How we rank sportsbooks
Every score on this page is a weighted average of five criteria, explained in full on How we rate:
| Criterion | Weight | What we check |
|---|---|---|
| Odds value | 25% | Margins on major markets compared with other books |
| Markets & live | 20% | Depth of markets, props, in-play coverage and cash out |
| Payouts | 20% | Methods, stated withdrawal times, limits |
| Safety & licence | 20% | Regulator, company behind it, safer-gambling tools |
| App & support | 15% | App quality and ratings, support channels |
We haven't run our own real-money tests. Scores are based on published terms, regulator records and independent reporting, cited in each review. Betway is an affiliate partner; that never changes its score.
The 10 sportsbooks compared
| Sportsbook | Score | Where | Welcome offer (reported) | Fastest payout (reported) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FanDuel | 9.2 | ~24 US states + DC, Puerto Rico | Bet $5 a day for 5 days, get $250 in bonus bets | PayPal, Venmo, debit: 24–48 hours |
| bet365 | 9.0 | ~17 US states; UK, Ontario, worldwide | Bet $10, get $200 in bonus bets | PayPal, debit: 1–3 days |
| DraftKings | 9.0 | ~27 US states + DC | Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets | PayPal, Venmo: 1–2 days |
| BetMGM | 8.7 | ~two dozen US states + DC, Puerto Rico; Ontario | First bet back up to $1,500 in bonus bets | Play+, PayPal, Venmo: 1–2 days |
| Fanatics | 8.5 | ~23 US states + DC | FanCash match offer (varies) | PayPal, Venmo, debit: 1–2 days |
| Betway | 8.4 | UK, Canada, Europe, Africa | UK: bet £10, get £40 in free bets (reported) | E-wallets: within 24 hours |
| Unibet | 8.4 | UK, Europe, Australia | UK: bet £10, get £30 in free bets (reported) | Trustly, e-wallets: same or next day |
| Pinnacle | 8.4 | International (not US, UK or France) | None — lower margins instead | E-wallets, crypto: fast |
| Caesars | 8.4 | ~two dozen US states + DC; Ontario, Alberta | Bet resets up to $250 (reported) | PayPal, Venmo, Play+: 1–3 days |
| William Hill | 8.1 | UK and selected European markets | UK: bet £10, get £30 in free bets (reported) | Debit, PayPal: 1–3 days |
Offers change often and differ by state and country; check the terms in the app before you sign up.
Our top picks at a glance
| Platform | Best for | Where |
|---|---|---|
| FanDuel | Best overall US app | ~24 states + DC |
| DraftKings | Most states, props and promos | ~27 states + DC |
| bet365 | Odds and live betting | ~17 US states; worldwide |
| BetMGM | MGM Rewards, big first bets | ~two dozen states |
| Fanatics | FanCash rewards | ~23 states + DC |
| Caesars | Caesars Rewards members | ~two dozen states |
| Betway | International, soccer & esports | UK, Canada, Europe, Africa |
| Unibet | European bettors | UK, Europe, Australia |
| Pinnacle | Low margins | International (not US/UK) |
| William Hill | UK horse racing | UK |
Best overall: FanDuel
The most polished sportsbook in the US — a superb app, the best same-game parlay builder, deep markets and quick payouts. Pricing is standard, so compare lines for bigger bets.
Best for odds and live betting: bet365
Often sharper prices than other big US books, unrivalled live betting and the deepest soccer coverage anywhere.
Most states: DraftKings
Available in more states than any rival, with a huge menu of props and frequent promotions.
Best international options
Outside the US, bet365, Betway and Unibet are well regulated all-rounders. Pinnacle is known for some of the lowest margins in the industry where it's legal — but no bonuses.
Where sports betting is legal in the US
In October 2026, about 31 states plus Washington, DC allowed online sports betting:
Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida (Hard Rock Bet only), Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming.
Several more states allow betting only in person, and California and Texas still have no legal sportsbooks. You must be 21+ in almost every state and physically inside it — the apps use geolocation. Latest update: sports betting states in October 2026.
How to sign up at a sportsbook
- Download the app for your state, or open the site while you're inside a legal state.
- Register with your legal name, date of birth, address and the last four digits of your SSN.
- Allow location access — you can only bet while geolocation confirms you're in the state.
- Opt in to the welcome offer before your first deposit if you want it.
- Deposit with PayPal, Venmo, a debit card or online banking.
- Place your first bet — and set deposit and time limits in your account settings.
Payments at US sportsbooks
| Method | Deposit | Withdrawal | Typical withdrawal time |
|---|---|---|---|
| PayPal / Venmo | Yes | Yes | Within 1–2 days |
| Play+ prepaid card | Yes | Yes | Often same day |
| Debit card | Yes | At some books | 1–3 days |
| Online banking / ACH | Yes | Yes | 2–5 business days |
| Credit card | Banned or blocked in several states | No | — |
| Cash at the cage | At books with retail partners | Yes | Instant |
Bet types you'll find
| Bet | What it is | Learn more |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | Pick the winner | Moneyline, spread and totals |
| Point spread / handicap | A team must win by a margin | Asian handicap explained |
| Totals (over/under) | Combined score above or below a line | Moneyline, spread and totals |
| Parlay | Several picks combined; all must win | What is a parlay? |
| Same-game parlay | Several picks from one game | Same-game parlays |
| Live (in-play) | Bets while the game is on | Live betting guide |
| Futures | Season-long outcomes, e.g. Super Bowl winner | How betting odds work |
How to choose
- Check it's licensed in your state or country.
- Compare odds on the sports you bet most — use the no-vig calculator.
- Read the promo terms — see free bets and odds boosts.
- Set limits from day one — see bankroll management.
New to betting? Start with how betting odds work. In a state without legal sportsbooks? See sports event contracts.
