1. Best Us Online Sportsbook
2. Online Sportsbook Ratings
3. Best Us Sportsbook Sites

Bangthebook.com has carefully reviewed and rated the top US sportsbooks for players around the globe based on several important factors to include deposits, payouts, bonuses, reputation and special. The US sports betting market is at a peak with plenty of reputable sports betting websites that are offering betting services to the USA. The 3 biggest US online sportsbooks are Bovada, BetOnline and Bookmaker. The “Big 3” online sports books.

Are you a US resident looking for a legal online betting site? Well, you’ve come to the right place.

We know how frustrating the online betting experience can be for US punters. Ever since the UIGEA (2006) sent American players into online betting exile, it’s been a tough road.

Yet, it is still possible to bet online if you’re American. There are still sites that happily cater to you, and thanks to innovations like cryptocurrencies, there is an increasing number of them. Check out the sites in the table above to get started.

Essential Points for US Bettors to Understand

• In 2006, the US government passed the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. This made it tough for American players to place bets online. While the legislation is aimed at operators rather than players, it still makes things a little difficult to understand. One important change is that online providers are no longer able to operate from within US borders.
• As you might expect, since the USA is one of the biggest gambling markets in the world, the US online betting sites simply moved offshore. Places like Costa Rica and Curacao now host most of the top US betting sites.
• There has been plenty of talk about reform in US betting online. That said, nothing concrete ever seems to happen. Luckily, it’s still possible for American players to bet on sports, play casino games, and enjoy poker online.
• Due to the fact that some casinos won’t accept American players, there has been much innovation with US betting sites accepting cryptocurrencies. We’ll talk a little more about this later.
• Because it’s a legal grey area, it’s that much more important to be safe. There are plenty of sharks waiting to take advantage of inexperienced bettors. Below, we’ll explain how to stay safe when betting online.

So, as you can see, the US online betting scene is a little up in the air. It’s okay, though, because we are here to shed light on it for you and guide you through the process of selecting a safe US betting site.

As the old saying goes, it’s easy when you know how!

A Little History of Online Gambling in the USA

Online gambling has always been a contentious issue in the good old land of the free. Even from way back in the ‘90s, there have been attempts to block and curtail US online gambling.

The earliest attempts didn’t work, though, and for a while, the USA was the biggest market by a mile for online gambling. During the ‘90s and early 2000s, there was somewhat of an online gambling extravaganza, and US players lead the pack.

During these boom years, online poker rooms, sportsbooks, and casinos were chockablock with US players. The industry was at its peak, and billions were exchanging hands annually.

In 2004, the Department of Justice took the position that the Federal Wire Act could be interpreted to prohibit online gambling in any form via wire and that those who promote online gambling may be ‘aiding and abetting.’ The response was almost instant, and search giants Google and Yahoo both put a stop to paid advertising for gambling.

While there was plenty of bickering over whether this move by the Justice Department was in accordance with the law, the US continued to take a harsh stance against online gambling. Several executives of major online gambling firms, such as Peter Dicks of Sportingbet, were detained while traveling in the USA.

Then, in 2006, the UIGEA was passed. This made it illegal for banks and financial institutions to make transactions to online gambling sites. What was once a tidal wave of gambling cash was reduced to a river, then a stream, and then barely a trickle by the end of 2008, when the regulations came into full force. Offshore sites in the Caribbean, among other places, never stopped offering services, though, and they have reaped vast profits since the clampdown.

There have been legal challenges since, such as the well-known one by the state of New Jersey to allow online sports betting for its residents, which was successful. There have also been disputes over whether poker can be legally banned, since proponents claim it is a game of skill, and the wording of the law prohibits transactions to sites offering games of chance.

However, as long as UIGEA stands, the US online gambling market is unlikely to ever recover to what it once was.

Online Betting Sites in the US by State

With growing numbers of states lifting their ban on sports gambling and so many online betting sites becoming more sophisticated, there are now more options for wagering in more states than ever before.

While sports betting legalization is handled by the state and the state alone, the changing gambling culture in the United States has opened numerous opportunities for profitable action. To capitalize on this, we have researched the legalities and functionality of these shops to ensure local customers will be protected and involved in ethical gaming practices.

Additionally, we have taken the time to lay out all the options bettors have to gamble in their state using the online sportsbook markets provided below.

