Sports Betting Sites & Best Online Sportsbooks – January 2026

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Jump to:

• Ranking the Best Sportsbooks in 2026
• Best Sportsbooks By Category
• How We Rank the Best Online Sportsbooks
• What’s New at Online Sportsbooks in 2026?
• Sportsbook Banking Options
• Sports Betting Sites FAQs

Sports to Bet On This Week

No matter which trustworthy sports betting site you’re wagering with, you’ve got an exciting slate of games to choose from this week. We get it, keeping track of the sports betting calendar can get overwhelming when you’re strategizing your wagers, so we’re keeping track of the biggest events each week to help you out.

We’re into the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs, which includes the Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears, San Francisco 49ers vs. Philadelphia Eagles, and Houston Texans vs. Pittsburgh Steelers. The semifinals of the College Football Playoff also kicks off this week with Ole Miss vs. Miami and Oregon vs. Indiana on tap.

Basketball season is in full effect with the NBA regular season underway. If you’re into hockey, the NHL regular season is now up and running with plenty of great games on tap every night.

Top Sports Betting Sites for 2026: Our Expert Rankings

BetMGM Sportsbook

Why We Picked It

• BetMGM’s award-winning rewards program, MGM Rewards, is its shining star, and its connection to MGM Grand properties and partners make it the perfect sportsbook for someone looking to do more than just bet from their couch. But if that’s your aim, BetMGM’s same-game parlay engine is maybe the easiest to work with among its competitors.

BetMGM Pros

• Top-notch loyalty program (MGM Rewards)
• High limits on bets and promotions (often between $50 and $100 for bet boosts).
• SGP builder.
• Highest possible value of welcome bonus ($1,500).

BetMGM Cons

• Player prop selections can be less than competitors.
• App only available on dark mode, and is sometimes not super responsive.

The 2026 Update

• The live betting and tracking features were the key recent additions to BetMGM. Now bettors can create a live SGP, and the previously mentioned ease of use of that engine is critical as it allows for quick action as a game is being played. Apple users can also track their bets live on their home screen.

bet365 Sportsbook

Why We Picked It

• The odds at bet365 are considered by most experts to be the best in the industry. Now, what does that mean? That’s not to say you will always find the best odds for a bet you like at bet365. But you’re not going to find -120 on both sides of a bet at bet365. You’re not going to find a half dozen anytime TD scorers all at +150 or shorter. They’re fair, and that’s all bettors want.

bet365 Pros

• The odds are the most fair and competitive among online sportsbooks.
• Extensive betting markets, both with number of sports and leagues available, but also prop bets within them.
• Early payout options for multiple sports when your team’s lead hits a set amount.
• Well-organized, responsive app.

bet365 Cons

• The best ability is availability, right? Well, bet365’s biggest issue is that it’s not as widely available as some other brands.

The 2026 Update

• The Bet Builder+ feature at bet365 allows you to easily build a parlay through multiple events. Parlay builder tools typically are utilized for SGPs.

theScore Bet

Why We Picked It

• In late 2025, theScore Bet took over for ESPN Bet as the partner of PENN National. The sportsbooks are very similar, and while there is not the obvious connection to ESPN’s networks and personalities, many of the best features still remain. That includes the Parlay Lounge, a large collection of pre-made parlays which are often worth your time and money. That’s not super common for pre-made parlays.

theScore Bet Pros

• Thanks to an integration with theScore app, you can see your bets within it as you are checking scores.
• The SGP builder tool at theScore Bet updates your odds and potential payout in real time.
• The “For You” section of the app shows you not just the games that would be of interest to you based on your betting patterns and theScore favorites, but bets that align with what you’ve previously bet on.

theScore Bet Cons

• theScore Bet suffers from some of the same pitfalls ESPN Bet had, including a limited selection of prop markets compared to its competitors.

DraftKings Sportsbook

Why We Picked It

• DraftKings does everything well. It has competitive odds, great promotions, unique markets, deep prop libraries … the list goes on and on. To me, its greatest strength is that if you want to see if a market is available at US online sportsbooks, check DraftKings first. It is quick to put up odds, and it offers action on basically anything that’s legally allowed.

