Nothing ramps up the excitement of watching your favorite team like placing a few bets.
And what do you need for that? The best betting sites, of course!
Our number one choice is BetWhale, a giant of the industry and well worth its capital at number one. We have rigorously reviewed and ranked the other top sportsbooks, taking into account factors like user experience, betting odds, bonuses, security, and customer support.
Eager to learn more? Keep reading.
Best Betting Sites
Important: The sites listed in this guide are targeting English speakers around the world. Please remember to check your local laws to ensure online gambling is legal where you live. Also Adblock might get confused so please disable it if you have any issues with our links.
How did these online sportsbooks end up on our list? Keep reading our reviews and you’ll find out exactly what makes them the best sports betting sites.
1. BetWhale – Best Online Betting Site Overall
Pros
- Thousands of daily markets
- 150% deposit boost
- Great live betting section
- 20+ sports covered
- Easy & fast payouts
Cons
- Homepage is a bit cluttered
- Customer support is slow at times
Looking for the best online sports betting site overall? Look no further – BetWhale leads our list today with some of the best bonuses, excellent sports coverage, competitive odds, and so much more! Let’s have a closer look at everything it has in store.
Sportsbook Features: 4.95/5
BetWhale is the best online sportsbook overall – no matter what you are looking for, you’ll find it here. With more than 20 sports and thousands of daily markets, this sports betting site has it all.
This includes everything from popular sports like football and soccer to lesser-known ones like eSports and cricket.
One of the coolest features at BetWhale is the innovative prop bet builder. This handy tool lets you create your own custom bets by mixing and matching different betting options. It’s a fantastic way to tailor your betting experience to suit your personal style.
Plus, BetWhale’s live betting page includes real-time streaming via Twitch, bringing the thrill of the game directly to your screen.
Bonuses & Promotions: 4.95/5
Just starting out with this betting site? Don’t miss out on their welcome offer. Just enter the promo code THEBOOST when you sign up, and you’ll bag an impressive 150% deposit boost on your first deposit. Sports bettors will claim a 125% match up to $1,250. It’s a great way to kickstart your betting journey.
And the promos don’t stop there!
Stick with this online sportsbook for daily free bet bonuses, a variety of tournaments, and a host of other awesome offers that keep the fun going.
Banking Methods: 4.95/5
The best betting site makes the banking process incredibly smooth and efficient, ensuring bettors have a hassle-free experience. You’ll find a wide range of payment methods to match different preferences, which is always nice to see.
Whether you’re comfortable using major credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express or prefer the convenience of digital wallets such as PayPal, BetWhale has you covered.
For the crypto-savvy, there’s also support for Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, and Tether.
What really distinguishes the best betting site is its dedication to user convenience. The platform ensures easy account verification and boasts some of the fastest payouts around.
>> Claim a 150% deposit boost
2. BetOnline – Best Site for Sports Betting on Live Events
Pros
- Live betting + live streaming
- 18 sports bonuses to choose from
- 25+ years in the industry
- Parlay power-ups
- Risk-free bets
Cons
- Geo-restrictive
- Fees for specific payment methods
Fan of live betting sites? Take a look at BetOnline – it boasts an excellent in-play betting section with thousands of daily live markets.
Sportsbook Features: 4.9/5
BetOnline offers a robust sportsbook that caters to a wide range of betting preferences. It covers all major sports like football, basketball, baseball, and hockey, along with a variety of international sports and events, including tennis betting, golf, and MMA.
The addition of features such as parlay power-ups and risk-free bets make it a favorite amongst those who are constantly looking for an edge from a promotional angle.
This bookmaker online is also an amazing pick for live betting, as not only it offers lines on popular sports – but you will also find a dedicated live stream for some of them, making the decision-making process much easier.
Poker is not the spotlight here, but it’s worth mentioning that BetOnline is one of the best FL online poker websites at the moment.
Bonuses & Promotions: 4.8/5
This online bookmaker offers 18, yes – 18 different types of sports bonuses to choose from, making it a dream for those who are looking for value in promotions.
New users at this betting site can get up to $250 in free bets on their first deposit of at least $50 with the bonus code FREE250. This offer is free of any wagering requirements – and players also get 100 free spins to use at BetOnline’s casino section.
