Let’s not waste our precious time, shall we? Below you can check out my top five legal sports betting sites in the US for basketball fans in 2024. In this article, I will cover the best options across the US, but if you want to go closer to home, you can check out my
New York sports betting
guide and other state-specific articles
| Rank | Sportsbook | Welcome bonus | Best for |
| 1. | BetMGM | Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets | Mobile app |
| 2. | DraftKings | $1,000 No Sweat Bet | Personalized interface |
| 3. | FanDuel | Bet $5 Get $150 | Same game parlay builder |
| 4. | Bet365 | Bet $5 Get $150 or Up to $1,000 First Bet Back | Reliability and security |
| 5.
| Caesars | First Bet Back up to $1,000 | Customer service |
1. BetMGM Sportsbook – The best overall
- 6 x $25 bonus bets welcome offer
- Best iOS mobile app
- Competitive odds
- Cool-looking interface
- The Android app could use some improvement
BetMGM is an online sportsbook that has everything. It looks good, it’s easy to use, the odds are competitive and there is a great market selection. As it is available in over 20 states, the chances are that you can access the BetMGM online sportsbook from where you are.
For the best experience, I recommend using the iOS app for your NBA bets with this sportsbook. As a new player, you can get 6 x $25 ($150 total) bonus bets instantly when you register and wager just $5.
- Welcome Offer:
Bet $5 Get $150
- App Store Ratings:
4.8
- Google Play Rating:
4.1
- Withdrawal speed:
2 – 5 business days
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
2. DraftKings Sportsbook – Personalized betting carousel
- Large welcome bonus
- $5 minimum deposit
- Personalized interface
- Official NBA betting partner
- No welcome bonus if your first bet wins
As an official partner of the NBA, DraftKings is one of the most ideal legal sports betting sites for all of us basketball fans. The best feature for me is the carousel on the sportsbook, which is personalized based on your betting history.
Therefore if you have tended to lean towards NBA and college pros betting in the past, these markets will be brought to the front for you. On top of all that, if your first NBA wager loses, you can get its value back as a bonus bet up to $1,000.
- Welcome Offer:
No Sweat Bet up to $1,000
- App Store Ratings:
4.7
- Google Play Rating:
4.6
- Withdrawal speed:
1 – 5 business days
Bet $5, Get $150 If Your Bet Wins
3. FanDuel Sportsbook – Gres for NBA same game parlays
- Same game parlay bet builder
- Solid welcome offer
- Trusted brand
- Legal in 20+ US states
- Poorer odds in some states due to revenue tax
Do you want to enhance your odds by combining multiple wagers on the same game? If so, I highly recommend giving the same game parlay bet builder a shot at FanDuel. And as the second of the two legal sports betting sites in the US with an NBA partnership deal, this is another great option for us NBA fans.
With a first deposit of $10 and an initial wager of $5, you can get $150 instantly as bonus bets. Unlike the DraftKings bonus, this one is credited to you regardless of the result of your qualifying bet.
- Welcome Offer:
Bet $5 Get $150
- App Store Ratings:
4.8
- Google Play Rating:
4.7
- Withdrawal speed:
1 – 5 business days
Bet $5 Get $300 in Bonus Bets if you win
4. Bet365 Sportsbook – One of the safest sports betting sites
- Choice of two welcome offers
- International betting brand
- Secure and reliable
- Great odds boosters
- Only available in seven US states
Although it might be relatively new to us on this side of the pond, Bet365 has been around in the UK since 2000. Since that time, it has grown to become one of the most secure, reliable, and trusted sports betting brands in the world.
The downside is that it is currently only legal in seven US states, but there are plans to launch in many more. It is also the only sportsbook on this list that gives you a choice when you first sign up. You can either bet $5 and get $150 in bonus bets, or get your first bet back up to $1,000 if it loses.
- Welcome Offer:
Bet $5 Get $150 or First Bet Back up to $1,000
- App Store Ratings:
4.8
- Google Play Rating:
4.5
- Withdrawal speed:
12 hours – 5 business days
Bet $5 Get $150 or $1000 First Bet Safety Net
Whatever the sport. Whatever the moment. It’s Never Ordinary at bet365. That’s why if you sign up now you’ll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $1000 or Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
5. Caesars Sportsbook – Excellent customer service
- Decent new customer bonus
- Excellent customer service
- Beginner friendly interface
- Great rewards program
- Limited markets for some sports
I’ve tested out a lot of legal sports betting sites in the US, but I’ve never felt as well taken care of as I have at Caesars Sportsbook. Here you will find that their world-famous casino resort levels of customer service have extended to their online platform.
When it comes to your NBA bets, this platform is definitely not to be overlooked, especially if you are new to betting. As is the case at DraftKings, you can get your first bet stake back as a bonus bet token up to $1,000 if it loses.
- Welcome Offer:
$1,000 first bet back
- App Store Ratings:
4.6
- Google Play Rating:
4.2
- Withdrawal speed:
1 – 3 business days
Bet $5 Get $150 or $1000 First Bet Safety Net
Whatever the sport. Whatever the moment. It’s Never Ordinary at bet365. That’s why if you sign up now you’ll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $1000 or Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
My tips for choosing the best safe sports betting sites
When it comes to choosing legal sports betting sites, every one of us is looking for something a little different. It’s therefore important that you find the right one for you.
To help you do so, I have put together my top five tips and things to consider before you register with a Colorado or
New Jersey sports betting
site:
- Know what you’re looking for
– First of all, make a list of what you are looking to get out of your online betting experience. Do you just want to bet on basketball or also cover sports? Do you want detailed stats or just a basic and user-friendly interface?
- Consider your experience level
– Are you a first-time bettor who needs an easy beginner-friendly sportsbook, or are you experienced and looking for some additional features to enhance your betting?
- Bonuses
– Think about what type of welcome offer you’re looking for and read the bonus T&Cs before you register.
- Location and licensing – Not all legal sports betting sites are available in every US state (around 20 states don’t even have legal online wagering yet). Make sure that the sportsbook you are looking for is licensed and regulated in your location. For example, you can check out the best
Ohio sports betting
sites here.
- Deposit methods and payout speed
– Check the list of banking options and average payouts speeds at all legal sports betting sites available before registration. Whether you want to use your credit card, online banking or an e-wallet, you should be able to find the right solution.
Finding all legal sports betting sites in your state with your guide
In this guide, I have focused largely on the US as a whole, as there are now over 30 states with some form of legalize sports betting. However, each state has its own set of laws, rules, and regulations.
Want to find information that’s specific to your state? Then check out my state-specific guides, including
Pennsylvania sports betting
and more.
Bet now
Whatever the sport. Whatever the moment. It’s Never Ordinary at bet365. That’s why if you sign up now you’ll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $1000 or Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
BetMGM Review
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Bet now
How we rate legal US sportsbooks
When I test and rate sites, I have security and safety in mind, as well as your overall NBA betting experience. To give you some insight into the process, here are the top things that I consider when rating legal sports betting sites in the US:
Banking options and withdrawal time
We all want everything instantly in today’s world, especially when it comes to our sports betting winnings. That’s why I always look for a good selection of banking methods and fast withdrawal processing times.
Above all else, it’s important that your funds and data are secure while we bet online. Additionally, you should make sure only to use safe sports betting websites that are licensed and regulated in your state.
Not the most important thing, but probably the most fun right? I always test out the welcome offer and go through the T&Cs with a fine tooth comb.
Even when using safe, legal, and quality sportsbooks, things can always still go wrong. If they do, it’s important to ensure that we’re in good hands. That’s why a high level of customer service, such as the live chat you can use at Caesars Sportsbook, is vitally important.
As you can see from what’s on offer at the top legal sports betting sites that I recommended earlier in this article, sportsbook bonuses come in many different shapes and sizes. As a new customer, you will likely be claiming one of these promotion types:
| Bonus type | Description |
| Deposit match | The sportsbook matches your first deposit up to a certain percentage in bonus credits. Most commonly this will be 100% up to a maximum of $100 – $200. |
| Bonus credits | Bonus credits can be used to bet on sports with certain conditions attached. More often than not, you will have to meet a wagering requirement before you can withdraw your bonus credits and winnings. |
| Bonus bets | A bonus bet is a token worth a single stake amount that is non-cashable and not included in your returns. For example, you can only use a $10 bonus bet as a 1 x $10 wager, not 2 x $5 wagers – which would be possible with bonus credits. |
| No Sweat bet | Like a bonus bet, just that you only get the bonus if your qualifying wager loses. |
Legal sports betting sites for the NBA and other sports
We are all NBA and basketball fans first and foremost, but at legal sports betting sites in the US, you can wager on all pro and college sports competitions (depending on state rules). Additionally, you can also bet on overseas leagues and sports, such as EPL soccer or Six Nations Rugby.
NBA and college basketball betting in the US
We’re all a bit biassed here, aren’t we? But basketball really is one of the best betting sports there is. As well as the moneyline, you also have the points spread, which helps to even up the contest.
