Legal Sportsbooks

The United States has long been known as a melting pot of different cultures and traditions, and a look out your window can reassure you of that every day. It's no surprise then that with all different groups and regions thrown together, that we host one of the biggest and most diverse sports communities in the world. With a nation of avid sports fans, it's a shame that most U.S. residents are unaware that there are several ways to enjoy a legal and safe sports betting hobby when using legal sportsbooks for USA players. Instead of wishing you had a way to put money on sports games, or even worse, seeking out ways to wager that can put you and your money in danger, turn to the same place millions of Americans do each year...the Internet.

• Legal Sportsbooks In America
• Legal Sportsbooks In Indiana

Here at LegalUSSportsbooks.com, our goal is to provide our readers with trusted sports betting sites that will accept them, while educating them about why wagering sports online is perfectly safe to do. Along the way we'll discuss betting laws on not just the Federal level, but also how the laws change from state to state. Ultimately, we want all who visit this site to leave with a better understanding of the best and safest way to place a wager once you've made the decision to bet. All of the information within this site comes from years of first-hand experience and is meant for reference purposes only. Let's get started with the question we get asked most:

The first thing most U.S. residents want to know is the legal status of placing a wager on a sports event. Why is it possible to make a wager online when there is so much information to the contrary is floating around?

Legal licensing and regulation are the 2 most important factors in any credible sports betting website. All of the other items on our list combine to create a better overall wagering experience. You can review these sportsbooks. Betting with a legal sportsbook or casino in New Jersey requires the business to be licensed and operating legally under the state jurisdiction or partnering with such an operation. You will have to be over the age of 21 and within the state boundaries of New Jersey when making any transactions. Of all sportsbooks that are legal for U.S. Citizens, 5Dimes boasts the most ways to bet.

The answer generally stems from a poor understanding of the Federal laws that affect sports betting here in the States. While there are three major laws that affect the legality of sports betting you can read more about in our “legal” section, the essential thing to know is that there is no law against placing a wager on any sports event. The laws in play merely affect the facilitation of sports betting and not the participation in it. This means that while bookmakers and business owners in the United States who will take, organize, and stand to make a profit off betting without placing any wagers on it themselves may be punished by law, an honest citizen who puts money down on a sports game is safe from legal prosecution.

How then, are the sportsbooks we recommend able to operate as legitimate businesses? As overseas operations, none of these betting sites are held accountable by U.S. Federal betting laws, and are therefore free to operate as legitimate businesses free from the laws that may restrict or forbid stateside betting.

Learn More:Is Sports Betting Legal?

Those looking for the most trusted name in American online sports wagering go to Bovada. Over the years, the Bovada name has become synonymous with sports betting, endorsed by major news networks like CBS Sports and the USA Today. This sports betting site has worked hard to build up its reputation as one of the most American friendly sportsbooks in the world, and they aren't willing to give that up just to cheat a player out of a payout. Unfortunately, Bovada's online sportsbook is closed to five (5) U.S. states: Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Nevada. If you happen to fall into this category, don't fear because there are plenty of acceptable replacements further down this page.

Once you've made the decision to register with Bovada, your account will not only grant access to one of the most user-friendly, well formatted sportsbooks on the market, you will start up a relationship with a company that truly values your business. To show this, Bovada is set to match each user's initial deposit by 50% for up to $250 in freeplay...a great deal by any standard. This bonus has one of the lowest wagering requirements found anywhere, and deposits as low as $20 qualify. This sportsbook also has similar promotions for its existing users, so the bonuses really never stop

BetOnline is another terrific sports betting site for U.S. players that will offer you a 25% bonus with your deposit – for life. That's right, as long as you hold an account with BetOnline, you are entitled to lifetime 25% bonus in free play for every single deposit you make. That's up to $1000 in free money for every single deposit that you make. That's on top of the high standard of service BetOnline usually provides, offering a diverse set of props and betting lines that put even the sportsbooks in Las Vegas to shame.

