How to Bet on the NFL Draft: Best NFL Draft Betting Sites and Legal Betting Guide 2026 🏈

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How to bet on the NFL Draft

Are you interested in learning how to bet on the NFL Draft? Choosing an NFL Draft betting site and placing bets on this year’s draft at Lambeau Field is simple. Follow our guide below to get signed up at the best NFL Draft betting sites:

1. BetMGM - Best NFL Draft sportsbook

Who it's for

Personally, I’d suggest the BetMGM NFL Draft bonus for high rollers. If you’re comfortable putting down a bigger initial stake for a shot at a massive early payout, this promotion fits the bill. Risking the full $1,550 on an NFL Draft bet is bold, but you’ll get a safety net with a second chance if your first pick is a bust.

Covers BetSmart Rating: ⭐ 4.9/5

Bonuses and promotions	⭐ 4.4/5
Banking and payout speed	⭐ 4.2/5
Key features	⭐ 4.4/5
Security and trust	⭐ 4.6/5
Customer support	⭐ 4.5/5
User experience	⭐ 4.7/5
Betting odds	⭐ 4.3/5

User reviews  

Editor's note: User reviews may be edited for clarity.

“MGM Sportsbook delivers an exciting and user-friendly betting experience that stands out for both beginners and seasoned bettors. The platform is smooth, easy to navigate, and packed with a wide range of sports and betting options, aking it simple to find exactly what you're looking for.”

- U.P., App Store reviewer

"It is fun and easy to use and understand. There are great promotions, and great range of betting options on NBA players for points, rebounds, and assists. Stat's have each teams record of wins and losses right next to the betting lines, which gives me an ideal way to look at each bet, who to bet on, saving me time doing research."

- Scott, Google Play Store user

BetMGM at a glance

💰 BetMGM sign-up bonus	Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if First Bet Loses
⏩ BetMGM bonus code	COVERS
🏅 Top feature	Great range of sports
💵 Minimum deposit	$10
💵 Minimum wager	N/A
🕒 Payout speed	2 days
App Store rating	4.8/5 ⭐ (230.8K reviews)
Google Play rating	4.3/5 ⭐ (35.7K reviews)
🌎 Available states	AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MS, NC, NV, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY (+ DC, PR)
✅ Last verified	Oct. 24, 2026

What we like

Access to BetMGM Rewards: The moment you claim BetMGM's welcome bonus, you'll instantly be enrolled in the sportsbook's two rewards programs — BetMGM Rewards and MGM Rewards. By placing wagers, you'll build up points that can be spent on perks, such as hotel stays, bonus bets, and more. . 

Minimal investment: Despite it taking a $1,500 wager to unlock the promo's maximum value, you can also claim it by simply making a $10 deposit and bet.

Exclusive Covers BetMGM bonus: Whether you win or lose your first bet, you'll receive an exclusive $50 bonus for signing up via the links above. 

What we don't like

Less suited to beginners: To get solid value out of the offer, we would recommend investing at least $500 — a third of its total value — which is pretty high for most sports bettors. 

Slower payouts: BetMGM typically processes payouts in two days, which is twice as long as the industry standard.

2. Caesars Sportsbook - Best NFL Draft rewards program

Who it's for

Punters looking for longshot bets will find the Caesars Sportsbook NFL Draft promo irresistible. If your first attempt misses the uprights, you'll get a second attempt, so just ensure your wager fits your comfort zone. 

Covers BetSmart Rating: ⭐ 4.7/5

Bonuses and promotions	⭐ 4.5/5
Banking and payout speed	⭐ 4.8/5
Key features	⭐ 4.7/5
Security and trust	⭐ 4.8/5
Customer support	⭐ 4.7/5
User experience	⭐ 4.7/5
Betting odds	⭐ 4.4/5

User reviews  

Editor's note: User reviews may be edited for clarity. 

