Betting in USA review

The legal online sports betting market in the USA continues to grow. There are so many bookmakers offering great opportunities and odds. No matter what state you are in, there are so many interesting offers presented to you. To narrow down the list a bit, we should mention the main advantages of a particular platform. You can legally play in 26 states, including Washington, DC and others. And the most interesting thing is that a big expansion is planned for 2024, where states such as North Carolina, Vermont and others are planned to enter.

An important aspect is the great competition for customers, so each bookmaker tries to offer the most favourable conditions for both existing players and newcomers. As for initial actions, in most cases, a simple registration on the platform’s official website or mobile app is required.

To date, 26 states, plus Washington, D.C., have legalised online sports betting, and the list is likely to continue growing in the coming years. In 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the federal ban on sports betting and put the decision of whether to allow the activity in the hands of individual states.

Betting safety in the United States of America

Each state that has legalised sports betting is required to appoint a special committee or governing body to oversee all operations that take place within its location. This is a very good thing for visitors to online betting sites – online gambling has never been so safe. Certainly, this fact is a success as it will ensure transparency in the gambling process. Other aspects of betting safety in the US include such as:

• Trusted Brands. Unlike an offshore betting site with a sketchy website that changes every six months, legal sports betting sites are usually run by well-known, trustworthy brands. Many of the parent companies supporting your favourite legal sports betting sites have been in the gaming industry for decades and have solid reputations that they have invested heavily in maintaining.
• Shop affiliations. Many states that open online betting sites require that the online component be tied to an affiliate that works with individuals. Whether it’s a local casino or horse track, there will often be a physical location nearby that is linked to your online bookmaker. Not only does this further legitimise online sports betting sites, but it also gives players additional avenues to seek help should any problems arise. Plus, who doesn’t like to make monetary transactions in person.
• Security and Technology. When you consider all the money and resources that the industry’s largest commercial operators have at their disposal, it becomes clear why all information is safe, secure and remains confidential under all circumstances. Legal sports betting sites use the most powerful security technology to ensure that no one can ever get their hands on your personal information, such as your online banking information or national insurance number.

Popular betting sites in the USA

Even though the choice of betting platforms is very large, it is always possible to highlight the main advantages of this or that offer. Therefore, such services should include the following of them. Almost all of these companies also offer sports betting apps as well:

• Caesars. The Caesars platform combines a simple and reliable betting experience with competitive odds and a constant stream of bonuses and promotions. From single game betting to real-time betting, there’s nothing you can’t do on the app. You’ll also be able to find any sport or event you want to bet on, as Caesars boasts one of the deepest catalogues of betting options among its peers. The main benefit of the Caesars Sportsbook app is the Caesars Rewards programme, which allows you to accumulate points that can be redeemed for promotions, bonuses and privileges such as discounts or free nights at affiliated hotels around the world. New customers can use the promo code to get a refund in the form of a bonus bet of up to $1,000 on Caesars if their first bet loses. This is the company that offers bets on the most popular sports in USA.
• Bet365. One of the world’s largest bookmakers and sports betting sites, Bet365 has started to develop in the US and is now available in about most states, and probably all in the future. Daily odds increases and super increases are one of the hallmarks of the Bet365 app, and it showcases them prominently. The app is beginner-friendly and easy to navigate, and offers a personalised display to brighten the experience for users of all levels. Live betting options are plentiful; users can even stream some events from the app. And new customers can get up to $150 in bonuses with a bonus code.
• BetRivers. BetRivers is another bookmaker offering a wide range of sports and betting options. It offers statistics and tips on the list of games in the betting shop’s main menu, as well as a large selection of alternative lines and props. BetRivers also has an iRush Rewards programme through which bettors can get points towards VIP gifts, event tickets, branded merchandise and other offers. BetRivers offers fast cashouts and a generally seamless customer service experience. And while the app and website interface is a bit chaotic, the bookmaker offers consistently competitive odds on all the sports you can bet on. New customers can get a second chance to bet up to $500 (depending on the state) if their first bet loses using a bonus code.
• FanDuel. A nationwide leader in sports betting, FanDuel has become ubiquitous in nearly every state where it is allowed. The user-friendly app attracts many new users, as do the competitive odds and promotions, as well as the extensive catalogue of sports to bet on. FanDuel also offers reliable customer service and fast deposits and withdrawals. The single-game betting feature is one of the most popular aspects of the FanDuel app, and the large selection of props for punters makes it even more convenient to use. While FanDuel is constantly changing its sports betting promotions to attract new bettors, it could improve its recurring promotions for existing users. The odds selection also tends to lag behind other top competitors. New customers who place a $5 moneyline bet will receive $150 in bonus bets if their bet wins, no promo code is required.
• DraftKings. The DraftKings app is one of the most popular in the US, as almost everything you need from a sports betting site is just a click away. Firstly, the DraftKings app is one of the best in terms of aesthetics. The dark colour scheme and user-friendly design make this app not only nice to look at, but also very functional. Registration doesn’t take long and customer support is easily accessible via chat or email, but the in-app betting features set DraftKings apart from many of its competitors. DraftKings also offers a good selection of live betting options with real-time updates to keep you up to date with the game. You can also participate in betting pools that allow you to compete against small groups of friends. DraftKings also offers some of the best promotions for new users. This sleek and easy-to-use app is best-in-class in many states for a reason. It also offers up to $1,200 in bonuses to new users, with no promo code required.
• BetMGM. BetMGM BetMGM has become a leading option in many states where sports betting is legal. It offers a wide selection of sports and some of the best promotions and bonuses for users. The “Edit My Bet” feature may be the most popular feature on the app, as it allows users to add, delete or swap predictions on an already active betting sheet. Users can also increase a bet to boost the odds or use the cash-out option to cut their losses. The app takes some getting used to and doesn’t feature the most favourable odds, but the user-friendly interface, rewards programme and menu of betting options still make it a top choice for many. New users can get up to $1,500 in bonus bets if their first bet loses using the bonus code.

The best new betting platforms in the USA

Despite the fact that bookmakers with a long history and good reputation are available on the market, new players in this segment appear with a certain periodicity. That is why it is worth noting only the emerging offers in this field. New bookmaker platforms in the US market include the following ones:

• Hard Rock Bet;
• Sportsbook Fanatics;
• ESPN Bet!

Hard Rock Bet

Hard Rock Bet is the new name and rebranding of the old Hard Rock Sportsbook. The bookmaker is owned and operated out of Florida and operates in Arizona, Florida, Iowa, Indiana, Indiana, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee and Virginia. Hard Rock is probably better known for its casinos and restaurants, but the app offers a sleek, aesthetically pleasing interface and a solid loyalty programme for sports bettors.

Sportsbook Fanatics

Fanatics has found its way into the states with legal sports betting by taking over an existing brand. The apparel giant acquired PointsBet’s U.S. assets in June 2023 and began a gradual rebranding of PointsBet to Fanatics Sportsbook in the following months. Fanatics now operates in Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia, but plans to expand further. PointsBet is still available in Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. These states will likely transition from PointsBet to Fanatics in the coming weeks or months.

ESPN Bet

When Penn Entertainment announced the sale of the Barstool brand back to its founder Dave Portnoy, it also announced a new deal with Disney-owned media titan ESPN to rebrand Barstool Sportsbook to ESPN Bet. After months of preparatory work with state gaming regulators, ESPN Bet will launch in 17 states on 14 November 2023. The familiar sports giant has tapped two of its well-known media personalities to be the first faces of the product. However, ESPN, as one of the most recognisable sports organisations in the US, expects to become a significant player in legal states across the country. ESPN Bet operates in:

• Arizona,
• Colorado,
• Illinois,
• Indiana,
• Iowa,
• Kansas,
• Kentucky,
• Louisiana,
• Maryland,
• Massachusetts,
• Michigan,
• Michigan,
• New Jersey,
• Ohio,
• Pennsylvania,
• Tennessee,
• Virginia and West Virginia.

How to bet in the USA?

The process of registration in betting apps is not difficult, but further actions represent some more active activity. For this purpose, it is necessary to understand the basics of the game. One of the most important aspects for those who are new to the game is the odds. Once you get a little bit of familiarity, you will be able to understand the most likely outcome, the potential profit from winning bets and which side to back simply by studying the odds. Therefore, you should understand the types of bets, which include the following ones:

• Moneyline. This is a basic bet and a good starting point for beginners. By placing a moneyline bet, you choose which side you think will win. The odds on both sides will be negative for favourites and positive for outsiders
• Parlay. This is a bet where you combine two or more outcomes in a single slip. There is an opportunity for a big return here, but you have to get all your predictions correct to get the winning ticket, so your odds are greater. On a monthly basis, one of the biggest sources of profit for sportsbooks is Parlay betting.
• Spread. This is an attempt to equalise the odds of two teams. It is like a margin of victory that you should factor into your bets. Point spread betting is found in many sports but can be called by different names, such as betting on the run line in baseball or betting on the puck line in hockey.
• Total. This bet – aka over/under – is a bet on the total aggregate score of the game. The odds set the line, and bettors can bet on whether the score will be more or less than this line. The odds on both sides can vary from bettor to bettor.
• Props. This is a bet on a smaller aspect in a game, such as the performance of a team or player, or the competition as a whole.  You could say it is a side bet on what may or may not happen. Betting on a player’s performance has a lot to do with fantasy sports and can serve as a natural starting point for many new bettors.
• Teaser. This is a bet that allows you to change the point spread in two or more games. You can shift the lines in your favour, making it easier to win the bet and reducing the potential payout.

The advantage of legal betting in the USA

The emergence of legal sports betting sites in the US has improved the industry as a whole. Some of the reasons why using legal betting platforms is advantageous include:

• Safety and security. Prior to the legalisation of sports betting in the US, bettors had to either fly to Las Vegas and bet in person or use illegal offshore sports betting sites operating overseas. Offshore sports sites may have seemed convenient before the legal options were available, but they have always come with risks. Because these operators conduct their business illegally, they are not monitored by any governing bodies. If players run into problems when playing with an offshore account, there is no guarantee that anyone will come to the rescue. This is not possible with legal, regulated betting sites – help is always on the way, and the organisations that control operators will make sure that no customer is cheated or wronged by the service provider.
• Banking capabilities. Banking is another area that puts legal, regulated sportsbook sites on another level compared to offshore operators. In the past, to fund an offshore account, punters had to transfer money to another country via some dodgy delivery service, with no guarantees that their money would get where it needed to go. At regulated sports betting sites, banking is as safe and secure as going to the bank and making a deposit or withdrawal at the window. And on top of the increased security, the banking options at regulated sports betting sites are extensive – there are any number of ways to bank here at any time.
• Online betting format. In general, online betting is becoming more and more popular as time passes and legal options expand. Most punters prefer, or at least find it more convenient, to bet on one of the best sports betting sites rather than heading to a casino every time they feel like placing a bet. In a world that is now held up by technology, online betting is much more practical.
• Bonus part. In addition to the convenience they provide, sports betting sites also reward their loyal customers with additional incentives and promotions, something you won’t find when betting in regular and stationary establishments. Betting online is easier, more convenient and bettors get more value for their money.

Sports betting enthusiasts can now deposit and bet with peace of mind, knowing that they are not at risk of anything unusual and interesting happening to their online betting account.