Surge of Online Sports Betting in the US

In the years following the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, online sports betting in the United States has exploded into a multi-billion-dollar industry. What once lived in the shadows—mostly through offshore sites or illegal bookies—is now front and center in American sports culture. From NFL games to March Madness to The Masters, betting on sports has become not just legal but also mainstream.

According to the American Gaming Association, gross gaming revenue in the U.S. hit an all-time high of $115 billion in 2024, with online and mobile bets accounting for over 90% of all sports wagers. This growth is fueled by a perfect storm: increased state-level legalization, better technology, wider accessibility, and a cultural shift that embraces betting as part of the sports entertainment experience.

As we enter 2025, bettors have more tools, sportsbooks, and promotions at their fingertips than ever before. But with that convenience comes the need to understand where betting is legal, which platforms are trustworthy, and how to navigate the space responsibly.

Where Is Sports Betting Legal in 2025?

As of April 2025, 38 states plus Washington, D.C. have legalized some form of sports betting, whether online, in-person, or both. Additionally, Missouri is slated to join the list, with its sports betting market launching in the summer of 2025. This rapid expansion continues to transform the way Americans interact with sports.

Online Sports Betting: States Where It’s Legal

States like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Illinois, and New York are leading the charge in online sports betting, offering mobile access through licensed operators such as FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM. Others, like Mississippi and Montana, only permit online betting in specific locations like licensed casinos.

States with Retail-Only Betting

A handful of states—South Dakota, New Mexico, Nebraska, and Washington, among others—still restrict sports betting to in-person, retail-only formats. That means placing a wager requires being physically present at a licensed sportsbook or casino.

States Where Sports Betting Remains Illegal

There are still 11 states where sports betting is completely illegal, including California, Texas, Georgia, and Utah. Despite high demand and lobbying efforts, legislation in these areas has stalled or been rejected.

Top Online Sportsbooks in the U.S.

With dozens of operators vying for market share, choosing the right sportsbook can be overwhelming. They provide in-depth, unbiased reviews of the top-performing sportsbooks based on criteria like mobile app performance, odds competitiveness, user experience, and bonus offers.

Here are the 8 best online sportsbooks in the U.S. as of April 2025:

1. bet365 – Highly rated mobile app, niche sports markets, generous promos.
2. DraftKings – Extensive betting markets, top-tier DFS integration, great bonuses.
3. Caesars Sportsbook – Strong loyalty rewards, daily odds boosts, excellent customer support.
4. BetMGM – Smooth UX, strong futures market, good withdrawal options.
5. FanDuel – User-friendly app, great for parlays, in-app NFL streaming.
6. Fanatics Sportsbook – Unique “FanCash” loyalty system, app-only platform.
7. BetRivers – Competitive odds, live streaming for niche sports, solid promos.
8. ESPN Bet – Sports-media integration, attractive welcome offers, includes ESPN+ trial.

Each of these sportsbooks is fully licensed in multiple states and offers generous welcome bonuses like second-chance bets, deposit matches, and bet-and-get promotions. Many also provide live in-game betting, loyalty programs, and fast withdrawals.

Key Features to Look for in Online Betting Tools

Whether you're a seasoned sports bettor or just starting out, having the right tools at your fingertips can make or break your success. But with so many platforms and apps available, it’s important to know which features truly matter. Here are the most critical elements to look for when choosing an online betting tool:

Real-Time Odds and Line Shopping

The best tools offer live odds updates across multiple sportsbooks, allowing bettors to shop for the most favorable lines. A small difference in odds can mean a big swing in your long-term profitability.

Advanced Analytics and Insights

Look for platforms that go beyond basic stats. Tools that incorporate player trends, historical matchup data, betting splits, and sharp money indicators can give you an edge.

Bet Tracking and Bankroll Management

Tracking your bets is essential. Good platforms let you log, analyze, and review your performance, making it easier to identify strengths and weaknesses in your strategy.

Live Betting Interface

Live or “in-play” betting is a growing trend, and top platforms offer streamlined, real-time interfaces for tracking changing odds and placing bets quickly.