“Great experience with this sports betting app. I had Bally's sports book app, and they took 30.00 dollars from my account and never returned my money. Thank you, Caesars, for making a great experience.”

- Wayne, Google Play Store reviewer

"I sincerely enjoy this app. I've tried a few sportsbook apps, and this is my favorite so far — it's easy to use and has quick withdrawals. I didn't need to contact customer service, but I suspect they would be excellent as well."

- Bar, Google Player Store user

Caesars Sportsbook at a glance

💰 Caesars Sportsbook sign-up bonus	Bet $1, Get 10 100% Profit Boost Tokens
⏩ Caesars Sportsbook promo code	GODYW
🏅 Top feature	Best customer support
💵 Minimum deposit	$10
💵 Minimum wager	$1
🕒 Payout speed	Within 24 hours
App Store rating	4.7/5 ⭐ (101.8K reviews)
Google Play rating	4.6/5 ⭐ (34.2K reviews)
🌎 Bonus active states	AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY (+ DC)
🕒 Offer expiry	Mar. 2, 2027
✅ Last verified	Oct. 24, 2026

What we like

Customer Support: The customer support team at Caesars Sportsbook is a definite plus. They are personal, professional, and resolved any issue I presented quickly. I suggest using their 24/7 live chat, as it's the fastest way to get in touch. 

Caesars Rewards: You automatically gain access to the industry's best sportsbook loyalty program — Caesars Rewards. I love Caesars Rewards because you can exchange the points you earn from regular bets into a range of bonuses and perks at no additional cost. 

NFL coverage: Caesars Sportsbook offers one of the most well-round NFL experiences in 2026. You get great odds, bet boosts for every game on a variety of player props, and live streaming thanks to its partnership with Genius and the NFL.

What we don't like

Withdrawal issues: Although I haven't experienced this, some users have reported their funds were deemed 'non-withdrawable' or were hit with unusually long withdrawal holds on their account. Though the issues were all eventually resolved, it required odd workarounds to fix them. 

Limits hot bettors: Bettors have cited that their accounts have been frozen, without warning, after hitting a 'hot streak' of wins for a few consecutive days. 

Our Caesars Sportsbook review provides a complete overview of this operator. 

3. bet365 - Best NFL Draft odds

Who it's for

Since bet365 allows you the unique experience of choosing between two welcome offers, it's best set up for those who already know what they want. If you're new to sports betting or simply prefer guaranteed rewards, then the bet-and-get bonus is for you. If you're a bit more experienced and ready to try something with a higher ceiling, then the $1,000 First Bet Safety Net is best. 

Covers BetSmart Rating: ⭐ 4.7/5

Bonuses and promotions	⭐ 4.7/5
Banking and payout speed	⭐ 4.4/5
Key features	⭐ 4.4/5
Security and trust	⭐ 4.4/5
Customer support	⭐ 4.4/5
User experience	⭐ 4.5/5
Betting odds	⭐ 4.7/5

User reviews  

Editor's note: User reviews may be edited for clarity. 

“bet365 has been an amazing experience for me. Even when I'm in the minus, withdrawals are still processed very fast, which builds a lot of trust. The live beting is top-tier, bets are accepted instantly with no delay, even during high-action moments.”

- App Store reviewer

"I actually love the app. It's easy to nvaigate and build your parlays. But good luck getting into the app during a game. It takes FOREVER to load."

- App Store user

bet365 at a glance

	bet365 Sportsbook
bet365 welcome bonus	Bet $10, Get $200 Win or Lose or $1,000 First Bet Safety Net
bet365 bonus code	COVERS or CVSBONUS
Top feature	Superb live betting & live streaming
Covers BetSmart Rating	4.5/5
Minimum deposit	$10
Mobile app	iOS & Android
Casino	NJ, PA
Payout speed	Within 24 hours
Legal states	AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA
Live betting	Yes ✅
Early cash out	Yes ✅
Same-game parlays	Yes ✅
Live streaming	Yes ✅

What we like

Reasonable minimum deposit: You only need to put down an initial $10 to qualify for either bet365 sign-up offer.

