The Best Sports Betting Apps for US Players – July 2025
Verified by: Patrick Cwiklinski
The best sports betting apps in the US are putting a taste of Las Vegas on your mobile device, offering competitive odds and real money payouts for bettors.
This page provides expert advice on which sportsbook apps are the best fit for you, where they’re legal, and how to download them while collecting lucrative sports betting bonuses to build your bankroll.
Latest Bonus Offers at Best US Sports Betting Apps
www.draftkings.com
DraftKings has gone from daily fantasy powerhouse to one of the best options for legal US sports betting. Expect great promos and one of the smoothest betting apps out there.
www.betmgm.com
BetMGM brings the famed casino brand online with a top-notch betting app and online sportsbook with great odds, exciting parlays, and odds boosts.
www.bet365.com
An established name making its way into new markets, Bet365 delivers a huge range of betting options for all sports, with a special emphasis on soccer and tennis.
sportsbook.fanatics.com
Bet on your favorite sports with Fanatics Sportsbook and use FanCash to make even more wagers or spend on new team swag.
www.caesars.com
Caesars brings ultimate flexibility to the world of online sports betting with tons of banking options, competitive odds on all major sports, and few restrictions when it comes to constructing parlays.
www.fanduel.com
FanDuel has built on their daily fantasy success with a flawless betting app and excellent online sportsbook. Find a superior live betting experience and lots of features for new bettors.
Top 6 Best Sports Betting Apps in the US
Sports betting apps have their own strengths and weaknesses, but these are the best ones based on my experience.
DraftKings: Best Overall Sports Betting App / Best App Layout
DraftKings is fighting with FanDuel for the title of most popular sports betting app all over the country, and for good reason. It got to that point thanks to its presence as a DFS powerhouse, but its user-friendly app and deep betting markets kept it there.

DraftKings Pros:
- Simple navigation – Multiple menus take you straight to the bets you want to see, and that goes well beyond the homepage. Clicking through a sport will not only show you the latest odds but also allow you to get to the most popular markets within those sports with ease.
- User-friendly search -The menus are great, but you can also search for the bets you’re looking for. DraftKings will show you your most recent searches and those that are trending in your area before you even start typing.
- Massive prop markets – DraftKings is offering odds on basically every sporting event you can think of, but its prop betting markets help set it apart. That goes for player props, team props, and some options you won’t see elsewhere like “QB to take first snap for NY Giants in regular season Week 1.”
- Daily bonuses and boosts – DraftKings has a lot of marketing money behind it, and that allows for a plentiful reserve of daily odds boosts and bonuses. If you can’t boost your bet on the DraftKings app, chances are you just aren’t looking hard enough.
DraftKings Cons:
- Weak rewards program – DraftKings does offer Dynasty and DK Crowns, but this doesn’t measure up to other sportsbook rewards programs on the market.
DraftKings Key Features:
- DraftKings Pools -Thanks to its massive player pool, DraftKings allows you to compete against other users for real money. Some pools are paid and reward you with prizes well into the thousands. While some of the bigger free pools still offer massive payouts.
- SGPx – Many sportsbooks now offer the ability to stack same-game parlays, but SGPx is one of the first of its kind and frankly one of the best.
- SGP Builder – The SGP Builder at DraftKings is one of the most responsive and well laid out in the industry. You don’t need to scroll straight down to see all the available bets for a SGP, as again, a side-to-side menu makes for very simple navigation.
DraftKings Welcome Bonus:

Claim our DraftKings promo code to receive a Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets welcome offer. Just click the link above to claim this bonus, as you will not have to enter a promo code. You also don’t have to win your bet. Check out our DraftKings promo code page for all the T&Cs.
DraftKings App Ratings:
- Apple App Store: 4.8 stars (out of 5)
- Google Play Store: 4.3 stars (out of 5)
DraftKings Available States:
- Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia, Wyoming
BetMGM: Best Sportsbook for Rewards / Most Generous Bonuses
The sports betting app that carries the largest possible betting promo (First Bet Bonus up to $1,500), also features a connection to the world-renowned MGM Rewards program. BetMGM Sportsbook combines that with the key attributes of a top-rated sportsbook, making the customer feel wanted—and rewarded.

BetMGM Pros:
- MGM Rewards integration – If you’re looking for a sportsbook to keep coming back to, BetMGM is the one for you. MGM Rewards is one of the premier loyalty programs in the country, and you can build up points while making your bets at the BetMGM app. This perk is bigger for those willing to spend more money as they can earn hotel stays and MGM International, but it can also lead to frequent bonus bets for more casual bettors.
- Simplicity of markets – It’s easy to find what you want to bet on at BetMGM, because it does keep things rather simple. If you’re more of a novice, this can help as you avoid that overwhelming feeling you get when flooded with prop markets you may not understand.
- Strong parlay builder tool – BetMGM makes it easy to build a SGP, just click “Build Parlay” on a game from the home screen, and you’re off. Not only is the builder easy to read and use, it shows public splits within it to help guide you, or at least provide some extra insight.
BetMGM Cons:
- Limited prop markets – While the simplicity of markets makes the BetMGM app easier to navigate, more experienced bettors who may be searching for more exotic props might come up empty.
BetMGM Key Features:
- Auto cash out – BetMGM will give you cash out options, as all online sportsbooks do, but you can also set an amount for your wager, where if it hits, BetMGM will automatically cash you out. The pros for this are obvious: If you aren’t paying attention, it will handle it for you. But if your bet is more secure than you thought it would be, letting it ride might have been a better option.
- Integration with Angstrom for live betting – BetMGM began utilizing Angstrom analytics during the 2024 baseball season, and it has revolutionized its live betting system. Angstrom is helping BetMGM provide more robust markets, and quicker live-betting options than its competitors.
BetMGM Sportsbook Bonus Breakdown:

21+ Only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (US). New customers only, subject to eligibility requirements. Not available in MS, NV, ON, or PR.
The biggest sports betting bonus on the market is the BetMGM Bonus Code which offers up to $1,500 paid back in bonus bets if your first bet loses. This bonus benefits beginners, as they can try out a new bet with the backing of bonus bets if they lose. It’s also a boon for high rollers, who can put up to $1,500 up on their first bet and get it back in bonus bets if they fall short. Visit our BetMGM Promo Code page to learn more.
BetMGM Sportsbook Ratings:
- Apple Play Store Rating: 4.8 stars (out of 5)
- Google Play Store Rating: 4.2 stars (out of 5)
BetMGM Sportsbook Available States:
- Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Washington D.C., West Virginia, Wyoming
Bet365 Sportsbook: Best App for Live Betting / Best Sports Betting Odds
Ever hear someone say the best ability is availability? Well, that’s bet365. It’s the star player that can’t always get on the court. It consistently offers some of the best odds in the industry, and a massive library of betting markets. But it’s only available in 13 states (for now). It’s Kawhi Leonard.

Bet365 Pros:
- Competitive odds – Experienced bettors are flocking to bet365, because they recognize that it’s consistently offering the best odds among online sports betting apps. That doesn’t mean you will always get the best price on a bet, but bet365 is a good baseline to check for fairness, even if you aren’t in a state where it’s legal.
- Huge selection of betting markets – The odds are great, but they’re made even greater by the number of markets that bet365 provides for its customers, specifically with international sports. You can find nearly any player prop—and with milestone bets, at almost any number. There are also markets you can’t find anywhere else, like LIV Golf, which I’ve only been able to find consistently at bet365 in the US.
- User-friendly color scheme – Mobile users have long been able to choose their preference on background colors in most apps. The default for many is a light background and dark text, while dark mode can flip it. Most sports betting apps come in one or the other, but not bet365. The green-gray-yellow color scheme matches the brand, but it also walks the line between the two most common schemes. For someone like me, with sensitive eyes, it’s the perfect combination.
