Best Sportsbooks in October 2026

As more states legalize online sports betting, we’ve aimed to provide an overview of the best U.S. online sportsbooks. This piece focuses on the features that differentiate each operator, as well as provides a guide for beginners on choosing a sports betting app based on those aspects.

To make this guide objective and detailed, we’ve thoroughly tested the top operators in key performance areas, including website and mobile app performance, bonus generosity and frequency, odds offered, betting market availability, and much more. Our aim is not to tell you where to sign up but instead to provide you with the details to make a well-informed decision.

Best Online Sportsbooks in the U.S.

Bettor In Green has thoroughly tested the major online sports betting sites in the U.S. with the intent to give you a fair, thorough review of each operator.

We’ve found these operators to be the 8 best sportsbooks in the U.S. based on their ease of use, bonus frequency and generosity, mobile app performance, odds competitiveness, and more.

1. bet365 Sportsbook

bet365 Sportsbook was founded in the U.K. in 2000 but made its U.S. debut in New Jersey in 2019. Since then, it has expanded to eight other states while also launching an online casino in the Garden State.

With a 4.8/5 rating in the Apple App Store and a 4.7/5 rating in the Google Play Store, bet365 has one of the highest-rated sports betting apps in the industry. The app is free to download and is incredibly easy for novice sports bettors to use.

Pros:

• Multiple welcome bet offers, allowing users to decide how best to use their promotional credits
• Offers niche sports markets, including handball, lacrosse, alpine skiing, table tennis, and esports, among others
• Live streaming available for games you’ve bet on

Cons:

• Bet365 does not have a loyalty program
• Only operating in nine states

bet365 Sportsbook Promo

bet365 offers new customers two promotional options: the First Bet Safety Net and the Bet $10 & Get $365 in Bonus Bets. 

For the First Bet Safety Net, after making a deposit (minimum $10), if your first bet up to $1,000 loses, you receive a matching refund in Bonus Bets. 

The Bet $10 & Get $365 promotion requires a minimum $10 deposit and placing $10 in qualifying bets to receive $365 in Bonus Bets.

Each offer must be claimed within 30 days of registration and the promo code BGREEN is needed when signing up to claim them.

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).

2. DraftKings Sportsbook

DraftKings Sportsbook launched in Boston, MA in 2012. It is one of the most prominent operators in the U.S., with more than $3 billion in revenue in 2023.

Its success grew out of its roots as a daily fantasy sports platform, with millions of users becoming familiar with the platform even before their states legalized sports betting.

Today, DraftKings and FanDuel typically jockey for the biggest sports betting handle in states where both books operate. DK also operates an online casino in select states as well as a horse racebook.

Pros:

• Frequent promotions, especially odds boosts, profit boosts, and bonus bets
• Top-tier daily fantasy sports (DFS) operation
• Broad array of 23 sports to choose from with many leagues in those categories

Cons:

• DraftKings does not offer customer support over the phone
• Odds for niche markets can be very juiced in DK’s favor

DraftKings Sportsbook Promo

The DraftKings promo offers new Sportsbook customers $150 in bonus bets when they place their first $5+ qualifying wager. The bonus is paid as six $25 wagers over 14 days. Important requirements include: the customer must have never placed a wager on DraftKings Sportsbook before, limit to one redemption per customer, and the first wager must qualify. The bonus bets expire 7 days after issuance. This promotion runs from September 21, 2026 through October 18, 2026.

VISIT DRAFTKINGS SPORTSBOOK

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).

3. Caesars Sportsbook

Caesars Sportsbook frequently offers some of the most lucrative betting bonuses in the industry, including hefty deposit match bonuses and enhanced bonus bet offers.

The perks don’t stop after you’ve signed up, either. With numerous odds boosts for straight bets and same game parlays (SGPs) available on a daily basis, as well as a worthwhile loyalty program, Caesars has plenty to offer for new and returning players alike.

