Looking for the best online sportsbooks in 2025? After testing dozens of online sportsbooks in 2025, we have compiled this guide to help you find the safest, most reliable sports betting options globally. Whether just getting started or searching for a safer platform, we've reviewed and ranked these sportsbooks objectively to help you make smart, informed decisions.
Why Trust Our Recommendations?
We personally test and review every sportsbook listed on this page using a clear, research-driven process. Each site is licensed and regulated by official authorities in the U.S. or Canada, such as state gaming commissions or provincial regulators. If a platform isn’t legally approved to operate, it doesn’t make our list…simple as that!
Our editorial team includes over 50 researchers, journalists, analysts, and industry experts worldwide, bringing decades of combined experience in sports, online betting, compliance, and consumer safety.
Top 10 Sportsbooks in June 2025
FanDuel Bet $5 Get $250
- Availability across most of US legal states
- Competitive odds & diverse markets
- Attentive customer service
- Extensive list of Same Game Parlay's
- Some users have reported slow app loading speeds
- Geo locate sometimes unreliable
- Wagering requirements on bonus offers can be difficult for new users
BetMGM First Bet Offer $10 Get $150 in Bonus Bets
- Available in 21 states, D.C. and Ontario, Canada
- Highly competitive odds
- Major partnerships with teams/leagues leading to exclusive promotions for users
- RG tools can be set by the user including deposit/time limits
- Wagering requirements on bonuses can be difficult for new users
- BetMGM Rewards requires excessive betting to advance the tiers
BetRivers 2nd Chance Bet Up To $250. Code:
- Good live streaming of major sports.
- Numerous promotional offers.
- Available in many U.S. states.
- Competitive odds.
- Some users have had trouble with payouts.
- Outdated website and app design.
- Betting app connectivity issues.
Fanatics Bet $50, Get $250 in Bonus Bets
- Excellent league coverage
- Popular FanCash Program
- Wide availability across the US
- Self regulating responsible gambling tool
- Mobile app glitches and connectivity issues
- No desktop sportsbook option
1xBET 120% first deposit bonus up to $540 CAD
- Wide range of payment options including 45+ cryptocurrencies
- Good selection of niche sports
- Customer service was ineffective
- Cannot implement responsible gambling limits ones own account
- 1xBET is not licensed in Canada
- Lack of transparency and information for non-members
- Wagering requirements on bonuses are complex and encourage excessive wagering
Hard Rock Bet $100 Back in Bonus Bets If Your First Bet Doesn’t Win
- Attentive customer service.
- Unique Flex Parlay betting market.
- Set of Responsible Gambling Tools for Bettors' Self-Governance.
- Limited availability in the U.S.
- Odds sometimes shorter than competition.
22Bet Welcome Bonus: 100% Up to $180
- Dozens of payment options
- Licensed in Canada (outside of Ontario)
- Customer service is inconsistent and does not have grasp of 22Bet details
- No option to set responsible gambling limits in the account
- No license in Ontario
- Difficult wagering requirements on bonus offers
Bet99 First Bet Encore Up To $800. Code:
- Licensed throughout Canada
- Many responsible gambling tools, including deposit limits, time-outs, loss limits, among others
- Live streaming of many games
- Does not accept crypto
- Sportsbook margin (Vig) is up to 10% on some niche sports
20Bet Welcome Bonus: 100% UP TO $150. Code:
- Customer service is fast to respond.
- Accepts cryptocurrency transactions for instant payouts.
- Licensed in Canada (outside Ontario) by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission.
- Difficult 5x wagering requirement on welcome bonus.
- Not available in Ontario.
- Many users have complained about the mobile app disconnecting.
BetPlays Sports Welcome Bonus: 100% Match on First Deposit
- Knowledgeable and attentive customer support
- Accepts cryptocurrency for instant transactions
- No fees on transactions by the sportsbook
- Difficult wagering requirements on many bonuses
- Does not have a Canadian sports betting license, rather an off-shore license in Cyprus
- There is no mobile app for iOS or Android
- Bettors cannot self regulate accounts (cannot set limits)
- Not available in Ontario
Top 5 Sportsbooks for New Players in 2025
1. FanDuel Sportsbook – Best Overall for New Bettors
FanDuel is one of the most popular and widely available U.S. sportsbooks. It offers a user-friendly platform, competitive odds, and strong responsible gambling tools, ideal for new bettors.
