Best Football Betting Sites 2024

Blake Roberts By Blake Roberts Founder & Editor in Chief Updated: October 17, 2024
Blake Roberts Blake Roberts Founder & Editor in Chief at Betting.us

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.

The Best Online Football Betting Sites in the US for 2024

Each operator featured on this page has a license to operate in the states it accepts customers in. Once we verify the legality of a bookmaker, we move on to rating its overall football betting product. Here are the best football betting sites for 2024.

Show Details Up to $1500 Back In Bonus Bets Not Needed Best Football Betting Site 4.95 BET NOW! Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply.
Show Details Up to $1000 On First Deposit Not Needed Football Betting & DFS 4.9 BET NOW! Valid only for new VA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply.
Show Details Up to $500 Bonus Bet SPORTS Football Promo Codes 4.85 BET NOW! Valid only for new PA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply.
Show Details Up to $1000 First Bet on Caesars IGAMING1000 Great College Football Lines 4.8 BET NOW! Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply.
Show Details Bet $5 & Get $150 In Bonus Bets Not Needed High-Quality Live Streams 4.75 BET NOW! Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply.
Show Details Up to $100 In Bonus Bets Not Needed Retail and Online Football Betting 4.6 BET NOW! NJ Only. 21+. Full T&C's apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800 GAMBLER. Please gamble responsibly.
Show Details Up to $100 In Bonus Bets Not Needed Top Live Betting Site 4.55 BET NOW! Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply.

When you wager on football, you want to know you're dealing with a secure operator. The biggest online gambling companies in the country emphasize legality and security, and so do we. Each football sportsbook on this page holds a valid license in the states in which it operates.

To choose a high quality operator, there are a few things you should consider. The rest of this article explains our process for reviewing football betting sites, and how you can develop your own so you always have the best options for your gambling style at your disposal.

The Best Online Football Sportsbooks By Category

🥇 #1 Football Sportsbook US bet365
🎁 Top Football Betting Bonus DraftKings
🆕 New Football Sportsbook BetMGM
🔝 Most Bets on Football BetMGM
🎰 Gambling Site Caesars Sportsbook
🏅 Best Types of Football Bets BetMGM
📱 Best Football Sportsbook App BetRivers
💸 Best Venmo Football Sportsbook BetMGM

Football bettors have different preferences, so we break down the top-rated betting sites by category. Regardless of the leagues you prefer to bet on, each of these sports betting operators has something of interest for seasoned veterans and new gamblers alike.

We hand-pick the best online sportsbooks for football betting using criteria for judging the quality of football betting sites we developed throughout our years reviewing gambling operators. We walk you through our benchmarks so you always know what to look for.

With privacy being such a hot topic lately, it's no wonder that online sportsbooks use ultramodern security protocols to keep you safe. We cover these protections in-depth and show you how to verify security using your web browser.

Betting bonuses are extraordinarily popular come football season. The best football betting sites have bettor-friendly promotions attainable for bankrolls of all sizes. We list the top football betting bonuses in our dedicated section.

Live betting is one of the most popular ways to bet on both NCAA football and the NFL. We explain how you can make live bets, what you want to see from live betting platforms, and the most popular live betting lines for both college football betting and wagers on the NFL.

Proposition bets are another popular method of handicapping football games. Our football prop betting guide explains the differences between the different types of propositions and how they provide you with both serious and fun bets for football games.

If you intend to do your football sports betting on the run, there are several sportsbook apps to choose from. Betting sites develop many high-quality Android and iOS apps football and sports bettors can use inside states operators have licenses to offer markets in.

If you intend to bet on football using real money, you need a way to fund your online sports betting account. We break down the most commonly accepted payment methods at US sportsbooks so you can win real cash when your Super Bowl or College Football Playoff bets come in winners.

Using a betting product is easy, but staying safe should be your number one priority. That's why you should only use licensed US sports betting sites that follow local laws. You are important to us, so that's why we only mention sites we would use or have used ourselves.

Choosing the Best Football Betting Site for You

Before we pick the best football betting sites, we consider several factors. First and foremost is safety. Many states offer legal sports betting, but several black-market bookmakers still operate in the US. We vet and check all the operators on our site for the proper licensing before we review them.

Once we verify a site's licensing, we continue to the football-betting-specific aspects of our expert review process. This includes things like the quality of a site's live betting platform, how useful its app is, and how generous the terms and conditions are for the promos it offers.

While these factors provide a good basis to choose, some benchmarks might be less important to you than others. You should weigh up each of the criteria we cover according to what you find important for the best results.

That being said, most online sportsbooks offer a wide variety of perks for their customers. We pick the top football betting sites in the US according to a combination of all these aspects.

Security and Licensing

Playing with licensed operators is the only way to stay safe online. Depending on the state you're in, there are several different licensing authorities. You can visit their websites to learn more about them and their official responsibilities.

Most licensing bodies are responsible for regulating betting sites. Gambling regulators in a football betting context ensure sites pay out promptly, pay the correct taxes to the state, and carry out punishments for online sportsbooks that run afoul of the law.

Before we conduct any online betting reviews, including our coverage of specific sports such as basketball betting sites or baseball sportsbooks, we check that each operator holds the required licenses. Additionally, we view the web security certificates of each of the sports betting providers we mention here and verify it offers secure deposits and withdrawals.

You can conduct this check yourself by clicking on the padlock on the left-hand side of your browser's address bar and selecting the "View Certificates" option. Most online sports betting operators feature certificates from big-name cybersecurity companies like DigiCert, Amazon, or GoDaddy confirming their encryption levels.

Live Betting on Football

Live betting is one of the most popular ways to bet on football games. Most brands provide you with opportunities to place bets on games that are already in progress and the ability to wager on several markets that update throughout the game. Here are some examples of live betting markets:

Most Popular Types of Live Bets:
  • Money Line
  • Total Points
  • Points Spread
  • Half Time Moneyline
  • Half Time Points Spread
  • Quarter-Based Moneylines
  • Quarter-Based Point Spreads
  • Result of the Current Drive
  • Player to Score the Next Touchdown

Here is the most popular US sportsbook that offers live betting on football:

Bet $5 & Get $150 In Bonus Bets
$0.10 Not Needed CO NJ
Bet Now!Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply.

Live betting is immensely popular. It has several benefits for players, like live point spreads, derivative bets for halves and quarters, and prop betting on single drives. Due to the fluid movement of live betting lines, it's best left to experienced football gamblers.

Football Betting Props

Football propositions bets, or prop bets, are wagers on outcomes not directly related to the final score of a game. Examples of this would be how many touchdowns Patrick Mahomes passes for in a game, or how many rushing yards the Seattle Seahawks gain in the first half.

Prop bets are available at all football betting sites. Simply click on the game you want to bet on, then choose the type of prop bets you want to make. There are two types of football betting props; player props and team props. Here are some examples of skill-based player and team performance props:

Skill-Based Player Performance Props
  • Total receiving yards
  • First-half pass attempts
  • Total all-purpose yards
Skill-Based Team Performance Props
  • Total yards gained
  • First-half points
  • Result of the current drive

Skill-based props provide alternative betting options for team or player performances that players and organizations directly influence. They are suitable for sports bettors looking for additional markets who may not like the traditional moneyline or totals odds.

Another type of proposition bet is the luck-based prop. These are very common for big events. One of the most popular luck-based football prop bets is Super Bowl Gatorade color betting. It's luck-based because the teams and players do not directly influence the outcome with their performances.

Luck-Based Player Performance Props
  • Color of a Player's Shoes
  • Exact Number of Snaps Taken
  • Color of a Player's Gloves
Luck-Based Team Performance Props
  • Color of the Winning Team's Gatorade
  • Duration of the National Anthem
  • Gameday Attendance Figures

Luck-based football bets are suitable for people who just want to have some fun and not put a lot of effort into enjoying the game. They are not to be taken seriously and you should only place bets on them with money you feel comfortable losing.

The best prop betting sites for US-based football gamblers have hundreds of markets for each game during both the NFL and college football seasons. Here is our top-recommended football sportsbook that offers prop bets to US players:

Up to $1000 First Bet on Caesars
$0.10 IGAMING1000 CO IL +15
Bet Now!Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply.

Prop bets on football games provide a nice change of pace from standard moneyline, spreads, and totals markets. They are ideal for sports bettors who cannot find betting lines they are happy with for the games they want to wager on.

All football betting sites offer prop bets in one way or another. Some sportsbooks might even offer exclusive prop bets with enhanced odds and special one-time football promo codes. You can even find unique props on big football games like the College Football Playoffs and the Super Bowl.

Best Online Sportsbook Bonus Offers

Online football sportsbooks in the US offer bonuses to attract new sign-ups. To judge the fairness of an offer, see how many times you need to play through your winnings before you can turn your bonus funds into cash.

Beyond ensuring the online bonus is available in your state, there are several other aspects to consider before you claim a football betting promo. You need to know what the minimum deposit is, whether the bonus is a deposit match or first bet offer, and what the expiration date is. Here are the best online football betting bonus offers in the USA:

Up to $1500 Back In Bonus Bets Not Needed $10 Claim Your Bonus! Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply.
Up to $1000 On First Deposit Not Needed $5 Claim Your Bonus! Valid only for new VA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply.
Bet $5 & Get $150 In Bonus Bets Not Needed $10 Claim Your Bonus! Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply.