Guaranteed bonus: The main reason for choosing the bet-and-get offer over the First Bet Safety Net is that the bet-and-get bonus is guaranteed. You'll get it whether your initial bet wins or loses. 

No restrictions: There are no odds or market restrictions attached to this promo, allowing you to explore various betting markets — including its extensive list of player props — with your bonus money.

What we don't like

Limited window to use bonus: You will only have seven days (168 hours) to use your bonus, regardless of which one you select. 

Small bet-and-get offer: Although this bonus is guaranteed, its total value lacks in comparison to some competitors' variations of the offer.

4. FanDuel - Best NFL Draft user experience

Who it's for

The FanDuel NFL Draft promo is perfect for first-time bettors. With a low minimum deposit and daily wagering requirement of $5, it’s simple to secure the $350 in bonus bets. Its lack of heavy restrictions makes it one of the most straightforward NFL Draft promos.

Covers BetSmart Rating: ⭐ 4.7/5

Bonuses and promotions	⭐ 4.8/5
Banking and payout speed	⭐ 4.6/5
Key features	⭐ 4.7/5
Security and trust	⭐ 4.9/5
Customer support	⭐ 4.6/5
User experience	⭐ 4.9/5
Betting odds	⭐ 4.5/5

User reviews  

Editor's note: User reviews may be edited for clarity.

"I have been using FanDuel for a couple of years now, and I have never had any issues with the betting app. Easy to use. Withdrawals happen in minutes." 

- J.M, Google Play Store reviewer

"I've been playing on FanDuel for a while now, and I got to say, it's my go-to platform for all things fantasy sports and betting. The app is super user-friendly, and the contests are always competitive and fun. I've had some big wins and some tough losses, but the experience has always been smooth and enjoyable. The customer support team is also top-notch - always responsive and helpful. If you're a fan of fantasy sports and betting, FanDuel is the way to go."

- James, Google Play Store user

FanDuel at a glance

	FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel promo code	Automatically applied after registration
FanDuel new-user offer	Get up to $350 in Bonus Bets
Minimum deposit	$5
Minimum wager	$5
Eligible bet types	First $5+ cash wager of any bet type; bonus funds, profit boosts, and cashed-out wagers are ineligible
Legal states	AR, AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV, WY (+ DC and PR)
FanDuel Sportsbook app	iOS & Android
Offer expiry	Oct. 25, 2026
Last verified	October 2026

What we like

App-only: For many sportsbooks, tying their bonus to their mobile app would be a con. For FanDuel, it helps usher new users into one of the top betting apps on the market.

Clear terms: Download the app, deposit, and wager at least $5 per day for a week, and you'll receive the $350 bonus. That's it.

Bonus flexibility: One of the best perks of FanDuel's promo is that you can spread out the reward across seven future wagers.

What we don't like

Quick bonus expiry: You will only have seven days to use the FanDuel bonus before it expires.

No loyalty program: It’s frustrating that FanDuel Sportsbook still doesn't have a loyalty program to reward regular users in 2026. However, FanDuel is apparently launching a program within the first half this year, so I'll provide more info when it becomes available. 

Check out our FanDuel review to learn more about one of the industry's best sportsbooks.

5. Fanatics Sportsbook - Best for NFL Draft merch rewards

Who it's for

Fanatics Sportsbook consistently delivers unique promotions, and its current welcome offer is no different. If you're looking for an in-depth introduction to a sportsbook, then this promo has you covered. With a second chance bet provided every day for your first 10 days with the platform, it allows you the opportunity to get intimate with the product, from its betting menu to its design.

Covers BetSmart Rating: ⭐ 4.1/5

Bonuses and promotions	⭐ 4.0/5
Banking and payout speed	⭐ 3.8/5
Key features	⭐ 3.9/5
Security and trust	⭐ 4.1/5
Customer support	⭐ 4.0/5
User experience	⭐ 4.8/5

User reviews  

Editor's note: User reviews may be edited for clarity. 