Pros:

• Excellent customer service team
• Generous, lucrative welcome bonuses
• Lots of daily odds boosts for straight bets and SGPs

Cons:

• Longer load times than most of the others on this list, potentially impacting live-betting opportunities.
• Android users reported issues with account verification and geolocation technology

Caesars Sportsbook Promo

New Caesars Sportsbook account holders can unlock 10 100% Profit Boosts by placing a minimum $1 bet, using promo code BETTGREENDYW. Eligible in AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY, or Washington, D.C.

VISIT CAESARS SPORTSBOOK

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).

4. BetMGM Sportsbook

In our experience, BetMGM Sportsbook is often one of the first betting apps to post lines for futures odds. The online bookie is also a top-notch choice for betting on in-play sporting events, and parlay insurance can help offset the sting of missing by a single leg.

BetMGM’s online platforms are well-polished and reliable, with the website and mobile apps all presenting viable gambling options. Money management is easy, too, with loads of ways to finance your bankroll and withdraw your winnings.

Pros:

• Loyalty program offers loads of ways for players to redeem their rewards
• Many opportunities to earn bonus bets
• Withdrawal times are very reasonable

Cons:

• Live streaming is somewhat limited in availability
• Promotions require a manual opt-in, which can slow down the betting action at times

BetMGM Sportsbook Promo

The BetMGM Sportsbook offers new users a Second Chance Bet up to $1,500. Register a new account, deposit a minimum of $10, and make your first wager. 

If this bet loses, receive up to $1,500 back in Bonus Bets, which are non-cashable and split for bets over $50.

VISIT BETMGM SPORTSBOOK

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).

5. FanDuel Sportsbook

Like DraftKings, FanDuel Sportsbook also began as a DFS platform, enhancing brand credibility and preference in states that have legalized sports betting. FanDuel has also been instrumental in popularizing same game parlay betting, with one of the most expansive lists of SGP options on a daily basis.

FanDuel’s mobile app is fluid and intuitive, making it easy to construct your betting slips while checking for available promotions. There are many ways to get in touch with FanDuel support if needed (and you likely won’t), but it may take a while if you do run into any issues.

Pros:

• Massive list of same game parlay markets available daily
• Top-of-the-line mobile app
• Allows in-app streaming of NFL games

Cons:

• Customer service can be slow to respond at times
• FanDuel does not offer a loyalty program

FanDuel Sportsbook Promo

The FanDuel promo “Bet $5, Get $50 for 5 Days” is an offer for new customers who have received an invitation to this promotion. A daily real-money wager of minimum $5 gives $50 in Bonus Bets each day for up to 5 days, totaling $250. The promo does not require a code but has restrictions: deposits through cash-at-counter locations or PayNearMe do not qualify, and using bonus bets, site credit, or other promotional funds are not eligible. Bonus bets expire 7 days after being credited.

VISIT FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).

6. Fanatics Sportsbook

Fanatics Sportsbook launched in November 2023 after the sports merchandising powerhouse of the same name bought the rights to PointsBet’s North American gambling operations, including the online casino.

As a result, many of the promotions involve discounts at Fanatics’ memorabilia outlets, especially in the form of “FanCash,” which is earned on every wager at the bookie. Fanatics’ sportsbook platform is only accessible through the mobile app.

Pros:

• Offers NFL live streaming
• Good selection of pre-crafted parlay wagers
• Mobile app is widely available

Cons:

• No desktop platform (app-only)
• Promotions are too frequently tied to the merchandise vertical

Fanatics Sportsbook Promo

The Fanatics promo allows new customers to earn up to $1,000 in FanCash over 10 days. After signing up and depositing a minimum of $10, customers can place a $1+ cash bet every day for 10 consecutive days. If a bet loses, FanCash equal to the losing bet amount, up to $100 per day, is accredited.

The promo must be applied before placing each qualifying wager. FanCash expires after 7 days and has no cash value but can be utilised within the Fanatics system. No promo code is required. The promotion is available to residents aged 21+ in selected US states.

VISIT FANATICS SPORTSBOOK

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).

7. BetRivers Sportsbook

Founded at the Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh, PA, BetRivers Sportsbook has an impressive list of 23 betting markets for players to choose from, with many leagues and bet types available from that grouping. We’ve also found BetRivers’ lines to be somewhat “juiced” towards the player, making them a reliable option when odds shopping to get the best deals on your intended wagers.

