7 Best Betting Sites in the US August 2025

What is the best sports betting site by category?

As sports betting continues to grow across the U.S., new operators enter the market, seeking to disrupt the traditional model. While some betting sites are simply flashy, the Covers team of betting experts has tested and evaluated several of the more established brands, creating a shortlist of the top seven online sportsbooks for new bettors:

Covers Expert Analysis

"Every month, we take at least two days to reevaluate our list of top betting sites. We dissect the user interface, claim bonuses, test loading speeds, track withdrawal times, check for new features, and dig into new features. This exhaustive process ensures our online betting site recommendations are fresh. In August, BetMGM holds steady as our top sports betting site."

Michael Duchesne, Managing Editor

1. BetMGM Sportsbook - Best overall betting site

Now one of the industry's most iconic sports betting sites, BetMGM is the result of a partnership between Entain Holdings and MGM Resorts International. The online sportsbook first launched as PlayMGM in New Jersey before rebranding in September 2019. Since then, it's received multiple honours — including the 2024 Sports Betting Operator and Employer of the Year at the ERG North America Awards and Digital Operator of the Year in 2023 at the Global Gaming Awards — and expanded its reach to 22 states (plus DC and Puerto Rico). 

Why choose BetMGM?

We consider BetMGM the best sports betting site because it delivers in every key area. It boasts a robust betting menu with over 450 ways to wager on each game, a top-tier loyalty experience via its MGM Rewards program, slow-to-update odds that often allow you to get the best price, daily promotions and boosts for major and niche sports, excellent in-play prop markets, and more.

BetMGM Sportsbook highlights

	BetMGM Sportsbook
Sign-up bonus	$1,500 First Bet Offer
Promo code	CVRBONUS1500
Terms & conditions	One new customer offer only. Min. deposit of $10. Place your first wager and receive up to $1,500 back in bonus bets if it loses. Bonus bets expire in seven days. Full terms apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Payout speed	Within 48 hours
Top feature	1,000+ futures markets
Platforms	Desktop, iOS, Android
Legal age	21+
Licensed states	AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MS, NC, NV, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY (+DC & PR)
Responsible gaming	Visit BetMGM's responsible gambling guide
Last reviewed	August 2025

BetMGM key features

• Live bet tracking: Despite delivering an already expansive in-play betting section, including featuring live streaming for numerous events, BetMGM continues to make improvements, now allowing you to track your live wagers in real time.
• Powered-up parlays: BetMGM isn't all talk when referring to itself as the "King of Parlays." Creating same-game parlays with its bet builder is a near-flawless experience, and on top of its refined SGP+ feature and pre-packaged parlays, you can now build parlays anywhere across the site.
• Enhanced football offering: Football betting is king, and BetMGM knows it. The sportsbook provides nearly 1,000 futures markets, over 450 ways to wager on each game, and unique in-app bet boosts for every day of the football calendar. You will often find favorable odds here.

BetMGM iOS app

Check out our BetMGM bonus code review and bonus code page for more information. 

2. Caesars Sportsbook - Best rewards program

Caesars Sportsbook opened its first location — Caesars Palace Casino in Las Vegas — almost 60 years ago. In 2018, it became one of the first legacy gaming brands to launch an online betting site post-PASPA. Today, it continues to be an industry leader, boasting the best sportsbook rewards program in 2025.

Why choose Caesars Sportsbook?

If you want an immaculate VIP experience, Caesars is for you. Its Caesars Rewards program allows you to earn Reward Credits simply through wagering — you'll get up to 10 credits for every $100 placed on straight bets and up to 20 credits for every $100 placed on parlays. You can then redeem your credits for benefits, such as hotel bookings, spa treatments, dining and shopping experiences, and more.

Caesars Sportsbook highlights

	Caesars Sportsbook
Sign-up bonus	Bet $1, Double Winnings on Your Next 20 Bets
Promo code	COVERS20X
Terms & conditions	New customers only. Must register using eligible promo code. Place a wager of at least $1 and you'll get 20x 100% profit boosts, up to $2,500 each, win or lose. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Payout speed	Within 24 hours
Top feature	White glove support
Platforms	Desktop, iOS, Android
Legal age	21+
Licensed states	AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MS, NC, NV, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY (+DC)
Responsible gaming	Visit Caesars' responsible gaming guide
Last reviewed	August 2025

Caesars Sportsbook key features

• World-famous brand: Caesars may occasionally catch flak for its Las Vegas-born flash and pomp, but the brand has decades of experience in the gaming industry, making it undeniably one of the most trustworthy sportsbooks on the market.
• NFL live streaming: Despite the immense popularity of in-play NFL betting, not every sportsbook provides complementary live streaming to enhance the experience. With Caesars, you can freely watch matchups every game day during the 2025-26 NFL season.
• Play-by-play betting: Through its partnership with Simplebet, Caesars allows you the opportunity to wager on every play, including the next pitch result in an MLB game or who will make the next shot in an NBA matchup.

