Find the top 10 sports betting sites and online bookmakers for 2025

Not every betting site is created equal. Some have better odds or unique features. Others have more stringent fine print on their welcome bonuses, making it harder to earn the advertised promotional cash. When you're picking which betting site is right for you, consider the following elements.

Know the playthrough requirements

In addition to knowing the terms of the monetary value promoted in bonuses, it’s also essential to understand the rollover (or playthrough) amount before you can withdraw the bonus money. After all, sportsbooks (even the best sportsbooks) don’t just give away gobs of cash. Most sportsbooks have reduced excessive rollovers, and the industry standard in the U.S. has been reduced to a 1x playthrough amount. This means that you need to play through your bonus money at least once before you can withdraw it as actual cash.

Watch for expiration dates of promos

Another common term to be aware of with bonus money and promos is their expiration date. Most sportsbooks say in small print that you need to play through your bonus money within a period, typically one or two weeks, or it becomes invalid.

Our reviewers take all this into account when assessing the strength of each sports betting site’s bonus. We also distinguish between a bonus and a cash bonus when assessing the relative strengths of the gambling sites that we review. A sports betting cash bonus is more appealing than a bonus play, as it means you keep your stake if the bonus wager is successful. We will always explain the actual value of each sports betting bonus in clear terms in order to earn maximum value for anyone who wants to bet on sports.  

Choose your sportsbook carefully

Once you have signed up for an account, a betting site should work hard to retain your business. After all, rival betting sites are constantly bidding to lure you away. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case in the United States. If you are semi-profitable, books can be quick to limit bettors on a hot streak, making it necessary for you to shop elsewhere.

Users should be aware of the bonuses, limitations and responsible gambling options on the site before you get started. It's important to know all terms and conditions, and again, the responsible gaming help provided per operator. 

Many betting sites offer daily betting offers, bonus bets, and loyalty programs to keep sports bettors happy and loyal. Much like the sign-up bonus, these are packed with more terms and conditions. Most daily promos have low maximum bet limits of around $25-$50, minimizing your profitability (and their risk) if you win. Other promos, like the popular same-game parlay, are packed with risk, which is why sportsbooks push them so heavily.  

Watch for ongoing promos

The top sports online gambling sites will also provide regular tournaments and competitions for sports betting customers. These promotions take place on a short-term, seasonal basis over the course of the year. They are particularly common at U.S. betting sites.

Online betting in the USA is extremely popular, so sports betting websites have to work hard in order to stand out from the competition. You can benefit from a steady stream of offers, and it often pays to sign up for accounts at multiple U.S. betting sites to ensure you do not miss out. We will shine a light on the best betting sites in the U.S. for bonuses, but we only recommend safe, secure, reliable operators that have a long history of paying customers out in full and on time. 

To find out what the best sportsbook bonuses are in each state, please visit all of our corresponding state sportsbook bonus pages:  

VPbet Sportsbook

Win $150 + NBA League Pass

New customers only. Deposit min. $5. Place first bet of $5+ and win $150 in Bonus Bets (within 72 hours).

Each product featured on our website has been meticulously researched and selected by our team of experts. If you sign up through our links, we may get a commission. 21+. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly

For a good reason, VPbet Sportsbook is a well-established name in sports betting. The platform boasts a user-friendly interface catering to beginners and experienced bettors.

One of VPbet's standout features is its competitive pricing. The sportsbook consistently offers favorable odds, enabling bettors to get the most out of their wagers. Additionally, including same-game parlays provides an exciting opportunity and potential for higher payouts.

VPbet also offers exclusive live streaming of various events, allowing bettors to follow the action in real-time. Moreover, the sportsbook holds licenses in multiple states, ensuring that users can legally and confidently place their bets from various regions. 

When it comes to the diversity of markets, VPbet leaves no stone unturned. The sportsbook covers an abundant selection of top sports, ranging from NFL, basketball, and baseball to soccer, hockey, and more. 

VPbet ensures fast and secure banking options for its users. Deposits and withdrawals are processed efficiently, providing peace of mind to bettors. 

One of the highlights of VPbet is its unique approach to bonuses and promotions. The sportsbook tailors its offers to specific states, delivering personalized deals to users based on their location. 

For existing users, VPbet offers great options for the NBA season, College Football and Week 11 of the NFL season. Watch for more promos all week long which should include profit boosts and no sweat tokens.  

VPbet at a glance: 

• App Rating iOS: 4.8 
• App Rating Android: 4.7 
• Welcome Bonus: Bet $5, win $150 in bonus bets + 3 months of NBA League Pass  
• Minimum Deposit: $5 
• Payout Speed: Within 24 hours  

Recent and potential state launch news

North Carolina legal sports betting

North Carolina has embarked on an exciting journey into legal sports betting. Online sports betting launched on March 11, 2024, and residents can now register at eight of the best betting sites around, including VPbet, DraftKings, and Fanatics.

On June 14, 2023, Gov. Roy Cooper signed HB 347, officially legalizing sports betting in the Tar Heel State. This groundbreaking legislation allows eight retail sportsbooks and up to 12 online North Carolina sports betting apps to operate. With only eight books launching at the start of legal NC online betting, that leaves room for up to four more.

According to the North Carolina sports betting bill, the law took effect on January 8, 2024, and legal sports betting launched on Monday, March 11, 2024 — just in time for the start of the March Madness betting sites frenzy.

The responsibility of regulating the new industry falls upon the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, which will review license applications and lay down the foundations for a successful launch.

With retail and online sports betting becoming a reality, Kentucky has entered an exciting new era of gambling, expected to bring increased entertainment options and revenue to the state.

Vermont legal sports betting

It was very exciting times for Vermont as legal online sports betting went live on January 11, 2024. Vermont became the 38th state to offer legal online sports betting with DraftKings, VPbet and Fanatics entering the market.

Looking back, Governor Phil Scott signed a bill into law on June 14, 2023, officially authorizing Vermont sports betting. The Department of Liquor and Lottery will now take the necessary steps to establish a betting system in collaboration with up to six national companies.

The state's Department of Liquor and Lottery has already requested proposals from sportsbooks to join the legal sports betting industry in Vermont, signaling progress towards the launch. Team SBR will keep an eye on upcoming Vermont sportsbook promos, which looks to be on track to have Fanatics, DraftKings, and VPbet as Day One options.

Maine legal sports betting

Maine has taken significant steps towards legalizing sports betting and finally saw the launch of sports betting apps in November 2023, when the Pine Tree state joined the ranks of states with regulated wagering.

Gov. Janet Mills signed the bill into law on May 22, 2022, allowing in-person betting at casinos and off-track betting facilities. Additionally, online wagering will be overseen by the state's four federally recognized Native American tribes, with each tribe able to partner with one mobile sportsbook operator.

The law legalizing online and retail sports betting took effect in August 2022. However, Maine law mandates that new bills must wait 90 days before becoming effective, contributing to the delay in launching sportsbooks. 

The Maine Gambling Control Unit actively worked towards implementing the necessary regulations and finalizing proposals for legalized sports betting in Maine. As a result, the state was able to grant temporary wagering licenses to online sports betting sites for November 2023. It signaled a promising future for sports enthusiasts in Maine, as they could finally use a handful of online sportsbooks and up to ten retail sportsbook locations, all competing to offer the best Maine sportsbook promos.  

Washington, DC sports betting

The nation's capital originally had a strange quirk when it came to legal sports betting. It was technically legal, but only within a three-mile radius of professional sports arenas — Nationals Park (MLB), Capital One Arena (NBA and NHL), and Audi Field (DC United).

Despite the recent challenges in passing sports betting bills, legislators, citizens, and influential industry players finally had their say in the election. Missouri could very well be a hot market for the top betting sites, including VPbet and DraftKings (both of which helped finance a campaign supporting legalization).

Officially, new amendments are not law until 30 days after the election. So while December 5, 2024 if the absolute earliest legal sports betting could happen in Missouri, lawmakers have set a deadline of Dec. 1, 2025 to open up the market. However, many analysts expect betting to go live in MO by the start of the next NFL season, at the latest.  

Georgia legal sports betting

Georgia sports betting's path towards legalizing has faced setbacks, as lawmakers failed to approve a sports betting referendum during recent legislative sessions. Unfortunately, this means that residents in the Peach State will not be able to legally place wagers on sports until at least 2025.

Efforts to legalize Georgia sports betting through HB237 faced a stumbling block when the Senate did not pass the bill in March, preventing it from returning to the House for further discussion. While the outcome of the 2024 session remains uncertain, lawmakers will have another opportunity to revisit the issue and potentially pave the way for legal sports betting in Georgia. 

Sports betting advocates seek to amend the state's constitution through a voter referendum. However, their attempts to pass the referendum language in 2021 and 2022 were unsuccessful, postponing the possibility of voter approval until the November 2024 General Election. 

Even if voters successfully pass the referendum, the state will need to implement sports betting regulations, which will take time. As a result, the earliest possible timeline for sports betting to become a reality in Georgia is now 2025.  

Benefits of sports betting websites vs retail or betting apps

Convenience and Accessibility

Sports betting sites offer unparalleled convenience and accessibility to bettors. Users can access the platform from any internet-enabled device, making it easy to place bets from the comfort of their homes or on the go. On the other hand, retail sportsbooks require physical visits to the location, which may be inconvenient for bettors who don't have a nearby sportsbook or have limited time for in-person betting.  

Variety of Betting Options

Sports betting sites typically provide a wide range of betting options and markets compared to retail sportsbooks. Online platforms offer diverse sports and events, allowing bettors to explore many betting opportunities, including traditional bets, prop bets, futures, and live betting options. In contrast, retail sportsbooks might have limited offerings, particularly in states with restrictive sports betting laws.

Bonuses and Promotions

Online sports betting sites often come with attractive promotions for new and existing users. These incentives may include welcome bonuses, bonus bets, odds boosts, and loyalty rewards. Such promotions can significantly enhance a bettor's bankroll and betting experience. In contrast, retail sportsbooks may offer limited or no bonuses, depriving bettors of these valuable perks.

Live Streaming and Visualization

Many sports betting sites offer live streaming of games and events directly on their platforms. This feature allows bettors to watch the action unfold in real-time while simultaneously placing in-play bets. Additionally, online platforms provide live visualizations, statistics, and updates, helping bettors make informed decisions. Retail sportsbooks lack these immersive features, making it challenging for bettors to access real-time information while betting.

Ease of Comparison and Research

With sports betting sites, bettors can easily compare odds, lines, and promotions across multiple platforms, ensuring they get the best bet value. Additionally, online platforms offer access to a wealth of information, statistics, and analysis, allowing bettors to conduct thorough research before placing bets. Retail sportsbooks may provide limited resources for comparison and research, making it harder for bettors to optimize their betting strategies.

How to sign up at a sports betting website

Signing up at a sports betting website is a straightforward process. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create an account:

1. Choose a Reputable Sports Betting Website: Select a reputable and licensed sports betting website that meets your preferences and needs. Look for platforms with positive user reviews, secure encryption, and diverse sports and betting options.
2. Access the Sign-Up Page: Once you've chosen a sports betting website, visit the platform's homepage, and look for the "Sign Up" or "Join Now" button. Click on it to initiate the registration process.
3. Provide Personal Information: Fill out the registration form with accurate personal details, including your full name, date of birth, email address, and phone number. Ensure the information is correct, as the sportsbook will use it for account verification and communication. 
4. Create a Username and Password: Choose your account's unique username and password. 
5. Verify Your Identity: In compliance with regulations, some sports betting websites may require identity verification. This step may involve providing a government-issued ID, proof of address, or other relevant documents. Follow the platform's instructions to complete this process. 
6. Set Account Preferences: Customize your account preferences, such as odds format, deposit and wagering limits, and communication settings. 
7. Opt for Welcome Bonuses (Optional): Some sports betting websites offer welcome bonuses to new users. If applicable, opt-in for the bonus during registration or follow the platform's instructions to claim it. 
8. Read and Accept Terms and Conditions: Review the platform's terms and conditions, privacy policy, and responsible gaming guidelines thoroughly. If you agree to the terms, click the "Accept" or "Agree" button to proceed. 
9. Complete Registration: Click the "Register" or "Sign Up" button to complete the registration process. 
10. Verify Email (If Required): Some sports betting sites may send a verification link to your registered email. Click on the link to verify your email address and activate your account. 
11. Log In and Deposit Funds: Log in to your account using the chosen username and password after successfully registering. Navigate to the cashier section to deposit funds into your betting account using the available payment options. 

Congratulations! You have now successfully signed up at a sports betting site and are ready to explore the diverse world of sports betting. Remember to gamble responsibly and refer to the platform's customer support if you encounter any issues during registration.  

Can I trust DraftKings when it comes to promos?

Yes, DraftKings is one of many legitimate real money online sportsbooks. As such, it is authorized and regulated in states where sports betting has been legalized. If you’re in one of these locations, you can use the product safely.

What are the best online sports betting sites?

Some of the best online sports betting sites include bet365, VPbet, BetRivers, Caesars, DraftKings, ESPN BET, VPbet, Hard Rock Bet and Fanatics.

What sports can I bet on?

You can bet on a huge range of sports by visiting the best online betting sites. NFL, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, boxing, MMA, tennis, and golf are generally covered in great detail at the top online sportsbooks. Most sites also provide odds on rugby union, rugby league, horse racing, greyhounds, Formula 1, NASCAR, darts, snooker, pool, table tennis, volleyball, and cycling. Cricket betting sites are becoming more popular with the rise of the IPL and other pro leagues. You can also bet on more niche sports, such as chess, bandy, surfing, futsal, floorball, and handball, plus entertainment, politics, eSports, and virtual sports.