BetRivers also has live streaming for several niche sports, but it hasn’t yet provided this feature for the “Big Four” leagues. The iRush Rewards Program is also a must to enhance your BetRiver experience.

Pros:

• Odds are occasionally “juiced” towards player, offering a higher potential return on a wager of the same stake
• Live streaming available for select sports
• Regional promo availability

Cons:

• App and website designs are a bit dated aesthetically and could use a redesign
• Customer support isn’t available 24/7

BetRivers Sportsbook Promo

The BetRivers promo offers a $500 Second Chance Bonus Bet for new deposits with code SPORTS. 

Make your first sports wager; if it loses, get a Bonus Bet equal to your stake, up to $500. Available to individuals 21+ in specific states, and 19+ in Ontario.

Bonus Bet is credited within 24 hours after losing wager and expires in 30 days. Eligibility and promo requirements apply.

8. ESPN Bet Sportsbook

Rounding out our list is ESPN Bet, which is a product of PENN Entertainment. PENN used to run its sports betting platform as “Barstool Sportsbook” but rebranded in August 2023 with a relaunch three months later. While ESPN doesn’t own the sportsbook, it does provide content for the bookie with its on-air talent; the sportsbook is also working toward integration with the ESPN fantasy app.

ESPN Bet has already shown strong results with an impressive and eye-catching mobile app, which seamlessly moves between the sports betting and casino platforms in states where PENN’s online casino is licensed.

Pros:

• “Parlay Lounge” highlights many of the day’s popular plays, including how many times that parlay has been placed
• 18 sports markets available to choose from
• VIP option available for high-rollers

Cons:

• Registration is currently unavailable through the website
• Referral program caps bonuses after referring 20 players

ESPN BET Sportsbook Promo

The ESPN BET promo is a Bet $10, get $100 in Bonus Bets. 

New players should deposit and place a wager of at least $10 to qualify. They will then receive $100 in Bonus Bets, irrespective of the wager’s outcome. 

Note that the bonus must be used within 7 days.

Legal Landscape of Sports Betting in the U.S.

As of October 2026, 38 states have legalized sports betting, either online, in retail locations, or both.

When the Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) in 2018, individual states were allowed to decide whether or not to allow sports betting. Some states were quick to pounce at the opportunity, others took a wait-and-see approach, while some outright rejected the idea.

Additionally, daily fantasy sports (DFS) platforms exist in a grey area. Some states argue DFS leans too close to sports betting to allow while others have allowed it without passing bills to either legalize or prohibit operations.

Below is a list by state of the legal status of online sports betting, retail sports betting, and daily fantasy sports play.

Sportsbook Promos and Bonuses

As alluded to above, sportsbook bonuses and promo codes combine to become one of the biggest benefits of using an online sports betting site. However, with many promotional offers available, it can be overwhelming for new bettors to understand the differences between what the bookies are providing.

While most operators have stopped using phrases like “Free Bets” or “Risk-free bets,” you may still see them advertised. This is usually a red flag that a site isn’t entirely legit, as some states have outright banned this verbiage.

All bets carry risk, even those with promo credits, so if you choose to participate in sports betting activities, you are 100% responsible for doing so in a safe manner. You assume all risks involved with gambling.

Keeping that in mind, here are some of the common types of sportsbook promos and bonuses that are not only legitimate but also offer multiple benefits to players.

Bonus Bets

Bonus bets are a form of betting credit that online sportsbooks issue to provide a chance to gamble on the platform without having to tap into the funds in your bankroll. Some bookmakers will also allow you to use a bonus bet in conjunction with a real money wager to increase your profits as though you had used a higher stake.

Typically, bonus bets are issued at a preset increment, such as $5, $10, or $25. However, you may be able to break up a larger bet (such as a $100 bonus bet) into a series of smaller bets.

If you do this, it’s a good idea to write down how many of the bonus bet funds you’ve used so you know how much is left before utilizing your bankroll. Most betting sites will do this for you, but it’s always better to have extra coverage.

