Hailing from New Orleans, Lisa Spencer brings together math expertise and gambling know-how as Betting.us' editor. With a Master's degree in Applied Mathematics, she excels in game theory. Using statistical models and game theory, she develops and publishes betting strategies for Betting.us. Outside work, Lisa surfs the web for betting insights and does sports.
Best MMA Betting Sites 2024
By Lisa Spencer
Senior Editor
Updated: October 22, 2024
Best Online MMA Betting Sites & Apps for 2024
Our experts did the heavy lifting of testing dozens of MMA sportsbooks to determine the best on the market. To help you narrow down your options, here’s our rankings as personally tested and graded by our experts.
| MMA 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 MMA Betting Site | ★ out of 5 | BET NOW! | AZ, CO, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MI, MS, NV, NJ, NY, OH, OR, 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 | Daily Fantasy Sports | ★ out of 5 | BET NOW! | AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, 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 | Great Promo Codes | ★ out of 5 | BET NOW! | AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, LA, 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 | Fantastic Mobile App | ★ out of 5 | BET NOW! | AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, LA, MI, NV, NJ, NY, PA, RI, 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 | Top Quality Livestream | ★ out of 5 | BET NOW! | CO, NJ, OH | Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply. |
Safety and security are some of the top concerns for any sports bettor. At Betting.us, we focus on providing the best, most up-to-date information on legal sports betting in the USA. Every operator that listed on betting.us is fully licensed for every state they operate in.
In addition, every operator offers a unique mix of bonuses and features that will appeal to the player based on their individual preferences. In this next section we're going to outline how we review the best online MMA sports betting sites and give you some pointers on how to pick the best option for you.
The Best MMA Sportsbooks by Category
| 🥇 #1 MMA Sportsbook US | BetMGM |
| 🎁 Top MMA Betting Bonus | Caesars Sportsbook |
| 🆕 New MMA Sportsbook | BetMGM |
| 🔝 Most Bets on MMA | DraftKings |
| 🎰 Top MMA Gambling Site | BetMGM |
| 💸 Best PayPal MMA Sportsbook | BetRivers |
| 🚫 No Deposit MMA Sportsbook | DraftKings |
Sports bettors all have individual needs and preferences, so we've gone ahead and broken down our top-rated betting sites by category. No matter what promotion you end up betting on, each of these operators has something to offer gamblers.
Welcome bonuses and promotions are a huge draw for anybody choosing a sportsbook to bet with. We've gone ahead and listed the latest bonus offerings for you in our dedicated bonus section.
Live betting is common practice for online sports gambling and allow you to update your betting as the night develops. We'll show how you can make live bets and what you can expect from live betting platforms.
Likewise, prop betting is massively popular for players looking to spice up their MMA betting action. We have dedicated a section to prop betting, explaining the different types of propositions and how to maximize your fun.
There are also some basic practical considerations for you to consider. Do you like playing on the go? We look at which operators offer the best mobile experience. Want the quickest access to your funds? We've given an overview below of all available ways of managing your cash.
Our Rating Criteria
When it comes to choosing a betting platform, it all boils down to certain crucial factors. All legal operators must provide adequate safety and security as a minimum. Payment methods, bonuses, the quality of their app design, are also strongly weighted in our testing. Click on the categories below to learn in depth.
Security & Licensing
Live MMA Betting
MMA Betting Bonuses
MMA Betting Apps
Payments and Payout Times
As we go through each option, we’ll give you an overview of how each sportsbook performed in those key areas and why we consider them as good choices. There are a few additional things you’ll want to consider when looking for a betting platform, which we go through during different stages of this guide.
Security & Licensing
So, how do you know if a sportsbook is legit? Every operator needs to obtain full licensing for each state that they operate in. Depending on the state, there can be multiple licensing bodies. We recommend going to the relevant websites for your state and learning more about them. We've listed a few of the relevant authorities for you:
American Gaming Association
Colorado Department of Revenue - Division of Gaming
Department of Consumer Protection – Gaming Division
Illinois Gaming Board
Indiana Gaming Commission
Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission
Michigan Gaming Control Board
Nevada Gaming Control Board
New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement
New York Gaming Commission
Ohio Casino Control Commission
Louisiana Gaming Control Board
Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
Tennessee Sports Wagering Advisory Council
Virginia Lottery
West Virginia Lottery Commission
There are some things that every player should look out for when confirming whether an operator is legitimate. Obviously the first thing is licensing. Cross-reference your operator with the relevant licensing authority in your state. Also, make sure to check they are using reputable, established payment methods for handling your cash.
