The safest online betting sites are DraftKings, Caesars Sportsbook, and BetMGM for US players. This is based upon their safe betting site features like payout security, site auditing, bet transparency, and customer support, making them the top safest online sports betting sites.
Sporting Post is an independent comparison site for gambling platforms, helping readers find safe and legitimate options. We may earn a commission from some affiliate links, but this does not influence our rigorous and unbiased testing, ensuring honest recommendations and accurate information.
Safe online sportsbooks compared 2024
Ranking | Safe casino site | Payout percentage | Top safety feature | Owned by | Secure payout speed | Sporting Post safety rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Caesars Sportsbook | 97.6% | Best for regular auditing | Caesars Interactive Entertainment, Inc | 1-2 days | 5/5 |
2 | BetRivers | 97.6% | Best for customer support | Rush Street Interactive | 1-3 days | 5/5 |
3 | DraftKings | 97.3% | Best for payouts | DraftKings Inc | 1-5 days | 5/5 |
4 | FanDuel | 96.1% | Best for payment methods | Betfair Interactive US LLC | 1-5 days | 4/5 |
5 | BetMGM | 95.7% | Best for transparency | BetMGM, LLC | 1-3 days | 4/5 |
Safest online sports betting sites reviewed
Below is our pick of the safest betting sites in the US for you...
1. Caesars Sportsbook - Best safe sportsbook for regular auditing
Caesars Sportsbook overview
App store rating | 4.7 (iOS), 4.3 (Android) |
Payout speed | 1-3 days |
Promo bet offer | |
Live streaming | Yes |
States active | AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MS, NC, NJ, NY, NV, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY (+ DC) |
Number of sports | 20+ |
Customer support | Twitter, live 24/7 chat, email: [email protected] |
Minimum deposit | $10 |
Year founded | 1966 |
Casino betting | Yes |
Payment methods | Visa, Mastercard, NETELLER, PayPal, ACH Transfer, Discover, AMEX, PayNearMe, Skrill |
Caesars Sportsbook video review
Summary
Caesars Sportsbook is a well-renowned sports betting site, popular for its extensive sports selection and reliable customer service.
The platform offers a wide range of markets, including over 25 sports, same-game parlays, and live betting, making it a favorite among sports enthusiasts.
A standout feature is the NFL live streaming, a unique advantage that enhances the betting experience.
Additionally, Caesars provides 'microbetting' options, allowing wagers on specific in-game events for deeper engagement.
Despite some critiques on odds competitiveness and market availability, its user-friendly mobile app and swift payout processing solidify its status as a premier choice for sports bettors.
Learn more with our detailed Caesars Sportsbook review.
As someone who has tested numerous betting platforms, I was intrigued by Caesars Sportsbook’s sign-up bonus—matching my deposit immediately was a strong start. However, I quickly noticed that losing parlays lingered in the active bets section far too long, which cluttered the interface and made managing my bets less efficient.
Caesars stands out in the competitive sportsbook market with its top-tier promotions and odds boosts, which are consistently among the most attractive I've encountered. These perks provide real value and make the platform worth considering, especially for serious bettors.
While Caesars excels in promotions, the app’s interface and functionality lag behind some of its competitors. Issues like the delayed removal of settled bets and occasional technical glitches can hinder the betting experience.
Site feature | SmartStake score |
|---|---|
Customer support 📞 | 4/5 |
Deposits + payouts 💵 | 4/5 |
Usability 🔧 | 4/5 |
App betting 📱 | 4/5 |
Bonuses + promos 💰 | 4/5 |
Live play 📺 | 4/5 |
Caesars betting site pros and cons
To offer the best recommendations, we put ourselves in the user's position by thoroughly testing each top sports betting site.
Here are the pros and cons of using Caesars Sportsbook...
- ✅ Caesars has a great sports selection to bet on, including popular sports like baseball and football but also sports like table tennis, giving you a great range of options
- ✅ A quick payout service. There were no issues with payouts and everything was very easy
- ❌ Customer support could have been better and more responsive. A long wait when making a query which led to frustration
- ❌ Mobile app betting is not as good as other good sports betting sites. The layout and click response were a little slow
2. BetRivers - Best safe betting site for customer support
BetRivers overview
App store rating | 4.4 (iOS), 3.7 (Android) |
Payout speed | 1-3 days |
Promo bet offer | |
Live streaming | Yes |
States active | AZ, CO, DE, IN, IA, IL, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, WV |
Number of sports | 20+ |
Customer support | Twitter, 24/7 live chat |
Minimum deposit | $10 |
Year founded | 2012 |
Casino betting | Yes |
Payment methods | Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Bank Transfer, PayNearMe, Skrill, PaySafe, Vanilla |
BetRivers betting site video review
Summary
BetRivers excels as one of the best sports betting sites for live betting and offers a highly active live betting section with a user-friendly interface, allowing bettors to engage with multiple markets in real time.
