, WV
As one of the most notable names in sports wagering,FanDuel Sportsbookis now available in Tennessee. It’s a great option for betting on basketball, baseball, football, and more. FanDuel offerssportsbook appsfor iOS and Android and has the same app across states. Everything is streamlined and straightforward to use. New bettors can claim up to $1,000 in a risk-free bet offer.
Legal Online Sports Betting In West Virginia
Another state that has legalized online sports betting at this time isWest Virginia, which also allows retail sportsbooks to operate in the state. While mobile betting started a bit rough, it has been live since the middle of 2019. The original decision to offer the service happened only three months after the federal ban on sports betting was officially lifted.
While there are no professional sports teams in the state, it offers a selection of online sportsbook apps and websites where sports enthusiasts can wager on their favorite teams and athletes. As long as bettors are within the state, they can wager at any of the sportsbooks associated with West Virginia.
DraftKings West Virginia Sportsbook
Bonus: 20% deposit match bonus up to $1,000
States: CO, IL, IN, NJ, PA, TN, WV
One of the largest sportsbooks in the world, DraftKings Sportsbook, offers services to those in West Virginia and allows residents the option of betting on dozens of sports and events. Partnered with Penn National Gaming, DraftKings allows residents of West Virginia to wager on both professional and collegiate games.
If you are signing up with this service for the first time, DraftKings offers a promotion for a matched deposit of up to $1000.
BetMGM West Virginia Sportsbook
Bonus: 100% deposit match bonus up to $500
States: CO, IN, NJ, NV, PA, TN, WV
The second of the three major online sportsbooks in West Virginia is BetMGM, which also offers its services in New Jersey and Indiana. The sportsbook has a sleek look on the website and app, as well as being easy to use for those who are new to online sports betting or wagering on events as a whole.
All new customers in West Virginia can sign-up for a promotion for a $500 deposit match.
FanDuel West Virginia Sportsbook
Bonus: Up to $1,000 risk-free bet
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States: CO, IL, IN, NJ, PA, TN, WV
The last of the top sportsbooks that offer online access in West Virginia is FanDuel Sportsbook, which provides a selection of betting options like spreads, single bets, five-team parlays, moneylines, and more. The number of sports is also impressive and includes all the typical choices, as well as a few of the lesser-known games seen internationally.
When you join, you’ll receive a bonus for a risk-free bet up to $1000, so you get a second chance if the first bet you make goes wrong.
LEGAL ONLINE SPORTSBOOKS IN PENNSYLVANIA
Pennsylvania legalized sports betting in land-based casinos and online in late 2017 with the introduction of a comprehensive gaming expansion bill. The sports betting industry falls under the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, which focuses on responsible gambling enforcement and compliance. Wagering is allowed on college games, international games, and professional games for those over 21 and located inside of the state.
You should also be aware of the restrictions in place for Pennsylvania when it comes to betting, so there aren’t any surprises. Right now, betting is allowed on sports and not on things like awards, there is no access to betting on eSports, and those who are part of sports leagues cannot bet on the sports they are a part of. Otherwise, residents of the appropriate age who are in the state can wager on games.
Here are some of the best Pennsylvania Sportsbooks:
DraftKings Pennsylvania Sportsbook
Bonus: 20% deposit match bonus up to $1,000
States: CO, IL, IN, NJ, PA, TN, WV
DraftKings started offering sports betting online for Pennsylvania residents in November 2019 and operates under the license of Penn National Gaming. This sportsbook company has more than 10 million players on a worldwide basis, is located in the United States, and makes it simple and easy to withdraw your winnings.
When you sign up for DraftKings Sportsbook in PA, you can also enjoy a sign-up bonus including a 20% deposit bonus up to $1,000.
FOX Bet Pennsylvania Sportsbook
Bonus: Up to $500 Risk-Free Bet
States: CO, NJ, PA
Only available as a sports betting platform for those in Pennsylvania and New Jersey,FOX Bet Sportsbookis easy to sign up for, and from there, you can find the ideal bet and follow along live with the game or match. This company also offers videos from FOX Sports analysts to help you understand various types of betting allowed using the site or mobile app.
Any new customers from Pennsylvania can take advantage of an exclusive promotion for a $500 risk-free bet, so you get credits to make a new bet if you fail on your first.
