Betting Sites Five Years on: A Look Back at Legal Online Sportsbooks

Nothing ramps up the excitement of watching your favorite team like placing a few bets.

And what do you need for that? The best online gambling sites, of course!

Our number one choice is BetWhale, a giant of the industry and well worth its capital at number one. We have rigorously reviewed and ranked the other top sportsbooks, taking into account factors like user experience, betting odds, bonuses, security, and customer support.

Eager to learn more? Keep reading.

Best Sports Betting Sites Online – Our Ranking Criteria

When searching for the best bookmakers online, it’s important to consider several factors. Let’s have a look at them below:

Sportsbook Features

The best online bookmakers should offer a wide range of betting options across various sports, including betting markets for the NBA and NFL, as well as niche sports and events. Take into account all the sports betting options, including whether live wagering is available.

Betting Markets & Odds

Assess the depth and variety of betting markets available, including moneylines, point spreads, totals, same game parlays, and props. Check the competitiveness of the odds offered by various sports betting sites.

Bonuses and Promotions

When choosing the best sports betting websites, sportsbook bonuses and promotions are essential features to consider. While attractive and fair welcome bonuses are important, you should also explore the availability of ongoing promotions like free bets, loyalty rewards, and seasonal offers that can improve your sports betting experience over time.

Banking Methods

The best sportsbooks online provide a variety of banking options to accommodate user preferences and ensure convenient, safe, and fast transactions with big betting limits.

Explore the range of available methods at various online sports betting sites, from traditional options like credit cards and bank transfers to modern ones like cryptocurrencies.

User Experience

The user experience of online sports betting websites is an often overlooked, but very important factor to consider. Choose sites with intuitive interfaces and easy navigation, improving your overall betting experience.

We used similar criteria to rank the best betting apps in Georgia.

Tips for Choosing the Best Betting Site for You

Not sure how to pick the perfect online sportsbook? Don’t worry – we’ve got your back!

With so many options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But choosing the best betting site for your needs doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these quick tips to make sure you’re signing up at a site that ticks all the right boxes for you.

Check for Licensing & Security: Always make sure the betting site is licensed and regulated by a reputable authority. This guarantees that your money, personal info, and bets are protected. Look for SSL encryption and certifications – if you see those little padlock icons, you’re in good hands!

Compare Bonuses & Promotions: Not all bonuses are created equal. Some look big but hide tricky wagering requirements. Check the fine print to make sure you’re getting real value. Welcome bonuses are great, but don’t forget to see what ongoing promotions are available for loyal players.

Explore Betting Markets & Sports Coverage: Do you love betting on football? Maybe you’re into niche sports like darts or eSports? Make sure your chosen site covers the sports and markets you care about. The best betting sites will offer a mix of popular leagues, exotic bets, and even custom props.

Test the User Experience: A smooth, easy-to-navigate site can make all the difference at the best betting sites for sports. Try browsing around on both desktop and mobile before you commit. Fast-loading pages, intuitive layouts, and clean interfaces mean less frustration and more fun!

Check Banking Options & Payout Speeds: Nobody likes waiting forever to get their winnings. Look for a sportsbook that offers plenty of banking methods – credit cards, e-wallets, crypto, you name it – and fast payouts. Bonus points if they have low fees and no annoying transaction limits.

For more information, read our TX sports betting guide where we compare online and in-person betting.

Top Sports To Bet on at the Best Online Sportsbooks

Whether you’re a fan of basketball or football, there’s something for everyone at our top picks. Let’s explore some of the best sports to bet on right now.

Football

Football is one of the most popular sports right now – it attracts fans with events like the NFL in the U.S. and football leagues across Europe. Its popularity stems from the sheer volume of betting options available, including everything from match outcomes to player performance stats.

Basketball

Basketball is all about action and pace, making it a popular pick at the best betting websites. The NBA seasons and games, with their high scoring and frequent lead changes, provide many opportunities for betting.

Tennis

With matches happening nearly every week of the year, tennis offers endless opportunities for bettors. The sport’s direct head-to-head matchups mean you can get really specific with your bets, from forecasting match winners to guessing the number of sets.

Horse Racing

A classic choice, horse racing has a long-standing association with betting. Betting on horse racing offers various wager types, from straightforward ‘win’ bets to more complex ‘exotic’ bets, making it appealing for both novices and seasoned bettors.

UFC/MMA

UFC and MMA have exploded in popularity, making them a hot spot for sports bettors. The intense, unpredictable nature of each match offers exciting opportunities at the best bookies online, from picking fight winners to predicting the method of victory or how long a fight will last.

eSports

As a rapidly growing sector, eSports betting is available at many new betting sites and taps into the fanbase of games like CS:GO, Dota 2, and Fortnite. It’s not just about who wins or loses; betting can include specifics like who will score first or how many kills a player will get.