"I really enjoy everything Fanatics Sportsbook has to offer! I really like how you get Fanatics rewards faster than DraftKings too! I would highly recommend."

- Justin M., Google Play Store reviewer

"It is very quick page loading and very easy to navigate. It offers generous promotions that are easy to understand, and along with opportunities to make FanCash with nearly every bet."

- Owen, Google Play Store user

Fanatics Sportsbook at a glance

💰 Sign-up bonus	Bet $20, Get $350 in FanCash
🏅 Top feature	NFL live streaming
💵 Minimum wager	$20
🕒 Payout speed	Within 24 hours
App Store rating	4.8/5 ⭐ (76.2K reviews)
Google Play rating	4.7/5 ⭐ (16.1K reviews)
🌎 Available states	AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV, WY
✅ Last verified	Oct. 24, 2026

What we like

NFL live streaming: After partnering with Genius Sports — a sports data and technology company — Fanatics Sportsbook allows you to stream live NFL games on the platform seamlessly. Their CEO, Michael Rubin, has an extremely close relationship with the NFL, which is why Fanatics Sportsbook offers one of the best football betting promo codes in 2026.

Improved mobile app: Fanatics Sportsbook recently upgraded its mobile app, providing players with a more user-friendly layout that makes it easier for them to locate and use its stand-out features. Lightning Bets allow for live betting on the outcome of individual plays within the sports betting app, a feature that provides real-time excitement and caters to fans who enjoy fast-paced, on-the-spot wagering opportunities..

FanCash Rewards: From the moment you register an account, you start earning FanCash with every bet you place on the Fanatics Sportsbook platform. This FanCash can be redeemed for a variety of sports merchandise from the Fanatics store.

What we don't like

Daily wagering: The notion of betting for 10 straight days can be overwhelming for newbies and casual bettors. We recommend only collecting this offer if you are ready to satisfy the daily requirements.  

Tough to track bonuses: Each of the 10 potential bonuses you acquire will have its own expiry date, meaning you'll need to keep a close eye on them all.

Browse our detailed Fanatics Sportsbook review for an extensive look into this emerging operator. 

6. DraftKings - Best NFL Draft betting app

Who it's for

Like FanDuel, DraftKings delivers an NFL Draft bonus that is perfect for newbies. The $5 deposit and wagering requirements are manageable even for tight-budget bettors, and there are no restrictions that come with the guaranteed reward. Plus, DK's offer contains built-in flexibility since it comes as multiple $25 bets.

Covers BetSmart Rating: ⭐ 4.5/5

Bonuses and promotions	⭐ 4.6/5
Banking and payout speed	⭐ 4.6/5
Key features	⭐ 4.8/5
Security and trust	⭐ 4.9/5
Customer support	⭐ 4.5/5
User experience	⭐ 4.8/5

User reviews  

Editor's note: User reviews may be edited for clarity. 

“I'm giving the DraftKings Sportsbook app a well-earned 5 stars based on my personal experience. I enjoy playing this app, as the speed is great compared to other apps. The layout is well put together, making it easy to find what I'm looking for. I love that the withdrawal process is fast, and the customer service is phenomenal. Definitely worth trying out!!!”

- Robert, Google Play Store reviewer

"I love DraftKings. It's a great app. Your money hits right away after the games, and you can pull your winnings right away. I love and recommend this app to anyone who loves sports as I do. Enjoy yourselves. Great App!! God Bless."

- Google Play Store user

DraftKings Sportsbook at a glance

💰 Sign-up bonus	Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets + 3 Months of NBA League Pass
🏅 Top feature	NFL draft app
💵 Minimum wager	$5
🕒 Payout speed	Within 24 hours
App Store rating	{rating/draft-kings/ios_app_store/us}}/5  ⭐ (1.3M reviews)
Google Play rating	4.8/5 ⭐ (288K reviews)
🌎 Available states	AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MO, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, PR, TN, VT, VA, WI, WV, WY
✅ Last verified	Oct. 24, 2026

What we like

Minimal investment: You only need to make a $5 deposit and wager to unlock the DraftKings NFL Draft promo.

