USA Legal Gambling & Sportsbooks
In our next sports betting 101 blog post we’re going to teach you a few things about legal sports betting in the USA. Sports betting has been a popular activity in the USA for decades, but it has a complicated history. With the recent repeal of PASPA, legal sports betting has been rapidly expanding across the country. In this article, we will explore the history of sports betting in the USA, the current legal landscape, and provide an overview of popular sports to bet on.
We will also guide you through the process of placing bets and finding the best odds, as well as discussing the business of sports betting and responsible gambling practices.
Lastly, if you scroll down we will share our top five recommendations for sportsbooks for legal sports betting in the USA.
The History of Sports Betting in the USA
Sports betting has a long history in the USA, dating back to the 19th century with horse racing being one of the most popular betting sports. However, sports betting was largely driven underground due to organized crime involvement.
In the 1960s, the federal government began to take a stronger stance against sports betting, and in 1992, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was passed, effectively banning sports betting across the country, with the exception of Nevada.
The Legality of Sports Betting in the USA
In May 2018, the Supreme Court overturned PASPA, allowing individual states to legalize and regulate sports betting. Currently, sports betting is legal and regulated in 30+ states, with more states expected to legalize in the future. While federal law plays a role in regulating sports betting, each state has its own set of rules and regulations.
One of the biggest differences between in-person and online sports betting is that in-person betting is only legal in certain states, while online betting is legal in more states.
Click here to read our USA Sportsbook Guide for everything you need to know about legal sports betting in the USA.
In Canada? Read our Canadian sportsbook guide
Popular Sports to Bet On in the USA
Before you start checking out everything to know about legal sports betting in the USA, we must point out football, basketball, and baseball are the most popular sports for betting in the USA. These sports offer a wide range of betting options, including moneyline bets, point spread bets, and over/under bets.
Other popular sports for betting include hockey, soccer, and tennis. Each sport has its own unique betting options, and it’s important to understand the different types of bets in order to make informed decisions. Remember, legal sports betting in the USA isn’t going anywhere, anytime soon.
Sportsbooks offer a variety of betting options, and here are some common types of bets that you might encounter in a legal USA online sportsbook:
- Moneyline Bet: This is a straightforward bet in which you pick the winner of a game or match. The odds are expressed as a positive or negative number, indicating the favorite and the underdog. For example, if the odds for a basketball game are -120 for the favorite and +110 for the underdog, you would have to bet $120 to win $100 on the favorite, or bet $100 to win $110 on the underdog.
- Point Spread Bet: In this type of bet, the sportsbook sets a point spread that the favorite must win by for a bet on that team to be successful. Conversely, the underdog can either win the game outright or lose by fewer points than the spread for a bet on that team to be successful. For example, if the point spread for a football game is -3 for the favorite, that team would need to win by more than three points for a bet on them to be successful.
- Over/Under Bet: Also known as a totals bet, this involves betting on the total number of points, runs, or goals scored in a game. The sportsbook sets a total, and you can bet whether the actual score will be over or under that number.
- Parlay Bet: This is a bet that combines two or more individual wagers into one bet. The payouts for a parlay can be significant, but all of the individual bets in the parlay must be successful for the bet to win.
- Futures Bet: This type of bet involves predicting a future outcome, such as the winner of a championship or the MVP of a league. The odds for futures bets can be attractive, but the outcome is often uncertain and won’t be known until the end of the season or tournament.
- Prop Bet: Short for proposition bet, these are bets on specific events or occurrences within a game or match that don’t necessarily impact the final outcome. Examples of prop bets might include which team will score first, how many total yards a quarterback will throw for, or which player will hit the most home runs in a baseball game.
These are just a few examples of the types of bets you might find in a sportsbook. It’s important to understand the rules and odds for each type of bet before placing your wagers.
How to Place a Sports Bet in the USA
Placing a sports bet is easy, whether you’re betting in-person or online. In-person, simply visit a sportsbook or casino and place your bet with a cashier.
Online, create an account with a licensed sportsbook, deposit funds, and place your bet. It’s important to shop around for the best odds and take advantage of promotions and bonuses to maximize your winnings.
In addition, understanding the different types of bets and their potential payouts is crucial for success in sports betting.
The Business of Sports Betting in the USA
Since the repeal of PASPA, the sports betting industry has been rapidly expanding in the USA. The American Gaming Association predicts that Americans will wager over $200 billion on sports per year starting in 2023 (it was $150 billion in 2021, and 175 billion in 2022). It’s a great time to start legal sports betting in the USA.
Sportsbooks and bookmakers play a major role in the industry, offering a wide variety of betting options and taking a percentage of the bets as commission.
As the industry continues to grow, it’s important for bettors to stay informed and make informed decisions.
Responsible Gambling and Sports Betting in the USA
While sports betting can be a fun and exciting pastime, it’s important to practice responsible gambling habits when legal sports betting in the USA. This means setting a budget for yourself and sticking to it, never betting more than you can afford to lose, and seeking help if you or someone you know may have a gambling problem.