It’s important to know that winning wagers made with bonus bets won’t have the bet amount calculated as part of the payout. For a standard wager, the formula is stake + profit = payout. However, if the stake uses a bonus bet, that total is not included, making the formula profit = payout.

Deposit Match Bonuses

Deposit match bonuses are another variation of site credit that is issued when you’re adding funds to your account. Most of the time, this is a dollar-for-dollar match (100% rate), though ESPN Bet offered a 200% match for players who deposited up to $250, potentially giving them $750 in betting funds to use ($250 real money + $500 bonus credits = $750).

Be sure to check the terms and conditions carefully to know how your matching credits can be used. In particular, it’s important to verify whether the credits are issued as bonus bets or as credits you can use in any amount.

Second Chance Bets

Second chance bets (sometimes advertised as “replay” or “no-sweat” bets) are one of the most commonly used welcome bonus offers as they aim to set the user up for early wins and profitability. However, the best way to take advantage of a second chance bet offer is to win your eligible wager and not receive the bonus funds at all.

As the name suggests, second chance bets aim to give you another opportunity to win after you’ve already lost. The bonus is typically a 100% match of the stake you used for the qualifying bet, so you’re getting another opportunity to gamble with that same amount of “money” (which is really site credit).

Online sportsbooks won’t issue the credits if your qualifying wager settles as a win, so it’s better to not receive any bonus credits because you won the first time around. Still, if you did end up losing, getting a second chance credit is an acceptable consolation prize.

Bet & Get Offers

Bet & Get offers are a favorite welcome bonus of FanDuel and DraftKings. With this type of promotion, users gamble a nominal amount (typically $5 or $10) in any eligible market.

Then, once the eligible wager is locked in, players automatically receive a larger amount of bonus bets (such as $100, $150, or $200). These bonus bets can be available even before the qualifying wager settles, giving players the opportunity to jump right into the betting action!

Odds Boosts and Profit Boosts

Instead of issuing bonus credits, online sports betting sites may offer odds boosts or profit boosts to help you earn more money on winning wagers. Both bonus types work similarly, but the way they play out works differently.

Odds boosts are applied to a single line and allow players to receive a greater payout than they would’ve at the posted line. For example, a $10 bet on a line with +100 odds would win $10 and pay out $20 ($10 stake + $10 winnings = $20 payout).

However, if those odds were boosted to +125, that same wager would now win $12.50 and pay out $22.50 ($10 stake + $12.50 winnings = $22.50 payout).

While odds boosts impact the payout calculation on the front end, profit boosts increase your payout on the back end. Rather than forcing you to play a given line to get the boost, the profit boosts calculate a percentage of your winnings and add that to the payout.

Using the same $10 stake and +100 odds as above, the payout without a boost remains $20. Then, say a 25% profit boost was applied. At that point, you’d receive a $22.50 payout (Profit of $10 + 2.50 (25% of $10) + initial stake of $10 = $22.50).

How to Sign Up and Start Betting Online

The signup process with online sportsbooks will look slightly different depending on your state’s requirements (for example, some states and operators will require you to upload a copy of your government-issued ID in addition to typing in all that information). Additionally, the order of steps may change slightly from what we’ve posted here.

In general, the signup process will look something like this:

1. Access the registration form: If you’re on the sportsbook’s website, you should see a button that says something like “Join Now” or “Sign Up” in the top right corner of the screen. Otherwise, if you prefer betting through a mobile app, download the correct version of the sportsbook’s betting application and open it up to access the form (most will take you to the form automatically).
2. Enter your account credentials: Decide on a username, email address, and password to use while accessing your account. You’ll also need to provide a phone number for two-factor authentication, keeping your account secure.
3. Input your personal information: Because gambling winnings count as taxable income, you’ll need to provide your legal first and last name, home address (no P.O. boxes), date of birth, and the last four digits of your social security number.
4. Agree to the terms and conditions: Next, you’ll need to agree to the online betting sites’s terms of service and privacy policy. You’ll do this by checking the boxes on the form to affirm your agreement. There may also be a box to check to verify you’re legally allowed to bet, both because you’re of legal age and because your job does not prohibit you from gambling participation. When you’re done, click “Submit.”
5. Make a deposit: Before you can start playing, you’ll almost certainly need to make a real-money deposit even if you’re only intending to play using bonus credits. The amount you deposit is up to you, but it should be comfortably within your financial limits. You will also want to check the terms of the bonus offer to ensure the amount you deposit allows you to qualify for the welcome bonus.
6. Do your research and make your bets: Finally, the stage is set for you to begin making your wagers. But before you place any bets, you should always do some research so that your bets are as well-informed as possible. Bettor In Green provides multiple betting research tools, including the Daily Cheat Sheets, Prop Analysis, Odds Comparisons, and more!

