Online Sports Betting Guide: Top Sportsbooks, Promo Codes, and More
The United States turned sports betting legalization over to the states in 2018, and we have seen a lot of movement in the industry over the years. Here is a breakdown of where sports betting is legal, the top sportsbooks, and more.
Online Sports Betting in the US
In 2018, the Supreme Court decided to strike down PASPA, which opened the doors for sports betting legalization on a state-by-state basis. Since then, we have seen several states legalize betting and allow the top operators to go live online.
Top Sportsbooks
There are several sportsbook options in the United States. Let's take a look at some of the most popular options that are available.
| Sportsbook | Legal States |
|---|---|
| bet365 | AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MO, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA |
| BetMGM | AZ, CO, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, MS, NC, NJ, NV, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY |
| Caesars | AZ, CO, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NV, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY |
| DraftKings | AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV, WY |
| Fanatics | AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV, WY |
| FanDuel | AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV, WY |
| theScore Bet | AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV |
Promo Codes and Bonuses
The top sportsbooks are always dishing out promo codes and bonuses to new users. Let's look at some of the most popular ones and how they work. Below, you will see the top promo codes that are currently available for DraftKings, FanDuel, bet365, and more.
- Bonus Bets
- Bonus bets are one of the most common bonuses. You can receive them for signing up or for placing a qualifying wager. There are bet and get offers as well as bet and win. For example, some sportsbooks might let you bet $5 on your first wager, and you will get $200 in bonus bets. Others might require you to win your wager to get the bonus.
- No Sweat Bet, Second Chance Bet, Safety Net
- This bonus has a lot of different names, but it means the same thing. Your first bet is protected by bonus bets if you lose. For example, a sportsbook might offer a $100 no sweat bet. You can wager up to $100 on your first wager. If you lose, you will receive your bet back as bonus bets.
- Deposit Bonus
- Another common bonus, a deposit bonus or match offer, is when a sportsbook adds extra funds based on how much you deposit. You might see an offer for a 100% deposit bonus up to $500. Your deposit will be matched by the sportsbook. Remember, deposit bonuses usually come with a rollover requirement. You have to wager a certain amount to unlock the funds.
DraftKings Promo Code
Bet365 Promo Code
FanDuel Promo Code Offer
BetMGM Promo Code and Bonus
Claim your BetMGM offer now!
Caesars Sportsbook Promo
Mobile Sports Betting and Apps
All of the best online sportsbooks have mobile apps. You can find them in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Most operators are available for iOS and Android devices. When using a sportsbook app, you will have to verify your location to prove you are within the borders of a legal betting area.
Here is how to get started with a sports betting app.
- Visit the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Search for your sportsbook of choice.
- Download the sportsbook.
- Sign up and verify your identity.
- Allow geolocation to prove you can bet legally.
- Claim your bonus offer (Qualifying deposit, bet, etc.)
- Make a deposit.
- Search the betting markets
- Add a bet to your bet slip.
- Make your first wager!
Where is Betting Legal in the US?
Sports betting is legal in 30+ states across the US. Take a look at where you can place sports bets.
| State | Legal Sports Betting |
|---|---|
| Alabama | NO |
| Alaska | NO |
| Arizona | YES |
| Arkansas | YES |
| California | NO |
| Colorado | YES |
| Connecticut | YES |
| Delaware | YES |
| Florida | YES |
| Georgia | NO |
| Hawaii | NO |
| Idaho | NO |
| Illinois | YES |
| Indiana | YES |
| Iowa | YES |
| Kansas | YES |
| Kentucky | YES |
| Louisiana | YES |
| Maine | YES |
| Maryland | YES |
| Massachusetts | YES |
| Michigan | YES |
| Minnesota | NO |
| Mississippi | YES |
| Missouri | NO |
| Montana | NO |
| Nebraska | NO |
| Nevada | YES |
| New Hampshire | YES |
| New Jersey | YES |
| New Mexico | NO |
| New York | YES |
| North Carolina | YES |
| North Dakota | NO |
| Ohio | YES |
| Oklahoma | NO |
| Oregon | YES |
| Pennsylvania | YES |
| Puerto Rico | YES |
| Rhode Island | YES |
| South Carolina | NO |
| South Dakota | NO |
| Tennessee | YES |
| Texas | NO |
| Utah | NO |
| Vermont | YES |
| Virginia | YES |
| Washington | YES |
| Washington DC | YES |
| West Virginia | YES |
| Wisconsin | YES |
| Wyoming | YES |
What is the Legal Sports Betting Age?
In most states, you have to be at least 21 years old to wager on sports. There are a few states where you can be 18 to place wagers online or in person. Check out those states below.
- States with 18+ Betting Age (Online or Retail)
- Kentucky
- Montana
- New Hampshire
- Rhode Island
- Washington DC
- Wyoming
Popular Bet Types
When you jump on a sportsbook for the first time, you will see a lot of bet types and markets. Let's look at some of the most popular ones and how they work.
- Moneyline
- A wager on the straight-up winner of a game. The favorites are listed with negative odds, while the underdogs have positive odds.
- Spread
- A wager on the margin of victory or defeat in a game. For example, the Giants might be a -7.5 spread favorite. They have to win by 8 points or more to cover the spread.
- Total
- Also called an over/under, it's a bet on the total score of both teams combined in a game.
- Prop
- A bet on a specific outcome within a game. Usually based on player stats like points, passing yards, etc.
- Parlay
- A wager where you combine multiple bets from different events into one wager. Each bet you add is called a leg, and you have to get all of the legs correct to win.
- Same-Game Parlay
- A parlay that includes legs that are all from the same game.
- Futures
- A wager on an event down the road. For example, you could wager on the Super Bowl winner at any point during the NFL season.
Popular Banking Methods for Sportsbooks
There are several ways to make deposits and withdrawals with the top sportsbooks. Some of the most popular card options include Visa and Mastercard. PayPal is another great option that is available at most sportsbooks, while Venmo and Apple Pay are starting to become more widespread in the industry.
- American Express
- Apple Pay
- Mastercard
- Online Banking
- PayPal
- Venmo
- Visa
Research Before Getting Started
As a new sports bettor, there is a lot to know. You should do some research before you get started. Compare the best offers, features, and more before deciding to sign up. If you want, download multiple sportsbooks to compare. This is one of the best things about online sports betting. You can have more than one sportsbook at a time and see which works best for you. Here are a few more tips to take into consideration before you get started.
- Research sportsbooks before registering.
- Read terms/conditions for offers before claiming.
- Don't bet with your gut.
- Learn about bankroll management.
- If you think you have a problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Learn More About Sports Betting
We will continue to make guides and provide you with as much information as possible when it comes to online sports betting. Check out some more information below.
21+ and a Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Responsible gaming resources.

