US Betting Sites – How to Stay Safe

With all those offshore servers hosting US gambling sites, the need to stay safe is great. Don’t worry, though; we’ve got you covered. That’s what this section is all about.

The easiest way to stay safe is to stick with expert-approved sites. That said, we get that you might want to understand the process of picking a US betting site.

It’s hugely important to be cautious when making a decision. Sadly, there are lots of unscrupulous operators willing to take advantage of US gamblers, knowing there’s little legal recourse if you choose to bet online.

Even if a site is hosted offshore in a place like Costa Rica, it should have a license to operate. Curacao is a popular destination for sites catering to US players, so a license from there is a start.

A poor website design, slow or unprofessional customer service, unrecognizable game software providers, or poor English on the website can all be tell-tale signs that a gambling site may be one to avoid. Go with your gut on this, and if you have any doubt, leave it out.

If the site offers casino games and publishes its Return To Player percentages, that’s a good sign. It’s especially good if these are verified by a third-party specialist in this area, such as eCogra.

The customer service team isn’t hired to sit and twiddle their thumbs all day. They are paid to assist you and answer your questions. Ask them anything you want to know and ask for clarification if you find anything suspicious or unclear.

We know — reading betting site terms and conditions is about as exciting as waiting for a bus. However, we suggest skim-reading at the least and paying attention to the deposit and withdrawal policies and the general terms of service. If there’s anything sinister afoot, it will likely be written right there in the terms.

In our in-depth reviews, we always take time to focus on the management. If they have a history of ripping people off, we’ll tell you. If they’re award-winning superstars, we’ll tell you that, too. The people behind the site can tell you a lot about what to expect.

If you have any doubts about the site, don’t be tempted by a generous welcome bonus. What use is that if you can’t ever get your money back? Deposit a small amount, bet, and try to make a withdrawal. You’ll soon find out if the site is legitimate.

We don’t want to scare you off! There are so many more honest and trustworthy US betting sites than there are frauds. We’re just trying to give you a heads-up so you don’t get swindled, especially if you’re new to betting online.

Since knowledge is power and the best way to avoid a scam is to see it coming, we’ve put together a short list of some of the most common online gambling swindles.

Common Online Gambling Scams US Players Should Watch Out For

Unfortunately, because the USA has no official online gambling regulator, scammers sometimes target US players. Don’t be afraid, though. It’s perfectly possible to avoid these scams by knowing what to look out for.

These are some of the most common online gambling scams:

This one is simple enough. It’s the equivalent of being lead up a digital alleyway and mugged. A scam site will entice you to deposit, take your cash, and make it impossible to get it back. Be wary of ‘too good to be true’ welcome bonus offers, and deposit a small amount first to test the waters.

This is a little trickier, but because even legitimate casinos ask bettors to send in ID and a utility bill for verification, it can be harder to spot. Generally speaking, a scam site will be shady in more ways than one. If you have any bad feeling or experience any unfairness or questionable practices, just cut your losses and don’t send in your documents. Sticking with well-known, established brands is a great way to avoid this.

This is all too common among scam sites, and the saddest part is that it’s often plainly obvious when the terms and conditions are consulted. Some sites will return your deposits, but simply refuse to pay out any winnings. Watch out for higher-than-average wagering/rollover requirements, excessive withdrawal fees, and low cash-out or withdrawal limits.

This can be harder to detect because everything else about the gambling site in question might seem legitimate. Rigged games are simply what the name suggests – they can’t be won. Play at sites with reputable software like NetEnt, Playtech, or IGT games. If it’s a sports betting site, be sure to cross-check with other sites and make sure you’re getting fair, competitive odds.

Using Cryptocurrencies at US Gambling Sites

As mentioned a little earlier, there are now lots of US-friendly Bitcoin gambling sites. However, Bitcoin isn’t the only cryptocurrency that can be used to bet online.

Litecoin, Ripple, Ethereum, Monero, Dash, Dogecoin, and some other altcoins can now be used, too.

While we would suggest learning a bit more about cryptocurrency before using them to make a deposit at a betting site, the process itself is theoretically simple enough. Here’s how it works in three steps:

You buy cryptocurrency on an exchange with USD or another currency. If you’re buying altcoins, you will likely need to buy Bitcoin first, then trade that on an exchange for your altcoin of choice.