Then, make sure that they are using the most up to date standards for online security. Check their website is encrypted by clicking the padlock in the address bar of your browser and viewing the certificates.
Live Betting on MMA
Live betting is betting on events while they are underway as opposed to before the fight. In the case of MMA, the player can see how the fight is progressing and make an informed wager on the outcome of the fight. Live betting is offered with many online sportsbooks in the USA, coming in the following types:
Most popular types of live bets:
- To Win Fight
- Over/Under (how many rounds fight last)
- Go The Distance
- Method of Victory
Here is the most popular US sportsbook that offers live betting on MMA:
BetRivers
Up to $500 Bonus Bet
$0.10
SPORTS
AZ,
CO,
+11
Bet Now!Valid only for new PA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply.
Live Betting has become increasingly popular as it allows players to plan their wagers as the fight develops. For experienced gamblers who follow MMA closely and want to get more out of the knowledge they have, live betting offers a great chance to increase your winnings.
MMA Betting Props
Proposition bets, or prop bets for short, are wagers placed on outcomes other than the final result of the fight. This allows you to make a more specific bet on what happens during the fight.
While in other sports, there is a distinction to be made between team and individual prop bets, there is no real team format in MMA. Therefore, all prop bets relate to the individual fighter and the fight that they're in.
Skill-Based MMA Prop Bets
- Fighter wins rounds on points
- Fighter wins by a particular technique or submission.
- Fighter wins by a split or unanimous decision.
Skill-Based Fun Prop Bets
- Fighter wins fight of the night
- Fighter is first to draw blood or get injured.
- Fighter picks a particular song for their ringwalk
Fun prop bets are more about the event itself, and the fighters and their behaviour in and out of the ring. A lot can happen during a fight night unrelated to the card itself: brawls between different corners, fighters behaving badly, anything goes!
Prop bets can add excitement to your online sports betting. Skill-based props are great if you have good knowledge of the sport and want to use that knowledge to increase their chances of winning. If you just enjoy the spectacle and want to fold that into their betting action, fun props are the way to go.
If you're interested in which sportsbooks offer great prop bets, here is our recommendation for the best online MMA sportsbook for prop betting:
Bet365
Bet $5 & Get $150 In Bonus Bets
$0.10
Not Needed
CO,
OH,
NJ
Bet Now! Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply.
Prop bets are available at most sportsbooks that offer MMA bets. Many sportsbooks may offer exclusive prop bets so always be sure to shop around different operators in your state to see what they might offer on fight night.
Prop bets are also exclusive to each sportsbook, and different ones may offer different props for you to consider. We suggest that you open accounts at multiple sportsbooks if you can, so you can see the full range of what's on offer.
Best Online MMA Sportsbook Bonus Offers
All MMA sportsbooks in the US have generous bonuses for new customers who open an account for the first time. After your first deposit, these promotions offer either extra funds in the form of deposit matches or a bonus bet for your first wager.
Always take a look at the terms and conditions of any bonus offer when weighing up your options. Pay close attention to things like playthrough requirements and validity periods, as well as minimum deposit requirements to see what is best for you. We've gone ahead and listed some of the best bonus offers for you to consider.
| Caesars Sportsbook | Up to $1000 First Bet on Caesars | IGAMING1000 | $20 | AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, LA, MI, NV, NJ, NY, PA, RI, TN, VA, WV | Claim Bonus! | 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 | $5 | AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, LA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, OH, 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, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MI, MS, NV, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, WA, WV, WY | Claim Bonus! | Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply. |
We've tailored this list of bonus offers specifically for new players looking for MMA betting sites. They all offer fair and reasonable terms and conditions. If you're an existing customer, you may also be eligible for future promotions.
Top MMA Betting Apps for US Players
Mobile betting is a huge draw for many players. You might be out on the town, nor not want to be glued to your computer screen in order to place a bet. Whether on Android or iOS, sportsbooks offer betting apps with comprehensive functionality where you can do everything you could on their main site.
| MMA Betting Apps | MMA Betting Bonus | Compatibility | Eligible States | Secure Link | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetRivers - | Up to $500 Bonus Bet | Android iOS | AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, LA, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, WV | START BETTING! | Valid only for new PA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. |
The sportsbooks listed above provide the best mobile betting experience for smartphone users in the US. If you stick to our recommendations, you can be sure of a good time while betting on the move!
Available Payment Methods – Deposits and Withdrawals
Payment methods are an important consideration for every sports bettor. These days you have a huge range of payment methods, including debit cards, credit cards, eWallets, and prepayment service providers. Here are our top recommended methods for sports betting deposits in the US.
