The 8 criteria that make a good online bookmaker
At CaptainGambling.com we look at factors such as sport selection, the simplicity of the signup process, mobile support, its customer service provision and others to help us determine which of the top rated bookmakers are the highest quality options, and which online betting sites should be avoided. Below are the eight criteria points we use to judge whether a bookmaker is one of the best sports betting sites for players.
- Navigation
- The sign up process
- Live betting options
- Sports options
- User design and experience
- Bonus offers
- Deposits
- Withdrawals
Curious to find out more about what the analysis of each of these areas entails and what we're hoping to find? Then let's elaborate...
Simple navigation
Some sports betting sites are easier to navigate than others. The sites that are easy to use are almost always the most enjoyable to use, in our experience. That’s why easy-to-navigate websites are strongly recommended over other websites available online today. If the features can be accessed rapidly, wagers can be placed faster, and the bettor can spend less time researching and more time enjoying the game.
Easy signup process
Even a high-quality sportsbook can’t be enjoyed until after a member goes through the signup process successfully. High-quality online betting sites with a difficult signup are often skipped over in favor of simpler bookie websites. That’s why when we determine the best online bookies, we spend time thinking about which signup process is easiest and we factor that into the equation used to choose our recommended websites for US sports betting.
Live betting coverage
When choosing the right online sports betting site for you, one of the things we look at closely is whether live betting coverage is offered or not. Many sites make it possible for gamblers to place wagers while a sporting event is occurring. This increases engagement, helps enhance the gambling experience, and is a serious positive to gamblers that like to be as involved as possible when watching sporting events.
Excellent sports coverage
One of our major concerns when picking websites for betting in the USA is how much sport coverage US sports betting sites offer. The best sites offer a wide range of coverage and make it possible to wager on all the popular American sports, along with many international sports as well. Players should look at the sports covered by any particular sportsbook, and decide on an option with the coverage they are most interested in. In our guides, we cover everything from the best online betting sites for soccer to hockey to NFL, and everything in between.
A streamlined user interface
Placing game-day wagers should be quick and easy, and that's largely determined by the interface of each sportsbook. A simple, easy to use interface that presents useful data like odds and recent betting trends, along with clear wagering options makes betting more enjoyable. This interface should work well with mobile devices as well. We avoid US sports betting sites with complicated betting systems and too many menu items because it takes away from the wagering experience.
Excellent bonus programs
All bettors are looking for the best gambling bonus in the US, so we ensure that we pay close attention to the bonus offers available from every site we appraise. We look at the offers from different sports bookies, and give preference to the sites that offer the most favorable bonus programs. By joining online bookmakers it's possible to unlock free bets, wager match bonuses, deposit match bonuses and more from the sportsbook. We'll look at each and every bonus that might be available — from the best horse betting sign up bonus to the ultimate soccer promo code.
Up to date odds information
. The best sportsbooks post up-to-date odds and statistics for wagerers to make use of, and these odds are regularly updated and can easily be changed between the different formats. Furthermore, the US betting sites that offer updated data in a neat format while also providing good odds when compared to their competitors will always get preference from us.
Varied banking tools
Few gamblers rely on the same banking methods to bet online, especially when it comes to withdrawing winnings out of an account. That’s why we prefer the US betting sites that offer many different methods to choose from such as credit card and debit card options as well as prepaid cards. These sites cater to every sort of gambler, making it easy for everyone to get started playing at the site, whether they want to make a deposit or simply withdraw their winnings. We don’t favor any particular banking method over the others, but look for overall variety instead.
A straightforward withdrawal process
Winning big on sports betting sites is exciting, but that excitement can quickly be ruined if the withdrawal process is too complicated. Whether they opt for credit card or direct bank transfer, we understand that winners want to enjoy their winnings, and we look for sportsbooks that make the withdrawal process simple for that very reason. Many winners will leave a site and look for a new option if the withdrawal process is too difficult or time-consuming, so we avoid recommending US betting sites with those issues when possible.
And that's not all...
It's important to note the above is not an exhaustive list. We also look at options in specific states such as our coverage of Iowa sports betting, as well as focusing on niche sites that could be considered amongst the best horse betting websites. Essentially, no stone is left unturned in our quest to provide you with the most accurate and relevant information on the bookmaker options available in the US.
Our top 5 online sports betting bonus offers
Below are our favorite betting bonuses and promotions from top sportsbooks throughout the US, with the enticing free bets deals particularly popular with players. These top sports betting offers provide benefits to every sort of gambler; however, there's no guarantee that our top pick is the best option for you. To find the right site for you, gain access to wager matches, free bets, deposit matches bonuses and more using our top offer recommendations. Then choose an offer that best suits your preferences for deposit method, wager amounts you will use, and your sport of choice.
1.
BET $20 GET $200 IN FREE BETS
SI Sportsbook Sports Promo
BET $20 GET $200 IN FREE BETS
Highlights
- Over 60 years in the business
- Wide range of sports betting markets
- Compatible with mobile platforms
First deposit only | 21+ & located in VA | Promo code as seen| A qualifying bet is $20 or more | Min odds of +120 or more | Free Bet Tokens credited after bet is settled and expire after 7 days | Free Bet stakes not included in winnings | Please Gamble Responsibly - Gambling Problem? VA: CALL 1-888-532-3500 | Full T&C apply
2.
BetRivers.com Sports Promo
100% up to $500
Highlights
- High-quality live betting options
- Range of sports available
- Excellent usability
3.
BetMGM Sportsbook Sports Promo
100% up to $1000
Highlights
- Excellent range of sports markets
- Plenty of betting options
- Impressive odds
4.
DraftKings Sport Sports Promo
20% up to $1000
Highlights
- Massive sports bonus
- Competitive betting odds
- Good live betting platform
5.
FanDuel Sport Sports Promo
$1000 No Sweat First Bet
Highlights
- Coverage for 16+ sports
- User-friendly site
- Competitive odds
Our top 5 betting apps
Sports betting is largely an activity carried out on mobile devices today via a downloadable betting app. That's why we've assembled a list of the top 5 legit betting apps here at Captain Gambling. These betting app options are well-known for offering an excellent wagering experience, but some of our selections will be better for you than others depending on your unique circumstances and which betting sites you tend to frequent. Select a betting app based on your device of choice, the sporting events you're interested in and the type of bets that you make to find the best app for your online betting activities and the available betting options.
1.
BET $20 GET $200 IN FREE BETS
First deposit only | 21+ & located in VA | Promo code as seen| A qualifying bet is $20 or more | Min odds of +120 or more | Free Bet Tokens credited after bet is settled and expire after 7 days | Free Bet stakes not included in winnings | Please Gamble Responsibly - Gambling Problem? VA: CALL 1-888-532-3500 | Full T&C apply
2.
3.
Bonus Details
Requirements (WR):
1x Promo
4.
Bonus Details
Requirements (WR):
25x Promo
5.
CaptainGambling.com is a trustworthy bookmaker review site for many reasons. It's licensed, and it relies on careful research using well-defined criteria to choose quality bookmakers and betting websites across the US. On our site you'll find numerous gambling reviews, a gambling sites list, betting tips, strategy guides and much, much more. Our reputation and brand recognition benefit when we recommend only quality online bookmakers to players throughout America and the rest of the world. If you're searching for a top rated sportsbook to join, you can rely on the betting sites recommended by Captain Gambling because they are carefully researched and validated with testing and data over time.
Legal situation for sports betting in the USA
According to the most recent rulings by the US Supreme Court online sports betting is legal, but is controlled on a state-by-state basis. That means every state has the power to determine whether online sports betting is legal to do or not within that state. Betting in the USA is largely controlled by this new ruling, and there are many states already allowing online sports betting, with more on the way. The ruling went directly against PASPA, the old law forbidding single-game wagering throughout the United States. There is still a chance that Congress could pass a new law overruling this Supreme Court decision, but that seems unlikely at this point.
Additional states are already preparing to offer their own online bookmakers and to begin licensing and monitoring sports betting in their jurisdictions. There is always a chance that the sports betting laws that allow it could be reversed, but by leaving the decision up to individual states the betting landscape will likely improve in the future. At present, the options for sports betting in New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Nevada, New Mexico, West Virginia, and Rhode Island, amongst others, has been legalized, making it possible to bet on sporting events online.
In the meantime, those of you who live in a US state that has yet to jump on the bandwagon might be wondering 'is offshore gambling illegal?' However, as interesting a prospect as offshore sites may seem, we strongly caution against using such operators. The lack of regulation and clear oversight means that offshore operators are always too much of a risk to consider; instead, keep track of the legal developments in your state and hope you will be able to use a regulated, reliable operator in the future.
10 important questions and answers about sports betting
Is sports betting safe to do online today?
Yes, it is safe as long as you play at a regulated sportsbook that's licensed and closely monitored for security. Any bookmaker in the US with full licensing should be reliable and secure to use, though it's always worth reading through our reviews beforehand to see if an operator is suitable for you.
How do I know if sports betting is legal in my state?
Sports betting isn't legal in every state just yet, so this is a valid question for anyone living in the United States. If you are wondering which sports bookies are legal in your state, or even if sports betting is legal where you are, look at our guide for your state to learn more about the local laws in your area and how this impacts US players.
Where can I find information about sports betting operators in my state?
At Captain Gambling, we pride ourselves on offering state-specific information for US players about online sports betting sites. One of the best ways to do this is to view the results for your state to learn more about what operators are available in your area and the range of sports you can choose from.
Is it time-consuming to join an online sportsbook?
No, US online betting is quick and easy. The signup process to most sportsbooks and betting sites takes just a few minutes. It may be necessary to wait a day or longer for an initial deposit to clear before real-money wagers can begin though.
Which sports are best to wager on?
The sports a player is interested are the best to wager on. Every sporting event offers a mix of good and bad odds depending on the teams involved. Players should wager on sports they're familiar with and that they enjoy watching for best results. Remember, we've got plenty of awesome betting guides right here - including our latest prop betting guide.
Is it a good idea to bet on the Super Bowl?
This is a difficult question to answer because it depends on the bettor. Bettors that enjoy watching the Superbowl and that want to be more involved with the game can draw additional enjoyment out of the day by placing a bet on the Super Bowl. For these people placing a bet on the Super Bowl is a good idea. For everyone else, it's best to focus on the sporting events they are most interested in.
Will I have to deal with a complicated signup process as a player in America?
No, the signup process on betting sites will be simple as long as you play at a sportsbook meant for American players. Fill in a simple form and complete the initial deposit to start placing bets. A customer service team is usually around to answer any question you may have or to point you in the right direction.
Do I have to pay taxes on my winnings from an online bookmaker?
Yes. You are expected to pay taxes on all your winnings from online bookmakers at a tax rate of approximately 24%. Winnings of $5,000 or larger will often be withheld until the taxes on them are collected.
Start your sports betting journey today
Interested in placing your first bet at one of the top US betting sites on the planet? The process is quick and easy. Peruse through our operator reviews and evaluate the likes of our FanDuel promo code sportsbook and DraftKings sportsbook bonus code reviews, then decide which you want to open an account with. From there, you'll just need to fill out the sign-up form and complete your initial deposit into the website via payment methods such as credit card or Paypal. Once it clears you can begin placing wagers on upcoming sporting events.
Our favorite sportsbook bonuses
1.
BET $20 GET $200 IN FREE BETS
SI Sportsbook Sports Promo
BET $20 GET $200 IN FREE BETS
Highlights
- Over 60 years in the business
- Wide range of sports betting markets
- Compatible with mobile platforms
First deposit only | 21+ & located in VA | Promo code as seen| A qualifying bet is $20 or more | Min odds of +120 or more | Free Bet Tokens credited after bet is settled and expire after 7 days | Free Bet stakes not included in winnings | Please Gamble Responsibly - Gambling Problem? VA: CALL 1-888-532-3500 | Full T&C apply
2.
BetRivers.com Sports Promo
100% up to $500
Highlights
- High-quality live betting options
- Range of sports available
- Excellent usability
3.
BetMGM Sportsbook Sports Promo
100% up to $1000
Highlights
- Excellent range of sports markets
- Plenty of betting options
- Impressive odds
4.
DraftKings Sport Sports Promo
20% up to $1000
Highlights
- Massive sports bonus
- Competitive betting odds
- Good live betting platform
5.
FanDuel Sport Sports Promo
$1000 No Sweat First Bet
Highlights
- Coverage for 16+ sports
- User-friendly site
- Competitive odds