The top bonus offers we list here are among the best in the country for football handicappers. They stand out with the fairest terms and conditions for bankrolls of all sizes. Plus, they feature loads of ongoing promotions for existing members.

Just remember, football betting bonus offers are only available upon your first deposit. Once you cash it in you won't be able to choose a bonus from another product an operator offers.

Top Football Betting Apps for US Players

The top apps have a lot to offer those wanting to make safe football bets. If you need to place your bets on the go, you can do so from anywhere in any state in which sports betting is legal.

We consider several factors for ranking the best football gambling apps. We want to see fast loading times, secure connections, and reliable service. You can find the best football betting apps for smartphone and tablet users in the table below:

Football Betting Apps Football Betting Bonus Compatibility Eligible States Secure Link
BetRivers - 4.7/5.0 Up to $500 Bonus Bet Android and iOS START BETTING! Valid only for new PA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply.

The mobile apps have easy-to-use designs and use state-of-the-art technology to give you the best betting experience possible when you're away from home. You can find them for both Android and iOS devices, but you might not be able to find them in the Google Play or Apple App Stores.

That's why we provided secure download links, which take you directly to each operator's page where you can download their apps directly. Or, you can simply use their mobile-optimized website and make your bets that way.

Available Payment Methods – Deposits and Withdrawals

Payment methods play an important part in the sports betting process, as you need a way to fund your online sportsbook account to bet with real money. Luckily, you can use debit cards, credit cards, eWallets, and point-of-sale cash deposit methods. Here are the top-recommended methods for sports betting deposits at US online sportsbooks:

Notably, sportsbooks usually only accept credit cards for deposits, so you need to choose an alternative payment method for withdrawals. Otherwise, many football betting sites ask you to withdraw your initial deposit amount using the method you used to fund your account. If you get lucky and need to withdraw more, you can typically choose any of the available withdrawal options.

Top Gambling Sites with Fast Payouts

Legal football sportsbooks usually offer relatively quick and seamless payouts. However, some operators excel in this area when compared to others. But, depending on the payment method you choose, your payout times may vary. Here are the top football gambling sites in the US with the fastest payout times:

Football Gambling Site Min. Deposit Payout Times Recommended Payment Method All Deposit Options Secure Link
bet365 $10 1-5 Days 10 BET NOW! Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply.
Caesars $20 1-5 Days
11 BET NOW! Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply.

Bonus offers can also affect payout times dramatically. If you have a pending claim to a promotional deal, you likely need to play it through first before you can withdraw. Otherwise, debit options like Visa and Mastercard bank cards and eWallets like Skrill and PayPal offer the fastest online payouts.

If you want to avoid wagering requirements, read this article on BetRivers NY sportsbook, which famously has a 1x playthrough requirement for its welcome bonus.

Online Betting in the US — The Legal Aspect

Online football betting is legal in the US since the Supreme Court repealed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018. PASPA prevented any sports gambling outside of Las Vegas.

After years of lobbying against the legalization of sports betting in the United States, the major sports leagues of the MLB, NBA, NFL, and NHL finally got on board when they realized how much revenue it could generate.

Now, states are free to legalize and regulate sports betting as they see fit, with over 30 states and Washington, D.C. offering legal sports betting either at retail shops or online.

Football Player and a Gavel on a Computer

Part of the reason for the sudden change of heart was the rapid growth and booming success of daily fantasy sites in the US. FanDuel pioneered the industry in 2009, while its main competitor DraftKings entered the fray in 2012. Both companies now have online casino and sportsbook properties throughout the USA.

The reason fantasy sports did not fall under PASPA prohibition is that DFS is primarily a game of skill. However, the immense amount of revenue it generated in the 41 states where it's legal convinced both leagues and states of the potential revenue legal sports betting could generate.

In the years to come, the best legal football sportsbooks in the US will continue to try to gain footholds in new markets as states legalize football betting by offering huge welcome bonuses and generous perks for sports bettors.

Online US football betting guide.

Online Football Betting Guide for US Players

Before you start wagering, it's important to develop a football betting strategy and learn about the relevant terminologies. Now this strategy doesn't need to be anything overly complex, though it is important to at least cover the basics to ensure your wagering has the chance to be successful.

We've done part of the heavy lifting by curating a football betting strategy guide for your reading pleasure. Included in this guide is an explanation of bet types, a rundown of football odds, and we cover the popular football leagues which allow online football betting.

