• Can You Cash Out On Pointsbet
• Pointsbet Withdrawal Timeline
• Sportybet Withdrawal Time

The PointsBet platform currently offers access to bettors in New Jersey, Indiana, Iowa, Illinois, Colorado, and Michigan. The signup bonus at PointsBet is two risk-free bets up to $2,000 total. On top of the $500 risk-free bet for a fixed-odds event, you can also try the PointsBetting feature risk-free for up to $1,500. Depositing and withdrawing money from legal sports betting sites in the US using PayPal is easier and more convenient than with any other payment method. If you reside in any of the states where sports betting is legal, you have a wide range of legal sportsbooks offering PayPal as a banking option to choose from.

PointsBet offers one of the most distinctive online sports betting platforms in the US. The “PointsBetting” wagering style sets the PointsBet app apart from its competitors, allowing bettors to win (or lose) more money based on the final margin.

The PointsBet app launched in Michigan on Jan. 22, 2021, making Michigan the sixth state in which it operates. New bettors can sign up for a new account using the PointsBet promo code on this page, which yields up to $2,000 in risk-free bets.

PointsBet Promo Code Details (4.5/5)

Claim up to $2,000 in two risk free bets with our exclusive PointsBet promo code BIGBONUS. Terms & conditions apply.

Newcomers to PointsBet can use the promo code offered here at Gaming Today to unlock up to $2,000 in risk-free bets. The promo code BIGBONUS unlocks one risk-free fixed odds wager up to $500 and one risk-free PointsBetting wager up to $1,500.

The risk-free fixed odds bet offers up to a $500 refund on your first fixed-odds wager at PointsBet. The risk-free PointsBetting wager applied up to a $1,500 rebate on your first PointsBetting wager made at the sportsbook.

The “PointsBetting” style of wagering allows you to bet a maximum number of units on a contest and win (or lose) more money based on the final margin of the game. For example, if you bet 10x units on an even money point spread, and your chosen team wins by ten or more points, you win 10x units on the bet.

The $2,000 cap on the risk-free bet, and the fact that it’s spread over two bets, makes the PointsBet welcome bonus one of the more generous in the industry. Many sportsbooks offer risk-free bet bonuses, but the $2,000 max is the highest we’ve seen at Gaming Today.

Other PointsBet Sportsbook promotions include daily odds boosts, game insurance, and a $100 refer-a-friend bonus.

The overall package of promotions at PointsBet gets high marks for creativity and player-friendly offers.

PointsBet Online Sportsbook Features (5/5)

Sports bettors can find one of the most robust selections of sports and ways to wager at PointsBet.

Clicking on the “Sports A-Z” tag from the menu bar at the top left corner of the main lobby brings up a list of all available sports. All of the major domestic sports leagues appear on this menu, including the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS, NASCAR, UFC, and more.

PointsBet frequently offers hundreds of different ways to wager on a single game. A Feb. 1 NBA contest between the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls, for example, offered 279 different available wagers.

That extensive list of bets included player props, quarters and halves bets, single-game parlays, and the platform’s trademark PointBetting wagering style. The PointsBetting lines on the game looked like this:

PointsBetting: New York Knicks vs. Chicago Bulls (50x Cap)

Starting with the Knicks (+5) or Bulls (-3) as a baseline, you can bet up to 50 units on either side. After making that bet, you win a unit for every point your chosen team wins by after the point spread is applied.

If you bet on the Knicks (+5), for example, and New York wins the game by 10, you win 15 units (the 10-point margin of victory with the (+5) spread added. If you bet $100 units on the game and wagered at least 15 units, you would win $1,500 on the bet.

Other features include robust selections of alternative lines and the “Name A Bet” parlay. “Name A Bet” offers pre-packaged parlays with player-friendly odds boosts.

In February 2020, PointsBet announced a partnership with the NHL, which makes PointsBet a perfect sportsbook for NHL betting.

In addition to US-based leagues, PointsBet also offers a thorough selection of international betting markets. The PointsBet Sportsbook betting markets offer just about anything a bettor could want from a sportsbook.

