Best Online Sportsbooks and Betting Apps in the US
By Horse.bet Editorial Team · Updated October 24, 2026 · Offers and state lists checked October 24, 2026
★
★ Our top picks
US Sportsbooks
21+ (18+ in some states). New customers only. Terms apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
It has never been easier, or more complicated, to place a legal sports bet in the United States. Since the Supreme Court struck down the federal ban in 2018, regulated sportsbooks have spread across most of the country, and the vast majority of wagers are now placed on a phone rather than at a casino counter.
The hard part isn't finding a sportsbook. It's knowing which apps are licensed where you live, which welcome offers are worth your first deposit, and which features actually make a difference once the bonus is spent. This guide ranks the biggest names, compares their current sign-up deals and promo codes, and maps every state where online sports betting is legal.
Every offer below has been checked against the operator's own promotion pages or terms. Bonuses change often and differ by state, so the sign-up screen in your state always has the final word.
★ Our picks
Our Top Picks
1
FanDuel Sportsbook
Best for Live betting and same game parlays
Bet $5, Get up to $350 in Bonus Bets
No Promo Code needed
21+ (18+ in DC and WY). New customers only. $5 minimum deposit; place a $5+ cash bet each day for seven days to earn $50 in bonus bets a day, win or lose. Bonus bets expire after seven days and the stake isn't returned.
FanDuel remains the biggest online sportsbook in the country and the easiest app to recommend to a first-time bettor. Its welcome offer pays $50 in bonus bets for every day you place a $5 bet across your first week, and the app itself is quick, uncluttered and excellent in-play.
21+ (18+ in DC, NH and WY). New customers only. $5 minimum deposit and first cash bet of $5+; eight $25 bonus bets paid in $50 drops over 21 days, each drop expiring after seven days. Includes three months of NBA League Pass, which auto-renews unless canceled.
DraftKings asks for just $5 to unlock $200 in bonus bets, win or lose, released in four batches over three weeks. It is now live in Arkansas and Missouri, and its revamped DraftKings Rewards program pays loyalty in Crown Cash.
21+ (18+ in DC). New customers only. $10 minimum deposit; claim in the bet365 app and settle $10+ in qualifying bets (straight bets at -500 or longer) to receive $200 in bonus bets, win or lose. Bonus bets expire seven days after they're added; stake not returned.
The world's best-known betting brand keeps widening its US footprint, adding Michigan, West Virginia and Washington, DC in 2026. Market depth is the selling point: soccer, tennis and in-play coverage go well beyond the usual US menu.
21+. New customers only. $10 minimum deposit; if your first bet loses you get bonus bets back, up to $1,500. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable and expire in seven days. Offer varies by state.
BetMGM's First Bet Offer suits bettors who already planned a sizable opening wager: if it loses, you get bonus bets back up to $1,500. Every bet also earns MGM Rewards that can be spent at MGM Resorts properties.
21+. New customers only. Bet $1+ at odds of -200 or longer each day for your first 10 days and get FanCash matching your stake, up to $100 a day. FanCash expires seven days after it's issued.
Fanatics turns betting activity into FanCash, which can be converted into bonus bets or spent on jerseys and merchandise. The 10-day welcome match is one of the few big offers that also runs in New York.
21+. New customers only. First cash bet of $1+ at odds of -10000 or longer unlocks ten 100% profit boosts, max $25 stake per boost. Boosts must be used within 14 days of being awarded.
Instead of a single bonus, Caesars hands new players ten profit boosts that double the winnings on bets of up to $25. Every wager earns Caesars Rewards credits, redeemable for hotel stays, dining and shows.
21+. New customers only. First cash bet of $5+ at odds of -500 or longer, then one No Sweat token a day for 10 days; a losing token bet returns a bonus bet up to $50. Tokens expire the day they're issued; bonus bets last seven days.
Hard Rock Bet is the only legal online sportsbook in Florida and is also live in nine other states. Its welcome deal spreads ten daily No Sweat tokens across your first ten days, and play feeds into the Unity by Hard Rock loyalty program.
21+. New customers only. $10 minimum deposit; if your first cash bet loses, get a bonus bet equal to the stake, up to $500 (the cap is lower in some states). Bonus bet expires after seven days.
BetRivers rarely grabs headlines but has a loyal following for straightforward betting and reliable payouts. Its Second Chance bet refunds a losing first wager as a bonus bet, and it's the only online sportsbook in Delaware.
21+. New customers only. $10 minimum deposit; lose your first cash bet and get the stake back as five equal bonus bets, up to $1,000. Bonus bets expire after seven days. Former ESPN BET customers aren't eligible.
PENN Entertainment replaced ESPN BET with theScore Bet on December 1, 2025, moving existing accounts across automatically. The sportsbook is wired into theScore's scores-and-news app, and its First Bet Reset refunds a losing opener up to $1,000.
21+ and located in New Jersey. New customers only. $20 first deposit and first bet at odds of -200 or longer; $100 paid as ten $10 bonus bets that expire after seven days.
Borgata's sportsbook runs on the same technology as BetMGM and ties into MGM Rewards, which makes it a natural second account for New Jersey bettors who visit Atlantic City.
There are dozens of licensed sportsbooks in the United States, but only a handful consistently earn a place on a regular bettor's phone. The ranking above weighs five things: how many states the sportsbook covers, the real value of its welcome offer once the terms are read, the quality of the app during live games, how quickly it pays out, and what it gives back to existing customers through boosts and rewards.
A big headline number doesn't win on its own. A $1,500 first-bet offer and $200 in bonus bets for a $5 wager suit very different bettors, and we rate offers on what a typical customer is likely to collect, not the maximum printed on the banner.
FanDuel: the benchmark app
FanDuel is the largest online sportsbook in the US and the easiest place to start. Navigation is intuitive, live odds refresh fast, and markets run from the NFL and NBA to tennis, golf and UFC. It is especially popular in football season thanks to its odds boosts and same game parlays. Read our FanDuel promo code review.
DraftKings: the most complete menu
DraftKings covers thousands of markets across professional and college sports, with deep player props, live betting and a strong parlay builder. Its welcome offer is among the most accessible in the country because a $5 first bet is all it takes. See the DraftKings bonus code guide.
bet365: built for in-play bettors
What separates bet365 from many rivals is depth. It offers thousands of markets a day, including international soccer, tennis and a wide range of live betting, plus features like Bet Boosts and early cash-out. For experienced bettors who value pricing and in-play variety, it is one of the strongest apps available. Our bet365 bonus code review covers the offer in full.
BetMGM and Caesars: casino loyalty on your phone
Both brands link betting to a resort rewards program. BetMGM's menu is one of the deepest in the industry, and its First Bet Offer favors bettors who start with a larger stake. Caesars swaps a single bonus for ten profit boosts, which frequent bettors can use strategically through the season. Compare them in our BetMGM review and Caesars promo code page.
Fanatics, Hard Rock Bet, BetRivers and theScore Bet
Fanatics Sportsbook has grown quickly since taking over PointsBet's US business, and its FanCash program is something genuinely different for fans who already buy team gear. Hard Rock Bet dominates Florida and plugs into Hard Rock's casinos and hotels. BetRivers has earned a loyal following with competitive odds, relatively quick withdrawals and a clean, distraction-free app. theScore Bet, the former ESPN BET, pairs a solid sportsbook with one of the most-used scores apps in North America.
★ At a glance
Online Sports Betting Sites Compared Side by Side
Welcome offers below are the national versions. Several operators run a different deal in specific states, and New York in particular often has its own terms.
All offers are for new customers aged 21 or over (18 in a few jurisdictions), located in an eligible state. Bonus bets are not cash and the stake is not returned with winnings.
★ Bonuses decoded
Sportsbook Promo Codes and Welcome Bonuses Explained
Choosing a sportsbook on the advertised dollar figure alone is one of the most common mistakes new bettors make. Some promotions promise huge sums but need a large first wager to unlock them, while others reward a bet as small as $1 or $5. The right bonus depends on how much you plan to stake, how often you bet and whether you would rather have guaranteed bonus bets or a safety net.
Bet-and-get offers
Place a small qualifying bet, often $5 or $10, and receive a fixed amount of bonus bets whether it wins or loses. DraftKings and bet365 both work this way, and FanDuel's daily version pays $50 for each day you bet over your first week. For casual bettors these usually deliver the most reliable value.
First-bet safety nets and second-chance bets
If your first cash wager loses, the sportsbook refunds the stake as bonus bets up to a cap. BetMGM, BetRivers and theScore Bet use this model. The cap only matters if you were going to stake that much anyway, so use it on a wager you already planned to place rather than forcing a longshot because the bet is protected.
Profit boosts and No Sweat tokens
Caesars gives new customers ten 100% profit boosts, which double the winnings on qualifying bets up to a set stake. Save them for plus-money prices rather than heavy favorites, where doubling a small profit adds little. Hard Rock Bet's daily No Sweat tokens work like mini safety nets: a losing token bet comes back as a bonus bet.
Deposit matches and FanCash
Straight deposit matches are now rare among US sportsbooks, though they remain common at casinos and racebooks. Fanatics runs a close cousin: it matches each day's stake in FanCash for 10 days, and FanCash can be turned into bonus bets or spent in the Fanatics store.
Bonus bets, wagering and expiry
Bonus bets aren't cash. If you use a $25 bonus bet at +100 and win, you typically receive the $25 profit, not the original stake.
Expiry is short. Most bonus bets expire within seven days of landing; Caesars gives 14 days to use its boosts.
Odds limits apply. Many offers ignore bets shorter than -500, and Fanatics requires -200 or longer.
One welcome offer per sportsbook. You can legally claim a sign-up bonus at several different sportsbooks, but only once at each.
Cash-outs can void offers. Cashing out or editing a qualifying bet often disqualifies it.
Do you need a sportsbook promo code?
Usually not. FanDuel, DraftKings, bet365, Hard Rock Bet, BetRivers and theScore Bet apply their welcome offers automatically at sign-up. BetMGM (BETMGMBONUS), Caesars (CZRDYW) and Fanatics (FAN2026) publish codes on their own sites. Legitimate promo codes are always free and should never require payment.
How to claim a sportsbook sign-up offer
Pick a sportsbook licensed in your state. Betting is regulated state by state, and the app will check your location before every wager.
Register. You'll need your legal name, date of birth, home address, email, phone number and usually the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Enter a promo code if one is required. Do it before completing registration or your first deposit, and opt in where the offer asks you to.
Make your qualifying deposit. Minimums are typically $5 to $20. Check that your payment method qualifies.
Place the qualifying bet. Read the requirements: minimum stake, minimum odds, and whether the bet must settle, win or lose.
Collect your bonus. Bonus bets, profit boosts, FanCash or No Sweat tokens usually land within 72 hours of the qualifying bet settling.
★ On your phone
Best Betting Apps: Features That Matter Day to Day
Mobile betting dominates the American market. Most bettors aren't traveling to a casino; they open an app, place a bet during the game and track it in real time. Live betting is one of the fastest-growing parts of the industry, so an app that refreshes odds quickly and settles promptly matters more than ever.
App
Standout feature
Rewards program
Same game parlays
FanDuel
Fast live betting, daily odds boosts
FanDuel promotions and boosts
Yes
DraftKings
Huge props menu, live betting
DraftKings Rewards (Crown Cash)
Yes
bet365
In-play depth, Bet Boosts, early cash-out
Ongoing promotions
Yes
BetMGM
Deep markets, early cash-out
MGM Rewards
Yes
Caesars
Profit boosts, wide market coverage
Caesars Rewards
Yes
Fanatics
Clean design, strong parlay builder
FanCash
Yes
Hard Rock Bet
SGP Max multi-game parlays
Unity by Hard Rock
Yes
BetRivers
Simple layout, competitive odds
BetRivers rewards
Yes
theScore Bet
Built into theScore media app
PENN Play
Yes
All of these apps are free to download on iPhone and Android in the states where they're licensed, and most also run in a mobile browser. Before you settle on one, open it during a live game: the speed of the in-play screen and how easily you can find the market you want tell you more than any feature list.
What Americans bet on most
The NFL remains the country's most popular betting sport, peaking through the playoffs and the Super Bowl. March Madness, the NBA playoffs, Major League Baseball and UFC also drive heavy action, along with major international soccer tournaments. Every app on this page covers those comfortably; the difference shows up in niche markets such as tennis, golf or lower-league soccer, where bet365 and DraftKings tend to go deepest.
★ Where it's legal
Legal Sports Betting States: Where You Can Bet Online
Online sports betting is legal in 31 states plus Washington, DC. Eight more states allow sports betting only in person, and 11 have no legal sports betting at all. Each state sets its own rules, licenses its own operators and chooses its own minimum age, so the list of apps you can use changes the moment you cross a state line.
You only need to be physically inside a legal state to bet, not a resident of it. Every licensed app uses geolocation to confirm where you are before accepting a wager.
FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, bet365, BetRivers and more
Wyoming
Yes (online only)
2021
18
FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, Fanatics
Minimum ages are the legal minimums. Several operators set 21+ even where the law allows 18, including BetMGM and Caesars in DC. Kentucky raised its minimum betting age from 18 to 21 in 2026.
★ Not yet legal
States Without Online Sportsbooks, and the Alternatives
Retail-only sports betting states
Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington and Wisconsin allow sports betting in person only, at casinos, tribal venues or, in Montana, lottery terminals. Mississippi and Washington permit mobile betting only on casino premises.
No legal sports betting
Alabama, Alaska, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and Utah have no regulated sportsbooks. That means three of the country's largest states, California, Texas and Georgia, remain off-limits despite repeated efforts in their legislatures.
What could change next
Wisconsin passed a law in April 2026 allowing tribe-run mobile sports betting statewide, with bets routed through servers on tribal land. Amended tribal compacts and federal approval are still required before any app can launch.
Nebraska voters will decide on a ballot measure to allow online sports betting in November 2026.
Georgia, Minnesota and Hawaii all saw bills or negotiations in 2026 without passing a law.
Prediction markets as an alternative
In states without sportsbooks, many sports fans have turned to federally regulated prediction markets, where you trade yes-or-no contracts on game outcomes instead of placing bets at fixed odds. Their legal status is still contested by several states, and consumer protections differ from those at licensed sportsbooks. Our prediction markets guide explains how they work and where they're available.
★ What's changed
New Sportsbooks and Recent State Launches
The US market keeps moving. These are the biggest changes for bettors over the past year.
Missouri went live on December 1, 2025.
ESPN BET became theScore Bet. PENN Entertainment switched brands on December 1, 2025, moving existing accounts, open bets and responsible gaming settings across automatically.
FanDuel and DraftKings arrived in Arkansas. The Arkansas Racing Commission approved both in February 2026. FanDuel partners with Oaklawn, whose own app is closing, and DraftKings with Southland.
bet365 kept expanding. It launched in Michigan in April 2026, West Virginia in August and Washington, DC in September, taking it to 18 states plus DC.
Kentucky tightened its rules. Lawmakers overrode the governor's veto to raise the betting age to 21 and ban player props on in-state college teams.
Smaller and regional operators fill gaps the national brands don't: Betly and BetSaracen in Arkansas, Circa in Missouri and Nevada, and SBK in Indiana. A newer sportsbook can mean sharper promotions, but check its licensing, withdrawal options and customer support before depositing.
★ Buyer's guide
How to Choose an Online Sportsbook
You don't need an account with every sportsbook. For most bettors, two or three good apps are enough: one main book and a couple of others for comparing prices and claiming welcome offers.
State availability. Start with the apps licensed where you'll actually be betting.
Odds and pricing. Small differences add up over a season. Compare the same market across two apps before betting.
Withdrawal speed. Fast, fee-free payouts to PayPal, Venmo or your bank are a sign of a well-run sportsbook.
Useful promotions. Ongoing odds boosts, profit boosts and rewards are worth more over time than a one-off welcome bonus.
Live betting quality. If you bet during games, the in-play screen should be fast and stable.
Fair limits and reliable support. Look for live chat and clear answers when something goes wrong.
Tax rates also shape what you see. States with higher sportsbook taxes tend to get less generous promotions and slightly tighter pricing than lower-tax markets, which is partly why some welcome offers differ, or are missing altogether, in New York.
Finally, remember that sports betting winnings are taxable under federal law whether they come from cash bets or bonus bets, and many states tax them too. A qualified tax professional can tell you what to report.
★ Banking
Sportsbook Payment Methods and Withdrawal Speed
Every major sportsbook accepts the usual cards and bank transfers, and most now support e-wallets. Some welcome offers exclude particular deposit methods, so check the terms before funding your account.
Method
Deposits
Withdrawals
Notes
Visa / Mastercard debit
Instant
Not always available; often 1–5 business days
Some banks block gambling transactions
PayPal
Instant
Usually among the fastest once approved
Widely accepted
Venmo
Instant
Usually fast once approved
Offered at several major sportsbooks
Online banking / ACH
Instant to 1 business day
Typically 1–5 business days
Reliable for larger amounts
Play+ prepaid card
Instant
Often fast once approved
Sportsbook-branded prepaid card
Apple Pay
Instant
Varies by operator
Deposit option at many books
PayNearMe / cash at casino cage
Same day
Cash at the cage where available
Useful if you prefer not to link a bank
Withdrawals usually go back to the method you deposited with, and the first one often takes longer while the sportsbook completes identity checks. Verifying your account early, before you need to cash out, is the simplest way to speed things up.
★ Off to the races
Horse Racing Betting at US Sportsbooks
Racing works differently from other sports in the US. Most legal horse betting is pari-mutuel, pooled with other bettors and placed through licensed advance-deposit wagering (ADW) platforms, which is why the big sportsbook brands run racing in separate apps rather than inside the main sportsbook.
FanDuel Racing streams races from the FanDuel TV network and has its own new-customer bonus. See our FanDuel Racing bonus guide.
DraftKings Racing brings DraftKings' account and wallet to pari-mutuel betting. Read our DraftKings Racing review.
BetMGM Racing lets BetMGM customers bet the tracks from the same brand. Our BetMGM horse racing page has the details.
If racing is your main interest, a dedicated racebook usually offers more tracks, better handicapping tools and racing-specific bonuses. AmWager matches your first deposit up to $50 with Promo Code AMWAGER, and TwinSpires, Churchill Downs' own ADW, runs its own sign-up bonus for new players. Both cover the Kentucky Derby, Breeders' Cup and thousands of races throughout the year, with exactas, trifectas, superfectas and Pick 4s on the menu.
★ Play safe
Responsible Gambling and Self-Exclusion
Sports betting should be entertainment, not a way to make money. Every licensed sportsbook offers tools to keep it that way, and they're easiest to set up before you need them.
Deposit, wager and time limits that cap how much you can put in or how long you can play in a day, week or month.
Cool-off periods that lock your account for a set time.
Self-exclusion through the sportsbook or your state regulator, which bars you from licensed betting sites for a chosen period, sometimes for life.
Activity statements showing exactly what you've deposited, wagered and won.
If gambling is causing problems for you or someone close to you, free and confidential help is available around the clock. Call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET, chat online through the National Council on Problem Gambling, or call 1-800-GAMBLER.
21+ (18+ in some jurisdictions). Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET or call 1-800-GAMBLER.
★ FAQ
US Sportsbooks FAQs
What is the best sportsbook in the US?
FanDuel is our top pick for most bettors thanks to its polished app, strong live betting and a welcome offer worth up to $350 in bonus bets. DraftKings, bet365 and BetMGM are close behind, and the best choice for you depends on which apps are legal in your state.
Which states have legal online sports betting?
Online sports betting is legal in 31 states plus Washington, DC: 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, West Virginia and Wyoming.
What is the best sportsbook promo code right now?
Most big sportsbooks don't need a code. Of those that do, BetMGM uses BETMGMBONUS for its First Bet Offer up to $1,500, Caesars uses CZRDYW for ten profit boosts and Fanatics uses FAN2026 for up to $1,000 in FanCash.
Which sportsbook has the best welcome bonus?
For small stakes, DraftKings (spend $5, get $200 in bonus bets) and FanDuel (up to $350 in bonus bets over a week) are the easiest to collect in full. Bettors planning a larger first wager may get more from BetMGM's First Bet Offer or theScore Bet's First Bet Reset.
Can I claim welcome offers at more than one sportsbook?
Yes. Each sportsbook allows one welcome offer per customer, but you can open accounts at several licensed sportsbooks and claim each one's sign-up bonus.
Are bonus bets the same as cash?
No. Bonus bets can't be withdrawn, and when one wins you usually receive only the profit, not the bonus stake. Most expire seven days after they're credited.
What is the minimum age for sports betting?
It's 21 in most states. New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Wyoming and Washington, DC allow betting from 18, although some operators still require customers to be 21. Kentucky raised its minimum age from 18 to 21 in 2026.
Can I bet if I live in a state without legal sports betting?
Yes, if you travel. Sportsbooks check where you are, not where you live, so you can open an account and bet while physically inside a legal state. The app will block wagers once you leave.
Is online sports betting legal in California, Texas or Georgia?
No. None of the three has legalized sports betting. Bills have been introduced in Georgia, but no law has passed.
What are the newest sportsbooks?
theScore Bet replaced ESPN BET on December 1, 2025, the same day Missouri launched online betting. FanDuel and DraftKings entered Arkansas in early 2026, and bet365 added Michigan, West Virginia and Washington, DC.
Which betting app pays out the fastest?
Withdrawal speed depends more on the payment method than the sportsbook. PayPal, Venmo and Play+ are usually the quickest once your account is verified, while bank transfers can take a few business days.
Do I need a promo code for FanDuel or DraftKings?
No. Both apply their welcome offers automatically when you sign up and place a qualifying bet.
Is bet365 legal in the US?
Yes. bet365 is licensed in 18 states plus Washington, DC, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, North Carolina and Missouri.
What happened to ESPN BET?
PENN Entertainment ended the ESPN BET brand and relaunched the sportsbook as theScore Bet on December 1, 2025. Existing accounts moved over automatically.
Can I bet on horse racing at a sportsbook?
Not usually inside the main sportsbook app. FanDuel, DraftKings and BetMGM run separate racing apps, and dedicated racebooks such as AmWager and TwinSpires offer pari-mutuel betting in most states.
Do I have to pay taxes on sports betting winnings?
Yes. Winnings are taxable under federal law, including those from bonus bets, and many states tax them too. Consult a tax professional about what to report.
Where can I get help with problem gambling?
Call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET, or call 1-800-GAMBLER. Every licensed sportsbook also offers deposit limits, cool-off periods and self-exclusion.
How we checked this page (21 sources)
Offers, codes, fees and state lists are checked against the operators’ own pages and state or federal regulators. Last checked October 24, 2026.
Play responsibly. 21+ for sportsbooks (18+ in a few states); 18+ for most prediction markets, 21+ on some platforms and in some states. Only play where it is legal. Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER.