You can also enhance your winnings with improved sports betting odds on parlays of five or more picks, as well as take a chance on a live event with a $50 bet. If it doesn’t win, you’ll get a bet token refund subject to a 6x rollover.
Keep an eye out for BetOnline’s occasional boosted odds on various events, adding a surprise element and extra value to your betting experience.
Banking Methods: 4.6/5
This online betting site provides a diverse range of banking options, accommodating both traditional and modern preferences.
It supports several cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, offering the benefits of quick, secure, and anonymous transactions. So, if you’re using crypto to place bets, BetOnline is a good place to start.
For users who prefer conventional methods, options like credit cards, bank wire transfers, and cashier’s checks are available.
>> Claim up to $250 free bets
3. Bovada – Best Market Variety of All Top Betting Sites Online
Pros
- $750 welcome bonus
- Weekly prizes
- 30+ sports
- Bettors can request custom props
- Reduced juice for the NFL
- Fast payouts
Cons
- Late lines for college sports
- Fees on check payouts
Not sure what you want to bet on? Then you need a betting site that covers various sports – just like Bovada! Let’s have a look at everything it has in store for sports bettors.
Sportsbook Features: 4.8/5
Bovada’s sportsbook is a standout feature, offering a wide array of betting options that cater to a diverse range of sports enthusiasts.
Users can place bets on popular sports like football, basketball, and soccer, as well as on niche sports betting markets like eSports and virtual sports.
The interface is user-friendly, making navigation and placing sports bets straightforward for both beginners and experienced sports bettors.
Bonuses & Promotions: 4.8/5
Sign up to Bovada today, and you can receive a $250 welcome bonus. This offer includes a 50% match on your initial deposit and comes with a 5x wagering requirement.
Crypto enthusiasts can instead opt for a 75% match deposit bonus of up to $750 – which is much more valuable than the standard offer.
Plus, Bovada’s loyalty program rewards consistent players. Earn points to redeem for various sports betting bonuses, and progress through six levels for even greater rewards.
Banking Methods: 4.8/5
Bovada supports a variety of banking methods, with a strong emphasis on cryptocurrency transactions.
Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, and Ethereum are among the popular crypto options, offering fast and secure deposits and withdrawals alongside big betting limits.
For those who prefer traditional banking methods, Bovada also provides options like credit cards and bank transfers – just keep in mind that check payouts come with fees.
>> Claim a $750 welcome bonus
4. Sportsbetting.ag – Fastest Payouts of All the Best Betting Websites
Pros
- $250 in free bets + 100 free spins
- $50 risk-free wager
- Excellent re-design
- Stellar live betting interface
- Big NFL and NBA contests
Cons
- No e-wallet options
- Esports coverage could be better
If you are looking for the best online sportsbook with the fastest payouts, you should have a look at Sportsbetting.ag – keep reading to find out everything it has in store for you.
Sportsbook Features: 4.75/5
SportsBetting.ag is among the top choices in the online sports betting market when it comes to risk-free bets.
This online sports betting platform covers a vast range of sports, including popular choices like football, basketball, baseball, and soccer, as well as niche sports for those with specific interests. One of its standout features is its risk-free wagers, which we go into more detail about below.
Due to this variety, it was also on our list of the top Florida sports betting sites.
Bonuses & Promotions: 4.6/5
New users can take advantage of up to $250 in free bets as a 50% deposit match.
And even if you’re not big on casino promos, it should be noted that you also get a chance to bag yourself a win on slots as the welcome offer comes with 100 free spins.
Banking Methods: 4.8/5
SportsBetting.ag provides a wide range of banking options to accommodate different preferences. The platform supports several cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, but unfortunately comes up short when it comes to e-wallet options.
>> Get up to $250 in free bets
5. MyBookie – Best Bonuses of All Top Online Betting Sites
Pros
- $200 cash bonus or 50% match up to $1,000
- Lowest bonus wagering requirements
- Various props for popular events
- Regular tournaments and sports betting contests
- Alternate lines and Asian handicaps
Cons
- Dated website design
- Invite-only VIP program
Who doesn’t love generous bonuses? We know we do! And we also know that there’s no better online sportsbook than MyBookie when it comes to bonuses.
