New York City Skyline

Legal Sports Betting in the USA

Welcome to USA Legal Betting!
Here you will find comprehensive reviews of all the legal sports betting sites/apps in the USA:

Top Legal Betting Sites and Apps

1

New players only | 21+ | Must bet $10+ | PAID IN BONUS BETS | Free Bet expire after 7 days | Free Bet not included in winnings | Full T&C apply

2

New players only | 21+ | First online real money wager only | $10 first deposit required | Refund issued as non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 14 days | Full T&C apply - 

3

New players only | 21+ | Must deposit $10+ | Use bonus code SPORTS | Free Bet expire after 14 days | Free Bet not included in winnings | Full T&C apply

4

New players only | 21+ | Deposit required. Bonus Bets available for use upon settlement of qualifying bet. Returns exclude Bonus Bets wager.

USA legal betting trust iconAre 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.

What We Do?

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 latest 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 analyses 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 casinos in the US.

At the end of the day, we are here to provide you with the information you need to succeed in sports betting. That includes providing news, reviews, tips and tricks, promotions, and so much more.

Thank you for trusting usalegalbetting.com to be your number-one resource throughout your research and discovery process. Let’s get started!


Where You Can Legally Gamble Online in the US

Click On a State to See Full Details

      Sports Betting (Retail or Online)

      Sports Betting & Online Casinos

      Not Legal/ Movement Expected


Legal US Betting Sites: By State

Betting on sports in the USA is extremely popular, but it is controlled by the state you are in and their sports betting laws. In this section, we'll 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 reviewing legislation allowing legal sports betting within their borders.

However, sports betting laws can vary drastically 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 the 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.

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in the USA?

Yes, legal online sports betting in the USA is now allowed thanks to repealing of a long-standing a legal 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 and Texas) come under more pressure to legalize the industry.

As developments occur, we will cover all online betting laws and betting sites in the USA.

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-in-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 successful 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.

Why Is It So Important to Only Bet At Licensed and Legal Online Sportsbooks?

Betting at legal online sportsbooks is crucial for American bettors.

Many states have laws against using unregulated sportsbooks, making it a criminal offense. Some states turn a blind eye to the “grey market” industry but will not interfere if you run into an issue with a rogue sportsbook. That means you could lose your money and possibly your identity without US law enforcement support. Those are big risks to take, making choosing a regulated sportsbook the far better option.

Don’t let that scare you, though, because finding legal online sportsbooks is a piece of cake.

What Is The Size of the Legal US Sports Betting Market?

The size of legal sports gambling in the United States is ever-growing. As more states create legal sports betting markets, the handle, revenue, and profit margins all increase.

In 2022, the retail and online betting sites in the USA claimed a $93.2 billion handle. Sportsbooks managed a combined $7.5 billion in revenue, with the Super Bowl serving as the biggest betting draw of the year. While the numbers for the 2023 handle have yet to be released, they are projected to exceed $100 billion.

New 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 emerging industry.

States deliver their betting figures every month in published reports. Nevada, New York, and New Jersey have dominated the market, although Illinois recently became a top-five state for online sports gambling.

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.

The Future of Legal Sports Betting in the US?

As we mentioned earlier, many states are enamored by the prospect of adding a legal sports betting market.

Georgia, for example, has been attempting to pass legislation to legalize mobile sports betting in the Peach State. They had a couple of propositions that failed early in 2023, but there is still a lot of momentum to legalize the industry heading into 2024.

North Carolina has opened the pre-registration window for bettors to sign up ahead of the March 11 launch of legal sports betting. The Tar Heel State legalized sports betting last summer, but the launch was delayed until March as they carefully prepared to ensure a smooth debut.

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.

Regarding sports, 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.

Best Legal Sports Betting Sites by Sport

Legal Horse Racing Betting

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.

Your state’s stance on horse racing can be found 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.

Legal Daily Fantasy Sports

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) are like horse race betting in the sense that they are legal in certain states and illegal in others.

Gaming commissions regulate DFS 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 choose.

The power resides within the hands of the individuals, and the excitement comes fast and furious.

Legal Betting Sites/Sportsbooks Reviews

You can choose from many sports betting sites as a sports bettor. However, some stand above others, depending on the sport that you are focused on.

Several sportsbooks specialize in offering diverse prop betting lines, which is preferred by some gamblers. Others will prioritize live betting odds or parlays, which also appeal to 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 use.

Finding the right legal online sportsbook takes time and research. There is no universally 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 sportsbooks.

Our legal betting site reviews are based on 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 the options available before ultimately choosing one.

Promotions and Bonuses

Promotions and bonuses are special deals used to entice new and returning bettors, 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.

Sports Betting Guides

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 the different ways that you can boost 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 are also live withdrawals, 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  sportsbooks' intricacies, including how to read betting odds, where to find different betting options, and when to activate bonus offers.

There are many ways to make money with legal sports betting, and the key is finding which one works best for you.

Payment Methods

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 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 cards 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 does to take a cut 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.

Legal Online Casinos in USA

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 you are visiting and its offerings.

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.

See the top online casinos for US players.

Responsible Gambling / Safe Gambling

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.

FAQ's

​​How can I legally bet on sports?

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, and 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.

Is mobile betting legal in the US?

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.

What is illegal sports gambling?

Illegal sports gambling represents a variety of infractions. It can consist of someone who 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.

Do I have to pay taxes on my winnings?

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.

What is the legal betting sports betting age in the US?

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.

Is Live Gambling Legal?

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 also to 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.

Responsible Gambling

Gambling problems? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Must be 21+ years and located in Virginia.