FanDuel Pennsylvania Sportsbook
Bonus: Up to $1,000 risk-free bet
States: CO, IL, IN, NJ, PA, TN, WV
FanDuel is one of the largest sports betting companies in the United States and offers online legal sports betting in Pennsylvania as well as an assortment of other states. The site and app are well-designed and provide a section where you can access betting guides and rules to get you through your first bets using the system.
As a new member of the FanDuel Sportsbook, you are offered an initial risk-free bet of up to $1000. That means the first bet you make of whatever size up to the maximum will be refunded to you with site credit if the bet is a losing one.
SugarHouse Pennsylvania Sportsbook
Bonus: $250 deposit match
States: NJ, PA
When you choose to use SugarHouse Sportsbook, you can bet on a wide selection of sports as long as you are of the proper age and located in the state of Pennsylvania. The brand offers many perks like bonus rollovers, a large selection of betting lines, live betting, and a single wallet.
For new users of SugarHouse, you get up to a $250 match on your first deposit. In addition, this sportsbook offers an online rewards program so you can get additional perks for joining.
NEW JERSEY’S LEGAL ONLINE SPORTSBOOKS
New Jersey debuted online sports bettingfor over two years. The state has almost two dozen sites where you can wager on sports games and matches as long as you’re located in the state. In addition, there are also 10 retail locations where you can bet on sports in-person. All this betting became possible due to a bill signed in June 2018 by Governor Phil Murphy to make sports betting legal.
One of the most surprising things about the online sports betting timeline in New Jersey is how quickly it got going once it was legal. Sports wagers were taken at physical locations three days after the law was passed. This was followed by online and mobile sportsbooks, which began to reach the market in July. All racetracks and casinos in the state may offer sports betting if they have proper approval and licensing.
Here are some of the best Pennsylvania Sportsbooks:
DraftKings New Jersey Sportsbook
Bonus: 20% deposit match bonus up to $1,000
States: CO, IL, IN, NJ, PA, TN, WV
A name you’ve already seen on this list, DraftKings, also offers sports betting to the residents of Indiana through the Resorts Atlantic City license. This sportsbook is well-known for extending dozens of international and American sports that users can wager on in many different ways, such as live in-game betting, Teasers+, and Sportsbook Pools.
The current promotion offered to New Jersey bettors who sign-up for DraftKings includes a $1,000 deposit bonus.
BetMGM New Jersey Sportsbook
Bonus: 100% deposit match bonus up to $500
States: CO, IN, NJ, NV, PA, TN, WV
BetMGM, another top sportsbook in the United States, is an option for New Jersey residents who are of age. This online sportsbook service provides a variety of betting options, including point spread, moneyline, points total, and parlay bets, so you can choose the option that works best for your style.
New customers to BetMGM in New Jersey can take advantage of a deposit match up to $500. This is a decent choice for someone who wants to enjoy a significant sum to start out with the system.
FanDuel New Jersey Sportsbook
Bonus: Up to $1,000 risk-free bet
States: CO, IL, IN, NJ, PA, TN, WV
FanDuel, one of the best sportsbooks in New Jersey, offers fantasy sports, casino games, and race betting. It provides a considerable number of options for betting on all major United States sports, including basketball, baseball, football, boxing, soccer, and more.
Within New Jersey, you can take advantage of a massive bonus offer right now for a risk-free bet of up to $1000.
FOX Bet New Jersey Sportsbook
Bonus: Up to $500 Risk-Free Bet
States: CO, NJ, PA
FOX Bet Sportsbook is a newer sports betting service that currently offers legal wagering on sports in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The company provides a massive number of sports to wager on, including football, basketball, soccer, hockey, NASCAR, boxing, and more.
For residents of New Jersey, this sportsbook offers a substantial sign-up bonus. When you make your first deposit, you also get a risk-free $500 bet to get started.
PointsBet New Jersey Sportsbook
Bonus: Up to $1,500 in two risk-free bets (use promo code BIGBONUS)
States: IL, IN, IA, NJ
PointsBet Sportsbook is a newer addition to the sports wagering world and offers services in New Jersey and Indiana. One of the things that set it apart from other sportsbooks is that the more often you win bets, the more rewards you get. This means you can stack up cash quickly.
PointsBet Sportsbook offers sign-up promotions that help you ease into sports betting. When you sign-up, you will enjoy up to $1,500 across two risk-free bets, which is higher than most other sportsbooks.
Which States Will Have Legal Online Sportsbooks In The Future?