Why We Like It:
FanDuel stands out for its clean interface, broad state availability, and tools built with beginners in mind. Players will find the FanDuel bonus program quite diverse, with many daily promos and odds boosts available. It also offers educational content and simple betting calculators that help new users understand odds, potential payouts, and how different bet types work, making the learning curve much less intimidating.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal States | 25+ including NY, NJ, PA, MI, OH, CO |
| App Rating (iOS/Android) | 4.9/4.7 |
| Same-Game Parlays | Yes (strong bet builder with high flexibility) |
| Early Cashout Option | Yes (on many markets) |
| Responsible Gambling Tools | Deposit limits, time-outs, self-exclusion, etc. |
New users 21+ only. Rewards expire and may require opt-in or qualifying bets. Terms apply. See FanDuel for details. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
2. BetMGM Sportsbook – Best for Rewards
BetMGM is a major global player known for its deep sportsbook-casino integration and the popular MGM Rewards loyalty program available in multiple states and Ontario.
Why We Like It:
BetMGM combines long-term value, flexible banking, and a strong brand reputation, making it a solid pick for new bettors who want good customer support and rewards from day one.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal States | 22+ including NJ, PA, CO, IL, DC, NY, Puerto Rico & Ontario |
| App Rating (iOS/Android) | 4.8/4.2 |
| Same-Game Parlays | Yes (dozens of daily options available) |
| Early Cashout Option | Yes (markets are highlighted) |
| Responsible Gambling Tools | Deposit limits, time-outs, self-exclusion, etc. |
New users 21+ only. Rewards expire and may require opt-in or qualifying bets. Terms apply. See BetMGM for details. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
3. Fanatics Sportsbook – Best for Mobile Bettors
Fanatics Sportsbook is a mobile-only platform available in 22 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. Its bonuses include its popular FanCash rewards, quick payouts, and intuitive parlay-building, making it a great fit for new bettors who want to earn while they play.
Why We Like It:
Fanatics rewards users just for betting, while keeping things simple and accessible for beginners on mobile.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal States | 22 states and D.C. |
| App Rating (iOS/Android) | 4.8/4.7 |
| Same-Game Parlays | Yes (easy to use and offered across major leagues) |
| Early Cashout Option | Yes (available on many markets) |
| Responsible Gambling Tools | In-app only (deposit limits, time-outs, self-exclusion) |
New users 21+ only. Rewards expire and may require opt-in or qualifying bets. Terms apply. See the app for details. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
4. BetRivers Sportsbook – Best for Second-Chance Offer
BetRivers is a solid entry-level sportsbook available in 15 U.S. states, offering dependable customer support, ongoing BetRivers promos, loyalty perks through iRush Rewards, and a reassuring “second‑chance” bonus on your first bet.
Why We Like It:
BetRivers is smaller than FanDuel and BetMGM, but it delivers an appealing platform to newcomers with its safety net on initial bets and reliable customer support. This makes early missteps less worrisome while offering a full suite of sports options.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal States | 15 U.S. states |
| App Rating (iOS/Android) | 4.9/4.6 |
| Same‑Game Parlays | Yes (clearly highlighted and easy to build) |
| Early Cashout Option | Yes (on select markets) |
| Responsible Gambling Tools | Yes (deposit limits, time-outs, self-exclusion) |
New users 21+ only. Rewards expire and may require opt-in or qualifying bets. Terms apply. See BetRivers for details. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
5. Hard Rock Bet – Best for Flexible Parlays & Florida Users
Hard Rock Bet is available in 8 states. It offers exclusive Flex Parlays, one of the most unique same-game parlay systems in the market, designed to give bettors more control and reduce risk.
