Since legalized online sports betting was introduced to multiple states, many people have chosen to gamble online for the first time. Those new to online betting are often hesitant and overly cautious about picking their first betting site. Questions related to data privacy, security, fairness, and funds protection set in and complicate the decision-making process. But these are legitimate concerns and must always be thought over.
There is a lot that goes into choosing a sports betting site. Online sports betting is now big business and there is now more choice than ever on where you want to place your sports bets. Some of the jargon you hear in betting can make your head spin, I know it took me a while to get to grips with all of the phrases and abbreviations that are regularly used in sports betting. Gaining some knowledge beforehand, and understanding what you should be looking for in a betting site is a great place to start.
Our quick-start guide is a springboard that will propel every beginner into safe waters. Our team of sports betting gurus and I made a quick rundown of the best US betting sites for newcomers and will give you the reasoning behind our selections.
Which Are The Best Sports Betting Sites for Beginners?
We deemed the following sportsbooks the best because they offer beginners the necessary means and services for a smooth transition into online betting.
#1. Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars Entertainment’s roots in the US entertainment industry run deep. In Caesars Sportsbook online, beginners will find a respectable, reputable, and user-oriented betting platform. The customer service department is at your disposal 24/7. The help center is equally helpful for newcomers, touching on important subjects like making payments, account management, house rules, and responsible gambling.
In the Help Center, you will see a card labeled ‘Getting Started.’ It teaches beginners the ropes of betting, covering aspects like account registration, verification, and banking. As a newcomer, Caesars welcomes you with ten 100% profit boosts, and all you need is to enter the Caesars promo code on account creation. Once your account is up and ready, you have to deposit some funds (minimum limit is $5), and then make a qualifying bet worth $1 or more. As soon as this bet settles, you will get 10 boosts that double your profit, worth up to $2,500 each.
Caesars Sportsbook is available in a wide number of states across the country, and they have some great promos for customers, as well as access to the famous Caesars Rewards program where you can earn rewards every time you bet with the book.
Pros
- Large amount of betting markets
- Excellent live streaming options
- Offers same game parlays, great choice for beginners looking for a large payout
- Flexible bet slip
Cons
- No many recurring bonus bet offers
- Layout is slightly cluttered
- Better odds elsewhere
#2. DraftKings Sportsbook
From simple (but secure) account registration/verification to seamless depositing and excellent navigational value, DraftKings is exceptionally beginner-friendly. The multiple navigation menus and smart interface nearly eliminate the navigational learning curve. The base minimum deposit of $5 renders DraftKings accessible for newcomers and casual sports bettors and one of the lowest deposit sportsbooks out there. This is great for anyone new to betting as you won’t always want to deposit huge amounts.
If you need a betting tip, tap the ‘How to Bet’ tab in the navigation bar in the header and read one of DraftKings’ beginner-oriented sports guides or betting guides. Currently, DraftKings offers a welcome sports offer suited for beginners. Deposit at least $5, place an initial bet, and DraftKings will grant bonus bets worth up to $150.
Pros
- One of the biggest sports betting brands in the US, with a wide range of markets
- Excellent live betting markets
- User-friendly interface, ideal for beginners
- Fast withdrawal times
Cons
- Low bet limit for odds boosts
- Lack of search function on desktop site
- Not a lot of live streaming available
#3. FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel is all about educating and guiding individual users rather than treating them as marketing statistics. The moment you land on the FanDuel Sportsbook website, you feel welcome. From the landing page, select the FanDuel ‘Research.’ It will lead you to FanDuel’s blog-like page with research-based betting guides and tips for upcoming games, providing valuable betting insight.
Everything about this site is self-explanatory. I could see no aspect of FanDuel that may prove confusing for beginners. Registering and depositing at FanDuel is straightforward, as is claiming and using a bonus. The current offer is tailored for newcomers, offering up to $350 in bet resets across your first 5 days.
You must place a qualifying bet of $5+, and if that bet loses, you get resets worth up to $50 each day. Repeat the process across the next 6 days (offer lasts 7 days in total), placing a $5+ bet every day, and for losing bets, you get bonus credits up to $50 in resets. That makes for a total of $350 in FanDuel bonus bet resets in your first week.
FanDuel also has one of the best sportsbook apps for beginners too. The simple layout and easy-on-the-eye design make it perfect for those new to sports betting. Easy to use with a very functional set-up, it is one of the outstanding choices for anyone looking to get into betting.
Pros
- Hundreds of daily betting markets
- Competitive odds
- Excellent ongoing promos that are targeted at big sporting events and state-specific
- Top quality live streaming service
Cons
- Lack of cash out options
- Player prop menus are slightly confusing
#4. BetMGM Sportsbook
Pros
- Excellent, user-friendly mobile app perfect for beginners
- Simplified same game parlays that makes them easy to out together
- Plenty of deposit options
Cons
- Slow payout speeds
- Lack of phone support
BetMGM is a prominent online sportsbook and gaming hub. As a beginner, you will appreciate the around-the-clock live chat support, which affords every player – beginner or veteran – the same courtesy and support. The help center on BetMGM sportsbook is comprehensive and stocked with ready-to-use guides on every important aspect: account handling, banking, user privacy, house rules, restrictions, etc. If you are a PayPal user, the good news is that BetMGM is one of the best betting sites that accept PayPal so it’s easy to deposit and withdraw.
Visit the BetMGM Sports Betting blog to pick up the latest tips and read valuable sports news. To get you started, BetMGM has cooked up a welcome deal for which you need $10 to become eligible. Simply sign up and verify your account, deposit at least $10, and place your first bet. You can use the BetMGM Promo code BTOOLS on sign up to grab the offer. If it loses, BetMGM will refund the lost amount in the form of a bonus bet.
#5. bet365
A household name in Europe that needs little introduction, bet365 Sportsbook is one of the juggernauts of iGaming. Beginners who have at least $25 to spare for betting are eligible for bet365 welcome bonus. If you wager at least $25, bet365 US will credit $150 in bonus bets to your playing balance. The undemanding sports offers are only a small part of what makes bet365 a welcoming sportsbook for novices.
bet365 House & Betting Rules page offers dedicated rulebooks for every state it operates in. The guides are transparent and all-inclusive and will help you understand the betting rules in individual states. In case you need help, you can approach a support assistant via live chat or email. The assistants respond quickly and will address any inquiry, no matter how trivial, in a professional manner.
Pros
- Wide selection of in-play markets and odds
- Lucrative welcome bonus for users
- Live chat customer support available 24/7
Cons
- No loyalty program
- Very basic design which looks stale
I should point out that the books above are all licensed and regulated operators. If you are in a state where sports betting is not yet legal, you can use one of the new social sportsbooks that work in a very similar way to regular sportsbooks.
What To Look for in a Betting Site
As a starter, you must follow a few elementary criteria to find a trusted betting site. Here are the main points to consider:
- Credibility & Reputation – Ascertain the sportsbook’s licensed status by ensuring it is licensed in your state. Look up the site’s reputation on reliable review sites and blogs. A favorable rating generated from hundreds or thousands of users is always a positive sign. Any site must be licensed to operate in the legal sports betting space, you should never use any offshore sites despite what they may promise you.
- Fair House Terms – If you find a sportsbook’s general house rules disagreeable, we suggest you disengage immediately. Reading the betting rules and player requirements is necessary to stay in line with what is expected of you and what is allowed.
- Customer Support – We greatly value the quality of support players receive, especially if they are just starting. Look for sites that provide 24/7 support and have a live chat feature so you can place quick queries. Prioritize sites with betting guides, tips, and news, which can have long-term benefits for beginners.
- Sports Selection – A sportsbook with versatile sports coverage is always a welcoming sight, but you should always set your priorities straight. If, for example, you’re drawn to basketball, seek a basketball-focused site. A wide coverage of sports markets is a good indicator of a well-rounded sportsbook. It is also nice to have some variety, you can maybe get into a sport you never thought you would like before. There is also the factor of what do you do when your favorite sport is having its off-season? Make sure you find a sportsbook that has lots of betting markets to go at.
- Bonuses – As a newcomer, sports betting bonuses can either set you back if you’re not careful or give you a boost. It depends on the offer’s terms, which is why you should pick a sportsbook with clear and fair promotional terms. You can use the welcome bonus to test out the site without putting up too much of your own money, although most sign-up offers will request you make a minimum deposit.