After you register an account with a US gambling site that accepts cryptocurrencies, you get the wallet address either directly from the cashier section of the site or by asking customer service. It’s extremely important to send the correct cryptocurrency. For example, never send Ripple to a Bitcoin address, or you’ll likely lose your money forever.

You send the amount you wish to deposit, wait for it to show up in your balance, and gamble. It’s just like using any ‘real world’ currency.

It’s really as simple as that. The only learning curve might be in the actual purchasing and sending of cryptocurrencies between addresses if you aren’t already familiar with how to do so.

US Betting Sites – Some Frequently Asked Questions

We get a lot of questions regarding US betting sites, mostly because people are unsure what exactly the legal situation exactly is. We’ll answer some of the most common ones here.

Q. What does UIGEA stand for?

A. It stands for the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. It was passed in 2006 and has stayed in play since. You can find out more about it here.

Q. Is it illegal for US citizens to bet online?

A. The UIGEA does not state that it is illegal for US citizens to bet online. It does put the burden on gambling site operators, prohibiting them from knowingly accepting wagers from US players. It also puts pressure on financial institutions like banks to prohibit deposits to sites offering gambling services. Plenty of operators still do, though.

Q. Why do so many US gambling websites accept Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies?

A. Since it isn’t actually expressly illegal for US citizens to gamble online, cryptocurrencies are arguably a legal way around the restrictions. Financial institutions aren’t allowed to transact with gambling sites, and gambling sites aren’t allowed to accept wagers from US players, but with cryptocurrencies, this transaction is peer-to-peer and often anonymous. We’re not advising you to use them, but rather are simply explaining why so many sites accept them.

Q. Which US betting sites accept cryptocurrencies?

A. This is a common question, and lots of Americans use cryptocurrencies when betting online. You can find some US Bitcoin betting sites, as well as those that accept altcoins, in the table above.

Q. What is the safest US betting site online?

A. Every site listed on this page is 100% safe and secure. Our experts have checked them out, they are all running on secure connections, they are all licensed, and they all have a history we can trace, proving they are honest. Pick any one of them, and feel free to do some further research yourself.

Q. Are the approved US betting sites on this page for sports betting only, or do they also offer casino games and poker?

A. Honestly, that depends on the site. There are several, as you can see, and they are all different. Check out the full reviews, or better yet, click through and visit the sites yourself.

It has been more than two years since the Supreme Court of the United States struck down PASPA. That move opened the door to legal sports betting in the US as the justices effectively handed the legislative decision over to individual states.

Since that point, we have seen a flurry of activity. Many states are now completely up and running with legal sports betting. Other states are still sorting through legalization, and more are expected to follow.

While some states have retail, mobile and online options, others require bets to be placed only in-person. There are also restrictions in place to ensure that users are within state lines while placing bets via mobile devices.

The landscape has changed dramatically in a short period of time.

Legal US sports betting apps

Not all states that allow legal sports betting will choose to use online or mobile wagering platforms. Some have rules that allow online and mobile wagering anywhere within state lines, while others require bets to be placed inside a casino.

Just because you download a sports betting app that is legal in one state doesn’t mean it will work in another. Smartphone apps will verify your location within a legal betting area before allowing you to wager. You will be rejected from betting if outside the legal borders.

Where can I place a legal online sports bet?

The list of legal online sports betting states continues to grow. Currently, it’s up to 14 states and Washington, DC, but the official launch is still pending in some spots.

* Pending launch

Colorado sports betting sites

Legal sports betting was approved by voters in Colorado in 2019. The official online and mobile rollout took place on May 1, 2020, with DraftKings, FanDuel, BetRivers and BetMGM all going live on the same day. Several other operators have since gone live in the state.

Illinois sports betting sites

Legislation was also passed in Illinois in 2019 with the official launch taking place in March 2020. Initially, only retail betting was allowed, with in-person registration required for online and mobile players. That provision has been suspended for the time being because of the COVID-19 pandemic. DraftKings, FanDuel, PointsBet and BetRivers are among the available options.

Indiana sports betting sites

Sports betting was legalized in Indiana in 2019. The rollout happened quickly, with retail options opening up in September of that year, followed by online and mobile launch in October. DraftKings and BetRivers were the first sites available, followed by FanDuel a month later. The list of available options continues to grow.

