Betting Sites USA

Legality of Sports Betting in USA

Sports betting has progressed beautifully in the United States after navigating a few legal hurdles. From being outrightly banned nationwide in 1992 by The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act to the decision later being overturned by US lawmakers. 2018 was the year that saw sports betting in the US receiving the green light from the Supreme Court. Following this long-awaited victory in the sports betting circles, seven states rolled out their sports betting industries within six months. To date, several states have followed suit resulting in sports betting now being legal across 30 states. Of the 30, 18 states have legalized gambling online. Essentially, that means more than 100 million American players can now place wagers on their favorite sports online.
While sports betting is deemed legal under United States Federal law, note that different states have the autonomy to not only regulate but prohibit gambling activity within their borders.

How to Choose USA Online Sportsbook

US players have over 125 sports betting sites to select from, with each state offering more or less over a dozen sportsbooks. To say US players have a lot of groundwork to cover when scouting through the different bookies in the hopes of selecting one is an understatement. As laborious as the task sounds, your selection process will go much easier if you consider the following factors.

• License and Security

We mentioned how US states are at liberty to allow or prohibit sports betting within their jurisdictions. That means not all sports betting sites you come across have the legal mandate to operate in your state. You might want to steer clear from such sportsbooks. Why?

Unregulated sportsbooks aren’t held accountable by any official gambling authority. As such, they may be synonymous with unscrupulous gambling practices. For these reasons, you’re better off sticking to regulated sports betting sites. Such bookies aren’t only licensed to operate, but they uphold fair gambling practices. And they proudly display their gambling licenses on their official websites for all to see.

When choosing a sportsbook, don’t hesitate to probe its security features. A secure betting site employs high-level encryption software to keep your finances and other sensitive information you share on the platform under wraps. Apart from keeping your personal data private, secure betting sites run on encrypted connections to deter hackers from accessing your funds. The same level of security must be enforced on the operator’s mobile platform, where applicable. It’s a good idea to dive into the operator’s past to ascertain if any data leaks or hacking incidences were reported.

• Variety of Betting Markets

The entire point of registering with online sportsbooks is to wager on your favorite sports and other events. It’s, therefore, only natural to investigate the range of sports available on the betting site. Naturally, you must select the operator that avails the sports you’re interested in. However, that doesn’t mean if you’re a football betting fanatic, you must only pick a bookie with comprehensive football betting options. Instead, you should always opt for the sportsbook offering a wide range of sports.

It’ll come in handy when you decide to switch things up and try your luck on other sports. At the very least, bookmakers should cover a decent selection of traditional sports. Football, soccer, basketball, hockey, baseball, and tennis are staples with any operator worth its salt. If the betting sites cover various niche sports like badminton, even better.

Investigating the range of sports is only the first step. Players also need to check what kind of betting markets are available for each sport. Does the bookie cover major and minor betting markets? Top US betting platforms make it a point to cover markets such as spreads, totals, and player props. To avoid disappointment and a less rewarding wagering experience, stay away from operators with underwhelming betting markets.

• Live Betting Options

Also known as in-play betting, live betting has moved from being only available at a select few sportsbooks to becoming a fundamental betting feature. A sportsbook offering live betting allows you to wager on your favorite game while it’s underway, unlike in the past, where you only got to place your bets before the game started. A live betting section adds an exciting new dynamic to the sports betting experience. Odds change faster, and the game is fast-paced.

Betting sites that keep up with the frequent changes associated with live betting are the ones you want to join. Such bookies are always on the ball providing players with the latest odds in real-time. Overall, the live betting section must seamlessly update odds and lock in bets. Look for sportsbooks that feature an easily-navigable live betting section. You should be able to scroll through the different markets and place your in-play bets with no more than a few clicks. This is a good place to check the range of sports to which the operator links the live betting option. Can you place in-play bets on a wide range of games or just a few?

• Best Odds

Sportsbook odds determine how much you get to walk away with if your predictions go as planned. It goes without saying that betting sites offering generous and competitive odds are the ones you want to stick with. It’s essential to establish if the site offers competitive odds in popular markets, such as Moneyline or Spreads. If you prefer to wager on obscure markets, check if the betting site provides competitive odds.

While checking for the betting site offering top-of-the-range odds is a good start, ascertain consistency. As you’re probably aware, sports betting odds fluctuate depending on different events and markets. Top US betting sites understand the importance of updating their odds as the event timeline progresses, which is even more critical for live betting markets.

• Dedicated Betting App

Sports betting has since transitioned to mobile platforms to offer bettors more convenience. US players can now access sports betting action wherever they are using their smartphones or tabs. Punters should also probe the site further to ascertain if the mobile wagering experience is seamless.

