1. Choose a Sportsbook
The first step is to choose a legal sportsbook, and the only way to confirm that is to look for a valid gambling license. The top operators highlighted by our experts and included in the table below are licensed by official regulators [2] such as the NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement and the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
Online Sportsbook |
Sign Up Bonus |
Promo Code |
Highlights |
Rating |
Secure Link |
Eligible States |
Terms |
BetMGM SportsbookShow Details |
Up to $1500 Back In Bonus Bets |
Not Needed |
Great betting oddsTop mobile performanceFirst bet bonus |
5.00 ★ out of 5 |
Bet Here! |
CO,
IA,
IN,
MA,
MI,
NV,
OH,
VA,
WV,
NJ,
PA
|
Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply. |
Over the years of evaluating sports betting operators, our experts have created a rigorous rating process, including a comprehensive set of criteria. With players' safety being our top priority, we've ensured that all recommended online sportsbooks hold the necessary licenses, but that's not all.
2. Location Detection Software
Legal sportsbooks have the obligation to ensure that local laws are being respected. You must not attempt to register by pretending to be located in another state. You should agree that your location be traced for the sportsbook's software to properly discern whether you are allowed to register there or not.
Essentially, we are trying to say that you shouldn't use a VPN to disguise your location. The location-tracking software of legal sportsbooks is there to comply with state and federal law, and any attempt to circumvent it constitutes a violation of the law.
3. Click the "Sign Up" or "Register" Button
Once you've chosen a legal online sportsbook to create a new account with, you have to go to its landing page and select the state you are located in. Of course, now would be an excellent time to double-check the essential details we discussed – e.g., licensing, welcome bonus, and available payment methods.
Find the "Sign up" or "Register" button, which is typically located in the upper right corner of the page and click on it. This will activate the registration process, which includes setting up your login details, providing the required personal information, and ultimately selecting a payment method and making an initial deposit.
4. Set Up Your Login Details
Here, you should create a username and a password. In most cases, the username will be your email address, but sometimes, you might be required to come up with something specific. It's essential to provide a valid email address to which you have access, as you'll have to confirm your account.
When it comes to the password, you'll have to be careful to comply with the requirements set forth by the sportsbook you're signing up for. Make sure to select a strong password [3], including a combination of lower-case letters, upper-case letters, numbers, and special characters. We recommend that you don't include personal information and never reuse passwords.
5. Enter Your Personal Details
When you open a betting account, you will be required to fill in a registration form with personal details such as your full name, physical address, and date of birth. Depending on the operator, you may also be asked to provide the last 4 digits of your social security number (SSN) for verification.
You might also be required to provide a phone number to verify important account information. There are other options, such as passphrases and security questions and answers, and all of them offer an additional layer of safety for payers.
6. Enter Your Current Address
Next, you'll have to provide your full address, including the state and zip code. Remember that most online sportsbooks use automated systems to detect whether you are actually located in the specified state, and even the best VPN would not work. We advise against using any such software as you might end up blocked by the operator.
When you open a new betting account, you will have to be physically located in a state where online sportsbooks have been legalized, or otherwise, you won't be able to complete your account and proceed with real money bets. You'll be asked to provide a phone number and possibly enter a bonus code to claim a sportsbook promotions.
7. Agree to the Terms and Join
Finally, you will reach the step where you have to read the full terms and conditions of the operator and agree to them. We understand the sudden urge to skip the reading part and click the "Agree" button, but please don't do that. After all, you are about to deposit money with the sportsbook and provide sensitive information, so it's best to know what you're signing up for.
8. Your New Online Sports Betting Account is All Set Up
After you agree to the terms and conditions, your new online sports betting account is set up, but you won't be able to use it immediately. Every player will have to go through mandatory verification checks, which is entirely normal and expected.
Over the years, online sportsbooks in the US have adopted a range of safety and security standards and responsible gambling practices. For one, you must prove you are who you say you are and meet the legal age requirement, which is usually 21. We'll explain everything in more detail in the following sections of this article.