Why We Like It:
Hard Rock Bet is a great choice for new bettors looking for a forgiving parlay option and a highly rated app experience. The mobile app is well designed with everything the desktop version provides, including competitive odds and Hard Rock Bet promotions.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal States | 8 states (the sole online sportsbook in Florida) |
| App Rating (iOS/Android) | 4.9/4.7 |
| Same‑Game Parlays | Yes – includes Flex Parlays with partial win potential |
| Early Cashout Option | Yes (available on select bets) |
| Responsible Gambling Tools | Yes (time-outs, deposit limits, self-exclusion) |
Must be 21+ and physically present in AZ, NJ, TN or VA to play. Terms and conditions apply. GAMBLING PROBLEM? In AZ call 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342. NJ, TN, VA CALL 1-800-GAMBLER.
Comparing Top Sportsbooks
| Feature | FanDuel | BetMGM | Fanatics | BetRivers | Hard Rock Bet | Borgata | DraftKings | Caesars | ESPN Bet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome Bonus | $250 in bonus bets | $150 in bonus bets if first bet wins | $250 in bonus bets over 5 days | $250 in bonus bets if first bet loses | $100 in bonus bets if first bet loses | Bet $20 Get $100 Instantly | $200 in bonus bets | Get 10 Profit Boosts up to $25 each | Get $100 & ESPN+ |
| Min Deposit | $10 | $10 | $10 | $10 | $10 | $10 | $10 | $10 | $10 |
| Legal States | 25 + D.C., Puerto Rico, and Ontario | 22 + D.C., Puerto Rico, and Ontario | 22 + D.C. | 15 states | 8 states | NJ only | 26 + Ontario | 23 + D.C. and Ontario | 19 + DC |
| App Rating (iOS/Android) | 4.8/4.7 | 4.8/4.2 | 4.8/4.7 | 4.9/4.6 | 4.9/4.7 | 4.7/3.9 | 4.8/4.3 | 4.7/4.5 | 4.8/4.5 |
| Same-Game Parlays | ✅(builder) | ✅(builder) | ✅(builder) | ✅(builder) | ✅Flex Parlays | ✅(limited) | ✅(builder) | ✅(builder) | ✅(builder) |
| Early Cashout | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅(limited) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Live Betting | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Desktop Version | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ Mobile only | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Loyalty Program | ❌(Player's Club for DFS only) | MGM Rewards | FanCash | iRush Rewards | VIP Match program | MGM Rewards | Dynasty Rewards | Caesars Rewards | PENN Play |
| Withdraw Time | 2–8 days | 2-14 days | 2-14 days | 2–8 days | 2-14 days | 2-14 days | 2-8 days | 2-14 days | 2-14 days |
| Customer Support | 24/7 live chat | 24/7 live chat | In-app only | Live chat + phone | Live chat/email | 24/7 live chat | 24/7 live chat | 24/7 live chat | 24/7 live chat |
| Responsible Gambling Tools | Full suite | Full suite | In-app only | Full suite | Full suite | Full suite | Full suite | Full suite | Full suite |
| Niche Markets | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️Limited | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
Security, Licensing & Trust
Safety, regulation, and user protection are at the core of evaluating every sportsbook. From licensing to responsible gambling, we only recommend platforms that meet strict standards across all critical areas.
🔒 How We Evaluate Sportsbook Safety
Before recommending any sportsbook, we verify its legal status and technical safeguards. Only operators licensed by recognized regulators and backed by strong security measures make our list. Here's what we look for:
| ✅ Safety Check | 📋 What We Require |
|---|---|
| 🏛️ Licensing & Regulation | U.S. state gaming authority, Canadian provincial regulator, or UKGC/MGA/Curaçao |
| 🔐 Encryption Standards | SSL encryption to secure personal and financial data |
| 🧑💻 Login Security | Two-factor authentication (2FA) or other secure login protocols |
| 💳 Payment Processing | PCI-compliant, trusted gateways for deposits and withdrawals |
| 📜 Privacy & Dispute Policies | Clear privacy terms and independent dispute resolution processes |
Only sportsbooks that meet all these criteria earn our top safety rating, so you can bet with confidence.