Sports to Bet on With Online Sportsbooks

By a wide margin, the NFL is the most popular sport to bet on at online sportsbooks in the U.S. According to CRG Global in October 2022, 81% of bettors age 18 or older had placed a bet on the NFL; Rotowire reports that up to 70% of a sportsbook’s revenue comes from NFL betting.

While a variety of NFL wagers is important to a sportsbook’s success, offering niche sports is important too and can make a difference in where you decide to play. With that in mind, here are the most common sports you’ll be able to find at most U.S. online sportsbooks:

• Australian Rules: AFL
• Baseball: MLB, MiLB, NPB, KBO, LMB, CPBL
• Basketball: NBA, WNBA, NCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball, TBT, BIG3, NBL (Australia), Adriatic League, Champions League, EuroCup, Euro League, Pro A (France), BBL (Germany), A1 (Greece), Serie A (Italy), BSN (Puerto Rico), Liga ACB (Spain), Super Lig (Turkey), among other international competitions
• Boxing
• Cricket: Test Matches, ODI Series, International T20, Global T20 Canada, The Hundred, The Hundred (Women), Metro Bank One Day Cup, Indian Premier League
• Darts: PDC World Championships, MODUS Super Series
• Esports: League of Legends and CS:Go are the main ones, but you may find others
• Football: NFL, NCAAF, CFL, IFL
• Golf: PGA Tour, LIV Tour
• Hockey: NHL, IIHF World Championships, Australian Ice Hockey League, Czech Extraliga, LIIGA (Finland), DEL (Germany), SHL (Sweden), Four Nations Face-Off
• Lacrosse: Premier League Lacrosse, NCAA Frozen Four, PWHL
• MMA: UFC, PFL
• Motorsports: Formula 1, NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, NASCAR Truck Series, Moto GP, Funny Car, Stock Car, Pro Stock Motorcycle, NHRA Top Fuel
• Olympics
• Rugby League: NRL (Australia), Super League (England)
• Rugby Union: Premiership Rugby (England), European Rugby Champions Cup, Top 14 (France), Six Nations Championship, United Rugby Championship, The Rugby Championship, Currie Cup, Major League Rugby
• Soccer: Many of the top national and international competitions and leagues, in particular MLS, EPL, La Liga, Bundesliga, Ligue 1, and Serie A
• Surfing
• Tennis: ATP, WTA, ITF

Types of Wagers To Place

With many types of wagers available to place, learning the terminology can be a bit overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to help! Here are a few of the most common bet types to get you started.

