The number of online sportsbooks is increasing rapidly as legal US betting sites open up on a state-by-state basis. There are dozens of options to choose from, including the major brands that have been approved by regulators. These sites are vetted to make sure that they follow rules and regulations, keep customer information secure and provide a good gambling experience. They also offer competitive odds, enticing promotions, and a deep catalog of events to wager on.
The most popular online sportsbooks are those that have a smooth, user-friendly app and plenty of sports to bet on. For example, the FanDuel Sportsbook is a nationwide leader in this space, offering an attractive website and a mobile app that makes it easy to bet on sports from anywhere. Its customer service is top-notch and deposits and withdrawals are processed quickly.
Aside from the user experience, a sportsbook should have a wide variety of betting markets (also called “markets”). You’ll want to find an operator that offers moneyline bets, same game parlays and other fun bet types. You should also look for a site that accepts your preferred method of payment. In some states, this is as simple as PayPal or Apple Pay. In others, you may need to use a wire transfer.
Some of the most popular sportsbooks offer loyalty programs that reward players for their wagering activity. For example, BetRivers has the iRush Rewards program, which allows customers to earn Loyalty Level Points and Bonus Store Points with each bet. The latter can be used to redeem rewards and other bonuses in the Bonus Store. These programs are a great way to boost your bankroll and increase your chances of winning.
As a general rule, profits from sports betting are taxable in the United States. This is because sportsbooks are required to report winnings to the IRS. For this reason, it’s important to track all of your winnings and losses. The IRS also requires sportsbooks to issue a Form 1099-G for winnings above a certain amount.
There are 27 legal sportsbooks in the United States, and that number will continue to grow as more states license more operators. However, it’s still crucial to research your choices before placing a bet. Covers has a helpful tool that can help you determine which sportsbooks are legit and which ones are ripoffs.
In addition to the legal sportsbooks, there are many unlicensed offshore sites that are marketed to US residents. These sites are not regulated by the government and may not be safe for US bettors. They may not offer the same security measures as a legal site, and they may have a reputation for stealing or not paying out winnings.
While it’s not a requirement to sign up for more than one sportsbook, it is a good idea. This way, you can compare odds and decide which one is the best for your wagering needs. In addition, you’ll be able to claim multiple one-time new player bonuses at different sportsbooks.