DraftKings Pros

• Access to free-to-play and paid pools.
• Wide selection of daily promos surrounding biggest events, including NBA King of the Court and NFL Ghost Parlay promotions.
• One of the largest selections of betting markets, both in sports/leagues covered, and bets offered within them.
• Competitive odds.

DraftKings Cons

• App can feel cluttered with commercial partnerships and pre-made parlays.

The 2026 Update

• DraftKings has upgraded its Dynasty Rewards program recently, and while it’s still not on the level of MGM or Caesars Rewards, it has separated itself from the bottom half of the industry in this respect. Not only can redeem crowns for site credit on the sportsbook, fantasy and casino (where available) apps, but there are now gifts, trips and experiences that can be earned through Dynasty Rewards.

FanDuel Sportsbook

Why We Picked It

• FanDuel is the most popular sports betting app in the US, and for good reason. It’s a very good sportsbook that can connect with new and experienced bettors. The app is incredibly easy to navigate and aesthetically pleasing without being overburdened by promos and FanDuel’s pre-made parlays. The bottom line is FanDuel provides a great betting experience for everyone.

FanDuel Pros

• The FanDuel Sportsbook app is perhaps the best app among US sportsbooks, thanks to its clean interface and the ease with bettors can navigate its wide variety of markets.
• The SGP builder at FanDuel now includes the YourWay option, which gives you the ability to pick your alternate lines in your parlay.
• Unique daily promos and odds boosts for major events in all sports.

FanDuel Cons

• FanDuel’s rewards program is minimal, so while the promos are inviting, longtime customers aren’t getting any extra perks.

The 2026 Update

• FanDuel has introduced a lot recently, including Bet Protect and a MySpend responsible gambling tool. But the best addition to FanDuel is the Pass the Leg parlay, which allowed users to create a parlay with friends on a collective bet slip, then place their own bets on it. These were centered around Thanksgiving and Christmas, but don’t be surprised if it starts to pop up more often or even become a staple.

Caesars Sportsbook

Why We Picked It

• Caesars is one of the most respected names in the gambling industry, and its online sportsbook is carrying the name well. Not only does it offer the types of odds and betting limits you would expect from a name like Caesars, but recent years have seen significant upgrades to the app, making it more responsive and frankly better looking. Caesars Rewards is a world class loyalty program that can connect you to Caesars properties, events and concerts.

Caesars Sportsbook Pros

• High betting limits, both on general wagers but also the boosted odds – of which there are many. Odds boosts often come with a $100 max bet, which is 5-10 times higher than most of its competitors.
• Caesars Rewards caters to your level as a bettor. You can use the points to get bonus credit, or you can get discounts and make reservations at Flamingo Las Vegas or Amalfi by Bobby Flay.
• The live betting experience at Caesars is second to none, as you can follow with live in-game updates and analytics, and even live stream a selection of games.

Caesars Sportsbook Cons

• If it’s a big event, Caesars is going to have a large prop market for it, but for lesser games, you may struggle to find the prop bets you’re looking for at times.

The 2026 Update

• The universal digital wallet that Caesars recently unveiled allows users to manage deposits and withdrawals seamlessly between Caesars platforms, like the sportsbook, Caesars Palace online casino and Caesars Rewards app.

Fanatics Sportsbook

Why We Picked It

• Fanatics has become such a major name in sports, not just sports betting, and Fanatics Sportsbook allows users to connect to everything Fanatics. That means the FanCash you earn can be used for Fanatics apparel and experiences, as well as bonus bets. Unique promotions also allow you to win Fanatics products, as well as real money.

Fanatics Sportsbook Pros

• FanCash is the “bonus” currency at Fanatics, which you earn with every bet you make. That FanCash can be used within the sportsbook or on other Fanatics products.
• Thanks to its connection to the larger Fanatics company, the sportsbook can offer unique promotions where you can things like the jersey of the team you bet on, a Fanatics Experience for the Super Bowl and more.
• Fanatics Fair Play is a form of bet protection that covers bets on players who were injured in the first half of football games, not just the first quarter like many of its competitors.