- Fast Payout – When you win, you want to get your winnings back to you quickly. Whilst most sportsbooks pay out in a timely manner, there are some fast payout sportsbooks that will have your money back to you in a flash.
Sports betting should be fun and not a way of life. It’s important as a beginner that you set out slowly and really watch what you do. No matter if you are a high stakes bettor or a newbie, take it easy and have fun. You also have to be of legal age in your state before you can join a sportsbook and place a bet too.
Best Betting Features for Beginners
The above is a quick snapshot of the things you should be looking for in an online sports betting site. Once you have created your account and have chosen the best bonus for you from the raft of available online sports betting sites, there are betting features to look out for that can make your experience more enjoyable.
Cash Out
Most sports betting sites, whether it is ESPN Bet or FanDuel, offer the cash out feature. Cash out is a function that allows you to settle a bet early for its ‘live value’ before a game finishes. Choosing to cash out early means you have the opportunity to lock in some returns without sweating waiting for the final outcome. Of course, you can also cut your losses by cashing out if your wager isn’t looking good. Smart sports bettors will when it is time to walk away, and this can be the difference on making a a profit or a loss.
Parlays
Sports betting sites offer different variations of parlays, where you can create your own, personalized bet. Parlays allow you to combine several single-bets from different games which sees the odds multiply and your potential returns take a big jump. There are also now same game parlays, which act like a traditional parlay except you are combining bets from the same game. These are high-risk, high-reward types of wagers but they are extremely fun to play and are very popular. The top sports betting sites will offer different forms of parlay insurance and various parlay promos, so keep an eye out for them.
Live Betting
Live or in-play betting gives you the ability to place a wager as the action unfolds, and it has certainly become mainstream now. You can watch the first five or 10 minutes of a game and assess how things are going, then place your bet accordingly. It gives you the chance to quickly identify the chance of a winning bet. In-play betting is available at most sportsbooks, but some are better at it than others. Check out our separate guide to the best live betting sites to see which sportsbook you should use for your in game wagering.
Banking Options
Check all of the available banking options to ensure there are enough methods there to suit your needs. You will want to make sure you can make quick and secure deposits and withdrawals via your preferred methods. The US online sportsbooks always have a diverse offering of payment options, ranging from credit and debit cards to e-wallets like PayPal and checks.
Wrapping up this guide, we offer a few final beginner’s tips for online betting.
- Bet With a Strategy – Only bet using your experience. Set up a budget, develop a betting strategy, and do a test run to see your return on investment (ROI). Note that strategies take months, even years, to master, so don’t be hasty to drop yours after the first few tries.
- Check for Betting Tips – Almost every sportsbook we suggested above offers some sort of assistance for beginners. Whether it’s a guide or betting tips for upcoming events, read them closely to expand your betting perception.
- Claim Bonuses With Caution – Only use bonuses if you think they can benefit you. Don’t claim bonuses without reading the terms first. Legal online betting sites are obligated to outline everything clearly, so make sure you read the fine print.
- Use a Familiar Odds Format – Many sportsbooks allow you to adjust your odds format. Whether fractional, decimal, or American, adjust the format based on what works best for you.
- Don’t hesitate to Contact Customer Support – The customer support desk is every beginner’s best friend. Use the live chat or email as often as you deem necessary.
- Do your research – Even if you have read through everything and decided which site is the best for you as a beginner in betting, you will still need to do a little research. It never does any harm to closely look into the sports you will be betting on. Find out the latest team news, who is suspended or injured, who has maybe not been playing for a while or who is out of form.
- Don’t go over budget – There is nothing wrong with being cautious with your money. Do not overspend as the bill will come due and it will be costly in the long run.
Other Strategies & Guides
Being an amateur in regards to sports betting, you will want to read up and gather as much information as possible before you start placing real money wagers. Knowing how to read betting lines and where to go for the best value is super important if you want to make any decent money from betting. This will then help you make more informed decisions and improve your chances of making some profit and avoiding mistakes. If you are still unsure about what all the bet types mean, take a look at our bet types guide. If you like the look of the cash out feature and want to ensure you make a return on your bet, read our cash out guide.