Quality Of The Lines At PointsBet Sportsbook (5/5)

The PointsBetting wagering style is a one-of-a-kind way to bet that’s only available at PointsBet. The sportsbook also offers a comprehensive menu of fixed-odds bets, however, including all of the most popular ways to bet on sports.

Options include moneyline, traditional point spreads, totals, parlays, in-play betting, futures markets, and more.

Skilled bettors can take advantage of the fact that several different online sportsbooks operate in the state. On any given bet, sharp bettors will shop for the best possible line across different sportsbooks.

For example, Michigan’s online sports betting launch included ten different platforms going live on Jan. 22, 2021. Here’s a look at how the moneyline odds on Super Bowl LV looked at PointsBet, versus what FanDuel Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook had to offer:

Super Bowl LV Moneyline Odds

Gaming Today took this snapshot of the Super Bowl LV Moneyline Odds on the Monday before the game. All three sportsbook offers similar lines on the game, but depending on which team you want to bet, you can find an edge by line shopping.

PointsBet offers the most favorable payout (+145) on Tampa Bay while offering the least player-friendly line on favored Kansas City. DraftKings Sportsbook, on the other hand, presents the most profitable moneyline bet on the Chiefs.

All sportsbooks build lines with a slight edge going to the house. This edge, known as vig, allows the sportsbooks to make money on games and works the same way as the house edge on any casino game.

Vig varies across different games and sportsbooks. For the three bets we’ve looked at above, PointsBet takes 3.92% vig. The DraftKings line takes a 2.98% house edge, while FanDuel’s Super Bowl moneyline comes with a built-in 3.07% advantage for the sportsbook.

PointsBet offers lines that compete with anything else in the US legal sports betting market across all sports. For any given wager, PointsBet could be your best bet depending on what you’re looking for.

PointsBet Sportsbook App (5/5)

PointsBet iOS App

Apple device owners (iPhone, iPad) can find the PointsBet app as a free download in the App Store. PointsBet mobile betting translates seamlessly from the desktop version to the mobile app, including all of the features from the browser-based PointsBet platform. Apple iOS users give the PointsBet mobile betting app 4.5 stars out of 5 over more than 2,300 reviews.

PointsBet Android App

The PointsBet app for Android could be coming to the Google Play store soon. Google recently changed its stance on real-money gambling apps, and the PointsBet mobile betting app could soon show up in the Google Play store. For now, Android users can find the PointsBet app through a link at the bottom of the main lobby on the desktop version of PointsBet.

PointsBet Sportsbook Site

You can access the PointsBet Sportsbook website from virtually any desktop browser. The desktop platform offers all of the features from the PointsBet mobile app, with no download required. As with the PointsBet mobile betting app, you must be located within a state that legally offers PointsBet to use the desktop client.

Downloading The PointsBet App (5/5)

Bettors in New Jersey, Iowa, Colorado, Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan can deposit funds and make bets at PointsBet. You must be located within the limits of one of these states while you’re making a bet. Apple iOS can find PointsBet as a free download in the App Store, while Android users can get the app from the “Mobile App” link at the bottom of the PointsBet lobby. PointsBet can also be accessed through virtually any desktop browser, with no download required.

Here’s a general rundown of the registration process and how to start placing bets:

1. Register For A PointsBet Account – The PointsBet homepage displays a menu that asks you to choose your state. If you’re located in one of the states where PointsBet operates (NJ, CO, IL, IA, IN, MI), you’ll be redirected to the PointsBet platform dedicated to your state. Click the “Sign Up” tab, and you’ll go to a page asking for first and last name, valid email address, and PointsBet promo code.
2. Claim The Welcome Bonus – In the field asking for the “Sign Up Code” on the registration screen, enter the PointsBet promo code from this page on Gaming Today. This code unlocks two risk-free bets up to $2,000 after you’ve made your first deposit.
3. Make Your First Deposit – Once you’ve registered for a new account, you can make your first deposit using several different methods. Online banking, PayPal, and Visa/MasterCard offer rapid, convenient deposit methods. PointsBet offers more deposit options in some states than others.
4. Place Your First Bet – After making your first deposit, you can browse the sportsbook and start placing bets. If you used the PointsBet promo code, your first fixed-odds bet is covered by the $500 risk-free bonus. Your first PointsBetting wager is eligible for up to a $1,500 rebate if it loses.

Availability Of The PointsBet App (4/5)

PointsBet started as an Australian sports betting brand, known for its trademark PointsBetting style of wagering. The company expanded into the US in 2019 and has since emerged as one of the top up-and-coming sports betting brands on domestic shores.

PointsBet now offers legal online sports betting in New Jersey, Colorado, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, and Michigan. PointsBet Michigan became the newest arrival on that list on Jan. 22, 2021.

PointsBet secured several partnerships with major sports leagues and teams in 2020. PointsBet operates as the Official Sports Betting Partner of NBC Sports and also works as a partner of the Chicago Bears, Indianapolis Colts, Detroit Tigers, and other sports franchises.

PointsBet New Jersey

PointsBet expansion into US territory began with the launch of PointsBet New Jersey in January 2019. The platform operates under a licensing partnership with New Meadowlands Racetrack in New Jersey.

The New Meadowlands license, powered by PointsBet and DraftKings Sportsbooks, functions as the top-earning license in the ultra-competitive New Jersey online sports betting market.

PointsBet Colorado

With more than 15 different online sports betting platforms available, Colorado represents one of the most competitive sports betting markets in the US.

PointsBet Colorado launched in November 2020 in partnership with Double Eagle Casino. PointsBet works with partnerships in place with several Colorado sports franchises, including the Colorado Avalanche and Denver Nuggets.

PointsBet Illinois

Illinois launched online sports betting in June 2020 and emerged as a powerhouse in the legal US market in a short time. PointsBet Illinois launched in September 2020, just in time for the NFL season. The platform operates in Illinois under a partnership with Hawthorne Race Course.

The Chicago Bears brought on PointsBet as anofficial sports betting partner shortly after the PointsBet Illinois launch.

PointsBet Michigan

PointsBet Michigan, along with nine other online sportsbooks, went live in Michigan on Jan. 22, 2021. Michigan projects to emerge as one of the biggest sports betting markets in the US.

Northern Waters Casino Resort acts as the land-based casino partner for PointsBet Michigan. The agreement will yield a PointsBet Casino online product at some point as well.

PointsBet acts as an official sports betting partner of the Detroit Pistons,Detroit Red Wings andDetroit Tigers.

PointsBet Review – Overall Score (4.7/5)

The PointsBet app offers one of the best overall packages in the online sports betting market. The PointsBetting option and other creative lines on each game put PointsBet in a category all its own as far as the variety of betting markets.

Bettors of all experience levels should enjoy the PointsBet platform. Since launching in 2019, the PointsBet sportsbook app has emerged as a top-tier product.

Our PointsBet Sportsbook review rates the platform at 4.7 out of 5 overall, as an average of the six categories discussed on this page.

Why You’ll Like PointsBet

• Hundreds of ways to bet on most games
• Comprehensive selection of domestic and international sports
• One-of-a-kind “PointsBetting” wagering options

What Could Be Improved

• Some states lack a few deposit options
• Not yet available in Pennsylvania
• No deposit match bonus

PointsBet App Review

Deposit And Withdrawal

Deposit Options

• Debit/Credit Cards – Visa and MasterCard debit and credit cards can be used for deposits, but sometimes get rejected by the issuing bank.
• Online Banking – Online banking drafts an electronic check from your valid bank account, and pushes it through an Automatic Clearing House for rapid approval.
• PayPal – The most reliable deposit option, PayPal transactions go through with nearly 100% success at PointsBet.
• PointsBet MasterCard – A prepaid card exclusively offered by PointsBet, the PointsBet MasterCard links directly to your sportsbook account.

Withdrawal Options

• Online Banking – The ACH/eCheck method can be used for withdrawals as well as deposits.
• PayPal – PayPal cashouts can take anywhere from 2-5 days to complete, but often close out sooner.
• PointsBet MasterCard – You can instantly transfer funds to and from your PointsBet account using this prepaid card.

PointsBet Customer Support

PointsBet offers both email and live chat support. The live chat support channel generally offers faster response, with agents available 24/7.

The “Help” link at the bottom left of the main lobby also includes information that could answer many common questions.