Sportsbook Features: 4.6/5
MyBookie stands out with its comprehensive and user-friendly online sportsbook, catering to a wide range of sports betting preferences.
It offers extensive coverage of major sports like football, basketball, baseball, and soccer, alongside options for betting on less mainstream sports and events, including entertainment and politics.
You can also bet on UFC here, as well as MMA and boxing.
Bonuses & Promotions: 4.85/5
The initial promotion – the one most users will get – is a 50% sports welcome bonus, providing up to $1,000 in bonus bets plus a bonus $10 casino chip. It’s subject to a 10x wagering requirement.
Where MyBookie stands out from most new sports betting sites, however, is the 10% deposit match up to $200, uniquely accompanied by a 1x wagering requirement. This makes it one of the industry’s most favorable wagering deals and probably the option we recommend most.
This online bookmaker has recently opened up a new VIP program with various rewards for loyal bettors. It’s invite-only, though, so you’ll have to work to get your place.
Fun fact: MyBookie topped our list of the best Maryland sportsbooks.
Banking Methods: 4.7/5
This top sports betting app provides a variety of banking options to accommodate different user preferences.
For those looking for modern and secure transactions, the online sportsbook supports several cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, which offers anonymity and reduced transaction fees.
Traditional banking methods such as credit and debit cards, wire transfers, and P2P are also available but carry some fees. Therefore, check all the details before using a certain payment method.
>> Get a $1,000 cash bonus
What You Should Look for in a Sports Betting Site
When searching for the best bookmakers online, it’s important to consider several factors. Let’s have a look at them below:
Sportsbook Features
The best online bookmakers should offer a wide range of betting options across various sports, including betting markets for the NBA and NFL, as well as niche sports and events. Take into account all the sports betting options, including whether live wagering is available.
Betting Markets & Odds
Assess the depth and variety of betting markets available, including moneylines, point spreads, totals, same game parlays, and props. Check the competitiveness of the odds offered by various sports betting sites.
Bonuses and Promotions
When choosing the best sports betting websites, sportsbook bonuses and promotions are essential features to consider. While attractive and fair welcome bonuses are important, you should also explore the availability of ongoing promotions like free bets, loyalty rewards, and seasonal offers that can improve your sports betting experience over time.
Banking Methods
The best sportsbooks online provide a variety of banking options to accommodate user preferences and ensure convenient, safe, and fast transactions with big betting limits.
Explore the range of available methods at various online sports betting sites, from traditional options like credit cards and bank transfers to modern ones like cryptocurrencies.
User Experience
The user experience of online sports betting websites is an often overlooked, but very important factor to consider. Choose sites with intuitive interfaces and easy navigation, improving your overall betting experience.
For more information, read our TX sports betting guide where we compare online and in-person betting.
Top Sports To Bet on at the Best Online Sportsbooks
Whether you’re a fan of basketball or football, there’s something for everyone at our top picks. Let’s explore some of the best sports to bet on right now.
Football
Football is one of the most popular sports right now – it attracts fans with events like the NFL in the U.S. and football leagues across Europe. Its popularity stems from the sheer volume of betting options available, including everything from match outcomes to player performance stats.
Basketball
Basketball is all about action and pace, making it a popular pick for sports betting. The NBA seasons and games, with their high scoring and frequent lead changes, provide many opportunities for betting.
Tennis
With matches happening nearly every week of the year, tennis offers endless opportunities for bettors. The sport’s direct head-to-head matchups mean you can get really specific with your bets, from forecasting match winners to guessing the number of sets.
Horse Racing
A classic choice, horse racing has a long-standing association with betting. Betting on horse racing offers various wager types, from straightforward ‘win’ bets to more complex ‘exotic’ bets, making it appealing for both novices and seasoned bettors.
UFC/MMA
UFC and MMA have exploded in popularity, making them a hot spot for sports bettors. The intense, unpredictable nature of each match offers exciting betting opportunities, from picking fight winners to predicting the method of victory or how long a fight will last.
eSports
As a rapidly growing sector, eSports betting is available at many new betting sites and taps into the fanbase of games like CS:GO, Dota 2, and Fortnite. It’s not just about who wins or loses; betting can include specifics like who will score first or how many kills a player will get.
Bonuses Offered by Top Sports Betting Sites
Before you claim a sports betting bonus, we think you should know which types of deals are available out there. This way, you can have a clear image of what suits you best and what to look for. Here are the most common promos available at online sports betting sites.
Welcome Bonus
The most common type of online betting bonus, usually the main highlight of every sportsbook. In most cases, a betting site will match a percentage of a new user’s initial deposit up to a certain figure. For example, a 100% first deposit bonus worth up to $100.
Free Bets
Also known as risk-free bets, this promo lets you place bonus bets without risking your own money. For example, you might receive $25 in bonus bets if you wager $25 on a specific event or sports league. These bonuses are great for testing new sports betting strategies.
Reload Bonus
These are aimed at regular players who have already gone through their welcome bonus money. These are usually regular deposit bonuses, except they’re not exclusive to newcomers. So, let’s say, a 50% match bonus every Wednesday, worth up to $100 – that’s a standard reload bonus.
No Deposit Bonus
While highly sought after, no-deposit bonuses are quite rare and often come with stringent conditions. These promotions provide a small amount of free money, such as a $10 free bet at sign-up, without requiring a deposit. However, they typically carry higher wagering requirements or other restrictive terms compared to other bonuses. No deposit promos are also more popular among online casino players because they usually involve free spins on slots.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Sports Betting Sites
We believe that sports betting websites have a clear advantage over retail sports betting. Still, they’re not ideal. So let’s cover the pros and cons of these platforms so you can get a clear image of whether they’re right for your sports betting style.
Benefits of Betting Websites
Better Odds and Payouts: Because online sportsbooks have lower overhead costs, they can afford to pass those savings onto sports bettors as more competitive odds. For example, you might find that an online sportsbook offers +120 odds on a game, whereas a physical bookmaker offers only +110. Over time, this makes a world of difference.
Bigger Bonuses: Similarly to our first point, online sportsbook bonuses are simply better. A land-based sportsbook usually doesn’t offer the range of promos available at online betting sites.
You Can Use Crypto: The best online betting sites offer cryptocurrency banking options, including Bitcoin and altcoins. The key benefits here are bigger bonuses, lower fees (often $0), and near-instant payouts.
Convenience: This one is obvious but we have to mention it. Online betting sites are available 24/7, and you don’t waste time reaching them (you might even save money on travel expenses).
Betting Sites Drawbacks
Withdrawals Can Take a While: When you place bets at land-based sportsbooks, you can claim your winnings instantly at the counter, right? Well, withdrawing money from online betting sites can take up to two weeks if you use bank transfers. That’s why we recommend crypto betting sites – they pay out in a matter of minutes.
Lack of Social Interaction: Some sports bettors enjoy land-based sports betting joints because of the social aspect. Sure, some online sportsbooks have public chats and community forums, but some folks simply prefer in-person interaction.
Common Types of Bets at the Best Bookies Online
Understanding the different types of bets available is important when sports betting online. Here’s a quick guide to some of the most popular betting options.
Moneyline Bets
This is the simplest and most straightforward type of bet. You simply bet on which team or player will win the game or match. The odds are presented with a positive or negative sign to indicate the underdog and favorite.
So, if you see odds of -150 for Team A and +130 for Team B, a $150 bet on Team A would net you $100 if they win, whereas a $100 bet on Team B would net you $130 if they win.
Point Spread Bets
Also known as handicap bets, these sports wagers level the playing field by assigning each team a point advantage or disadvantage. For instance, if the New England Patriots are favored to win by 7 points, the spread might be listed as Patriots -7.
This means the Patriots need to win by more than 7 points for your bet to pay out. And if you bet on the underdog, say the New York Jets at +7, they need to either win outright or lose by less than 7 points for you to win your bet.
Over/Under Bets (Totals)
These bets focus on the total number of points scored in a game, rather than the outcome. The sportsbook sets a predicted total, and you bet on whether the actual total points will be over or under that number.