Iowa sports betting sites

Iowa was also among the states that both legalized and went live with sports betting in 2019. Legislation was passed in May, with the retail and mobile launch coming in August. Through the end of 2020, online and mobile users have to register in-person at a casino that offers sports betting. DraftKings, PointsBet and William Hill are among the operators that are live in Iowa.

Michigan sports betting sites

Sports betting was signed into law in December 2019 in Michigan. Retail sportsbooks opened up in March 2020 and mobile sportbook apps became legal for sports betting in Michigan in January 2021.

Nevada sports betting sites

Nevada’s days as the only option for legal US sports betting are over. Not much has changed for the state since the SCOTUS ruling. While more known for in-person wagering at casinos throughout Las Vegas such as Westgate and Caesars, the state also has online and mobile options available from operators like William Hill.

New Hampshire sports betting sites

Sports betting officially debuted in New Hampshire in December 2019 after being approved by the state Legislature earlier in the year. The approval covered both retail and mobile, but the situation is unique in NH. DraftKings is the exclusive provider of online and mobile wagering in the state and also the operator of the lone retail shops.

New Jersey sports betting sites

The Garden State was one of the first to act after the landmark Supreme Court ruling. Retail sports betting rolled out in June 2018. DraftKings was the first online option in August, followed by PlaySugarhouse and FanDuel. There are now more than a dozen options NJ sports betting apps on the market.

Oregon sports betting sites

Oregon legalized sports betting in August 2019. Retail wagering was introduced at one of the state’s tribal casinos the following month. In October, the Scoreboard sports betting app was launched. Run by the state lottery, this is the only mobile option available for sports bettors in Oregon.

Pennsylvania sports betting sites

Pennsylvania was among the states that moved quickly in the wake of the PASPA ruling. Retail sportsbooks opened for business in November 2018. The official online launch took place in May 2019. SugarHouse was the first site to go live, and it was soon joined by sister property BetRivers and others including DraftKings and FanDuel.

Best Us Online Sportsbook

Rhode Island sports betting sites

Rhode Island sports betting legislation was approved in 2018, but it was initially for retail only at the state’s two operating casinos. The following year, a new bill was approved that gave the green light to mobile wagering with an in-person registration requirement, which has since been removed. The Rhode Island Lottery oversees things, with William Hill handling operations.

Tennessee sports betting sites

Tennessee approved sports betting in April 2019. It’s a unique situation as there are not expected to be any retail sportsbooks in the state. Sports bettors are now able to place mobile wagers as of November 2020.

Virginia sports betting sites

Sports betting was legalized in Virginia in April 2020 and officially launched its first sportsbook in January 2021. According to state law, there will be a minimum of four and as many as 12 mobile options available.

Washington, DC, sports betting sites

The city council gave its approval to sports betting in 2018, but the bill wasn’t signed into law until the following January. GambetDC, an offering run by the lottery and powered by Intralot, is the sole online and mobile option for bettors since its launch in 2020. A William Hill retail sportsbook has since opened for business at the Capital One Arena.

West Virginia sports betting sites

West Virginia also sprang into action following the Supreme Court ruling. Retail sportsbooks opened up in September 2018. BetLucky was available for a short time as a mobile option, but it shut down the following year due to a technology dispute. DraftKings and FanDuel went live in WV soon thereafter and have since been joined by other operators.

Best sports betting apps in the US

The list of options for users in legal sports betting states continues to grow. Here are some of the top options available in multiple states.

DraftKings app

The daily fantasy sports giant was among the many operators awaiting the Supreme Court ruling in 2018. The company was the first online and mobile option available in NJ. DraftKings has since expanded to a number of other states, with plans for further expansion in the works. It’s known for having a slick platform and live betting feature.

DraftKings Sportsbook is legal in: VA, MI, NJ, PA, CO, IN, WV, NH, IA, IL, & TN

FanDuel app

FanDuel was also ready to go soon after the SCOTUS ruling. NJ was the first point of entry for the company in sports betting, but the platform has since been unveiled in several other states. FanDuel is known for being visually appealing and user-friendly, with features like single-game parlay offerings.

