Check out the map above and see the full online gambling USA picture with our detailed guide. Learn all about how and where to do legal online gambling for real money with the best sites and apps of every online sportsbook, casino, poker room, etc. worth your time. Check our experts’ honest in-depth reviews on them and take advantage of the best promotions and bonus offers, and the most appealing casino games and sports betting lines in the country. Bookmark this page and stay tuned for the latest updates on what’s next in line for online gambling in the US.
Find all the online gambling legal states in our map so that you can be sure where to play safely. Be aware that in some parts of the country you can only do it partially: for example you are allowed to bet in legit online casinos, but not in online sportsbooks or poker rooms. So follow our complete guide on legal online gambling in the US and you’ll be totally fine.
Best Sites for Online Gambling USA Offers Now
They are legal, they are 100% safe, they have top-notch customer support, plus they offer the most attractive games, lines, bonuses and promotions, and the most pleasant user experience in both desktop and mobile versions. Here is our selection of the best operators for online gambling USA offers at the moment. Of course, there are dozens more that provide top quality product, but these are the Top 10 we’ve picked especially for you. It’s an honest and transparent result of extensive research and personal experience amongst the best online gambling sites USA can offer as of today.
BetMGM Online Gambling
BetMGM, a product of the MGM Resorts International and Entain (formerly GVC Holdings) partnership, is undoubtedly one of the leaders and pioneers in the online gaming and sports betting industries. It also has exclusive access to all of MGM's US major tournament poker businesses. This huge brand will give you enormous possibilities to enjoy your passions, whether you love to wager on sports, or play a casino or poker game. The BetMGM online gambling experience is second to none.
Strengths:
Established trustworthy brand
Top catalog of quality casino games
Very safe
Regular releases of new appealing features, bonuses and promotions
BetMGM online gambling offers top class customer service
Secure banking options, including Mastercard, Visa, Bitcoin, Skrill, and prepaid cards
Available both in-browser and as a downloadable application for Windows
Live streaming
Officially licensed for betting on NFL, MLB, NBA, and more
Caesars online gambling world is one of the most appealing to users in the US and abroad. Since its starting days in Reno, Nevada in 1966, this legendary company hasn’t stopped growing and expanding. Today millions and millions of users use Caesars' online platforms for sports betting, casino and poker (World Series of Poker, or WSOP). Becoming one of them would be a wise decision with all the benefits it brings.
Strengths:
Established trustworthy brand
High quality casino and poker games
Good sports betting options with deep markets
Very safe
Easy to navigate
Superb bonuses and promotions
Simplicity of making deposits
Secure banking options and diverse payment methods
FanDuel is one of the leaders in sports betting and one of the rapidly growing factors in the online gambling USA picture in general. The company is also a pioneer in the daily fantasy sports industry, but has made decisive steps on the online casino and poker markets.
Strengths:
Established trustworthy brand
Very safe
Secure and fast banking options
Attractive bonus and promo offers
Extensive selection of gaming and sports betting options
Excellent UX/UI
Live betting
Officially licensed for betting on NFL, MLB, NBA, and more
Competitive odds
Detailed stats for multiple sports
Easy to construct parlays
Superb user interface
Weaknesses:
Loyalty programs and customer rewards are not on the desired level
DraftKings is sort of a FanDuel twin in terms of being a prominent figure on the DFS scene and a household sportsbook name reaching into the online poker and casino territory. And, as is the case with its ‘twin’, you simply can’t go wrong if you sign up with DraftKings.
Strengths:
Established trustworthy brand
Easy to use with simple design
Top catalog of quality games
Rewarding loyalty programs
Very safe
Wide range of online sports betting markets
Superb for live sports betting
Excellent Fantasy Sports selection
Easy to construct parlays
Invite-only VIP program
Weaknesses:
Could be better at Welcome Bonus play-through requirements
Borgata is a name that is a synonym of excellent online gambling experience for any US player. The company has given tons of reasons over the years for anyone looking to enjoy sports betting and casino thrills. Check the main ones in our list below.
