It looks like the Stanley Cup Finals will be set in the next few days, so we are turning our focus to betting on the Conn Smythe Trophy while we wait. We’ll cover the top five betting favorites, exploring the case for each to win.
Are you interested in betting on sports? Do you want to know if your state offers legal sports betting? Have you been searching for the best betting sites online but don’t know where to start?
If you answered yes to any of these questions or are just interested in learning about legal sports betting in general, we have you covered—but first, who are we?
Usalegalbetting.com is a website that covers the legal online sports betting and casino industries in the US, including horse racing and daily fantasy sports.
Here you will find comprehensive reviews of all the legal sports betting sites/apps in the USA.
We'll provide extensive information regarding the regulated sports betting industry, help you find the best sports betting bonuses and promos, and inform you about the lastest sports betting laws and legal sports betting news.
Our mission is to provide our users with the most comprehensive and up-to-date information so they can make informed decisions.
All of our reports and analysis are research-based. We use the knowledge and experience of our experts to provide reliable and impartial information designed to help you understand and enjoy legal sports betting.
Feel free to peruse our sections on betting site reviews, state-by-state reports, or any of the many sports related categories.
For those looking for a legal online casino, we have a special section dedicated to helping you find the most reliable caisno in the US.
At the end of the day, we are here to service your every want and desire with the goal of educating you as much as possible.
Thank you for trusting usalegalbetting.com to be your number-one resource throughout your research and discovery process. Let’s get started!
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Betting on sports in the USA is extremely popular, but it is also controlled by which state you are in and what their sports betting laws are. In this section, we cover the legal aspects of states with legal sports betting.
A 2018 court decision opened the door to online, retail, and mobile regulated sports betting in the USA. Nearly three-quarters of states have legal sports betting at the time of writing, and that number is quickly rising. Several states are also undergoing legislative debates and on the road to legal sports betting of their own.
However, sports betting laws can vary by a drastic amount from state-to-state, which is why it is important to know what your state’s sports betting laws look like. It is also a good idea to familiarize yourself with surrounding areas to see what changes could be on the way.
Visit our legal sports betting states page to figure out exactly what is legal and where.
Yes, legal online sports betting in the USA exists thanks to the repealing of a previous precedent.
On May 14, 2018, the US Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) via Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association. That decision allowed states to create legal sports betting markets, whereas sports betting had been previously restricted to Nevada. Many have already jumped at the opportunity to create their own market and forge an identity in the gambling world.
Bettors can frequent regulated and offshore sportsbooks, again, depending on the state that they are in. Sportsbooks have also been made available online via web and mobile apps and at retail locations, such as casinos or sports bars & grills.
It is likely that more sports betting laws come into effect as the market continues to hit unprecedented heights, and the most highly-anticipated states (California, Florida, and Texas) come under more pressure. We will cover all online betting laws and betting sites in the USA as developments occur.
Something important to remember is that just because a state has a gambling market does not mean that they don’t have restrictions on online gambling. For example, several states require first-time customers to visit a brick-and-mortar establishment before registering with any legal betting sites. Others may have online sports betting but completely restrict online casino games, whereas they typically go hand-to-hand in other states.
Understanding differences in regulated sports betting laws is one of the first steps that should be taken on the road to becoming a full-fledged sports bettor. Check out our section on online sports betting for more information.
As we continue, we will discuss the importance of picking legal online sportsbooks and learning to discern the best betting sites from the rest. We will also dive into how you can find which legal online sportsbook is the best fit for you.
Betting at legal online sportsbooks is crucial for American bettors.
Simply put, betting anywhere that doesn’t offer legal sports gambling is a criminal offense. You will be in direct violation of state law and could face serious punishment. Don’t let that scare you, though, because finding legal online sportsbooks is a piece of cake.
The size of legal sports gambling in the United States is ever-changing. As more states create legal sports betting markets, the handle, revenue, and profit margins all increase.
In 2021, the retail and online betting sites in the USA claimed a $57.2bn handle. Sportsbooks managed a combined $4.29bn in revenue, with the Super Bowl serving as the biggest betting draw of the year.
Legal gambling sites are also constantly entering the American market, whether they may be powered by local casinos, larger conglomerates, or international corporations looking to capitalize on the Land of the Free.
States deliver their betting figures every month in published reports. Nevada, New York and New Jersey have dominated the market, although Illinois recently crept into the number-two spot for sports gambling online.
States also claim a certain percentage (which differs depending on the state) in taxes, which go towards funding projects such as schools, roads, and conservation efforts.
As we mentioned earlier, many states are enamored by the prospect of adding a legal sports betting market to their list of offerings.
Ohio, for example, has already regulated sports betting and is set to launch its market at 12:01 a.m. on January 1, 2023. California is also sending two controversial sports measures called Proposition 26 and Proposition 27 to the November ballot, where the public will decide how and if sports betting will enter the state.
The success of legal sports betting has also started to influence betting offerings in other regions, such as politics. A group of influential businessmen and women from Washington recently began lobbying for political betting markets.
As far as sports go, the biggest cries will come around the time of the biggest events, namely the Super Bowl, NBA Finals, World Series, UFC fights, and March Madness. The World Cup and Olympics are also less frequent but cyclical events that cause huge turnouts.
Legal sports betting is a topic in nearly every state in America, except for Hawaii and Utah, neither of which have any form of legal gambling. We will be sure to provide updates on every measure, law, and rule change if and when they happen all across the country.
As far as sports you can bet on the most popular are Football (NFL), Basketball (NBA), Baseball (MLB), Hockey (NHL), and Golf (PGA Tour).
The Super Bowl, NBA Finals, World Series, and March Madness are widely considered the top sport betting events in the US.
Other sports (UFC, Tennis, Soccer) are gaining popularity gaining popularity fast.
Horse race betting is both legal and illegal in the United States. It is allowed under federal law, but several states have classified it as an illegal activity. You can find out your state’s stance on horse racing in our review of states and their betting markets.
The National Thoroughbred Racing Association acts as the regulator of horse racing in America. We have more information on horse race betting sites, including the best sites to visit, and everything to do with the industry in our review of horse race betting.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) are like horse race betting in the sense that they are legal in certain states and illegal in others. DFS are regulated by gaming commissions in the states in which they operate and are available from a variety of operators, again, assuming the state has a legal market for them.
DFS are popular because of their absence of long-term commitment. Players can build lineups hours before matchups and swap them out for an entirely new one the very next day if they so choose. The power resides within the hands of the individuals, and the excitement comes fast and furious.
There are many sports betting sites for you to choose from as a sports bettor. However, some stand above the others, depending on the sport that you are focused on.
Several sportsbooks specialize in offering diverse prop betting lines, which is preferred by one community of gamblers. Others will prioritize live betting odds or parlays, which also service different crowds.
In addition, many sportsbooks will run promos during major sports events, giving customers the opportunity to win free bets, massive payouts, or boost tokens. Those details depend entirely on the online sportsbook that you have chosen to frequent.
Finding the right legal online sportsbook takes time and research. There is no universal correct answer for every gambler out there, and the answer can only come after you have put in the hours. However, picking the right one will ensure long-term enjoyment and excitement.
Don’t worry about sorting through an endless list of choices, however, as we have sorted through every category and organized our rankings of the best online sportsboo
Our legal betting site reviews are formulated on the back of hours and hours of research from our expert team of analysts.
All of our writers have years of experience in the betting industry and have spent time combing through every website's offerings, history, and outlook to help compile lists sorted by the best options in every state, sport, and category.
Feel free to use our lists as a basis for which sportsbook you choose to visit, but remember that your evaluation of the sportsbook is just that—yours. Spend time getting to know all of the options available to you before ultimately choosing one.
Promotions and bonuses are special deals used to entice bettors, both new and returning, to place wagers with a sportsbook, usually around a specific event.
Promos and bonuses can include opportunities to bet risk-free, for boosted odds or payouts, to unlock other opportunities, activate deposit matches, win early cash-outs or secure free bet tokens. All rewards depend on the specific promotion and which sportsbook is offering the deal.
Part of our criteria in formulating the list of the best online sportsbooks involves gauging and assessing the promos, which are integral parts of legal sports betting. We are always looking for the best deals and will highlight them on our page.
Having knowledge about the composition of legal sports betting in the United States is one thing, but knowing how to convert it into success as a bettor is another. Lucky for you, we have your back and will show you all of the different ways that you can stack your bankroll using regulated sports betting.
Our betting guides are the simplest way to understand what is available to you as a gambler. We will talk about all of the major markets, such as moneylines, spread, and points totals, as well as parlays, futures, teasers, and other exotic markets.
We also go over tips and tricks to make more money while betting on legal online sportsbooks. For example, one generally-accepted idea is never to bet on prohibited favorites’ moneylines because the value proposition is very low. Another method is to formulate low-risk parlays that increase value without sacrificing risk.
As far as live betting, there is also live withdrawals, next exemplified by FanDuel’s cash out option—bettors can skip the wait until the end of the event and withdraw a certain amount of prize money if they are scared that the outcome won’t hit or think the value will only continue to fall.