Educational Content and Community Support

For beginners especially, access to tutorials, betting strategy guides, and active user forums or Discord channels can make the learning curve much easier to navigate.

Best Online Platforms and Tools for Sports Bettors

While sportsbooks are where you place your bets, supplemental tools can dramatically improve your betting intelligence. Here’s a list of the top platforms and technologies that bettors across the U.S. are using in 2025:

Action Network

A staple in the sports betting community, Action Network offers odds tracking, expert picks, betting calculators, and a robust bet tracking system. Their PRO subscription provides access to sharp money reports and power ratings.

BetQL

Designed for value-seekers, BetQL analyzes thousands of betting trends across every sport. It uses an AI-driven algorithm to suggest bets based on odds movement, public vs. sharp betting, and historical matchups.

OddsJam

Known for its line shopping capabilities, OddsJam aggregates odds from dozens of sportsbooks and flags arbitrage opportunities. It's ideal for bettors looking to make the most out of every wager.

Pikkit

An emerging favorite, Pikkit is a social betting platform that also acts as a bet tracker. It allows users to follow other bettors, copy bets, and share insights in real-time.

Covers

Long before the boom, Covers was a go-to source for game previews, public betting trends, and analysis. Their database is especially helpful for researching ATS (against-the-spread) records and injury news.

These tools aren’t sportsbooks themselves but pair well with platforms like Bettor In Green that help you choose where to place your bets based on performance, legality, and features.

A Trusted Guide for Online Sportsbooks

With so many sportsbook choices and promotional offers, figuring out where to bet can be confusing. That’s where Bettor In Green steps in as one of the most trusted online guides in 2025.

What Makes Bettor In Green Stand Out?

• Unbiased Reviews: Every sportsbook is tested across real-world criteria—app quality, odds competitiveness, bonus value, and more.
• Detailed Legal Info by State: Whether you live in New Jersey or just traveled to North Carolina, Bettor In Green helps you confirm where betting is legal and what apps are licensed in your location.
• Top-Rated Bonuses: The site highlights the best welcome offers currently available. These include “Bet $5 Get $200” promos, no-sweat bets, deposit matches, and bonus cash.
• Up-to-Date Content: With sports betting evolving month to month, the platform ensures that all information is current, verified, and actionable.

How to Bet Safely and Responsibly Online

Sports betting can be thrilling, but it also comes with real financial risk. As access to the best U.S. online sportsbooks grows, so does the importance of responsible gambling practices. Betting smart isn’t just about strategy—it’s also about self-awareness and control.

Set Your Bankroll Before You Start

Before placing your first bet, decide how much money you’re willing to risk—and stick to it. This is your “bankroll,” and responsible bettors never exceed it, even during a hot streak or after a tough loss.

Use Built-In Responsible Gaming Tools

Most legal U.S. sportsbooks offer built-in tools that allow users to:

• Set daily/weekly deposit limits
• Restrict bet sizes
• Temporarily or permanently self-exclude These features are designed to protect players from developing gambling-related issues.

Watch for Problem Gambling Warning Signs

If betting stops being fun or starts interfering with relationships, work, or finances, it may be time to take a break. According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, 2.5 million U.S. adults meet the criteria for a severe gambling problem each year.

Need support? Organizations like 1-800-GAMBLER and Birches Health offer confidential counseling and recovery programs—often covered by insurance.

Avoiding Offshore and Unregulated Betting Sites

One of the most important tips for U.S. bettors in 2025: Avoid offshore sportsbooks at all costs. These sites may promise big bonuses or higher odds, but they operate outside U.S. law, leaving bettors exposed to unnecessary risk.

Why Offshore Betting Is Dangerous

• No legal protections: If an offshore book refuses to pay out, there’s no regulatory body to help you.
• Weak cybersecurity: Your personal and financial data may not be encrypted or protected.
• Questionable practices: Odds manipulation, hidden terms, and sudden account closures are all too common.

How to Spot a Legal U.S. Sportsbook

• They’re licensed in your state (e.g., through the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement or the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board).
• They clearly display licensing and responsible gambling info in the app or site footer.