
Best Sportsbooks and Betting Sites in the US
Sportsbook Reviews for April 2025
Locations
Sportsbooks
Updated April 30, 2025
Whether you're a new sports bettor looking to get involved with the hobby or an experienced player looking to broaden your horizons, the wide selection of sports betting options available can seem intimidating.
However, based on your betting preferences, it could become very clear which of the top online sportsbooks are best for you, as long as you're given the right information. Let's talk about the best sportsbooks on the market, the welcome bonuses they currently offer, and some more information that will help you identify the best one to meet your own sports wagering needs.
Best Betting Sites & Sportsbook Promos for April 2025
ποΈ Best Betting Sites ποΈ |
π΅ Sportsbook Promo Offers π΅ |
π¨ Promo Codes π¨ |
π bet365 |
Get a First Bet Safety Net up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets!
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TAN365 |
π Fanatics Sportsbook |
Bet and Get up to $1,000 in No Sweat Bets!
Available in NY: Sign Up and Get a 300% Profit Boost Token!
Bet $30, Get $300 in Bonus Bets!
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ACTION
Available in NY: ACTIONNY
ACTION300
ACTION250 |
π BetMGM |
Get a 20% Deposit Match up to $1,600 in Sports Bonus!
Get up to $1,500 Back in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win!
Bet $10 Get $150 in Bonus Bets if You Win!
Available in NV: Get up to $250 Back in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win! Available in NY: Sign Up at BetMGM with our EXCLUSIVE Promo Code! |
ACTION1600
AN1500
ACTIONGET2
Available in NV: AN1500
Available in NY: AN1500 |
π Caesars Sportsbook |
ACTION22DYW |
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π DraftKings Sportsbook |
Bet $5, Get $200 Instantly + a $50 Bonus Bet on First Deposit! |
No promo code required! |
π ESPN BET |
TANBONUS |
Best Betting Sites Reviews April 2025
When searching for the best online sportsbook for you, there's a good chance that the answer is somewhere on this page. Let's take a look at an in-depth review of each of the best sportsbooks on the market, as per our evaluation.
bet365 Sportsbook — Our Top-Rated Sportsbook
As perhaps the world's largest online sportsbook, the options are quite nearly endless at bet365. Whether you're talking about sports, leagues, or bet types available, this operator is the best of the best—their enormous scale also allows them to offer consistently fair odds and a stellar sports betting experience.
Read more about the bet365 bonus code!
bet365 Promos |
Why should I choose bet365? |
Best bet365 Features |
bet365 Sportsbook Rating |
Use the code TAN365 to get Get a First Bet Safety Net up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets! Use the code TAN365 to get Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose! |
If you value options, this is the right operator for you. Nobody offers a better variety in terms of sports, leagues, and bet types than bet365 |
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β 9.5 β
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bet365 Sportsbook Pros and Cons
Pros of bet365
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π Daily Boosts: bet365 does a good job of offering fair everyday prices, but they'll also often provide users with the chance to bet on the day's most interesting events at boosted odds.
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π§ Great Customer Service: As a bigger sportsbook than most, bet365 is able to provide quality customer support around the clock through multiple avenues of contact.
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π bet365 Parlays: This sportsbook offers a uniquely broad array of parlay-eligible wagers and allows you to combine legs at generally fair prices.
Cons of bet365
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π± App Experience: While the sportsbook itself is our favorite, the mobile app could be a bit more visually attractive and feature-rich.
bet365 Sportsbook Conclusion and Tips
This sportsbook can be a bit intimidating for the new bettor, but with its size, there's something for everyone with bet365. If you choose this sportsbook, be sure to spend some time combing through the different sports and bet types to fully familiarize yourself with the unique depth of options offered by this one-of-a-kind operator.
Fanatics Sportsbook — Best for Rewards
Fanatics is a relatively new name to sports betting, but they've wasted no time in bursting onto the scene and becoming one of the best options in the business, especially for users who will play enough to earn rewards. The website and app are as modern as it gets, and the unique FanCash program allows users to earn rewards that can be used both within the sportsbook and to buy the brand's licensed sports merchandise.