If this sounds like a good fit then you will be happy to know that BetOnline welcomes new players from all 50 U.S. States. As long as you are at least 18 years old, or the minimum age to gamble in your local jurisdiction, you will be able to register for a free account without having to provide any financial information. Payment details will not be required until the user decides to proceed with wagering real-money and makes a deposit into their account; sign up and proceed to BetOnline's cashier for more details.

When you simply can't decide, just go with your instincts! That's the idea behind SportsBetting...make it extremely simple to understand what their website is all about. While simple is usually better, don't think this is just another online sportsbook accepting U.S. residents...this sports betting site excels in all marks of quality. Besides accepting players from all 50 states (18+), SportsBetting is primarily known for accepting fans of many different types of sports and wagering. As diverse as they come, this sportsbook is first class when it comes to betting on NFL but is still aware of sports like soccer, rugby and others, which are very popular in certain parts of the world.

Not only will SportsBetting provide users with a great deal of game lines and odds to bet on, but they will also provide customer service is second to none – from sportsbooks to internet providers to the U.S. government – in the world. In addition to support via phone or email, SportsBetting will give you access to a web chat service that can connect you with a live human being that is ready to help you, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whenever you have a question related to your account, be it about a deposit, withdrawal, a bet, or anything in between, you will have access to a live human being. Very few companies will ever match that level of dedication.

Though we've explained that it is not against the law for a bettor to place a wager, many still are curious about the Federal sports betting laws in the U.S. What do the laws say? Do they apply to all Americans the same way? Why is land-based sports betting only allowed in Nevada and Delaware? Well, we've got a section devoted to the topic where readers will find the answers to these questions and more.

Follow along and LegalUSSportsbooks.com will take you through the ins-and-outs of the laws including the Federal Wire Act of 1961, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992, and the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006. Additionally, there will be sports betting laws at the state level, mainly the age to wager, which will be talked about as well.

Once you open an account with any of these reputable and established sportsbooks, you'll need to know how to get your money safely and legally flowing in and out of them. If you paid attention in our legal section here, you may have gathered that it's not always as easy as simply loading up your overseas account via your bank card and then withdrawing. Although in many cases you will be able to add funds to your U.S. online sportsbook account simply using your bank or credit card, sportsbook withdrawals can sometimes be more complicated. You may be asked to take your payout in the form of a mailed check, a loaded gift card, or a third party wire transfer. This can be stressful for new users, but rest assured that these legitimate overseas businesses have been in operation for years, and have always managed to get the proper amount of money owed to their valued clients.

The good news about deposit and withdrawal methods is that many of the best sportsbooks for United States residents recognize that the process is a bit of a hassle, and will do their best to help you along. You'll find that a lot of these businesses will offer perks, such as cutting you a check of your winnings for free once a month, or giving a 24 hour turnaround on a gift card withdrawal. These betting sites value your business, and just like all the best casinos in Las Vegas, want to ensure you stick around to bet with them by offering all kinds of incentive programs and perks that you can read more about in our “rewards” section.

If you have further questions about funds moving in and out of your account, be sure and check our sportsbook deposits pages that are dedicated to funds transfers where there will be a more detailed overview about adding and removing funds to and from your favorite online sportsbook.

Just like the casino sportsbooks in Vegas have promotions to keep you wagering with them, online sportsbooks have the same, if not better. All of the sports betting sites listed on our pages are setup with a 'Welcome' bonus which is granted whenever new users decide to make their first deposit into the sportsbook. Usually these bonuses are worth hundreds, or in some cases thousands of dollars, and can be used to make even more free money by increasing the amount or frequency you wager...that's just for starters!

Check out all the different ways that online sportsbooks reward their users in our guide to sports betting bonuses. Everything from the biggest welcome/sign up bonuses are covered, in addition to the sports betting sites that have loyalty programs, reload bonuses, and other special opportunities to increase your bankroll. Don't be afraid to make your choice based on promotions; many Americans go for the sportsbook that can offer the most bang for their buck.