The site features live streaming of sports events, including basketball, soccer, and NFL games, which enhances the live betting experience by enabling users to follow the action directly.
Additionally, BetRivers provides convenient banking options with fast withdrawals, ensuring seamless transactions.
While customer support isn’t available 24/7, the overall functionality and live betting features make BetRivers a top choice for sports bettors.
With boosted odds, betting insurance, and same-game parlays, BetRivers delivers a comprehensive and dynamic live betting experience.
To learn more, read our extensive BetRivers review.
As an experienced bettor, I decided to give BetRivers a try, lured by their competitive sign-up bonus. I placed a wager on an NBA game, and what really stood out was how quickly I could withdraw my winnings—by the next morning, the funds were already in my account, which isn’t something you see with every platform.
BetRivers may not have the flashiest interface, but their customer service and fast payouts are top-tier. For seasoned bettors, these factors are far more important than a polished design, making BetRivers a reliable choice in the betting landscape.
Despite its strengths, BetRivers does have room for improvement, particularly with its user interface, which feels outdated and cumbersome, especially with the need for separate apps by state. However, the platform’s efficiency in withdrawals, strong promotions, and responsive customer support outweigh these drawbacks.
Site feature | SmartStake score |
|---|---|
Customer support 📞 | 4/5 |
Deposits + payouts 💵 | 4/5 |
Usability 🔧 | 3/5 |
App betting 📱 | 4/5 |
Bonuses + promos 💰 | 4/5 |
Live play 📺 | 4/5 |
BetRivers pros and cons
We always think of the user and test sports betting sites thoroughly ourselves.
Based on our experience with BetRivers, these are the benefits and drawbacks we encountered...
- ✅ Excellent live betting with regularly updated and competitive odds and HD sports streaming for users to engage with whilst betting
- ✅ The interface on both the site and mobile were great for users
- ❌ BetRivers is only available in some states and has much less reach than other betting sites
- ❌ We found it difficult at times to find customer support services and to gain access to them
3. DraftKings - Best safe online sports betting site for payouts
DraftKings overview
App store rating | 4.8 (iOS), 4.7 (Android) |
Payout speed | 1-5 days |
Promo bet offer | |
Live streaming | Yes |
States active | AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, TN, VT, VI, WV, WY |
Number of sports | 25+ |
Customer support | Twitter, 24/7 live chat, email: [email protected] |
Minimum deposit | $5 |
Year founded | 2012 |
Casino betting | Yes |
Payment methods | Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, VIP preferred check, eChecks, Venmo, Online banking, Wire transfer |
DraftKings betting site video review
Summary
DraftKings is one of the best betting sites for beginners, offering an easy-to-use interface and extensive sports markets.
The platform provides attractive bonuses and promotions, making it appealing for new users, and with operations in 25 US states, DraftKings ensures legal and regulated betting.
The mobile app, available on iOS and Android, is highly rated for its user-friendly design and smooth performance.
DraftKings also excels in live betting, offering a wide range of in-play markets and rapid bet grading.
However, customer service could improve, as it currently lacks phone support and relies on web forms and email.
Overall, DraftKings is an excellent choice for casual and novice bettors looking for a comprehensive and reliable sports betting site.
To learn more, read our expert review of DraftKings.
I turned to DraftKings for their NFL betting and was impressed by the instant payouts—much faster than any other platform I’ve used. The integration with my bank account was seamless, making the process hassle-free.
DraftKings excels with its fast withdrawals and extensive betting markets. Their odds boosts and loyalty rewards are some of the best in the industry, offering real value for regular users.
While they could improve the speed of applying promotions, DraftKings’ overall reliability and strong customer service make it a top choice for serious bettors.
Site feature | SmartStake score |
|---|---|
Customer support 📞 | 4/5 |
Deposits + payouts 💵 | 4/5 |
Usability 🔧 | 4/5 |
App betting 📱 | 5/5 |
Bonuses + promos 💰 | 4/5 |
Live play 📺 | 4/5 |
DraftKings betting site pros and cons
We consistently put ourselves in the user's shoes and test every sportsbook ourselves, so here are the pros and cons we experienced when using DraftKings sports betting site...
