Best betting sites (2025): top online sportsbooks

Modern sportsbooks are no longer the laggy 2000s spreadsheets your uncle used to swear by. The best betting sites feel more like sleek gaming platforms — fast, feature-filled, and some even cover esports, with live odds and updates that actually refresh faster than a killfeed.

Like gaming, winning in betting is all about speed, strategy, and clicking before the odds disappear. So, if you feel you’re good at all three, here are five online bookies that actually keep up with the modern player.

Best sports betting sites

Why gamers will love these online sportsbooks

From the outside looking in, you might not think that video gaming and sports betting have much in common.

However, you’ll be surprised to learn that many of the skills needed for gaming will come in very handy when betting on sports. Plus, you also get to put different strategies into play and grab progressive rewards.

Here are a few reasons why we think you’ll love placing bets at our chosen picks:

Fast-paced action

Gamers like high-speed action that requires quick reflexes and on-the-fly decisions. Those two traits will also serve you well at online sportsbooks, especially if you’re placing live bets. Success usually comes to those who make quick moves in the live betting markets and utilize effective betting strategies.

Reward and achievement systems

Modern video games, especially free-to-play titles, often offer players progressive rewards for logging in daily and playing. Much like those battle pass systems, you can level up at the best betting sites. Some sportsbooks offer daily rewards, while most also allow you to unlock perks and bonuses via a loyalty/VIP program.

Wide range of betting markets

Gamers have thousands of top games to choose from, whether Triple-A titles or the latest free-to-play mobile game. Well, when you sign up to an online sportsbook, you’re also given plenty of choice, especially when it comes to sports and betting markets. You can wager on everything from the major leagues like the NFL and NBA to niche sports and esports.

Community & social features

Chat rooms, tournaments, and live leaderboards bring the social side of gaming to betting. You can engage with other online sports bettors and feel part of a team or clan while you strategize.

Reviews of the best betting sites online

Now that you know why these sportsbooks will pique your attention, let’s take a look at each of our top five in isolation. While they all offer a strong sports betting experience, they all stand out for different reasons.

1. BetOnline – Best online betting site overall

Pros:

• $250 free bet welcome offer
• 35+ sports betting markets
• Solid mobile compatibility
• Snappy live betting interface
• Regular odds boosts and risk-free bets

Cons:

• Credit card fees
• $500 minimum for bank wire payouts

For the best overall experience, we suggest that bettors start their sports betting journey with BetOnline. The platform has been in the betting game for over 25 years and offers a great mix of betting markets, bonus deals, and fast payouts.

Online betting options: 5/5

BetOnline nails the fundamentals for users who want fast and varied sports betting action. It’s one of the best for combo bets like same-game parlays and props, and it also stands out for posting its lines quicker than most.

Spreads, moneylines, and totals are just some of the betting types offered at BetOnline, while the sports coverage is more than adequate. We identified markets for all major sports and top international sporting events, with plenty of live betting opportunities offered as well.

Bonuses & rewards: 4.9/5

New players get a 50% free bet up to $250, which is a nice little boost to your first deposit. Plus, the bonus also crosses over to the online casino as you get 100 free spins as part of the deal.

Adding to that is a multi-level VIP program. Beginners start on the Bronze level, which already unlocks cash boosts and daily cash races.

However, it’s possible to grind all the way to a top level that unlocks faster withdrawals and access to an exclusive refer-a-friend promotion.

Payment options & payout speeds: 4.95/5

As well as popular crypto options, you can use credit/debit cards, bank transfers, and online banking at BetOnline.

While withdrawals are processed within the hour, only crypto transactions ensure you’ll get your money the same day. All other methods can take up to three banking days to complete.

2. Bovada – Best online sportsbook for esports betting

Pros:

• Extensive esports coverage
• Rapidly updated live betting odds
• $750 welcome bonus
• Poker, casino, and sports all in one account
• Crypto payouts delivered in minutes

Cons:

• Fewer betting promos compared to other sites
• E-wallets not supported directly

If you’re not convinced sports betting is right for you, perhaps esports betting is more your thing.

If so, Bovada is the site you should check out first. It has the best coverage when it comes to competitive video game betting and even offers live streams of the biggest events.

Online betting options: 4.85/5

While Bovada offers a fantastic betting experience across regular sports, one of its biggest selling points is its esports betting coverage.

We found markets for most major games — including League of Legends, Fortnite, and Dota 2 — that allow for both pre-match and in-play betting opportunities.

Some of the major events, like the LoL World Championship, PGL Major, and The International, are also streamed live, which adds more excitement as you hope your bets come in.

Bonuses & rewards: 4.85/5

There are two separate welcome bonuses to consider, depending on the method you use for depositing.

If you use a cryptocurrency, you can grab a 75% match of your first deposit up to $750. Alternatively, there’s a significantly smaller offer worth 50% up to $250 for bettors who deposit using fiat currencies.

What will appeal about the bonuses is the ultra-low 5x wagering requirements. These are the lowest of all the bonuses across the platforms on this list.