PointsBet Licensing

• New Jersey – Licensed by the Division of Gaming Enforcement, operating in partnership with New Meadowlands Racetrack. PointsBet operates as an online-only platform in New Jersey.
• Colorado – Licensed by the Colorado Division of Gaming, operating in partnership with Double Eagle Casino. The platform operates as an online-only client, but a retail PointsBet Sportsbook will open at some point at the Double Eagle Casino.
• Indiana – Licensed by the Indiana Gaming Commission, operating in partnership with Hollywood Lawrenceburg Casino. PointsBet functions as an online-only sportsbook in Indiana.
• Illinois – Licensed by the Illinois Gaming Board, operating in partnership with Hawthorne Race Course. A casino property is currently under construction at Hawthorne Race Course and eventually will offer a retail PointsBet Sportsbook.
• Iowa – Licensed by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, operating in partnership with Catfish Bend Casino. The casino hosts an on-property PointsBet Sportsbook.
• Michigan – Licensed by the Michigan Gaming Control Board, operating in partnership with Northern Waters Casino Resort. PointsBet only offers online sports betting in Michigan.

PointsBet Sportsbook FAQs

Yes. PointsBet offers legal online sports betting in six states. You must be located in New Jersey, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, or Michigan to place a legal wager with PointsBet.

In all six states, PointsBet operates as a licensed and approved product by gaming regulators in those states.

Bettors can download the PointsBet app for Apple iOS devices (iPhone, iPad) from the App Store. Android users can find the app on the PointsBet homepage, using the “Mobile App” link at the page’s bottom right.

The PointsBet app offers legal online wagering in New Jersey, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Michigan. The platform can be accessed as a desktop client as well, with no download required.

PointsBet Michigan and Northern Waters Casino Resort plan to launch a PointsBet online casino at some point. Plans for a PointsBet New Jersey Casino are also in the works.

PointsBet, along with all other legal online gambling apps, uses geolocation technology to determine your location when you log in or try to place a bet.

You must be located within the borders of one of the six states where PointsBet operates to place a bet. The geolocation services will block you from betting if you’re not located in New Jersey, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, or Michigan.

Using the PointsBet promo code offered here at Gaming Today unlocks two risk-free bets up to $2,000. That $2,000 cap includes a risk-free fixed-odds wager up to $500 and a risk-free PointsBetting wager up to $1,500.

For both bets, a rebate is applied to your account if the bet ends up losing. Both risk-free bets are offered toward your first fixed-odds wager and your first PointsBetting wager made after your initial deposit.

Yes. PointsBet operates as a licensed and approved product by gaming regulation agencies in six states. PointsBet offers sports betting under license partnerships with land-based casinos in each state.

Placing a bet with the PointsBet app offers the same level of safety as placing a bet inside a legal retail casino.

Many of the most avid sports fans often wonder how to bet on sports online legally, particularly because sports betting only became legal a few years ago.

Just two years ago, the US Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). The historic decision paved the way for states to legalize sports betting on an individual basis.

In only two years, the burgeoning US sports betting scene has developed into a competitive market, and it’s only getting stronger.

Sports betting isn’t legal everywhere in the US, but many jurisdictions authorized and launched completely legal sportsbooks. It’s easier to place a legal bet in the US right now than it has ever been before.

How To Bet On Sports Online Legally

To bet online legally, you first need to find a legal and regulated operator. Fortunately, many states have legalized sports betting and have online sportsbooks live, accepting wagers. Sportsbook technology is so streamlined that using them is about as simple as using any other app you access on a day-to-day basis.

The bets you’ll find vary somewhat by state because certain jurisdictions prohibit specific types of bets. Illinois, for example, does not allow betting on elections, awards shows, any college match that includes an Illinois school, or minor league sporting events. Still, most sportsbooks offer a wide array of bets on professional sports, college matches, and international events.

Online sports betting brings a hobby to the digital space that formerly required users to visit land-based sportsbooks. Betting online has the added advantage of convenience and speed.

The Top Sports Betting Promo Codes

Here’s an at-a-glance overview of sign-up bonuses from some of the biggest sportsbooks:

Where To Place An Online Sports Bet

When the Supreme Court overturned PASPA, it granted states the individual opportunity to legalize sports betting. As a result, the US sports betting landscape is incredibly diverse and nuanced. Even among states that have launched sports betting, the laws make each market unique.

States With Legal And Live Online Sports Betting

Sports Betting Coming Soon

Legislation and regulation, especially when real money gambling is involved, can take time. Many states are still solidifying their sports betting laws, and a few are expected to enter the market very soon.

Michigan, Tennessee, and Virginia have all legalized online sports betting and will launch once regulations are finalized and licenses are granted. Among those states, Tennessee is unique in that it will allow online-only sportsbooks exclusively because there are no land-based casinos in the state.

Meanwhile, New York, Arkansas, Mississippi, North Carolina, and New Mexico all have retail sports betting. Those states could consider online legislation in the near future to boost their existing land-based offerings.

Other states have been working on legislation, but have encountered roadblocks for various reasons. Once they overcome certain obstacles, we expect California, Massachusetts, and possibly Florida to legalize online sports betting.

The Best Online Sportsbooks In The US

The expansion of the US sports betting landscape has brought the rise of various operators. This gives sports bettors plenty of options to choose from, and using one of the top sports betting sites means you’ll have a seamless experience from start to finish.

DraftKings

Available in: CO, IN, NJ, WV, PA, IL, IA, NH

DraftKings is one of the industry’s undisputed leaders. The company began as a daily fantasy sports provider and grew rapidly to become a top-tier sportsbook and online casino operator. In states where it’s live, DraftKings almost always nabs the top spot in terms of revenue.

DraftKings is about as close to flawless as a sportsbook can get. It has apps for iOS and Android, it’s optimized for mobile browsers, and it has an intuitive desktop interface. With plenty of sports and competitive odds, playing at DraftKings should be an easy choice for any bettor.

The only downside is that DraftKings sign-up bonus, a 20% deposit match up to $500, requires a hefty initial deposit to make it worth your while.

Check out the current bonus at DraftKings.

FanDuel

Available in: CO, IL, IN, NJ, WV, PA

FanDuel is another leading name in the sportsbook world. It’s owned by Flutter Entertainment (a company formed by merging Paddy Power and Betfair). Flutter is a driving force in the European gambling market, so FanDuel has the backing of an experienced corporation.

Like DraftKings, FanDuel has plenty to enjoy and very few faults. The app has some minor interface issues (sometimes pages load on the slow side), but generally FanDuel is a top-notch sportsbook. You can find plenty of US sports in addition to more niche offerings on international events.

Check out the current bonus at FanDuel Sportsbook.

FOX Bet

Available In: CO, NJ, PA

The biggest downside for FOX Bet is that it’s only available in three states. However, the company has big expansion plans, and you can expect the sportsbook to move into new markets in the coming months and beyond.

FOX Sports and The Stars Group (another major European company) run the FOX Bet brand in the US. With strong backing from leading gambling and media corporations, FOX Bet has a great chance to rise to the top of the sports betting industry.

FOX Bet is user-friendly and has lucrative sign-up bonuses: a 50% deposit match bonus up to $500 and a $500 risk-free bet, totaling a possible $1,000 bonus for new players. FOX Bet players can access the book via Android or iOS app plus desktop and mobile browsers.

BetRivers

Available in: CO, IN, PA, IL

BetRivers is the official online sportsbook from Rush Street Interactive.

BetRivers’ welcome bonus offers up to $250 as a deposit match with a minimal play-through requirement, and you’ll find odds similar to those on DraftKings. The company’s app is user friendly and easy to navigate, cementing it as a sports betting leader.

PointsBet

Australian operator PointsBet has one of the most intuitive, user-friendly apps on the market. PointsBet also has great odds on the underdog compared to competing sportsbooks. Add on a welcome bonus up to $1,000 in risk-free bets, and you have a strong sportsbook.

Other Online Sportsbooks

There are plenty of other sportsbooks on the market. Barstool Sportsbook, for example, is coming to a few states. William Hill is another big operator with a strong industry history. Every sportsbook has something to offer, so keep an eye out for special bonuses, competitive odds, and unique betting options.

How To Choose A Legal Online Sports Betting Site

You should look for a few key details when you’re choosing an online sports betting site.

Availability And Accessibility

First and foremost, is your preferred sportsbook actually live in your state? That’s the first factor you should consider. Fortunately, many sportsbooks are making their way to multiple markets.

Second, how do you want to bet? Phone, tablet, or desktop? Most sportsbooks have apps and desktop sites available, but you should always check that your preferred method is available. Take it one step further and check to see how intuitive the experience is. Sportsbook apps should be seamless and easy to use.

Sports And Odds

Do you prefer to bet on the underdog or the favorite? Do you like to bet on a niche sport outside of the most popular events? Check for these types of things at your sportsbook. Some sites, like PointsBet, tend to favor the underdog while some offer better odds on the favorite. Learn more about odds for the NFL and how to use an edge table.

Deposit and Withdrawal Methods

Most payment methods–credit/debit, PayPal, online banking, etc.–are standard across the board. But if you use a more obscure method like PayNearMe, you should be sure your preferred sportsbook accepts it.

How To Place A Bet At An Online Sportsbook App

Getting to the point where you can actually place a bet is usually very simple, but you do have to take a few required steps first.

Step 1: Choose A Sportsbook Site Or App

This may seem obvious, but given the growing market and the number of operators, choosing a sportsbook can be tough. Use the information on this page or visit our individual sportsbook reviews to help you choose one that’s legal in your state and best fits your tastes.

Once you’ve picked a sportsbook, you’ll want to access it via either desktop/mobile browser or by downloading the app. You can switch methods whenever you’d like, but for your first time pick one and stick to it to keep the process simple. If you’re playing on a desktop or a mobile browser, just head to the sportsbook’s website. To get the app, it’s slightly more complicated:

How To Download A Sportsbook App

Sportsbook apps have to adhere to strict regulations–not just from legislators, but from technology providers. Google and Apple have specific restrictions on gambling apps. To download a sportsbook app, you have to work with these restrictions.

For iOS device users, it’s pretty cut and dry. If your preferred sportsbook has an app in the App Store, just download it as you normally would.

Android users aren’t quite so lucky. Google prohibits all gambling apps from the Google Play Store, so you can’t get them from that marketplace. Instead, you can install the app straight from your sports betting provider’s website. Sportsbooks will have a convenient link on their site that kickstarts the download process. Once you select a few settings and install the app, you’re good to go.

Step 2: Create Your Account

Once you have the app or have visited the desktop site, create your account. This is similar to signing up for an account at a social media site or online shopping retailer with some small differences. You’ll provide:

• Username and password (you will create these)
• Name
• Email address
• Home address
• Phone number
• Date of birth
• Last 4 digits of your SSN (to confirm your age/identity)

You may also need to download a separate geolocation app (pr plug-in for desktop users) to confirm your location whenever you wish to place a bet. You need to be in state lines

In-Person Registration

Some states require you to confirm your account in person before you can place a bet. Illinois and Iowa are among the states with this requirement. Once you register, you need to visit your chosen sportsbook’s land-based partner to complete registration, then you can place wagers.

Step 3: Deposit, Bet, and Cashout

App downloaded/desktop site bookmarked? Registration complete? Now you’re ready to make a deposit. There are a number of popular payment methods: credit and debit cards, prepaid cards, PayPal, online banking, wire transfer, and more.

Use the method you’re most comfortable with. In the app or on the sportsbook site, visit the cashier section from the menu (sometimes there’s an option to just select “deposit”) and follow the prompts to connect your preferred payment method. ACH echeck and PayPal are two of the easiest methods, but others work just fine, too.

After you deposit, you can place a bet. And when you’re ready to cash out, head to the cashier page again and select from the available options. These usually include check by mail, bank transfer, or PayPal.

How To Place A Sports Bet Using A Bonus Offer

Sportsbooks offer a few common bonus types that you can use to maximize your account value, especially your first few bets.

No Deposit Bonus

This one’s simple. Just register for an account and the sportsbook will credit your account with a small amount of money, usually between $5 and $25 (more if you’re lucky). No deposit required! It’s essentially a “thank you” bonus for signing up, and you can use the credit to place a bet.

Deposit Match Bonus

Deposit matches are simple in theory, but the terms and conditions can make them tricky to navigate. In their simplest form, deposit matches allow you to double your account value. For example, BetRivers offers a 100% first deposit match up to $250. Simply put, if you make an initial deposit of $250, they’ll credit your account with an additional $250.

Some operators match a smaller percentage. DraftKings does a 20% deposit match up to $500. To get the maximum match, you’d have to deposit $2,500.

Always check the terms–deposit matches usually only apply to your very first deposit. And before you can cash out the bonus money, you typically have to wager with it.

Risk-Free Bet

With a risk-free bet, you have a wagering safety net. These almost always apply to your first bet and then expire. Just place a bet, and if you lose, the sportsbook will credit your account with the amount you wagered. If you win, you keep your winnings. Risk-free bets often come with a maximum of $500 (this is the case at FanDuel and PointsBet).

Placing Sports Bets Online Legally

Using a legal, regulated sportsbook offers the safest, most secure sportsbook experience. Offshore/grey market sites are incredibly risky; they can shut down at a moment’s notice and they don’t use high-level security tools. Your data and personal information are at risk at an offshore site, making legal sites your best route to a safe sportsbook outing.

Why Should I Trust Online Sports Betting Sites?

You should trust online sports betting sites only if they are licensed and regulated. State government agencies oversee sports wagering, and they put strict regulations in place to protect players.

Each state has some sort of governing body for sports betting that grants licenses. Legal sites have licensing information easily available on their websites and within their apps. Click through the available links for more regulatory and legal information about your chosen sportsbook.

Is My Money Safe With Online Sportsbooks?

Yes. Legal online sportsbooks use high-level encryption tools. SSL is one such tool, and it protects your data, including financial information, from hackers as it travels from your device to your sportsbook. Regulated sports betting sites use technology on par with security tools used by banking institutions and online shopping sites.

Are Sportsbook Winnings Taxable?

In most cases, yes. States often set a threshold for taxable winnings. If you win a significant amount of money, you will have to pay income taxes on those funds. Laws vary by state, so check with your sportsbook’s support team or your state’s gaming oversight organization for more information.

Is My Personal Information Safe When Betting Online?

Yes. You’ll need to provide your social security number, location, and other info when you sign up for a sportsbook. Your data is encrypted before it’s sent to the sportsbook, and only the sportsbook’s systems can view it to confirm your age and identity.

The SSN and location requirements also stop hackers from creating dummy accounts in an attempt to steal information from sportsbooks.

Types Of Sports Bets

Sports bets can be a bit daunting for beginners, but they’re not too complicated once you get a grasp on the most common available wagers. Here are some of the most common bets at legal sportsbooks.

Moneyline, Point Spreads, And Totals

These three bets are often listed side by side and are commonly the first bets you’ll see for a given match-up.

Moneyline

Moneyline bets simply require you to choose a winner of a given match. The odds (which we cover below) on that match then determine how much you win if you chose correctly. If you see moneyline bets available, all you have to do is pick the team or player you expect to win.

Point Spreads

Point spreads are intended to even the playing field for a match. Instead of picking an outright winner, you’re betting on the margin of victory. Here’s an example of how a point spread bet might look:

• Chicago Bears -3.5
• Green Bay Packers +3.5

The 3.5 on both teams represents the margin of victory, and players have to decide whether the Bears will win by at least 3.5 points. After the game ends, if you selected the Bears and they won 24-20, you would collect on your bet because they won by 4 points. If the final score was Bears 21 Packers 20 and you selected the Bears, you would lose your bet because they did not win by at least 3.5 points.

Totals

If you’ve heard the term “over/under,” it’s likely been in reference to totals bets. Totals take the final combined total score of both teams in a match and have players bet on whether that score will be over or under a certain threshold. Using our example match-up above, it might look like this:

• Bears vs. Packers, Over/Under 50.5

You would place a bet on either the over or the under. If the total points at the end of the game exceeded 50.5, the over wins. If the total is below 50.5, the under wins. If the score was 24-21, the total points would add to 45 and the under would be the winning bet.

Other Bet Types

You can find plenty of other bets at online sportsbooks, too. Each bet has its own advantages and disadvantages.

• Parlays: you combine multiple simple bets into a single pool and you only win if every choice you make is correct. High payout potential, but harder to win than a single bet.
• Futures: bet on a match occurring in the future. For example, betting on an NFL champion before the regular season begins. High risk, high reward.
• In-Game/Live Betting: wager on events happening in a currently live match.
• Proposition (Prop) Bet: wager on an in-game event not necessarily affecting the final score or outcome. For example: will Tom Brady score two passing touchdowns in the first half?

How To Read Sports Betting Odds

Odds determine how much you’ll receive if you bet correctly. To new bettors, they can be intimidating, but they’re easier to understand than they look at first glance.

How Odds Are Determined

Odds are first set by the likelihood of one outcome to occur over the other. You will almost always see a higher payout on an unlikely bet than a wager on the favorite of a match. Once the initial odds are set, they can change based on how many bettors are wagering on either side. This is to balance out the sportsbook’s earnings on each bet.

Odds could also change based on events outside of a game. For example, if a starting quarterback is unexpectedly benched due to an injury, the odds on that team to win could plummet.

Understanding Odds

At US sportsbooks, odds are displayed as positives and negatives. Let’s use a moneyline bet as an example and pretend once again the Bears are playing the Packers:

• Bears +112
• Packers -136

When a team has a negative number (Packers -136), it means that team is favored to win the match. A positive number (Bears +112) means that team is the underdog. These odds also determine payouts.

If you bet on the favorite (Packers -136), you would need to wager $136 to win $100. Negative odds essentially mean you need to bet that amount to win $100.

Can You Cash Out On Pointsbet

Betting on the underdog is slightly different. The +112 on the Bears means you would win $112 if you bet $100. Because the underdog is less likely to win statistically, the payout potential is better.

Find The Best Odds

If multiple sportsbooks are available in your state, peruse the available odds to find the best possible payouts. PointsBet, for example, usually offers great odds on the underdog while FanDuel tends to give better payouts on the favorite. These change frequently, so always check your options before you place a bet.

See our fullGuide To Sports Betting Odds.

Sports Betting Words To Know

Placing Online Sports Bets FAQ

21. Regulated states require gamblers to be at least 21 years of age to place a bet. When you sign up for a sports betting account, you will provide your date of birth and the last four digits of your social security number to confirm you’re old enough to participate.

It’s difficult to say if there’s one frontrunner. DraftKings, FanDuel, BetRivers, PointsBet, and FOX Bet could all be considered the best for different reasons.

Pointsbet Withdrawal Timeline

If you look at revenue by state, DraftKings is the undisputed leader in the sports betting arena. In terms of overall experience and app functionality, PointsBet gives DraftKings a run for its money. Bottom line: it comes down to personal preference.

Yes. There are plenty of sports betting apps available in Las Vegas, most of them operated by Sin City casinos. To place bets online in Nevada, you have to be within the state, which will be confirmed by geolocation.

Most regulated sportsbooks already have Super Bowl future bets available, so you can bet on your favorite team to win the big game.

For more specific Super Bowl bets like moneyline, point spreads, and totals, you’ll have to wait until the playing teams are revealed and odds are set.

Yes. College sports betting is allowed in almost every state that has legal sports betting. Some states have specific restrictions, though. In Illinois, for example, you can’t bet on any match that includes an in-state college or university. Regulated sportsbooks won’t offer bets that are deemed illegal in that specific jurisdiction, or they’d risk losing their license to operate.

Not across the board. In fact, most states completely ban betting on high school sports for fear of league corruption. High school sports are considered amateur events, and almost every regulated sports betting market prohibits amateurs betting.

In some states. Not every state allows election betting. Because the overturning of PASPA gave states the right to regulate sports betting on an individual basis, election betting availability varies widely. Some states have chosen to allow it while others bar it completely.

No. Currently, 12 states plus Washington D.C. have legalized and launched sports betting.

Other states–Michigan, Tennessee, and Virginia, to name a few–have legalized sports betting but haven’t launched any sportsbooks yet.

Some remaining states are in the early process of building legislation to allow sports betting, such as California and Massachusetts.

Sportybet Withdrawal Time

Only a select few states, such as Texas, have specifically moved to stop sports betting legislation.