🧠 Responsible Gambling – Tools to Stay in Control
We take responsible gambling seriously. Every sportsbook we recommend must offer tools that help users manage their betting habits and stay in control. These tools aren’t just checkboxes; they're built-in safeguards for safe play, and we test how easy they are to find and use.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common responsible gambling tools and why they matter:
| 🛠️ Tool | 💡 How It’s Used | 🎯 Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 💰 Deposit Limits | Set a daily, weekly, or monthly cap on how much you can deposit. | Helps prevent overspending and encourages budgeting. |
| 📉 Loss Limits | Restricts how much you can lose in a set period. | Protects users from chasing losses and losing more than they can afford. |
| 🎲 Wagering Limits | Limits how much you can stake on individual bets or per session. | Encourages more mindful betting behavior. |
| ⏱️ Session Time Limits | Automatically logs you out or reminds you to take breaks after a set time. | Reduces excessive screen time and fatigue-based decisions. |
| 🕰️ Reality Checks | Pop-up reminders that tell you how long you’ve been betting. | Promotes awareness of time spent and session duration. |
| ❄️ Timeout / Cool-Off | Temporarily restricts access for a chosen period (e.g., 24 hours). | Lets you pause and reset your habits without full exclusion. |
| 🚫 Self-Exclusion | Completely blocks access for months or permanently. | Essential for those experiencing or at risk of gambling problems. |
| 🔞 21+ Age Reminders | Messaging and verification checks to ensure legal age. | Reinforces legal compliance and deters underage gambling. |
| 📊 Activity Statements | Full record of bets, wins/losses, and transactions. | Encourages transparency and personal accountability. |
| 🧩 Self-Assessment Tools | In-platform quizzes to reflect on your gambling behavior. | Helps identify risk levels and recognize harmful patterns early. |
Bonuses & Promotions
FanDuel Bet $5 Get $200
BetMGM First Bet Offer $10 Get $150 in Bonus Bets
Fanatics Bet $50, Get $250 in Bonus Bets
Hard Rock Bet $100 Back in Bonus Bets If Your First Bet Doesn’t Win
BetRivers 2nd Chance Bet Up To $250
20Bet Welcome Bonus: 100% UP TO $150
Bet99 First Bet Encore Up To $800
22Bet Welcome Bonus: 100% Up to $180
BetPlays Sports Welcome Bonus: 100% Match on First Deposit
Sports Interaction Welcome Bonus: 125% up to $250
1xBET 120% first deposit bonus up to $540 CAD
BC Game 120% Bonus + 5 Free Bet In Sports
How to Sign Up & Start Betting
Getting started with a legal online sportsbook is quick, but it does involve a few key steps to confirm your identity, location, and eligibility. The steps may differ slightly from operator to operator, but here's what to expect overall:
🔢 Step-by-Step Signup Process
| Step Description | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Step 1: Start Registration | Visit a licensed sportsbook and click “Join,” “Register,” or “Sign Up.” |
| Step 2: Provide Personal Details | Enter personal details – name, email, date of birth, and: • Last 4 digits of SSN (🇺🇸) • ID or passport number (🇨🇦) |
| Step 3. Enable Location Services | Enable geolocation on your device so the sportsbook can confirm you're in a legal state/province. 📍 |
| Step 4: Verify Your Identity | Verify your identity via a KYC (Know Your Customer) check. This may include uploading ID and proof of address. 🪪 |
| Step 5: Deposit & Bet | Make a secure deposit and start placing legal bets. 💳🎯 |
- ⏱️ Most sportsbooks verify accounts within minutes.
- 📍 Location tracking must remain on whenever you place a bet.
Eligibility Requirements – Age, Location, and Verification
To legally place bets, you must meet the following:
| 📌 Category | 📝 Details |
| 🎂 Age Requirements | • U.S.: 21+ in most states; 18+ sports betting in NH, MT, RI, WY, D.C., TN • Canada: 18 in AB, MB, QC, NU; 19 in all other provinces/territories |
| 📍 Location Rules | • Physical presence is required in a legal betting jurisdiction • Geo-verification is mandatory per session |
| 🪪 Identity Verification | • Government-issued ID is required to verify age and identity • KYC checks are mandatory before withdrawals |
Only players who pass these checks can legally wager. If you're traveling, you'll need to meet the requirements of the region you're betting from.
Sports Coverage & Betting Markets
Legal online sportsbooks offer expansive betting options, spanning global sports, regional leagues, and countless wager types. Understanding the breadth of coverage and types of bets can help you choose the right platform and avoid surprises (like restrictions on college sports or niche props in certain regions).
📊 Available Sports & Leagues – What You Can Bet On
Most licensed sportsbooks in the U.S., Canada, and internationally cover major leagues, global sports, and niche markets.
| Category | Examples | Popular Bet Types |
|---|---|---|
| 🏈 U.S. Major Leagues | NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA (⚠️ some in-state college team restrictions) | Spreads, totals, player props, live betting, futures, parlays |
| 🌍 Global Sports | Soccer (EPL, UEFA, World Cup), Tennis (ATP/WTA), Golf (PGA, LIV), Motorsports (F1, NASCAR) | Match odds, outrights, live betting, set/hole/round props |
| 🥊 Combat Sports | UFC, Bellator, Boxing | Win method, round betting, over/under |
| 🏏 Cricket & Others | IPL, ICC, Ashes, Rugby, Volleyball, Snooker | Match markets, top scorer, innings totals |
| 🎮 eSports & Props | League of Legends, CS:GO, Dota 2, politics, Oscars, reality TV (📍availability varies by region) | Match winners, maps, specialty props |
📍 Regional Restrictions to Know
| Region | Common Restrictions |
|---|---|
| USA | Varies by state, some ban college props or esports betting entirely. |
| Canada | No major restrictions in most provinces under single-game betting law. |
| UK/EU | Broader props allowed (politics, novelty), stronger coverage of soccer/darts/cricket. |
| Offshore | More niche props; lower consumer protection if unregulated. |
🧠 Understanding Bet Types: From Easy to Expert
| 🎲 Bet Type | 📌 Example | 🎯 Difficulty | ⚠️ Why It’s Difficult | 👥 Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Moneyline | Chiefs to beat the Bills at -150 | Very Easy | Identifying value in mispriced favorites/underdogs | 🆕 New bettors |
| 📏 Point Spread | Lakers -6.5 vs. Bulls | Easy | Accurately predicting winning margins | 🎯 Casual/intermediate bettors |
| ➕ Totals (Over/Under) | Over 48.5 in Packers vs. Vikings | Easy to Moderate | Evaluating game pace, weather, injuries | 📊 Stats-oriented bettors |
| 🎰 Parlay | Bills ML + Lakers -3.5 + Over 220 Suns game | High | All legs must win; increased risk | 💸 Experienced bettors seeking high payouts |
| 🔗 Same-Game Parlay | Chiefs ML + Mahomes 2.5+ TDs + Kelce TD | High | Correlated outcomes; higher complexity | 🧠 Team-focused bettors |
| 🔄 Teaser | Eagles -7 teased to -1 (NFL 6-pt teaser) | Moderate | Adjusting lines; often lower payouts | 🧮 Advanced bettors understanding line shifts |
| 🧮 Round Robin | 3-team combo: A/B, A/C, B/C | Moderate | Managing combinations and bankroll | 🌀 Bettors seeking broad, controlled exposure |
| ⏱️ Live/In-Game | Over 21.5 2nd-half points (at halftime) | High | Rapid odds changes; requires real-time decision-making | 🔁 Experienced, engaged bettors |
| 👤 Player Props | Josh Allen Over 275.5 passing yards | Moderate to High | Requires deep player and matchup insight | 🧍 Fans who closely follow individual players |
| 🏈 Team Props | Team A to score first and win | Moderate | Predicting game flow and momentum | 🧩 Tactical bettors with team insights |
| 🏆 Futures | Avalanche to win the Stanley Cup | High | Long-term uncertainty; bankroll lock-up | 📅 Season-long or futures-focused bettors |
| 🎬 Novelty/Niche | Oscars Best Picture winner | Variable | Sentiment-based; little hard data | 🎭 Entertainment or non-traditional bettors |
Odds & Lines Comparison
No two sportsbooks offer exactly the same odds. Even a small difference, say, 1.85 vs 1.91, can impact your returns more than you think. Every sportsbook sets its own margins (often called the vig or juice), which subtly adjusts how much you can win.
The Real Value of Line Shopping
"Line shopping" means quickly checking different sportsbooks to find the most favorable odds. While placing a single bet, getting -105 odds instead of -115 might not feel significant. But across dozens of bets, consistently grabbing the best line dramatically improves your overall returns.
Here's how real-world odds vary among top sportsbooks:
📊 Best Odds Comparison Across Top Sportsbooks
| 📝 Bet Type | FanDuel | BetMGM | Fanatics | BetRivers | Hard Rock Bet | Best Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🏈 NFL Futures Eagles to Win Super Bowl 60 | +750 | +650 | +700 | +650 | +700 | FanDuel ✅ |
| 🏀 NBA Moneyline Game 6: Thunder vs Pacers | -225 / +210 | -250 / +200 | -250 / +200 | -250 / +205 | -260 / +195 | FanDuel ✅ |
| ⚾ MLB Point Spread Angels (+1.5) vs Yankees (-1.5) | -102 / -118 | -110 / -110 | -105 / -110 | -114 / -109 | -110 / -110 | FanDuel ✅ |
| ⚽ Soccer Outrights Liverpool to Win Champions League | +600 | +600 | +550 | +600 | +550 | FanDuel / BetMGM / BetRivers ✅ |
Why Small Differences Mean Big Money
Consider betting $100 on the Eagles to win Super Bowl 60. At FanDuel (+750), you'd make a $750 profit if they win, significantly better than BetMGM’s (+650), which would yield only $650. These seemingly small odds differences quickly add up. Over a full betting season, consistently choosing the sportsbook with better odds like FanDuel could mean hundreds, even thousands, of dollars in additional profit.
Payment Options: Deposits & Withdrawals
Sportsbooks typically offer multiple secure payment methods for easy deposits and withdrawals. Common deposit options include debit/credit cards, PayPal, e-wallets (Skrill, Neteller), bank transfers, prepaid cards (Play+), and occasionally cryptocurrency at offshore books. Withdrawals can take 1–14 business days, depending on the method and the amount, with e-wallets (and crypto) generally offering the quickest turnaround. Always ensure your sportsbook offers trusted payment methods that suit your banking preferences.
Here are some of the most popular payment methods:
Name | Deposit | Withdraw | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Time | Min | Fee | Time | Max | Fee | |
 VISA | 0-1 day | $10 | 1-4% | 2-7 days | $50,000 | 1-6% |
 Mastercard | 0-2 days | $10 | 1-3% | 2-7 days | $50,000 | 1-5% |
 Discover | 0-1 day | $10 | 2-5% | N/A | N/A | N/A |
 ApplePay | 0-1 day | $10 | 0 | 1-3 days | $10,000 | 1.5% |
 Google Pay | 0-1 day | $10 | 0 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
 Venmo | 0-1 day | $10 | 3% | 2-5 days | $10,000 | 1.75% |
 PayPal | 0-3 days | $10 | 1.5-3.9% | 2-7 days | $60,000 | 1.5-3.9% |
 FanDuel Prepaid Card | 0-1 day | $10 | 0 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
 Cash at Retail Stores | 0-1 day | $10 | Varies | 0-2 days | $1,000 | Varies |
 Cash at Cage | 0-1 day | Varies | 0 | 0-2 days | Varies | 0 |
 ACH/eCHECK | 0-1 day | $10 | 0.75% | 1-3 days | $5,000 | 0.75% |
 American Express | 0-1 day | $10 | 1-3% | 1-5 days | $50,000 | 1-5% |
 Bank Wire Transfer | 1-5 days | $50 | 0 | 1-7 days | $100,000 | $30-$50 |
 Diners | 0-1 day | $10 | 2-5% | 1-7 days | $50,000 | 2-6% |
 VIP Preferred | 0-1 day | $5 | 0 | 1-5 days | $100,000 | 1-5% |
 Play+ | 0-1 day | $5 | 0 | 1-7 days | $25,000 | 1-5% |
Customer Support & Service
When betting online, quick and reliable customer support isn't just nice to have, it's essential. Good customer care can make the difference between quickly resolving issues and experiencing frustrating delays.