Read more about the Fanatics sportsbook promo!
Fanatics Sportsbook Promos |
Why should I choose Fanatics Sportsbook? |
Best Fanatics Sportsbook Features |
Fanatics Sportsbook Rating |
Use the code ACTION to Bet and Get up to $1,000 in No Sweat Bets! If you're in NY, use the code ACTIONNY to Sign Up and Get a 300% Profit Boost Token! Alternately, you can use the code ACTION300 to Bet $30, Get $300 in Bonus Bets! Lastly, use the code ACTION250 to Bet $50, Get $250 in Bonus Bets! |
This sportsbook does a great job of offering value to both new and existing users with promotions and rewards. |
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β 9.8 β
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Fanatics Sportsbook Pros and Cons
Pros of Fanatics Sportsbook
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π° FanCash: This player rewards system allows repeat users to earn points that can be redeemed within the sportsbook or on Fanatics-licensed team apparel.
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π¨ Promo Options: When there's a big game on, there's a good chance that Fanatics is offering a promo for it, as they consistently put out some solid daily boosts and other options.
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π₯οΈ Odds: Even as a newer platform, Fanatics has done a great job of offering competitive odds.
Cons of Fanatics Sportsbook
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π Market Options: One of the drawbacks of this platform is that it has not yet diversified its offerings to the same degree as some of its competitors.
Fanatics Sportsbook Conclusion and Tips
The key to finding value with Fanatics is simply to keep playing. With this platform, the daily boosts and rewards system will be your friends if you open the app routinely and keep an eye out for offers.
BetMGM Sportsbook — Top Betting Markets
As one of the biggest names in the world of in-person gambling venues, BetMGM has done a great job of converting its casino and resort mastery into a great online presence. With big promo deals for new users and lots of great features, this platform is a real fan favorite wherever it's available.
Read more about the BetMGM bonus code!
BetMGM Promos |
Why Should I Choose BetMGM? |
Best BetMGM Features |
BetMGM Sportsbook Rating |
Use the code ACTION1600 to Get a 20% Deposit Match up to $1,600 in Sports Bonus!
Alternativelty, you can use the code AN1500 to Get up to $1,500 Back in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win! Alternatively, you can use the code ACTIONGET2 to Bet $10 Get $150 in Bonus Bets if You Win! If you're in Nevada, use the code AN1500 to Get up to $250 Back in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win! |
Most bettors will spend most of their time and money on major markets like NFL and NBA; BetMGM excels in terms of its offerings and odds in these key areas. |
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β 9.5 β
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Pros of BetMGM
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π Special Event Promos: Whether it's Super Bowl Sunday or Game 7 of the World Series, BetMGM is probably offering one or more special promotions for the big game, offering users an exciting chance at added value.
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π± Fun App: With live streaming, lots of in-game betting lines, and a whole tab for rewards and promotions, this app is extremely engaging.
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π¦ Banking Experience: BetMGM offers the dual threat of a diverse range of deposit and withdrawal options, along with quick processing times.
Cons of BetMGM
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Customer Service: Some players have noted that it can be hard to get a satisfying result from reaching out to BetMGM customer service.
BetMGM Sportsbook Conclusion and Tips
If you're looking for some consistently fair odds on the most popular competitions, BetMGM might be the right sportsbook for you. Make sure to check for promos when a big game is on the way.
Caesars Sportsbook — Best Daily Boosts
Another crossover from the casino and resort industry, Caesars has been a major sportsbook force since the launch of legal online sports betting in the US. This is the sportsbook for fans of added value, as the daily boosts and famed Caesars Rewards loyalty system are tough to beat.
Read more about the Caesars Sportsbook promo code!