- ✅ DraftKings offer an exclusive VIP program that rewards loyal customers
- ✅ Fast banking methods that will not keep you waiting for your deposits
- ❌ The sports betting site does ask for higher wagers, which can be off-putting for those looking to bet smaller amounts
- ❌ Customer support service was slow at times when we tried to get in touch whilst testing but we did gain access to a representative eventually
4. FanDuel - Best safe online sportsbook for payment methods
FanDuel overview
App store rating | 4.9 (iOS), 4.5 (Android) |
Payout speed | 1-5 days |
Promo bet offer | |
Live streaming | Yes |
States active | AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY |
Number of sports | 20+ |
Customer support | Twitter, 24/7 live chat, email: [email protected] |
Minimum deposit | $10 |
Year founded | 2009 |
Casino betting | Yes |
Payment methods | Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, PayPal, Skrill, PayNearMe, online banking, Venmo, Wire Transfer, PayNearMe |
FanDuel betting site video review
Summary
FanDuel stands out as one of the top betting sites, particularly for its generous promotions and bonuses.
New users can enjoy a welcome bonus where a $5 bet can yield $200 if it wins, offering an enticing start for newcomers.
The platform excels with its user-friendly experience, competitive odds, and extensive coverage of over 20 sports, making it a top choice for sports enthusiasts.
Live betting, same-game parlays, and exclusive live-streaming options further enhance its appeal.
Despite limited cash-out options and no shared wallet between sportsbook and fantasy sports, FanDuel's state-specific promotions and rapid payout speeds within 24 hours solidify its reputation.
With an iOS rating of 4.9, FanDuel is a reliable and dynamic sports betting site.
To learn more, read our extensive FanDuel review.
I was immediately impressed by FanDuel’s odds, especially when I placed a 6-leg NFL parlay. The difference in potential payout compared to other platforms was staggering—FanDuel offered nearly five times the return, which confirmed its value for maximizing profits.
FanDuel’s higher payouts on parlays and the flexibility in adjusting spreads make it an essential tool for serious bettors. Their early cash-out feature is particularly useful for managing risk, allowing more strategic control over wagers.
Despite its strengths in odds and market variety, FanDuel could enhance its offering by improving customer loyalty promotions and streamlining the app’s interface. However, the platform’s fast withdrawals and consistent market fairness position it as a top contender in the betting industry.
Site feature | SmartStake score |
|---|---|
Customer support 📞 | 4/5 |
Deposits + payouts 💵 | 4/5 |
Usability 🔧 | 4/5 |
Mobile betting 📱 | 4/5 |
Bonuses + promos 💰 | 4/5 |
Live play 📺 | 3/5 |
FanDuel pros and cons
We prioritize the user by testing each leading sports betting site.
From a customer-first point of view, these are the advantages and disadvantages of FanDuel...
- ✅ A vast and competitive selection of promo and bonus offers that reward not only new customers but also loyal ones
- ✅ State-specific promo offers give customers a great selection of opportunities for sports betting
- ❌ Withdrawals were slow, we found, and often took longer than other top sports betting sites
- ❌ FanDuel lacks a loyalty program that so many other top betting sites offer to their customers
5. BetMGM Sportsbook - Best safe sports betting site for transparency
BetMGM overview
App store rating | 4.8 (iOS), 4.5 (Android) |
Payout speed | 1-3 days |
Promo bet offer | |
Live streaming | Yes |
States active | AZ, CO, IN, IA, IL, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, DC, WV, WY |
Number of sports | 20+ |
Customer support | Twitter, 24/7 live chat, email: support.[state intials]@betmgm.com |
Minimum deposit | $10 |
Year founded | 2018 |
Casino betting | Yes |
Payment methods | Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, PayPal, Skrill, PayNearMe |
BetMGM betting site video review
Summary
BetMGM is highly regarded as one of the best sports betting sites for mobile betting, offering a first-class experience for US bettors.
The betting app is available on both iOS and Android, providing a seamless and intuitive interface with a vast range of sports and betting options, with one of its standout features is live streaming, allowing users to watch matches in real-time directly on their devices.
BetMGM also offers weekly bonus bets in most states and access to its casino and poker sections, making it a versatile platform for all types of gamblers.
However, withdrawals can be slow, taking at least two banking days, and customer support lacks phone service.
Despite these drawbacks, BetMGM remains a trusted betting site with low margins and a solid reputation in the industry.
To learn more, read our detailed expert review of BetMGM.
I signed up for BetMGM, attracted by their generous deposit bonus which matched my $500 deposit with another $500. I was initially cautious after reading some negative reviews, but my experience turned out to be smooth.
BetMGM’s daily odds boosts add significant value, making them a strong contender despite their standard sports odds. Their casino games are particularly robust, offering a great variety for those who like to mix up their betting.
The app is user-friendly and reliable, with quick deposit and withdrawal processes. However, the absence of horse racing is a minor drawback.