Fanatics Sportsbook Cons

• Fanatics is still maturing as a sportsbook, which sometimes means a lack of markets or minimal props within a specific market.

The 2026 Update

• Fanatics recently upped the ante with its loyalty program, going beyond FanCash and introducing Fanatics One, which allows users to earn and redeem FanCash over time.

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Best Sportsbooks by Category

Each sportsbook has its own strength, and knowing what those should go a long way toward choosing the one that’s right for you.

Or, you could download them all and be ready to use the one that fits your need at that specific time!

Best Sportsbook for Live Betting: bet365

The live betting experience at bet365 is second to none and it adds plenty of excitement to any wager you make with their sports betting site or app. In fact, bet365 was one of the very first online gambling sites to even offer live betting and they are considered pioneers in the live wagering subgenre.

App speed and responsiveness is the key here, as bet365’s simple design allows for fast load times so you can get your bet in at the precise moment you want to, and don’t miss an opportunity.

Bet365 even gives users the ability to livestream games they’re wagering on. That means you can sit down and enjoy the action while making bets on the fly based on what you’re seeing. This experience certainly adds more fun to the entire event viewing experience and the bet365 site and app are both designed to make live betting feel completely hassle-free.

Not only do I love the fact you can livestream games while wagering on them, but bet365 is also one the best online sportsbooks in the business so they’re quick to help if you were to run into any problems while live betting.

Best Sportsbook for High Rollers & VIPs: Caesars Sportsbook

If you bet enough – and win enough – you’re going to run into some limits at any online sportsbooks. They’re trying to make money, after all.

But if you’re looking to be treated like a VIP while still getting in your big-money bets, Caesars Sportsbook is what you’re looking for.

Caesars is aware that it’s playing catch-up when it comes to casual bettors, with FanDuel and DraftKings dominating that market. So, by offering higher bet limits, both in general and on its odds boosts, it can attract people who are looking for more.

They’re also going to treat those high rollers well after the fact, as the Caesars Rewards program edges MGM Rewards when it comes to big spenders. The amount of high end hotels and restaurants, not to mention the big-name acts that frequent them, make Caesars the best option for jet-setting bettors.

Best Sportsbook for Prop Betting: DraftKings

When it comes to prop bets, you can’t beat DraftKings.

The sheer number of prop markets available at the sportsbook would be enough. You’ll find over/unders, milestones, alt lines, specials, you name it, on a variety of events, not just just major ones like the Super Bowl or NBA Finals.

DraftKings might not always have the most competitive odds in those prop markets, especially compared to a bet365 or a Circa Sports if you’re in one of those markets, but if a prop is being offered anywhere, it’s going to be offered at DraftKings.

Best Sportsbook for Competitive Odds: bet365

Rule No. 1 of sports betting: Shop around.

Just because I am naming bet365 here does not mean it will always have the most favorable odds on the bet you want to make, and it’s always wise to check multiple books to find the line that’s most favorable for you.

That being said, if you’re looking to see which sportsbook most often has a vig index – the commission fee a sportsbook will collect on any market – that is bettor friendly (relatively speaking, of course), that’s bet365.

Spreads on football and basketball games very rarely tip over the -115 / -105 range, and most often come in at -110 on either side, which is the industry standard.

Best New Sportsbook in North America: theScore Bet

To be fair, theScore Bet isn’t new in Canada, but it is new to US bettors, as it replaced ESPN Bet in December of 2025.

It essentially got a head start, as it is mostly a re-skinned version of ESPN Bet. That’s not a bad thing, as it allowed theScore Bet to start taking bets and offering boosts and promos in a format that is familiar to bettors.

You’re still getting the premade parlays, even if they took “lounge” out of the name, and the For You section is now connected to your theScore app, not your ESPN app and fantasy profile.

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Where to Bet and What to Bet on

The list of popular legal betting sites above provides some of the best options available overall. If you want to narrow it down by region or for a particular sport, check out the detailed pages at the links below.

Regional Betting Sites:

• United States
• Canada
• United Kingdom
• Europe
• Asia
• Africa

Gambling Sites By Sport:

• NFL
• NBA
• MLB
• NHL
• NCAAF
• NCAAB
• Golf
• Soccer
• Tennis
• UFC

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How We Rate and Review Online Sportsbooks

This is not as simple as, “I like this one” or “I have money in this account.”

There’s a process to this (although, I will personally spend more time at a sportsbook if I’m winning there. Call it superstition.)

Here are the seven key factors I considered when ranking these sportsbooks:

• Licensing verification: In order for us to even consider recommending an online sportsbook, it must be legally licensed by state regulatory bodies. All of the apps listed here are, but if you’re not sure the app you’re using is licensed, tap or click into your account and scroll to the bottom. I’m in Michigan, so mine are licensed by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB). Yours would be licensed by whichever state or provincial body in your location, like the NJDGE in New Jersey, PGCB in Pennsylvania, MGC in Missouri or AGCO in Ontario.
• Withdrawal speed testing: I’m going to be frank with you, now that online sportsbooks are accepting payment and sending withdrawals to e-wallets like Venmo, Paypal, Interac and Apple Pay, basically all of them are getting you your money within an hour. The processing time is incredibly fast nowadays, thanks to the many layers of verification you must go through to use those forms of payment as a deposit method (required before you can make a withdrawal), and log into your account. But this does matter, and is considered.
• Odds comparison vs. the market: My advice is always going to be to download several apps and shop for the best odds on a bet you like. But I also realize not everyone wants a handful of betting apps on their phone and are simply interested in one. That’s why I recommend bet365 for its competitive odds, and would add that DraftKings and FanDuel are becoming better and better in this department, too.
• Customer support response time: Different sportsbooks have different methods to get in touch for customer support. Most offer a 24/7 chat that is AI and can answer a lot of your questions. Others rely on social media support accounts.
• App stability under high traffic: The majority of bettors are going to be on an app during a high traffic time. Will this app crash under pressure during the Super Bowl? Is the World Cup Final going to cause it to move slowly? Most apps have taken a more streamlined approach with their designs to avoid these crashes.
• Security protocols: Every sports betting app listed on this page requires two-factor authentication. BetMGM, DraftKings, Fanatics, theScore Bet and bet365 send me a code every time I login. FanDuel does every two weeks.
• Responsible Gaming tools: Part of being licensed by a state regulatory body is offering responsible gaming tools, but some do it better than others. DraftKings has an entire program within its app for bettors to brush up on RG tools. FanDuel has a very prominent MySpend feature to help you track your time and money spent on the app. These are crucial tools when putting your trust in a sportsbook.

For a deeper dive on sportsbooks in general, check out our extensive guide to understanding sportsbook industry standards.

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The Evolution of Betting: What’s New in 2026?

Sports betting is constantly changing, especially online. It wasn’t long ago that the same-game parlay was revolutionary.

Here’s a look at some of the new features sportsbooks are offering:

AI-Powered Personalized Odds

Your social media algorithm isn’t the only thing evolving with your habits. Your sports betting experience is also being tuned to your interests and betting patterns.

Sportsbooks don’t typically have a social feed, but there’s a reason you’re seeing the markets at the top that you do. At first, it will be geographic, but the more you bet, the more it will start to mirror your habits.

Social Betting Features

The group chat parlay is a favorite of many bettors, and now some sportsbooks are bringing it to your app.

FanDuel’s Pass the Leg allows you to build a parlay with your friends or family, and all place your own bet on it. This has been for special occasions, but I’d imagine that will grow.

Social features are also built into many bet slips, allowing you to share the bet you just made to the social media platform of your choice without having to tweet out a screenshot.

Live Tracking on Phone Lock Screen

You don’t have to open your phone and scroll to your favorite betting app to track your bets anymore. By turning on live tracking, you can see the status of your bets right from the lock screen of your iPhone.

There are even options to cash out from this screen, although you’d then be required to unlock the phone and officially log into the app. Still, it’s much quicker than it would be the old fashioned way, and with a cashout every second can matter.

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Sportsbook Banking Options

When it comes to online sportsbook deposit methods, there are generally a good handful to choose from at most major sportsbooks. The same applies to payout methods, although they are generally more limited that the number of payment methods. With that, let’s take a look into some of the most popular online betting banking methods out there.

As you can see, there are many ways you can deposit money into your online sportsbook account and similar options generally apply to payouts as well. Keep in mind, however, that every sportsbook is different and not all of them will have the same deposit and payout methods available for customers.

If you’re interested in a particular sportsbook, make sure you do your research and find out the exact deposit and payout methods they have available so you’re prepared ahead of time. I personally like seeing more and more sportsbooks also serve as Apply Pay betting apps, Venmo betting apps, and Visa betting apps because they give me more flexibility as a user.

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Sports Betting Sites FAQs

Still have questions about sports betting sites? We’ve got some answers that might help point you in the right direction.

What are the best online sports betting sites?

Sports betting simply refers to the act of betting on sports. You can use online betting sites and apps across the world to place wagers on upcoming and live sporting events as well as more granular bets on individual player performances and more.

How do you get money back from online gambling sites?

This varies on the online gambling site you're using, but many sites offer withdrawal options in the form of bank transfers (ACH), PayPal, check, or cash.

Where is online sports betting legal?

Sports betting is legal in many US states as well as other countries across the world.

What types of sports can you bet at online sportsbooks?

Most online sportsbooks will allow you to bet on sports like American football, soccer, basketball, baseball, hockey, MMA, boxing, and much more.

Are there any age restrictions to use sports betting sites?

Yes. Generally speaking the age restrictions to use betting sites and apps can vary from 18-21 in most parts of the world.

What is the fastest sportsbook for payouts?

The fastest sportsbooks for payouts are DraftKings and FanDuel.

What is the easiest betting sites to withdraw money?

It really depends on personal preference. That said, we personally find PayPal is a very easy to withdraw money from your sportsbook account.

What kind of bonuses and promotions do betting sites offer?

Bonuses and promotions can vary from large welcome offers for first-time bettors to special daily boosts for returning customers. Make sure to check in with your sportsbook of choice for more details.

Can you place bets using your mobile device on sports betting sites?

Yes. Most sports betting sites have a mobile app version of their online sportsbook.

How do you ensure the safety and security of your personal and financial information on sports betting sites?

Your information is safe and secure when you use a legal sports betting site. These sites are heavily regulated by local governments and are designed to keep your information safe and secure.

Are there any fees associated with depositing or withdrawing money from an online sportsbook?

It depends on the sportsbook you use, but generally speaking there are usually no fees for depositing or withdrawing money.

What payment options are available for making deposits on sports betting sites?

Payment options include (but are not limited to): debit card, credit card, online banking, ACH transfer, PayPal, Play+ Prepaid Card, PayNearMe, Check, Bank Wire Transfer, Cash (at Casino), Skrill, Venmo.

Can you place live bets on sports events at online betting sites?

Yes, many online betting sites and apps will let you place live bets on sports events.

What kind of customer support do betting sites provide?

Most legal betting sites provide excellent customer support via live chat, phone, or email.

What are the responsible gambling measures that sports betting sites have in place?

Different countries and individual provinces and states have different responsible gambling measures in place. That said, they all generally provide contact information for help centers for people with gambling addictions.

What are the easiest sports to bet on with the best sportsbooks online?

The easiest sports to bet on with online sportsbooks include examples like NFL games, tennis, and soccer. We recommend choosing a sport you’re familiar with in order to simplify the wagering process.

What is the best online sports betting site for live betting?

We recommend bet365 as the best online sports betting site for live betting. The unique live streaming services offered at bet365 make live betting a top-notch experience at this acclaimed online betting site.

Is legal online sports betting reliable?

Yes, legal online sports betting is the most fair and reliable way to wager on your favorite games. You can start betting on sports online with confidence by choosing one of the legit sportsbook operators listed on this page.