Strengths:
Impressive bonuses with an especially appealing sign-up bonus
Good range of casino games from renowned providers
888 is one of the most popular brands universally in terms of online poker, casino, and sports betting. You will have the chance to check our detailed reviews of this company but for the moment see the most important factors why you should sign up.
Unibet is a great choice for both total rookies and experienced players. This award-winning company offers many advantages for anyone who is on the lookout for profitable and legal online gambling sites and apps.
Strengths:
Trusted brand with big worldwide reputation
Huge diversity of promo offers
Great selection of casino games
Live dealer games for perfect live online gambling experience
SugarHouse launched in 2016 as an online casino in New Jersey and is constantly growing in stature in the past few years. Check the reasons why you should trust this company that provides one of the most user friendly US gambling sites.
Strengths:
Attractive welcome packages for new users
Broad selection of high quality casino and poker games
Competitive sports betting odds
Diverse banking methods
Good design for both desktop and mobile versions
Great customer support
Weaknesses:
Could be better at loyalty programs and rewards
Some small issues with the sports betting app on iOS devices
Golden Nugget is, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the top online gambling sites USA can offer you at the moment. It’s definitely not a surprise that this company is one of the leaders in terms of online gambling revenues in New Jersey and other states.
Strengths:
Regular promotions
High quality and huge array of games from top software providers
Demo mode for most games
Easy to use platform
Big range of deposit/withdrawal options
24/7 customer support
Weaknesses:
No 24/7 operating of live dealer casino games
How To Bet full review on Golden Nugget online sportsbook
How to Pick the Best Legal Online Gambling Site or App in the USA
Discovering the best legal online gambling site/app for you depends mostly on your individual needs and preferences. There exists a certain criteria though for determining the best online poker sites for example, or the best online sportsbook or casino apps. See the main factors you should consider when making the difficult choice between operators.
Know your own gambling profile: Keep in mind what casino and poker games, sports and markets you target. Also consider if you prefer the desktop or mobile option.
Do a lot of research: Read as many online gambling reviews as possible and learn how to recognize the legal online gambling operators. All the names on our list have a long history of treating players in a fair manner and have the liquidity to cover all winnings, so you could play with them without a care in the world.
Try to avoid scams: Keep away from phishing emails and phony copies of the website of the sportsbook/casino/poker room you want to play in. The scammers will inevitably try to lure you with a too-good-to-be-true bonus or promotion in exchange for making a hefty deposit. If you fall in their net, you will end up paying to crooks, so always double-check the URL in your browser and make deposits only to official accounts of the operator.
Easy access: You should be provided with a simple, safe, and comfortable way of registering, entering, and re-entering.
Safety and security: Your personal and banking information must be in safe hands with world class encryption.
Attractive bonuses and promotions: Whether they be one-time offers or constant, they are always worth it, but never forget to read carefully the terms and conditions.
Great range of casino and poker games plus deep sports betting markets: Any operator worth your attention must provide you with a huge diversity of options to choose from.
Loyalty programs: Don’t run away from any benefit you might get, so check all of the best online gambling apps and sites to find the best offers for loyal users.
Check the banking methods and payout speed: Rapid and easy-to-make transactions via diverse channels must be high on your list of priorities because you want to be able to enjoy your winnings right away, no?
Usability and having a mobile platform: The design should be attractive for users, navigation should be easy, and you must be offered the possibility to play from your smartphone, tablet, or other mobile device.
Excellent customer service: You’d like to have constant support from competent agents whenever issues arise.
Online Gambling Apps
In terms of the options for online gambling USA offers now, mobile devices are definitely on the rise in the past few years. At the beginning, online gambling apps weren’t the most popular choice because of the low quality of user experience they provided. Today though, the improvement is massive and the number of people who use them for sports betting, casino and poker gaming is growing all the time. You can play on iOS, Android, and other types of smartphones, tablets, etc., and the overall level of usability of apps is absolutely comparable with that of laptops or desktop computers. How you find the best online gambing app for you depends 100% on your individual needs. Here’s some basic information on how to install and use them.
Online Gambling Apps for iPhone
You can either go to the iOS app store and search there, or visit the website of the operator and use the links there. Find the app and then download and install it. In case you have an account, just log in and start playing, but if you don’t, create one. You need to fill the registration form with personal and banking information, password, etc.
Online Gambling Apps for Android
It’s a bit more complicated with Android. Here are your options for downloading and installing the wanted app before logging in your account or creating one.
App Store – From Amazon or Google app stores, but they are not available everywhere.
Direct Download – From the site of the sportsbook, casino, or poker room.
QR Code Scanning – Available via the targeted mobile gambling site.
Text Message – Via request for a text message with a download link.
How to Gamble Online in the USA
The information How To Bet provided you with by now in this online gambling USA guide will be of immense help on your exciting journey. The scenery is constantly changing in each state so you need the most up-to-date and accurate counsel to be safe and prepared for anything that comes your way. The following advice, divided in magnificent seven steps, is fundamental for anyone who wants to know how to gamble online and do it successfully.
See what forms of online gambling your state allows – Some states for example have legalized online sports betting but not online casino and poker.
Find the safest online gambling sites – Check which are licensed and regulated by the local authorities so you know that you’re 100% secured.
Compare the legit online gambling sites and apps available – Make sure you benefit from the best offers on the online betting USA market.
Sign up at more than one operator – This is the best way to take advantage of the most profitable options around.
Make a deposit – At the end of the day, you can’t win without investing some of your own money.
Play and win – Now is the time to place a sports bet, try your luck in an online casino (pick one from our NJ online casino list for example), or wipe the floor with your competitors in a poker room. Follow our guides and you’ll give yourself the chance to win more than you lose.
Make a withdrawal – The legal online gambling sites and apps will give you many options to collect your deserved winnings, just select the ones with the fastest payout speed.
These seven simple steps will teach you how to gamble online in the USA and enjoy your success. Of course, you need to work hard and develop your skills every day so that in the long run you become a profitable player.
Our Tips for Winning and Responsible Online Gambling
We’ll continue our detailed guide with some fundamental tips and tricks on how to be a winner and practice responsible online gambling. Follow these rules and you’ll enjoy way more good days than rough ones.
Hunt for the Best Bonuses & Promotions
When possible, combine the most lucrative bonus & promo offers you have found during your initial research on operators, but always read carefully the terms & conditions. This extra bankroll will allow you to play longer while exploring ways to profit. Free games / free spins will allow you to master your skills before playing for real money.
Look for the Low House Edge
Find the games which offer the lowest house edge and use this knowledge to your advantage. Casinos still make mistakes, learn how to use them in your favor.
Use Game Strategies
Learn how to manage your bankroll and how to strike in key moments of games of strategy. Use as much information as you can from different sources on recognising statistical patterns.
Find the Best Sources for Betting Tips and Picks
The online betting USA scene is full of writers, statisticians, analysts, experts, and podcasters but be very careful whom you trust and always check the credentials of the tipsters. Once you’ve found proven experts who provide valuable advice for free, like the team responsible for our NFL picks, stick to them.
Know Your Limits
Don’t go overboard with both your ambition and your finances. Play with your head and not with your heart, knowing the limits of your skills and budget. Setting winning / losing limits is a very good idea, especially for beginners.
Take Regular Breaks
Without taking breaks you will lose the capacity to concentrate and the accumulated tiredness will make you play repetitively. A good idea is to set a time limit for online gambling because we all know how the Internet can trick us into staying glued to our screens.
Quit While On Top
Don’t fall in the trap of temptation when feeling the adrenaline rush from the winning streak. As we already said, stick to a budget and set aside your winnings for the next successful episode.
Forget about Chasing Losses
Losing your cool after a bad session is completely natural but don’t rush back to the game or to the sportsbook odds page trying to compensate right away. Your mind will be blurred and this will make you play worse and worse, drowning in a downward spiral. Find the inner strength to stop before it becomes too late.
Don’t Play Under the Influence
Using alcohol or drugs is harmful for your online gambling activity because it lowers your guard and the ability to make the right decisions. The danger of falling into the abyss is very real, so stay away!
Don’t Let Online Gambling Turn Into an Addiction
Remember that online gambling is supposed to be fun. When that line is crossed and your daily life begins to feel the negative effects of your expanding wagering activities, stop right there! Otherwise you could lose total control over the situation and addiction will follow with all its disastrous consequences. In such cases, don’t feel bad about contacting helping organizations like Gamblers Anonymous International for example. You and your life are bigger than shame and desperation.
Why is Online Gambling USA’s Favorite Way of Gambling
With regard to online gambling USA is living in its golden era. The difficult situation with the economy in general is threatening to destroy many businesses and industries, but the gambling one is being kept afloat by the sites and apps of sportsbooks, casinos, and poker rooms. Why are so many people drawn to the online forms of sports betting and gaming? And what are the factors behind their preference over land-based operators? How To Bet will answer these important questions to help you see the benefits of using legal online gambling.
Convenience
Choosing the option to play in US gambling sites and apps will save you a lot of time and money. Of course, you may want the full casino experience with a holiday which includes traveling adventures, sleeping in a fancy hotel, hitting the pool, going to shows, shopping, etc. But if the only thing on your mind is sports betting, playing poker, or casino gaming, then online gambling is by far the best way for taking care of business. You won’t lose precious time on traveling and finding a place for a game/slot in a land-based casino or poker room. And you will save money for gas, parking, food, drinks, and probably accommodation. Placing a sports bet and playing a casino/poker game is available from anywhere if there’s a good Internet connection.
Safety
For some people it’s a risk to trust some unknown sportsbook or casino with their credit card information. If you pay enough attention, it’s actually quite secure to do so. The legal brands with the best reputations provide the safest online gambling sites and apps possible and if you follow our advice on avoiding scams from a few paragraphs above, you’ll be 100% defended. The names we selected for our list are also guaranteed to offer maximum protection of your personal and financial information. This way you will enjoy the numerous benefits of online gambling USA presents for anyone willing to try his luck (and skills).
Privacy
No crowds, no noise, no smoke, no distractions – nothing will get in your way on the road to success in gambling when you’re doing it online. The outside influences will be completely eliminated and you will be able to concentrate on using your skills and knowledge in the optimal way. All you have to do is find the best online gambling sites USA can offer you, sign up and play from anywhere you like.
Free Practice
Brick-and-mortar casinos don’t allow practicing all their games for free, while online venues do when you sign up for a free account and then after a small deposit.
Lower Betting Limits
In online casinos/poker rooms you may play for as little as $1/bet, while land-based venues have $5-10 minimum bets.
Comparison Table
Activity
Online Gambling Venue
Land-Based Gambling Venue
Traveling
No
Yes
Playing from anywhere
Yes
No
Playing whenever you want
Yes
No
Various deposit methods
Yes
No
Bonus offers
Yes
No
Free play
Yes
No
Range of games
Huge
Limited
Level of security
World Class Data encryption
Pit managers & Floormen
What Forms of Online Gambling USA Offers Players
After explaining in detail about the multiple advantages for online gambling USA players, now’s the time to talk about the different forms of wagering they can enjoy both for entertainment and for profit. Not every one of them is available in every state right now, but the law is becoming increasingly favorable for gambling enthusiasts. That means you could well have access to all of these activities in the future.
The main forms of online gambling in the country (assuming a minimum US gambling age of 21 or older) are:
Online Casino Gaming
Online Poker
Online Sports Betting
Online Fantasy Sports (DFS) Betting
Online Esports Betting
Online Horse Racing Betting
Online Lotteries
Let's take a quick look at each of these main categories in turn, and discuss any other online gambling options that relate to them.
Online Casino Gaming
One of the most popular forms of online gambling sites USA can offer are online casinos. These work in much the same way as land-based venues, but give you the possibility to play wherever you have an internet connection if they are legal in your state (US gambling laws vary). Even better, you won't have to adhere to any kind of dress code, look around for your favorite game/slot, or wait for an open seat.
You can always see what operators are legal in which state by accessing our online casino index.
Because an online casino isn't limited by physical floor space, you can take your pick from thousands of games under one virtual roof. Expect to have access to Slots, Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, Baccarat, Keno, Video Poker, and much more. Pick the right game because the house always has an edge, so be aware of the negative expected value and the fact that the outcome is generated by RNG (random numbers generators). As a result of that, the online games and slots are played more fastly in comparison to brick-and-mortar venues. Live dealers are another feature that brings the live online gambling casino experience closer to the one you get at the land-based venue.
Online Poker
Another type of online gambling USA players can enjoy in many states is online poker which remains one of the biggest iGaming markets globally. If you're a fan of popular poker games such as Texas Hold'em, Omaha or Stud (to name just three), you'll be able to play for real money against other competitors in the country and around the world. Bigger platforms like PokerStars and smaller ones like Party Poker and 888, to name just a few, provide huge competition and many dollars in prize pools.
You must be able to control your emotions perfectly and be mentally tough to succeed, but there are multiple avenues the online poker scene can help you with while you’re on the road to self-improvement.
Online Sports Betting
The exciting world of sports wagering allows fans to bet on their favorite players and teams, and online sports betting USA enthusiasts are able to do that from the comfort of their own homes. The lower operating costs compared to land-based sportsbooks mean better odds, deeper markets, more appealing bonuses & promotions, and taking reduced juice if you go with the online version. Basically, more money in your pocket.
If you put effort into it, you can become a successful bettor. It takes a lot of digging in advanced statistics data, trustworthy information sources, and deep knowledge of teams, players, coaches, and events. Once you grasp the process though, you’ll be fine. The other option is to find predictions by experts with big reputations and high success rates. Take a look, for example, at our free NFL picks which become more and more popular with every passing week.
Our online sportsbooks page provides information about all the operators that are currently up and running in the country (see our PA sports betting page for example), although it should be noted that not all of those will operate in all states. Those that do will let you bet on football, basketball, baseball, ice hockey, boxing, tennis, soccer, and dozens of other popular sports. You may wager on simple money lines and over/unders (totals), or against the spread. Parlays, prop bets, futures, round robins, and many more markets are also available.
Online Fantasy Sports Betting
Betting on fantasy sports, also known as DFS, provides a similar thrill to regular sports betting, but you won't bet on any real-world events. Instead, you'll create your own fantasy teams, consisting of real-life players, and play against other fantasy sports enthusiasts. The outcome depends on their individual performances during the real events they participate in. You can compete in guaranteed prize pool tournaments, 50/50s, head-to-heads, and other forms of DFS. If you've ever dreamed of being a world-class football manager or basketball coach, this type of online gambling is probably something that you would enjoy.
Online Esports Betting
Esports betting is a relatively new service from innovative online sportsbooks. Through it, you can wager on the outcomes of competitive gaming events, though there are less markets at the moment compared to sports and fantasy sports betting. The good thing here is that the oddsmakers are still slightly inexperienced and if you are ahead of the curve, you may enjoy hefty profits. The genres of games comprise RTS (like StarCraft), MOBA (like League of Legends), FPS (like Counter-Strike), etc. The events you can put an esports bet on cover the Evolution Championship Series, the League Championship Series, and others.
Online Horse Racing Betting
Known as the 'Sport of Kings', horse racing is hugely popular both here in the US and around the world. In the old days you would need to visit a racetrack to place bets on horse racing, but in many states today you can also wager with online racebooks. The advantage of betting online – apart from the fact that you don't need to travel – is that you can bet on horse racing events anywhere in the country, and even on races that are being staged as far away as the UK, Australia and South Africa. In order to be a successful bettor though, it takes even more effort to research than sports wagering and, on top of that, the access to adequate data is limited.
Online Lotteries
The final form of online gambling USA style is lottery betting. Although the chances of winning a lottery jackpot are always slim, there is no other form of gambling that offers such a huge potential win for such a small stake. If you're happy to risk a dollar or two for the chance to become a multi-millionaire, playing lotteries online should provide all the excitement you need. The US gambling age at lottery sites may be 18 in some states. Keep in mind that the house edge here is close to 50% with extremely low odds for winning and even if you do, you’ll have to pay a small commission on every transaction, reducing potential profits.
US Gambling Payment Methods
We have mentioned the importance of making safe money deposits and withdrawals when dealing with legal online gambling regulators. Here are most of the accepted payment methods at the moment.
Of course, US gambling goes back to the birth of the nation. People have been doing it since the invention of money and have never stopped, no matter how hard governments have tried to put an end to it.
We live in very interesting times now as legal gambling is spreading quickly all across the country at US gambling sites and on land. But how did we get here?...
Las Vegas Gambling
When you think of US gambling, the first thing to come to mind will usually be Las Vegas. Founded by the mob in the 1950s, this Nevada city is the basis for every aspect of modern American gambling.
While wagering may not have been invented on The Vegas Strip, it certainly was honed and perfected there. From the point spreads to the croupiers, online and on the gaming floor, Vegas will always be the most important city in US gambling history.
Online Gambling USA History
Of course, online gambling has been around in one way or another since the birth of the Internet. Let's face it, there are a few things that will always be available online, and wagering is surely one of them. The legality of that is an entirely different matter, and the question, 'Is online gambling legal in the US?' is a common one.
The ability to gamble online for real money USA-wide has always existed in a grey area of the law in our country. While it is illegal to own and operate such a site or app here, it is not illegal to place a wager on one. These venues are known as ‘offshore’ sites/apps and have existed since the early 1990s. These kinds of operators, still exist today, however, we don't encourage you to play at offshore operators ever. However, it is now legal for states to create their own gambling industry, online and otherwise. Sports betting, casino play, and poker rooms are legal online, depending on which state you find yourself in. Always remember that US gambling laws vary across the country.
Black Friday of Poker
One of the most important moments in time in the history of online gambling in the USA was the Black Friday of Poker. On April 15, 2011, the United States Department of Justice shut down the four biggest online poker sites operating in the country.
Not only that, but they also arrested almost a dozen big players in the industry and brought a wide range of charges from wire fraud to money laundering. Assets were seized, and sites were shut down. However, while the financial losses were huge, no online poker players were involved in any legal repercussions.
The Wire Act
The Wire Act has been another bump in the road to fully-legalized online gambling in the USA. The act goes back to the early 1960s and was originally designed to stop all wagering across state lines as it was up to individual states to legalize and regulate their gambling industry.
Of course, none of them did outside of Nevada. After all, it was a much more moral time back then, but, as the times have changed, so has the interpretation of The Wire Act, and now it applies to only sports betting.
For this reason, when the Supreme Court struck down the PASPA, it left it up to the individual states to regulate their sports betting industries and not the federal government. Legalized, regulated, and state-run betting is not going to change anytime soon, even though The Wire Act is sure to continue to change plenty just to keep up.
Online Gambling USA FAQ
What is online gambling?
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Online gambling is the placing of any wager via the internet at online casinos, sportsbooks, poker rooms, etc.
Is online gambling illegal?
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No. While many countries restrict or ban online gambling, it is legal in some states of the US.
Is online gambling legal in the US?
Where is online gambling legal in the US?
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Check our map at the beginning of this page. There you will find the online gambling legal states in the US noted duly. Keep in mind that different states allow different forms of gambling, so check thoroughly our pages for each one to be 100% sure.
How old do you have to be to gamble online?
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The minimum US gambling age in most states is 21.
What can we expect from the online betting USA scene?
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Online betting USA is going from strength to strength. An increasing number of states are legalizing online gambling of all kinds, so you can probably expect many more to have access to online betting sites USA wide in the future.
Can I bet on sports online from my mobile device?
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Yes, but only in certain states.
Can I gamble online from a mobile app?
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Yes, but only in certain states.
Are there apps that offer all types of online gambling?
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Yes, although it depends on which state you are located.
What is the best site for legal online gambling?
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Of course, this varies from state to state. However, sites from major casinos are always a good place to start.
Who regulates online gambling in the USA?
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Online gambling is regulated by individual states.
What is a sportsbook?
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A sportsbook is any establishment that accepts sports bets.
What is the best sports betting site in the USA?
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This, of course, depends on which state you are located in. Take a look at our online sportsbooks page to see details of all operators.
Are a sportsbook and a bookmaker the same thing?
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Yes.
Does it cost anything to use your service?
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No.
What is the best sportsbook app?
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This all depends on what is available in your state. However, stick to the major players like DraftKings or FanDuel when picking an online sportsbook.
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