Your ultimate checklist for finding a new sportsbook online
You’re scratching your head, flitting from one site to another. You find one welcome bonus you like, but then another catches your eye. Ah, but the odds aren’t quite so good on this site versus that one, so you wind up right back where you started.
Finding new online betting sites can be tough. It didn’t used to be, but since (some) US states have begun issuing licenses to web sportsbooks, punters like us now face another problem: deciding which is the best sportsbook of the bunch.
Trust me, I’ve been there. In fact, even in this line of work, I can’t say I’m any clearer on the best betting sites to use, particularly given that new brands keep cropping up.
Lean on my experience testing new betting sites in the US
One thing I can tell you, though, is what to look for if you’re searching for a new place to bet. That’s based on my experience of testing web betting brands, getting to know their strengths and weaknesses, and the features their customers prioritize.
With that in mind, I’ve put together a complete checklist of everything I would personally look for when choosing a new sports betting site. I’ll be covering:
- Licensing and legal stuff
- Brand reputation and due diligence
- Betting markets and odds
- Bonuses and promos
- Usability and mobile compatibility
- Payment methods and withdrawals info
- Responsible gameplay tools and resources
That’s followed by a list of five brands that I can recommend if you’re looking for a reliable new sportsbook in the USA, so feel free to jump ahead if you’re ready to meet your new sportsbook and start placing bets. In the meantime, let me kick-start my checklist of things to look for when finding a sports betting site in the USA.
Licensing and legal stuff
Granted, you might have a tricky decision to make about the betting site that’s right for you, but the truth is that there’s never been a better time to find a new online sportsbook in the USA. That’s thanks to recent state-by-state changes to how these sites are licensed and regulated.
Historically, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (UIGEA) made it nigh-on impossible to find legal web sportsbooks, even in states with the most relaxed stance on gambling. But in recent years, legislative changes have seen gaming licenses issued to sports betting retailers in several states, paving the way for legal real-money sports betting in the modern era.
How many US states offer legal online sports betting?
It’s pretty telling that the list of states with legal online sports betting is now too long to include in a guide like this. I’m talking legal sports betting in 30+ jurisdictions, so you’ve a pretty strong chance of being able to get started with a new betting site in your neck of the woods.
If you want to find out what the legal status of sports betting is where you live, your best bet is to hit up the website of your state gaming commission. These bodies hold all the cards and are responsible for deciding which web sportsbooks are in or out.
Brand reputation and due diligence
Discovering that betting is now a legit enterprise in your state is certainly exciting, but you shouldn’t rush out and sign up with the first sportsbook you come across. In my opinion, there are good sportsbooks and, well, not-so-good sportsbooks (I hesitate to say “bad” since they would be unlikely to get a gaming license if that were the case), so a little due diligence and brand awareness can help steer you towards a positive overall experience.
Right now, I bet you can think of some big-name sportsbooks off the top of your head. Try it.
If I were to guess, I’d say DraftKings, Caesars, and Fanatics were some of the brands that sprung to mind. And that makes sense given that these sites enjoy a stellar reputation in the USA, and are among the best-established betting sites in the country.
That’s not to say you shouldn’t go with a lesser-known option, but it’s worth checking out reviews and ratings from previous customers before you sign up and bet with what may be an unknown entity. Personally, I’d consider the following when checking out a new US sportsbook that you may not have heard of:
- User reviews
- TrustPilot score
- App store ratings
- Social media channels
- Expert reviews – on sites like WagerTalk
Be sure to make these kinds of due diligence checks a part of your new sportsbook selection process; otherwise, you could easily wind up with a betting site that doesn’t quite meet your expectations.
Betting markets and odds
We’re getting to the real meat and potatoes of any new betting site comparison now. The sports markets and strength of odds that different betting sites offer is, for me, a big deciding factor in whether I want to bet with a brand or not, and I’m certain you feel the same.
🏅 Flexible Sports Betting Markets
While I’m pretty confident that most US sports fans will be joining a new betting site simply to wager on the NFL, NBA, MLB, or the NHL, there’s a whole lot more to discover besides these homegrown leagues. Indeed, sites like bet365 give you the chance to bet on pretty much any sport you can think of, whether it's soccer and rugby or beach volleyball, darts, handball, or badminton.
Having a choice of different betting markets might not be a huge priority for you, and that’s OK. But I would encourage you to prioritize flexibility and choice where you can, as you might be surprised by the exciting betting experiences that crop up.
📊 Compare Sportsbook Odds
Odds aren’t made equal at the USA’s legal sports betting sites. That’s why all our individual sports betting reviews here at WagerTalk include an odds comparison chart, so you can see how a brand fares against its closest rivals.
It’s well worth keeping an eye on the odds available from different sportsbooks, even after you’ve committed to one site or another. Pricing fluctuations can make some sites more attractive, even at short notice.
Bonuses and promos
Don’t join a new sportsbook in the USA unless it’s willing to make it worth your while. I’m talking here about bonuses, which you should find at most reputable online sportsbooks that are serious about earning your custom.
Sportsbook bonuses take many forms, so here’s a few examples of the types of deals to watch out for as part of your search:
- “Bet and get” welcome offers: In my experience, these are the most common sign-up bonuses at new sports betting sites in the US. For example, you might get a promo like “bet $10, get $50 in free bet credit”.
- Deposit-match sign-up deals: This is another popular promo at American sportsbooks. Here, your new sportsbook will match whatever you’ve deposited into your account and reward you a bonus in free bet credit. For instance, you might see: “100% deposit-match bonus up to $500”.
- Odds boosts: “Odds boosts” or “enhanced odds” are a mainstay promo aimed at returning customers. With these, you can unlock boosted odds that offer a better return on standard sportsbook wagers; they’re often available before marquee matches.
That’s just a small sample of the types of promos you might get at a new US sportsbook. Be sure to lean on our brand promo reviews to find sites with the best sportsbook promotions.
Usability and mobile compatibility
You don’t want to get stuck on a sportsbook that is, frankly, a total pain to use. Happily, that’s pretty unlikely at a licensed web betting site in the US, but it is fair to say that some sites are speedier and easier to use than others.
Make sure to spend a bit of time getting a feel for your new sportsbook before you deposit any cash. Are its sports markets easy to access and navigate? How are the odds displayed? And does it seem to offer reliable load times that will serve you well when taking advantage of live, in-play betting opportunities?
Aim for maximum mobile compatibility
Another thing to look out for is just how set up your new sportsbook is for on-the-go mobile betting, which I’d wager 99.9% of you will be interested in. A lot of premium sportsbooks in the USA offer dedicated mobile apps for iOS and Android devices, so if that’s a non-negotiable feature for you, add it to your checklist. Others may simply have a well-designed mobile site, and that’s fine too if you’re happy to bet via your preferred mobile browser.
Our sports betting sites of choice
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- Various promotions and boosts for existing customers.
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- Fantastic selection of team and player props
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Payment methods and withdrawals info
I’m sure you can imagine how frustrating it is to get started with a sportsbook, only to find that it doesn’t support your preferred payment and banking methods. Ideally, you don’t want to be switching to a new payment facility just to suit your sportsbook; it ought to be the other way around.
I’d say that most betting sites in the USA tend to do a pretty decent job of offering customers flexibility over the banking methods they offer. I personally like to see a mix of the following:
- Debit and credit cards – including Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.
- E-wallets – like PayPal, Skrill, and Venmo.
- Standard bank and wire transfers.
Watch out for fees, bank delays, and average withdrawal times
Make sure you dip into a brand’s T&Cs for any mention of fees that may apply when depositing or withdrawing funds from your account. It’s worth mentioning, too, that some banks may pause, delay, or even freeze payments associated with online sportsbooks, so check your bank’s policy on web gambling before you start, as this could affect average withdrawal times.
Responsible gameplay tools and resources
I’m happy to say that betting sites in the USA tend to do a pretty good job with responsible gameplay tools and resources. That’s perhaps because this is a prerequisite of their licensing agreement with a regional gaming body, which requires them to provide a minimum level of RG as part of their service.
When canvassing new betting sites, I like to take a look over the various tools they offer to help customers manage their accounts and enjoy a healthy gambling experience. The typical things I look for include:
- Self-exclusion programs
- Personalized limits for deposits and maximum bets
- Time limits per session
- Reality checks
- Full transaction history access
- Direct links to helpful guides and resources
5 brands to try if you’re looking for a new betting site
OK, you’re now armed with a complete checklist of features and attributes that I would personally look for when comparing different web sportsbook in the USA. But to save you some legwork, I’ve also taken the liberty of compiling a list of five betting sites that you might like to check out as part of your search. Thank me later.
Fanatics – Lots of boxes ticked at this up-and-coming sportsbooks
Fanatics In A Nutshell
Goodness me has Fanatics hit the ground running since launching its online sportsbook. Once a single store, brick-and-mortar sportsbook in Jacksonville, Florida, Fanatics is now available in approximately 95% of all states that have legalized online sports betting, so there’s a very good chance that you’ll be able to use it where you live.
Circling back through my checklist, Fanatics cruises down the list. It’s built a solid reputation with its existing customers, offers fiercely competitive odds, dishes out some eye-catching promos, and has a dedicated mobile app to boot. It’s also got an excellent VIP rewards program built around “FanCash”, which can be used to redeem new bonus bet credit or unlock merch deals in the official Fanatics web store. Pretty cool.
How To Sign Up
- Download the Fanatics mobile app. This is available on the Apple App and Google Play Store.
- Click “Log In” in the upper right corner.
- Enter your email address to start the account registration process.
- From here, provide the other necessary details like your name, date of birth, address, social security number, and more.
- Agree to the terms and conditions.
- Enable biometrics, which allows you to log in with a face scan.
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Caesars – A big-name sports betting site that needs no introduction
Caesars Sport In A Nutshell
If brand reputation and reliability are priorities for you, Caesars should offer complete peace of mind. Few online betting brands carry the same clout as Caesars in name alone, which is perhaps why the brand’s online sportsbook is now available in 20+ US states, representing very good coverage for a single web sportsbook.
