Online Sports Betting Guide US
Online sports betting is predicted to soon be an $8 billion industry in the US alone, with new state legislation passing all the time. In our exclusive sports betting guide browse the most popular sports to bet on, get a better understanding of sports odds and see which states have already legalised sports betting.
Online Sports Betting Guides
Sports betting sites all cover the most popular sports, offering a range of markets on the biggest events, tournaments and leagues. To see the most popular sports in the US, as well as some of the calendar highlights from each, check out our sports betting guides below:
Golf
While the all four majors take place within the space of four months, there are events on the PGA Tour and European Tour to bet on all year round. The Masters, PGA Championship and US Open are three of the four major championships and all take place in the US, while The Open is hosted in the UK. Bettors can wager on everything from outright winners and scoring records to whether someone will get a hole in one.
Ice Hockey
With plenty of fast-paced action, the NHL is always popular with gamblers, especially in the US and Canada. The Stanley Cup is the culmination of the season, and represents the perfect opportunity to place a few bets. Betting markets for ice hockey are extremely vast and cater for both beginner and advanced bettors.
Horse Racing
There's no sport more synonymous with betting than horse racing. There are races every day from the US, UK, Dubai, Australia and more. The US is home to the annual Kentucky Derby which encapsulates an entire state, while the other highlight of the horse racing calendar is the Grand National. These two events alone attract millions of bettors around the world, and both beginners and experienced bettors can get involved with the action.
Tennis
From Grand Slams like Wimbledon and the US Open through to the Miami Open and the ATP World Tour Finals, tennis offers amazing variety to bettors. Then consider the different surfaces like grass, synthetic, grass, carpet and clay, seen at tennis tournaments like the French Open, it becomes extremely interesting to predict the outcome.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal?
After the Supreme Court legalized sports betting in May 2018, it has been down to each state to implement its own legislation. After the most recent US Election in November 2020, there are now 23 states with legal sports betting. However, there are some differences within these states which can be confusing. To make it really simple to understand where sports betting is legal, and in what capacity, we've put together the below table:
Yes
Online Betting PermittedNo
Yes
Online Betting PermittedYes
Yes
Online Betting PermittedNo
Yes
Online Betting PermittedYes
Yes
Online Betting PermittedYes
Yes
Online Betting PermittedYes
Yes
Online Betting PermittedYes
Yes
Online Betting PermittedNo
Yes
Online Betting PermittedNo
Yes
Online Betting PermittedYes
No
Online Betting PermittedYes
Yes
Online Betting PermittedYes
Yes
Online Betting PermittedNo
Yes
Online Betting PermittedNo
Yes
Online Betting PermittedNo
Yes
Online Betting PermittedYes
Yes
Online Betting PermittedYes
Yes
Online Betting PermittedYes
No
Online Betting PermittedYes
No
Online Betting PermittedYes
Yes
Online Betting PermittedNo
Yes
Online Betting PermittedYes
Yes
Online Betting PermittedYes
State
West Virginia
Disclaimer: This is not legal advice and we recommend seeking independent advice for more information about betting in the United States. Laws are constantly changing and while we strive to keep up with the regulations, the information may become outdated.
Sports Betting Odds
Understanding sports betting odds isn't easy, especially for beginners. With different formats for different regions, it can be daunting trying to read a European sportsbook as an American, and vice versa. Likewise, it can be equally as confusing trying to work out just how much you stand to win if your wager comes in from long odds.
Whether you're a complete sports betting novice or not, it's important to know the difference between American, fractional and decimal odds. Luckily, we have two recognised and respected guides which will bring you up to speed in no time. Check out our sports betting guide and odds calculator below.
Sports Betting Tips
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1
Start Small
As a beginner, we recommend starting with some small bets to get used to everything. This low-risk strategy will set up you nicely for any larger wagers in the future.
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2
Use Your Bonuses
Top sportsbooks can offer incredibly generous welcome bonuses. Use these after registration to maintain your bankroll for longer.
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3
Head Over Heart
While it may be tempting to back your favorite team, always make sure the decision to do so is based on data and form.
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4
Research Your Picks
Talking of data and form, make sure you research the teams, players and event you're betting on. Spotting patterns or trends may lead to some great value bets.
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5
Bet Responsibly
Last but not least, bet responsibly. Never bet what you can't afford and stop when the fun stops.
Sports Betting News
FAQs
- How to bet on sports?
Betting on sports is really simple. To start, register at your selected sportsbook and claim your welcome bonus. From there navigate to the sport and event you'd like to bet on, select your market and stake and place your bet. If your bet comes in you'll be able to withdraw your winnings.
- Where is sports betting legal?
Sports betting legislation is different in almost all countries. In the United States sports betting is legal, but the laws are determined by each individual state. See the states which have legalized sports betting on this page.
- Where to bet online for sports?
This depends on where you live. Some states offer legal sports betting, and these have a range of land-based and online sportsbooks for you to choose from. If you're located in a state without legal sports betting, there are easier options than driving to the nearest state that does! For example, you can always jump online and play at an offshore betting site.
- Can I get free bets with these recommended sportsbooks?
Yes, you certainly can. Every sports betting site we recommend has a top welcome bonus on offer to new players, and this often comes in the form of a free bet. These welcome bonuses all have fair terms and conditions attached to them, including low wagering requirements.
- Is it safe to place sports bets online?
When you play at a site we recommend, you should always be completely safe. This is because we only ever highlight sites that are licensed and regulated by a reputable authority. What's more, all these sites use SSL encryption to protect your personal details and banking information.