Online bookmakers have been upping their game in a bid to bring in new customers. Now, there are tons of amazing online sports betting sites, so how do you go about finding the cream of the crop?
Well, we are here to help. Our team of expert bettors went on the quest of finding the best online sportsbooks. The best overall, based on our strict criteria, is Bovada, but we found seven other alternatives that are close behind.
Let’s dive right in.
Best Online Bookmakers
- Bovada: Best overall
- BetOnline: Best for mobile
- MyBookie: Best sports betting bonus selection
- SportsBetting.ag: Best range of sports betting markets
- XBet: Best for soccer bettors
- EveryGame: Best for crypto deposits
1. Bovada - Best Online Bookmaker Overall
Pros:
- Low wagering requirement on sports welcome bonus
- High-quality mobile app
- Extensive coverage of real-world sports
- Lots of good online casino games
Cons:
- Lacking eSports betting coverage
Online betting site Bovada is just about the perfect place for sports betting. You can bet on pretty much everything you could possibly imagine (other than a few eSports), and there’s a great welcome bonus waiting for all new players.
Betting Markets and Odds: 4.9/5
Pretty much every sporting event in the world is covered excellently at Bovada, with a wide range of markets for each individual competition, match, or race. That can be said of major sports like football and baseball, plus a few more niche ones, including Gaelic football.
In fact, the only area in which Bovada struggles a little is with its eSports. You can bet on the big games such as League of Legends and Dota 2, but you won’t find markets for some less popular games like FIFA yet.
Furthermore, there aren’t any novelty betting markets like politics and financial bets. It’s strictly sports betting here!
Sports Betting Bonuses: 4.8/5
You can get your first sportsbook deposit bonus at Bovada, which can go up $250. That’s more than most people are going to want to put down (even if it is a little lower than the max deposit of some of the other bonuses in our top picks).
But the best part about this welcome bonus is the fact that the rollover requirement is very low. You’ll only need to play through it five times before you’re able to claim your winnings, and that makes the whole process a lot easier than with some other online sportsbooks.
If you prefer, you can take advantage of the casino bonus instead. It’s a lot bigger, but the wagering requirements are much higher. There, players can get a massive 100% up to $1,000 on their first deposit or 125% up to $1,250 if they choose to play with crypto.
Website and Mobile App: 4.9/5
Bovada is one of the few online sports betting sites to offer a downloadable app instead of just a mobile site. This is great news for sports bettors, as it’s quicker to load, contains better functions (like live graphics), and is generally more pleasing to use, thanks to some great design work.
We should also point out that Bovada’s casino section is very good, too. There are a couple of hundred games to choose from, including live blackjack and roulette, plus plenty of slots from some top-quality providers.
Overall: 4.8/5
Pretty much all bookie reviews about Bovada are dazzlingly positive, and having given it a try for ourselves; we can totally see why. Bovada gets just about everything right, and that’s exactly why we’ve chosen it as our best online sportsbook.
Click here to visit Bovada and bet on your favorite sports.
2. BetOnline - Best Online Bookmaker for Mobile
Pros:
- Beautiful downloadable mobile app
- 25% reload bonus for every deposit
- Tons of deposit methods
- Wide range of eSports betting markets
Cons:
- High minimum deposit for bonus
At a very close second place is the mighty BetOnline. It has a perfect site design, particularly through its mobile app, and some great bonuses to make gambling even more exciting.
Betting Markets and Odds: 4.9/5
There are a lot of markets to bet on at BetOnline. Just like Bovada, sports are covered almost perfectly and with great odds to boot, according to our testing.
We also like that there are a lot of non-sporting markets available for betting at BetOnline. You can bet on all different types of events, including politics.
It also goes a little better with its eSports betting. Instead of just allowing punters to bet on the big games like Counter-Strike, it offers some smaller pro eSports games, including Valorant and Age of Empires II.
Sports Betting Bonuses: 4.9/5
There’s a 50% deposit bonus worth up to $1,000 waiting for everyone who signs up at BetOnline. That’s a lot of money!
As great as this bonus is, the wagering requirements hold it back ever so slightly. You’ll need to play through it 10 times in order to withdraw your wins. That makes it a little bit trickier to get hold of your cash. Plus, the minimum deposit of $55 is a little high for our liking.
There’s a great reload bonus available here, though. You can get 25% back on every deposit you ever make on the site with the bonus code LIFEBONUS.
Website and Mobile App: 5/5
BetOnline has its own mobile app that can be downloaded from both the Play Store and the App Store. The BetOnline mobile app looks super modern, is easy to use, and allows you to stream a bunch of the events you’re interested in.
Of all online bookmakers, BetOnline has the best mobile compatibility. Yes, we said it! And they also deliver a great desktop site as well. Simply put, no matter what you are looking for, BetOnline got your back.
Another cool thing about BetOnline is that there is an abundance of payment options when it comes to depositing and withdrawing.
These include loads of eWallets and tons of cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Ripple, and Dogecoin. We counted over 10 cryptocurrencies here!
Overall: 4.85/5
As you can probably tell, BetOnline and Bovada were pretty much neck and neck for the top spot in our list of the best online bookmakers today. It really did come down to the wire, as BetOnline is a heck of an online betting platform.
Find out more about BetOnline and its latest bonuses by following this link.
3. MyBookie - Most Generous Bonuses of All Online Bookmakers
Pros:
- 50% matched deposit up to $1,000 upon signup
- Loads of reload bonuses and more
- Great casino section
- Plenty of novelty betting markets
Cons:
- Out-of-date site design
MyBookie may not exactly look the part, but it’s easily one of the best online bookmakers out there right now. Let’s find out why.
Betting Markets and Odds: 4.9/5
We’re very impressed with both the sports betting markets and odds at MyBookie. Pretty much every sport in the world can be bet on extensively and with pretty competitive odds.
You’ll also find plenty of novelty bets, like who will win the next UK General Election.
Again, there isn’t the best choice when it comes to eSports betting as only the main sports are covered especially well. League of Legends, Dota 2, and such are covered pretty well, but the coverage of smaller eSports is limited. Still, the variety is quite decent.
On top of this wide range of sports betting markets, it should be noted that MyBookie has a pretty strong casino section. The games portfolio consists of some of the best slot games out there, plus some decent live casino games.
Sports Betting Bonuses: 4.9/5
MyBookie has bucketloads of bonuses! But let’s start with the first, the welcome bonus. It’s a 50% matched deposit up to $1,000 that you’ll need to trigger by entering the bonus code MYB50 when you place the deposit.
That’s not bad at all, and neither is the rollover of 10x. It’s a touch on the high side for sports betting bonus, but it shouldn’t be too tricky to navigate.
But things get really interesting when we go into the ongoing bonuses for all players. For a start, there’s the reload bonus that you can use whenever you want. Just enter the code MYB25 on any deposit to get it matched 25% with a rollover of 6x on those bonus funds.
To add to that, there’s an 8% horse rebate, a 200% referral bonus, and plenty of bonuses for the casino, like Rebate Mondays and Wednesday Free Spins.
Website and Mobile App: 4.85/5
The actual MyBookie website isn’t the most attractive in the world, and that can be said on both desktop and mobile. It feels like it hasn’t had a refresh in quite a while, and as a result, it looks a little dated.
It’s fairly easy to use once you can get past this, though, and that’s the more important factor here. The layout does make much sense, and the menus are really handy.
And there are quite a few ways to pay. You can deposit and withdraw with loads of eWallets and cryptocurrencies on top of the standard credit and debit card. The minimum deposit is pretty high, though, at $55.
Overall: 4.8/5
We love an online betting site that throws the kitchen sink and its bonus selection. There’s enough here to keep the extra funds flowing and then some!
Check out all the latest sports betting bonuses at MyBookie by clicking here.
4. SportsBetting.ag - Best Range of Sports Betting Markets of All Online Bookmakers
Pros:
- Extensive eSports betting markets
- Huge range of payment methods
- Lots of non-sports markets
- Over 300 slots
Cons:
- Dated website
- Muddled-looking sportsbook
There’s a very technical feel about Sportsbetting.ag, both aesthetically and in the huge range of betting markets and ways to pay available. If you like your bets on the niche side, look no further than this betting site.
Betting Markets and Odds: 5/5
You can bet on over 25 sports at SportsBetting.ag - a crazy amount! This list includes some of the more obscure sports like lacrosse and chess.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. SportsBetting.ag also covers eSports very extensively, with markets available for the likes of Wild Rift and Mobile Legends, games we rarely see covered elsewhere.
Want to bet outside of the sporting world? No problem. There are financial and political markets available aplenty. You can even bet on the celebrity world. Right now, it’s possible to place a bet on who Tom Brady’s next girlfriend is going to be - what more could you possibly ask for?
On top of all those betting markets, SportsBetting.ag has over 300 slot games to play to keep you busy while you wait for your sports betting results to come in.