We also teach you about the intricacies of sportsbooks, which includes how to read betting odds, where to find different betting options, and when to activate bonus offers.
There are tons of ways that you can make money with legal sports betting, and the key is finding which one works the best for you.
Sportsbooks all have different Payment Methods for deposits and withdrawals. While this is not necessarily the first factor that most gamblers consider when choosing their favorite sportsbook, it is certainly an important part of the process.
Mastercard sportsbooks and VISA sportsbooks both accept credit card transfers. Many bettors enjoy the familiarity of using their credit card and already have their information saved on their mobile devices, although they may have to pay transfer fees.
PayPal sportsbooks allow patrons to transfer money using one of the most popular e-wallets, although PayPal too is known to take cuts of money via processing fees.
Skrill is another e-wallet with tons of security, although it isn’t easily available to US bettors in many cases.
ACH transfers are another very safe way of sending money to and from sportsbooks, and although they also take a fee, it is often lower than credit card companies.
Bank transfers are as secure as any other top choice, but they are usually saved for high-rollers looking to send large sums of money to and from sports betting sites.
Play+ is the best choice for instant withdrawals, and these cards are even usable at certain ATMs.
Neteller is another e-wallet that is comparable to PayPal and Skrill, although it tends to charge higher fees.
Venmo recently started allowing bettors to send money instantly using their service, although they are not widely accepted just yet.
Cash at cage transfers are simply real-money exchanges at retail sportsbooks. The service is quick and easy with no strings attached.
PayNearMe is a supplemental service to the transaction process. Users are charged for the amount they want to spend and then sent a barcode via text and/or email and instructed to visit a payment center, such as a gas station or corner store.
Online casinos are legal in the United States under federal law—however, states have the option to choose whether or not they offer online casino services, and many have opted not to. At the time of writing, Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia are the only states with legal online casinos. Remember that states with legal online casinos are not necessarily legal online sports betting locations.
Online casinos offer all sorts of entertainment, from traditional table and card games to slot machines. It depends entirely on the online casino that you are visiting and what its offerings are.
Online casinos are a great way to save the trip and bring the entertainment into your house. They are also great complements to online sports betting and, in many instances, work hand-in-hand.
As a team of gambling industry experts, we want to emphasize the importance of safe and responsible gambling.
Pay attention to your behaviors when you are placing bets—if you notice that you are becoming reckless or compulsive, you may want to take a break. You could also consider calling a gambling helpline or talking to someone close to you.
Remember that gambling should be done as a form of entertainment and not to supply primary income. Smart gamblers also play very rarely and do not risk more than they can afford to lose.
Read more information about responsible gambling.
Betting with a legal online sportsbook is very simple. All that you have to do is visit the sportsbook online or in person, create an account, make your first deposit, and voila! You are ready to go.
Every sportsbook has terms and conditions that apply to all bettors, as well as various promotions. If you need help figuring out if you are eligible to bet, feel free to check out our betting guides or our review of your state’s betting scene.
In some instances, bettors can be disqualified from accessing sportsbooks if they are on a self-excluded list, used to help suppress gambling addiction.
Yes, mobile betting is legal in the United States, so long as you are in a state with legal sports betting. Note that your state of residence is irrelevant when it comes to placing online wagers, and all that matters is the state that you are in. That means that you could hail from a state without a legal sports betting market, but if you cross the border into one that does, you can start placing bets.
Illegal sports gambling represents a variety of infractions. It can consist of someone that does not meet the age requirement, is pretending to be someone else, is using an unregulated sportsbook, or anything else not explicitly allowed by law.
It is important that you are betting with legal sportsbooks and do not fall victim to scams or illegal sites. Consult our review of the best online betting sites to find the perfect spot for your gambling endeavors.
All bettors have to pay taxes on their winnings, just like they do with their regular income. Gambling winnings are considered a form of supplementary income and can be filed with the rest of your taxes.
You’re not alone in dealing with Uncle Sam, as sportsbooks and casinos also send varying chunks of their revenue to the state. That money is then used for state-sponsored projects.
The legal sports betting age in the US is 21. Anyone that does not meet the age requirement will automatically be disqualified from creating an account or registering a bet with any regulated sportsbook.
There are other restrictions for prospective customers, but the age barrier is one of the most obvious hurdles that have to be cleared. Consult each sportsbook’s terms and conditions to find out the other requirements that exist.
Live gambling is legal in the United States, but as is the case with standard sports betting, states must have legal sports betting markets for live gambling to also be legal.
Live betting presents gamblers with the opportunity to manipulate betting lines by waiting for lines to change and picking the perfect moment to pounce. This can help earn more value for bets that had previously unfavorable odds.