Caesars Sportsbook iOS app

Our Caesars Sportsbook review provides a complete overview of this operator. Interested in available bonuses? Read our Caesars Sportsbook promo code page to see what offers await you. 

3. bet365 Sportsbook - Best odds

Founded in 2000 and servicing over 100 million customers, bet365 has spent more than two decades operating as a premier global betting brand. With experience like that, it's no surprise that it's become known as one of the best betting sites in the nation. Although it's currently only available in 14 states, bet365's superb online product earns it a high spot on our list.

Why choose bet365?

Simply put, bet365 is the best online betting site for pricing. Its odds are generally well curated — you can tell because they don't all end in zeroes or fives — but are particularly sharp for niche sports. We love its selection of UFC spreads, CFL player props, and live lines for Turkish soccer.

bet365 Sportsbook highlights

	bet365 Sportsbook
Sign-up bonus	Bet $5, Get $200 Win or Lose or $1,000 First Bet Safety Net
Promo code	COVERS
Payout speed	Within 24 hours
Terms & conditions	Bonus bet amounts not returned with winnings. Min. $10 deposit required. Qualifying bet must be -500 odds or greater. T&Cs, time limits, and exclusions apply. Gambling Problem? Call or Text 1-800-GAMBLER.
Top feature	Live player props
Platforms	Desktop, iOS, Android
Legal age	21+
Licensed states	AZ, CO, IN, IL, IA, KS, KY, LA, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA
Responsible gaming	Visit bet365's responsible gambling guide
Last reviewed	August 2025

bet365 key features

• Same Game Parlay+: Not only can you build regular and same-game parlays with bet365, but the sportsbook also offers a proprietary "Same Game Parlay+" feature. With this, you can combine SGPs from various games.
• Intuitive design: Adding to bet365's universal appeal is its impressively straightforward layout. Clear labels make finding whatever you're looking for simple, navigation is seamless on both desktop and mobile, and the betting menu is well-organized.
• Bet boosts: Accessing bet365's enhanced odds is easy — the sports betting platform hosts them all within a dedicated tab. Generally, boosts are limited to same-game parlays, but you'll also sometimes find them for futures and props.

bet365 iOS app

You'll find everything you need to learn in the bet365 review, which highlights the latest bet365 bonus code required to access its welcome offer. 

4. FanDuel Sportsbook - Best user experience

Possibly the most iconic of all sports betting sites, FanDuel has earned its reputation. The former daily fantasy sports (DFS) giant launched its online sportsbook in 2018 and has been on an upward trajectory ever since — it presently owns 44% of the total market. A two-time Sportsbook Operator of the Year winner at the SBC Awards North America 2023 and 2024, as well as the American Gambling Awards' Online Sportsbook of the Year in 2022 and 2023, not many betting sites can match the FanDuel experience.

Why choose FanDuel?

FanDuel is the best sports betting site for beginners because of its slick user experience. Everything from the betting menu to the promos section is clean, well-organized, and the use of imagery and bright colors when placing bets makes navigating easy for casual bettors. Plus, building parlays is fast thanks to player props and other key markets taking center stage on the screen.

FanDuel Sportsbook highlights

	FanDuel Sportsbook
Sign-up bonus	Bet $5, Win $300
Promo code	Use promo link above
Terms & conditions	New customers only. Deposit min. $5. Place your first $5 bet and receive $300 if your bet wins. Full terms apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Payout speed	Within 24 hours
Top feature	Seamless navigation
Platforms	Desktop, iOS, Android
Legal age	21+
Licensed states	AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV, WY (+ DC)
Responsible gaming	Visit FanDuel's responsible gambling guide
Last reviewed	August 2025

FanDuel key features

• Parlay Hub: As the inventor of same-game parlays, FanDuel Sportsbook holds itself to a rigorous standard in how it presents the bet type to its customers. That's clear with its dedicated Parlay Hub, which allows you to browse heaps of the most popular parlays across all online sports betting markets.
• Zippy loading times: You'll never miss a beat when wagering with FanDuel. The sportsbook's snappy loading speed ensures you won't have to deal with being timed out of a live wager or having a line shift while you await landing on a page.
• Top-notch live streaming: In partnership with Sportradar, FanDuel Sportsbook offers a plethora of live streams within its mobile app. You can view hockey games, tennis matches, soccer contests, and more while simultaneously having access to numerous in-play betting markets.