With players like Jokic, Antetokounmpo, and LeBron putting up big stats, player props have never been more popular. Thanks to sites like FanDuel, you can now combine multiple BA betting markets into the same game.
Additionally, most US states with legalized sports wagering permit betting on college games, though some have bans on in-state teams and events. While collegiate basketball tends to be low scoring, there are often better odds to be found, as well as more pick ‘em games.
- Best NBA and college basketball sportsbooks:
FanDuel and DraftKings (Official NBA partners)
Other popular sports to wager on in the US
Looking for legal sports betting sites for more than just basketball? Check out some of these other sports:
- NFL and college football
- MLB and college baseball
- NHL and collegiate hockey
- Soccer (MLS and overseas)
- MMA
- Formula 1
- Golf
- Tennis
Avoid blacklisted sports betting sites
My focus here today has been on helping you to find the best safe and legal sports betting sites in the US. Part of that mission also involves pointing out blacklisted sites that you should avoid at all costs.
I don’t want to sound like a broken record, but when betting online in the US, it’s essential that you only use a sportsbook that is licensed and regulated in the state where you are located. Moreover, you have to be over 21 to do so.
Is sports betting online not yet legal in your state? Don’t get drawn in and register with an unlicensed overseas betting site. They are unsafe and your funds and personal data may both be at risk when using them. Not to mention you’d be in breach of state and federal law by betting with them.
Some quick facts about legal online gambling sites
The US legal sports betting landscape as we know it today first began to take shape in 2018 when New Jersey won a court case that resulted in the PASPA (professional sports betting ban) being lifted.
Since then, it has been up to individual state authorities to set their own sports betting laws. While things moved slowly at first, there are now over 30 US states with legal online and/or retail sports wagering in some capacity.
I don’t want to bore you by droning on about the legal jargon that surrounds sports betting online in the US. However, the regulations and rules are still important. So what I have done instead is put together this table so you can quickly look at the most pertinent facts related to legal betting sites in the US.
| Legal sports betting date: | May 2018 (Federal ban was lifted) |
| First state to launch online betting: | New Jersey |
| Current no. of states with legal betting: | 38 (inc. DC) |
| Legal age: | 21+ |
| Online sports betting: | ✅ |
| Retail sports betting: | ✅ |
| Total sports betting handle(2018 – 2023): | $291,442,121,311 |
| Average tax on sportsbooks: | 19% |
| Best NBA sportsbooks: | DraftKings and FanDuel |
Conclusion – Register with a safe gambling online site today
In conclusion you can legally place an online and/or retail sports bet in over 30 states as of December 2024. In the vast majority of states, you need to be 21 or older and physically located in the state. Non-residents of age can legally bet remotely, so long as they are within the borders of a legal betting state.
If you are looking to start betting online today, just make sure to register with one of my regulated legal sports betting sites where you are. Your safety, security and staying on the right side of the law are of paramount importance.
Top bonus offers for December
1.
Bet $5 Get $150 or $1000 First Bet Safety Net
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Bonus, Min. Deposit: $10
Whatever the sport. Whatever the moment. It’s Never Ordinary at bet365. That’s why if you sign up now you’ll get the choice of two great New Customer Offers, the First Bet Safety Net up to $1000 or Bet $5 and Get $200 in Bonus Bets. Deposit required. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply.Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler 21+
2.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Players from Virginia accepted
Min. Deposit: $10
3.
Bet $5 Get $300 in Bonus Bets if you win
+ 3 Free Months of NBA League Pass
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Deposit, Min. Deposit: $10
4.
First bet back as a bonus bet up to $1000
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Deposit
5.
Second chance bet: Get up to $500 in Bonus Bets
Players from Virginia accepted
Requirements (WR): 1x Bonus, Min. Deposit: $10
Legal sports betting sites FAQ
⚖Is online sports betting legal in the US?
Depending on your location, online sports betting may be legally accessible to you if you’re aged 21+. Currently 37 states have legalized sports betting in some shape or form. For full details check out my guide here at Dunkorthree.com.
🔐What is the safest sports betting site in the US?
All state regulators have strict rules about security and licensing so all US sportsbooks online are very safe. However, bet365, FanDuel, and DraftKings stand out above the rest.
🎁Is Bet365 legal in the US?
Currently Bet365 is legal in seven US states – Colorado, New Jersey, Iowa, Kentucky, Ohio, Virginia, and Louisiana. Not in any of these locations? Then check out FanDuel, DraftKings and BetMGM, as they are each legal in over 20 states.