Caesars Sportsbook Promos |
Why Should I Choose Caesars Sportsbook? |
Best Caesars Sportsbook Features |
Caesars Sportsbook Rating |
Use the code ACTION22DYW to Bet $1+, Get 10 100% Profit Boost Tokens! |
Players who intend to put invest a lot of time can really benefit from the daily boosts and loyalty rewards program. |
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β 9.3 β
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Caesars Sportsbook Pros and Cons
Pros of Caesars Sportsbook
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π° Popular Brand: Unlike many of the other brands in the online sportsbook space, Caesars was a trusted name long before the industry even existed.
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π€ Extensive Promos: From a generous welcome offer to lots of daily options, Caesars never stops presenting users with some top-notch promos.
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π₯ Live Betting Experience: Due to its strong processing power and intuitive layout, the Caesars app is a great one for this high-paced pursuit.
Cons of Caesars Sportsbook
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π¦ Payouts: While Caesars will always deliver the money you've withdrawn, it may not always be the quickest.
Caesars Sportsbook Conclusion and Tips
If you're picking Caesars, be sure to keep an eye on your rewards accumulation, as you can cash in not only within the sportsbook but with experiences and hotel stays at Caesars resort locations in iconic betting destinations.
DraftKings Sportsbook — Best Sportsbook Promotions
DraftKings has long been a pioneer in the online sportsbook space, from helping to popularize daily fantasy competitions to being the first to break into the new sportsbook markets. Now, DraftKings Sportsbook is still one of the best in the business, continuing to grow from state to state and introducing new sports betting features to users.
Read more about the DraftKings promo code!
DraftKings Promos |
Why Should I Choose DraftKings? |
Best DraftKings Features |
DraftKings Sportsbook Rating |
Bet $5, Get $200 Instantly + a $50 Bonus Bet on First Deposit! |
This is an innovative sportsbook that consistently offers users new and exciting ways to play. |
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β 9.2 β
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DraftKings Sportsbook Pros and Cons
Pros of DraftKings
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π Daily Promo Specials: DraftKings users can access exciting new boosts and promotions for just about every day of betting action.
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π±Top App Experience: From high-speed live betting to an excellent same game parlay interface, the DraftKings app is a delight for mobile users.
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π Fair Betting Grading: This unique system, not offered by many sportsbooks, allows users to simply capture value where they otherwise would not have been able to do so.
Cons of DraftKings
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π₯οΈ Tough Website: While DraftKings has one of the better mobile apps on the market, the desktop website is simply not up to the same standard. IT can be a bit tough to use in some cases.
DraftKings Sportsbook Conclusion and Tips
This is a great all-around sportsbook for those looking to get involved with betting for the first time. Be sure to access the daily promos. Or, if you have more familiarity with betting, try your hand with all of the unique markets and features.
ESPN BET — Most Entertaining Brand
ESPN is a name that just about every sports fan knows, but until recently, it wasn't directly involved in the betting world. Now, it's attached to the only sportsbook that provides an integrated experience with a major sports broadcaster.
Read more about the ESPN BET promo code!
ESPN BET Promos |
Why Should I Choose ESPN BET? |
Best ESPN BET Features |
ESPN BET Sportsbook Rating |
Use the code TANBONUS to Bet $10, Get $100 in Bonus Bets + 30 days of ESPN+! |
If you want to dial into the games on the ESPN family of networks and enhance your viewing/betting experience, this is the right sportsbook. |
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β 9.5 β
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ESPN BET Pros and Cons
Pros of ESPN BET
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π Entertaining Branding: The connection between ESPN's television brand and this betting product provides users with a unique entertainment experience.
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π°Fun ESPN Promos: Similarly, promos directly connected to ESPN's on-air programming is a fun, unique factor with this platform.
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π² Exciting App Experience: With a dedicated betting show and live streaming for certain events, this app is simply a uniquely fun one to use.
Cons of ESPN BET
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π Lack of Props: While innovative two-way markets in some areas have been a welcome addition, some prop markets are sorely lacking with this platform.
ESPN BET Conclusion and Tips
If you're using this sportsbook, be sure to stay in tune with what's being broadcast by ESPN. There's a good chance that it could help you decide what to bet on for that day.