Before you bet on football games with any of your hard-earned money, it's worth taking a few moments to learn common terms and house rules and what they mean. Plus, it helps you understand how sportsbooks set their lines and what to watch out for before you place a wager on football games.

How to Bet on Football for Real Money Online in the United States

  1. Choose a Football Betting Site Pick some football sportsbooks using links on our list.
  2. Open an account Create your online betting accounts.
  3. Make a deposit Choose a payment method and deposit your funds.
  4. Consider the Bonus Offer Decide which football betting bonuses are worth claiming.
  5. Decide Which Games to Bet On Pick a game from leagues you want to wager on.
  6. Choose the type of bet Consider the types of bets available for each matchup.
  7. Place Your Bets Decide how much to stake and make your bet.
  8. Wait for the Results Watch the game or follow live stats updates.
  9. Collect Your Winnings Consider whether to cash out early or let it ride. 

The Most Popular Football Bets

There are several types of bets that online football sportsbooks in the US accept. While these markets and bet types are available for most sports, football betting uses some more commonly than others.

Deciding the right bet to make requires some research, critical thought, and an eye for value. You should look for football betting lines and odds that provide a sizeable risk vs. reward ratio compared with your assessment of the true probability of an outcome. We list the most common football bets here:

  • Moneyline

    The Moneyline is the most straightforward bet type. Simply choose which team you think wins straight up.

  • Points Spread

    Points spread betting is the most common way to bet on football. It's a bet on the margin of victory, and whether a team will cover that margin.

  • Points Totals

    Points totals are another simple wager to make. It's a bet on the combined score from both teams in a quarter, half, or game.

  • Props

    Props are similar to points totals but based on player statistics. Examples include total pass attempts or the total yards a team acquires.

  • Live Betting

    Live betting is more of a gambling style than a bet type. Operators update markets while games are in play, letting you get bets down throughout a game.

  • Parlays

    Parlays are mutli-leg bets. It contains to or more selections that must both win for a payout. Parlays are a favorite among football fans due to their exciting opportunities.

  • Futures

    Futures bets are wagers on results throughout a season or in the long-term future. Examples include the bets on the Super Bowl winner before the season starts.

These football betting markets and types are available at most brands. While anyone can gamble on any market, some are more suitable for experienced sports bettors. Live betting and football parlay betting sites are best left to advanced gamblers who understand how they work.

To find markets other than moneylines, point spreads, or totals, you need to drill down into each matchup before you can see your options. Futures bets and same-game parlays typically have their own areas in betting platforms but are usually easy to find.

Popular Football Leagues and Teams to Bet on

There are several immensely popular football leagues to bet on. The National Football League (NFL) is by far the most-watched football league in the world, followed by NCAA college football in the US, and the Canadian Football League for America's neighbors to the north.

You can find football betting odds and lines for all these leagues at most football sportsbooks in the country. There are betting sites with college football, though these often have limited markets compared to most football leagues. Here are the most popular leagues to gamble on:

  • National Football League (NFL)
  • College Football (NCAAF)
  • Canadian Football League (CFL)
  • United States Football League (USFL)

While you can only bet on games in states where sports betting is legal, it's not uncommon for fans to travel long distances to do so.

Each of these organizations features an end-of-season event that decides the champion. In terms of betting on the NFL, the Super Bowl is by far the biggest event for football betting in the world, with gamblers wagering billions of dollars each year. Here are some fan-favorite football betting events:

  • Super Bowl (NFL)
  • College Football National Championship (NCAAF)
  • Grey Cup (CFL)
  • USFL Championship (USFL)

The NFL and NCAA have the most popular for teams for betting, and it's not even close. The season-ending Super Bowl and College Football National Championship are the most-watched sporting events in the US by total viewership.

You can still bet on almost every game during the NFL and NCAAF seasons. The NFL Playoffs and College Football Playoffs are single-elimination tournaments, the victors of which are crowned National Champions. Here are the most popular teams to bet on. The good news is that most sportsbooks with Super Bowl betting also would offer options for wagering on the NCAAF as standard.

  • New England Patriots (NFL)
  • Dallas Cowboys (NFL)
  • Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL)
  • Green Bay Packers (NFL)
  • New York Giants (NFL)
  • Alabama Crimson Tide (NCAAF)
  • Ohio State Buckeyes (NCAAF)
  • Oklahoma Sooners (NCAAF)
  • Texas Longhorns (NCAAF)
  • Georgia Bulldogs (NCAAF)

Online vs. Land-Based Football Sportsbooks in the US

Betting on football online compared to using land-based sportsbooks can differ significantly. We prefer to use betting platforms with football markets because it's easy to do from anywhere in a state with legal online betting.

However, there are some benefits to using land-based sportsbooks. All winning bet slips get paid out in cash, and most retail bookmakers have full-service cashiers and waiters and waitresses to bring you food and drinks. Plus, you can ask to watch specific games on the big-screen TVs found at most locations.

We list the main pros and cons for both online and land-based sportsbooks in the table below:

Online Football Betting
  • Gamble from anywhere in a legal state
  • More generous bonuses
  • Ability to line shop
  • Available 24/7
  • Must use a payment method
  • Lack of a social atmosphere
  • More limited deposits and withdrawals
Land-Based Baseball Betting
  • Ability to watch games on location
  • Full food and drink service
  • In-person betting agents
  • Ability to socialize
  • Hours may be limited
  • Harder to get first bet offers
  • Cannot shop for odds

Problem Gambling Help

Compulsive gambling is a serious issue. It can affect anyone at any time. If you find yourself lying about how much or how often you place real-money wagers, chasing losses, you should reach out for some help. The only way betting isn't going to impact your job, or personal life is if you incorporate the well-known safe gambling principles.

Luckily, states with legal football online betting make several resources available for people with gambling addictions. You can also visit the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) website for a list of people and organizations willing to lend a helping hand.

The legal gambling age in most areas is 21. If you recognize the warning signs of someone gambling underage, visit the NCPG website or call your local problem gambling hotline for advice on next steps.

There is no shame in admitting you have a problem, but there are steps you can take to prevent a gambling problem before it starts. You can make use of adjustable deposit limits, put yourself on a self-exclusion list, and set aside an amount you're willing to lose to avoid a problem. In other words, gamble responsibly, and bet with your head, not over it.

FAQ

We tried to make this guide to the best football betting sites as comprehensive as possible. Should you have more specific questions, we encourage you to visit our FAQ below. You may also reach out to us directly at info@betting.us with additional comments or concerns.

Is online football betting legal in the US?

Yes, online football betting is legal at the federal level in the US since the Supreme Court repealed PASPA in 2018. You can see a full map of states with legal sports betting to see what the status is in your location.

What are the best online sportsbooks for betting on football?

The best online football sportsbook is an operator with a license to offer sports betting in your state. You can find a full list of the best football betting sites for a full overview of online betting providers in each state.

How does football betting work?

With so many different sportsbooks available, there are several ways to bet on football. Traditional football betting is the act of placing a real money wager on the outcome of a game. See our how-to guide for a full overview of popular betting types, terminology, markets, and more.

What is the minimum age to bet on football online in the US?

21 is the minimum age for betting on football in the US. See our write-up on responsible gaming for helpful resources and warning signs to watch out for.

What is the moneyline in football?

The moneyline in football betting is the expression of odds for a team to win a game. Also referred to as a market, there are several other ways to bet on football, including points spreads, point totals, and parlays.

What are the best football betting apps?

The choice of apps is between a handful of providers. For an app that offers competitive odds, generous bonuses, and live betting options, see our list of the top football betting apps .

Do all online football sportsbooks in the US offer live betting?

The minimum age at which one could be betting on football or be involved in any other gambling activities in most jurisdictions across the US is 21. Most gambling facilities sell alcoholic beverages, another reason for the specific age restriction. See our write-up on responsible gaming for helpful resources and warning signs to watch out for.

How can I increase my chances of winning?

Making money betting on football is never a guarantee. However, the best football betting sites offer fair lines, odds, and bonuses for football betting that can help put you in a position to maximize your potential earnings.

Are there any lucrative bonuses I can claim?

The best football betting bonuses are promotional deals with fair terms and conditions. You want to see low playthrough and minimum odds requirements, long validity periods, and sizeable deposit matches. Check out the best football betting bonus offers for the top deals in the country.

What payment and withdrawal options can I use?

Football gambling sites offer a variety of payment methods and withdrawal options to their clients. For a comprehensive guide detailing the options available at our recommended sportsbooks, check out this list.

Conclusion – Play at the Best Football Gambling Sites in the US

All brands we cover on this page are operated by licensed, legal, and legitimate companies. Many of the top-quality betting providers on the lists you see publicly trade on Wall Street and are fully transparent via the SEC and their IRS filings. Placing bets on football games online has never been safer or easier.

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.

Blake Roberts Founder & Editor in Chief at Betting.us More about Blake

We vet and check all the operators we list for licensure in the states in which they operate. This means you can be 100% sure that every sportsbook and betting site you see is fully trustworthy and secure. So, why wait? The best sportsbooks for betting on football are just a click away.