Payment options & payout speeds: 4.85/5

As with most online bookmakers on our list, Bovada supports both cryptocurrencies and a selection of traditional payment methods for deposits and withdrawals.

Bank Cards and MatchPay are the main options if you want to use USD, while Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT are some of the cryptos supported.

Withdrawals are processed in minutes in some cases, so you’ll never have to wait long to get your payout.

3. BetAnything – Top sportsbook for mobile betting

Pros:

• Reduced juice on major sports & leagues
• 25% up to $500 sign-up bonus
• Fast-loading and stable on mobile devices
• Live streaming on select events
• One free payout each month 

Cons:

• Higher minimum withdrawal limits
• Smaller welcome bonus percentage

If you mainly play mobile video games rather than the latest PC or console hits, you still have some great mobile gambling apps to consider. You can use your iOS and Android mobile devices at any of our recommended online sports betting sites.

However, if we had to choose just one based on its mobile performance, it would have to be BetAnything.

Online betting options: 4.8/5

BetAnything won’t win any awards for graphics, but it certainly offers the core functionality and betting markets you’d expect from a top online sportsbook. Adding to that, its lightweight and uncluttered betting interface makes it ideal for mobile bettors.

Aside from strong mobile performance, the site offers reduced odds of up to 50% on major sports markets and ranks as one of the top tennis betting sites. Those slashed commissions can make a huge difference to your bottom line over the long term.

Bonuses & rewards: 4.75/5

The welcome bonus will not catch the eyes of high rollers, with just a 25% match up to $500 offered. That said, BetAnything has opted for a quantity of bonus offers over just a few bigger ones.

On the promotions page, you’ll find various reload bonuses, a cash rebate deal, and even rewards for referring friends.

We also noticed that every 7th deposit players make is provided for free by the casino. You’re given a match deposit based on the average you funded your account with across the previous six deposits, with the offer going up to $5,000.

Payment options & payout speeds: 4.85/5

Online banking and major credit cards are the primary options for depositing using fiat currencies. You’ll need to deposit at least $50 or $100, depending on the method, to get started with those. As for cryptocurrencies, there’s a handful supported, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, with the minimum deposit set at $25.

As for minimum withdrawals, you’re looking at $1,000 for fiat options and $100 for crypto, both of which are high compared to other sports betting sites. However, the good news is that payouts are usually approved within a few hours.

4. Everygame – Best live sports betting site

Pros:

• 50% up to $1,000 crypto welcome bonus
• Competitive live betting odds & markets
• 15+ payment options
• Regular odds boosts and rotating promos
• Futures odds posted early in many sports

Cons:

• Lower transaction limits
• Doesn’t always offer same-game parlays

If you like watching sports live and placing bets at the same time, then EveryGame is our top recommendation for you in that department.

Online betting options: 4.75/5

If we had to pick a standout feature of EveryGame, we’d have to go with the live betting interface and live markets it offers.

As one of the top sports betting apps for variety, we found regular live streams for major events, while in-play betting is available for more sports and esports when compared to most other platforms on this list.

You’ll also find strong pre-match betting coverage of global events, from major leagues to niche markets like darts and alpine skiing. In short, this is the perfect book for sports bettors who thrive on fast reactions and high-tempo action, especially during peak live matches.

Bonuses & rewards: 4.7/5

The appeal of the EveryGame welcome bonus is that it carries low and achievable wagering requirements. When you claim the $1,000 crypto welcome bonus or $500 non-crypto welcome bonus, any winnings are subject to just 8x wagering.

Bonus variety is another area where this popular sportsbook shines. The site offers regular reload bonuses, offers cash rebates, and also has refer-a-friend promotions. Plus, you’ll also catch some odds boosters and parlay free bets that occasionally can increase what you get from your winning bets.

Payment options & payout speeds: 4.65/5

Players are given a good variety of convenient payment options to consider when funding or cashing out their EveryGame account.

Obviously, cryptocurrencies make the most sense due to faster transactions, higher withdrawal limits, and quicker pending times. That said, if you want to use fiat currencies, you can use the likes of bank cards and bank transfers.

5. BetWhale – Largest welcome bonus for online betting

Pros:

• 200% up to $6,000 welcome bonus
• Fast payouts
• Bet on 30+ popular & niche sports
• Live streaming available in certain sports
• Cashback for loyal players

Cons:

• High minimum withdrawal
• Fairly dated-looking betting interface

BetWhale is another sports betting site that will have broad appeal, especially to those who love major sports and big bonus offers. The platform has you covered for markets from the NBA and MLS to the Premier League, and gives new bettors a 200% match on their first deposit.

Online betting options: 4.5/5

From mainstream leagues like the NFL and NBA to more obscure picks like snooker and Aussie Rules Football, there are many sports and markets covered at BetWhale. Not only that, but you can place bets like moneylines, over/under, and spreads, even in esports like Rocket League.