Site feature | SmartStake score |
|---|---|
Customer support 📞 | 4/5 |
Deposits + payouts 💵 | 3/5 |
Usability 🔧 | 4/5 |
Mobile betting 📱 | 4/5 |
Bonuses + promos 💰 | 4/5 |
Live play 📺 | 4/5 |
BetMGM pros and cons
We test every sports betting site ourselves, so we can understand the user better.
When it comes to BetMGM, here are the advantages and disadvantages of using the site...
- ✅ The mobile betting experience is great, allowing for personalization and smooth navigation
- ✅ Customer support was superb in our opinion and we had no problems getting in contact
- ❌ Whilst most winnings withdrawals were not a problem, some did take a bit of time coming into account
How we rate & rank the safest betting sites
Our goal is to provide you with objective, unbiased reviews of safe sports betting sites, making it easy to understand their strengths and weaknesses.
We use a consistent set of nine criteria to evaluate each platform, ensuring that you can compare them effectively and easily:
Safety: We verify if the online sportsbook holds a US state license and review its operating history, ensuring your money is secure. We also highlight any specific safety features.
Mobile betting app: We evaluate the layout of the sports betting app, as well as functionality, user experience, unique features, and ease of placing bets.
Web betting site: We test the website's features, identify pros and cons, and assess customization options and the bet placement process.
Deposits & withdrawals: We review the range of payment methods, ease of transactions, associated fees, and processing times for deposits and withdrawals.
Markets: We examine the variety of sports available for betting and compare the quality and breadth of markets across US sportsbooks.
Pre-match betting: We assess the user-friendliness and versatility of pre-match betting features.
In-play betting: We evaluate the live betting experience, including the quality of live markets and usability.
Welcome incentive: We detail current sign-up bonuses and compare them to those offered by other betting sites in the US.
Customer service: We test the quality of customer service, including live chat response times and support effectiveness.
We download and use every safe betting site ourselves, using our own money to test the quality, so the site is good enough for our readers to use.
How do I choose a safe online sportsbook?
Licensing and regulation: Ensure the site is licensed and regulated by reputable authorities, such as state gaming commissions, to guarantee legal protection and fairness.
Security measures: Look for sites with strong encryption and secure payment gateways to protect your personal and financial information from potential threats.
Reputation and reviews: Research user reviews and expert opinions to verify the site's reputation, checking for consistent positive feedback and timely payouts.
Range of betting markets: Choose a site that offers a wide variety of betting markets and options, from major sports to niche events, to suit your preferences.
Bonuses and promotions: Evaluate the bonuses, free bet offers, promotions, and loyalty programs, but ensure that the terms and conditions are transparent and fair, avoiding unrealistic wagering requirements.
Payment methods: Opt for platforms that offer a variety of secure and trusted payment methods, including credit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers, with reasonable transaction times.
Customer support: Ensure the site provides reliable and accessible customer support, available 24/7 via live chat, phone, or email to resolve any issues quickly.
Mobile compatibility: Check if the site is optimized for mobile devices, offering a seamless experience through apps or responsive web design for betting on the go.
Responsible gambling tools: Look for platforms that promote responsible gambling, providing tools like deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and links to support organizations.
Payout speed: Verify the site's payout speed and transparency, ensuring winnings are processed promptly and without unnecessary delays.
How to gamble responsibly with secure online betting sites
Although knowing your sports helps, betting is primarily luck-based, so use these top tips to practice responsible gambling when placing a bet:
Limits: Sportsbooks allow you to set betting limits, i.e. limit how much you can bet in a day, a week, or a month.
Cashouts: You can withdraw your winnings quite easily from any betting site, which prevents you from spending all of your winnings.
Help & resources: Betting sites provide access to resources for problem gamblers and point them to organizations that can help with gambling addiction.
To help with gambling, we created a 'how to bet on sports' guide, that helps new sports bettors understand the industry better, to play safer and more securely.
Problem gambling organizations and charities in the US
Organization | Contact details |
|---|---|
Live chat: https://oasas.ny.gov, Freephone 24-7 Helpline: 1-877-8-HOPENY(467369) | |
Email: [email protected], Phone: 1-800-522-4700 | |
Email: [email protected], Phone: 020 7381 7722 | |
Email: [email protected], Phone: 1-888-532-3500 |
Frequently asked questions
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Editorial policy
Our editorial policy ensures thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content through strict sourcing standards and diligent review by top betting experts and seasoned editors.
This process maintains the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.
References
To test betting sites accurately, we dive into analytical research of the gambling industry, to understand what features are best for you.
Below are the references we use when making these decisions:
