Betting on sports games is a hobby for many, and most people just consider it to be a fun and friendly past time. But there are ways to consistently make money on sports betting, and the tricks are understanding betting strategy and the different types of bets you can make, understanding the odds, making smart bets, and walking away from bad bets.
It’s also important to remember that making money on sports betting is something that requires time and dedication: it’s not about making a single huge bet and winning lots of money in one shot. Instead, it’s all about making a series of small, smart bets that add up over the season to an overall gain.
Is online sports betting legal in the US?
Yes, Legal online sports betting is available in 23 states, with the most recent launch in Maryland and Ohio and the list is expected to continue growing in the coming years. In 2018, the Supreme Court placed the matter of legalizing sports betting into the hands of the individual states to decide. While sports betting has since been legalized in a number of states, legislation hasn’t been passed on a federal level.
For states that have launched mobile sports betting apps, competition has been intense as the top sports betting sites continue to battle for market share.
Sports betting is the activity of predicting sports results and placing a wager on the outcome. The frequency of sports bet upon varies by culture, with the vast majority of bets being placed on association football, American football, basketball, baseball, hockey, track cycling, auto racing, mixed martial arts, and boxing at both the amateur and professional levels. Sports betting can also extend to non-athletic events, such as reality show contests and political elections, and non-human contests such as horse racing, greyhound racing, and cockfighting. It is not uncommon for sports betting websites to offer wagers for entertainment events such as the Grammy Awards, the Oscars, and the Emmy Awards.
Also read : Is Sport Betting Profitable?
How do you win at sports betting?
To win at sports betting, an individual has to put time into studying and researching various aspects of a matchup.
While turning a positive in sports betting is possible, it’s not easy if you want to do it on a consistent basis. Before starting, a bettor should know the majority of terms used within the sports betting world. From there, research begins which could involve studying team trends, looking at odds or shopping around for the best lines.
To be a successful bettor, one doesn’t simply win a few bets from a guess and continue to win. There’s a reason sports betting is a big business and states turn a profit of millions. It’s worth remembering that only a small percentage of sports bettors are profitable in the long run.
How to stake small money and win big in online sports betting
When you ask random bettors what they think about online sports betting.
here are the tips you need to follow whenever you want to stake little and win big.
Try to amass a significantly high number of odds
It goes without saying that for your winnings to flow like rivers and success to grow like grasses in online sports betting, you need to master the art of odd readings.
Case study
If the odd on Manchester City winning an EPL game is 1.24, and the odds of Sergio Aguero scoring is 1.84, you’re better off betting on the latter, even though it seems riskier than the former.
Track your wins and losses
Tracking your wagers is an important part of any betting strategy. With a good sports betting system, you can keep notes on your past performances, which will help you create a better understanding of your wins and losses.
You can keep information such as which sportsbook you bet with, the sport, the time, the type of bet and your selection for each wager. You can also track your stakes, your odds and the outcome. Such tracking also helps you keep an accounting of your profits and losses as well as how much you could lose or gain with your various wagers.
You can find a slew of templates to use — almost always free — on the internet. Additionally, there are even some sportsbook apps that will help you with your bet tracking.
Don’t stray from your strategy
We mentioned this above, but it’s important to reiterate that you need to create a plan and stick to it. Don’t go chasing losses, don’t go raising bets just because you’re winning, and don’t try wagering on “sure things” that arise.
The entire reason behind having a strategy is to avoid betting pitfalls such as those. Yes, they are tempting, and we understand why you might have a fleeting thought about stepping out of bounds.
Use the strategy you’ve created to keep yourself focused, keep your betting in line with what your goals are and keep yourself from destroying your bankroll and essentially knocking you out of the hobby all together.
Choose a reliable website
If huge wins on small stakes are what you are looking for, then you need to be ruthless in your search for a betting website. The reason for this is that while some websites have got a multiplicity of options for you to bet on, several others only have limited options available.
where should you bet on sports?
Well, BetUS and MyBookie seem to be the best options nowadays. They’ve been at the top of the online sports betting market last year, too. Come to think of it, not much has changed in the upper echelons of online gambling in 2022.
Top 10 sports betting sites and apps in the US
BetMGM Sportsbook
BetMGM Sportsbook is an absolute must-have account for bettors looking to access a wide variety of sports in a highly functional manner. The famed brand BetMGM boasts an elegant interface with a user-friendly layout on a very reliable platform. The result is a solid sportsbook with a risk-free bet as a welcome bonus.
Based on our hands-on testing of the BetMGM U.S. sportsbook, the betting site largely relies on providing its customers with solid odds when betting in place of bonuses.
Sign-up bonus
The standard BetMGM welcome bonus is a $1,000 risk-free bet, and you do not need a BetMGM promo code to claim the offer.
Loyalty bonus
The Money Monday Club awards weekly plays to its active U.S. clients on the betting site. To qualify, eligible users have to opt-in from the promotions page and place qualifying wagers. Players can also access this feature when wagering with the BetMGM mobile betting app.
Parlay bonus
The Parlay Plus promotion can reward U.S. bettors for taking bigger risks and adding more legs to their parlay bets. The promotion can increase the payout from a parlay by up to 40%, depending on the number of legs involved in the bet. For U.S. customers to be eligible for this offer, they need to opt in and place a parlay of at least four qualifying selections.
Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars Sportsbook is an industry titan with a trustworthy, world-class sports betting environment that includes: live betting, daily promotions, and countless markets. We at Covers hold Caesars in extremely high regard and currently have them ranked as one of our top sportsbooks in the United States.
Caesars was among the first operators to launch an online sportsbook in the wake of U.S. sports betting legalization. On April 22, 2021, Caesars formally acquired William Hill PLC — one of the world’s largest sports betting operators.
Caesars Entertainment, Inc., formerly Eldorado Resorts, Inc., is an American hotel and casino entertainment company founded and based in Reno, Nevada that operates more than 50 properties. Eldorado Resorts acquired Caesars Entertainment Corporation and changed its own name to Caesars Entertainment on July 20, 2020.
New members to Caesars Sportsbook receive a sizable welcome bonus, with various special offers to follow. No matter which state you live in, you should find the same deals so long as it’s eligible. Act fast: Caesars Sportsbook promos will be reduced and streamlined as the operator’s eyes digital profitability.
Sign-up bonus
As a newly registered customer, you can place the first-time wager of at least $10 and up to $1,250 within 30 days of signing up and get it back in the form of a free bet if you lose. The free bet will appear in your account within two business days, and you will have 14 days to use it.
Additionally, new Caesars Sportsbook users will earn 1,000 Caesars Rewards® Tier Credits and 1,000 Caesars Rewards Reward Credits. Enter Caesars Sportsbook promo code COVERSBONUSFULL when prompted.
Parlay boost
The ‘Promotions’ tab reveals various profit boosts that can increase your winnings by up to 50%. These special deals are available for selected sports and leagues. Those who opt-in must meet the minimum odds listed to qualify. The parlay is set at odds of -200 or more in most cases.
FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel Sportsbook first launched in the U.S. in New Jersey on Sept. 1, 2018, and subsequently went online in several states including Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee, Virginia, Michigan, Arizona, Connecticut, and most recently New York, Louisiana, Wyoming, Kansas, and Maryland in 2022.
FanDuel Sportsbook is available on mobile apps for both iOS (Apple) and Android devices and also on desktop through its web-based platform. FanDuel is legal and regulated throughout the United States, operating mainly through licensing agreements struck with physical casinos and gaming entities located in the states in which the brand operates.
Sports Handle is widely known as the authority in sports betting industry news and betting resources for sports gamblers. Our sportsbook reviews are independent, and are not influenced by any marketing partnerships we may have with the brand.
Based in New Jersey, Brett is an avid and experienced sports bettor, who has spent countless hours using FanDuel’s product and has rigorously tested nearly every brand on the market. Below he gives his no holds barred opinion of the FanDuel app.
In which states is FanDuel legal?
FanDuel is now live online in 17 states. The company has been aggressively inking partnerships with casinos across the country to offer mobile sports betting, including large states such as New York. In July 2021, FanDuel reached an agreement with the Mohegan tribe to operate in Connecticut. FanDuel also offers retail-only wagering in Washington but remains unavailable online in the state. The list of legal FanDuel states below will continue to grow as more states legalize and develop their industries.
22Bet
22Bet is a European online gambling website founded in 2018. They aim to offer the best possible online betting experience to players around the world. Since its inception, they have expanded across Europe and all around the globe.
In addition to sports betting, 22Bet provides a full online casino, including slots, table games, and a live casino. We have dug in to highlight the key points and give a trustworthy 22Bet review to help you decide if they fit your needs.
The biggest draw for 22Bet is the sportsbook. By offering a wide range of sports, any player will be able to find somewhere to place a bet. Their simple user interface and excellent odds make for an exceptional customer experience. Here are a few highlights from our 22bet.com sportsbook review.
Betting Variety at 22Bet.com
A big part of the draw for 22Bet is the full range of sports on which players can place bets. Regardless of which sports you prefer, 22Bet will have something for you. In addition to an extensive list of sports betting options, the site offers lines on other things, such as popular culture and politics. They even offer bets on esports, which can sometimes be more profitable than betting on real sports.
Bet365
Bet365 Group Ltd is a leading British online gambling company based in the United Kingdom. It was founded by Denise Coates, who remains the majority shareholder and joint-chief executive alongside her brother, John.
bet365 is a premium online sportsbook that has been an industry leader for over two decades. It caters to more than 45 million customers worldwide and is starting to make a name for itself in the United States. The online sportsbook features all of the popular sports and offers very impressive coverage while sticking to a user-friendly interface.
bet365 Sports comes with several generous bonuses and promotions to help customers grow their bankrolls. The offers start with a big welcome bonus and then focus mostly on early payouts and boosted parlays.
Sign-up bonus
The sign-up bonus varies depending on which country you’re betting from but most will be offered bet credits up to $200. The bonus is instantly awarded after the deposit transaction is processed. You will only need to wager the bonus once within 30 days at odds of -500/1.20 or greater.
Parlay bonus
Bettors can get up to 70% more on U.S.- and Canadian-sport parlays. You just have to place a pre-game parlay of two or more selections on any of the North American major leagues. If the bet is successful, you will get extra winnings based on the number of selections on the ticket. While two-leg parlays only pay a 5% bonus, a 14 legger comes with a 70% boost!
*Applies to pre-game parlays of 2+ selections on selected 2-Way markets. Bonus percentage is dependent on number of selections. Bonus capped at $100k and applied to winnings. Bet restrictions and T&Cs apply. New and eligible customers only.
Ongoing promotions and bonuses
There are other promotions available on bet365 Sports as well. For example, tennis fans can also benefit and get up to 70% more winnings on parlays*. Selected leagues and competitions also apply when it comes to soccer**. bet365 also offers early payouts on selected sports, depending on the season. This means that your bet could be awarded as a winner if the team you back gets ahead by a certain amount at any point during the game.
Betway
Betway has both an online sportsbook and an online casino. They offer competitive betting options on many sports like soccer, American football, and basketball. They also have an impressive selection of niche sports, like table tennis and snooker. Players can also find all the popular esports on their site as well.
On the casino side of things, Betway has an even more fantastic array of slots, table games, and live dealer games. Navigating the casino is easier with the search function because scouring the pages for a certain game can be time-consuming.
As far as bonuses go, Betway falls short when compared with other big names like BetUS or BetOnline. Their deposit/withdrawal options are limited to credit/debit cards and e-wallets, and in the future, we’d like to see them add cryptocurrency options as well.
Overall, Betway is a good sportsbook for bettors looking to have a fast-betting experience.
- Betway is licensed by both the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gambling Authority. They are two of the most well-respected gambling licensing authorities in the world because they have strict standards and consistent auditing.
- Microgaming is the primary software provider for Betway. That is noteworthy because the company also has strict policies that the gambling site must agree to. For example, they must pay jackpots in a lump sum as soon as they are approved instead of spreading the payments out.
- If you look up Betway ratings online, you will see more than 12,000 customer reviews. More than 70% of the TrustPilot ratings for Betway are excellent or great. More importantly, Betway consistently responds to player complaints.
- Betway is certified by eCOGRA and the International Betting Integrity Association. Both of these organizations are third-party groups dedicated to safe and fair online gambling opportunities.
- The site has been online for more than 15 years. While we admit it had a rocky start, the company worked quickly to address those concerns. Those changes have significantly improved Betway’s reputation with the online gambling community.
- We have tested the site ourselves, and we never recommend a site that we aren’t willing to use. During our Betway.com review, we made deposits and withdrawals, placed bets, played casino games, and claimed bonuses without any issues.
- The Betway corporation is far more transparent than most gambling site companies. Anthony Werkman is the CEO, and you can find out all about the Betway Group on their website.
888Sports
888sport is a multinational online sports gambling company headquartered in Gibraltar. It was founded in 2008 and is a subsidiary of 888 Holdings plc. The company provides online sports betting, predominantly in European markets
888sport is the official online sportsbook from the award-winning 888.com. The famous brand has a long history in online poker and online casino gaming. 888sport is a perfect addition to the network where bettors can check out countless markets for all of the popular sports in the world.
888sports sign-up offer
Signing up to a new account with 888sport is an easy experience that can be completed in minutes before you are taken to its sportsbook.
You must sign up to receive the 888sport welcome offer, and if you want to know how to do that, you can read our full and extensive review of the 888sport sign-up offer.
888sports promotions
There are plenty of promotions on offer from 888sport for customers who sign up that are on an easy to find dedicated tab.
One that separates 888sport from its rivals is its £5 free bet if you win at 4/1+, which rewards successful punters.
There is also a refund of up to £25 if one leg of an American sports accumulator loses, which obviously benefits anyone who is interested in the action across the Pond.
Enhanced odds are offered on markets on a daily basis and there is also a non-runner no-bet promotion for certain horse racing meets.
888sports sports markets
Not surprisingly, 888sport offers many of the same markets as its sportsbook rivals with football and horse racing the clear favourites.
It covers all the top leagues around Europe, including the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A and Ligue 1, plus the big leagues in South America, the United States, Asia and Africa.
Best Sports Betting Apps
- PointsBet Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook & Casino
- FanDuel Sportsbook & Casino
- BetMGM Sportsbook
- FanDuel Fantasy Football
- Caesars Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- FOX Bet Sportsbook & Casino
- Caesars Sportsbook
- Football Betting
- bet365 – Sportsbook
- Betting app
- Betway – Live Sports Betting
- Sports Betting Game – BETUP
- BOVADA Sports
- SI Sportsbook – Sports Betting
- Barstool Sportsbook & Casino
- DraftKings Fantasy Sports
- Barstool Sports
- DraftKings Casino
- FOX Bet Super 6
- Betway – Live Casino Games
- BettingPros
- Kingpin
- BetMGM Sports – Ontario
- Hard Rock Sportsbook
- Play Gun Lake
- FanDuel Casino – Real Money
- Betway Ontario – Casino Games
- SBK
- bet365 – Sports Betting
- Unibet – (Live) Sports Betting
- Betfred Sportsbook Iowa
- BetMGM Online Casino
- Sportsbet – Online Betting App
- BetRivers Sportsbook Illinois
- BetRivers Sportsbook New York
- FanDuel Faceoff
- AZ Betfred Sportsbook
- BetRivers Sportsbook Louisiana
- Prophet Betting Exchange NJ
- Scores And Odds Sports Betting
- BetRivers Casino Sportsbook MI
- WagerLab Bet on Sports & Props
- BetRivers Sportsbook Colorado
- William Hill – Sports Betting
- BetRivers Sportsbook Virginia
- Betfair Casino & Slots
- DRF Iowa Sportsbook
- SuperBook Sports NJ
- Unibet Sportsbook VA
What is Sportsbook
In the United States, a sportsbook or a race and sports book (sometimes abbreviated as book) is a place where a gambler can wager on various sports competitions, including golf, football, basketball, baseball, ice hockey, soccer, horse racing, greyhound racing, boxing, and mixed martial arts.
The method of betting varies with the sport and the type of game. In the US, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 allowed only Nevada, Oregon, Montana, and Delaware to legally wager on sports other than horse racing, greyhound racing, and jai alai; the law was ruled unconstitutional on May 14, 2018, freeing states to legalize sports betting at their discretion.