FanDuel Sportsbook — Best Mobile Sportsbook App
Another innovator in the areas of same game parlays and daily fantasy, FanDuel has continued to stay cutting-edge with an industry-best mobile app, allowing users to efficiently play on the go.
Read more about the FanDuel promo code!
FanDuel Promos |
Why Should I Choose FanDuel? |
Best FanDuel Features |
FanDuel Sportsbook Rating |
Check back soon for our promo code! |
So much online betting is done via a smartphone, and the FanDuel app provides users with a great mobile experience. |
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β 9.6 β
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FanDuel Sportsbook Pros and Cons
Pros of FanDuel
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π±Best Mobile App: With lots of daily promotions right on the front page, a great bet slip tool, and an easy layout to navigate, this app is the best of the best.
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π Innovative Options: From same game parlay options to odds boosts and more, there are plenty of fun features with this sportsbook.
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π Extensive Sports: This operator has done a great job not only offering fair odds, but doing so for a wide variety of sports and leagues.
Cons of FanDuel
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π¦ Poor Cashout Options: Some users have commented that they would like FanDuel to be compatible with more withdrawal options.
FanDuel Sportsbook Conclusion and Tips
If you're a fan of fast-paced live betting or complex parlays and need a mobile app to support these challenging ways to play, consider FanDuel Sportsbook. Like any platform, it has its ups and downs, but it's considered one of the top sports betting sites for a reason!
How to Sign Up for the Best Betting Sites' Bonuses
Getting started with online sports betting can seem intimidating to new users, but the process is actually quite simple. In fact, most sports betting apps actually have a similar sign-up process, so things only get easier once you've begun to get used to it by signing up for your first site.
Let's talk about the general rules for signing up with the best online betting sites, including how to access their welcome bonuses.
- 1. Navigate to the desktop website or download the sportsbook mobile app. Follow the prompts to begin the sign-up process.
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2. Begin entering your personal information, such as your email, address, date of birth, and possibly your social security number to verify your age and eligibility to play.
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3. This is also when you'll enter a bonus code for any sportsbook offers that require one.
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4. Once you agree to the terms of use, like consent to the usage of geolocation software, for instance, you can confirm your information. Once it's all verified, your account is officially ready to go.
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5. The first thing you'll want to do with your new account is to link a payment method and make an initial deposit. Keep in mind that some welcome bonuses are tied to the amount of your first deposit when making a deposit. If this is the case for any of the sports betting offers you're accessing, strategize accordingly.
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6. With funds in your account, it's finally time to bet. Once again, remember that many of the best sportsbook bonuses are related to the amount or market of your first bet, so be sure that you fully understand any applicable terms before you start to wager.
Extra Popular Betting Sites
While the sportsbooks we've discussed above are, in our estimation, the best sports betting sites currently available in the US, there are certainly other worthwhile sites to consider. If you're an avid sports bettor, you may want to indulge in an array of platforms to give yourself access to the best odds available for every given bet.
Let's talk about a few more sportsbooks that are worth keeping in mind when you're deciding to expand your sports betting arsenal.
BetRivers Sportsbook
This sportsbook started out as a local favorite for in-person bettors in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and has grown into a major online brand focused on a great customer experience. While the betting options are limited in some respects (compared to larger brands), the app design is considered to be solid, and the promotions offered are very enticing.
Read more about the BetRivers promo code!
- (NJ): 2nd Chance Bet: Get up to a $250 Bonus Bet!
- (WV): bam-inline-field location="WV" placement-id="2037" property-id="1" context="web-sbr-landing-page" internal-id="evergreen" affiliate-type="sportsbook" affiliate="betrivers" field="cta" link="true"]
Borgata Sportsbook
The main drawback of this sportsbook is its limited availability, as it has only launched in a few states. However, if you happen to be located in New Jersey or Pennsylvania, it's a great option. With an exceptional reputation for customer service and a strong rewards system, this sportsbook is a great one for those who have access to it.