FanDuel Sportsbook iOS app

Browse our FanDuel review for an unbiased look at this great online sportsbook and our FanDuel promo code page to learn about the available bonuses you can claim in 2025.

5. Fanatics Sportsbook - Best for merch rewards

In August 2023, Fanatics acquired PointsBet, previously an industry staple. It spent the better part of the next year migrating customers over to its revamped platform. Although Fanatics is generally considered one of the space's new betting sites, it doesn't actually have a desktop sportsbook; instead, it relies on its dedicated app. Even so, it makes our list due to the overall product quality. Should it ever opt to launch a fully realized betting site, we expect it to match that standard.

Why choose Fanatics Sportsbook?

Fanatics Sportsbook has the most unique rewards system in the industry. With every wager you place, you'll earn up to 10% of your stake back in FanCash, win or lose. You can then redeem your FanCash for bonus bets or sports merchandise, such as hats and jerseys, via Fanatics' online store.

Fanatics Sportsbook highlights

	Fanatics Sportsbook
Sign-up bonus	Up to $100 Back on Football Game Days
Terms & conditions	New customers only. Deposit min. $5. Choice of three offers: $100 back on NFL game days, up to $1,000 in No Sweat FanCash, and bet $10, get $50. Daily bonus issued within 72 hours. Full terms apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Payout speed	Within 24 hours
Top feature	FanCash rewards
Platforms	iOS, Android
Legal age	21+
Licensed states	AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY
Responsible gaming	Visit Fanatics' responsible gambling guide
Last reviewed	August 2025

Fanatics Sportsbook key features

• Fanatics Fair Play: Fanatics Sportsbook's Fair Play policy permits you to claim a refund should a player injury impact your wager during a specified timeframe. For example, wagering on an NFL player who leaves during the first quarter with an injury and doesn't return would qualify.
• Live betting and streaming: Improving on an already impressive in-play betting experience, Fanatics now provides a new data visualization that refines ease of navigation between games as well as the ability to track player and team stats. Plus, thanks to its partnership with Genius Sports, the sportsbook offers live streaming of various sports and events directly on its platform.
• Lightning Bets: Streaming isn't the only way Fanatics has enhanced its live betting section — it also boasts a trademark proprietary bet type called Lightning Bets. With these, you can wager on the outcome of specific plays in real time.

Fanatics Sportsbook iOS app

Our Fanatics Sportsbook review provides an extensive look into this emerging operator and its latest welcome offer, which does not require a Fanatics Sportsbook promo code to claim. 

6. DraftKings Sportsbook - Best for grading winners

Like rival FanDuel, DraftKings also began its life in the daily fantasy sports (DFS) world. Then, in 2018, it capitalized on the repeal of PASPA and launched its official sports betting site. Now, it owns 34% of the market and operates in 23 states, plus DC, holding steady as one of the most ubiquitous names in sports betting.

Why choose DraftKings?

One of the underrated reasons for DraftKings' reputation is its ability to accurately and consistently grade bets. While even the best sports betting sites make errors, DraftKings is constantly assigning the appropriate 'winning' or 'losing' status to each wager it takes. 

DraftKings Sportsbook highlights

	DraftKings Sportsbook
Sign-up bonus	Bet $5, Get $200 + $200 Off NFL Sunday Ticket
Promo code	Use promo link above
Terms & conditions	One bonus per new customer. Min. $5 deposit. Min. $5 bet. Get max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in seven days (168 hours). Stake not included with payout. Offer expires on Sept. 29, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET.  GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050, or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD).[1.5%] 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. Terms: draftkings.com/sportsbook. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS)
Payout speed	Within 24 hours
Top feature	Grading winners
Platforms	Desktop, iOS, Android
Legal age	21+
Licensed states	AZ, CO, CT, DC (18+), IA, IL, IN, KS, KY (18+), LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT WY (18+), WV
Responsible gaming	Visit DraftKings' responsible gambling guide
Last reviewed	August 2025