Sports Betting Bonuses: 4.75/5
If you enter the code SB1000 as you place your first deposit of up to $1,000, you can get it matched 50%. Like the other online sports betting sites that offer this welcome bonus from our top picks, a 10x rollover applies to this.
And, like those other online sportsbooks, there’s an ongoing 25% reload bonus on all your deposits with a 6x rollover attached. Just use the code FORLIFE on those deposits to claim that. Neat!
Website and Mobile App: 4.75/5
Like MyBookie, SportsBetting.ag looks a little old-fashioned, although it’s definitely a little more attractive than our number three pick. The color scheme brings it to life a little, and that goes a long way, particularly on a cell phone.
It can be a little tricky to find the markets you’re looking for here as the markets are laid out in a confusing way. That being said, it doesn’t take long to get used to it.
A redeeming factor for this section is the huge range of ways to pay. The list includes Money Gram, money orders, wire transfers, Bitcoin, credit cards, Discover Checks, Ripple, and many more - the list really does go on.
Overall: 4.7/5
SportsBetting.ag really is one for the heads. This is the kind of sports betting site that will satisfy the more professional punter but is also very welcoming to those new to the scene.
A fantastic all-rounder that would certainly have been challenging for the number one spot were it to have a slightly nicer user interface.
Follow this link to visit SportsBetting.ag and find out more about its promotions.
5. XBet - Best Online Bookmaker for Soccer Betting
Pros:
- Amazing variety of soccer betting markets
- Low welcome bonus wagering
- 31 free casino spins with a welcome bonus
- Low deposit bonus wagering
Cons:
- Lacking deposit methods
No matter what happens at XBet, you can rely on very responsive and helpful customer support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Oh, and it’s a pretty awesome online sportsbook too.
Betting Markets and Odds: 4.7/5
Compared to even the best online sportsbooks, XBet has a whole lot of betting markets. But considering how extensive our top picks today are, it doesn’t have quite as many.
For example, there is minimal eSports betting in the sense that you can only bet on the major eSports tournaments.
There are still more than enough sports betting markets to satisfy most sports bettors, though. Major sports are covered particularly extensively, and there are a lot of non-sports markets.
These include lots of political bets - which the Democrat or Republican nominees for the 2024 Presidential Election will be, who will win in the US Senate, who the next UK government will consist of etc.
Sports Betting Bonuses: 4.8/5
There’s a 25% reload deposit bonus at XBet that players can use as many times as they want. It’s available on every deposit of up to $250 after you’ve played through the welcome bonus, and the rollover is pretty low on the bonus amount at just 5x.
And speaking of the welcome bonus, that’s pretty good as well. You’ll be able to get 50% up to $500 on your first deposit with a reasonable rollover of 7x. If you ask us, that’s one of the most satisfying sports betting welcome bonuses out there right now.
Website and Mobile App: 4.65/5
The XBet website, on desktop and mobile, isn’t exactly beautiful, but it does the job. We found that, for the most part, the layout is quite sensible, but the sidebar menu in the sportsbook looks quite cluttered.
So, it might take some time to find the markets you’re looking for.
Aesthetically, XBet is more modern looking than one or two of our other top picks, and that goes a long way in our eyes. It’s minimal but pretty sleek, and we’re fine with that.
We did notice that there aren’t too many ways to pay at XBet. For sure, you can place your deposits and make your withdrawals with credit cards, MoneyGram, and three cryptocurrencies, but that’s all. It’s certainly lacking eWallets, so avoid XBet if you want to use one of those.
Overall: 4.65/5
You might not feel like you’ll ever need to use customer support, but when it does become necessary, you’ll be super grateful you had it. XBet is a fantastic place for that, and you can bet here with great peace of mind as a result of that.
Follow this link to learn more about XBet and its latest promotions.
Ranking Methodology for the Best Online Bookmakers
Betting Markets and Odds:
All major sports leagues need to be covered extensively at the best sports betting sites. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. We also want to see markets for college sports, more obscure sports, and even some non-sports markets like finance and politics.
Sports Betting Bonuses:
When you sign up for a new online sportsbook, there should always be some kind of welcome bonus available. The quality of these can be judged on the size of the bonus and associated terms and conditions.
Website and Mobile App:
Sports betting on a strong mobile app or desktop site makes the whole experience a lot more enjoyable and easier, too. Plus, the best sites and apps will allow for event streaming, in-play betting, and plenty of useful sports betting information.
We used similar benchmarks to rank other online casinos and online betting sites. You can check them out below:
- Best Online Casinos in the UK
- Top UK Online Slots
- Best Online Casino
Best Online Bookmakers: FAQs
Which Sports Are Best to Bet On?
Our top tip in answer to this question is to bet on the sports you follow most closely, as this way, you’ll be able to plot trends, etc., to have a better idea of how things are going to turn out. So, whether it’s a college basketball game, some NFL, or something completely different, go with your best knowledge and what you enjoy the most.
How Do I Find the Best Odds at Online Bookmakers?
We’re confident that all the retail bookmakers from our top picks today have competitive odds, pretty much across the board.
Our favorite online bookmaker is Bovada, which also has an amazing casino section to play some of the best online slots in your free time.
Can I Watch Live Streams of What I’m Betting On?
Some online sportsbooks will allow users to watch some of the sports that they’re offering markets on in real-time. However, only a handful of the events on the site will generally be covered, and this is mostly down to licensing. It can be expensive for an online bookie to host these streams.
What Are the Differences Between Odds Formats on Online Bookies?
You’ll likely see betting odds presented in one of three ways online: money line (American), decimal (European), and fractional (British). Some of the best gambling sites will allow you to change between formats, but if you can’t, you can always use a conversion tool online.
What is Parlay Betting for Online Bookmakers?
If you want to have a go at winning big cash from a small stake, you might want to try out a parlay bet or an accumulator, as it is known in Europe.
Here, you’ll combine a number of markets together under one bet. For you to win, all the markets will need to come in exactly. But the odds accrue exponentially, so you can win a lot of money if you get lucky.
Comparing the Top 5 Online Bookmakers
- Bovada: It’s fitting that our top online sportsbook overall has one of the best welcome bonuses out there. It’s a 50% matched deposit of up to $250, and it comes with a low rollover of just 5x. Nice!
- BetOnline: The welcome bonus at our favorite mobile betting site is a little bigger at 50% up to $1000, although you’ll need to play through it a few more times. It’s absolutely worth it for this luxury mobile app, though.
- MyBookie: A huge range of bonuses awaits players at MyBookie, and one of those is the healthy welcome bonus of 50% up to $1000. You’ll never run out of bonus cash for both the sportsbook and the casino here.
- SportsBetting.ag: You’ll need to enter the bonus code SB1000 to claim your massive deposit bonus of 50% up to $1000 at Sportsbetting.ag, the home of the widest range of online sports betting markets we can find!
- XBet: Bringing up the final place in our top five is the awesome XBet with its brilliant 50% up to $500 welcomes bonus that comes with a relatively low rollover of 7x. And if you have any issues, there’s the best customer support in the game available!
Steps to Start Betting at the Best Bookmakers
Here’s a handy guide on how to get your account and welcome bonus at our top pick of the day, Bovada:
1. Start Opening Your Account
Follow this link to visit Bovada’s website.
You’ll need to press the red “Join” button in the top-right corner of the screen to get the ball rolling. That will take you to a new page where you’ll begin the registration process.
2. Fill Out the Form
On this page, there are a number of fields to fill out: your full name, date of birth, email address, cell phone number, etc.
Then, create a password and accept the terms and conditions. Once you’ve completed this, hit the button to continue.
3. Make Your Deposit
Now, you’ll need to place a deposit and trigger the bonus if you want to. So, navigate to the cashier section from the homepage and choose the payment method you wish to use.
Follow the instructions on the screen and refer to the terms and conditions of the bonus to meet the requirements for it. You’re good to go!
So, Did You Find the Best Online Bookmakers for You?
Bovada - what a betting site it turned out to be!
Any online sportsbook will find it incredibly difficult to top this one, although a few did get remarkably close during our research.
It wasn’t an easy decision to pip Bovada to the post, but with that extensive range of markets, brilliant welcome bonus, and beautiful mobile app, we believe we made the right decision.
However, make sure to take one more look at our top picks and choose the one that fits your needs the best. At the end of the day, please always remember to bet responsibly.
DISCLAIMER: 18+ only. Online gambling comes with many risks. Players are advised to gamble responsibly and only use funds they can afford to lose. Remember, gambling is only intended for entertainment purposes and is not a solution to any financial difficulties.
Gambling laws and policies vary from one region to another. Some sites mentioned in this review may not be accessible in your area. Always do your due diligence and check your local gambling policies. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
We are committed to providing our readers with accurate and timely information. The details mentioned in our review may be subject to change as casinos seek to improve their sites to offer their players a better gambling experience.
If you suspect you’re becoming addicted to gambling, seek help immediately by contacting the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
The following resources may be helpful as well:
