With the invention of the internet, sports bettors are no longer required to go to their local bookie every time they want to place some bets. With the internet connection, you can place bets from the comfort of your home, using your computer. Apart from computers, bettors can also use their mobile devices. And today, I will bring you how the latest technology provides you with top-quality convenience: the betting apps!

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All you need is internet access and a smartphone or tablet, and you can bet whenever and where you might be. Most online sportsbooks have websites that work well on all devices. These platforms are run in browsers, so if you can open any other site on your mobile, you will be able to open the sportsbook as well.

However, if you would like to take your mobile betting experience to a whole new level, the solution is to install a mobile app. These applications are designed with the intention of providing the bettors with a flawless experience on mobile devices, which have much smaller displays than computers.

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Best Betting Apps

A sportsbook might be awesome in terms of bonuses, odds, and every other feature related to betting. It also may have a free bet app available for its players. However, that doesn’t automatically make its free bet app good as well. The thing is that some online sportsbooks have better mobile apps than others.

The question here is, what are the things that make a betting app good? Are there any special features that make one app better than others? Yes, there are. Actually, there are plenty of them, and we’re now going to discuss them! We’ll start with probably the most important thing about mobile betting apps, which is the user interface.

User-Friendly Interface

What’s the point of using a mobile betting app unless it makes your experience better than the website? To make your experience great, the app needs to have a good interface. By ‘good’ I mean a user interface that makes it easy for you to browse the betting offer, place bets, and so on.

What this means is that the app needs to be easy and simple to use. Even if you’re a newbie in the world of sports betting, you should not have any problems using the app. Apart from making your job of placing sports bets easier, the app also needs to make you feel good. That’s something the designers of the app must achieve by using colour patterns that are easy to the eye.

Fast and Responsive

In order to be called the best betting app, it needs to be very fast and very responsive. It’s pretty obvious why this is important. You surely don’t want to miss on a betting opportunity, which would be a real concern if the app was slow and unresponsive. This goes double if you’re like me, a bettor who loves betting on live events.

I also get annoyed if it takes too long to check live scores and see match details. My philosophy is that time is money, so I don’t want to waste it by using a slow app.

Betting Offer That’s Easy to Browse

Let’s not forget the main purpose of sportsbook apps – sports betting. Its job is to make it easy for you to find exactly the even you want to bet on. Considering that some sportsbooks cover thousands of different events, the app needs to ensure easy browsing.

Apart from enabling you to browse the sportsbook’s betting offer easily, the app needs to provide the same when it comes to the betting options you can make. Furthermore, once you’ve found the event you want to bet on, as well as the wager you want to make, it’s time to put your money on it. And that’s another thing that the app needs to make it easy for you.

Fast and Secure Payments

You need to find your account with real money in order to be able to bet. To do that, you can make a deposit through the website of your sportsbook or via its mobile app. If the latter is your decision, my advice is to first make sure that the app is good enough security-wise.

You should use it only if the application has all the security features necessary to ensure the security of money transfers. Apart from being secure, mobile payments should also be fast.

Live Chat

Another important feature of good mobile betting apps is the live chat. If something goes wrong with your account or you just want to ask the customer service a question, you can do it through this feature. The good news is that many sportsbooks have this option in their mobile bet apps.

Apart from the live chat option, there might be a few other methods for contacting the support. For instance, the app might enable you to give a call to the customer support representatives with a single tap. It might also be able to turn on your mobile email app if sending them an electronic message is one of the options.

Live Scores and Live Streaming

Best mobile betting applications for betting also have live scores and live streaming fully integrated. If that is the case, you can use the app to check the results as well as watch live games. Of course, this isn’t something that only depends on the app.

It also depends on whether the sportsbook you’re using actually has contracts with sports broadcasters. The good news is that there’s a significant number of online sportsbooks that provide live streaming. And the best thing is that their number seems to be rising all the time. To my estimation, there will not be any app without a live streaming feature.

For me, it is quite fascinating because I don’t want to miss any position from the game that I bet on. Thanks to that development, I can watch the game while commuting. Or even when I feel lazy to switch my TV on, I can follow the games from my mobile. Today, live streaming is the king.

Other Features

I could go on talking about the important features of betting applications for ages, but I don’t want to bore you with technical stuff. Instead, I just wanted to focus on those features that are important to you as a sports bettor. I’ve previously mentioned the most important ones, but there are a few that also deserve mention, including things like the following:

• Stats – Before placing any bets, I like to get as much info as possible about the event. By emerging myself deeply in the statistics, I increase my chances of winning. The trouble is that looking for stats on the internet can be tiresome, which is why I prefer to have everything on my mobile betting app. So, if a sportsbook application provides stats, it’s a big plus in my eyes!
• Public Chat Room – I consider myself a big sports fan, who possesses a lot of knowledge on a number of competitions from all around the world. Of course, this doesn’t mean that I know everything. There are some leagues I have zero knowledge of and to bet on them, I would certainly need some help. This is the reason why I love using only the best betting apps. And those usually have a public chat room, in which I can discuss everything betting-related with other punters. I sometimes even encounter some local fans who are geeks of the league so that I can get comprehensive information about the events I bet on.
• Reminder – If you’re like me, you often have a lot of stuff on your mind. We’re busy people, who can’t always think of betting. Instead of risking to forget about some interesting games, I prefer playing it safe and turning on the reminder. This is a feature that many amazing apps have today, which notifies you when a game is about to start. Therefore, I can finish my work, or take a break, switch on the game and enjoy my time watching the competition.

On top of everything, the app you choose also mustn’t be too demanding on your mobile device. You surely don’t want other apps and features to get slowed down while you’re using the app. Instead, the mobile app must not affect the performances of your smartphone/tablet. This is another point that I believe in the future we won’t have.

New Betting Apps

As mobile betting is getting more popular, new apps are being developed. It’s happening on a regular basis, with new, more advanced apps being released all the time. Many of those come with some pretty innovative features, including those that I’ve discussed in the previous parts.

This, of course, does not mean that you should ditch your old mobile betting app every time a new app is released. It goes double if you’re satisfied with your sportsbook. What you can do is update your existing app. This is something the bet app will remind you on its own; yours is only to confirm the update.

The reason why sportsbooks are developing updates is to make their apps even better with new, or developed, features. By updating the app to the latest available version, you make sure it’s going to work flawlessly. The updated version is likely to be faster than the old one, as well as more reliable.

Usually, new updates also involve improvements related to security. As a result, installing the latest version of the app will also improve the security of your funds and your private data.

However, I’d recommend you to check the comments on either Google Market or iOS Market. Because sometimes things may not go as planned and there could be some failures on the update. At that point, the users who have problems with the update mostly leave comments so that everybody can check it. In case you see something like that, I think you wouldn’t lose anything by not updating the software.

Best Betting Apps for Football

It’s fair to say that a big majority of big European betting markets have football in their offer. And most of the sportsbook has their own free bets apps. The conclusion is that most of them have betting apps suitable for the ‘beautiful game’.

These apps let you bet on football events from all sorts of competitions around the world. Usually, the apps enable you to place football bets before the start of the event, but also during the game. For me, live betting is crucial since I can follow the game up and see an opportunity. However, one of the best features is that some of them will also enable you to watch live broadcasts of football matches.

I’m not talking only about live streams of major football matches like those in Premier League; I’m also talking about live broadcasts of football matches from the not-too-popular leagues, e.g. Belarus Vysshaya Liga.

Horse Betting App

Football might be the most popular betting choice among Europeans, but a good betting app needs to go beyond that. Actually, I believe that in order to be called the best betting apps, they need to cover horse racing as well. Because horse betting is the bread and butter of online betting.

Horse racing is often found in the offer of sportsbooks, but some of them don’t have a racebook section on their mobile apps. Instead, they have a separate app that deals with horse racing exclusively. I prefer having everything in one, so the best horse betting app is the one that’s integrated into a sportsbook app.

Betting App Offers

Not every mobile application can work on every platform. Some are designed for Android, others for iOS devices. Due to this fact, most sportsbooks tend to have two versions of the app at the disposal of the players.

However, that is not the case. Since the bookies know that mobile is the king, they come with some special betting offers. That includes a mouthwatering welcome bonus for new customers or free bets to use as in-play betting. Sometimes, the bookies can even raise the bar to the top and offer some money back.

It all depends on the bookmaker, of course. But the thing I realized is they are hungry to go mobile. We can understand it from the low min deposit requirements for the welcome offer, having all the bet types, and being easy to use.

In a nutshell, the best betting apps come with a handful of benefits.

Betting Apps on Android

You’re not going to find your sportsbook’s mobile app in the Google Play Store. Instead, you will have to download it through the website of the sportsbook. To do that, you just need to visit the official site of the sportsbook through your mobile browser.

You can use any web browser for this purpose. Once you open the home page, the sportsbook mostly offers you its betting app on the landing page. Yours is just to accept the offer and let your smartphone/tablet take care of the rest.

Betting Apps on iOS

You can look for best betting apps on Apple App Store. Those with a higher star rating are usually the ones that are better than others. If you’re not willing to give new apps a try, you can use the iOS app of your favourite sportsbooks.

If you can’t find it in the App Store, you can try to look for it on the official website of the sportsbook. It’s basically the same drill with iOS apps as it’s with Android apps. If there’s an app available, the sportsbook will offer it to you as soon as you visit its website via your phone.

Betting Tips Apps

Apart from those mobile apps meant for betting, there is also some that deal with betting tips. These apps let you share betting tips and compete with other tipsters for prizes. These prizes I’m talking about can be symbolic (e.g. more awesome avatar) or monetary. For instance, you can learn how to use the free bets, how to obtain the welcome offer, or even how to use the min odds.

Obviously, everyone prefers betting tips apps with monetary prizes. However, to take part in such tipsters’ competitions, writing your predictions is not enough. They also need to come true. You need to hit more wins than other tipsters in order to win a bigger prize.

FAQ

• Do you need a constant internet connection to run a betting app?

  You do need an internet connection to run a mobile betting app, the same as you need the internet to run a web-based sportsbook platform on your computer.

• What is the best sports betting app?

  Check out the reviews on my site BettingRex.com to see which online sportsbooks have the best mobile apps. All the operators I’ve discussed on my site are worthy of your attention, and some of them have fantastic betting apps.

• Are sportsbook apps legal?

  They are legal. However, you need to make sure that the sportsbook whose app you are using is legal in the place where you live. Having an operating license in your area is a must. Furthermore, you need to be of legal gambling age in order to be permitted to use the app.

• Is it safe to share my banking details through an app?

  Yes, it is safe if you’re using a good betting app. All serious sportsbook operators have apps that are protected with SSL coding and encryption. The result is that all the money transactions done through the app are 100% secure. Apart from your funds, these apps also guarantee the security of your private data.

• Do mobile betting apps work on tablets as well?

  Yes, they do. When it comes to sports betting apps, it’s all about the operating system, not the type of mobile device. If your device runs on Android, you can install a mobile app designed for this platform. It doesn’t matter how big it is, how old it is, nor who its manufacturer is. When it comes to Apple tablets, as known as iPad, they run on the iOS platform, so make sure to download the appropriate app.

Many of the most avid sports fans often wonder how to bet on sports online legally, particularly because sports betting only became legal a few years ago.

Just two years ago, the US Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). The historic decision paved the way for states to legalize sports betting on an individual basis.

In only two years, the burgeoning US sports betting scene has developed into a competitive market, and it’s only getting stronger.

Sports betting isn’t legal everywhere in the US, but many jurisdictions authorized and launched completely legal sportsbooks. It’s easier to place a legal bet in the US right now than it has ever been before.

How To Bet On Sports Online Legally

To bet online legally, you first need to find a legal and regulated operator. Fortunately, many states have legalized sports betting and have online sportsbooks live, accepting wagers. Sportsbook technology is so streamlined that using them is about as simple as using any other app you access on a day-to-day basis.

The bets you’ll find vary somewhat by state because certain jurisdictions prohibit specific types of bets. Illinois, for example, does not allow betting on elections, awards shows, any college match that includes an Illinois school, or minor league sporting events. Still, most sportsbooks offer a wide array of bets on professional sports, college matches, and international events.

Online sports betting brings a hobby to the digital space that formerly required users to visit land-based sportsbooks. Betting online has the added advantage of convenience and speed.

The Top Sports Betting Promo Codes

Here’s an at-a-glance overview of sign-up bonuses from some of the biggest sportsbooks:

Where To Place An Online Sports Bet

When the Supreme Court overturned PASPA, it granted states the individual opportunity to legalize sports betting. As a result, the US sports betting landscape is incredibly diverse and nuanced. Even among states that have launched sports betting, the laws make each market unique.

States With Legal And Live Online Sports Betting

Sports Betting Coming Soon

Legislation and regulation, especially when real money gambling is involved, can take time. Many states are still solidifying their sports betting laws, and a few are expected to enter the market very soon.

Michigan, Tennessee, and Virginia have all legalized online sports betting and will launch once regulations are finalized and licenses are granted. Among those states, Tennessee is unique in that it will allow online-only sportsbooks exclusively because there are no land-based casinos in the state.

Meanwhile, New York, Arkansas, Mississippi, North Carolina, and New Mexico all have retail sports betting. Those states could consider online legislation in the near future to boost their existing land-based offerings.

Other states have been working on legislation, but have encountered roadblocks for various reasons. Once they overcome certain obstacles, we expect California, Massachusetts, and possibly Florida to legalize online sports betting.

The Best Online Sportsbooks In The US

The expansion of the US sports betting landscape has brought the rise of various operators. This gives sports bettors plenty of options to choose from, and using one of the top sports betting sites means you’ll have a seamless experience from start to finish.

DraftKings

Available in: CO, IN, NJ, WV, PA, IL, IA, NH

DraftKings is one of the industry’s undisputed leaders. The company began as a daily fantasy sports provider and grew rapidly to become a top-tier sportsbook and online casino operator. In states where it’s live, DraftKings almost always nabs the top spot in terms of revenue.

DraftKings is about as close to flawless as a sportsbook can get. It has apps for iOS and Android, it’s optimized for mobile browsers, and it has an intuitive desktop interface. With plenty of sports and competitive odds, playing at DraftKings should be an easy choice for any bettor.

The only downside is that DraftKings sign-up bonus, a 20% deposit match up to $500, requires a hefty initial deposit to make it worth your while.

Check out the current bonus at DraftKings.

FanDuel

Available in: CO, IL, IN, NJ, WV, PA

FanDuel is another leading name in the sportsbook world. It’s owned by Flutter Entertainment (a company formed by merging Paddy Power and Betfair). Flutter is a driving force in the European gambling market, so FanDuel has the backing of an experienced corporation.

Like DraftKings, FanDuel has plenty to enjoy and very few faults. The app has some minor interface issues (sometimes pages load on the slow side), but generally FanDuel is a top-notch sportsbook. You can find plenty of US sports in addition to more niche offerings on international events.

Check out the current bonus at FanDuel Sportsbook.

FOX Bet

Available In: CO, NJ, PA

The biggest downside for FOX Bet is that it’s only available in three states. However, the company has big expansion plans, and you can expect the sportsbook to move into new markets in the coming months and beyond.

FOX Sports and The Stars Group (another major European company) run the FOX Bet brand in the US. With strong backing from leading gambling and media corporations, FOX Bet has a great chance to rise to the top of the sports betting industry.

FOX Bet is user-friendly and has lucrative sign-up bonuses: a 50% deposit match bonus up to $500 and a $500 risk-free bet, totaling a possible $1,000 bonus for new players. FOX Bet players can access the book via Android or iOS app plus desktop and mobile browsers.

BetRivers

Available in: CO, IN, PA, IL

BetRivers is the official online sportsbook from Rush Street Interactive.

BetRivers’ welcome bonus offers up to $250 as a deposit match with a minimal play-through requirement, and you’ll find odds similar to those on DraftKings. The company’s app is user friendly and easy to navigate, cementing it as a sports betting leader.

PointsBet

Australian operator PointsBet has one of the most intuitive, user-friendly apps on the market. PointsBet also has great odds on the underdog compared to competing sportsbooks. Add on a welcome bonus up to $1,000 in risk-free bets, and you have a strong sportsbook.

Other Online Sportsbooks

There are plenty of other sportsbooks on the market. Barstool Sportsbook, for example, is coming to a few states. William Hill is another big operator with a strong industry history. Every sportsbook has something to offer, so keep an eye out for special bonuses, competitive odds, and unique betting options.

How To Choose A Legal Online Sports Betting Site

You should look for a few key details when you’re choosing an online sports betting site.

Availability And Accessibility

First and foremost, is your preferred sportsbook actually live in your state? That’s the first factor you should consider. Fortunately, many sportsbooks are making their way to multiple markets.

Second, how do you want to bet? Phone, tablet, or desktop? Most sportsbooks have apps and desktop sites available, but you should always check that your preferred method is available. Take it one step further and check to see how intuitive the experience is. Sportsbook apps should be seamless and easy to use.

Sports And Odds

Do you prefer to bet on the underdog or the favorite? Do you like to bet on a niche sport outside of the most popular events? Check for these types of things at your sportsbook. Some sites, like PointsBet, tend to favor the underdog while some offer better odds on the favorite. Learn more about odds for the NFL and how to use an edge table.

Deposit and Withdrawal Methods

Most payment methods–credit/debit, PayPal, online banking, etc.–are standard across the board. But if you use a more obscure method like PayNearMe, you should be sure your preferred sportsbook accepts it.

How To Place A Bet At An Online Sportsbook App

Getting to the point where you can actually place a bet is usually very simple, but you do have to take a few required steps first.

Step 1: Choose A Sportsbook Site Or App

This may seem obvious, but given the growing market and the number of operators, choosing a sportsbook can be tough. Use the information on this page or visit our individual sportsbook reviews to help you choose one that’s legal in your state and best fits your tastes.

Once you’ve picked a sportsbook, you’ll want to access it via either desktop/mobile browser or by downloading the app. You can switch methods whenever you’d like, but for your first time pick one and stick to it to keep the process simple. If you’re playing on a desktop or a mobile browser, just head to the sportsbook’s website. To get the app, it’s slightly more complicated:

How To Download A Sportsbook App

Sportsbook apps have to adhere to strict regulations–not just from legislators, but from technology providers. Google and Apple have specific restrictions on gambling apps. To download a sportsbook app, you have to work with these restrictions.

For iOS device users, it’s pretty cut and dry. If your preferred sportsbook has an app in the App Store, just download it as you normally would.

Android users aren’t quite so lucky. Google prohibits all gambling apps from the Google Play Store, so you can’t get them from that marketplace. Instead, you can install the app straight from your sports betting provider’s website. Sportsbooks will have a convenient link on their site that kickstarts the download process. Once you select a few settings and install the app, you’re good to go.

Step 2: Create Your Account

Once you have the app or have visited the desktop site, create your account. This is similar to signing up for an account at a social media site or online shopping retailer with some small differences. You’ll provide:

• Username and password (you will create these)
• Name
• Email address
• Home address
• Phone number
• Date of birth
• Last 4 digits of your SSN (to confirm your age/identity)

You may also need to download a separate geolocation app (pr plug-in for desktop users) to confirm your location whenever you wish to place a bet. You need to be in state lines

In-Person Registration

Some states require you to confirm your account in person before you can place a bet. Illinois and Iowa are among the states with this requirement. Once you register, you need to visit your chosen sportsbook’s land-based partner to complete registration, then you can place wagers.

Step 3: Deposit, Bet, and Cashout

App downloaded/desktop site bookmarked? Registration complete? Now you’re ready to make a deposit. There are a number of popular payment methods: credit and debit cards, prepaid cards, PayPal, online banking, wire transfer, and more.

Use the method you’re most comfortable with. In the app or on the sportsbook site, visit the cashier section from the menu (sometimes there’s an option to just select “deposit”) and follow the prompts to connect your preferred payment method. ACH echeck and PayPal are two of the easiest methods, but others work just fine, too.

After you deposit, you can place a bet. And when you’re ready to cash out, head to the cashier page again and select from the available options. These usually include check by mail, bank transfer, or PayPal.

How To Place A Sports Bet Using A Bonus Offer

Sportsbooks offer a few common bonus types that you can use to maximize your account value, especially your first few bets.

No Deposit Bonus

This one’s simple. Just register for an account and the sportsbook will credit your account with a small amount of money, usually between $5 and $25 (more if you’re lucky). No deposit required! It’s essentially a “thank you” bonus for signing up, and you can use the credit to place a bet.

Deposit Match Bonus

Deposit matches are simple in theory, but the terms and conditions can make them tricky to navigate. In their simplest form, deposit matches allow you to double your account value. For example, BetRivers offers a 100% first deposit match up to $250. Simply put, if you make an initial deposit of $250, they’ll credit your account with an additional $250.

Some operators match a smaller percentage. DraftKings does a 20% deposit match up to $500. To get the maximum match, you’d have to deposit $2,500.

Always check the terms–deposit matches usually only apply to your very first deposit. And before you can cash out the bonus money, you typically have to wager with it.

Risk-Free Bet

With a risk-free bet, you have a wagering safety net. These almost always apply to your first bet and then expire. Just place a bet, and if you lose, the sportsbook will credit your account with the amount you wagered. If you win, you keep your winnings. Risk-free bets often come with a maximum of $500 (this is the case at FanDuel and PointsBet).

Placing Sports Bets Online Legally

Using a legal, regulated sportsbook offers the safest, most secure sportsbook experience. Offshore/grey market sites are incredibly risky; they can shut down at a moment’s notice and they don’t use high-level security tools. Your data and personal information are at risk at an offshore site, making legal sites your best route to a safe sportsbook outing.

Why Should I Trust Online Sports Betting Sites?

You should trust online sports betting sites only if they are licensed and regulated. State government agencies oversee sports wagering, and they put strict regulations in place to protect players.

Each state has some sort of governing body for sports betting that grants licenses. Legal sites have licensing information easily available on their websites and within their apps. Click through the available links for more regulatory and legal information about your chosen sportsbook.

Is My Money Safe With Online Sportsbooks?

Yes. Legal online sportsbooks use high-level encryption tools. SSL is one such tool, and it protects your data, including financial information, from hackers as it travels from your device to your sportsbook. Regulated sports betting sites use technology on par with security tools used by banking institutions and online shopping sites.

Are Sportsbook Winnings Taxable?

In most cases, yes. States often set a threshold for taxable winnings. If you win a significant amount of money, you will have to pay income taxes on those funds. Laws vary by state, so check with your sportsbook’s support team or your state’s gaming oversight organization for more information.

Is My Personal Information Safe When Betting Online?

Yes. You’ll need to provide your social security number, location, and other info when you sign up for a sportsbook. Your data is encrypted before it’s sent to the sportsbook, and only the sportsbook’s systems can view it to confirm your age and identity.

The SSN and location requirements also stop hackers from creating dummy accounts in an attempt to steal information from sportsbooks.

Types Of Sports Bets

Sports bets can be a bit daunting for beginners, but they’re not too complicated once you get a grasp on the most common available wagers. Here are some of the most common bets at legal sportsbooks.

Moneyline, Point Spreads, And Totals

These three bets are often listed side by side and are commonly the first bets you’ll see for a given match-up.

Moneyline

Moneyline bets simply require you to choose a winner of a given match. The odds (which we cover below) on that match then determine how much you win if you chose correctly. If you see moneyline bets available, all you have to do is pick the team or player you expect to win.

Point Spreads

Point spreads are intended to even the playing field for a match. Instead of picking an outright winner, you’re betting on the margin of victory. Here’s an example of how a point spread bet might look:

• Chicago Bears -3.5
• Green Bay Packers +3.5

The 3.5 on both teams represents the margin of victory, and players have to decide whether the Bears will win by at least 3.5 points. After the game ends, if you selected the Bears and they won 24-20, you would collect on your bet because they won by 4 points. If the final score was Bears 21 Packers 20 and you selected the Bears, you would lose your bet because they did not win by at least 3.5 points.

Totals

If you’ve heard the term “over/under,” it’s likely been in reference to totals bets. Totals take the final combined total score of both teams in a match and have players bet on whether that score will be over or under a certain threshold. Using our example match-up above, it might look like this:

• Bears vs. Packers, Over/Under 50.5

You would place a bet on either the over or the under. If the total points at the end of the game exceeded 50.5, the over wins. If the total is below 50.5, the under wins. If the score was 24-21, the total points would add to 45 and the under would be the winning bet.

Other Bet Types

You can find plenty of other bets at online sportsbooks, too. Each bet has its own advantages and disadvantages.

• Parlays: you combine multiple simple bets into a single pool and you only win if every choice you make is correct. High payout potential, but harder to win than a single bet.
• Futures: bet on a match occurring in the future. For example, betting on an NFL champion before the regular season begins. High risk, high reward.
• In-Game/Live Betting: wager on events happening in a currently live match.
• Proposition (Prop) Bet: wager on an in-game event not necessarily affecting the final score or outcome. For example: will Tom Brady score two passing touchdowns in the first half?

How To Read Sports Betting Odds

Odds determine how much you’ll receive if you bet correctly. To new bettors, they can be intimidating, but they’re easier to understand than they look at first glance.

How Odds Are Determined

Odds are first set by the likelihood of one outcome to occur over the other. You will almost always see a higher payout on an unlikely bet than a wager on the favorite of a match. Once the initial odds are set, they can change based on how many bettors are wagering on either side. This is to balance out the sportsbook’s earnings on each bet.

Odds could also change based on events outside of a game. For example, if a starting quarterback is unexpectedly benched due to an injury, the odds on that team to win could plummet.

Understanding Odds

At US sportsbooks, odds are displayed as positives and negatives. Let’s use a moneyline bet as an example and pretend once again the Bears are playing the Packers:

• Bears +112
• Packers -136

When a team has a negative number (Packers -136), it means that team is favored to win the match. A positive number (Bears +112) means that team is the underdog. These odds also determine payouts.

If you bet on the favorite (Packers -136), you would need to wager $136 to win $100. Negative odds essentially mean you need to bet that amount to win $100.

Betting on the underdog is slightly different. The +112 on the Bears means you would win $112 if you bet $100. Because the underdog is less likely to win statistically, the payout potential is better.

Find The Best Odds

If multiple sportsbooks are available in your state, peruse the available odds to find the best possible payouts. PointsBet, for example, usually offers great odds on the underdog while FanDuel tends to give better payouts on the favorite. These change frequently, so always check your options before you place a bet.

See our fullGuide To Sports Betting Odds.

Sports Betting Words To Know

Placing Online Sports Bets FAQ

21. Regulated states require gamblers to be at least 21 years of age to place a bet. When you sign up for a sports betting account, you will provide your date of birth and the last four digits of your social security number to confirm you’re old enough to participate.

It’s difficult to say if there’s one frontrunner. DraftKings, FanDuel, BetRivers, PointsBet, and FOX Bet could all be considered the best for different reasons.

If you look at revenue by state, DraftKings is the undisputed leader in the sports betting arena. In terms of overall experience and app functionality, PointsBet gives DraftKings a run for its money. Bottom line: it comes down to personal preference.

Yes. There are plenty of sports betting apps available in Las Vegas, most of them operated by Sin City casinos. To place bets online in Nevada, you have to be within the state, which will be confirmed by geolocation.

Most regulated sportsbooks already have Super Bowl future bets available, so you can bet on your favorite team to win the big game.

For more specific Super Bowl bets like moneyline, point spreads, and totals, you’ll have to wait until the playing teams are revealed and odds are set.

Yes. College sports betting is allowed in almost every state that has legal sports betting. Some states have specific restrictions, though. In Illinois, for example, you can’t bet on any match that includes an in-state college or university. Regulated sportsbooks won’t offer bets that are deemed illegal in that specific jurisdiction, or they’d risk losing their license to operate.

Not across the board. In fact, most states completely ban betting on high school sports for fear of league corruption. High school sports are considered amateur events, and almost every regulated sports betting market prohibits amateurs betting.

In some states. Not every state allows election betting. Because the overturning of PASPA gave states the right to regulate sports betting on an individual basis, election betting availability varies widely. Some states have chosen to allow it while others bar it completely.

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No. Currently, 12 states plus Washington D.C. have legalized and launched sports betting.

Other states–Michigan, Tennessee, and Virginia, to name a few–have legalized sports betting but haven’t launched any sportsbooks yet.

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Some remaining states are in the early process of building legislation to allow sports betting, such as California and Massachusetts.

Only a select few states, such as Texas, have specifically moved to stop sports betting legislation.