Here’s what quality sportsbook customer service typically includes:
Support Channels
Top sportsbooks offer responsive support via live chat, email, phone, and social media. Live chat is usually the fastest, while email suits more complex issues. Phone support is best for urgent matters, and social platforms like X or Facebook handle quick queries. Fast, clear responses are a sign of strong customer care.
Sportsbooks Support Comparison
| Sportsbook | Bot Response Time | Live Chat Avg. | Email Support | Phone Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caesars | 1:12 | 4:14 | ✅ | ✅ |
| FanDuel | 0:52 | 4:41 | ✅ | ✅ |
| Hard Rock Bet | 0:25 | 4:30 | ✅ | ✅ |
| BetMGM | 0:36 | 4:50 | ✅ | ✅ |
| Fanatics | 1:24 | 5:20 | ✅ | ✅ |
| DraftKings | 1:45 | 6:10 | ✅ | ✅ |
| BetRivers | 0:57 | 6:45 | ✅ | ✅ |
| ESPN BET | 2:28 | 14:25 | ✅ | ✅ |
What Good Customer Care Looks Like:
- Availability: Multiple contact options, accessible anytime (especially live chat).
- Fast Responses:
- Live Chat: Under 3 minutes
- Email: Within 24 hours
- Phone: Under 5 minutes on hold
- Social Media: Within 1 hour
- Knowledgeable Staff: Representatives who understand common sportsbook issues and betting terminology can quickly escalate when needed.
- Clear Communication: Answers provided in plain language, minimizing jargon or confusion.
- Effective Problem-Solving: Issues resolved quickly and efficiently, rather than bouncing users between different support teams.
FAQs
📌 Betting Strategy & Tips
Do sportsbooks ever limit successful bettors?
Yes. If you consistently win large amounts, particularly on niche markets, sportsbooks may limit your maximum wager to manage their risk exposure.
💳 Payments & Transactions
Can I cancel or change a bet after placing it?
Generally no. Once placed, bets typically cannot be canceled. Some sportsbooks allow a “cash-out” option after placing the bet, but usually at adjusted odds.
What happens if my payment method isn’t accepted?
You’ll typically get a notification with a suggestion to try another method. If issues persist, contact customer service immediately—they'll often provide alternative methods or help resolve the issue.
⚖️ Legal & Compliance
Are there legal or tax issues when betting across borders or traveling?
Yes, as long as the sportsbook is licensed and legally authorized to operate in the region you're physically located in. Geo-verification technology is always used to confirm your location, and you're required to follow local betting laws wherever you are.
In terms of taxes:
- United States: Sportsbooks are required to report large winnings to the IRS, and you're responsible for paying taxes on your net gambling income.
- Canada: Recreational gambling winnings are generally not taxed, but professional gambling or business-related betting may be subject to income tax.
📲 Sportsbook Apps & Technology
Is it safe to use public Wi-Fi when betting online?
It’s best avoided, as public Wi-Fi can pose security risks. If you must use public Wi-Fi, ensure your connection is secured by a trusted VPN.
Can sportsbooks track my device or betting patterns?
Yes. Sportsbooks use analytics and tracking tools to identify irregular betting patterns or account misuse. This helps them maintain security and ensure responsible gambling compliance.
📊 Odds & Market Questions
How do betting odds change, and are boosts really valuable?
Late line moves often occur due to last-minute information, like injury news, roster changes, or significant wagers from sharp bettors. Sportsbooks respond quickly to adjust the odds and limit their exposure. Occasionally, they may offer odds boosts to attract action on one side, but these boosts can be a mixed bag. Some offer real value, while others are limited by low maximum stakes or strict conditions. Always compare boosted odds to market prices and check the fine print before betting.
🔐 Account Security & Privacy
Do sportsbooks sell or share my personal information?
Legitimate licensed sportsbooks adhere to strict privacy policies, and reputable operators will never sell your information. However, always review the sportsbook’s privacy policy when signing up.
🎲 Unique Betting Options
What are "bet exchanges," and how do they differ from traditional sportsbooks?
Bet exchanges let users bet against each other rather than the sportsbook, usually offering better odds but charging a commission on winnings. They’re not widely available in North America yet.