Resources like the National Council on Problem Gambling are available to those who may need help.
CappersPicks.com Top 5 Sportsbooks For Legal Sports Betting In The USA
There are many options when it comes to choosing a sportsbook for legal sports betting in the USA.
If you’re wondering which online gambling site we consider the best, we’ve put together a list of our top 5 Cappers Picks Legal USA Betting Sites Online. For the past 20 years, we’ve taken great care to rank sports betting sites with the utmost respect for our customers.
We recognize that everyone’s opinion on what makes a top online sportsbook may differ, and that’s perfectly okay. However, it’s worth noting that our ratings consider the safety and reliability of these sportsbooks, as well as our own experiences managing player accounts and balances on these sites.
Here Are Our Top Five Recommendations For Sports Betting Sites Legal To Play At In The USA:
Legal Sports Betting In The USA At MyBookie.ag
MyBookie is known for their excellent customer service and competitive odds, MyBookie is a top choice for sports bettors in the USA. They offer a user-friendly platform and a variety of betting options, including live betting and mobile betting.
Legal Sports Betting In The USA At Bovada.lv
Bovada has a reputation for excellence and a focus on customer satisfaction, Bovada is another top choice for legal sports betting in the USA. They offer a range of sports and betting options, as well as fast and secure payouts.
Legal Sports Betting In The USA At BetOnline.ag
BetOnline has over 25 years of experience in the sports betting industry, BetOnline is a trusted and established sportsbook for legal sports betting in the USA. They offer a wide variety of sports and betting options, as well as competitive odds and bonuses for new and returning users.
Legal Sports Betting In The USA At XBet.ag
XBet is the sister site to MyBookie. XBET is an online sports betting and casino platform that offers a wide variety of betting options for sports enthusiasts. Additionally, XBET.ag has a diverse selection of casino games, including slots, table games, and live dealer games. licensed and regulated by the government of Curacao.
Legal Sports Betting In The USA At GTBets.ag
GTBets offers a sleek and modern platform, GTBets is a top choice for legal sports betting in the USA. They offer a wide range of sports and betting options, as well as a variety of promotions and bonuses for their customers.
How to Register for Legal Sports Betting and Claim Legal Sportsbook Bonuses
Easily sign up and snag bonuses with our top picks for legal sports betting in the USA sportsbook apps! If you’re taking a long time to complete the process, you’re not doing it right. In fact, it should only take you less than 10 minutes to sign up & deposit.
- Grab A Bonus Code from Cappers Picks for your favorite legal sports betting in the USA website. Your Bookie Your Choice!
- Click the JOIN LINK by our reviews. Make sure you tell the sportsbook that CAPPERSPICKS.com sent you over! There may be an extra bonus in it for you! 🙂
- Create a username and password
- Make sure you sign up for two-step authorization to secure your legal sports betting in the USA gambling account
- Deposit Funds – Each sports betting app has different methods that allow you to get funds into your gambling account. Our favorite? Try Crypto! Read our list of the best Crypto sites here.
- Place Your First Bet at your favorite legal sports betting in the USA!
Online Sports Betting in the USA: State-by-State
Cappers Picks Recommends These Top Sportsbook Apps
Legal Sports Betting In The USA – What To Consider
The rise of online sports betting platforms and mobile applications has made it easier than ever for individuals to participate in sports betting from the comfort of their own homes or on-the-go.
Fair Odds
With this growth and increased accessibility, it is important for gamblers to choose a great sportsbook that offers fair odds, reliable payouts, and a safe and secure platform for placing bets. With so many sportsbooks available, it can be overwhelming to determine which ones are the best for a particular individual’s needs and preferences.
Betting Options
One important factor to consider when choosing a sportsbook is the variety of sports and betting options offered. Different sportsbooks may specialize in different sports or types of bets, so it is important to choose one that aligns with the individual’s interests and expertise. Additionally, some sportsbooks may offer better odds or higher payout limits than others, so it is important to compare and shop around before committing to a particular platform.
Customer Support
Another important factor to consider is the level of customer support and responsiveness of the sportsbook. In the event of any issues or questions, it is important to have access to helpful and reliable customer support that can address concerns in a timely and professional manner.
Security & Privacy
Lastly, it is crucial to choose a sportsbook that prioritizes security and privacy. This includes features such as SSL encryption and two-factor authentication to protect personal information and prevent unauthorized access to accounts.
Wrapping It Up
Legal sports betting is a rapidly growing industry in the USA, and with more states expected to legalize sports betting in the coming years, it’s important for bettors to stay informed and make informed decisions.
Understanding the history of sports betting, the current legal landscape, and popular sports to bet on is crucial for success. In addition, practicing responsible gambling habits and choosing a reputable sportsbook can help ensure a positive experience.
With our top five recommendations for sportsbooks for legal sports betting in the USA, bettors can feel confident in their choices and maximize their potential winnings.