Best Sports Betting Sites: 9 Legal Sportsbooks and Promo Codes
“This was written for like oil futures and weather predictions where they have to help have some checks and balances if the farmers have a bad winter or something,” Goldman said. While sports betting has its own taxation laws, which remain in flux, prediction markets are taxed as futures. Perhaps the clearest legal encapsulation of where prediction markets stand is in how they are taxed. The laws and regulations that are being applied to prediction markets were not written for these specific expressions of futures markets.
BetMGM’s ongoing promos (offered daily in most states) provide bettors with added value. The platform also provides good deposit options, same-game parlays, and live streaming of select leagues. BetMGM has received numerous accolades, including “Sports Betting Operator of the Year” in 2024. My expert analysis breaks down each sportsbook’s strengths and weaknesses, making it easy to see how the top betting sites compare to competitors.
So, what are prediction markets and why are they such a big deal in the sports betting space? Established sports betting companies like Fanatics, DraftKings and FanDuel launched prediction market products earlier this month. A strong core ensures consistent volume, while selected niche markets add depth and engagement without complicating the user experience. Pre-match and live betting markets represent two distinct environments within a sportsbook, each with its own structure and role in the overall betting experience. Some markets go even further, offering minute-based predictions or outcomes within short intervals.
FanDuel came out the hottest out of the gate, offering Bet Protect+ for free for the first three weeks of the season. DraftKings remains one of the easiest books to recommend for promo hunters, as it is always offering ongoing boosts and bonuses for its users. Although it is not available in as many states as competing sportsbooks, BetRivers is a viable option for sports enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive betting experience. Additionally, the early cash-out option lets users settle bets before the event concludes, allowing for risk management and potential profits. However, addressing some drawbacks, such as the poor user interface and a somewhat uncreative product offering, is essential. BetRivers Sportsbook is a platform that has garnered attention for several notable features, including its robust casino options and quality live betting selection.
New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY. Fanatics is more about speed, clean navigation, and rewards that are easy to understand if you already know the Fanatics brand. It’s not the deepest book on this list, so if you’re digging for smaller markets, niche sports, or a long menu of alternate props, BetMGM or bet365 may fit better. For betting opinions and matchup analysis before placing a wager, check out the Best Handicappers page. Use the rankings to narrow the list, then match the book to your usual card. Our real-time updates will provide you the same edge in sports betting enjoyed by professional bettors, but for a fraction of the price.
In 2020, the top three operators (FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM) held approximately 78% of the market combined. BetMGM maintains a solid third-place position in the US sports betting market with approximately 14% of national gross gaming revenue. DraftKings has leveraged this proprietary stack to offer innovative features faster, including live streaming, social betting, and micro-betting on individual plays. DraftKings challenges FanDuel most strongly in Ohio, where DraftKings holds a slight edge at 38% vs 36%, and in Colorado, where the two are nearly tied at 35% and 33% respectively.
In 2025, the fixed odds wagering segment held a sports betting market share of more than 25%, while the eSports betting segment is expected to secure a significant CAGR of 14.8% in the sports betting market during the forecast period. The sports betting market is also influenced by the adoption of sports betting through video streaming and instant messaging services, as well as changes in the regulatory landscape of the sports betting market. As a result, the rise of machine learning might be a boon to the global sports betting market during the forecast period.
This cross-sell opportunity connects high-value casino customers with online sports betting, creating a customer acquisition channel that pure-play digital operators cannot replicate. We also look for whether checking an open wager, comparing a line, finding transaction history, or setting a limit is easy enough. By understanding how sports betting markets work — who sets the lines, why they move, and how prices reflect collective action — you can start thinking like a professional bettor. The leading sports betting market players focus on developing engaging websites and offering exclusive deals to gain a competitive advantage in the sports betting market. Yes, most online sports betting sites are safe.
Offline channels provide immediate cash transactions, social interaction, and perceived security, which remain strong motivators for traditional bettors. There are many similarities between prediction markets and traditional sports betting markets. You should be wary of these brands, as they do not offer the same protections or guarantees as the top-rated sports betting sites on this page. However, some offshore online sportsbooks still accept customers from the offshore sportsbooks United States. Most sites also provide odds on rugby union, rugby league, horse racing, greyhounds, Formula 1, NASCAR, darts, snooker, pool, table tennis, volleyball, and cycling.