Best Online Sportsbooks For U.S. Players – December 2024

Expert Reviewed

Brian Pempus Editor
Forbes Advisor receives compensation from partner links on this page. Online bets are not legal in all locations, and this content is meant for those 21+. Winnings are not guaranteed, and you may lose all of your wagered funds. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER

With so many online sportsbooks launching throughout the U.S. in recent years, choosing one might be overwhelming for sports fans.

While they are all slightly unique, they also have many similarities; a scenario not dissimilar to picking out a cereal at the grocery store.

That said, there are several key areas where a sportsbook can stand out. Sports bettors should look for well-rounded sportsbooks that go above and beyond the basic standards.

Finding a high-quality sportsbook can take time, which is why we’ve put together this guide to help you find the best one for you.

Here are some things to look out for when choosing a sportsbook to get the most out of your sports betting experience.

DraftKings Sportsbook: Get $150 in Bonus Bets - Best Market Depth

If you’re into sports betting or fantasy sports, you’ve probably heard of DraftKings Sportsbook.

It was one of the first U.S. sportsbooks to launch in 2018 and is one of the two largest sportsbooks in the country in terms of market share along with FanDuel. It’s also a top player in the DFS space.

DraftKings has daily odds boosts, a strong rewards program and a sign-up bonus for new customers. It also has a Parlay Builder tool that makes building parlays easy.

The betting markets and bet types at DraftKings are also extensive. DraftKings is known for having one of the widest selection of prop bets and futures bets on the market.

In short, DraftKings has everything you could ever want from a sportsbook.

CategoryDescription
OfferBet $5+, get $150 in bonus bets if first bet wins
Promo CodeN/A
RequirementsNew users only, 21+ and in eligible state
Eligible Bet TypesAll bet types
AvailabilityAZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, NC, NJ, NY, NH, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, VT, WY, WV
Offer ExpiresJan. 5, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET
Apple Store Score4.8/5
Google Play Store Score4.5/5
Date VerifiedNov. 26, 2024
Claim Bonus

FanDuel Sportsbook: Get $300 in Bonus Bets - Best Betting App

FanDuel Sportsbook rivals DraftKings as one of the largest and most well-known brands in both sports betting and DFS.

While the two apps have many similarities, FanDuel gets high marks for its slick design and intuitive layout that make finding bets quick and easy.

FanDuel offers tons of betting markets, but never feels overwhelming. It also has a sign-up offer for new customers, daily odds boosts and top-notch customer service. The only thing it’s missing is a rewards program.

CategoryDescription
OfferBet $5+, get $150 in Bonus Bets + 3 Free Months of NBA League Pass
Promo CodeN/A
RequirementsNew users only, 21+ and in eligible state
Eligible Bet TypesAll bet types
AvailabilityAZ, CO, CT, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MA, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY
Offer ExpiresDec. 17 at 11:59 p.m. ET
Apple Store Score4.9/5
Google Play Store Score4.7/5
Date VerifiedNov. 26, 2024
Claim Bonus

Caesars Sportsbook: Get 10 100% Profit Boosts - Best Odds Boosts

Caesars Sportsbook is a top sports betting app for a number of reasons, but odds boosts are where it really stands out. Caesars has the most in the industry, offering dozens of boosts on a variety of sports every day.

Beyond that, Caesars offers a wide range of regular betting markets as well. It also has a sign-up promo for new customers and a “FireBets” feature that makes live betting easy.

Caesars has a generous rewards program as well. In addition to earning points on wagers that can later be used for bonus bets, you can also enter to win trips to Caesars resorts and casinos.

CategoryDescription
OfferBet $1, get 10 $100% profit boosts
Promo CodeFORBES1000
RequirementsNew users only, 21+ and in eligible state
Eligible Bet TypesAll bet types
AvailabilityAZ, CO, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MS, NV, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, PR, TN, VA, WV, WY
Offer Expires11:59 a.m. local time on Jan. 27, 2025
Apple Store Score4.7/5
Google Play Store Score4.3/5
Date VerifiedNov. 25, 2024
Claim Bonus

BetMGM Sportsbook: Get up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets - Best All-Around

BetMGM Sportsbook helps raise the bar for sports betting sites.

BetMGM has a great welcome offer, plus it rewards customers with daily odds boosts and an MGM rewards program where users have the chance to win VIP trips to MGM properties across the country.

BetMGM has reliable customer support, plentiful betting markets and a modern interface that’s easy to navigate. In other words, it checks all the boxes.

CategoryDescription
OfferGet up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your first wager loses
Promo CodeFORBES
RequirementsNew users only, 21+ and in eligible state
Eligible Bet TypesAll bet types
AvailabilityAZ, CO, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MS, NV, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, PR, TN, VA, WV, WY
Offer ExpiresFeb. 10, 2025
Apple Store Score4.8/5
Google Play Store Score4.3/5
Date VerifiedNov. 26, 2024
Claim Bonus

Fanatics Sportsbook: Get up to $1,000 in No-Sweat Bets - Best Rewards Program

Fanatics is one of the newest sportsbooks on the market, launching in 2023 after merging with PointsBet.

For starters, Fanatics has the best loyalty program in the industry with its FanCash rewards.

It also provides a great betting experience by tailoring the home page to your betting history, making it easy to find the sports and bet types you like to wager on.

Fanatics also has a modern interface, daily odds boosts and numerous betting markets, making it a great addition to the sports betting landscape.

CategoryDescription
OfferGet daily $100 no-sweat bet for 10 straight days
Promo CodeN/A
RequirementsNew users only, 21+ and in eligible state
Eligible Bet Types$1+, min. -500 odds
AvailabilityAZ, CO, CT, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, NY, NJ, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY
Offer ExpiresDec. 31, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. ET
Apple Store Score4.8/5
Google Play Store Score4.4/5
Date VerifiedNov. 26, 2024
Claim Bonus

Bet365 Sportsbook: Get up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets - Best Welcome Offer

Based in the U.K., Bet365 is one of the most popular sportsbooks in the world with nearly 100 million customers and has expanded to the U.S. as well.

Bet365 is great for new users, allowing them to choose between two welcome offers. It also has a lot of international markets and niche sports that aren’t always available at U.S. sportsbooks.

While not as widely available as other sportsbooks on this list, Bet365 is a great option if you can access it.

CategoryDescription
OfferBet $5, get $150 in bonus bets OR get up to $1,000 in bonus bets if your first bet loses
Promo CodeFORBES (U.S.), FORBESCAN (Canada ex. Ontario)
RequirementsNew users only, 21+ and in eligible state
Eligible Bet TypesMin. -500 odds
AvailabilityAZ, CO, IA, IN, KY, LA, NJ, NC, OH, PA, VA
Offer ExpiresTBD
Apple Store Score4.8/5
Google Play Store Score4.6/5
Date VerifiedNov. 26, 2024
Claim Bonus

BetRivers Sportsbook: Get up to $500 in Bonus Bets - Best For New Bettors

BetRivers has a smaller feel compared to larger sportsbooks, which makes it more manageable and easier to navigate for new users.

It also has more of a local flavor with a welcome offer that varies by state and odds boosts based on local sports teams.

BetRivers may not have a lot of bells and whistles, but it covers the basics and is a solid option.

CategoryDescription
OfferGet $100-$500 in bonus bets if your first wager loses (depending on state)
Promo CodeSPORTS
RequirementsNew users only, 21+ and in eligible state
Eligible Bet TypesMin. -200 odds
AvailabilityAZ, CO, DE, IA, IL, IN, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, WV
Offer ExpiresTBD
Apple Store Score4.8/5
Google Play Store Score4.7/5
Date VerifiedNov. 26, 2024
Claim Bonus

ESPN BET: Get up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets - Best New Sportsbook

A newer sportsbook that launched in November 2023, ESPN BET rebranded from Barstool Sportsbook. It boasts a modern app with lots of great features, including a strong welcome offer, exclusive odds boosts and frequent promotions.

With tie-ins to ESPN personalities, competitive odds and a good selection of betting markets, ESPN BET is a high-quality sportsbook.

CategoryDescription
OfferGet up to $1,500 first bet reset & 30 free days of ESPN+
Promo CodeN/A
RequirementsNew users only, 21+ and in eligible state
Eligible Bet TypesAll bet types
AvailabilityAZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV
Apple Store Score4.8/5
Google Play Store Score4.5/5
Offer ExpiresFeb. 10, 2025
Last VerifiedNov. 26, 2024

Hard Rock Bet: Get up to $100 in Bonus Bets - Best Florida Sportsbook

Hard Rock Bet debuted in January 2019 and has expanded to eight states. It has a clean, modern app that’s easy to use along with exclusive daily odds boosts, good market depth and solid promotions.

If you lose your first $10+ wager after signing up, you’ll get a bonus bet for the same amount up to $100. No promo code is required.

CategoryDescription
OfferGet $100 in bonus bets if your first wager loses
Promo CodeN/A
RequirementsNew users only, 21+ and in eligible state
Eligible Bet TypesAll bet types
AvailabilityAZ, FL, IL, IN, NJ, OH, TN, VA
Offer ExpiresDec. 31, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. ET
Apple Store Score4.9/5
Google Play Store Score4.8/5
Bet Now21+ Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Last VerifiedNov. 26, 2024

Basic Tips for Choosing an Online Sportsbook

Before exploring the best online sportsbooks in the U.S., here are some tips on how to start your selection process.

Know What Kind of Experience You’re Seeking

Before signing up for a sportsbook, it’s important to know how serious you’re going to be about sports betting and what you want to get out of it.

If you’re a more casual sports bettor who just plans to bet occasionally then features like rewards programs, promotions for existing customers and customer service won’t matter as much. If you’re planning to wager more frequently, however, those features are more important.

You’ll also want to make sure the sportsbook has a good variety of bet types and betting markets, competitive odds compared to other sportsbooks and an intuitive interface that makes finding and placing bets quick and easy. Having quick, convenient deposit and withdrawal methods will also be important.

If you’re planning to spend a lot of time on a sportsbook, having a smooth, rewarding experience is critical. Not only will it save you a lot of time in the long run, but it could also save you some money.

Find Out Which Sportsbooks Your State Regulates

Online sports betting is legal in the majority of states, but not all. The first step is making sure whether your state allows sports betting, as some states haven’t legalized it yet or only allow in-person betting.

If it does, your next step is to see which online sportsbooks operate in your state. While larger sportsbooks like FanDuel and DraftKings are available in most legal sports betting states, some sportsbooks are only available in certain states.

Obviously being located in a state where only a handful of sportsbooks are legal makes choosing easier compared to if you were in a state with more than a dozen sportsbooks.

Also make sure you’re of the legal sports betting age. The age limit is 21 in most states, but in some states it’s 18.

Avoid Illegal Offshore Sportsbooks

Before states started legalizing online sports betting, sports bettors often turned to illegal offshore sportsbooks to place their wagers. That’s no longer necessary now that sports betting is legal in many states.

All legal U.S. sportsbooks are regulated and must comply with certain standards in order to operate. They’re obligated to pay out your winnings and have tight security measures in place to protect your personal and financial information.

Many foreign sportsbooks don’t have the same oversight and aren’t subject to the same laws, which makes them less reliable and trustworthy. If you win money at an illegal online sportsbook, you’re not guaranteed to receive your winnings, and it may end up taking much longer for you to receive your payout, if at all.

If you’re a victim of fraud or theft at an offshore sportsbook, there’s usually not much you can do about it because these sportsbooks often operate outside of the U.S. jurisdiction.

Using offshore sportsbooks is risky and could cost you money. Legal, regulated U.S. sportsbooks are much safer and have safeguards to protect their customers.

Make Sure the App is Available for Your Device

In addition to having websites, many online sportsbooks have mobile apps as well. Before picking a sportsbook, check to make sure it has an app for your operating system (iOS or Android) in either the App Store or Google Play Store.

Once you’ve downloaded the app, play around with it to see how it feels. Each sportsbook app has a different interface, functionality, layout and load times, so make sure it feels comfortable and is easy to use. You don’t want an app that’s clunky, laggy or glitchy.

You can usually access a sportsbook via the browser on your desktop or mobile device, but the user experience may not be as smooth.

Compare Promotions and Rewards

One of the most important things to look at when comparing the best online sportsbooks is the sign-up bonus. Most sportsbooks have welcome offers to entice new customers to sign up, usually offering bonus bets or second-chance wagers if your first bet loses.

It’s imperative to know the difference between these offers, what they mean and the terms and conditions associated with them.

One example is a sportsbook giving you $200 in bonus bets for placing a $5 wager. In this case, the sportsbook is essentially giving you $200 in free site credit just for betting $5.

However, many sportsbooks run a promotion that gives you a bonus bet if your first wager loses. For example, if you wager $100 with your first bet and it loses, the sportsbook may give you a $100 bonus bet so you can try to win your money back.

One offer isn’t necessarily better than the other, but it depends what your goal is. If you want to place several different wagers and explore the sportsbook, it’s usually better to claim a “bet and get” offer with bonus bets. If you’re just looking to sign up so you can wager on one game (i.e., the Super Bowl) but don’t plan on using the sportsbook much in the future, a second-chance bet will usually suffice.

Beyond the welcome offer, it’s also important to evaluate what promotions and rewards sportsbooks have for existing users. One sportsbook might have daily odds boosts that can only be found at their site, while another might give their customers bonus bets and referral bonuses.

Some sportsbooks have strong rewards programs that give users points or bonus bets for every wager they place, whereas other sportsbooks don’t have any type of rewards system.

Again, it depends how often you plan to wager. If you’re someone who bets frequently, then it’s more important to find a sportsbook with daily promotions and a robust loyalty program.

Compare Odds

Odds vary by sportsbook, so it’s important to make sure you’re getting competitive odds on your wagers.

Think of odds like prices. If you can get a gallon of gas for $3.10 at Station A or $3.20 at Station B, you’re better off getting it at Station A.

Odds work the same way. Say you want to place a moneyline wager on the Dallas Cowboys. If one sportsbook has them at -200 odds to win and a different sportsbook has them at -220 to win, you’ll make more money at the first sportsbook.

Differences are usually small, but they add up in the long run, especially if you’re betting with larger unit sizes.

One sportsbook will never have the best odds for every sporting event (otherwise it wouldn’t be as profitable), but it’s worth shopping around to get the best price on an event you want to wager on. It takes a bit of time, but is worth it.

While pregame odds are easy to compare, it’s also worth seeing how odds differ across various markets like live bets, prop bets and parlays. Some sportsbooks have more favorable odds in certain areas, especially live markets where the odds are constantly shifting.

Compare Betting Markets and Bet Types

Another area where sportsbooks differ is the games and bet types they offer.

While most sportsbooks offer standard betting markets (moneyline, spread, total, etc.) on major U.S. sports, there are some areas where sportsbooks can really stand out. One is prop bets, specifically player prop bets. Some sportsbooks have a seemingly endless array of prop bets available for every game, whereas others have more limited selections.

Another area is niche markets and international games. Some sportsbooks have a much broader selection of international sports to wager on, from international soccer matches to darts, snooker, rugby and more.

If you’re a serious bettor or a fan of a certain league, you’ll want to make sure your sportsbook of choice has odds on what you’re looking for.

Look for 24/7 Customer Service

Most online sportsbooks have some form of customer service and often have multiple ways of contacting them, whether it be through phone, email or online chat.

You never know when an issue or question may arise, so ideally the sportsbook will have a 24/7 support option in case you need it on the weekend or late at night. Some sportsbooks are known for being more responsive and available, while others may not offer much beyond pre-written FAQs and support guides.

You can test a sportsbook’s customer service by sending a question to their email/chat or giving them a phone call to see how long it takes to respond.

Consider Payment and Withdrawal Options

A sportsbook should have a variety of methods to deposit and withdraw funds from your account.

These options can vary by state, as some states don’t allow credit cards for sports betting, for instance. However, it should be easy to link your bank account, card info or digital wallet like PayPal or Venmo for quick transactions.

Regulated U.S. sportsbooks protect this information with strong security measures, so you don’t have to worry about your account information getting hacked or stolen.

You’ll also want a sportsbook that processes payments and withdrawals quickly. If you make a deposit, you should be able to use your funds almost immediately. Withdrawals typically take a bit longer, but they should hit your account within 1 to 3 business days.

Most sportsbooks have similar options and processing speeds in this regard, but some take longer than others.

Which Sportsbook is the Most Popular?

While there are many legal online sportsbooks across the U.S., DraftKings and FanDuel are the most popular in terms of market share. Not only are they well-known, established brands with strong marketing campaigns, but they also built up a large customer base through daily fantasy sports for years before sports betting became legal.

DraftKings and FanDuel are also the most widely available, operating in more states compared to their competitors.

BetMGM and Caesars are also strong brands with high-quality sportsbooks as well, but they’re not as popular as DraftKings and FanDuel. Bet365 is based overseas and has over 90 million customers worldwide but is still building its presence in the U.S.

Meanwhile, newer spotsbooks like Fanatics and ESPN BET that debuted more recently still have a long way to go to catch up.

FanDuel vs. DraftKings

As top rivals and competitors, FanDuel and DraftKings are very similar. You won’t find many major differences in their odds, promotions, betting markets and customer service.

Two areas where they differ are their layout and rewards program. FanDuel’s interface is sleek, modern, intuitive, and user-friendly; many bettors consider it among the best in the industry.

DraftKings’ interface isn’t bad, but it feels slightly more dated than FanDuel’s, which makes it a bit trickier to find the bets you’re looking for.

Conversely, DraftKings has an edge with its rewards program. FanDuel doesn’t have a loyalty program, so bettors don’t get anything for wagering there. DraftKings, on the other hand, provides points for bets that can later be converted into bonus bets, DraftKings merch or other rewards.

In other words, FanDuel provides a smoother betting experience, but DraftKings is more rewarding.

Which Sportsbook Has the Best Odds?

As noted above, one sportsbook will never have the best odds for every game in every sport, otherwise it wouldn’t be as profitable as its competitors.

However, odds do differ across sportsbooks. The differences are usually small, like a team being a -150 moneyline favorite at one site versus -160 at another. You’ll never see a team listed as a massive favorite at one site and a massive underdog at another.

The key is to see which sportsbook has the best odds for the specific bet you’re looking to make. Sometimes the odds will be exactly the same, but other times there will be small differences that you can exploit.

Ultimately, it’s up to the sports bettor to find the best odds, as one sportsbook isn’t going to give you the best odds on everything.

Which Sportsbook Has the Best Sign-Up Bonus?

Many welcome offers are comparable, so it’s hard for one sportsbook to have the best. Furthermore, sportsbooks frequently change their sign-up bonuses, so an offer may not last for long.

As mentioned above, it’s also important to note the difference between offers. Just because an offer has a larger dollar value doesn’t necessarily make it better.

For example, a sportsbook may give you a bonus bet up to $1,500 if your first wager loses. If your first bet wins, however, you won’t receive a bonus.

On the other hand, some sportsbooks offer a smaller amount in guaranteed bonus bets. The bonus might be smaller ($100 or $200), but you’re guaranteed to get it regardless of how your first wager turns out.

Since guaranteed bonus bets are essentially free money to play with, those types of offers are usually better unless you’re planning on wagering a lot of money on one bet.

Which Sportsbook Has the Best Rewards?

In terms of rewards, Fanatics is probably the best thanks to its unique FanCash program.

Fanatics gives bettors a percentage of every bet (up to 10%) in FanCash depending on the odds of your wager. The higher the odds, the more FanCash you’ll receive. The more you bet, the more FanCash you accumulate.

You can cash out FanCash whenever you want, and can choose to cash it all out or just a portion. You have two options with your FanCash, as you can convert it into bonus bets to use at the sportsbook or redeem it for site credit at Fanatics’ retail site, where you can put it towards buying merchandise or apparel of your favorite team.

FanCash doesn’t expire, so you can save up for a big bonus bet or a big purchase like a jersey. Either way, the program’s flexibility is a plus.

How To Sign Up For an Online Sportsbook

Once you’ve picked an online sportsbook to join, registering is easy.

  • To start, simply download the app to your mobile device or go to the website.
  • Enter your personal information to verify your identity.
  • Enter your promo code (if applicable) to claim your welcome bonus.
  • Make a deposit using a verified payment method.
  • Once you’ve made a deposit and have money in your account, you can start betting on whatever you want.

Registering for an online sportsbook only takes a few minutes. Once you’ve set up your account and added some funds, you’re good to go.

Payment Options for Online Sportsbooks

Once you’ve registered for an online sportsbook, there are plenty of ways you can safely fund your account.

These options vary by state and operator, but here are some of the most common deposit methods.

Best Deposit Methods

You can choose which option is the best and most convenient for you.

Similarly, there are a number of ways you can withdraw money from your account as well.

Best Withdrawal Methods

  • Bank Transfer
  • Debit Card
  • PayPal
  • Venmo
  • Check By Mail

Online sportsbooks protect your banking information, so you don’t have to worry about it being stolen when you’re making transactions.

What is the Best Online Sportsbook?

No single online sportsbook is the best. It’s all about the user experience, and every user has a different experience.

There are numerous online sportsbooks worth checking out. You’ll find the ones you like best by trying different options and figuring out which best fits your betting habits and preferences.

The bottom line is that the “best” sportsbook can depend on many factors, including the state you live in (or can most reasonably visit), promotions and market depth.

Sportsbook Rankings Methodology

We’ve taken the time to sample and research numerous sportsbooks, narrowing down a list of the best in the industry. These rankings can help you decide which ones to try first.

Our rankings are based on scores in the following categories:

  • App reviews 
  • Availability across states
  • Size of welcome offer 
  • Ease of claiming welcome offer
  • Rewards program
  • In-app streaming capabilities
  • Existing user promos
  • Customer service options

Below, we’ll break down each category and why it’s important to your sports betting experience.

App Reviews

A quick and easy way to get a sense of a sportsbook’s quality is by comparing user reviews on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android). Since ratings are out of five stars, you’ll generally want a sportsbook that’s well-regarded with an average score of at least four stars.

You can also dive into specific user comments to get a sense of what people are saying about the app and if there are any recurring complaints or issues. This can be helpful for features that are hard to gauge until you actually use the app, like lagginess or customer service.

Many commenters are there to complain, so don’t put too much stock in specific reviews. 

That said, if you notice common themes throughout the comments, consider it a warning for issues you may encounter with the app.

State Availability

Each state handles sports betting differently. Some states allow both in-person and mobile sports betting, while others might only allow in-person sports betting or have a hard cap on the number of mobile sportsbooks permitted. 

Accordingly, sportsbooks vary by state, as each state has to approve a sportsbook before it can launch there. No sportsbook is available in every state with legal online sports betting, but a few have launched in the majority of them.

Generally speaking, the more states a sportsbook is available in, the better. That means it’s more likely to be available in your state, a bordering state or a state you’re likely to travel to, making it easier and more convenient to use. That way, you’ll be able to take your sportsbook with you rather than needing to sign up for a new one every time you leave your state.

While smaller “local” sportsbooks usually offer profit boosts and other bonuses based on hometown teams, they’re usually only available in a handful of states at most, offering limited availability.

Size of Welcome Offer

This is an important one. How much free money will a sportsbook give you for signing up?

Most sportsbooks have welcome offers to entice new customers, but it’s important to know how these offers work. Just because an offer has a higher dollar amount attached to it doesn’t necessarily make it better.

Some sportsbooks have “bet and get” promotions where you receive bonus bets (site credit) just for wagering a small amount of money. For example, you might get $200 in bonus bets just for placing a $5 wager. You’re essentially getting free money to bet with.

Other sportsbooks have “no-sweat” offers that give a bonus bet only if your first bet loses. 

For example, if you place a $20 bet after signing up and it loses, you’ll receive a $20 bonus bet, similar to a refund.

These offers tend to wow bettors with larger amounts than “bet and get” promos, often going up to $1,000 or $1,500. However, you’ll only receive a bonus bet if your first wager loses, in which case you’ll need to use the bonus bet to try to win your money back. If your wager wins, you’ll receive your cash winnings like a normal wager but won’t receive any bonus.

Accordingly, “no sweat” offers generally aren’t as good as “bet and get” promos. 

When comparing sportsbooks, it’s better to focus on welcome offers with guaranteed bonuses that give you site credit no matter what.

Ease of Claiming Welcome Offer

The size of the bonus offer won’t matter if it’s difficult to claim. 

The best sportsbook bonus offers are as easy to claim as they are generous, being simple and straightforward without requiring you to jump through hoops.

The best bonuses are guaranteed and hit your account instantly as soon as you place your first bet. They’ll also be easy to follow and won’t require you to check a bunch of boxes to get your bonus.

Some sportsbook bonus offers require you to make multiple wagers or wait days or weeks to unlock your full bonus. This can be inconvenient, especially if you’re trying to get your full bonus ahead of a major sporting event like the Super Bowl or March Madness.

More complex offers can be a pain, so we prefer simplified offers with fewer requirements.

Rewards Program

If you bet often and are planning to use a sportsbook frequently, a strong rewards program is essential.

Loyalty programs differ by sportsbook. Some give you rewards points for each bet, which can then be converted into bonus bets or other rewards. Others offer big rewards like free trips, hotel stays, tickets to sporting events and more.

On the other hand, some sportsbooks don’t have any rewards. That might not be a big deal for casual bettors, but it can make a difference for frequent sports bettors.

It’s like paying for something with cash versus a credit card. If you place a bet at a site without a loyalty program, you’re missing out on points elsewhere.

In-App Streaming Capabilities 

While bigger sports like football or basketball are usually only available to watch via traditional cable or streaming services, some sportsbooks offer the ability to stream smaller sports in the app, which is a benefit for bettors.

For example, FanDuel‘s app often streams tennis matches, which makes it easier to follow the action and place live wagers

Beyond just offering live streaming, we also considered how laggy the stream was, how much battery it used and the amount of events available to stream in the app. 

Existing User Promos

Most sportsbooks have some type of welcome offer to get new customers in the door, but where they really differ is with their promotions for existing customers.

Some sportsbooks offer a slew of daily promotions like odds boosts, no-sweat bets, bonus bets and more to keep customers coming back every day. Others only offer these sparingly, however, if at all.

One key existing user promo to consider is the referral bonus. Many sportsbooks have some type of referral bonus for getting someone else to sign up, but the amount can differ ($50 per person, $100, $200, etc.). If you’re planning to bet with friends or family, this can be a great way to score bonus bets for you and them.

Similar to a rewards program, you’ll want a sportsbook with frequent offers for existing customers if you plan to bet frequently.

Customer Service Options 

Strong customer service options are a must for any sportsbook considering most disputes or calls involve someone’s money. 

High marks were given to any sportsbook that offered 24/7 customer service (sporting events often end at night, after all), while points were deducted if a sportsbook relied on a FAQ page as a key part of its customer service profile. The more options for contacting customer service (email, chat, phone, etc.), the better.

Customer support is essential to guaranteeing a smooth sports betting experience. If a problem arises, it’s important to have it handled quickly and effectively.

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