Online Sports Betting in the USA: What You Need to Know in 2026
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. Today, legal sportsbooks operate across most of the country, and Americans wager hundreds of billions of dollars each year through mobile apps.
Whether you’re betting on the NFL, Wimbledon, the NBA Finals or how many corners there will be in a Premier League match, chances are you’re doing it from your phone. The challenge isn’t finding a sportsbook—it’s knowing which one to use, what states allow betting, and what to avoid.
Here’s everything you need to know based on current state laws, industry data and what bettors are actually using in 2026.
Where Is Online Sports Betting Legal?
As of 2026, sports betting is legal in 38 states and Washington, D.C., while online and mobile sportsbooks are available across most major U.S. markets.
States with legal online sports betting include Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia and Wyoming, among others.
Some states still offer retail-only betting through casinos or tribal operators, while others continue to debate legislation.
Meanwhile, some of America’s largest states—including California, Texas and Georgia—still do not offer regulated online sports betting.
Mobile Betting Isn’t Just the Future—It’s the Present
In states such as New York and New Jersey, the vast majority of bets are now placed online. New York remains the largest sports betting market in the country and handled more than $26 billion in online wagers during 2025 alone.
Across the United States, legal sportsbooks accepted more than $165 billion in bets during 2025, generating a record amount of revenue for operators.
Mobile betting now dominates the industry. Most bettors aren’t travelling to casinos or visiting retail sportsbooks. They’re opening an app, placing a bet during a game and tracking results in real time.
Apps such as FanDuel, bet365, Fanatics Sportsbook and BetRivers have become household names among American sports bettors.
The Five Best U.S. Sportsbooks Worth Trying
There are dozens of legal sportsbooks available across the United States, but only a handful consistently rank among the most popular with real bettors. Here are five sportsbooks worth considering in 2026.
FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel remains the largest online sportsbook in the United States and continues to lead the market in many states.
The app is easy to navigate, offers strong live betting coverage and provides markets on everything from NFL and NBA games to tennis, golf and UFC. FanDuel is especially popular during football season thanks to its odds boosts, same-game parlays and user-friendly betting experience.
The sportsbook continues to hold roughly 40% of the U.S. online betting market and remains one of the safest choices for new bettors.
Fanatics Sportsbook
Fanatics Sportsbook has grown rapidly since acquiring PointsBet’s U.S. operations and expanding across numerous states.
Its biggest selling point is FanCash, which rewards users for betting activity. Those rewards can be used on sports merchandise, collectibles or future wagers.
The app feels modern, clean and less cluttered than some competitors. For sports fans who already spend money on team gear, Fanatics offers something genuinely different from traditional sportsbooks.
BetRivers
BetRivers doesn’t generate the same headlines as FanDuel or DraftKings, but it’s earned a loyal following among regular bettors.
The sportsbook offers straightforward betting, competitive odds and relatively fast withdrawals. It’s particularly strong in states such as Illinois, Pennsylvania and Michigan.
BetRivers is known for its popular Second Chance Bet promotion, which refunds eligible first wagers if they lose. Many bettors appreciate the app’s simplicity and lack of unnecessary distractions.
bet365
One of the world’s largest betting brands, bet365 has continued expanding across the United States and is now available in several major sports betting states.
What separates bet365 from many rivals is market depth. The sportsbook offers thousands of betting markets daily, including international football, tennis, darts, snooker and a wide range of live betting opportunities.
For experienced bettors who value pricing, market variety and in-play betting, bet365 remains one of the strongest sportsbook apps available.
Hard Rock Bet
Hard Rock Bet has established itself as a major player in the U.S. market, particularly in Florida and New Jersey.
The sportsbook connects directly to Hard Rock Rewards, allowing users to earn benefits that can be redeemed at Hard Rock casinos, hotels and resorts.
The app features a clean design, regular odds boosts and a growing range of betting markets. It’s especially attractive for players who already enjoy the broader Hard Rock ecosystem.
What Are People Betting On?
The NFL remains America’s most popular betting sport, particularly during the regular season, playoffs and the Super Bowl.
March Madness, the NBA Playoffs, Major League Baseball, UFC and major international football tournaments also generate significant betting activity throughout the year.
One of the fastest-growing trends is live betting. More bettors now place wagers while games are in progress, taking advantage of constantly changing odds and new betting opportunities throughout events.
Sportsbooks continue investing heavily in live betting technology, and many industry experts expect in-play wagering to become an even larger share of the market in the years ahead.
Picking a Sportsbook: What Actually Matters
You don’t need accounts with every sportsbook available. For most bettors, one or two quality apps are enough.
When choosing a sportsbook, consider:
- State availability
- Fast withdrawal options
- Competitive odds
- Useful promotions
- Strong live betting features
- Fair betting limits
- Reliable customer support
It’s also worth understanding that tax rates can affect sportsbook offers. States with higher sportsbook taxes often see fewer generous promotions and slightly tighter pricing compared to lower-tax jurisdictions.
What About Social Betting Apps and Prediction Markets?
A growing number of Americans are also using alternative betting-style platforms such as Fliff and Kalshi.
Kalshi operates as a federally regulated prediction market, allowing users to trade contracts on real-world events ranging from economics and politics to certain sports-related outcomes. These platforms differ from traditional sportsbooks and continue to attract attention from regulators, sportsbooks and lawmakers.
Meanwhile, sweepstakes-based platforms such as Fliff remain popular with users looking for alternatives to traditional sports betting.
Before using any platform, bettors should understand how it operates, what regulations apply and whether consumer protections are comparable to those offered by licensed sportsbooks.
What Is the Best Online Sportsbook in the USA Right Now?
The U.S. sports betting market is larger than ever, with legal sportsbooks generating record revenue and expanding into new states.
FanDuel, Fanatics Sportsbook, BetRivers, bet365 and Hard Rock Bet all offer strong experiences, but each appeals to a slightly different type of bettor.
Some excel at rewards, others at live betting, international markets or ease of use.
The best sportsbook isn’t necessarily the one with the biggest welcome bonus. It’s the one that’s legal in your state, offers competitive odds, pays out quickly and provides a betting experience you’ll actually enjoy using throughout the season.
Whether you’re betting on the NFL, NBA, MLB or international football, sticking with licensed sportsbooks remains the safest way to wager online in the United States.