- Visa
- Mastercard
- Maestro
- American Express
- Discover
- PayPal
- PayNearMe
- Vanilla
- Bank Transfer
- eChecks
- Skrill
- paysafecard
- Cash
- Play+
- Apple Pay
One thing to note is that credit cards can only be used for deposits. So if you choose to use a credit card you will have to consider another method for withdrawals.
Top MMA Gambling Sites with Fast Payout Times
Payout times are one of the ways in which sportsbooks will differentiate themselves from one another. Please bear in mind that your chosen payment method can also affect how quickly you can access your cash. Here are the top MMA gambling sites in the US with the fastest payout times:
| MMA Gambling Site | Min. Deposit | Payout Times | Recommended Payment Method | All Deposit Options | Eligible States | Secure Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bet365 | $10 | 1-5 Days | 10 | CO, OH, NJ | BET NOW! | |
| BetMGM | $10 | 1-5 Days |
|
7 | AZ, CO, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, MI, MS, NV, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, WA, WV, WY | BET NOW! |
| BetRivers | $10 | 1-5 Days | 10 | AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, WV | BET NOW! |
Payout times can also be affected by bonus offers. If you are participating in a promotion, you may have to wait until the end of the promotion period in order to access your cash. In general, though, if speedy payouts are a high priority for you, we recommend sticking to debit cards and eWallets for quickest access to funds.
Is Online MMA Betting Legal in the United States?
In 2018, the Supreme Court of the United States repealed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), paving the way for legal sports gambling outside Nevada. This ended the federal ban on sports betting and allowed states to determine their own regulatory environments for sports betting.
Since then, 44 states (plus the District of Columbia) now offer some form of legal sports betting, whether that's online, offline, or in some cases still restricted to off-track betting. We recommend checking our comprehensive list of states to see what the current legal situation is in your state.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) has had a massive influence on the development of legalized sports betting. Major operators like DraftKings and FanDuel have moved into the space, using their platform expertise and player base to help bolster the legal sports betting market.
You may come across sportsbooks that offer online gambling that you know isn't legal in your state. These sites may claim to be licensed, but they will be referring to offshore permits, and are not legal in the United States.
We strongly advise that you avoid these operators as your money is not safe. Stick to our recommendations for the best legal sportsbooks in the US and you should be fine.
All US States with Legal Online MMA Gambling Sites
Online MMA Betting Guide for US Players
Developing an MMA betting strategy is first and foremost about research. Learning about the fighters involved, their strengths and weaknesses, and their fight strategies as well as those of their training camp, will help you better understand the possible outcomes of a fight.
Whether it's UFC, Bellator, or any other promotion listed in your sportsbook, you should familiarize yourself with the ruleset and the history of that promotion.
Some other questions to ask yourself: What are their fighting styles and their win-loss record? Have they had any recent injuries? How do their strengths and weaknesses match up against each other? These are all things to consider when trying to develop a betting strategy.
How to Bet on MMA for Real Money Online in the United States?
- Choose a MMA betting site Pick a legal MMA betting site from our list.
- Open an account Register with your details.
- Make a deposit Chose a payment method.
- Consider the bonus offer Check one of the many promotions on offer.
- Decide what game you want to bet on Pick a fight from the sportsbook's list.
- Choose the type of bet Take a look at the various prop and live bets on offer.
- Place your bet Decide how much to put down on your chosen outcomes.
- Wait for the results Watch the fight!
- Collect your winnings Cash out early, or wait until the end.
The Most Popular MMA Bets for US Players
Earlier in the article we outlined the various types of bets that you could place on MMA fights. In this section we'll go more in-depth into each one, and some recommended sportsbooks you can try them out at. The types of bet available are obviously tailored to each sport, and MMA, being an individual fighting sport, has the following types of bet:
-
Money Line / To Win Fight
The simplest bet: simply pick the fighter you think is going to win.
-
Length of Fight
This can be an inside-the-distance (ITD) bet, where you predict that the fight will end before the full distance. You can also place an over/under bet on the number of rounds the fight will go.
-
Winning Method
You predict not just the winner, but the way they won, whether it's KO, TKO, submission, or decision.
-
Props
Prop bets are on specific events that might happen over the course of a fight. They might relate to a specific round's outcome, or at what point the fight ends.
-
Live Betting
Live bets are placed during the fight, as opposed to before the fight begins.
-
Parlays
Parlays combine individual wagers (singles), into one bet, and provided you win all of them, give an increased payout.
Most sportsbooks in the USA will offer most or all of these types of bets. Obviously, some of these bets are more appropriate for players with greater knowledge of the sport. Parlay and prop bets, for example, are best left to more advanced gamblers who understand how they work.
UFC and other MMA promotions to bet on
In the United States and worldwide, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) dominates the MMA world to the point that people use their names interchangeably. UFC has been key in the rise of the sport, helping to legitimize it and bring it to mainstream audiences around the world.
There are other promotions to also keep an eye on. The nearest competitor is Bellator MMA, and the younger, all-female Invicta FC. Keep an eye on what promotions your sportsbook offers, as there's plenty of fantastic action and entertainment to be had in smaller promotions as well.
Online vs Land-Based MMA Sportsbooks in the US
Online sportsbooks and land-based sportsbooks offer very different experiences for gamblers. While the focus at betting.us is on the online experience, we'll just touch on some of the different aspects that land-based sportsbooks might offer you.
In land-based sportsbooks, winning bet slips are paid out in cash, and most locations have full-service cashiers as well as food and drink service. Some gamblers might prefer the atmosphere of watching the fight on location, with others to socialize with.
Online MMA Betting
- Convenience of betting and watching from your home.
- Generous bonuses
- More markets
- No opening hours: 24/7 service
- No social atmosphere
- Slower to cash out than land-based sportsbooks.
- Self-service
Land-Based MMA Betting
- Atmosphere of watching the fight with your friends or a crowd
- Food and drink service
- The social factor
- In-person betting agents
- Fewer bonuses or first bet offers
- Can't comparison shop with other operators for odds
- Limited to opening hours.
Problem Gambling Help
While betting on MMA can be enormous fun, there comes a point where any hobby can turn into a serious problem. Gambling addiction is a serious issue that can affect anyone. If you find that your gambling is turning from a hobby into something that is affecting you or those around you we suggest you seek gambling problem help via the links provided here.
Every state makes has resources for people who need help with gambling addiction. You can check out the National Council on Problem Gambling which will list the help that you can get in your state. You can also call their national helpline on 1-800-522-4700.
FAQ
We hope that you've found this guide to MMA betting informative and helpful. If you have more specific questions, we have prepared an FAQ before for you.
Which is the best MMA sportsbook online?
The best online MMA site is an individual choice based on your needs and preferences. We've broken down our listings by category so you can see which one best suits you.
Is online MMA betting legal in the US?
Online MMA Betting is legal in states that permit online sports betting. Visit our map of legal sports betting states to see which jurisdictions allow online MMA betting.
How does MMA betting work?
Online MMA sports betting is straightforward and easy. After you've picked your sportsbook, decide what sort of bet you want and how much you want to wager. Check out our step-by-step guide to find out more.
What is the Moneyline in MMA?
The moneyline is the most straightforward bet where you predict the winner of any given fight. See what other types of bet you can make here.
What are the best MMA betting apps?
The best MMA betting apps are the ones that give you the smoothest, most hassle-free betting experience. You can see our list of recommendations here.
Do all online MMA sportsbooks in the USA offer live betting?
Live betting is a very popular form of betting for MMA and is offered by most if not all sportsbooks. See our section on live MMA betting to find out more.
What is the minimum age for to bet on MMA online in the US?
The minimum age for online gambling is 21. If you see underage gambling, please see our section on responsible gambling for more information.
How to make money betting on MMA?
Developing a betting strategy requires research and knowledge of a sport. We've outlined some things to consider when developing your own strategy for winning.
What are the best MMA betting cash bonuses for US players?
All sportsbooks offer promotional deals with great terms for new and existing players. You'll want to consider the promotional period and playing requirements. Check out our current list of the best MMA online betting bonuses above.
Do all MMA gambling sites accept PayPal?
Paypal is a hugely popular payment and deposit method for online gamblers. Many sportsbooks in the USA accept Paypal as a payment method. Check out our section on payment methods to find one.
Conclusion – Play at the Best MMA Betting Sites in the USA for 2024
With an increasing number of legal sportsbooks in the USA, there's no better time to get involved in the fastest growing sport in the world and the exciting gambling opportunities it offers. The best MMA sports betting sites offer unbeatable security and top-notch entertainment for gamblers.
Born in New Orleans, Lisa Spencer is a professional gambler and editor for Betting.us with a Master's in Applied Mathematics. Known for her strategic gambling approaches, she is an expert in game theory and statistical modelling. Lisa also enjoys surfing, running, and writing reviews on betting sites in her spare time.