With all of the perks that the high grade sports betting sites for American citizens offer, it's no wonder that most bettors, from the casual to those who make betting their primary means of income, have come to prefer betting online. Not only are you able to do it from the comfort of your own home no matter which state you live in, the full legality and legitimacy of the businesses offers the bettor the most freedom when it comes to placing their wagers. State laws in Delaware and Las Vegas can make land based betting a real hassle, but they can be easily worked around by betting online. Join the millions of U.S. residents who have an account with an online sportsbook today, and see what all the fuss is about.

Legal Sports betting in the United States is a rather newer topic, as every state wasn’t able to participate until May 2018. This came at the change of a federal law known as PASPA being overturned by the Supreme Court, allowing each state to set their own standards and laws regarding the sports betting industry. Numerous states across the nation have welcomed the new gambling addition, and it has proven to be profitable in terms of sportsbook revenue and taxable contributions to the state since the launch of their industries.

Keep in mind that US online sportsbooks have been and continue to be legal for those who are in states that have not formalized laws around the industry. As of 2021, half of all states still have not approved sports betting via a state sanctioned framework. The offshore books offer plenty of odds, more wagering choices, and promotional bonuses that are nowhere to be found at the local books. Each of these methods has their perks and disadvantages but the laws surrounding them are rather set in stone. Between federal laws and individual state laws, there can be a lot to take in, but we have done our best of providing you with a complete overview of the industry.

PASPA Overturned By The Supreme Court!

For the longest time, sports betting was illegal – from a bookmaking and gambling operations POV – in most of the United States. This was due to the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA, 1992), which effectively gave Nevada a nationwide monopoly on sports betting. States like New Jersey, with once-struggling casino industries themselves, lobbied hard for the elimination of the law, and NJ eventually got their case heard at the Supreme Court.

In the case of Murphy vs. NCAA, the SCOTUS sided with NJ, overturning PASPA on constitutional grounds on May 14, 2018. This has opened the door for every state in America to initiate and regulate their own sports betting laws and industries. While new federal regulations are possible, right now the US congress has only cursorily debated the subject. That said, it seems unlikely that the federal government won’t attempt to take back oversight of US sports betting, particularly if a majority of states don’t hurry up and implement their own rules and laws for the practice.

Mobile Apps For Legal Sports Betting In The United States

Legal Sportsbooks In America

Right now, you will only find mobile apps for legal sports betting in the United States in those few states that have casino-based online sportsbooks available to the public. Some of these apps are geo-fenced to the casino properties, allowing sports bettors to place wagers while enjoying any of the casino resorts’ other amenities. You might be able to wager from the on-site restaurants, game rooms, casino floors, pools, cabanas, and sometimes even the attached golf courses. Other states might be more liberal, allowing bettors to place sports bets from anywhere. Access is limited to in-state wagers only, however, with state-licensed mobile betting apps.

Online sportsbooks located overseas and serving US customers, of course, don’t have to be geo-fenced in accordance with the Wire Act, as no domestic US laws apply to their operations. However, that also means that the App Store and Google Play will not host any official iPhone betting apps or Android betting apps for these offshore brands. Fortunately, all the best offshore books have simply made mobile-optimized wagering portals available through your standard mobile browser (Safari, Chrome, etc.). This means that you can access all of your favorite sportsbook’s odds and lines in just a few taps from anywhere you’ve got an Internet connection, nationwide!

In-Game Legal Sports Betting For US Residents

In-game wagering, aka live betting, is all the rage, and it’s the newest and most popular way to gamble on your favorite players, teams, and matchups. Traditional betting is great, certainly, but you’ve always got to have your tickets in before the game starts. Not so with live betting, which is fast becoming the number-one method for legal sports wagering in the US. With live betting, you can actually place wagers as the game unfolds, in real time! Most marquee matchups will feature lots of live wagering options, with odds being refreshed and modified every few seconds.

Thanks to persistent Internet connections and high-tech smartphones, any sportsbook member can enjoy easy live betting without huddling in front of their computers. Just make sure that you place your wagers as soon as you see favorable lines, because those could disappear one play later. With live betting, you have literally thousands of extra chances to win big bucks each and every day of your favorite sporting seasons. Live betting – along with mobile betting – is the future of legal sports betting in the United States.

Questions About Legal Sports Betting In The U.S.

Are there exchange rates for USA Online sportsbooks?

Typically, no. The online sportsbooks that are considered to be legal will happily accept US funds and then pay out players in the same currency. Unless noted otherwise, bettors who use American dollars will not have to calculate any exchange rate. This is especially true with any betting website listed at this resource, as these all deal directly with US dollars. One thing to note, however, is that many of these websites do accept Bitcoin, which is technically a currency that has an exchange rate that varies day to day as people trade it on the open market. One of the underrated aspects of using Bitcoin to fund a sportsbook account is that you can make a profit or take a loss simply by purchasing the Bitcoins. The sportsbooks value Bitcoin at an average price similar to the market price, so there shouldn’t be any major exchange rate issues when it comes to Bitcoin.

How do I know where to find legal sportsbooks for USA players?

As noted above, American anti-gambling laws that are in effect universally pertain to the business of sports betting (i.e. the sportsbook and bookmaker), not the people making the actual wagers. Legal sports betting websites that accept USA players would not risk their business by taking such players if that practice were a risk to draw legal action. If an online bookmaker takes your action, it is typically a safe sportsbook for U.S. players, provided it is a well-known and established brand.

What are some of the laws hindering U.S. online sportsbooks?

The UIGEA is the biggest hindrance when it comes to sports betting laws in the US. This was attached to the Safe Port Act of 2006 as an unrelated (and unread) rider. In short, the UIGEA was intended to make it harder for gamblers to use funds from American banks to make their deposits and – sometimes – to receive check-based payouts. Credit and debit cards like VISA and MasterCard can sometimes be rejected when used in specific transactions with online bookmakers. When this happens, gamblers have a few options available to them: They can use a third party to deposit funds (Western Union, MoneyGram, etc.), they can purchase a prepaid credit card online (which must be good for international purchases), or they can use cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, DASH, Litecoin, and others. Bank wire transfers are usually quite stable, as well, and some sites even support a new go-between service called Direct Pay. (The Wire Act, which prevents people from accepting wagers across state lines, is not a hindrance to US online sportsbooks, as these books are not domestically-based.)

By far, the biggest hindrance to online sports betting in the US was PASPA. This law, passed in 1992 and enacted on January 1, 1993, banned all states but Nevada, Delaware, Oregon, and Montana from offering legalized sports betting, and it was the #1 reason why, for example, New Jersey was unable to include sports betting as part of its legal online gambling package that launched in 2013. However, PASPA was overturned by the Supreme Court, thereby allowing every state in the US to legislate its own sports wagering regulations. Many states have now started to provide and accept sports wagers at area casinos and racinos, and legal sports betting in the United States is here to stay.

Are there transaction fees at U.S. Accepted Sportsbooks?

Sometimes. When using third-party sports betting deposit methods, like an eWallet, you can expect to be charged a small fee of less than 5%. Credit and debit cards also sometimes carry fees for international use. As a general rule, though, the best online sports betting deposit methods – like wire transfers and crypto transfers – are fee-free.

How many off-Shore Sportsbooks offer lines on American sports?

American sports events are among the most popular in the whole world. Gamblers in Europe and Asia even bet on them. Therefore, almost every online sportsbook offers lines on American events – and not just the sites that cater to US sports bettors, but those that exclusively serve other countries, too.

Can I Be A Member Of An Offshore Sportsbook And A State-Sanctioned Sportsbook Simultaneously?

No matter where a sports bettor resides in the United States, they can always join an offshore sportsbook. For those living in one of the 23 states with legal sportsbooks available locally, they can be a member of each kind of platform because each form of gambling on sporting events is still legal. Gamblers with multiple sportsbook accounts, both state-sanctioned and offshore, have more of an advantage when betting on sports matchups because they have more options and can shop lines. Shopping lines will give players a chance at higher payouts when they bet using the outlet with the wager they want that would lead to the bigger payout. In short, yes, sports bettors can have both offshore and state-sanctioned sportsbook memberships as is their legal right in the United States.

Will I Get In Trouble For Betting Sports Online?

Individual users are within their rights to place real-money wagers on sports online. The federal laws in place cover the operation of unlicensed, US-based bookmakers, not bettors who simply wish to place wagers with these or other services located overseas. As such, offshore sites are the best options for true legal sports betting in the United States. Where players can get into trouble is if they use a website while underage. Gambling underage is a serious offense at online sportsbooks, which require their users to be at least 18 (though you should err on the side of caution and go with your state’s legal gambling age, if there is one). If you sign up and/or wager at these sites while under 18, your account will be terminated, you will be permanently banned, and all monies held in your account will be forfeited.

Best Legal Sportsbooks For U.S. Players

Legal Sportsbooks In Indiana

So, are you ready to see what you need to do to actually place a wager online? Well, look no further, because we have listed here for you the very best in online offshore sports betting websites. These are the websites we use, so we are confident enough in them to recommend them to you. Remember, we bet on sports just like you’re looking to do, and we’ve tried all of the major sites on the Internet. This is how we know what you want - because we want the same things when looking for a reputable sportsbook.

Bovada Sportsbook - Accepts All U.S. Residents Except New Jersey, MD, NV + DE

Bovada is one of the most popular sportsbooks on the Internet, and it is the most-trafficked venue for legal sports betting in the United States. Bovada offers a wide range of betting lines on everything you can imagine, from NASCAR to NFL odds and everything in between. You can also wager on a multitude of international sports at Bovada, including rugby, cricket, and soccer. Bovada also features some of the most innovative ways to bet real money on sports in an atmosphere that is friendly, inviting, and most of all, safe. And if you’re just starting out with sports wagering, Bovada actually has an excellent primer series of tutorials for all members.

Bovada also offers great rewards, like their Sports Welcome Bonus which gives you a 50% match of up to $250 when making your first deposit. This bonus is the best in the industry, with an extremely generous 5X rollover requirement. (Competing services often have bonus rollovers of 10X or greater.) Because of its wide range of wagers and its easy-to-use deposit methods, Bovada's online sportsbook is probably the best legal sports betting site that allows US residents. And that’s probably why over 10 million US betting enthusiasts call Bovada home for all their sports wagering needs.

BetOnline Sportsbook - No U.S. Residents Meeting Legal Age To Bet In Their State Turned Away

In a matter of minutes, you can be registered and wagering money on whatever betting line you choose if you decide to sign up with BetOnline. This website is very professional and would be a no-brainer if it weren't for other bookmakers like the ones listed on this page, which all have their strong points (which is why it’s a good idea to sign up at several different books, especially to shop around for the best lines, even though BetOnline will almost always bring you top value for your money). With that said, BetOnline has the best bonus promotion going, which is a 25% perk worth up to $1000 on every deposit for life, and this free money brings users back with frequency.

Of course, BetOnline's ultra-quick deposit methods are very nice, but the fast payout options are what truly separate it from the rest of the pack. At BetOnline, it can take less than 24 hours to get paid with cash depending on the day/time your payout request is made and processed. This timeline is shortened even further if users elect to be paid via Bitcoin or another supported cryptocurrency.

MyBookie Sportsbook - The Best Leisure Sportsbook Around!

MyBookie is what we like to call a leisure sportsbook. It’s optimized to provide the best betting experience to someone who just wants to see some cool lines and wager a normal amount of money on sports. It’s not meant for degenerate gamblers, it’s meant for the casual sports betting crowd, the normal people. This makes it a very accessible sportsbook, and it allows MyBookie to focus heavily on providing odds on things other sportsbooks might not touch. If you want to bet on celebrity death pools, you can check out MyBookie. If you want to bet on the Academy Awards, you can check out MyBookie. If you want to bet on whether or not Lizzo will wear a thong to the Super Bowl, you guessed it, you can check out MyBookie. On top of all the interesting odds they offer, they’re just a great sportsbook in general. Their lines are fair, and their odds are great. Take a look at MyBookie the next time you want to wager on sports.

Best Legal Sports Betting Sites