• Moneyline: Moneyline wagers are the most straightforward bets you can make, as they simply involve picking the winning outcome of a sporting event. Typically, this involves picking one team to win, though in some sports like soccer that can end in a tie, choosing a draw would also be available to you. Bets on the moneyline don’t consider factors like the margin of victory or whether a match ended in regulation or overtime.
• Spread betting: Spread betting acts to handicap the moneyline by trying to assess the margin of victory for the winning team. To win while backing the moneyline favorite (the team/player that is expected to win), the favorite must win outright and cover the point spread assigned by the online betting site. Conversely, the underdog (expected moneyline loser) can still beat the spread despite an outright loss if they manage to keep the scoreline close.
• Over/Under: Over/under bets are wagers on the point total for a given statistical category and whether you think the team/player total will be higher or lower than the sportsbook’s projection. These can also include game totals, where the combined score of two head-to-head opponents is the only factor, not taking into account which team wins or loses.
• Props: Short for “proposition bets,” props are wagers made on specific in-game events and statistical milestones that aren’t dependent on the outcome of the game to determine a win or loss. These could include wagers on whether either team in a football game will score a defensive touchdown, if a baseball team’s starting pitcher will throw more or less than 6.5 strikeouts in a game, or whether a basketball team will make more or less than 12.5 three-pointers in a game. During the Super Bowl, prop bets can expand to non-game events, such as the songs performed during the halftime show or the color of sports drink poured on the winning team’s head coach.
• Futures bets: Futures bets are longer-term wagers that extend beyond the outcome of a single-game. Usually season-long in nature, futures bets are often wagers on which team will win a division, conference, or league championship, or which players will win awards at the end of the year. They could also include predictions on statistical milestones, such as a team’s win total (over/under) or who will be the first player to score 50 goals in an NHL season.
• Parlays: Rounding out our list is parlay betting. Parlays combine multiple betting outcomes into a single wager, with multiplied odds for each outcome (called a “leg”) added to your betting slip. Because the odds multiply as you go, parlays can be particularly profitable even at a small upfront stake. However, if any leg of the parlay loses, your entire bet is scored a loss.

Live Betting and Live Streaming

If you weren’t able to get your bet in before the start of the game, it’s not too late to get in on the fun! Some bet types may be locked out, but others will still be available for live betting, also called “in-play wagering.”

After the game has started, sports betting sites will continually update the odds based on the events unfolding throughout the match. If you’re able to pounce on a friendly line by understanding the flow of the game and making a correct prediction before the odds change, it could lead to a massive payday.

To enhance the live betting experience, some sportsbooks have also begun to adopt live streaming services for those who made wagers before or during the game. While these streams are still slightly behind what you would get while watching on television, many of the sites have closed the gap to be comparable so as not to disadvantage bettors.

Mobile Sports Betting Apps

Earlier, we mentioned the popularity of mobile sports betting apps. They are the preferred option for most online bettors, and for some operators, apps are the only way to play.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a sports betting app that only works for one operating system but not another. The major U.S. online sportsbooks all have free-to-download apps available in both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

App store reviews can be a good way to get a general pulse of the app’s features and shortcomings, but keep in mind that these ratings can be skewed by bettors taking out their frustrations on losing a bet without the sportsbook being to blame. Ratings can also be artificially inflated by paid reviewers or bots, so take the scores with a grain of salt.

Mobile apps are an incredibly convenient way to bet on sports since you don’t need to spend your time and money driving to a retail sportsbook. You’ll also be able to enroll in loyalty programs or take advantage of other betting bonuses.

Payment Methods and Withdrawal Options At Online Sportsbooks

As a rule of thumb, the more payment methods available at an online sportsbook, the more likely you are to have an easy time managing your funds. Online sportsbooks pay massive sums to use payment processors for credit and debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Venmo, online banking services, and more, so if they’re making many options available to you, they take financials seriously and aim to make the experience as convenient as possible.

Be sure to pay attention to deposit and withdrawal minimums and maximums so you don’t run into any issues down the line.

As of October 2026, the sportsbooks referenced on this page do not accept cryptocurrencies as a valid form of payment. While this status could change in the future, the unregulated landscape of crypto is a heavy deterrent for licensed, legitimate operators.

Customer Support Options At US Sportsbooks

Most US sportsbooks offer four types of customer support: FAQ pages, live chat, phone support, and email support. You may also find some sportsbooks offering customer service over social media, specifically Facebook and Twitter/X.

The table below explains which customer support options are available at each of the sportsbooks mentioned above.

Security and Fairness in Online Sports Betting

Online sportsbooks have a responsibility and obligation to protect the personal and financial information of their customers, as well as the requirement by law to provide fair betting opportunities to all players. As such, regulatory agencies at the state level have established guidelines for consumer protection to ensure all online sports betting is done in as safe and legitimate a manner as possible.

Licensed sportsbooks are required to report both the frequency and amount of money that players are winning and losing on their platforms. These reports are publicly available through the oversight bodies so you can see these numbers for transparency.

For additional protection, many sportsbooks require two-factor authentication during login. Aside from providing a username and password, players may also be asked to input a code sent to their cell phone or email address to verify their access efforts.