DraftKings key features

• DraftKings Social: With DraftKings Social, you can track other bettors' performances, chat, and take part in group challenges. The proprietary feature is one of the most unique and engaging ways of enhancing the experience of sports betting. 
• Newbie-friendly: Despite being a giant of the sports betting industry, DraftKings does an excellent job of welcoming first-time bettors into the fold. A simple sign-up bonus, sleek layout, and smooth navigation make betting straightforward from the get-go. 
• Noteworthy partnerships: As one of the country's top sportsbooks, DraftKings boasts a lengthy list of partnerships with franchises and celebrities. As a result, it offers special boosts and other perks regularly.

DraftKings iOS app

Read our in-depth DraftKings review to learn more about the online sportsbook in 2025, and don't forget to check out the latest DraftKings promo code and corresponding offers.

7. BetRivers Sportsbook - Best no-frills experience

A Rush Street Interactive product, BetRivers entered the sports betting arena in 2019, a little after the flurry of soon-to-be industry titans like FanDuel and DraftKings. It has kept a steady course within the choppy waters of the U.S. market ever since, entering 15 states and cementing itself as one of the top betting sites.

Why choose BetRivers?

No online sportsbook delivers a no-frills experience like BetRivers. The betting site forgoes flash and pomp for a subtle, barebones design with enough blue, yellow, and white accenting to allow your eyes to travel easily from the promos pop-up tab to the betting menu. If substance over style is your preference, BetRivers may be the betting site for you.

BetRivers Sportsbook highlights

	BetRivers Sportsbook
Sign-up bonus	Get a $500 Second Chance Bet
Promo code	COVERSBONUS
Terms & conditions	One new customer offer only. Min. deposit of $10. Place your first wager and receive up to $500 back as a bonus bet if it loses. Bonus bets expire in seven days. Full terms apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Payout speed	Within 24 hours
Top feature	No-frills experience
Platforms	Desktop, iOS, Android
Legal age	21+
Licensed states	AZ, CO, DE, IL, IN, IA, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, WV
Responsible gaming	Visit BetRivers' responsible gambling policy
Last reviewed	August 2025

BetRivers key features

• Good SGP options: To be considered a top sportsbook in 2025, offering plentiful same-game parlay options is a must. BetRivers Sportsbook follows through here, allowing you to either make your own or use its “SGP Quick Pick” feature, which provides a pre-built suggestion.
• Solid live betting: In-play wagering is more popular than ever, and the best online betting sites boast dedicated sections for it alone. BetRivers Sportsbook is no exception — you can bet on tons of sports as they happen, and the available bet types almost always feature up-to-the-second odds.
• Live streaming: Although many betting sites offer in-play betting, only some offer live streaming. BetRivers Sportsbook is one of those few, delivering streams for NHL games, tennis matches, and more. 
• Favorable odds: You will often find favorable odds compared to the rest of the market, especially on player props. I've been able to consistently get discounts on pricing at BetRivers.

BetRivers iOS app

Read through our BetRivers review to learn more. Our BetRivers bonus code page outlines the available offers you can claim in 2025. 

More popular betting sites

We've outlined a few additional U.S. sportsbooks you can bet with online in 2025: 

Bally Bet

Backed by the iconic Bally's Corporation brand, Bally Bet is a reliable sportsbook that provides one of the most well-rounded iGaming experiences in 2025 thanks to the ability to seamlessly access its affiliated online casino — Bally Casino —  under one account. Though it is only available in a limited number of states, you do not need the Bally Bet promo code to qualify for any ongoing bonus or welcome offer.

Borgata

Available exclusively through the NJ sports betting market, Borgata offers a comprehensive online sportsbook experience. The brand, synonymous with gaming, delivers a premium platform with top-notch coverage, making it one of the leading options for Garden State sports bettors. You can use our exclusive Borgata promo code 'COVERSBORGATA' to get started with the platform.

ESPN BET

ESPN BET leverages its position in the sports world to provide comprehensive coverage for all major North American leagues and events, a fantastic 'Live' section where you can watch and wager on many of these online sports betting markets in real-time, and a collection of great bonuses and ongoing promos crafted by top ESPN personalities like Stephen A Smith and Mike Greenberg. You do not need the ESPN BET promo code to secure any of the online betting platform's promotions in 2025.

