Recreational sports bettors have never had more choice of low-deposit sportsbooks. According to the American Gaming Association, 38 states have passed legislation legalizing online and mobile sports betting.
Opening an account is free, but to reap the full benefits the sportsbook offers, you must be an active member. You can place a symbolic bet of $5 or $10 into your account and you’ll meet the minimum threshold to gain access to the sportsbook.
The Best US Minimum Deposit Betting Sites
There are more than a handful of betting sites operating legally in the US. BettingTools’ review team recently sat down to discuss the legal market and rank the best US betting sites and sportsbooks for minimum deposit betting. Here’s our selection.
#1. DraftKings – $5 Minimum Deposit
When it comes to minimum deposit betting, DraftKings Sportsbook is among the most appealing sportsbooks in the US. It welcomes new members with a $5 minimum deposit, which is lower than the $10 average.
The $1 minimum withdrawal limit is further proof of how DraftKings fosters low-stakes betting. DraftKings is also rich in sports promos and features, such as parlay boosts, profit boosts, and bonus bets available for $5 or $10. If you are looking to wager from your mobile, then DraftKings also has one of the best sportsbook apps, with dedicated versions available to download on Android and iOS.
You will find a wide range of deposit and withdrawal methods with DraftKings banking options, making it a great choice for all sports bettors. These include online banking, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay and many more.
DraftKings Pros
- Constantly offering competitive promos
- Numerous markets that cover tons of sports all year round
- Sleek, user-friendly interface
- Global brand with a massive reputation
DraftKings Cons
- Customer service department could be quicker to respond
- Can limit customers who win consistently
#2. Fanatics Sportsbook- $5 Minimum Deposit
Coming in hot at number 2, is Fanatics Sportsbook where you can deposit from just 5 bucks. From football and baseball to hockey and tennis, a diverse choice of sports leagues alongside pre-game and in-game markets at Fanatics Sportsbook is guaranteed. The minimum deposit is just $5, making it one of the lowest deposit options in the US. You can place your deposits at the book using a wide range of banking options too, including Visa/MasterCard, PayPal, PayNearMe, Skrill, etc.
Moneylines, parlays, same-game parlays, point spread, over/under, and live odds are just a few options for betting. If you are a fan of betting parlay, then Fanatics is a great choice. Thanks to the ease of use of the app and how easy they are to build, they are a great choice for anyone after the best parlay betting sites. You can also take advantage of numerous betting features like early cash-out, site credits rewards program, live betting, and a super handy withdrawal tracker.
Sports offers like bonus bets and other promotional products might vary depending on your location, but they should be available nonetheless. From our experience, Fanatics Sportsbook bonuses are generally accessible on a minimum deposit, usually $10. Claiming the offer is also super easy, just use the Fanatics Sportsbook promo code BTOOLS and you can get up to $1,000 in no sweat bets.
Fanatics Pros
- Fast responsive mobile app
- Competitive odds
- Fast withdrawal times
- Generous welcome bonus
Fanatics Cons
- No desktop version of site
#3. Caesars Sportsbook – $5 Minimum Deposit
Caesars Sportsbook has a low deposit limit of just $5, with various supported banking methods, including Discover Card, American Express, Apple Pay, PayPal, Visa, and MasterCard. The sportsbook covers over 17 sports categories and hundreds of betting markets for soccer, football, UFC/MMA, baseball, and more. The previous minimum deposit with Caesras was 10 bucks, but dropping it to $5 was a great choice to appeal to a wider market of low deposit players.
The minimum withdrawal is even lower than the Caesars minimum deposit, allowing you to withdraw as little as $1. Currently, you can claim a welcome sports bonus bet on a minimum deposit ($5) and a qualifying wager of just $1. The offer grants you ten 100% profit boosts that you can use to double up your next ten wagers.
Caesars Pros
Extensive sports market coverage
Generous bonuses and odds are offered throughout the year
Superior odds compared to rivals
Great early cash out feature
Caesars Cons
- Some key secondary markets, such as totals missing from some sports
- Can suffer from geolocation issues
#4. BetMGM – $10 Minimum Deposit
Even after years in the business, BetMGM still stands tall in the US online betting industry. One of the reasons is the site’s accessibility, allowing you to start with a $10 deposit and go on from there. The $10 minimum threshold is the industry average minimum deposit across US betting sites.
If you practice recreational betting, you can ration the $10 into small bets, and the lowest you can go is $0.50. The $10 minimum deposit makes you eligible for the welcome sports bonus, which awards up to $1,500 in bonus bets back if your first bet loses. Just use the new BetMGM promo code BTOOLS when you join to grab your welcome offer.
The minimum withdrawal is equal to the BetMGM minimum deposit ($10). Also, smaller withdrawals are quickly processed, while deposits usually take moments to approve, regardless of the size. BetMGM supports $10 (or higher) deposits via Apple Pay, Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, PayNearMe, Online Banking, and Bank Wire Transfer. BetMGM is also one of the few sportsbooks accepting Venmo. So if you are a Venmo user, you’re in luck at BetMGM. If you deposit via Bank Wire Transfer, note that the minimum is $1,000.
If you are looking to bet on the NFL, then you’re in luck with BetMGM. The sportsbook is one of the best for football fans. Offering up in-game wagering, fantastic odds, hundreds of betting markets, and a lot of football promos, even for the smaller bettor, BetMGM is a great choice.
BetMGM Pros
- Wide range of sports
- Excellent help centre
- Generous welcome packages
- 24/7 customer support
BetMGM Cons
- Limited payment options
#5. FanDuel Sportsbook – $10 Minimum Deposit
From a leading daily fantasy betting site to a top sportsbook, FanDuel Sportsbook welcomes players with all preferences. As a top minimum deposit betting destination, FanDuel accepts deposits of $10 and upward, while $1 is the base withdrawal.
You can fund your account or withdraw using Visa, MasterCard, Online Banking, PayNearMe, Play+ pre-paid cards, and Apple Pay, among other methods. However, some methods are restricted in certain states. For instance, PayPal and Venmo are restricted in Connecticut (Mohegan Reservation) and Tennessee.
The FanDuel Sportsbook is a diverse mixture of pre-game and live odds for NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and other top-tier US sports leagues. You can place a variety of bets, including singles, accumulators, prop bets, handicaps, and more, with the minimum wager set at a convenient low of $0.09. If you are new to betting online, the user-friendly design at FanDuel makes it a great betting site for beginners or those not familiar with betting online.
FanDuel Pros
- Massive brand with an excellent reputation
- Biggest choice of types of bets, including parlay variations
- Diverse markets
- Competitive odds
FanDuel Cons
- App speeds can lag depending on where you are located
Criteria for Ranking the Top US Minimum Deposit Sportsbooks
We rate the top low-deposit sportsbooks based on how well or poorly they perform in the following areas:
- Reputation – Every betting app we review is licensed and accredited, but its reputation among the online betting community may differ. We always consider operators who are well-known among the online betting community and licensed in all states where they operate in.
- Deposit limits – The deposit limits are a key factor in reviewing the best minimum deposit sportsbooks in the US. All operators accepting limits from $5 to $20 are considered low-deposit betting sites.
- Bonus terms – Sports promotions should have terms of use suitable for casual bettors. A $5 or $10 bet or deposit should be enough to activate any welcome bonus. The fact is, a generous bonus can really improve the reputation for a sportsbook, turning it from a good one into a great one. Ideally, you will find a nice no deposit bonus, which is a bonus that means you don’t need to commit any money before you start using it.
- Betting Features – Features and tools like tailored betting calculators or early cash-out, to name a couple, can support a recreational betting style and help you manage risk and make correct estimations.
- Support – Support via live chat, email, or a generic Help Center is necessary for a positive user experience. We also engage in direct contact with the support team to evaluate their competence.
- Banking – Banking must be a smooth, safe, and fee-free process conducted through trusted platforms like American Express, PayPal, and Apple Pay.
- Zero Fees – Another many lower deposit betting sites share is a no fee policy. This is great as it means you don’t need to worry about getting charged for deposits or withdrawals. You can also be safe in the knowledge that some of your transactions might be missing.