Instant bonus: If you win or lose, you will receive the bonus bets.

Bonus structure: All told, we love the flexibility that comes with DraftKings' promo being split into multiple $25 bets. It incentivizes testing out different betting markets and aspects of the platform.

What we don't like

Low total value: Like FanDuel, DraftKings offers a bonus that some customers may look past due to its smaller maximum amount.  

Seven days to use bonus: Yes, it's an industry standard, but we still wish DraftKings' offer didn't expire so quickly.

NFL Draft betting odds 2026

Current 2026 NFL Draft odds have Fernando Mendoza as a near lock to be selected first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders. After that, the board becomes far less certain, with top prospects such as Rueben Bain Jr., Caleb Downs, and Peter Woods all firmly in the mix near the top of the draft. Mendoza is widely viewed as the clear favorite for No. 1, while the picks that follow remain much more fluid.

The rest of the first round could be difficult to project, especially once teams begin weighing positional value against overall talent. Several quarterback-needy teams could shape the draft’s biggest swings, and that uncertainty is likely to influence NFL odds throughout the night. With Mendoza expected to come off the board first, the real intrigue in the 2026 class begins with what happens next

NFL Draft odds explained

To understand how to bet on the NFL Draft, you must know how draft betting odds 2026 work. Most of the best NFL Draft betting sites will use American odds, which give you an insight into how much you can win if you bet $100.

For example, if there is a positive (+) sign next to a three-digit number, this number tells you how much you will profit by betting $100. If it’s +500 and you wager $100, a winning bet will land you $600 ($100 stake + $500 profit). You may also see odds with minus (-) symbols that tell you how much you need to stake to make a $100 profit. 

Choosing an NFL Draft betting site

In most U.S. states, you can choose several NFL Draft betting sites, so how do you select the top options? Here are a few tips for choosing an NFL Draft betting platform:

Legal considerations: NFL Draft betting is only legal in certain jurisdictions. Before you start playing or search for the best NFL Draft betting sites, ensure you play in a state where NFL Draft betting is permitted.

User interface: A smooth interface ensures you can find and place the bets you want without issues. When selecting a sportsbook, ensure you choose one with an easy-to-use platform. 

Payout speed: The quicker a sportsbook pays out, the sooner you can get control of your finances. The best sportsbooks will process withdrawal requests in just a few days. You can usually find this information in the operator’s FAQs.

Available markets: While some sportsbooks may cover the most basic draft markets, others will let you back over/under for rounds and find special wagers for specific players. Therefore, checking what markets a sportsbook provides is a good idea before signing up.

Odds and line shopping: While betting is about having fun, making a profit impacts how you bet on the NFL Draft. Therefore, you should browse between different sportsbooks to find the odds that payout best on the markets you want to back.

🍁 If you're located north of the border, check out our guide to the best betting sites in Canada.

Where to bet on the NFL Draft

Football enthusiasts can rejoice knowing legal sports betting is available in many states for the 2026 NFL Draft. The NFL Draft differs from traditional sports betting, as it involves athletes transitioning from college to the professional ranks, and it is not a sports event like an NFL game. Therefore, even U.S. states that legalize online sports betting have different regulations on the event.

For example, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Virginia all prohibit NFL Draft betting. However, most U.S. states allow some kind of NFL Draft betting. Here’s an overview of where to bet on the NFL Draft 2026 online:

Via prediction market apps, you can wager in every state with Polymarket, Kalshi, and other operators.