FanDuel Sportsbook is legal in: MI, NJ, PA, IN, WV, CO, TN, IA, IL & VA

FOX Bet app

Launched as a tag-team effort from media giant FOX Sports and The Stars Group, the platform receives great visibility throughout FOX Sports programming and has a steady stream of promotions tied in with network personalities. FOX Bet is somewhat geared toward newer bettors and is working toward launching in additional states.

FOX Bet Sportsbook is legal in: MI, NJ, PA & CO

BetMGM app

Originally known as playMGM upon its launch in NJ, the site and app have since been rebranded. BetMGM has been making a lot of headway with its entry into multiple states and various deals with teams and media entities. The company is one of several with designs on becoming one of the top sports betting destinations across the US.

BetMGM Sportsbook is legal in: VA, MI, NJ, CO, TN, WV, NV, PA, IN & IA

PointsBet app

Australia-based PointsBet debuted in NJ in 2019 and has since opened its doors in other states. The site is geared toward sports bettors and features a unique betting option known as PointsBetting. The company captured a good deal of attention with its recent deal with NBC Sports and continues to aggressively pursue market share.

PointsBet Sportsbook is legal in: MI, NJ, IL, CO, IA & IN

William Hill app

The UK bookmaker has had a retail presence in Nevada for some time. It has since expanded into other states both physically and via online and mobile offerings. The platform itself is easy to use and filled with features. William Hill has made some headway in the US in a short period of time and appears poised to continue on that path.

William Hill Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, MI, CO, WV, IL, RI, NV

BetRivers app

BetRivers comes our way from Rush Street Gaming, which is also the parent company of sister site PlaySugarhouse. The company also has a retail casino presence in several states. BetRivers has come to be known for having a solid offering and good loyalty program.

BetRivers Sportsbook is legal in: VA, PA, IN, CO, IL, IA & MI

Other legal sports betting apps

The overall list of legal sports betting sites is a lengthy one. Here’s a look at a few more that have debuted in multiple states to date.

BetAmerica Sportsbook

Horse racing fans are familiar with BetAmerica, an offering from Churchill Downs International. The sportsbook is now up and running in three states, while users in NJ and PA can also access casino games right from the same site.

BetAmerica Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, IN, PA

Caesars Sportsbook

The iconic Caesars name is well-known to both online and brick-and-mortar casino patrons. The sportsbook has launched in a trio of states to date. It’s a basic offering, but all of the bet types and sports you could ask for are available.

Caesars Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, PA, IN

SportsBetting.com

This is a newer offering that has made its debut in the Colorado market. The company also has its sights set on entering the New Jersey, Indiana and Iowa markets as soon as possible. As the name implies, the site is solely focused on sports betting.

SportsBetting.com is legal in: CO

Unibet Sportsbook

Unibet is an international operator that has a big presence on the global scene. It’s now up and running in select states in the US with plans on entering more soon. This is a basic offering without a lot of bells and whistles, but solid for just getting down to business.

Unibet Sportsbook is legal in: NJ, PA & IN

Which states are most likely to launch sports betting sites next?

The following states have passed legislation for retail sports betting at tribal casinos, but the official launch hasn’t happened yet.

• North Carolina
• Washington

Plans call for retail only in both states, but the fact that sports betting legislation has been passed in at least some form can be seen as a glimmer of hope on the online front.

Three states approved ballot measures in 2020 to make some form of sports betting legal:

Online Sportsbook Ratings

• Louisiana
• Maryland
• South Dakota

A handful of states have opened up sports betting on a retail basis without launching online. Efforts to legalize online betting in these states have stalled to date, but it remains a work in progress.

• Arkansas
• Delaware*
• Mississippi
• Montana
• New Mexico
• New York

* Online legal but not launched

There are another 20 states that are at least considering some form of sports betting legislation. The list of states in which there has been absolutely no movement stands at eight.

Retail sports betting

For decades, the only state in which you could legally place a sports bet in person was Nevada. It’s a different story in the aftermath of the PASPA ruling. Here are the states (and Washington, DC) in which you’ll find retail sportsbooks.

• Delaware
• New Jersey
• Mississippi
• West Virginia
• New Mexico
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• Arkansas
• New York
• Iowa
• Oregon
• Indiana
• New Hampshire
• Illinois
• Montana
• Michigan
• Colorado
• Washington, DC

Washington and North Carolina are expected to be the next states to open brick-and-mortar sportsbooks at tribal casinos.

Which states are most likely to regulate sports betting next?

Sports betting legislation has at least been introduced in 20 states that have yet to act on the matter. While optimism is high that it’ll eventually be passed in each of these states, there’s nothing concrete that says it’s right around the corner for any of them. Here’s the list.

• Maine
• Vermont
• Massachusetts
• Connecticut
• South Carolina
• Georgia
• Alabama
• Ohio
• Kentucky
• Minnesota
• North Dakota
• Missouri
• Kansas
• Texas
• Arizona
• California
• Alaska
• Hawaii
• Florida

The next legal sports betting states are likely coming from the above list at some point. Meanwhile, these states are still holding out and have yet to introduce legislation to legalize sports betting.

• Wisconsin
• Nebraska
• Oklahoma
• Wyoming
• Idaho
• Utah

Legal vs. offshore betting

The best options available for US sports bettors come via the sites that have been approved for operations in the respective states. Gaining acceptance and approval is not easy, and those who have joined the list of approved operators have invested heavily to do so.

While there remains an active black market for sports betting via illegal offshore sites, there’s no reason to take the risk. Here are some of the main points to understand.

• The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act was passed in 2006 to crack down on offshore operators. The law is aimed at the companies to prevent them from doing business in the US, but many still operate due to what they claim is a legal gray area.
• Offshore operators are not operating under the same rules and regulations that legal US betting sites are. There is no guarantee that your funds, data or information will be safely kept.
• Legal sports betting sites have clear terms and conditions, house rules for players to follow, a wide range of normal funding options and customer service options that can be reached easily. That’s not the case with the offshore sites.

There are a few easy ways to spot which sites are on the up and up versus those that are not. For starters, the majority of legal states maintain a running list of approved operators on their websites under the division of gambling section or its equivalent.

There’s also the eye test. When an operator is legit, it will point users to the right places for information on things such as legality and responsible gambling. That’s not something that’s high on the priority list for less-than-reputable operators.

Things you can’t legally bet on in the US

Each of the individual states is responsible for setting its own rules and regulations for sports betting. As a result, not every piece of legislation that has been passed to date reads in the exact same fashion.

The standard stuff, such as team-based professional sports and major individual competitions, are good to go at all legal and regulated sportsbooks. Each of the operators will also offer various niche sports, but the list of options may vary.

One of the biggest points of difference has been on college sports. While you can bet on college football and basketball in several states, some have expressly prohibited wagering on in-state teams or on amateur events that take place in the state.

In general, the legal sportsbooks stay away from non-sports events. That means no wagering on the weather, reality television outcomes or on elections. However, wagering on the Oscars has been allowed here and there.

Why can’t you bet on the election or weather?

While there is often chatter about the betting odds for major political events such as the US presidential election, it remains illegal to bet on the outcome of that. There may be plenty of history attached to betting on who will be the next president, but that doesn’t mean it’s legal.

Legal and regulated operators offer odds and markets on sporting events. You won’t find options to bet on the weather or reality TV at the big shops, and there’s a simple reason for that: They’re not allowed to.

Sports leagues’ stance on legal sports betting

NBA

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver took a front-facing role in advocating for legal sports betting in the US. His op-ed embracing sports betting spurred discussion on the topic long before the fall of PASPA.

Before and after the Supreme Court decision, NBA officials spent most of 2018 trying to get a cut of sports betting money from various state legislatures. They helped introduce the concept of an integrity fee in state-level legislation, claiming the league would face increased monitoring and enforcement costs in a national sports betting environment.

Silver recently added to that argument by calling NBA games the league’s “intellectual property” for which it deserves compensation.

The NBA does not permit wagering on its games through the Ontario Lottery, where the Toronto Raptors play. The same policy existed when an NBA team played in Vancouver. Provinces that do not host NBA teams offer parlay cards on games for the sport.

NHL

The NHL largely let other leagues take the lead on sports betting issues prior to signing a data and marketing agreement with MGM Resorts in November 2018. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman also weighed in during the Stanley Cup Final in Las Vegas: the league wants federal legislation (or state-level equivalents) and a slice of sports betting money.

The NHL launched a new franchise in Las Vegas in 2017, which is the first major professional sports team for the country’s gambling hub. The Vegas Golden Knightsdrew heavy betting interest through their inaugural season.

It has no issues with the activity in Canada. Some teams participate with lotteries that sell NHL parlay cards. The NHL also opposed new sports betting legislation in Canada.

MLB

Major League Baseball is sensitive to betting on its games. In the post-PASPA world, though, MLB advocates for sports betting legislation that includes integrity fees paid to the league.

The league also signed a data and marketing deal with MGM Resorts in November 2018. It will provide the company with exclusive rights to advanced data for in-play betting.

With regard to integrity fees, MLB went as far as having top executive Joe Torrelobby Governor Andrew Cuomo directly on New York sports betting legislation. This represents a major shift from the league’s historical attitude toward gambling.

The 1919 Chicago White Sox threw a World Series, a scandal the league wants everybody to forget. Pete Rose betting on his games and the aftermath involved in that scandal is another black eye MLB never wants to see again.

While MLB joined the New Jersey lawsuit, it has no issues with betting on Toronto Blue Jays games in Ontario. The Montreal Expos were also on parlay cards when that team existed.

NFL

America’s most powerful sports league remains largely opposed to legal sports betting. The NFL publicly fought sports betting for decades and now wants federal legislation addressing it after PASPA. Interestingly, the NFL is not advocating for integrity fees.

Despite its stance on US sports betting, the NFL allowed the move of the Raiders to Las Vegas from Oakland beginning in 2020.

The NFL is the only major professional sports league with no direct investment into daily fantasy sports, although 28 of its 32 teams are involved in sponsorships.

NFL games are by far the most popular sports betting events in the US, with the Super Bowl generating close to $150 million in bets in Nevada by itself. The NFL plays games in London, where betting shops are on every corner, and the league seems to have no issues with that.

NCAA

Long the staunchest opponent of legal sports betting, the NCAA finds itself in a tricky position after the repeal of PASPA.

The organization detests sports betting despite the fact that college football and March Madness college betting are two of the largest drivers of handle. The NCAA instituted a de facto ban on national championship contests being held in states with legal sports betting, namely Nevada. But it reversed course after the Supreme Court decision, at least temporarily. That is in part because it already awarded future championships to states that will have sports betting.

The NCAA similarly does not like fantasy sports. It does not permit student-athletes to enter contests. Many conferences do not accept advertising from daily fantasy sites. The NCAA has attempted to convince sites to stop college fantasy sports contests, but DraftKings and FanDuel restarted their college contests post-PASPA.

PGA Tour

Professional golf jumped into the sports betting fray by supporting the integrity fee concept along with MLB and the NBA. The tour also wants sports betting operators to pay for official data from its ShotLink system.

The data question also comes up with other leagues, but the PGA Tour claims to have a different case with proprietary data. In-play betting that relies on data can easily be gleaned from TV broadcasts in many sports. The same can be said for golf with scoring, but anything more in-depth (driving distance, length of putts, etc.) could require official data.

How online sports betting in USA became legal

Challenge in New Jersey

New Jersey voters passed a non-binding referendum in November 2011 that instructed the state legislature to legalize sports betting. The legislature quickly passed a bill that would have regulated sports betting at New Jersey racetracks and Atlantic City casinos. Governor Chris Christie signed the bill into law.

The major sports leagues challenged New Jersey in court, claiming that the state was not exempted by PASPA; therefore it could not legalize sports betting. A lower court ruling sided with the leagues, and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed it. The US Supreme Court at that time refused to hear the case.

New Jersey tried another angle. The state attempted to deregulate and decriminalize sports betting in the same venues as before. The sports leagues returned to court and challenged the new approach to sports betting. The sports leagues prevailed in the lower court and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.

New Jersey was able to appeal and receive a rehearing in the Third Circuit, which it also lost. The Supreme Court then agreed to hear it and New Jersey won its case in May 2018.

American Gaming Association’s stance

The American Gaming Association is the gaming industry’s lobbying group. It maintains the black market of illegal gambling is too lucrative and thrives in the unregulated environment. The AGA supported the repeal of PASPA and strongly advocates for states to be able to write their own sports betting laws.

How is daily fantasy sports different from sports betting?

Daily fantasy sports is believed to be legal in at least 40 states, according to the companies that promote the product.

There are big differences between daily fantasy sports and sports betting.

In sports betting, a bettor picks a team or multiple teams to win or cover a point spread. In daily fantasy sports, a user chooses athletes and enters a competition that computes a winner based on the statistics accumulated by the players in a sport.

Current status of daily fantasy sports

Daily fantasy sports is generally considered to be legal in about 40 states, with laws on the books in about half of those.

States that restrict DFS

Daily fantasy sports are illegal in Iowa, Montana, Louisiana, Arizona and Washington. Nevada requires a gaming license to operate a daily fantasy sports site.

Opinions from attorneys general have emphasized the legal gray area for DFS in many states. DraftKings, FanDuel and others pulled out of Idaho, Hawaii and Alabama. FanDuel does not serve Texas, but DraftKings does.

FAQ for betting sites

Is it legal to bet on sports online?

Yes, but it depends on where you are located. Legal sports betting can be done online in many of the states mentioned above. You do not have to be a resident of a state to bet there, but you do need to be physically located within the state to place a legal online sports bet.

What is the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act?

The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act passed Congress in September 2006. It made payment processing of illegal gambling transactions a federal crime. It exempted gaming specifically legalized at the state level, horse racing and some forms of fantasy sports.

Is sports betting legal in Europe?

Online sports betting is legal throughout most of Europe including the UK. This includes betting shops, mobile apps and over the Internet. Some of the best online betting sites in Europe are now operating in the US.

Is online sports betting legal in Canada?

Canada lotteries offer parlay cards on a variety of sports, including football, basketball, baseball and hockey. There is a push to expand betting to straight wagers. Online betting sites operate in a legal gray area.

Is online sports betting legal in the US?

Yes, in some places. Sports betting has been legalized in a number of states to date, and the list is expected to continue growing in the coming years. In 2018, the Supreme Court placed the matter of legalizing sports betting into the hands of the individual states to decide on. While sports betting has since been legalized in a number of states, legislation hasn’t been passed on a federal level.

What is the safest betting site?

The safest options for sports betting online come via the legal and regulated operators. DraftKings and FanDuel are two examples of operators that have received approval to open for business in a number of states. Legal and regulated sites have to go through a lengthy application process, follow specific rules and regulations, and verify that customer funds are safe. That’s not the case with the unregulated options that may be available.

Why do some sports betting sites accept cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, are not available as funding options at legal and regulated sportsbooks. If you see these options available, then there’s a good chance that you have stumbled upon a black-market operator that claims it can operate safely under some kind of legal gray area. A fully legal site will provide its users with standard funding options such as credit cards, PayPal and wire transfers, and you won’t have to jump through any unnecessary hoops to deposit or withdraw.

Do I have to pay taxes on my winnings?

Yes, profits obtained from sports betting or any other type of gambling are considered taxable income in the US. If you win above a certain level, operators may even provide you with a 1099-G that states your level of winnings, and the form will be filed with the IRS, as well. A complete tracking of the deposits and withdrawals you have made for gambling purposes is a good habit to get into. For specific questions in regard to your personal situation, we encourage you to consult with a tax advisor.

What legal online and mobile sports betting is available in Nevada?

Sports Connection / Station Casinos, NV Sports Books / South Point, William Hill, CG Technology, Aliante Casino, Treasure Island and Boyd Gaming all operate mobile betting apps in Nevada. Sports Connection/Station Casinos also offers a website.

Can you deposit with PayPal at legal Nevada sports betting apps?

No, at this time you cannot deposit using PayPal for any Nevada sports betting apps. You will need to deposit in person or using a pre-paid card. There are options to top off your account at some convenience stores with certain Nevada apps.

PayPal is likely to be an option for payment in other states, however.

Is it legal to play on Bovada?

No. Bovada is an unlicensed sports betting site. It is illegal for the company to operate in the US but players likely face no legal consequences.

Are there risks to betting on sports at unlicensed sites?

Offshore sportsbooks may not pay players. If a bettor gets stiffed by an unlicensed betting site, then he or she has no recourse. That does not happen at licensed sites.

Best Us Sportsbook Sites

Sports Betting in other countries: Australia, New Zealand