Caesars sportsbook means business, too. It offers exceedingly wide sports market coverage, along with a decent handful of wagering types like futures, props, same-game parlays, and more. There’s a mobile app for iOS and Android, along with attractive promos for new customers. You’ll also get access to Caesars flagship rewards program, where you can turn your betting XP into perks like discounted hotel stays, merchandise, dining experiences, and more.
How To Sign Up
- Click 'Register'.
- Enter your personal details, including your social security number, email address, and telephone number.
- Tick the age verification and T&Cs boxes.
- Activate your account via the verification email sent after you completed registration.
bet365 – A global sports betting powerhouse is now available in the USA
Bet365 Sport In A Nutshell
Across the pond in the UK and Europe, bet365 is a seriously big deal. In fact, it’s among the biggest and best-known betting sites in the world, so it’s no surprise that it’s taking the US sports betting market by storm.
It’s no exaggeration to say that bet365 has nailed the online sports betting experience, which is fair enough after over two decades in the industry. Between the site’s easy-to-use sportsbook and its killer new-customer deals, bet365 has perfected the art of onboarding new members, which may be the secret to its global success. In the USA, it’s not yet available in quite as many states as some other sportsbooks, but watch this space, as the brand is aggressively expanding into new jurisdictions week by week.
How To Sign Up
- Click on "Join".
- Provide your personal details
- Confirm your email address by clicking on the link sent by Bet365.
- Choose a payment method and deposit the desired amount.
- Browse available sports and events, and place your bets.
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FanDuel – Awesome features and plenty of “bet and get” promos
FanDuel Sportsbook In A Nutshell
Boy, oh, boy do I love FanDuel. And it seems I’m not alone, either, as the brand often ranks as the #1 web sportsbook in the USA. Why the accolades? Well, it could be because FanDuel prioritizes mobile sports betting, with a 4.5-star+ betting app that is the envy of its competitors. Or it could have something to do with the brand’s regular “bet and get” promotions, which are available for and returning customers alike.
They’re not the only benefits that FanDuel brings to the table, either. The brand has a massive array of sports markets, all of which are available within a thumb’s swipe on the intuitive mobile app. There’s also some fantastic in-play betting opportunities to be had here, including live streaming of marquee fixtures and events. So, if you’re looking for a do-all betting site with a killer mobile presence, you may have just found it.
How To Sign Up
- Click the green ‘Join’ button at the top right of the homepage.
- Select your state/location and enter your email address, create a username, and set a password.
- Provide personal details, including full name, date of birth, and home address.
- Enter your phone number and the last four digits of your Social Security Number (SSN) for identity verification.
- Agree to the terms and conditions, confirm you are of legal age, and complete any additional verification steps.
- Click the ‘Create Account’ button to finalize your registration.
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DraftKings – One of the OG online betting brands in the USA
How do my recommended sites compare?
Struggling to choose between my recommended betting brands? I hear you. To make your comparison a little simpler, here’s a side-by-side look at the key features and selling points of these sites.
| Brand | Welcome bonus | Legal states |
| Fanatics | Bet $50, get $250 in FanCash | 23 |
| Caesars | Various offers available by state | 22 |
| bet365 | Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets | 13 |
| FanDuel | Bet $5, get $300 in bonus bets | 23 |
| DraftKings | Bet $5, get $300 in bonus bets | 26 |
Pros and cons of finding a new betting site in the USA
- Lots of new sportsbooks to choose from
- Excellent coverage in around 30 US states
- Choose from top brands like DK and FanDuel
- Claim welcome bonuses and other offers
- Bet for real on your favorite sports
- Legal sports betting is illegal in some territories
I hope I can help you find your perfect new betting brand
I’ve covered a lot of ground in my guide to finding sports betting sites in the USA, but it will have been my pleasure if this resource helps hook you up with your next sportsbook.
Right now, you’ve basically got two options: you can either use my checklist to find different bbetting site yourself, or else opt for one of the betting sites I recommended towards the end of the article. If you choose the latter, note that you can visit each of these brands directly via the links on this page, with details on their various promotions also available in the banners. Make sure you check out my other betting guides too, including my recent write-up on low deposit betting sites in the USA.
Claim the best sports betting bonuses of 2026
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- Various promotions and boosts for existing customers.
- Live betting for all the supported sports, plus in-game stats and a 2D game
- Fantastic selection of team and player props
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New online betting sites FAQs
How do I find out if sports betting is legal in my state?
I would recommend checking out the website for your state’s gaming commission, which should list local laws for RMG sports betting along with a full list of sites that operate legally in your state.
What are the best sportsbooks in the USA?
That’s a tough question! There are dozens of legal betting brands in the US now, but some of my favorites are for sure Fanatics, Caesars, bet365, FanDuel, and DraftKings.
What is the best sportsbook welcome bonus to claim in the US right now?
Check out the banners around this page for my pick of the best sports betting promos to claim right now. You can get various deals from well-established sportsbooks, including “bet and get” promos and deposit-match deals.