The markings of a good US betting app are pretty diverse. For starters, the mobile app should be compatible with most mobile operating systems such as Android, iOS, and Windows. Secondly, it should be secure. The best bookies feature two-factor authentication to ensure your money and bets are secure.

In addition, players should access more or less the same games, betting markets, bonuses, and promotions as they would if they use the bookmaker’s desktop version. If available on the desktop platform, mobile apps should come complete with live streaming or in-play features. After all, is said and done, the mobile app should be a breeze to navigate. Performing any functions, be it selecting a game or placing wagers, should be effortless.

• Cash Out Feature

Operators are constantly devising special features to attract new customers. Of the many progressive attributes that US sportsbooks offer, the Cash Out feature remains a crowd favorite, and with good reason. Traditionally, bettors could only wait to settle their wagers after the game ended. But as you know, sometimes it’s apparent that a winning bet early on in the match won’t end on your side. And that’s where the Cash Out feature comes in handy.

Sportsbooks offer this feature as a lifeline to limit risk on a losing wager. In other words, bettors can cash out a bet before the game ends and retrieve at least a portion of the stake. We don’t have to tell you twice how desirable such a feature is. Also, check if the mentioned feature is available on value bets. In most cases, operators only make specific bets eligible for early cash out.

• Bonuses and Promotions

US betting sites go head-to-head to one-up each other and win more customers. Most of them elicit more users through welcome bonuses. Once players are on board, they constantly offer exciting ongoing promotions to keep users playing. US players can take advantage of different bonuses and get the most value for their money. These include but aren’t limited to:

1. Deposit match bonus: Betting sites offer to match your initial stake with a specific percentage. For you, that means a magnified bankroll and more wagering opportunities to explore the platform.
2. No deposit bonus: No deposit bonuses are the most popular rewards allowing players to wager risk-free. A simple sign-up is all that’s required to qualify for the bonus. And if you win, you walk away with real cash.
3. Free bets: Some bookies may offer bettors free bets equal to their initial deposits. However, if your bet wins, you don’t get your initial stake back.
4. Risk-free bets: With risk-free bets, the operator refunds a portion of your wager if your predictions don’t materialize.

• Loyalty Program

Given the competitive nature of the US online sports betting scene, punters’ loyalty isn’t to be taken lightly by any operator. Leading US betting sites understand this concept all too well and therefore design rewarding loyalty programs for bettors to keep them engaged. As part of these loyalty programs, bettors can earn exclusive rewards. Plus, they can also have access to special promotions, free bets, or cashback bonuses. The exact nature of rewards available varies based on the betting site.

Most loyalty schemes comprise multi-level tiers. In a nutshell, players need to climb the ladder by accumulating points. Bettors earn points with each wager they place on the platform, whether it wins or loses. Each level attracts different rewards, with the highest-level players getting a dedicated VIP manager, faster cash withdrawals, high withdrawal limits, and more.

You can automatically become part of the loyalty program depending on the betting site. In this case, your very first wager earns you a spot on the first level of the loyalty scheme. Then you find other bookies that prefer to have players earn their place in the program. In such cases, you can only become a part of the loyalty scheme strictly by invitation. Before selecting a bookie with a loyalty program, be cognisant of the mentioned scenarios and go with the one that resonates with your wagering preferences.

• Payment Methods

When you share your personal and financial information online, you open up yourself to the risk of hacking or theft. Such undesirable circumstances are heightened if you register with operators that don’t prioritize customer security. Ideally, you should side with the bookie that allows payments via popular US banking options with a proven security track record. Pick a bookmaker that offers fast and efficient payment methods without compromising security. The idea is for the platform to timeously process any funds you deposit or withdraw.

Top US betting sites feature a combination of card, eWallet, bank transfer, and online transfer methods. Go for betting platforms offering a wide range of payment methods so that you have more options to work with. Remember that the payment method you select impacts several aspects like processing times and fees. Digital payment platforms have a reputation for fast withdrawals and reasonable fees. Bank transfers are more secure but take longer to process transactions. It all boils down to your preferences and priorities when making gambling payments. Is security more important to you than convenience? You may also want to check if the operator features any cryptocurrency banking options.

• Customer Support

Even if a betting site passes with flying colors where all the factors mentioned above are concerned, it falters if it offers sub-standard customer service. You’ll notice that one of the leading issues that haunt betting sites after non-payment of winnings is poor customer service. A betting site with a bad reputation in this regard will lose customers as quickly as they sign up.

Top trusted betting sites are visibly intentional about protecting their reputation. They do this by tending to customers’ needs impeccably. You can spot a leading site by how it offers round-the-clock support. The best US betting sites also provide a broad range of communication channels, such as live chat platforms, email, contact forms, or phone. Progressive betting sites even go further to engage with punters via their various social media pages.