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Use the promo code ACTIONBSPORTS to get the following offer: Bet $20, Get $100 in Bonus Bets!
Hard Rock Bet
If you're looking for a sportsbook that excels in terms of customer service offerings and offers odds in all of the key major markets, Hard Rock Bet could be a great option for you. Once again, the issue is that the sportsbook is not available in very many states, but expansion could be on the horizon! Keep an eye out.
Read more about the Hard Rock Bet promo code!
betr
This platform is only available in a couple of states for now, namely Ohio and Virginia, but more are certainly on the way. As this sportsbook expands into more states, be on the lookout for welcome offers as they try to broaden their user base.
Read more about the Betr promo code!
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Use the promo code ACTION2 to get the following offer: Betr No Sweatr: Get Your First Bet Covered up to $100!
Kalshi
If you're looking for a non-traditional approach, try Kalshi. Kalshi offers a platform where users can make predictions, trade on outcomes, and more. Kalshi is an innovative and regulated platform for "Legal Sports Trading in Many States." There are event-based financial predictions, appealing to both beginners and pro traders.
You can learn more by checking out our Kalshi Referral Code review!
- Use the code ACTION to Trade on Sports & Politics β Get a $10 Bonus with Our Code!
Sports Betting Education & Resources
Action Network's Tips for Picking the Best Betting Site
While we certainly have our favorite online sports betting sites, the best option for each player will be different, as everyone has their own priorities and limitations. Let's take a look at some of the best ways to find the best site for you.
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If you're looking to bet on a niche competition, look for a sportsbook with those specific betting markets. If there is more than one, see which one offers a broader range of products within that sport or league.
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Look for a welcome bonus offer that fits your priorities well, whether that means grabbing a quick, easy boost out of the gate or maximizing your potential upside.
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If you plan on playing frequently, learn more about loyalty or rewards programs, as well as existing user promotions.
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Read user reviews on the iOS App Store and Google Play Store to get an idea of what current players think about the sportsbooks you're seriously considering.
What States Have Legal Sports Betting?
As the years pass, more and more states offer legal online sports betting. However, the rate of new states joining the club has slowed since they were first able to legalize sports betting back in 2018. Even so, it's hard to keep track of the full list of states that have made online sports betting legal.
Let's take a look at a summary of states that offer legal sportsbooks. Click on any of the links for more details on the legal sports betting offerings in your home state.
How Action Network Reviews the Top Betting Sites
While the evaluation for each online sportsbook is slightly different, there are a few key factors we look for. Of course, any sportsbook we suggest is going to be safe to use, which is of the utmost importance.
In terms of user experience, we want to see an easy-to-use mobile app and desktop site. Strong underlying technology will ensure that your betting and financial processes go smoothly. We're also interested in seeing offerings in terms of sports, leagues, and bet types, as well as competitive odds across all these categories.
Of course, promotions are an important part of the equation, both in terms of welcome bonuses and boosts for existing users. Similarly, a solid rewards or loyalty program can be a major boost, as well.
Sportsbook Promo Types from the Best Betting Sites
While every sportsbook has the ability to come up with its own promotion for new users, there are a few common general types you'll see from most operators. Let's take a look at a few of the most popular ones so you have an idea of what to expect.
Bonus Bets
The simplest type of promotion a sportsbook can offer is a fixed package of bonus bets, which are funds that can be used within the sportsbook like regular dollars but cannot be directly withdrawn. You can place a bet with bonus bets, win, and withdraw the profits, or keep the profits in the sportsbook and keep betting.
Deposit Match
A deposit match is similar to bonus bets, but the amount can vary based on the amount of your first deposit. Sometimes, a deposit match is 100%, meaning that a deposit of $100 will yield $100 worth of bonus bets. Other times, they can be at a different rate, like 50%, meaning that a $100 deposit would provide the user with $50 worth of bonus bets.
Often, there is a minimum or, more commonly, a maximum amount for a deposit match. Be sure to keep this parameter in mind whenever you sign up for a sportsbook bonus of this type.
