Online Sports Betting in the U.S.: Legal Sportsbooks,& What Apps Are Worth Your Time

It’s never been easier—or more complicated—to place a legal sports bet in the United States. Since the 2018 Supreme Court ruling that overturned a nationwide ban on sports betting, the industry has exploded, and online sportsbooks are now live in most U.S. states.

Whether you’re betting on the NFL, Wimbledon, or how many corners there will be in a Premier League match, chances are you’re doing it from your phone. The trick is figuring out which sportsbook to use, what states actually allow it, and what pitfalls to avoid.

Here’s everything you need to know—based on real numbers, current state laws, and what bettors are actually using today.

Where Is Online Sports Betting Legal?

As of 2025, 38 states have legalized online sports betting. That means you can legally sign up, deposit, and place bets entirely through a licensed sportsbook app or website in these states:

Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia, and Wyoming.

Some other states offer in-person betting only. Meanwhile, a few of the biggest markets—like California, Texas, and Georgia—still haven’t legalized it at all.

Mobile Betting Isn’t Just the Future—It’s the Present

In states like New York and New Jersey, over 90% of all sports bets are placed online—not in physical casinos or at kiosks. In fact, New York alone saw $22.7 billion in total online betting handle last year, making it the country’s biggest sports betting market by volume.

That number’s only growing. Across the country, mobile betting now dominates the sports gambling landscape. Most bettors don’t want to drive to a sportsbook or print out paper tickets. They want to open an app, place a bet during a timeout, and cash out before the buzzer.

Apps like FanDuel, bet365, and Fanatics Sportsbook are now as common on smartphones as Instagram or ESPN.

The Five Best U.S. Sportsbooks Worth Trying

There are dozens of legal sportsbooks in the U.S., but only a handful have earned wide respect—and wide usage. Here are five platforms that real bettors actually use (and why).

FanDuel Sportsbook

This is the biggest sportsbook in America, and it’s easy to see why. The app runs smoothly, the odds are competitive, and the coverage includes everything from NFL to UFC to live tennis betting. It’s especially popular during the NFL season thanks to regular odds boosts and simple bet slips. New users currently get $150 in bonus bets after placing a $5 wager—no promo code required.

FanDuel is available in nearly every legal state and accounts for around 40% of all U.S. online sportsbook activity, according to Casino Reports.

Fanatics Sportsbook

One of the newest sportsbooks in the U.S., Fanatics made a huge splash by acquiring PointsBet’s American operations and launching in over 20 states. The key feature? FanCash—a rewards program that gives you credit for every bet, which you can use on sports gear or future wagers.

The platform feels modern and less cluttered than some rivals. And for anyone who already buys jerseys and gear during playoff runs, it’s an appealing way to combine betting with fandom.

BetRivers

BetRivers is less flashy than the big names, but it’s consistent and reliable—especially in states like Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. The app offers decent odds, quick withdrawals, and one of the more forgiving promo setups with its “Second Chance” bet, which refunds your first wager if it loses. To claim this, you need to use a special affiliate code, USBTRV, when signing up.

It’s a favorite among people who don’t need a thousand prop bets or casino tie-ins—just a solid place to bet the game and move on.

bet365

This is one of the biggest sportsbooks in the world, and it’s now live in a growing list of U.S. states including New Jersey, Colorado, and Ohio. What makes bet365 a nice online sportsbook app is depth. You can bet on obscure international matches, niche sports like snooker, and more live in-play options than most rivals.

It’s a great fit for bettors who are more focused on line value and market variety than rewards programs or bells and whistles.

Hard Rock Bet

Backed by the iconic casino and music brand, Hard Rock Bet is growing its online reach, especially in Florida and New Jersey. The app syncs with the Hard Rock loyalty program, so you can use points for hotel stays, meals, or comps. It also runs frequent odds boosts during NFL games and has a clean layout that’s easy to get used to.

It’s particularly useful if you travel often or already visit Hard Rock resorts.

What Are People Betting On?

The NFL remains king, especially during playoffs and the Super Bowl. Americans bet over $1.3 billion legally on the Super Bowl alone. March Madness, the NBA Finals, and World Cup events also draw huge spikes in activity.

In-play betting (making bets during games) has also surged. For example, during the last NBA Finals, apps like FanDuel reported a 60% uptick in live bets per game compared to the regular season.

Picking a Sportsbook: What Actually Matters

You don’t need 10 apps. Pick one or two and look for:

• State availability – Some books aren’t live in your state yet.
• Ease of payouts – Can you cash out to PayPal or your bank without a headache?
• Promos you’ll actually use – A $200 bonus is meaningless if you have to bet $1,000 to unlock it.
• Live betting support – Some apps update faster than others.
• Bet limits – Some sportsbooks limit sharp bettors or reduce odds after success.

Also, be aware that higher tax states like New York (51%) and New Jersey (recently increased) affect how generous sportsbooks can be. These tax rates can lead to fewer promos or tighter odds for users compared to low-tax states.

What About Social Betting Apps and Sweepstakes?

There’s a growing gray area of apps like Fliff (sweepstakes-based) and Kalshi, which offer real-money “event markets” like betting on the weather or presidential elections. Traditional sportsbooks and regulators don’t love this. These platforms operate in a legal gray zone and are increasingly under scrutiny.

While fun and creative, they’re not always transparent or regulated like traditional sportsbooks—and you won’t find them approved in any state gaming licenses. Use caution.

What is the best online sportsbook in the USA right now?

The online sports betting world in the U.S. is booming—but also fragmented and full of fine print. The five sportsbooks above—FanDuel, Fanatics, BetRivers, bet365, and Hard Rock Bet—are trusted, legal, and come with distinct strengths.

Bet smart. Don’t chase gimmicks. And remember that the best sportsbook is the one that pays out quickly, works in your state, and doesn’t bury you in restrictions.

Explore NJ sportsbooks or claim bonuses in Ohio.

Sources:

• Investopedia – State-by-State Sports Betting Laws
• Casino Reports – U.S. Betting Market Share
• SBC Americas – Fanatics Sportsbook Expansion
• FanDuel – Official Promotions