With so much online sports betting 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 comprehensive sports betting sites that go above and beyond fundamental standards.
Finding a high-quality bookmaker can be time-consuming, which is why we’ve combined this advisor to find the most productive one for you.
Below are a few things you should do when opting for a bookmaker to get the most out of your sports betting experience.
Before you explore online bookmakers in the U. S. In the U. S. , here are some tips on how to start your variety process.
Before you sign up for a sports site, it’s vital to know how seriously you’ll be taking 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 gamble more often, 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’re making plans to spend a lot of time on 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, but not all, states. The first step is to check if your state allows sportsArray, as some states have not yet legalized it or only allow it in person.
If so, the next step is to see which online bookmakers are operating in your state. While larger bookmakers like FanDuel and DraftKings are available in most legal states for sports betting, some bookmakers are only available in certain states.
Obviously, being in a state where only a handful of bookmakers are legal makes selection less difficult than if you were in a state with more than a dozen bookmakers.
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 sports betting in the United States is regulated and must meet certain criteria in order to operate. They are required to pay out your winnings and have strict security measures in place to protect your 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 money 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 at all.
If you’re a victim of fraud or theft at an offshore sports betting site, there’s typically not much you can do because those sports betting sites operate outside of the U. S. jurisdiction. U. S.
Using overseas sports betting is risky and can simply charge you money. Legal and regulated sportsbooks in the U. S. U. S. companies are much more secure and offer safeguards to their customers.
In addition to having websites, many online bookmakers also offer mobile apps. Before opting for a bookmaker, make sure it has an app for its operating formula (iOS or Android) on the App Store or Google Play Store.
Once you’ve downloaded the app, test it to see how it feels. Each sports app has a different interface, features, layout, and loading times, so make sure it’s comfortable and easy to use. You don’t need a clunky, slow, or troublesome app.
You can access a bookmaker through your desktop browser or mobile device, 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 offer welcome offers to entice new consumers to sign up, regularly offering bonus bets or instant 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 offering 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 just for $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 that you can pay to get your cash back.
One offer is rarely necessarily better than another, but it depends on your goal. If you want 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 so you can bet on one game (i. e. the Super Bowl) but don’t plan on betting on sports much 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 trouble or bonus bets for every bet placed, while other sports betting sites don’t have any kind of praise system at all.
Again, it depends on how you plan to bet. If you gamble frequently, it’s more important to locate a bookmaker with daily promotions and a solid loyalty program.
Odds vary between bookmakers, so it’s vital to make sure you’re getting competitive odds on your bets.
Think about both probabilities and prices. If you can get a gallon of fuel 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 cashline bet on the Dallas Cowboys. If a bookmaker has odds of -200 to win and the bookmaker has them at -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 pays to buy groceries to get the most productive value on an occasion when you need to bet. . It takes a little 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 on live markets. where the odds are changing.
Another area in which sports differ is in the games and types of bets they offer.
While most bookmakers offer popular betting markets (moneyline, spreads, totals, etc. ) on major U. S. sports, there is still a lot of money to be played. In the U. S. , there are a few spaces where sports betting can stand out. One is that of side bets, in particular side bets on players. Bookmakers offer a probably infinite diversity of incidental 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 tied league, 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 over the weekend or if you fall behind at night. Some sportsbooks 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. U. S. companies use 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’ll 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 also built 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 main 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 spaces in which they differ are their design and rewards program. FanDuel’s interface is sleek, modern, intuitive, and easy to use; Many bet on being one of the most productive in the business.
DraftKings’ interface is rarely very bad, but it does seem more dated than FanDuel’s, which makes it a bit harder 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 there. DraftKings, on the other hand, offers issues for stakes 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 in one place and a big loser in 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 find the best odds, as a bookmaker probably won’t offer the best odds for everything.
Many of the welcome offers are comparable, so it’s hard for a bookmaker to have the most productive one. Also, bookmakers replace their sign-up bonuses, so an offer probably won’t last long.
As mentioned above, it’s also vital to note the difference between be offers. 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 might be less ($100 or $200), but you’re guaranteed to get it 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 wager 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 punters a percentage of the bet in 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 of it or just a part of it. You have two functions 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 purchase products or clothing from your favorite team.
FanCash doesn’t expire, so you can save up for a big bonus bet or a big buy-in 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 U. S. bettors. U. S. :
If you’re into sports or fantasy sports, you’ve probably heard of DraftKings Sportsbook. It’s one of the first sports sites in the U. S. It is the first U. S. sports site to launch in 2018 and 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 bounty program, and a sign-up bonus for new customers. It also has a Parlay Builder tool that simplifies the creation of parlays.
The markets and types of bets at DraftKings are also extensive. DraftKings is known for offering one of the most extensive prop betting and futures betting options on the market.
In short, DraftKings has everything you’d expect from a bookmaker.
FanDuel Sportsbook rivals DraftKings as one of the biggest 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 new visitor registration offer, odds boosts, and 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 pinnacle in the industry, providing dozens of enhancements across 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 winning stakes issues that can then be used for bonus bets, you can also enter to win trips to Caesars resorts and casinos.
BetMGM Sportsbook is helping to raise the bar for sports sites.
BetMGM has an interesting 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 boasts reliable support for visitors, many markets, and a modern, 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 above, 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 easy to locate the sports and types of bets you like to bet on.
Fanatics also has a modern interface, odds boosts, and plenty of 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 US sports betting sites. U. S.
While it’s 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 newest bookmakers on the market, debuted in Iowa in 2022 and has since expanded to several states.
While it still has some catching up to do in terms of popularity and market share, ClutchBet is a vital addition to the market with its neat layout, vast markets, competitive odds, and strong 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 the odds on local sports teams.
BetRivers may not have a lot of features, but it covers the basics and is a solid option.
We took the time to analyze and study many sportsbooks, narrowing down a list of the most productive in the industry. These qualifications 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 they’re vital to your sports betting experience. Below, we’ll rank our favorite bookmakers and what makes them stand out.
These are the points we use when building our list.
A quick and easy way to get an idea of how smart a bookmaker is is to compare user reviews on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android). Since the ratings exceed five stars, you regularly need a reputable bookmaker with an average score of at least 4 stars.
You can also check out quick user feedback to get an idea of what other people are saying about the app and if there are any recurring court cases or issues. This can be useful for features that are hard 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’re having 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 is no bookmaker in one or both states that offers legal online sports betting, but 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 are typically only available in a handful of states at most, and 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 a bid 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 cash to gamble.
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 an overall 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 your 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 immediately arrive in your account as soon as you place your first bet. They will also be easy to fulfill and possibly don’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 clear 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 gamble 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 travel, hotel stays, tickets to sporting events, and much more. .
On the other hand, some bookmakers don’t offer any rewards. This may not possibly 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 other than a credit card. If you place a bet on a site without a loyalty program, you’ll 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 where they differ is in their promotions for existing customers.
Some bookmakers offer a number of daily promotions, such as odds boosts, hassle-free betting, bonus bets, and much more to keep consumers coming back every day. Others offer them only sparingly or not at all.
A key promotion for existing users is the referral bonus. Many bookmakers offer some sort of referral bonus to entice someone else to sign up, but the amount can vary ($50 per child, $100, $200, etc. ). If you’re making plans to gamble 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 bookmaker with common offers for existing customers.
Strong visitor service features are a must-have for any sports betting site, given that most disputes or appeals involve someone’s money.
High marks were given to all bookmakers that provide visitor service 24/7 (after all, sporting events end at night), while problems were deduced if a betting house Betting relied on an FAQ page as a key component of its visitor service profile. If you touch on visitor service (email, chat, phone, etc. ), the better.
Customer support is a must to ensure a stylish sports betting experience. If a challenge arises, it’s vital to resolve it temporarily and efficiently.
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