Golden Nugget

Best known as a casino brand that operates in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, Golden Nugget also has a solid sports betting product available in select states. The SBTech-powered operator offers attractive bonuses, boosted odds, live betting, and more. You can capitalize on any of the betting site's active bonuses without a Golden Nugget bonus code.

Hard Rock Bet

Hard Rock Bet's mobile app is currently the third most downloaded in the U.S. — and for a good reason. The sportsbook boasts competitive odds for an array of betting markets, exclusive bonuses, and an excellent rewards program for loyal bettors. If you're located in one of the eight states where it operates, you can snag any of its promotions sans a Hard Rock Bet promo code.

How to claim a sportsbook bonus

Most of the top U.S. betting sites in 2025 offer a welcome bonus for new users. We've outlined the straightforward process of signing up and claiming these offers below: 

Tips for choosing the right betting site for you

States with legal sports betting

To date, there are 38 states with legal sports betting, plus DC and Puerto Rico. The North Carolina sports betting market was the most recent to launch, opening for business in March 2024. Legal Missouri sports betting is up next, with the Show-Me State set to welcome up to 14 new betting sites in December 2025.

Whether you're looking for the top political betting sites to get the best Canadian election odds or the betting site with the most in-play markets in 2025, we've assembled a list of the most trusted legal sportsbooks in your area:

Below, we track the states that do not have a legalized sports betting market in 2025:

Alternative betting sites

Traditional sports betting sites are not accessible in every state. However, that doesn't mean you have no wagering options. Instead, you can register and play with the best social sportsbooks, daily fantasy sports (DFS), and prediction market sites in the nation. 

Here are our top picks:

How we rate and review sports betting sites

Learn how we rate sportsbooks

Covers has been rating sportsbooks for over 30 years. This experience has led us to develop the Covers BetSmart Rating to ensure that you're betting at a safe and legitimate betting site. The main factors that go into a sportsbook's overall rating are bonuses and promotions, banking and payout speed, key features, security and trust, customer support, user experience, and betting odds. These are the core elements that ultimately make or break an online sports betting site.

Covers BetSmart Rating categories

Now that you know the foundational categories that make up the Covers BetSmart Rating, let's break down each one:

Banking and payout speed

All bettors want their winnings quickly, so payout speed is important in our evaluation process of the best betting sites for withdrawal and deposit options. You also want to have a diverse selection of payment methods to make the process more convenient.

Bonuses and promotions

While a big welcome bonus is always nice, we also check to ensure that the terms and conditions of the most common sportsbook sign-up bonuses are fair. We also evaluate promotions for existing customers, like reload bonuses and sportsbook referral bonuses.

Key features

This is a broad category, but we like to see legal sportsbooks and sports betting apps that push the envelope to deliver a fantastic experience to sports bettors. Some of the betting features we look for include a mobile app, competitive odds pricing, a wide range of betting options for major sports, live betting, early cash out, streaming options, poker and casino offerings, and responsible gambling features.

Security and trust

With real money at stake, you need to know you’re depositing at a site you can trust. Before recommending any online sports betting site, we’ll make sure they have a valid license for the jurisdiction from the appropriate regulators. We’ll also ensure the website is safe and secure so that your data is protected.

Customer support

If an issue arises, you should be able to have it solved quickly and conveniently by a real person. We like to see a wide range of options to reach customer support and how quickly they resolve the issue.

Other betting features we consider

While the categories above are the basis for our betting site ratings, we dig deep and look at everything we possibly can before crafting our in-depth online sportsbook reviews: The sign-up process, verification process, limits, localization, VIP or loyalty programs, design, and more. This hands-on experience from our team can help you make an informed decision on your betting site.

Betting sites payment methods

The top U.S. betting sites offer a wide variety of fast and reliable banking options to add and withdraw funds from your account easily. We've highlighted the top five banking vendors in 2025 below:

Recent betting sites news

Betting updates

Below is an updated timeline of the latest relevant U.S. sports betting news: 

July 11, 2025: Major U.S. sportsbooks continue warning about increased taxes on their bottom lines, telling policymakers these growing fees could threaten the legal industry’s long-term survival.

July 10, 2025: A proposal from the Senate looks to repeal the gambling tax penalty Congress recently passed as part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” 

July 3, 2025: A proposed federal tax change in Donald Trump's “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” would limit gamblers to deducting only 90% of losses against winnings.

