With the rise of legal online sportsbooks available in the US, you may wonder what these sites are offering that have more users signing up to place bets on their favorite teams.
Our guide provides a full breakdown of what to expect from the best betting sites in 2026. By the end, you'll have a solid idea of what top sportsbooks are about, including the newest promo codes, bonuses, and any cool betting features. You'll also find out which ones are directly available in your state.
We’re going to start off our guide with a hot list of our favorite betting sites in June 2026:
Legal in 26 states, DraftKings has quickly taken over as one of the top sports betting sites and apps in the country. The brand began as a popular daily fantasy sports platform, but entered the sports betting world once the opportunity arose.
Over at DraftKings, you can get your experience started with $150 in bonus bets for simply betting $5. Alongside a competitive welcome bonus, you’ll find one of the busiest sports betting lobbies, too. You’ll find plenty of ongoing promotions, the Dynasty rewards program, and one of the most responsive support teams available. Should you wish, you can even enjoy the full experience through one of the best betting apps on the market.
Multiple betting options. 20+ sports represented. Solid welcome bonus. T&Cs and 21+ apply
FanDuel is arguably the top sportsbook in the country, often owning a majority of market share in the 22 states they operate in. Another daily fantasy brand that expanded into legal sports betting, FanDuel has been quickly become one of the industry leaders.
As a new member here, you’ll be able to bet $5 and get $200 back in bonus bets. From here, you’ll find that you can bet on all major leagues, including the NFL and NBA. Certain fixtures have over 100 additional betting markets, which keeps things nice and interesting for those who fancy something a little different from moneylines and spreads. Ongoing perks come in their droves, support is accountable and quick to message back, and you can watch several live sporting events while using the betting site or app.
Wagering Needed (WR): 1x Deposit. T&Cs and 21+ apply
If you’re in one of the 24 states Caesars Sportsbook is legal in, you can typically claim a great welcome bonus: a first bet offer of up to $1,000. You’ll also find that the Caesars Rewards program links your online and retail activity. So, you’ll be able to exchange your points for bonus bets, hotel stays, and other unique experiences.
You’ll find that you can bet on all sorts of major leagues and sports, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, and tennis. Plus, you’ll find that you can bet on everything from moneylines and spreads to various prop bets, like next touchdown scorer in football or first basket scorer in basketball. Mobile betting is also possible at Caesars Sportsbook through the dedicated mobile app, and you can soon get in contact with support with any queries.
Wagering Needed (WR): 1x Deposit. T&Cs and 21+ apply
Fanatics Sportsbook is another newer sportsbook, as they entered the scene in four states in August 2023, and have quickly expanded to 22 states. The sportsbook offers a variety of welcome bonuses and promotions, but most recently it has been a Bet $30, Get $300 offer.
Known for their apparel and merchandise company, Fanatics Sportsbook provides opportunities to get bonus funds when you purchase jerseys, hats or other items. Additionally, their FanCash Rewards Program has often been regarded as one of the best loyalty programs among all sports betting sites and apps.
While they aren’t as well known in the US yet, bet365 has a massive presence across the world. If you are in one of the 13 states where they are currently legal, you will likely be able to claim the most common welcome offer, which is a First Bet Safety Net promotion valued at up to $1,000 in bonus bets.
A well-known sportsbook in Europe and beyond, the bet365 brand has been around for decades, and is slowly expanding their reach. The sports betting site and app have arguably the most markets and leagues available, and with features like the Bet Builder and more, they are a great option for bettors.
While BetRivers isn’t as big as some of the top names in the industry, they are still legal in 15 states. The welcome bonus typically varies depending on the time of year and state, but most recently the sportsbook was offering a Second Chance Bet promotion.
Like other top sports betting sites and apps, BetRivers offers a wide variety of bet types and markets. One way they stick out, however, is their iRush Rewards program, which many bettors have praised as one of the top loyalty programs available in various states.
Of course one of the major deciding factors on which sportsbook to choose is where you live. Certain states such as Arizona or Colorado have dozens of licensed sites and apps available, whereas the choice may be smaller in other parts of the country.
Nevertheless, if you want to bet on sports in 2026, making an informed decision about where to play is all-important. Get the best experience for your needs, whether it’s the lines for a particular sport, a certain feature you want, or the chance to claim special betting bonuses and promotions.
