Online betting is a popular form of gambling that allows you to place wagers on a wide range of sporting events. It’s legal in most states, although some, such as Utah and Hawaii, have bans in place due to the religious beliefs of their residents. The best sports betting sites are secure and offer a convenient user experience. They also provide competitive odds on both straight bets and spread bets, and they’re often available in multiple languages.
After years of debate, the Supreme Court struck down a federal ban on sports betting in 2018, opening the door for states to legalize it on their own. Some opted for retail sportsbooks at commercial and tribal casinos, while others launched online options such as DraftKings and FanDuel. New Jersey was among the first to launch its online sportsbook, and it’s now one of the largest markets in the country.
Several other states have now rolled out sports betting, including Maryland, Massachusetts and Michigan. Kentucky and Washington DC are poised to join the list soon, with sportsbooks expected to launch in 2023.
The best online sportsbooks feature a robust selection of betting markets for football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer and other sports. They’ll also have prop bets like player props, alternate totals and same game parlays. Some will even offer a free bet for new customers. The best sportsbooks will also have a low house edge, which is known as vigorish, and will only charge you if you win.