Right now, there are a few states that are in the process of bringing online sportsbooks to their locations. Some have already passed all required bills to introduce legal online sports wagering, while others are still working through the legislative process. We’re going to give you a brief explanation below of precisely what is happening in each of the states and what to expect going forward.
Legal Online Sports Betting In Michigan
Gambling laws in Michigan are set out in the Michigan Gaming Control and Revenue Act of 1996, which authorized gambling in casinos in Detroit. While this law permitted many forms of gambling, it did not include sports betting. For that reason, more specific legislature would be required. In December 2019, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a bill into law legalizing sports betting in Michigan.
This law would make it legal for tribal casinos, commercial casinos, and mobile sports betting to occur in the state. The first forms of legal sports betting started in early March 2020 at several physical casinos, including MGM Grand, Greektown, and MotorCity. Unfortunately, at this time, an expected date has not been set for the launch of online sportsbooks.
How Do Online Sportsbook Bonuses Work? Are They Worth The Time?
The short answer to the second question is a resounding yes, but understanding how bonuses work takes a bit more explanation. There are many different types of bonuses available on legal online sportsbooks, and all of them work in unique ways. Below, we’ll go over the most common bonus types, how they work, and precisely what they offer when choosing online wagering.
Risk-Free Bet
As you might guess by the name of this bonus, your receive credits equivalent to your wagered amount, so you won’t lose money if your first bet goes wrong. Newly registered users of online sportsbooks enjoy this benefit as a form of guaranteed security during their first bet. It lets a user get a feel for how a platform works while they make an initial wager and see how things pan out.
The first bet is risk-free in the sense that you aren’t going to lose funds if the bet fails. However, once you use the bonus bet to wager on another game, you can still lose money if the bet fails a second time. So it isn’t risk-free forever, but it does offer the chance to make two bets for the price of one if you lose on the first wager.
FanDuel is one of the online sportsbooks that offers the highest risk-free bets, sometimes with maximums of up to $1000.
Deposit Or Match Bonuses
Known interchangeably as “match bonus” or “deposit bonus”, many companies offer this bonus as a way to encourage large initial deposits from new online sportsbook players. Essentially, up to a specified maximum, whatever you deposit into your account will be doubled with site credits so you can make more wagers.
For example, if you were to sign up to a sports betting website and deposit $20, you’d then get another $20 in site or app credits. On the other hand, if you deposit $300, you will receive an additional $300 in credits that you can use for wagering. What it all boils down to is that the more you deposit (up to a specific limit), the more credits you get, which leads to free wagers or larger bets on wagers you care about.
DraftKings is a good choice when it comes to deposit bonuses as they often offer up to $1000, which is a large sum of extra betting money when you start using the app or website.
Loss Rebates
One of the worst feelings is losing on a bet, but it’s going to happen at times when you take part in sports betting, whether you’re online or in a physical location. The good news is that a loss rebate can help you keep your money when you lose wagers, assuming you choose an online sportsbook that offers them. However, the way these bonuses work can vary, so we want to look at the options.
In some cases, you will need to make a specific deposit during a specified period and be a regular user of a sportsbook to qualify for loss rebates that can range from around 10 percent to 100 percent of what you lost in your wagers during that period. However, there are other sportsbooks operating online that will simply refund your losses during a specific period up to a maximum amount regardless of your history with the brand.
PointsBet Sportsbook is an example of a legal online sportsbook that sometimes offers loss rebates. You place certain types of bets, and if your overall wagers lead to a loss, you will have that amount refunded up to $1,500.
VIP Programs
The final popular bonus you can find with many online sportsbooks is a VIP program, which can offer a variety of different perks to members of the club. Finding a sports betting app that offers this bonus is an excellent option, but it’s just as essential to determine which brands have the best rewards from their VIP programs. Some of the things you can expect from VIP programs include free entries into sweepstakes, complimentary merchandise, cashback, better bonuses, and waived fees on payouts.
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Everyone is going to have their own priorities in terms of which of these things are the most essential, so you should find a program that matches your needs. Some of the things to look for are the best rewards, who is eligible for a VIP program, and how often you’ll use the perks that these programs can offer.
FanDuel is one of the betting sites that offers a VIP program with a variety of perks. Members can enjoy a personal account manager, access to promotions, extra FanDuel merchandise, and more.
What Kinds Of Bets Do Legal Online Sportsbooks Offer?
Each sportsbook that operates online has a selection of wager options. Some are more common than others. The three below can be found at most legal sportsbooks. Here you can learn about how each of them works. Online betting sites also have other advantages, which we’ll outline later in this article.
Moneyline Wagers
A moneyline wager is one of the simplest kinds of wagers you can make at an online sportsbook. Basically, this wager involves betting on a specific team or individual to win a sports game or match. There are other wagers that focus on both who wins and by how much they win. However, moneyline bets are more simplistic and focus only on the person who wins.
For example, DraftKings offers moneyline wagers on table tennis based on the correct score, point spread, total points, total games, or winner of a listed point.
Prop Bets
Prop bets, also known as proposition bets, are prevalent on an international level. They are quickly growing in the United States with the introduction of online sportsbooks. Essentially, a prop wager means you bet on a specific player or a particular event that will occur in a game or a match. In some cases, you can bet on only one of these things, while in other cases, both will be available to wager on.
FanDuel, as an example, offers prop betting for the NFL championship. A user can look at a table and bet on an underdog or a favorite getting a certain number of points.
Parlay Bets
A parlay bet is more complicated than the two wagers above. It has a focus on two or more teams winning. One of the reasons this is a popular wager type is because it typically has a more significant payout than you would get when you select a single team to take a win. The payouts are more significant because of its difficulty since choosing several teams to win (and getting it right) is more challenging than selecting a single group or player.
BetMGM is one of the sportsbooks that offers this wager. You get a more substantial amount of money for each extra team that you guess correctly will have a specific point spread.
Benefits Of Online Sportsbooks Compared To Physical Ones
While you can find these kinds of bets at physical sportsbooks, there are reasons to consider an online sportsbook instead. In fact, there are benefits to choosing to bet from your own home rather than visiting a specific location:
- Profit Protection – Online sportsbook don’t require travel costs. There’s no need to pay for gasoline, public transportation, tolls, parking, and wear and tear on your car.
- Higher Level Of Convenience – Online sports betting is far more convenient than visiting a physical location for several reasons. The first and most obvious is that you never have to leave your home to make a wager. You also avoid inconveniences like traffic, waiting in lines, and dealing with dozens or hundreds of other people.
- No Chance Of Being Shut Out Of A Game – Since physical sportsbooks have lines, you’re going to spend time in them. Sometimes long lines can make it impossible to make the bets you want. Meanwhile, online sportsbooks have no line, so you can make a bet as soon as you log on. This not only offers convenience but can improve your chances of making profits.
Is Legal Online Sports Betting Safe And Fair?
If you’re new to using online sportsbooks, you might wonder whether they’re fair and safe to use. The short answer to that question as it relates to legal sportsbooks is yes, they are. However, rather than forcing you to take our word for it, we’ll explain exactly why this is the case.
Legal online sportsbooks offer many things that illegal or black market sportsbooks simply can’t and don’t. We’ve listed five of those reasons below for you to learn more about.
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All Of The Games Are Tested
When you place bets with a legal sportsbook, you get peace of mind knowing that every game has been thoroughly tested. Unfortunately, illegal or unlicensed websites or apps with free sports betting are much more dubious. Choosing a legal sportsbook means that you know what you’re getting into since thousands of people have used the same service in the past.
In addition to user testing, these games are tested in-house extensively before release. This means you get double the testing and can trust the offerings from top legal sportsbooks online.
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Sportsbooks Require Heavy Licensing
The heavy licensing requirements for legal online sportsbooks is another factor that ensures user safety. This isn’t the case with illegal sportsbooks, which make their own decisions on pretty much everything. As you can expect, unlawful sportsbooks will do anything to put themselves in the best position.
Organizations and departments, which vary depending on the state they service, regulate online sportsbooks. This means that the sportsbooks are accountable to regulating entities. When you choose a legal sports betting website, you know exactly what to expect because the brand adheres to specific rules.
Regulators Offer Options For Pursuing Disputes
Legitimate online sportsbooks will have some way for users to bring up disputes if problems occur. That means you have some sort of recourse if you feel that you have been wronged. This is not going to be the case with most other sportsbooks, which are primarily in the market for themselves.
When using avenues for recourse on legal online sportsbooks, you work through disputes with a regulator. You get the benefit of a neutral party who can look into things without taking one side or another. If you have been wronged, it will be discovered, and action will be taken on your behalf.
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Full Awareness Of Who Is Holding Your Money
When you go to a random sports betting website, do you know who is actually holding onto your money? Chances are pretty good that you don’t. You wouldn’t have any idea what to do if your money were to disappear without a trace. This is what makes legal online sportsbooks different. You always know where your money is and who is responsible for it.
