US Online Bookmakers: How to Choose and Who is Best?

US Online Bookmakers: How to Choose and Who is Best?

Types of Online Bookmakers

There are three types of online bookies in the US, broadly categorized: licensed (regulated), offshore, and retail (brick-and-mortar). They all have their own distinct features — like bonuses available, accessibility, and odds margins. Let's examine them in detail.

For example, a simple-to-navigate option for novice and seasoned bettors alike is the Betfred sports gambling site , an established site legally accessible in several states throughout the US with an extensive range of betting lines and deals.

Licensed Bookmakers

Offshore bookmakers, being legitimate in the US, are required to be licensed by state gaming commissions like the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement or the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. All of them provide great service and ensure players' rights under U.S. law. Chances of fraud or unsettled disputes are very small.

Offshore Bookmakers

Although gambling has been legal in the majority of U.S. states, foreign betting sites remain open to American customers. They are licensed in other countries and are outside U.S. jurisdiction.

Key differences:

  • Safety: Foreign sites are not held accountable by U.S. consumer protection regulations. In case of disputes, it is at the mercy of the site.
  • No local governing authority: They are licensed in foreign countries and are not subject to U.S. state laws.
  • Age restrictions: Certain offshore sites provide registration at 18+, while legal U.S. sportsbooks typically require users to be 21+.
  • Currency account: Offshore sites can support more than one currency, such as crypto.
  • Taxation: Within the United States, gambling winnings must be reported to the IRS. Legal sportsbooks may offer tax forms, but offshore sites will not withhold taxes.
  • Accessibility problems: Certain offshore sites may be blocked and require VPN access.

Land-Based Sportsbooks

Traditional sportsbooks have physical locations and are used solely by authorized bookmakers. While they offer betting on-site, limited bonuses and promotions exist. Odds are generally lower compared to online sportsbooks because of fewer bets made and running costs.

How to Choose a Safe Online Sportsbook in the US

There are thousands of betting websites, but most of them are operating illegally. Choosing a legitimate sportsbook prevents one from experiencing issues like delayed payment, blocking of account, or difficulties in verification. The below are the key things to consider.

License and Regulation

Always pick a sportsbook that is licensed by a U.S. state regulatory body. This offers legal recourse and the chance to make complaints in case of a problem. Trustworthy sites also have responsible gambling features and are in partnership with arbitration services.

Betting Markets and Odds

Observe the sportsbook's betting line range and odds effectiveness. Top leagues are ubiquitous, but specialty markets like wrestling or esports may only be available on specific websites.

Advanced markets are crucial for savvy players:

  • Football: corners, shots on target, xG, possession, cards, tackles, passing accuracy, etc.
  • Hockey: penalties, faceoffs won, etc.
  • Basketball: rebounds, turnovers, player-specific numbers.

A broader selection usually means slightly lower odds — a trade-off for more options. That’s why it’s important to compare odds on your preferred sports before registering.

Bonuses and Promotions

Bookmakers use bonuses to attract and retain players. On our website, you’ll find a full list of current US sportsbook bonuses and exclusive offers.

The most common welcome bonuses include:

  • Free Bets – Risk-free bets funded by the bookmaker.
  • Cash Bonuses – Placed into a bonus wallet and made withdrawable after being wagered.
  • Bet Insurance – If you lose your initial bet, you are paid back in cash or given a free bet.

For example, some bookies layer offers: you might be given a free bet on account verification and a 100% deposit bonus.

Current customer loyalty programs can include:

  • Cashback – A percentage of losses paid back weekly or monthly.
  • Parlay Bonuses – Bonus for multi-leg bets.
  • Reload Bonuses – Deposit bonus.
  • Monthly Challenges – Rewards for reaching certain levels of betting.

User Experience

Subjective, but some aspects contribute to an enhanced user experience:

  • Event filtering (sport or time)
  • Dark/light mode toggle
  • Esports news and stat-specific pages
  • Live streaming for in-play bets
  • Rich stats and match visualizations
  • Mobile apps (Android and iOS)

These luxuries can significantly boost your betting experience.

Payment Methods

American sportsbooks generally offer a wide range of safe deposit and withdrawal options:

  • Credit/debit cards
  • E-wallets (PayPal, Skrill)
  • Bank transfers
  • Mobile payments
  • Prepaid cards
  • ACH/eCheck

Double-check whether your preferred payment method is supported and review withdrawal limits and processing periods.

Customer Support

Customer care quality is quite disparate. Good sportsbooks offer more than one contact method:

  • Live chat
  • Email
  • Toll-free phone
  • Sometimes: WhatsApp or Telegram

Check response time and legibility. Where possible, chat responses should occur within 3–5 minutes and be legible clearly. Test their assistance by asking detailed questions at different times of day.