How to Win on the Next Big Game with These Beginner-Friendly Sportsbooks

by Alice Ly
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Updated on June 6, 2023
Disclosure: We’re letting you know that this post contains sponsored links which The Smart Wallet receives compensation for, which may impact their order of appearance. This site doesn’t include all available offers.

Sports betting is excellent entertainment if you like sports and are comfortable with taking risks. You’ll get more satisfaction when you keep a mindset of betting for fun instead of profit.

Let’s check out some of the most popular online sports betting platforms that have made it easier for beginners and enthusiasts to place bets from anywhere, anytime. You can probably bet on whatever sports you like, depending on your state.

1. FanDuel Sportsbook: America’s #1 Sportsbook Trusted by Over 17 Million Customers Nationwide

Legal in 19 states: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming

FanDuel Sportsbook first launched in New Jersey in 2018 and is currently the #1 online sportsbook in America and #1 in 15 states. They’re well-known for their easy-to-navigate platform, which even those new to sports betting can get used to quickly.

Here’s how to join in on the fun:

  1. Create an account with FanDuel Sportsbook & deposit at least $10
  2. Find your game and the outcome you want to bet on
  3. Bet your first $10, and get up to $2,500 Bonus Bets even if you lose!

Perks:

  • Legally bet on 21 sports
  • Simple to use with the best user experience
  • Offers more markets and secondary markets vs. any other sportsbook
  • 24/7 Customer support through Live Chat and Social Media Team aims to respond to messages within an hour
  • Quick withdrawal times for winnings
  • Generous first-time user promotion offer as you get up to $2,500 in Bonus Bets, even if you lose your first bet

21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. $10 Deposit req. Refund issued as non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See full terms at fanduel.com/sportsbook. FanDuel is offering online sports wagering in Kansas under an agreement with Kansas Star Casino, LLC. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MI, NJ, OH, PA, IL, TN, VA), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), 1-800-522-4700 (WY), or visit www.1800gambler.net (WV).

2. BetMGM: The King of Sportsbooks with Brand Name Recognition Offering One of the Best Welcome Offers

Legal in 21 states: Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Plus, Washington, D.C.

BetMGM, launched in 2018, is backed by MGM Resorts International, the casino giant, and Entain, a gaming powerhouse.

You’ll automatically get access to MGM Rewards and rack up points by placing bets on the online sportsbook, the online casino, or by visiting MGM resort properties and Hyatt hotels worldwide. Depending on your tier, points can be redeemed for bonus bets, free hotel stays, dining, entertainment, and other VIP benefits.

Here’s how to start:

  1. Register an account at BetMGM
  2. Make a minimum deposit of $10
  3. Place your first bet on your favorite team or any other sport
  4. Get up to $1,000 back in Bonus Bets (site credit) if your first bet loses!

Perks:

  • A massive list of betting options
  • Fantastic loyalty rewards program
  • Free live streaming of certain games
  • Major sports, in addition to niche sports like rugby, handball, Formula 1 racing, and more, are available to bet on
  • Quick withdrawal times for winnings
  • Extremely generous first-time user promotion

Must be 21+ and live in Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia, Wyoming, and Ontario. A Bonus Bet is a credit allowing players to place a bet without using cash funds. Such credits cannot be withdrawn or cashed out by participants. Bonus Bet credit can only be used once and must be used within 7 days of being credited to your account. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

3. DraftKings: The Sportsbook with an Engaged Community of 1.6 Million Monthly Active Paying Users

Legal in 21 states: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming

DraftKings, an Official Sports Betting Partner of the NFL, also has a huge range of sports to bet on, like the others.

Here’s how to start:

  1. Create a DraftKings account
  2. Make a minimum deposit of $5
  3. Place your first bet
  4. If your first bet wins, get $150 in Bonus Bets

Perks:

  • Legally bet on 21 sports (including lacrosse but not volleyball)
  • NFT Marketplace with top collectibles
  • A lower minimum deposit than other sportsbooks
  • Greater variety of bet types
  • The loyalty program covers sportsbook, online casino, and Daily Fantasy Sports

Gambling Problem? Call (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA), Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)(IL/IN/LA/MI/MD/NJ/OH/PA/TN/WV/WY), 1-800-NEXT STEP (AZ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/KS), 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), 1-800-BETS OFF (IA), or 1-888-532-3500 (VA).

Your first placed wager of $5+ on any pre-game moneyline will be your qualifying wager. Sports that do not include a moneyline market are not included in this promotion (ex. golf) Bonus paid as six (6) $25 Bonus Bets, Bonus Bets valid for seven (7) days. For the avoidance of doubt, the seven (7) day completion period is measured as 168 hours from the time the Bonus Bets are placed in the customer’s Sportsbook account. Failure to use the Bonus Bets will void the award Bonus Bet amount is not included in any returns or winnings Bonus Bet also not redeemable for cash, non-transferable, and non-refundable One (1) qualifying bet per customer Excludes odds boosts, profit boosts, bonus bets, cash out bets, and voided bets

4. Caesars: The Rewards Program That Makes You Feel Like Royalty

Legal in 19 states: Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Plus, Washington, D.C.

Caesars Sportsbook is backed by Caesars Entertainment, Inc., the largest casino-entertainment company in the U.S., that automatically gives access to Caesars Rewards,® where players can earn Reward Credits at the online sportsbook, online casino, and over 50+ retail casinos.

Caesars Sportsbook boasts the best sign-up bonus of anyone in the industry with their first-bet offer, “Go Full Caesar,” which gives you up to $1,250 if you lose. They also give 1,000 Caesars Rewards Credits and 1,000 Tier credits to sweeten the deal, which can be used for sports wagers, dining compensation, free hotel nights, and more.

Here’s how to join Caesars Sportsbook

  1. Create a Caesars account
  2. Make a minimum deposit of $20
  3. Place your first bet
  4. Get up to $1,250 back in Bonus Bets (site credit) if your first bet loses!

Perks:

  • Largest welcome bonus offer in the country
  • Excellent loyalty program
  • Offers hundreds of interesting odds boosts each week
  • Offers more locations for retail sportsbooks

In order to qualify for the promotions, players must first place a $10 cash wager. Promotion is a mobile-only offer and will not work in retail casinos. The “Go Full Caesar” offer does not apply to customers in Ontario, Nevada, or Washington DC.

The Bottom Line

These are all great options, but it might be hard to pick just one when all sportsbooks have unique perks. Since most offer a no-loss first bet, sign up for multiple sportsbooks to see which one you prefer or just to have a rotation of sportsbooks to shop for odds.

Overall, bet responsibly, understand the risks involved, and of course, have fun!