Bet365 Cons:
- Availability – It really comes down to this for bet365. Most bettors can’t use it consistently because it’s not available in more than half of legal betting states. It is expanding, both to new established markets and new ones, as it bet365 Missouri has already partnered with the St. Louis Cardinals for access to the next state to launch.
- App crashes – This is not something I’ve experienced a ton of, but the No. 1 complaint you do see from bet365 users—even those who claim to love it—are frequent app crashes.
Bet365 Key Features:
- Sub On, Play On: Any soccer bettor needs to download the bet365 app and take advantage of this feature, which allows your bet to stay alive when the player you’ve bet on has been subbed off. If you bet Lamine Yamal to score 2+ goals, and he leaves the field without hitting the milestone, as long as the player subbed directly on for him finishes it off, you win. This isn’t always available, but when it is, take advantage.
- Early Payouts: bet365 was kind of revolutionary with this, and now other sports betting apps are catching on. But with early payouts, your bet can payout as a winner if the team you bet on goes up by a certain amount. In the NFL, that’s 17 points. In the NBA, it’s 20. For soccer, it’s two goals, while in the NHL, it’s three. The options keep expanding, too.
Bet365 Bonus Breakdown:

SPORTSBOOK
The bet365 bonus code will score you a choice of promos. You can either get a Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets welcome offer, or a First Bet Safety Net up to $1,000. I recommend the Bet & Get offer for most bettors, as it only requires a $5 stake and guarantees you $150 in bonus bets, regardless of the bet outcome. For high rollers, though, the ability to make your first bet up to $1,000 while knowing you’ll get bonus bets back if you lose can be enticing.
Bet365 App Ratings:
- Apple App Store: 4.8 stars (out of 5)
- Google Play Store: 4.5 stars (out of 5)
Bet365 Available States:
- Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia
FanDuel: Best Sports Betting App for User Experience / Best for Beginners
The most downloaded and most used sports betting app in the US is FanDuel Sportsbook, and it’s not hard to see why. FanDuel, like DraftKings, made it easy to sign up all over the country as many users who were interested in sports betting already had a FanDuel DFS account. While the apps were separate, the wallet was shared. FanDuel also has a massive marketing budget, so it’s in your face seemingly all the time. Oh, and the app is simple, sleek and easy to use, all while being aesthetically pleasing. It’s the perfect entry to the sports betting space for beginners.

FanDuel Pros:
- Design – There’s nothing that stands out about FanDuel’s design, but maybe that’s the point. It’s easy to read, it’s easy to navigate—both with its scrolling menus and search function—and it’s easy on the eyes. The simplicity of the app makes it incredibly fast and responsive, with minimal crashes.
- Frequent boosts around major events – If there is a big game or match coming up, FanDuel likely has a boost or bonus connected to it. They’re easy to find too, as the available promos are toward the top of the home screen, ready to be scrolled through.
- Best app for look-ahead lines – FanDuel has been great at providing look-ahead lines, specifically in football. It will also offer lines on potential NFL or college football playoff games as that point of the season rolls around, which you can bet on! If the game doesn’t happen, the bet is voided, and your money comes back to you.
FanDuel Cons:
- Bet limits – This applies more to veteran bettors and high rollers, but FanDuel has been known to put limits on bettors who are winning or bet types that might hurt the sportsbook.
FanDuel Key Features:
- SGP Builder -FanDuel was known as the king of the SGP – which also made it the king of hold percentage and the king of revenue – and its SGP builder remains among the best in the industry. The depth of prop markets and options available are the main factors.
- Free to play games – As I mentioned earlier, FanDuel is great at offering promos around major events, and that includes things like the Kick of Destiny promotion, which has featured Rob Gronkowski and the Mannings. These are fun, real-life games that can win you bonus bets.
FanDuel Bonus Breakdown:

FanDuel has offered several different bonuses to new users and is known to beef them up around major events. The current FanDuel promo code is Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets If You Win. It’s a low-cost entry, but you do need to win your first bet to claim it.
FanDuel App Ratings:
- Apple App Store: 4.9 stars (out of 5)
- Google Play Store: 4.7 stars (out of 5)
Available States:
- Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Washington D.C., West Virginia, Wyoming
Caesars Sportsbook App: Best for High Rollers
Caesars Sportsbook has played around with its app over the past few years and has finally found its groove. The current app is setup much like its competitors, and that’s OK, as previous versions felt clunky and tough to navigate. Now that it’s much more user friendly, it’s able and less glitchy, it’s found its place among my top five.

Caesars Sportsbook Pros:
- Higher limits on promos – Caesars is best for high rollers for a couple reasons—Caesars Rewards being among them—but its willingness to let you bet more on its daily boosts might be No. 1. Most online sportsbooks are capping their boosts around $10, but Caesars often sets those maximum wagers as high as $100.
- Caesars Rewards integration – There’s a separate app for Caesars Rewards if you want to download it, but you can access most of what you need right through the Caesars Sportsbook app. Caesars Rewards rivals MGM Rewards as the best loyalty program in the country.
Caesars Sportsbook Cons:
- Shortage of markets – Sometimes, Caesars simply isn’t providing odds on bets you want to make, at least not in a timely fashion. In fact, there are instances where searching for an event will show you the event, only to say it’s not available. You know we want it, why don’t you just offer it!?
Caesars Sportsbook Key Features:
- Improved parlay builder – Caesars’ old SGP builder was glitchy and not filled with many options. The new one, however, for both SGPs and parlays, is top notch. It’s much simpler, which keeps it from crashing, and the options for player props and alt lines are much greater, allowing you to build parlays to your specific wants.
Caesars Sportsbook Bonus Breakdown:

Bet $1 & Double Your Winnings On Your First 10 Bets!
The Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code offers a Bet $1, Double Your Winnings Your Next 10 Bets welcome bonus. With this bonus, you’ll receive 100% profit boosts for 10 straight days after making your first bet of $1 or more. While this doesn’t include bonus bets like most other welcome bonuses, all the money you get from the bonus is withdrawable.
Caesars Sportsbook App Ratings:
- Apple App Store Rating: 4.7 stars (out of 5)
- Google Play Store Rating: 4.5 stars (out of 5)
Available States:
- Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia, Wyoming
Fanatics Sportsbook App: Best for Unique Promotions
Fanatics Sportsbook is still playing catch-up in a lot of states, as it took over licenses from PointsBet in many existing markets, before jumping into new ones at launch. It has used its connection to Fanatics fanwear and the brand in general to try and grow, but the app still needs some work to catch up to its competitors.

Fanatics Sportsbook Pros:
- It’s pretty – No, really, the Fanatics Sportsbook app is very aesthetically pleasing, and that will make you stick around and dive deeper into the odds it’s offering. Some of that might be the licensing Fanatics has, which allows it to use some images that other sportsbooks cannot.
- Intuitive interface – One thing that Fanatics has nailed is putting the bets you likely want to be making front and center. The “For You” section of the main menu will show you matches you may have previously clicked into, followed by related ones, which you can quickly access to place your bets.
Fanatics Sportsbook Cons:
- Lack of markets – Fanatics will need to provide more for bettors moving forward if it’s going to overtake the sports betting apps ahead of it. As an example, you cannot make a WNBA SGP that includes player props. In 2025.
Fanatics Sportsbook Key Features:
- Fanatics 5 Daily – This free-to-play game allows you to collect FanCash every day by making five correct picks.
- Daily profit boosts – Fanatics is great at giving out several daily profit boosts which you can apply to bets and parlays you build yourself. Some range up to 50%, and you don’t have to do anything to earn them. Keep an eye out during the NFL season or March Madness for Power Hour boosts, with which you can place up to 10 boosted bets in a single day.
Fanatics Sportsbook Bonus Breakdown:
- FANATICS SPORTSBOOK
BET $30 & GET $300 IN BONUS BETS! (MI, NJ, PA)
- FANATICS SPORTSBOOK
BET $50 & GET $250 IN BONUS BETS! (AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, LA, MA, MD, NC, OH, TN, VA, WV)
- FANATICS SPORTSBOOK
GET A 100% PROFIT BOOST DAILY FOR 10 DAYS! (NY ONLY)
- FANATICS SPORTSBOOK
BET & GET UP TO $1,000 IN NO SWEAT BETS
- FANATICS CASINO
DEPOSIT $5 & GET $50 IN CASINO CREDIT (MI, NJ, PA, WV)
New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, or WY only. Must apply this Promotion in your bet slip & place and settle $5+ cash wager with odds of - 200 or longer to get a Bonus Bet match (up to $100) each day for 10 straight days. Your 10 days begin the day you sign up. Bonus Bets expire 7 days from issuance. Add’l Terms apply, see Fanatics Sportsbook app.
The Fanatics Sportsbook promo code varies by state. But in all states, other than New York, one welcome offer is Bet & Get up to $1,000 in No Sweat Bets. That gives you a No Sweat Bet up to $100 every day for 10 days.
Fanatics Sportsbook App Ratings:
- Apple App Store: 4.8 stars (out of 5)
- Google Play Store: 4.7 stars (out of 5)
Available States:
- Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Wyoming
How We Rank the Best Sports Betting Apps
I went in depth on each of the best sports betting mobile apps above but let me break down exactly why they’re ranked the way they are.
Here, I’ll rank them by feature, with 1 being the best and 6 being the lowest.
Choosing the Right Sports Betting App for You
Use that table as a guide, but those are my rankings for each. While I’ve spent an excessive amount of time on all these apps, and would be considered an expert, that doesn’t mean it’s going to fit your style.
What to Consider Before Downloading
- Your Betting Style: Are you new to betting? Then FanDuel or DraftKings is probably for you. Looking to place a lot of big bets or build upon your in-person betting experiences? Look to BetMGM or Caesars for their higher limits and rewards connections.
- Preferred Sports & Markets: If you’re only looking to bet on the NFL, this probably doesn’t apply to you (and I realize this is a lot of you). All online sports betting apps are going to offer a ton around the league. But if you want to bet on soccer or other international sports, bet365 should be your go-to. The NBA? FanDuel offers League Pass subscriptions as a promo each year, and some really good odds. Combat sports? Go to DraftKings.
- Importance of Bonuses & Promotions: The type of bonus you’re looking for can go a long way toward picking the sportsbook you want. And that doesn’t always mean just picking the biggest number (hello, BetMGM). Bet & Get bonuses are the easiest entry and best way to build your bankroll at a new sportsbook, so DraftKings, FanDuel and bet365 fit best. But if you have more to spend up front, a No Sweat or First Bet bonus might be more your speed, as you can chase those bigger numbers, like that $1,500 First Bet bonus at BetMGM.
- Device Compatibility: While all the apps I’ve written about are compatible with iOS and Android devices, you’ll notice the big gap in some of the ratings. Apple App Store ratings are, for the most part, pretty close. Either at 4.7 or 4.8. But Android ratings differ quite a bit, like BetMGM carrying a 4.2 Google Play rating and a 4.8 at Apple. That’s something to consider if your phone turns everyone’s group chat green.
- Location: I love bet365, but I live in Michigan, where it isn’t legal. Luckily, my in-laws live on the Michigan-Ohio border, so I can still use it fairly frequently. But if you’re a Michigander like me, bet365 might not be for you. Make sure to check the availability of apps in your state before you try to claim a bonus or register a new account, because you might be wasting your time.
How to Get Started With a Sports Betting App
Now that you’ve made your choice, here’s how to create your account, claim your bonus and start placing bets.
Step-by-Step Guide to Registering an Online Sportsbook Account
- Begin by clicking through any of the links on this page that corresponds with the sports betting app you want to download.
- Some links will take you directly to an app download, while others will take you to the site. If it’s the latter, fill out the information and then download the app. At either one, the registration process will be the same.
- Select the state you are physically located in, not the state you reside in.
- Enter your personal information, including your name, birthdate, email address, phone number, mailing address and social security number.
- Some sports betting apps will ask you to verify your identity further by uploading a photo of your driver’s license or government issued ID.
- Once your account is created, you will need to choose your preferred banking method, whether it be online banking, debit card or credit card (Visa, Mastercard and Discover are widely accepted, while American Express is at some sportsbooks), PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, Skrill or other methods.
- Connect that deposit method to your account and make your initial deposit. In most cases, it will instantly be deposited into your sports betting account.
How to Claim a Sports Betting Welcome Bonus
To ensure you are claiming the advertised welcome bonus at the sports betting app of your choice, there could be additional steps to take beyond that.
If a promo code is required, you will need to enter that when prompted. Oftentimes, this happens as you make your initial deposit.
The initial deposit amount is also important, as it will need to meet the parameters of the bonus, even if no promo code is required. For Bet & Get bonuses, that minimum deposit is likely to be $5 or $10. For First Bet bonuses, you will want to deposit at least as much as you plan to use on your first bet.
How to Place Your First Bet
To complete the process, you will need to place a first bet that qualifies, that means hitting the proper amount spelled out in the bonus, and in some cases making sure you hit the minimum odds requirement. For example, if a bonus requires a bet be made at minimum odds of -200, anything at -201 or lower won’t qualify, while anything at -199 all the way into the positives, would.
Figuring out how to use that first bet is important, too. If the Bet & Get requires you to win, you will want to find something with the shortest possible odds. While nothing is a sure thing in sports betting, finding a -500 bet (if that meets the minimum) is pretty close.
The key thing here is that you always want to win your first bet, even if the bonus in question is paid out when you lose. Real money is always better than bonus money, because it doesn’t expire and you can withdraw it.
So, while it might be tempting to take a super longshot with a First Bet bonus, you’re better off taking something that will win. That being said, if you’re confident about something with longer odds, this is the place to do it.
To find these bets, start by tapping into the sport you want to be on and then the game or match. Tap the bet you want to make, open your betslip and confirm it. If you see an option to opt-in for the bonus, make sure that is checked, too.
- BETMGM SPORTSBOOK
USE CODE SBD1500 & GET $1,500 BACK IN BONUS BETS
- FANATICS SPORTSBOOK
BET & GET UP TO $1,000 IN BONUS BETS!
- DRAFTKINGS SPORTSBOOK
BET $5 & GET $150 IN BONUS BETS INSTANTLY!
- FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK
BET $5 & GET $150 IF YOUR BET WINS!
- CAESARS SPORTSBOOK
USE CODE SBD2DYW & BET $1 TO DOUBLE THE WINNINGS ON YOUR FIRST 10 BETS!
Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, IL, KS, KY, MD, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY); (800) 327-5050 or gamblinghelplinema.org (MA); (877) 8-HOPENY (NY); 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ); (888) 789-7777 (CT); 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA); 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN); mdgamblinghelp.org (MD); morethanagame.nc.gov (NC); 1800gambler.net (WV)
Legal US Sports Betting Apps: What States Offer Mobile Sports Betting?
There are now 34 states (including Washington, D.C.) that offer some form of online sports betting. That includes Nevada, which has very restrictive rules related to their retail sportsbooks, and several other states that have three or fewer operators in a limited betting environment.
On Dec. 1, 2025, that will rise to 35 states, as Missouri sports betting apps will launch.
Here’s a list of states where online sports betting apps are at least partially legal: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, Washington D.C., West Virginia and Wyoming.
Legal Age for Online Sports Betting
Most states require you to be 21 or older to place a bet online, but there are some exceptions.
Kentucky, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Wyoming, Oregon and Washington, D.C., have set the statewide age at 18 and older.
Responsible Gambling with Sports Betting Apps
The best online sports betting apps have all been licensed by the state regulatory bodies where they operate. Part of that process is ensuring they are providing responsible gambling tools to their customers.
You can find those tools within any sports betting app, either on your account page, or by scrolling to the bottom of the app’s homepage.
Setting Limits & Self Exclusion
Among the responsible gambling tools available on sports betting apps is the ability to set limits and flat-out stop yourself from gambling.
- Deposit & Wagering Limits: You can set a limit on how much money can be deposited in a specific timeframe. You can also set limits on how much you can wager in a timeframe, or on single bets.
- Time Limits: Most sports betting apps will send you a wake-up reminder if you’ve been on the app for too long (typically 30 minutes). You can also set limits for how long you allow yourself to be on a sports betting app.
- Timeouts or Cooling Off: Putting yourself in a timeout, or a cooling off period inactivates your account for however long you set. That could be anywhere from 72 hours to three months. In that timeframe, you can login to withdraw any funds you have in the account, but you will not be able to make a bet.
- Self-Exclusion: If a timeout isn’t enough, you can add yourself to the self-exclusion list, which can last anywhere from six months to five years. This also inactivates your account, and can span all apps available in your state, not just one.
Recognizing Problem Gambling Signs
The National Council for Problem Gambling has a list of signs to watch out for to spot problem gambling:
- Thinking about gambling all the time.
- Feeling the need to bet more money and more often.
- Going back to try to win your money back, or chasing losses.
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to stop or cut down.
- Feeling like you can’t control yourself.
- Gambling despite negative consequences.
Spotting those and responding to them can prevent you from spiraling further and reaching the most extreme issues, which can lead to bankruptcy, legal problems, job loss, family estrangement and suicidal thoughts.
Resources for Problem Gambling Help
Each state has its own resources for problem gambling. At a national level, you can utilize the following:
- 1-800-GAMBLER
- National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)
- GambleAware
Sports Betting Apps FAQs
I listed my favorite sports betting apps on this page: DraftKings, BetMGM, bet365, FanDuel, Caesars and Fanatics. But choosing the best sports betting app for you includes multiple factors, also covered on this page.
No, but they are legal in some form in 34 states, including Washington, D.C.
Within your sports betting app account, you will be able to deposit and withdraw money. Just click on deposit or withdraw, choose the amount, and follow the steps on screen. You can use online banking through your checking account, debit cards, credit cards, e-wallets like PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay or Skrill, among other methods.
Yes! Nearly all US sports betting apps have welcome bonuses available for people who sign-up with a new account.
Licensed sports betting apps available in legal sports betting states are safe to use. They are protected with multiple layers of security, including data encryption and multi-factor authentication, and backed by the government bodies in their states that regulate them. So, if those security measures are breached, you are further protected as a consumer.
In most states, you must be 21 years of age or older to use a sports betting app. Some states (Kentucky, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Wyoming, Oregon and Washington, D.C.) allow you to bet online at 18.
The best sports betting apps combine competitive odds, vast betting markets, daily promotions and boosts with a clean, easy-to-use interface. You will also want to find an app that has a generous welcome bonus to build your initial bankroll.
FanDuel is our choice for best sports betting app for beginners. The welcome bonus is typically easy to claim, and the app is incredibly simple to use.
I would recommend DraftKings, BetMGM, bet365, FanDuel, Caesars and Fanatics sports betting apps.
The sports betting app consistently providing the best odds is bet365. If you are not in a state where bet365 operates, I would recommend DraftKings.

Evergreen Writer/Editor; Sportsbook Expert
With nearly two decades of experience in sports media, Paul Costanzo turned his professional attention to sports betting and online gambling in January of 2022. He's covered every angle of the industry since then, managing and creating content for PlayMichigan and The Sporting News, and now SBD.