June 10, 2025: With multiple states increasing the tax burden for operators, Covers' Geoff Zochodne dives into whether U.S. bettors will start to feel the impact.

June 6, 2025: New York set a monthly revenue record in May as the most lucrative betting market in the U.S. continues to thrive.

May 14, 2025: The American Gaming Association reports that nearly three-quarters of U.S. gambling states broke revenue records in 2024. 

May 5, 2025: U.S. election betting is 'here to stay' after the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) submits a motion to drop its appeal against grey-area operators like Kalshi, who were supplying election-related contracts. 

May 2, 2025: Covers' Ryan Butler outlines the five state legislation shocks since the federal sports betting ban was repealed. 

April 24, 2025: Covers' James Bisson shares a U.S. sports betting and iGaming bill tracker for 2025, including the status on several non-legal states like Hawaii, Georgia, and Texas.

April 22, 2025: Covers' Geoff Zochodne outlines which states are allow to bet on the NFL Draft in 2025, which takes place on Thursday in Green Bay. 

April 18, 2025: U.S. sportsbooks need the NBA favorites in future markets to hedge against liabilities, like the Warriors and Lakers, the public is backing this postseason. 

April 4, 2025: U.S. gaming stocks drop significantly amidst Donald Trump's global tariffs.

April 4, 2025: Covers' Ryan Butler outlines the four U.S. states — Utah, Idaho, South Carolina, and Alaska — that are least likely to legalize sports betting anytime soon. 

April 2, 2025: Covers' Geoff Zochodne explains why many U.S. sports betting regulators have had it with event contracts that offshore operators like Kalshi and Robinhood have offered recently. 

March 31, 2025: U.S. sportsbooks dodge huge March Madness week two upset payouts after all four number one men's teams advance to the Final Four.  

March 24, 2025: March Madness' lack of upsets meant U.S. bettors had a successful weekend, capitalizing on moneyline parlays during the first two rounds of this year's NCAA tournament. 

March 19, 2025: Covers' Geoff Zochodne explains how the rise of prediction and sweeps markets in the U.S. have made states' college betting rules irrelevant. 

March 17, 2025: HBO 'Last Week Tonight' host John Oliver attacks the U.S. sports betting industry in a recent episode, stating its influence over North American sports leagues is 'unmistakable'. 

March 13, 2025: The American Gaming Association President and CEO has doubts about the U.S. federal government providing sports betting oversight. 

March 12, 2025: The trade dispute between the United States and Canada disrupts the North American gaming market. 

March 12, 2025: A recent study reveals that the offshore sports betting market is twice the size as the legal market in the U.S.

March 7, 2025: U.S. gaming companies carry a rough 2025 start into the first week of March, as gambling operators' stock continues to decline as they face pushback at the federal and state-level. 

March 4, 2025: Covers' Geoff Zochodne outlines a state-by-state guide of where you can wager on March Madness in 2025.

Feb. 27, 2025: The Indian Gaming Association urges the CFTC to prohibit sports prediction outcome markets, such as Kalshi. 

Feb. 24, 2025: Several U.S. lawmakers are asking why not make online sports betting illegal again? 

Feb. 19, 2025: U.S. commercial gaming revenue reaches a record $72 billion in 2024, which is up 7.5% over last year. 

Feb. 19, 2025: The craze over the 4 Nation's Face-Off is felt at both U.S. and Canadian sportsbooks and is expected to continue into Thursday's final between the two countries. 

Feb. 19, 2025: The American Gaming Association lauds U.S. President Trump's administration, remaining optimistic about reaching its long-standing policy goals. 

Feb. 19, 2025: A campaign to eliminate federal taxes on sports betting returns to Capitol Hill for the fourth time. 

Feb. 18, 2025: A new study by JAMA Internal Medicine finds that searches have increased for U.S. gambling addiction services since PAPSA legalized sports betting in 2018. 

Feb. 18, 2025: U.S. online sportsbooks get off to a hot start in 2025 thanks to Super Bowl LIX, which helps after a tough, public-friendly, NFL season. 

Feb. 13, 2025: President Donald Trump picks former Kalshi board member Brian Quintenz as the head of the federal commodities regulator.  

Feb. 11, 2025: A recent TransUnion study reaffirms that sports betting participation continued to grow in 2024. 

Feb. 6, 2025: The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission says that sports betting laws are an issue for prediction markets offered by Kalshi and others platforms. 