US Minimum Deposit Sportsbooks Compared
| Betting site | Minimum deposit | Sign Up Bonus | Deposit time | Payment methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | $5 | Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets | Instant | Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Apple Pay, PayPal, Venmo, VIP Preferred, Online Banking |
| Fanatics Sportsbook | $5 | Bet and get up to $1000 in Bonus Bets | Instant to up to 3-4 mins | Visa, MasterCard, VIP Preferred e-check, PayPal, PayNearMe, Skrill, Discover, Online Banking |
| Caesars | $5 | Ten 100% profit boosts | Instant | Visa, MasterCard, Discover card, Venmo, Apple Pay, Caesars Sportsbook Play+ Card, ACH e-check |
| BetMGM | $10 | Up to $1,500 back in bonus bets if first bet loses | Instant | Visa, MasterCard, PayPal, American Express, Apple Pay, Discover credit card, BetMGM Gift Card, etc. |
| FanDuel | $10 | Bet $5, get $300 worth of bonus bets | Instant to 2-3 mins | Visa, MasterCards, Play+ pre-paid cards, PayPal, PayNearMe, Online Banking methods |
| bet365 Sportsbook | $10 | Bet $5, Get $150 In Bonus Bets | Instant | Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Apple Pay, Trustly, Venmo, PayPal, PayNearMe, Skrill, paysafecard, Cash |
| ESPN BET | $10 | $1,000 First-Bet Reset | Instant | Debit Card, Credit Card, Online Banking, Trustly, Apple Pay, ACH/e-Check, VIP Preferred, PayPal, Skrill, Venmo, Cash at Casino, Wire Transfer |
| Hard Rock Bet | $10 | Up to $100 Back | Instant | Credit Cards, Debit Cards, PayPal, Venmo, Online Banking, Venmo, Cash App, PayNearMe, Skrill |
| Borgata Sportsbook | $10 | Bet $20 and Get $100 in Bonus Bets | Instant | VIP Preferred, Play+, Visa, PayPal, Wire transfer, PayNearMe, Cash at casino cage, Skrill, AMEX, Discover, Online Banking, Apple Pay |
Categories of Minimum Deposit Betting Sites in the US
You can pick your new betting platform based on its minimum deposit limit. Based on this parameter, there are several types of sportsbooks.
No Minimum
No minimum purchase sportsbooks include operators offering sign up bonus bets and social sweepstakes sportsbooks. Since no deposit bets aren’t a thing at US sportsbooks, the following are a couple of excellent free prediction sites you can play at for cash prizes:
- Fliff – Fliff is a social sportsbook, meaning no real cash is involved when betting. Instead, you can use free or purchased Fliff Coins and Fliff Cash, with which you can play games in Promotional mode and win cash prizes. Purchases start at $1, but you can also get free, no purchase coins.
- Thrillzz – Another free social sportsbook, Thrillzz has free iOS and Android apps. There is no desktop sportsbook. You can make sports predictions and earn loyalty benefits for your activity, whether by using free or purchased coins.
$5 Sportsbooks
Based on our research, there are a few minimum deposit US sportsbooks accepting $5 as the minimum deposit. DraftKings and Caesars are examples where you can become a full-fledged member with a $5 investment. Most notably about these sites, some of their sports promotions, usually the welcome bonus, can be claimed with a $5 minimum deposit.
$10 Sportsbooks
10 dollars is the industry average minimum deposit among US betting sites. Most supported banking methods have a $10 threshold, and you can become eligible for sports bonuses with a $10 deposit or by placing a $10 qualifying bet, depending on the site and bonus. Borgata Sportsbook and BetMGM are a few examples of $10 minimum deposit betting sites.
$20 Sportsbooks
A $20 minimum limit is, surprisingly, not that common among US minimum deposit sportsbooks. The average revolves around $5 or $10, which is also the minimum qualifying amount to claim a sports bonus. Some bonuses, however, may have a $20 minimum deposit or bet limit, even if the sportsbook’s base minimum deposit is lower. Borgata is such a sportsbook, awarding $100 if you bet at least $20.
Benefits of US Minimum Deposit Betting Sites
Practicing minimum deposit betting has its perks, but many of the advantages these low-deposit US sportsbooks bring are not directly related to the low transfer limits. In-house betting features unrelated to the small deposit can contribute to more vigilant betting. Here are 3 standout features:
- Low investment to start betting – The low deposit and the low betting limits make the leading US sportsbook accessible to anyone of legal age with some pocket cash and a mobile app. For $10, or even $5, you can reap the benefits of new bettors and be embraced as a full member with access to all perks the sportsbook offers, including minimum deposit bonuses.
- Suitable for novice bettors – Every beginner needs some time to adjust to things, and it’s always better to start small. You can start with a larger deposit, of course, but we suggest you always give the site a test trial with a low deposit before you commit long-term.
- Bonus eligibility – As we’ll see below, minimum deposit sportsbooks offer low-priced bonuses. From our tests, we noticed that if a sportsbook has a specific minimum deposit limit, there is also a bonus available for that amount. Good examples of this are DraftKings and FanDuel, where the minimum deposits are $5, which makes you eligible for the welcome bonus.
Bonuses Available on a Minimum Deposit
More than a few sports promotions are up for grabs at US low-deposit sportsbooks. Here are a few prevalent bonus categories.
Welcome sports bonuses
A welcome bonus is a generic category that can include matched deposit promotions, bonus bets, second-chance bets, first-bet bonuses, and more. The majority of sportsbooks we covered, except Borgata Sportsbook, offer promotional items carrying a $5-$10 price tag. The amount may apply either to depositing $5-$10, or placing that amount as a bet. Caesars has one of the most easily accessible offers for players on a budget. Just make a deposit of $5 and a qualifying bet of $1, and then you get ten 100% profit boosts.
Bet X Get Y in Bonus Bets
Sites like BetMGM, DraftKings, and pretty much every other sportsbook offer this type of bonus. You need to open and authenticate a new account, place a minimum deposit, then a qualifying bet, and the sportsbook awards your bonus, usually regardless of whether the bet wins or loses, but the terms can differ. As you can see from FanDuel’s promotion in the above image, awarding $150 in bonus bets if your bet wins.
Second Chance Bets
Second-chance bets are a popular sub-category of sports promotions, although the designation can differ. Regardless, a similar offer can be found at BetMGM, where you can deposit a minimum of $10, place a bet, and if it loses, you get your lost amount matched as bonus bets, basically giving you a second shot at winning.
Best Payment Options at Low Deposit Betting Sites
Each of our reviewed US minimum deposit betting sites has at least some, if not all, of the below-mentioned methods. BettingTools’ reviewers agreed that the following methods are among the best adjusted for minimum deposit bettors.
- Visa/MasterCard (debit) – Visa and MasterCard have many commonalities, including being suitable for minimum deposit sports betting. Deposits are usually $10 or $5, and you can also withdraw with each method. We recommend using Visa/MasterCard debit as credit cards may have restrictions on transfers for gambling-related purposes.
- Apple Pay – For iOS devices, there’s hardly a service more practical and secure for making monetary transfers. Apple is a digital money wallet intended for mobile users. It is compatible with a whole lineup of Apple products, including iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. You must make sure your device has the latest update to work properly, usually requiring iOS 16 or later versions.
- PayPal – PayPal is an online money wallet that is widely accessible at US minimum deposit betting sites. It is a method for transferring money to a betting account both ways: depositing and withdrawing. However, in order to be able to make a PayPal withdrawal, you may need to use PayPal to make a deposit.
- Play + Prepaid – Play+ Prepaid cards are supported by the majority of legal US sportsbooks. A two-way payment method, you can withdraw using a physical Play+ card at an ATM and make quick, fee-free deposits online. Creating a PlayPlus account is free, as is obtaining a card.
Of course, depositing money is only half of the equation at a sportsbook. You also want to be able to withdraw any winnings, and no doubt get the cash in your account quickly. Most of the sportsbooks offer very quick withdrawals, but if you are looking for the fastest payout sportsbook, that would be DraftKings who have a great range of fast withdrawal methods.
Making a Deposit at a Minimum Deposit US Sportsbook
The exact steps to depositing can differ, considering every sportsbook has a slightly different registration process. The process is usually as follows:
- Create an account on a desktop device or download the free app.
- Log in to your account and tap Deposit or access the cashier through your account.
- Select a payment method and input a deposit amount.
- Fill out the rest of the boxes with the required information and confirm the deposit.
- Claim a bonus (optional).
Mobile Betting: Top Minimum Deposit Betting Apps in the US
Given that a large portion of bettors uses mobile smartphones, online sportsbooks in the US often offer in-house apps. Here are the highest-rated minimum deposit betting apps in the US.
- BetMGM App – BetMGM offers a free sports betting app for iOS and Android systems. The app has well over 1 million downloads, indicating its popularity and, to an extent, its quality. Deposits start at $10, the same as on desktop. You need iOS 15 or greater to enjoy optimal functionality on your iPhone or iPad.
- DraftKings App – You can download the DraftKings sportsbook app from the Apple App Store or Google Play for free. With an average rating of 4.7/5, the apps offer a premium mobile betting experience for low-stakes players. The app includes all sports and features from its web sportsbook, alongside special events and promotions.
- FanDuel App – Alongside DraftKings is always FanDuel as a devoted competitor. Accepting minimum deposits via its premium-grade iOS and Android apps, alongside low-deposit bonuses, FanDuel excels in mobile sports betting. The app is free, and the iOS version boasts a 4.9/5 rating from over 1.5 reviews on the App Store, making it among the best-rated minimum deposit sports apps.
- Fanatics App – the new kid on the block – is a fully mobile-optimized sportsbook. The app is compatible with iOS (15.0 or later) and Android devices. It offers a range of features and promos, including site credits and a Withdrawal Tracker, alongside a minimum deposit of just $5.
Tips for Minimum Deposit Betting
At BettingTools, we believe there are certain cornerstones to minimum deposit betting, and the following tips should be your principal guiding points.
- Create a betting budget – Bet with funds strictly designated for betting purposes rather than using money earmarked for other expenditures.
- Place small bets – A deposit of $10-$20 can last you a while if you place small bets, which usually go as low as $0.10, or even lower.
- Set deposit/bet limits – See the responsible gaming section of your sportsbook and set limits on deposits, bets, or losses (if available) to stay in control.
- Bet with a strategy – Don’t bet on a hunch. Instead, develop a strategy (Matched betting, Dutching, level betting) to make smart bets and return a profit.
- Do your research – Online sports betting sites target sports fans, so we presume that you will already have a basic understanding of the most prominent sports, leagues, teams, and players. But even so, there is no harm in doing some extra research. Have a look at some facts and stats on your favorite sports. There are sites dedicated to player stats that can really help you make an informed decision. For example, if you are making a player prop bet on an NFL player, you can check out how many TDs they have, how many snaps they have played, their history against the all teams etc.
- Compare Sportsbooks – We have taken the time to review the best low deposit sportsbooks for your benefit. These sites are the best available options in your area, so have a look through each one and see which suits you best.
Smallest Bets You Can Place At Your Sportsbook
It may come as a shock, but most sportsbooks will allow you to place very small wagers. You must meet the deposit requirements but as long as you do, operators are happy for you to bet with really small amounts of money. I have come across sportsbooks that will accept bets with a stake of just $00.1, but most will have a starting point from between $0.50 and $2.00. There is no online sportsbook out there that will have a higher minimum bet requirement of $5.00. To be honest, anything above $2.00 is pushing it.
The minimum bet amount may vary, it is for a specific event, but it shouldn’t deviate apart from that.
FAQs
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What is the lowest amount I can deposit at US minimum deposit sportsbooks?The minimum deposit depends on the sportsbook. The average low deposit limit ranges between $5 and $10.
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Do US betting sites offer low-deposit bonuses?Most welcome and existing player sports bonuses have a $5 or $10 price tag, though some offers may require a $20 deposit, as is the case with Borgata Sportsbook.
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What is the legal age for online sports betting in the US?Most states where online betting is legal set the legal gambling age at 21. However, the legal age to play at social sportsbooks like Fliff or Thrillzz is usually 18.
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Which US sportsbook has the best minimum deposit welcome bonus?
Speaking for ourselves, FanDuel and DraftKings offer the most suitable welcome sports bonuses for low-stakes bettors.
