Betting.us Editor-in-Chief Blake Roberts skillfully uses his background in statistics and sports knowledge base to create insightful betting guides. Blake was born in Morgantown, WV, and he has a community college degree in Statistics. His stamping grounds are the live betting platforms of West Virginia.
Chess Betting Sites 2024
By Blake Roberts
Founder & Editor in Chief
Updated: November 18, 2024
The Best Online Chess Betting Sites in the USA for 2024
In this guide we have identified operators which allow players to partake in online chess betting. While compiling our list of the top destinations for online chess gambling, we focused first on legality. As such, you will only find legit sportsbooks. We have also included the various states in which players can find these operators. Discover the best chess betting sites for 2024 below.
| Chess Sportsbook | Welcome Bonus | Bonus Code | Best Features | Site Rating | Secure Link | Legal In | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM | Up to $1500 Back In Bonus Bets | Not Needed | Best for Chess Betting | ★ out of 5 | BET NOW! | AZ, CO, FL, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MD, MA, MI, MS, NV, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WA, WV, WY | Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply. |
| DraftKings | Up to $1000 On First Deposit | Not Needed | Wide Range of Chess Bet Types | ★ out of 5 | BET NOW! | AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MD, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OR, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY | Valid only for new VA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
| BetRivers | Up to $500 Bonus Bet | SPORTS | Excellent Customer Service | ★ out of 5 | BET NOW! | AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, WV | Valid only for new PA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Up to $1000 First Bet on Caesars | IGAMING1000 | Top Chess Welcome Bonus | ★ out of 5 | BET NOW! | AZ, CO, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, NV, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY | Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply. |
| bet365 | Bet $5 & Get $150 In Bonus Bets | Not Needed | Best for Live Streams | ★ out of 5 | BET NOW! | CO, NJ, OH, VA | Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply. |
When it comes to chess betting, you can have complete peace of mind at the operators featured in the tables above. Each brand is licensed and authorized to offer gambling services. As online chess betting markets are not available all year round, you may find other sports of interest while waiting for the next big Magnus Carlsen contest.
Chess Sportsbooks by Category
| 🥇 #1 Chess Sportsbook US | Caesars |
| 🎁 Top Chess Betting Bonus | DraftKings |
| 🆕 New Chess Sportsbook | Bet365 |
| 🔝 Most Bets on Chess | Caesars |
| 🎰 Top Chess Gambling Site | BetMGM |
| 🏅 Best Types of Chess Bets | BetMGM |
| 📱 Best Chess Sportsbook App | Caesars |
| 💸 Best PayPal Chess Sportsbook | BetRivers |
You may find as you browse online sportsbooks that it is not immediately clear whether or not you can partake in chess betting. If this is the case, then you need only get in touch with a customer care representative to enquire about the availability of upcoming markets for future matches.
To do this, you will generally be required to sign up at the operator in order to access customer service. The good news is this is usually free of charge. Once you are in the door, simply have at hand the details of the match you desire to bet on and shoot your shot – most sportsbooks will be happy to provide online chess betting odds for you.
We must stress here that chess online betting providers can only be trusted if they are provably licensed and authorized to operate in the state in which you reside. All of the featured sites in this guide carry a license. If you decide to venture away from our recommendations, make sure to conduct your own vetting process – starting with licensing credentials.
Our Rating Criteria
Once we found eligible chess betting sites, we set about ranking them according to strict criteria that we know make for attractive operators where players should feel secure sharing their data and money. Everything begins with licensing – the most important factor of them all – and then continues with the extras available to players.
Security & Licensing
Live Chess Betting
Chess Betting Bonuses
Chess Betting Apps
Payments and Payout Times
In addition to state authorization and security measures, players may find different factors to be of varying levels of importance. These include the live betting options, the appeal of the new player bonus, banking times and partners, and the quality of a potential chess betting app. Our top chess betting sites in the USA meet these criteria well.
Security & Licensing
A legit operator offering chess betting to US residents is never shy about its credentials. This means you can quickly find proof of licensing – if you know where to look. As a general rule, this information is located at the footer of the site homepage. Simply scroll down to the bottom and look for the logo of one of the following state authorities.
American Gaming Association
Colorado Department of Revenue - Division of Gaming
Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection – Gaming Division
Illinois Gaming Board
Indiana Gaming Commission
Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission
Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission
Louisiana Gaming Control Board
Maryland State Lottery & Gaming Control Agency
Michigan Gaming Control Board
Nevada Gaming Control Board
New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement
New York Gaming Commission
Ohio Casino Control Commission
Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
Tennessee Sports Wagering Advisory Council
Virginia Lottery
West Virginia Lottery Commission
Usually, the logo for your state’s governing body will be hyperlinked. As such, you can simply click through to see more information about your respective gambling regulator. Another sign of safe chess betting sites is the payment partners on offer: legit banking providers only work with trusted operators in the US.
Live Betting on Chess
Chess live betting is a popular form of gambling in the US. It allows bettors to react to events as they unfold – and to place a new bet accordingly. Here is the most popular US sportsbook that offers live betting on chess:
DraftKings
Up to $1000 On First Deposit
$0.10
Not Needed
AZ,
CO,
+17
Bet Now!Valid only for new VA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply.
You should check in with customer service at your preferred operator to learn if you can bet on chess games in real time. This form of gambling may appeal to you if you are not sure of your initial bet and would prefer to see how the game starts first before you pick a winner. Though please note the odds are likely to draw in should you opt for the in-play favorite.
Chess Betting Props
Props bets refer to stakes placed on events in a match that may not directly affect the final result. For example, you can place a props bet on chess online where you guess who will have the first move or whether the game will end in checkmate.
Props are a popular way of making unique bets and may be of special interest to bettors who have a deep knowledge of the sport. If you conduct thorough research into previous events and form, you may well find props to be a lucrative pursuit.
Skill-Based Player Performance Props
- Player to Win a Rapid Game
- Player to Win by Checkmate
- Best Finishing Position
Skill-Based Team Performance Props
- Correct Tournament Score
- Team to Win by Checkmate
- Best Finishing Position
You will perhaps notice that the majority of prop bets are based on skill and the abilities of the player. However, you can also bet on a range of luck-based props – these are random in nature and do not require a special knowledge of the game in general.
Luck-Based Player Performance Props
- Player to Have First Move
- Player to Play White/Black
- Armageddon to Be Played
Luck-Based Team Performance Props
- Will Blitz Chess Be Played
- Will Rapid 4 Games Be Played
- Armageddon to Be Played
Placing a props chess bet online is entirely dependent on the sportsbook provider – as we have stated in this guide, you will more than likely need to inquire with a customer service representative as to whether or not this kind of bet is possible. Our top recommended chess sportsbook that offers prop bets for US players is:
BetMGM
Up to $1500 Back In Bonus Bets
$0.10
Not Needed
AZ,
CO,
+20
Bet Now!Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply.
Best Online Chess Sportsbook Bonus Offers
It’s time to discuss the best chess betting site bonus offers. Bettors signing up for the first time to a legal operator can enjoy generous rewards in the form of first bet offers and deposit matches. These offers can boost your bankroll, but before you opt in, make sure to read the terms and conditions carefully and check whether you can fulfil the bonus requirements.
| Caesars Sportsbook | Up to $1000 First Bet on Caesars | IGAMING1000 | $20 | AZ, CO, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, NV, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY | Claim Bonus! | Valid only for new VA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
| DraftKings | Up to $1000 On First Deposit | Not Needed | $5 | AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MD, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OR, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY | Claim Bonus! | Valid only for new VA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
| BetMGM | Up to $1500 Back In Bonus Bets | Not Needed | $10 | AZ, CO, FL, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, MS, NV, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY | Claim Bonus! | Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply. |
Chess betting fans can enjoy generous and fair betting bonuses by clicking on any of the promotions listed in the table above. It’s worth noting some offers require you to enter promo codes – if that is the case, then we have provided the necessary information for you alongside its offer.
Top Chess Betting Apps for US Players
Nothing beats the convenience of being able to join the fun of a top matchup wherever you are with the help of a mobile-friendly chess betting provider. According to our team of experts, a top mobile service offers speed and a user-friendly interface which includes all of the bets and features found on the desktop version.
In some cases, a dedicated app is not required, as the provider allows bettors to access the sportsbook simply using the internet browser on a mobile or tablet device. Our recommended mobile sportsbook is available on iOS and Android devices – find the best mobile chess betting apps in the USA in the table below:
| Chess Betting Apps | Chess Betting Bonus | Compatibility | Eligible States | Secure Link | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings - | Up to $1000 On First Deposit | AndroidiOS | AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MD, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OR, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY | START BETTING! | Valid only for new VA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
| Caesars Sportsbook - | Up to $1000 First Bet on Caesars | Android iOS | AZ, CO, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, NV, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY | START BETTING! | Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply. |
| BetRivers - | Up to $250 2nd Chance Bet | AndroidiOS | AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, WV | START BETTING! | Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply. |
When you use an online chess betting app, such as those featured in the table above, make sure to check in with customer service in order to found out what bets you can place and what odds are available to you. Bonuses may also be available to you via the app versions, however, make sure to read the terms and conditions before you trigger any promotion.
Available Payment Methods – Deposits and Withdrawals
You can make transactions at our recommended chess betting sites via a multitude of recognizable and trustworthy payment providers. These range from famous eWallets to prepaid cards, and everything in between – check out our up-to-date list of the available and recommended payment methods below:
- Visa
- Mastercard
- Maestro
- American Express
- Discover
- PayPal
- PayNearMe
- Vanilla
- Bank Transfer
- eChecks
- Skrill
- paysafecard
- Cash
- Play+
- Apple Pay
- GAMEON
Players should keep in mind that not all payment methods work for both deposits and withdrawals – for example, prepaid cards are not viable for payouts. If you are in doubt, simply check in with a customer care rep or visit the provider’s FAQ section about banking.
Top Chess Gambling Sites with Fast Payout Times
Online chess game betting can take a long time to reach its conclusion, but that doesn’t mean payout times are equally as long. The recommended sportsbooks in this guide have payout times that are in line with industry standards – if you’re looking for the quickest out there, here are the top chess gambling sites in the US with the fastest payout times:
Legality of Betting on Chess Online
PASPA (the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act) was a law that had been in place since 1992 effectively prohibiting sports betting bar in a select few states. After a judicial challenge in 2018 it was ruled unconstitutional, thus paving the way for legal online sportsbooks, including chess betting.
The repeal of PAPSA means that individual states now have the power to determine the legality of online sports betting. Our team of industry experts have researched the states for you that allow online chess game betting – you can find them listed throughout this guide.
Now, in addition to the best legal chess sportsbooks in the US, bettors stateside can enjoy a comprehensive offering of legal sports betting online – from household favorites like NFL football and basketball, to more niche pursuits like lacrosse and esports.
All US States with Legal Online Chess Gambling Sites
Online Chess Betting Guide for US Players
No matter your experience with gambling, online betting on chess game outcomes is relatively simple. Nonetheless, it’s always worth covering the essentials parts of the process, particularly if you’re new to the game. Check out our mini-guide to chess betting below.
How to Bet on Chess for Real Money Online in the United States?
- Choose a chess betting site Select a legal sportsbook from our featured providers
- Open an account Register a player account and verify it accordingly
- Make a deposit Top up your betting account with a cash deposit
- Consider the bonus offer Check whether the bonus terms appeal to you
- Decide what game you want to bet on search for chess games to bet on
- Choose the type of bet Pick the kind of bet you want to make
- Place your bet Confirm the bet with you desired stake
- Wait for the results Sit back until the outcome is final
- Collect your winnings Visit the cashier to cashout
The Most Popular Chess Bets for US Players
There are many types of chess betting markets to get involved in. The right one for you depends on a few factors – how much you are willing to stake, your knowledge of the sport, if you are just looking for a fun bet to place... the list goes on. We have compiled the most popular chess bets for you below:
-
Tournament Winner
Bet on the outright champion at the conclusion of a tournament event.
-
Top 3 Tournament Finish
If you think your player has a good chance of reaching the final stages of a tournament but may not be able to win outright, bet on a top 3 finish.
-
Props
Time for something different: Pick one of the many unique chess props bets – either luck- or skill-based – to add some variety to proceedings.
-
Live Betting
Notice something about how the game is progressing? You can bet in real-time with live betting options.
-
Futures
One for the long term: betting on a future refers to the outcome of an event that will conclude in the future.
As with all betting options in the USA, you may not see the markets available to you listed with the sportsbook. The solution is to always check in with customer service to see what bets can be offered to you.
Online vs. Land-Based Chess Sportsbooks in the US
Wherever chess betting is legal, you’ll find that there are two ways to place your bets: either via an authorized online sportsbook and its dedicated betting app, or at a land-based bookmaker – the old school method, in other words. The online or in-person forms differ in several ways.
Chess betting sites offer a vast range of markets, are available 24/7, and generally reward bettors with bonuses. Online sportsbooks, however, do not provide the social aspect of a brick-and-mortar locale, where gamblers are also able to deposit and withdraw cash instantly.
Online Chess Betting
- Accessible from anywhere, anytime
- Bonuses and ongoing promotions
- Diverse betting markets
- More choice of sportsbooks
- Withdrawals can be slow
- Registration is necessary
- No social aspect
Land-Based Chess Betting
- Social
- Screens displaying live events
- Fast cashouts
- No registration process
- Requires traveling
- No bonuses
- Limited opening times
Problem Gambling Help
Your safety and wellbeing remain the number one priority at all times. It is essential that you always remain aware of your gambling habits and are able to recognize the signs of problem gambling – luckily, there are many resources there to assist you.
In the US, the National Gambling Helpline is reachable on 1-800-522-4700. In addition, you can find more information and speak with gambling support specialists at Gamblers Anonymous and Gam-Anon regardless of the state in which you reside.
FAQ
We’re almost at the end of our guide to online chess betting in the USA. We have covered several themes and shared plenty of information – if you would like a recap of the most important points, simply scroll down to the FAQ section below.
Which is the best Chess sportsbook?
Our ranking of the best chess online sportsbooks will help you find a suitable betting site in no time. We have only featured legal and authorized operators along with their respective bonus offers. You can even search through the list according to the states in which the brand operates.
Is online chess betting legal in the US?
Yes, online chess chess betting is legal in the US – though do note that not all states have legalized online gambling. Use our guide to betting on chess online to find legal sportsbooks in your state – and find out more about the legal situation in our section dedicated to federal law.
How does chess betting work?
Fortunately, chess betting is a straightforward process, as long as you reside in a state where online gambling is legal. You can find authorized online sportsbooks in our guide as well as handy the chess betting tips in the sections above.
What are the best chess betting apps?
It’s worth taking the time to find a good app, and the search must start with whether or not online gambling is legal in your state. Then you’re free to find all the bells and whistles you desire. Discover whether our recommended to chess betting apps are available in your state today.
What are the best chess betting cash bonuses for US players?
The best chess betting cash bonuses for US players are generous and – in particular – fair when it comes to the terms and conditions. While curating our guide, our research team found plenty of attractive special offers among the US’s best online chess sportsbooks.
Conclusion – Play at the Best Chess Betting Sites in the USA for 2024
If you’re looking to play at the best chess betting sites in the USA, then good news: the market is packed full of attractive options. You’ll never feel backed into a checkmate situation – as long as you only sign up to a state-authorized sportsbook such as the ones featured in this guide.
Blake Roberts, a Morgantown native with a background in statistics, takes the position of Editor in Chief at Betting.us. He combines his love for sports and his knowledge of statistics to produce high-quality sports betting reviews. Blake enjoys evaluating online betting sites and believes that keeping a professional mindset in gambling is of utmost importance.
In addition to a host of chess betting markets, you can find a whole raft of other sports to enjoy, and some operators even offer online casinos. And to sweeten the deal, there are generous bonuses for new players at our recommended sportsbooks – now it’s your move!