Types of NFL Draft bets

You can place a few bets on the NFL Draft 2026. The most straightforward is betting on a player to be drafted at a certain number. However, you can also wager on which position a team will draft and the over/under for a certain player being taken in a round or the draft. We’ve listed some of the most popular NFL Draft bets below: 

• Player picked as overall pick x bets
• Team to draft player bets
• Player to be a top x bets
• Position of the first player drafted by a team
• The first player drafted in a position
• The last position drafted
• Special bets

Where and when to watch the NFL Draft 2026

Several streaming services and channels show coverage of the NFL Draft from the first pick to the last. Round 1 starts at 8 p.m. ET on April 23. Rounds 2 and 3 are broadcast at 7 p.m. ET on April 24. Meanwhile, Rounds 4 to 7 occur at 12 p.m. ET on April 25. 

Here are the broadcasters showing coverage of the NFL Draft 2026:

• NFL Network
• NFL+
• ESPN
• ESPN2
• ESPN Deportes

NFL Draft betting trends

While every group of prospects is different, some trends move from year to year, which you can follow to make accurate NFL Draft 2026 bets. Our team has listed some trends to consider this year. 

More value on offensive players: Recent trends could signal a broader shift towards more offense-focused drafting plans among some NFL teams.

Focus on interior lineman: In the NFL Draft 2024, only one defensive tackle was taken in the first round. Meanwhile, several mock drafts have three or four defensive linemen projected to go in the first round in 2026. The interior of the offensive and defensive lines may see more picks than usual.

Look for trades: Several trades occurred during the NFL 2025 Draft, and we expect to see the same again in 2026. Therefore, when looking at wagers, don’t take it for granted that a team will maintain the draft position it starts in.

Previous NFL Draft #1 picks

Here's a list of the past 20 number one picks, dating back to 1995.

📅 Draft Year	🏆 #1 Pick	🏈 Position
2025	Cam Ward	QB
2024	Caleb Williams	QB
2023	Bryce Young	QB
2022	Travon Walker	DE
2021	Trevor Lawrence	QB
2020	Joe Burrow	QB
2019	Kyler Murray	QB
2018	Baker Mayfield	QB
2017	Myles Garrett	DE
2016	Jared Goff	QB
2015	Jameis Winston	QB
2014	Jadeveon Clowney	DE
2013	Eric Fisher	OT
2012	Andrew Luck	QB
2011	Cam Newton	QB
2010	Sam Bradford	QB
2009	Matthew Stafford	QB
2008	Jake Long	OT
2007	JaMarcus Russell	QB
2006	Mario Williams	DE

NFL Draft betting strategies

The unpredictability of the NFL Draft is what makes it so fun. Who saw the Atlanta Falcons picking QB Michael Penix Jr. last year (certainly not Kirk Cousins)? However, you can follow a few strategies to improve your chances of landing successful bets. 

🔎 Follow team activity

While teams try to keep intentions a secret, it’s impossible to hide perfectly what each team tries to do. Therefore, follow the teams closely for clues. For example, if a team invites a prospect for a private workout days before the draft, that franchise is more likely to draft that player.

📅 Look at past tendencies

This consideration applies if the team has a General Manager overseeing a draft. Still, it’s worth examining past drafts to see what processes a franchise typically goes through when selecting players. Many teams will have tendencies that persist from one year to the next.

For example, you can bet the Philadelphia Eagles’ Howie Roseman will be busy trying to engineer trades and look to build through the trenches.

📝 Study multiple mock drafts

Looking at the mock draft of your favorite sports personality isn’t enough. You need to consider multiple sources to get the best picture of how the draft will unfold. Check out Covers' own Andrew Caley's 2026 NFL Mock Draft Version 1 and 2026 NFL Mock Draft Version 2.

🎥 Watch tape

While you may not be a certified NFL analyst, going beyond highlights and evaluating game tape can help deduce which players may vault up draft boards. 

Covers Expert Analysis

"Get more NFL Draft betting tips and strategies with our draft betting guide — our experts are dialed in."

Christian Stringer, Sports Betting Editor

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