Legal sportsbooks are typically large companies that are accountable to their regulators, the casinos they partner with, and their clients. There is little to no chance that they’ll lose your money. If they do, these companies will have an interest in making things right immediately.
Legal Online Sportsbooks Rarely Close
When it comes to free or illegal sports betting sites, you never know when they’re going to pop up or randomly close. The difference with legal online sportsbooks is that they have regulations and requirements. Hearing that one has shut down is very uncommon. You don’t have to worry about the site closing without warning and take your hard-earned money with it.
Even when a legit online sportsbook does close, the company will have plan to ensure you get your deposited money.
How We Choose Which Online Sportsbooks To List
It’s essential to consider a number of things when we choose the online sportsbooks we will showcase. We only want to bring attention to legitimate sportsbooks that treat their customers well. Each below factors goes into whether or not we list a sportsbook and is individually significant:
- Properly Licensed – We only list fully and properly-licensed online sportsbooks to ensure your safety and security. This is a sign of legitimacy that is important when considering betting sites to use.
- Reliable Support Channels – Having access to educated, knowledgeable support options is essential for any online sportsbook. This is another thing we look for in any sportsbooks we decide to list.
- Reputation – The best sportsbooks with mobile apps and websites are also going to be the ones that have a positive reputation among users and sports betting experts. We take into account the status of every sportsbook and the general consensus about each.
- Bet Selection – Some sportsbooks have a couple of bet selection options, while others have dozens to choose from. In order to satisfy the largest number of people, we consider bet selections and the number of available options.
- Promotions And Bonuses – Finally, we look at bonuses and promotions when considering what sportsbooks we should list. The brands that have useful and helpful promotions for users are the most likely to have a listing here.
Legal Online Sports Betting In The United States – FAQs
Online sportsbook services may not be legal in your state. Initially limited to only a handful of states, this number is expanding through 2020. Currently, bettors must be located in Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennesee, West Virginia, or Washington DC to place sports bets online. Michigan will most likely be the next to launch its online sportsbooks, currently slated for early 2021.
In short, this form of identification helps verify that individuals are who they say they are. The government regulates online sportsbooks. It requires them to identify and log SSNs under the Bank Secrecy Act and the Patriot Act. To adhere to anti-money laundering protocols, your social security number, name, address, and other important information has to be provided.
Each state in the United States is able to regulate sportsbooks available within the state. When the Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, it gave states the option to offer legalized sports wagering. However, many states have not yet done this, and some face hurdles to offering sports wagering in their location.
There are many options to deposit money at online sportsbooks. However, the most popular method is by credit card. Many sportsbooks also allow the use of checks, bank wire transfers, eWallets, and PayPal. There are also sportsbooks that let you deposit using a check or through some popular types of cryptocurrency.
A risk-free bet is a a type of wager. If you make a bet and lose, you will receive credit for a bonus bet equivalent to the original wager. The risk-free distinction means that you aren’t going to lose your money if your initial bet fails. If the bonus bet fails, however, you will lose whatever money you put down.
The answer to this question largely depends on the sportsbook and its partner casino. In most cases, the sportsbook website or application will send your money to your bank account. However, some sportsbooks will have other options available. For example, you can elect to have your check sent to your home. At that point, you can deposit it in your bank account yourself.
Yes. It’s largely safe to bet at legal online sportsbooks, but you should take precautions. Be sure to select a regulated and reputably-licensed company that has been in the business for years. It should have a history of positive reviews and few complaints.
Let’s face it, there are more online casinos and sports betting sites out there than you could ever hope to explore. This massive international industry brings in billions of revenue dollars per year, so all of the various operations are competing for your business.
There is nothing better for the consumer than fierce competition within an industry, and this is no different when it pertains to gambling online.
Online sportsbooks come in all shapes and sizes, with varying degrees of authenticity and reliability.
But once you’ve done your research and identified the safest betting sites offering the wagers you are most interested in, how do you decide which to choose? Well, that’s where the bonus programs and loyalty rewards come in to play.
Betting sites commonly offer bonuses to customers who sign up for their website or deposit money into their account. These gifts typically come in the form of additional funds to bet with, after matching a percentage of your deposit, or free plays.
This guide has been designed to help you navigate the world on online sports betting bonuses so that you make the best choices to match your gambling needs.
We recommend checking out our page dedicated to finding the best betting sites for bonuses & rewards if you are looking to bet now.