Not every state currently allows traditional sports betting, such as Florida and California. This doesn’t mean you still can’t partake in a similar kind of fun. Legal in 45 US states, the emergence of social sportsbooks online has provided bettors another avenue to explore.
Social sportsbooks operate a dual currency system that has become very popular in the sweepstakes arena. It allows bettors to play for free using Gold Coins, or switch to Promotional Play and compete for real money prizes. Social betting could be a viable option for those without access to traditional sportsbooks or for someone who is looking to learn the ropes without making a real money deposit.
While all sportsbooks are unique in some ways, the sign-up process at any of them generally follow this approach:
During the registration process, you’ll find that you have the chance to opt into a new customer offer. To claim the welcome promo, you may have to enter a promotional code or make some sort of qualifying deposit.
These promotions offer you the chance to get familiar with the sports betting lobby and help you understand how the site works as a whole. Additionally, you have the potential to turn your bonus bets into a withdrawable cash balance.
| Welcome Bonus | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit Match | The deposit match is a relatively common online sports betting bonus that promises to match your first deposit up to a certain value. Usually, you will find these promos at the sign-up stage; however, smaller matched deposits can run consistently throughout the week. | 100% matched deposit bonus of up to $2,000 |
| No Deposit Bonus | It may seem fairly obvious, but the no-deposit bonus does not require any funds to leave your account. Instead, you’ll be expected to enter a promo code, opt-in, and/or verify your details before bonus bets are released. | $25 in bonus bets after creating your new player account |
| First Bet Offer | Another popular promotion that is often released at the sign-up stage is the first bet offer. Generally, you’ll only receive a bonus if your first bet loses. The initial stake will be added back into your account in the shape of bonus bets. | $250 returned in bonus bets for your first losing wager |
| Bet/Get Bonus | One of the most common offers available at most sportsbooks is the Bet/Get bonus. This promotion means if you bet a certain amount, you will get a certain amount of bonus bets. These typically are rewarded whether the bet wins or loses, but sometimes it may require a win. | Bet $5, Get $200 in bonus bets |
| Second Chance Bet | Similar to some other promotions, if your first wager loses, a Second Chance Bet promo will give you a chance to place another bet of the same amount, without having to deposit funds again. The main difference is the bonus funds can’t be split up into multiple wagers, but the amount can sometimes be higher. | Second Chance Bet Up to $500 |
You’ll need to learn how to deposit at your chosen betting site. For the most part, you’ll find traditional methods like Visa, Mastercard, and bank transfer are available. However, plenty of e-wallets, including Skrill and PayPal are now common fixtures.
As you would expect from such reliable methods, payments are swift and secure. You’ll also find that deposits are instant, provided you’ve already passed relevant KYC/AML checks.
To deposit, you’ll usually just need to locate the ‘Cashier’ section, select ‘Deposit’, find your preferred method, enter your deposit value, and submit.
At any of the best new betting sites, you’ll find a stream of available markets. In this table, we’ve highlighted a few of the most common bets you are likely to come across.
| Betting Market | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Moneylines | The most basic of bets. You will choose whether a team/player will win, draw, or lose. | A bet on the Cincinnati Bengals to beat the LA Rams |
| Spreads | Work in a similar way to moneylines. However, a points deduction/advantage will level out the odds. | A bet on the LA Rams (+14 points) to beat Cincinnati Bengals |
| Proposition Bets | Any alternative bet that doesn’t directly relate to the outcome of the fixture. | A bet on Lionel Messi to score 1+ goals |
| Futures | Any bet that is focused on the tournament winners, including MVPs | A bet on Kylian Mbappe to win the Ballon d’Or |
| Totals | Also known as Over/Under bets, these involve the total number of points, runs, goals, rounds and other stats involving both sides in various events. | A bet on Over 48.5 total combined points in the Super Bowl |
| Parlays | Combining at least two different wagers into one bet, increasing overall odds, but decreasing likelihood as all “legs” must win. | A parlay on the LA Lakers -3 point spread, and the total points over 214 at +260 odds |
| Teasers | Similar to a parlay, but the “legs” have added points, runs, goals, or other stats increasing the likelihood, but decreasing the overall odds. | A 6-point teaser on the Lakers +3, and the total points over 208 at +110 odds |
The best betting sites will provide you with a complete in-play betting experience including live streams on the best live betting sites. You’ll want to be sure that the live odds are updated regularly to match the current position of things. If your chosen sportsbook doesn’t have live streaming, you can always check out the live stats and 2D pitches to build a better picture of how a fixture is playing out.
As a loyal player, you should be able to find ways to pick up bonus bets at betting sites far beyond the welcome stage.
Matched deposits, reload offers, and cashback promotions are very popular. Plus, you’ll find that most online sportsbooks provide you with odds boosts. These boosts may already have been predetermined and only feature on certain fixtures or they may be attached to any parlay you build that features a minimum of three selections.
You’ll want to check out the banners on this page and look out for any betting sites that allow you to withdraw with minimal fees attached. Additionally, make sure you pay close attention to the processing times, minimum limits, maximum limits, and the frequency of withdrawals available to you.
You’ll find that the best betting sites provide you with complete access to dedicated agents around the clock. Often, this is via live chat or telephone. Alternatively, you can filter through a selection of FAQs or get in contact through the on-site form. However you choose to get in contact, you’ll want to make sure that answers are swift, clear, and concise to help you get back on track.
The reality is that if a betting site isn’t licensed, they won’t be getting recommended by us because your safety is always our number one priority.
You’ll find that proof of state-specific licensing is a must, along with KYC/AML checks, external audits and the latest encryption technology. You’ll also want to focus on the accessibility of any terms and conditions, and the kind of safer gambling tools available to you.
The best sportsbooks have optimized the mobile experience so that it can be fully enjoyed through your browser. In many cases, you’ll also find dedicated apps that allow you to access the full experience on the go. Here is a quick look at just how much you can do at some of the best sportsbook apps:
Here, we’re going to share some top tips to help you with your sports bets:
You’ll want to get clued up on some basic terms. If you don’t know the difference between your parlays and futures or your spreads and your moneylines, you’re going to have a difficult time placing your bets.
You should already be fairly familiar with the sports you plan to bet on; however, there is no harm in having a closer look at past performances and current form before you add to your bet slip.
We keep our fingers firmly on the pulse here at Deadspin, always aiming to be the first to bring you any of the latest breaking legal betting news as well as sports headlines. If there’s a superstar injured, a fighter backing out, or a huge change to the roster, you can bet your bottom dollar that we’ve got the inside scoop.
We would always suggest sticking within your limits while betting online. After all, you’ll be far better off playing things safe and sticking with a limit that you’d be happy to lose.
Make sure that you are happy with the bonus terms and conditions before you start playing through them. Certain deposit methods may be considered ineligible, specific markets may be out of bounds, and maximum bets or other limits may be imposed.
With so many options around, it may feel overwhelming to navigate between the best online sports betting sites in the US. That’s why our guide was designed to give you a full overview of what to expect. With our lists of top recommended operators, you’ll be on your way to making safe, legal sports bets in your state!
Our favorite betting sites are highlighted within the banners on this page, but if you want to learn more about a particular betting site before signing up, feel free to explore our Sportsbook Reviews section.
Our reviews go into great depth, covering everything you need to know about any top sports betting operator within our radar. We’ll be sure to highlight their key features, like live streaming betting sites, mobile betting apps, promos and bonuses, and everything else that may help turn a good sportsbook into your perfect pick.
If you’re in search for the best betting sites, you can find the very best online sportsbook reviews here at Deadspin. In fact, you’ll find some of our latest favorites in the banners on this page.
To make a deposit at an online betting site, you’ll need to add funds to your betting account’s wallet. Many of the best betting sites will provide you with a range of payment methods to make a fast and easy deposit. This often includes popular methods like Visa, Mastercard, and Skrill, but it will always depend on the online sportsbook you choose.
Not all sportsbooks have dedicated apps, but the majority of them do. Mobile app or not, all the top sports betting sites online can be accessed directly from your mobile web browser. If you’re looking to see if a specific sportsbook has its own official app, check out our full sports betting brand reviews.
Many of the best online sportsbooks have a responsive support team that can be contacted around the clock. This typically includes a Live Chat function, an email option, a social media account, and a phone number. For the fastest responses, we recommend live chat, if it’s available.
Yes, you can win real money with a betting bonus. However, you will need to make sure that you have played through the promotional terms and potential rollover or playthrough requirements before any bonus bets are considered a part of your cash balance. Always read your bonus’s Terms and Conditions for the full details.
As of May 2025, there are 35 total states (along with Washington D.C.) that offer legal sports betting sites and mobile apps. The most recent state to legalize betting sites was North Carolina in 2024, and the next state expected to launch is Missouri in the fall of 2025.
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