Furthermore, sportsbooks implement firewalls, encryption protocols, and other cybersecurity measures to safeguard customer data at all times. Using your credit or debit cards or linking your bank account to an online sportsbook is as safe as using these measures with other accredited online shopping sites.

Key Features of Online Sportsbooks

According to DriveResearch.com, roughly 75% of sports bettors prefer placing their wagers through a website or mobile app than betting in person at a retail sportsbook. iGamingBusiness.com reports that more than 90% of the sports betting handle comes from online/mobile wagers.

So what do online platforms offer that in-person options don’t?

Firstly, online options are far more convenient. If you’ve got an internet connection, you’ll be able to access the web platform or mobile app, allowing you to place your wagers from virtually anywhere in a state where sports betting is legal.

Secondly, online sportsbooks make it easier to shop the odds, finding a better deal on the wagers you intend to make. Sportsbooks will change their odds from when they are first posted based on the betting action to ensure they make a profit no matter the outcome of the bet.

For that reason, it is important to check with several sites and apps to maximize your profit on winning wagers. If you’re only playing at in-person sportsbooks, you are limited to the odds from one bookie and could be leaving money on the table.

Thirdly, online sportsbooks provide bonuses and promotions far more often than retail bookies. This can include bonus bets, second chance wagers, referral programs, loyalty programs, odds boosts, and much more.

One of the big draws for in-person betting is the ability to watch your bets unfold in real time, often at a sports bar or restaurant. However, with the rise of live streaming, the list of reasons to use a retail sportsbook continues to shrink.

Responsible Gambling

At Bettor in Green, we are committed to promoting only licensed sportsbooks and ensuring that players have access to clear responsible gambling information. This is a standard we share with JustGamblers.com, whose team includes Jesper Kärrbrink, a recognized advocate for a safer gambling practices.

Responsible gambling is a team effort, with both the sportsbooks and players needing to work together to practice safe betting activities.

Online sportsbooks are required to abide by fair advertising practices so as not to directly promote their product to underage individuals. Persons who register for their state’s gambling self-exclusion programs are also removed from promotional mailing and email lists to avoid tempting at-risk individuals from participating.

These operators also allow players to set limits that are lower than the standards utilized by the online sportsbooks. These can include daily, weekly, and monthly limits on how much money players can deposit, how much can be risked on a single wager, and how much time can be spent using the platform.

Furthermore, online sportsbooks will provide access to support services, such as 1-800-GAMBLER, Gam-Anon, the National Council on Problem Gambling, and state-level resources for more immediate assistance.

Even if you don’t think you are at risk of a gambling compulsion, we strongly encourage you to take advantage of these tools and resources to reinforce positive gambling habits. If you are an at-risk individual, we highly encourage you to look into your state’s gambling self-exclusion program; it is an extreme but highly effective step in reducing gambling exposure and opportunity.

Why You Should Avoid Offshore Sportsbooks

Offshore sportsbooks should always be avoided when betting on sports. By intentionally setting up operations outside of any legal jurisdiction, offshore bookies are able to run their sites with virtual impunity, which is always a risk for consumers.

First, offshore bookies do not have to answer to any governing body. Because there is no oversight, odds could be unfairly changed or bets canceled altogether with no opportunity for legal recourse.

In other words, if you won big at an offshore sportsbook, the operator could hold your money hostage, only paying out in small increments (if at all) and you have no legal means to speed up the process of collecting. They could also easily claim there was “suspicious activity” on your account surrounding the win and close your account altogether.

Furthermore, offshore sportsbooks do not have to comply with cybersecurity standards, meaning your personal and financial information is constantly at risk. While these companies do maintain some standards to protect their users, it is not nearly as safe as using a licensed, legitimate operator.

The easiest way to make sure you’re using an approved sportsbook is to access the “Legal” section of the bookie’s website or app. Licensing information should be prominently displayed and may include the logo or insignia of the gaming control agencies from their states of operation.

Additionally, you could go to your state gaming control agency’s website for a list of approved gambling operators. This can also show what operators have acquired a license but haven’t launched their product yet.