Safety Bets
Also known as first-bet insurance or safety nets, these offers provide you with the chance to get a refund via bonus bets if your first bet loses. If it wins, it simply behaves as a normal bet, giving you the opportunity to swing for the fences and look for a big payout with your very first wager.
Profit Boosts
This is a slightly more complex bonus, and it can be offered to both new and existing users. It's exactly what it sounds like, allowing you to apply it to a certain bet in order to increase the potential payout to a higher level than the base odds would imply.
Many times, there are parameters for using profit boost tokens, such as sports, games, odds, bet types, and bet amounts, so be sure to keep these in mind when accessing this type of bonus.
NBA Game Odds: Los Angeles Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets
Below is a selection of odds for the upcoming NBA game: Updated April 25, 2025 - Odds Provided by DraftKings - Subject to Change
Team |
Spread |
Moneyline |
Total |
(-1.5) -110 |
-122 |
Over 208.5 (-110) |
|
(+1.5) -110 |
+102 |
Under 208.5 (-110) |
Best Existing User Promos at Top Betting Sites
It's great to take advantage of a high-value welcome offer, but once you've settled into your sportsbook, there can still be ways to find added value. Let's take a look at some of the most common existing user promos available at top betting sites.
Referral Programs
With these offers, you can share a unique link or code with a friend who is not yet a customer of the sportsbook. In most cases, you'll both receive bonus bets or some other sort of perk after your friend launches their account using that link or code.
Rewards Programs
The exact details will vary between sportsbooks, but the core concept is the same: the more you play, the more benefits you get. Usually, this means profit boost tokens, bonus bets, or some other sort of perk within the sportsbook, but with some operators, rewards can be accessed outside of the sportsbook at casino and resort locations.
Daily Boosts
Usually, these are pre-selected bets, giving users the opportunity to access longer-than-usual odds. You should be aware of the reason each boost has been selected, but these easily accessible perks can provide users with some excellent value.
Special Sports Promos
In the same vein as daily boosts, special parlays and offers are often available around major betting events, such as the Super Bowl and March Madness. These can be pre-selected wagers, or they can be sport-wide, so keep an eye out for these special opportunities.
Popular Bet Types at the Best Betting Sites
Once you've signed up for some online betting sites, you'll want to know how to actually play with them. With any of the betting options we've discussed in this article, there are plenty of different bet types available, giving both new and experienced users the opportunity to have fun and find value.
Let's talk about the most popular bet types, which you'll be able to find at any of the sportsbooks discussed in this article.
Parlays
This special bet type has risen alongside legalized online sports betting, as building these multi-part wagers is much easier on one's phone or computer than dictating one to a human taking your bet at a casino.
A parlay combines multiple individual bets into one larger wager, compounding the odds of each individual "leg" for an exponentially higher combined line. Your bet wins if all of the legs hit. If a single one is wrong, it breaks the whole parlay. This makes these wagers tough to hit, depending on how many legs you choose. However, the upside can be quite high.
If you're interested in seeing what a parlay of a certain selection of bets might look like, check out Action Network's parlay calculator. However, be advised that a particular sportsbook might calculate things slightly differently, especially if there are correlated legs.
This discrepancy in calculations is especially common when it comes to same game parlays, which pull together lines from within one contest, so the legs will inherently be correlated more often or not.
Moneylines
A moneyline is the simplest way to bet, making it a great option for beginners. Simply put, if you pick a team that wins, your bet wins, but if your team loses, the bet loses.
Let's look at an example involving baseball. If the New York Yankees are -150 favorites on the moneyline against the Boston Red Sox, you'd have to bet $150 to make a profit of $100. If the Yankees win, that's exactly what you'll get, but if they lose, your $150 is lost.
If you bet on the underdog Red Sox at a line of +130, you'll earn a $130 profit on a bet of $100 if the Sox win, but if they lose, you're out $100.
Futures
Like moneylines, all you need to do for a futures bet is to simply pick one correct outcome, but these take place over a longer period of time, usually a season. These markets include straightforward bets, such as team win totals and playoff qualification props, or player stat totals, which are usually simple over/under or yes/no bets.
However, some futures can be quite complex, as they involve events with multi-sided outcomes, such as awards or championships. For instance, a heavy favorite to win the World Series might have a line of +300, while in a two-sided market, the favorite will have minus-odds.
A realistic underdog might have a number like +1200, while a true long shot could offer an insane figure (it was +500,000 for the Leicester City team that famously won the Premier League in 2016). These wagers can be very tough to hit because of the wide array of options, but their payout can be significant for the savvy bettor.
Spreads
Like moneylines, spreads are a very traditional way to bet on an individual game. A spread is essentially a projection of the favored team's margin of victory, and the bettor's job is to figure out whether or not the team will beat that number, or "cover" it.
Let's move on to basketball, a sport for which spread betting is more popular than it is for baseball. If the Boston Celtics are -7.5 favorites against the New York Knicks, that means they have to win by eight points or more to cover that line and provide a win for a spread bettor who backed them.
Meanwhile, a Knicks spread bettor wins this game if New York loses by seven points or less or if they win by any margin. Since the spread itself is adjusted to the matchup, the odds for each side are usually about -110.
Over/Unders
Over/unders, or totals, are the last of the three main single-game bets, joining moneylines and spreads. Like spreads, they deal with the final score and are game-specific, so odds are usually approximately -110 on both sides thanks to the vig, but the outcome is determined differently.
A total is the projected amount of points, runs, or goals scored between the two teams in a game. For instance, if the total is set at 8.5 for a game between the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals, the two rivals need to combine for a total of nine runs or more in order for an over bet to hit.
This means that if the Cubs score four and the Cardinals score six, for a total of 10 between the two squads, the over hits. However, if the Cubs score the same four and the Cardinals only score two, the total is six, and the under hits.
Props
These bets are contained within one game, but they are even more granular than traditional game lines. They deal with just one aspect of a game, usually the performance of a single player. This could mean an over/under for a basketball player's points total, an NFL quarterback's passing yards, or a line on whether an NHL player will score a goal that day. These are known as player props, and are very common components in same-game parlays.
There are also team or game props, such as the points one team will score, or the number of fouls accrued between the two squads. The props market is an extremely deep one, and varies greatly between sportsbooks, so it's worth doing some exploring across the sites with which you have an online sportsbook account to find the best markets and lines for you.
Live Betting
Technically, this isn't a bet type so much as it's a way to play. Almost any bet type can become a live bet. These wagers are ones made regarding a game in progress, with odds changing based on the unfolding action.
For instance, let's say the Kansas City Chiefs came into their game against the Cincinnati Bengals as -7.5 favorites. Then, as he has tended to do in recent years, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes throws an interception on the first possession, setting the Bengals up with the ball on the Chiefs' 20-yard line. The live spread could change to -4.5, and it could go all the way down to -2.5 if the Bengals score a touchdown, or back up to -7.5 if Joe Burrow responds with an interception of his own.
Live lines are always changing once the game starts, so it takes an experienced bettor to quickly identify value, but it can be an extremely profitable way to play if you can figure out a system.
Teasers
These are parlays made up from favorable alternate lines, giving bettors the opportunity to increase their payout on generally "safe" bets. Let's take a look at a very popular teaser type, the "Wong Teaser," used for the NFL.
A Wong Teaser takes favorites of over a touchdown and underdogs of under a field goal, teases their lines, and pulls them together. For instance, if the Green Bay Packers are -8.5 against the Chicago Bears and the New England Patriots are +2.5 against the Buffalo Bills, a Wong Teaser of Packers -2.5 and Patriots +8.5 would provide users with a parlay that offers a reasonable payout and a solid chance of hitting.
Popular Banking Options at Top Betting Sites
Naturally, a sportsbook isn't going to provide you with a very enjoyable sports betting experience without the proper payment methods. If you can't get money into your account to place bets or take money out of your bank account after you win, then why bet at all?