So, let’s say the over/under for a basketball game is set at 210.5 points; you can bet on whether the combined score of both teams will be more or less than 210.5.
Parlay Bets
Parlays combine multiple individual sports bets into one wager. To win a parlay, all the individual bets (also known as legs) must win. Parlay wagers offer higher potential payouts but also come with increased risk.
For example, a parlay could include three bets: the Lakers to win, the Yankees to cover the spread, and the Packers to hit the over. If all three bets win, the payout is significantly higher than betting on each individually.
Prop Bets
Proposition bets cover specific events within a game, rather than the game’s final score. These can be anything from betting on which player will score the first touchdown, to how many strikeouts a pitcher will have.
Prop bets are popular during high-profile events like the Super Bowl, where you can bet on everything from the coin toss result to the length of the national anthem.
How Do Betting Odds Work?
Sports betting odds determine the payout of a winning bet and the probability of an event taking place. Three common formats for expressing odds are American (moneyline), decimal, and fractional.
American odds show a positive or negative number. A negative number (e.g., -150) indicates the favorite and the amount you need to bet to win $100. A positive number (e.g., +130) signifies the underdog and the amount you win if you bet $100.
Decimal odds are popular in Europe and Australia and indicate the total payout for a winning bet, including your stake. So, decimal odds of 2.50 mean a $100 bet returns $250.
Fractional odds are common in the UK. They show the profit relative to the stake. So, 5/1 odds simply mean you win $5 for every $1 wagered.
Best Betting Sites – FAQs
Can I Win Real Money At the Best Online Betting Sites?
Yes, you can win real money when you place a winning bet at the best online sportsbooks. All the top betting sites you see in this article are licensed to accept real money wagers and pay out in cash.
What Are Same Game Parlays?
A same-game parlay is when you make a parlay bet made up of prop bets and other wagers from one specific game. Not all online sports betting sites accept these wagers, but our top pick BetWhale does.
Is Online Sports Betting Safe?
Online sports betting is safe when you’re using the best sportsbook apps that are licensed and regulated by a gambling commission. Licensed betting sites must follow rules and regulations that are put in place to protect players.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal?
Bettors can now enjoy legal online sports betting across 38 states, including Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and many more.
The rest of the states are yet to start offering legal sports betting sites, but the trend is moving in a positive direction for bettors – so it shouldn’t be too long before online betting is legal across the board.
How to Sign Up At the Top Online Sportsbooks
Follow our guide below to get started at the best online sportsbooks within minutes.
Step 1: Choose the Best Betting Site
- Explore our list of sports betting websites or head to BetWhale, our top pick
- Hit the Sign Up button
- Wait for a registration form to appear
Step 2: Create a Sports Betting Account
- Enter your email address and create a strong password
- Add your mobile number
- Finish the form with the requisite information
- Accept the T&Cs and finish signing up
Step 3: Verify Your Email
- Open your email inbox
- Check for an email from the sportsbook you’ve registered at
- Open it, and click or paste the link to verify your account
Step 4: Deposit & Bet on Sports
- Click the deposit button
- Choose your preferred payment method
- Make sure to click the opt-in button for bonuses
- Follow any instructions on screen
- Use your bonus to place bets!
So, What Are the Best Online Sports Betting Sites?
From extensive sportsbook offerings and generous bonuses to diverse banking methods, these top sports betting sites cater to a variety of preferences and needs.
It’s probably no surprise that BetWhale is the best site for online sports betting overall – but there are plenty of other excellent sportsbooks worth checking out here, too.
Whether you’re a seasoned sports bettor or just starting out, remember to gamble responsibly and within your means. With the insights and information from our expert evaluations, you’re now equipped to make informed choices in your betting adventures.
Don’t forget our most important insight of all – never bet on the Dallas Cowboys.
DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is for entertainment purposes only. Online gambling comes with risks. There’s no guarantee of financial gain, so you should only gamble with what you can afford to lose.
While gambling can be fun, it can also be addictive. If you or anyone you know suffers from a gambling addiction problem, we recommend you call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700 to speak with an advisor. Please remember that our guides and all gambling sites are 21+. Also, check with local laws if online gambling is legal in your area.
For free online gambling addiction resources, visit these organizations:
