Legal status of sportsbooks in the USA
Since the Supreme Court repealed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection (PASPA) Act in 2018, many US states have legalized sports betting. Some states opted for a referendum whereas others decided on passing legislation.
With this, many Americans can bet on their favorite sports and events, including football, basketball, hockey, and baseball. You can claim many promotions and wager on sports pre-match or try in-play betting.
In each state sports betting is legal, every sportsbook must be licensed and regulated. According to law, only punters over the age of 21 can bet.
In addition, responsible gambling tools must be offered by bookmakers. These include setting deposit limits, being able to self-exclude, and having resources available to those who need them.
In total, 38 states have legalized sports betting with each state having its own regulatory and tax structures. Supporters of online betting point to the creation of jobs and tax revenues as the reason why many states have legalized it.
The only 12 states where sports betting is not legal are; Alabama, Alaska, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah.
Top bookies you should know in 2025
1.
Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5!
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How we judge sportsbooks that are US friendly
When we recommend sportsbooks that are US friendly, we do not leave things to chance. On the contrary, we have a tried and tested system to ensure US bettors players only bet at the best sportsbooks.
Safety and license
Your safety when making bets is our priority. That’s why we will only ever recommend properly licensed and regulated US friendly bookmakers. This way, if you ever have any issues, such as not getting your winnings, you can contact the regulator for help. Also, we check the security of websites and apps to confirm they are using the latest SSL encryption technology which keeps all your data safe.
Bonuses
One of the best things about betting on your favorite sports is the bonuses and promotions you can claim. We check for both the quality and quantity of these bonuses. We like to see a welcome bonus offered, with the terms not too restrictive. After that, we are big fans of parlay insurance, bonus bets, deposit bonuses, odds boosts, and loyalty programs.
Betting markets
Not only do we prefer to see plenty of sports to wager on including the big US ones like baseball, basketball, and football, but we also assess the markets. The more markets, the better, with at least moneyline, points spreads, parlays, and under/over bets offered. In recent times, in-play betting has become popular so we always check if it’s an option at US sportsbooks before recommending it.
Responsible gambling
All regulated and licensed sportsbooks are obligated by law to provide safer gambling tools. Therefore, we check on how easy they are to use. We prefer when all the tools are available in your account rather than contacting support. We like to see deposit limits, session limits, requesting cooling-off periods, and permanent self-exclusions as an option so you can stay in control of your gambling.
Mobile app
Sports betting apps are convenient as you can bet anywhere anytime. The design should be easy to use and navigating between betting markets and your account should be seamless. When you win, we prefer
fast withdrawal betting sites, where the process of getting your winnings is smooth and easy. In-built customer support also scores high marks, so you can get in touch if you have any issues.
Using sportsbooks that are US friendly: Our tips and tricks
Before signing up to any of our recommended sportsbooks with US friendly sites, we advise you to read our tips. This way, you’ll be ahead of the game and not get any surprises when it’s time to withdraw.
Make sure you understand the bonus terms and conditions before claiming one. There might be wagering requirements, restricted sports, or minimum odds you must wager. Once you understand, you can then place your bet and if you win, you’ll be able to make a smooth withdrawal.
At many of the sportsbooks, US friendly stats are available so you can make informed betting decisions. You’ll be able to see team, player, and head-to-head stats. Therefore use this information to correctly predict a pattern and profit accordingly.
Turn on Push Notifications
If you are using a
sports betting app, always turn on the push notifications. This is because you’ll always be kept in the loop about any bonuses you can claim or any free bets. Also, follow the sportsbook on its social media channels and turn email/SMS notifications on.
Check for Referral Bonuses
Many sportsbooks offer referral bonuses, where you have a unique link you send to your friends. The best sportsbook referral bonus will give you bonus funds to use on any sport. The more friends that sign up and make a deposit with your link, the more bonuses you’ll get.
Pros and cons of USA sportsbooks
In this section, we explore the pros and cons of US sportsbooks, taking into account a wide range of circumstances.
- Bet on 30+ sports
- 24/7 customer support
- Plenty of bonuses to claim
- Wager pre-match or in-play
- Some sites have limited payment options
- In some states, college sports are restricted
Conclusion – check out the best US friendly sportsbooks todays
We’ve given you the lowdown on sportsbooks that are US friendly, and taught you what to look out for before signing up for one. Many will offer apps, where it’s a more convenient way of betting. You can claim the welcome offer, deposit fast, and wager on tons of sports.
Nevertheless, always make sure that sports gambling is legal in your state before starting. Yet, when you start wagering, inform yourself on the best bonus offers to claim and use the stats available to you to make informed bets.
So pick one of our recommended US friendly sportsbooks, claim a bonus, and start your journey!
Our favorite sports betting bonuses in 2025
1.
Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5!
Wagering (WR): 1x Bonus, Min. Deposit: $10
Subject to meeting qualifying criteria. Minimum wager $5. Minimum odds -500 or greater. $10 minimum deposit. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. Available in app only. Max. prize, game restrictions, time limits and T&Cs apply. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
FAQs
👮 Are US sportsbooks legal?
Yes, in 38 states sports betting is legal. The only states where betting on sports is illegal are Alabama, Alaska, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah.
💰 Can I claim a bonus on American sportsbooks?
Yes, most sportsbooks that are US-friendly will give you a welcome offer. It will be a matched bonus requiring you to deposit. From there, you can claim parlay insurance, bonus bets, and deposit offers.
📱 Do US bookmakers have apps?
Yes, many bookmakers have apps available to download for free on iOS, Android, and Windows devices.