Even so, the provision of numerous customer support channels 24/7 isn’t enough. Betting sites need to field professional and responsive personnel on the other end of various communication channels. The best betting sites have friendly, knowledgeable, and responsive staff manning their customer service portals. Going through a few online reviews can give you the information you need regarding where different operators stand in this regard. You can even contact the customer service team before signing up to gauge the response.

Best USA Football Betting Sites

Football remains one of the most popular sports for wagering in the United States, with the NFL being the most favored league. According to 2021 stats, over 45 million Americans were expected to wager on the NFL. And the numbers are set to increase annually by 36%.

Why is football betting so in-demand? Well, for starters, the sport is perfect for all types of bettors, especially first-timers. It’s a great starting point to dip into sports wagering because it’s super easy to learn.

And it can be very worthwhile if you master the game. In actual fact, NFL wagering is known to rake in some of the highest returns compared to other major sports. It makes sense why USA football betting sites are well-sought after. The best US football sites cover the NHL and NCAA college football betting. And they offer several types of markets, including Totals, Point Spreads, and Moneyline. In addition, these sportsbooks offer competitive odds on major leagues, with generous promotions.

Best USA Basketball Betting Sites

Basketball equally commands a cult following from fans of the sport and impartial bettors. Not only is it fun, but it’s also a great source of entertainment. No wonder several USA basketball sites are available to pick from. Top USA basketball sites cover a decent selection of professional and collegiate basketball events like NCAA basketball games. But, of course, to be even remotely considered a worthy basketball site, the operator must allow bettors to wager on the NBA, from playoffs to championships.

The NBA is not only popular in the USA but globally. Since this is the biggest basketball league drawing punters, the best betting sites invariably offer NBA daily special bets. Other popular leagues you will likely see at a leading basketball site are the WNBA, March Madness, and Euro League. In addition to comprehensive events coverage, the operator should also offer live streaming on major basketball events.

Best USA Soccer Betting Sites

Soccer is one of the most popular sports worldwide, including in the USA, and the game also covers countless competitions across the globe. That’s why you’ll find numerous USA soccer betting sites capitalizing on this lucrative niche. The best USA soccer betting sites cover major events such as the FIFA World Cup, which by the way, happens to be the most viewed event on the planet.

Other prominent soccer leagues offered by leading soccer betting sites include European, EPL, and La Liga. While the mentioned are very popular worldwide, MLS is one of the fastest-growing leagues in America. And top USA soccer betting sites will make it a point to cover it. The best US betting sites comprehend the diverse nature of the sports betting niche and accommodate remote leagues like the Paraguayan league. When selecting a soccer betting site, go for the platform that offers popular bets in the sport, such as Over/Under, Parlay, and Futures Outright winner odds.

Best USA Boxing Betting Sites

Betting on boxing is fast becoming popular in the US, and betting sites aren’t about to miss out on the growing niche. The sport has gained massive traction over the past years, and US sports betting sites are here for it. While several boxing betting sites are launching in the country, it’s necessary to separate the wheat from the chaff. The best USA boxing betting sites are big on safety and security. And, of course, they bring you all the top boxing action in several leagues. Competitive odds and bonuses are also part of the deal.

Top boxing betting platforms cover matches featuring big players like the great Floyd Mayweather and Connor McGregor. In addition, they allow popular boxing bets, including Moneyline and Round betting. They also offer Parlay betting to accommodate players looking to bag bigger payouts. Moreover, top US boxing betting sites offer live betting opportunities. You can watch the boxing match live, place in-play bets, and watch your wager play out in real-time.

Best USA Baseball Betting Sites

Baseball betting is also popular in the United States and other parts of the world. The MLB is one of the biggest baseball leagues in the US that garners much attention and support from baseball betting fanatics. As one of the top baseball leagues, the MLB offers players several ways to wager on the game, including Moneyline, Run line, Totals, Futures, Prop, and Parlays. And the best USA baseball betting sites make sure to avail most, if not all, of these betting options to players.

When scouting for the best USA baseball betting sites, be sure to check out if a generous welcome offer and rewarding promotions are on the table. Also, it’s a huge plus if the platform is easy to navigate and provides several payment methods, among other factors.

Best USA Tennis Betting Sites

Tennis betting fans need not feel left out because a sizeable number of USA betting sites have them covered. Wagering on tennis is also common around the globe, so you have several notable events lined up. We’re talking about the likes of the Wimbledon tournament, which boasts almost 600 million participants annually.

Top tennis betting sites in the US focus on major tournaments and have the resources to offer lines on lesser-known events. While underground players often dominate these matches, they are equally entertaining and profitable. Examples of such obscure events include the International Tennis Federation and the Women’s Tennis Association games. Top USA betting sites also offer plenty of live tennis betting options. You get to place live Props, Moneyline, or Totals bets during the game.