Plus, using the bet builder, you can create your own combination bets with long odds and big potential winnings. We found the bet slip easy to use compared to some others that make something simple a lot more complex than it needs to be.

It’s also refreshing to see a sportsbook that values offering a betting interface that doesn’t come across overwhelming to new bettors.

Bonuses & rewards: 4.85/5

BetWhale made our top five mainly because of its superb welcome bonus. The 200% match up to $6,000 certainly leaves some of its competitors in the dust.

Just remember that it’s for crypto bettors, with those who use traditional payment methods treated to a 100% sports bonus up to $1,000 offer instead.

The minimum deposit required to grab the bonus is $100 and the wagering requirements of 15x are more than fair. Adding to that, you can expect regular reloads, boosts, and free bets among other promotions offered at BetWhale.

Payment options & payout speeds: 4.6/5

BetWhale supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, PayPal, and traditional cards, so gamers used to digital wallets will feel right at home. We wish there were a few more fiat payment options, but the focus on cryptocurrencies is fairly standard across top online sportsbooks.

The only downside to betWhale is its slow withdrawal processing compared to other sites. You could wait between 3-5 days, which is a long time. Plus, the minimum withdrawal is $150.

Sports to bet on based on your favorite video games

Depending on the type of video games you enjoy, you’ll find a relatable sport to bet on when visiting the best sports betting sites. Here are some we recommend:

Best online sportsbooks – FAQs

What are the most popular sports to bet on online?

Football, basketball, soccer, and baseball are among the most popular sports to bet on online. However, you’ll also have your pick from lesser-known sports and esports if you like to mix up your betting action.

Do sportsbooks offer a mobile app for betting?

Some online sportsbooks offer a mobile app, but they are generally not necessary. You can simply visit the online sportsbooks using a web browser on your tablet or smartphone.

Are there community features on betting sites similar to gaming clans?

Yes, many top online sportsbooks now include chat rooms and have active social media communities to foster social interaction and friendly competition.

What’s the safest way to bet on sports online?

The safest way to bet on sports online is by sticking to reputable sportsbooks that are licensed and have strong user reviews. All the sites we’ve listed here have proven track records and utilize security such as financial-grade SSL encryption.

How do odds work in online sports betting?

Odds represent the probability of an outcome and determine how much you’ll win. Most US-facing sportsbooks offer American odds, but most allow you to switch to decimal or fractional formats in your account settings.

Can I cash out my bets early?

Many of the best sports betting sites now offer early cash-out options. This feature lets you settle a bet before the event is over. Early cashouts are perfect for hedging wins or minimizing losses during live games.

What is the best online betting site?

We have to rate BetOnline as the best site for sports betting. Users have access to plenty of sports markets, frequent odds boosts, and fast payouts.

In addition to regular sports markets, it also ranks highly when it comes to esports betting, with competitive odds available in popular markets like League of Legends and Dota 2.

Winning strategies for online sports bettors

Online betting really isn’t that different from online gaming, especially when it comes to strategies. Often, the most successful bettors are those who make the smartest plays and know what odds to grab.

• Stick to familiar sports: We all have games and sports we know more than others. Always stick to those when sports betting, as you can use your knowledge to your advantage.
• Track your stats: Good gamers always keep an eye on their stats, whether that’s their win rate, K/D ratio or any other. Likewise, bettors like to keep track of their results, so that they can see where they do well and where they need to improve.
• Grab bonuses for extra value: Deposit match bonuses and free bets offer you value on top of your deposits. They might even prove the difference when trying to make your profits.
• Join community events: If you like to chat with fellow gamers/bettors, then modern sportsbooks give you plenty of ways to do so. Some offer chatrooms, while most have active social media communities. Plus, you can go head-to-head with others in tournaments and challenges.
• Grab real-time live betting opportunities: Some of the best sports betting fun is had when live betting. Often, you can watch live streams of the events and place bets along the way. As the odds consistently change during the event, you could pick up some great betting opportunities.

Get started with sports betting at the best sportsbooks online!

Whether you prefer all-action high-stakes betting similar to a competitive shooter game or a casual approach similar to playing a strategy title, there’s a sports betting online platform on our list that fits your playstyle.

Each bookie we’ve reviewed holds valid licensing and a trustworthy reputation alongside offering competitive odds, great sports coverage, and fantastic bonus offers.

If you’re unsure which new betting site suits you the best, just work your way through them. There’s nothing to lose. We recommend starting with our number one pick, BetOnline, and going down the list from there.

Whichever betting platforms you decide to join, always remember to wager responsibly!

This article is intended solely for informational and entertainment purposes and is directed at readers 21 years and older. Gambling involves financial risk and can lead to addiction and other serious harms. It is strongly recommended that you set personal spending limits, never gamble to recover losses, and always consider gambling as a form of recreation rather than income. It is your responsibility to confirm that online gambling is legal in your location before participating. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, confidential support is available anytime by calling 1‑800‑GAMBLER. More resources: https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/