Jan. 30, 2025: U.S. authorities are investigating NBA guard Terry Rozier for a potential gambling scandal after U.S. Integrity flagged an unusual number of wagers on Rozier's unders during a March 23, 2023, game against the New Orleans Pelicans. 

Jan. 20, 2025: Several U.S. sportsbooks are pulling for the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2025 College Football Playoffs National Championship due to being over-exposed on Notre Dame underdog wagers. 

Jan. 16, 2025: Covers' James Bisson shares the 2024 U.S. sports betting handle and revenue report.  

Jan. 13, 2025: Covers' Ryan Butler breaks down how a U.S. gambling bill actually becomes a law in 2025. 

Jan. 10, 2025: While the number of people partaking in sports betting surges, horse racing handle sags.

Jan. 8, 2025: Covers' Ryan Butler examines the seven more interesting U.S. gaming bills introduced in 2025, including Texas, Virginia, and Maryland. 

Jan. 1, 2025: U.S. sportsbooks are taking varying approaches to settling Sugar Bowl bets after the College Football Playoffs match was postponed.  

Types of betting sites bonuses

With regulated online sportsbooks continuing to operate across more U.S. states, each betting site features a diverse selection of welcome bonuses to attract users.

Not all bonuses are created equally, though, as some are better than others. So, be sure to read the terms and conditions of the most common sportsbook sign-up bonuses before claiming them to ensure their validity.

Bonus	Description	Find this bonus at
Deposit Match	These are the most popular bonuses awarded by sportsbooks. They are usually given at first deposit as a percentage of your first deposit. For example, DraftKings is offering a secondary welcome bonus equal to a 100% deposit match bonus up to $1,000.	DraftKings
Bet Credits	A bet credit is money added to your account that can be used to make a bet, but can’t be withdrawn. You can, of course, withdraw any winnings made from bet credits.	bet365
Bonus Bet	A bonus bet works just like a bet credit, where you're given money to wager with, but it can't be withdrawn. Any winnings from a bonus bet are yours to keep, of course! Some sportsbooks will offer bonus bets just for signing up  — no deposit required!	FanDuel
Second Chance Bet	A second-chance bet works exactly how it sounds. If you win your wager, you keep the winnings just like any other bet. But if you lose the second-chance bet (also known as first bet offer), the sportsbook will refund your stake up to the amount specified by the promotion.	BetRivers

Online sportsbooks vs. offline sportsbooks

Place wagers from anywhere, whether you're at home or on the go

Access to a wide range of ongoing boosts, bonuses, and additional promotions

Live streaming for various sports directly through the online betting site

Easily track and redeem sportsbook rewards points

Withdrawal times are slower online than in-person

"Community-aspect" of wagering at a retail sportsbook

Blacklisted sports betting sites

Covers takes pride in being the most trusted site for sports betting information, and we want you to have the best experience wagering at safe betting sites. So when a sportsbook doesn’t meet our standards, or when we get multiple reports of bad practices from our users, they end up on our blacklist. The following sportsbooks do not meet our rigid quality standards:

• Allegations of withdrawal issues
• No license information available on site
• Poor customer service

• Multiple reports of slow payments
• Allegations of non-payments
• Risk of account closure simply for winning bets

• Reports of confiscated winnings
• Slow customer support response times

See all blacklisted sportsbooks

Why trust Covers?

We have had our finger on the pulse of the sports betting industry for more than 30 years, covering sports betting odds, lines, picks and news.

The sportsbooks we recommend have been personally reviewed, rigorously curated, and frequently updated by our team of experts.

News outlets turn to Covers for our earned reputation as a trusted and authoritative source of sports betting information. These are among the notable publications and media outlets that have referenced Covers.com and our industry experts.

US sports betting resources

We've identified the states with legal sports betting and those on the cusp, along with the best sportsbook promos and user-friendly mobile betting apps.

Sports Betting Tracker

Find states with legal sports betting

States With Sports Betting

Best Sportsbook Bonuses

Claim bonuses and promos

Sportsbook Promos

Best Sports Betting Apps

Ranking top sportsbooks for iOS and Android

Sports Betting Apps

Responsible gambling

Best betting sites abroad

Top 10 Canada Sportsbooks

Compare the best sports betting sites in Canada.

Canada Sports Betting Sites

Best UK Betting Sites

Learn about the top online sportsbooks available in the UK in 2025.

UK Betting Sites

Top International Sportsbooks

Check out our picks for the top world-renowned betting sites.

Best Betting Sites