All bettors want their winnings quickly, so payout speed is important in our evaluation process. We’re also looking for a good variety of sportsbook deposit and withdrawal methods.

While a big welcome bonus is always nice, we also check to ensure that the terms and conditions of the most common sportsbook sign-up bonuses are fair. We also evaluate the sportsbook for reload bonuses and promotions for existing customers.

This is a broad category, but we like to see sportsbooks and sports betting apps that push the envelope to deliver a fantastic experience to sports bettors. Some of the features we look for include: a mobile app, competitive odds pricing, a variety of betting markets, live betting, early cash out, streaming options, poker and casino offerings, and responsible gambling features.

With real money at stake, you need to know you’re depositing at a site you can trust. Before recommending any sportsbook, we’ll make sure they have a valid license for the jurisdiction from the appropriate regulators. We’ll also ensure the website is safe and secure so that your data is protected.

If an issue arises, you should be able to have it solved quickly and conveniently by a real person. We like to see different options to reach customer support and how quickly they resolve the issue.

While the five categories above are the basis for our sportsbook ratings, we dig deep and look at everything we possibly can at every online sportsbook we review: the sign-up process, verification process, limits, localization, VIP or loyalty program, and user experience.

On a federal level, yes, sports betting is legal following a Supreme Court ruling in May of 2018. However, each state is responsible for its own sports betting legislation, so the legality of sports betting depends on which state you're currently residing in.

Sports betting is now legal in more than 30 U.S. states, plus DC. This includes: Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. 2023 is expected to bring the several new states into the fold as well. Stay up to date with our U.S. legal tracker.

Online sportsbooks are legal provided they are licensed by the gaming authority from the state in which they are operating. All of the sportsbooks listed above are licensed in New Jersey by the NJDGE.

Our top online sportsbook for U.S. players in 2022 is Caesars Sportsbook. The rest of our favorite betting sites are listed above. All have been reviewed and vetted by our trademarked Covers BetSmart System.

Most regulated online sportsbooks in the US accept PayPal as a payment method, including our top options FanDuel, DraftKings, and PointsBet.

Football is king, with the NFL being the most popular sport for betting in the US. The NBA, MLB and NHL, along with men's college football and basketball, are other popular options among bettors. Major sporting events like the World Cup of soccer and Masters Tournament for golf tend to generate increased action as well.

Yes, any regulated sportsbook in the US will pay out customers the winnings they are entitled to. If you're having an issue with a payout from a regulated sportsbook in the US, please let us know via the Covers Blacklist page.

Currently bet365 has our highest rating for banking and payout speed. Payout speed tends to depend on the method of payment, more than the sportsbook itself. Interac, iDebit and Instadebit can all process within 24 hours.

Technically, sportsbooks can ban you for any reason they like. Accounts can be limited or closed due to promotion abuse, multi-accounting, potential arbitrage (betting both sides) and yes, winning too much. It is not uncommon for a winning player to have their wagering amount restricted.