The exact payment methods will vary between sportsbooks, but let's talk about some of the most broadly popular ones at the best sports betting sites.
Best Sportsbooks Deposits
The most widely available and popular deposit methods are credit and debit cards, as well as direct deposits from online banking. However, e-wallets like PayPal, Venmo, and Apple Pay are also available in many cases, as are wire transfers and even paper checks.
Best Sportsbooks Withdrawals
Many withdrawal options will be similar to those for depositing. However, some methods that work for deposits, such as credit cards, checks, or wire transfers, may not be compatible with withdrawals. Be sure to check eligibility in both directions before linking any payment method.
Best Betting Sites for Canada π¨π¦
While the online sports betting sites we've discussed in this article are largely specific to the United States, we can also provide users located north of the border with our guide to the best betting sites in Canada. There are plenty of online sportsbook options that can provide Canadian users with competitive odds.
It's also worth noting that the sports betting industry in Ontario, in particular, is subject to certain regulations that the rest of Canada does not face. You'll have to use a province-specific mobile app for each sportsbook. Please note that certain markets, welcome bonuses, and promotions may not be available. However, many US-based sportsbooks are available in Ontario but not in Canada's other provinces and territories.
Action Network's Responsible Gambling Guide
Whichever online sports betting sites you choose to play with, it's absolutely vital to always practice responsible gambling. This means that you should never bet more than you can safely lose, and make sure you're never chasing your losses.
Let's take a look at some of the key facets of responsible gambling.
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Bankroll Management: Your bankroll is the total amount of money you have in any given sportsbook account. It's a form of budgeting, so you should always be aware of this amount when deciding whether to deposit. Keeping a reasonable bankroll is how you keep your habit safe and healthy.
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Set User Limits: If necessary, you can set limits on how much you can bet, how long you can spend using the sportsbook, or how much you can deposit, in order to make sure you're playing a reasonable amount.
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Think Before Betting: Never bet simply on a whim; always research games and competitions before you place your wagers and think hard about how much you want to invest in each one.
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Take Timeouts: You should always take breaks when betting, whether that means for a few hours, a few days, or even longer. In particular, make sure you walk away whenever betting stops being fun.
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Use Sportsbook Resources: Many sportsbooks offer tools to help manage a gambling problem and resources to inform users about responsible gambling. Check the responsible gambling page at your chosen sportsbook for more information.
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Continue Having Fun: Whenever sports betting stops being fun, walk away. Only bad things can come from betting out of obligation rather than enjoyment.
It's worth keeping in mind that while some sportsbooks offer excellent resources for managing your gambling habits, there's more out there if these guardrails are insufficient. 1-800-GAMBLER is always open for 24/7 support, while GamTalk.org offers online resources. Gambler's Anonymous meetings can also provide the in-person assistance that is necessary in some cases.
Action Network's Best Betting Sites Tips
When you're approaching the decision of what sports betting site to play with, be sure to not only look at the most popular gambling sites but also the sportsbooks with the right betting markets and your favorite sports.
Always make sure to research your bets fully; never get involved with a market you know nothing about. Even so, always think of sports betting as a pastime rather than a source of income, and budget for it accordingly.
When you're getting started for the first time, test the waters with some simple moneyline and spread bets before branching out to more complicated bet types like futures and parlays.
If you want the best possible value on each bet, you'll need to have access to a handful of different sportsbooks; always compare odds offered by each operator before placing a bet, especially a future, as the odds variation can be significant.
Action Network continuously monitors sportsbooks throughout the year to update relevant information and align with the ever-changing landscape of online sports betting. That way, you’ll always know you’re getting the best information available to make a smart sports betting app selection. Now that you've read about our list of best online sportsbooks, you can also check out our untrustworthy sportsbooks review so that you can avoid books with key warning signs and keep your money safe.
Action Network Sportsbook Selector Quiz
Still not sure which sportsbook is right for you from our sportsbook review? Give our Best Sportsbook Quiz a try to help narrow down the options based on your location, specific betting preferences, and favorite sports markets.
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