Held back by federal legislation until recently, the United States has lagged behind other emerging markets in the sports betting sector. It is legal and regulated in some states, while in others it remains restricted or prohibited entirely.

The reason for such an uneven playing field in the country’s industry is due to the recent overturning of a law that directly impacted the legality of national sportsbook brands. In 2018 the Supreme Court ruled that the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) was in conflict with the tenth amendment, and in doing so, opened the door for each state to legislate sports betting as they see fit.

The bureaucratic process, however, can be slow and lengthy, and lawmakers are continuing to discuss the matter in many states even 5 years later. As it stands, 34 states have legal sports betting in some form (online or in-person) and they are:

Arizona
Arkansas
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Louisiana
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Mississippi
Massachusetts
Montana
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Dakota
Tennessee
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Washington D.C.

Nebraska, Kentucky, Maine and Vermont currently have laws pending. Minnesota, Missouri, and Georgia have agreed to reconsider in 2024 and things are looking unlikely to progress in Idaho, Utah, California, Texas, Alaska, Hawaii, Oklahoma, Alabama and South Carolina. Florida is embroiled in a unique tussle with a resolution not looking likely any time soon.

If you’re lucky enough to reside in a state where online sportsbook activity is legal, these are the top three brands for you to consider:

1. BetMGM

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Regardless of the market, BetMGM is a trustworthy brand having operated since 2019. BetMGM is the sports dedicated division of MGM, known for their iconic brick-and-mortar premises and online casino services, the brand is recognized the world over.

They have established themselves as a top mobile sportsbook by offering a comprehensive betting experience with a range of attractive features. Here’s why BetMGM is a solid choice for bettors:

Market Variety – BetMGM covers an impressive array of sports and leagues, from major professional leagues to college sports, ensuring that players have a diverse range of betting options.

In-Play Betting and Live Streaming – Through their app, bettors can access live betting options and live streaming of select events, allowing users to bet in real-time and simultaneously witness the action unfold.

Boosted Odds and Parlay Insurance – Keep an eye out for the frequently offered boosted odds-on popular games and sports, giving users the opportunity to increase their winnings. Additionally, their parlay insurance feature protects players from losing their entire wager if one leg of their parlay bet fails.

Rewards Program – BetMGM has a rewards program that allows players to earn points and redeem them for various perks, such as free bets, merchandise and more. Pearl, Gold, Platinum, and Noir levels offer increasing rewards.

2. DraftKings Sportsbook

DraftKings is one of the leading names in daily fantasy sports contests and sports betting. It was founded in 2012 and has grown to become one of the largest players in the industry, with partnerships with major sports leagues and teams, and operations in several states as well as internationally.

These features are what sets DraftKings apart:

User-Friendly Interface – DraftKings app is streamlined and intuitive. New users find themselves immediately able to navigate to their required destination and all relevant information is clearly and simply displayed. This is an important factor when trying a new sportsbook provider. Frequent updates and bug-fixes also make sure user satisfaction remains high.

Live Betting – Live or in-play betting is one of the hot features of modern sportsbooks that allow bettors to wager on the minutiae of their favorite sport. The DraftKings platform provides a comprehensive range of in-play options to keep members engaged as each game unfolds.

Personalization Features – Customizable notifications, detailed statistics and informative graphics allow players to make informed betting decisions.

3. FanDuel

FanDuel is another popular mobile sportsbook brand that has recently gained a significant following in the United States. With a focus on user experience and a range of innovative features, FanDuel delivers an enjoyable betting platform:

Extensive Betting Markets – A broad range of betting options are provided. All major sports leagues are present as well as more niche interests including MMA, NASCAR and F1 Racing.

Daily Odds Boosts – Daily enhanced odds-on popular events give bettors the chance to increase the profitability of their stakes.

Custom Bet Builder – FanDuel allows users to create their own customized bets, combining different selections and markets to create unique wagering opportunities and allows players to capitalize on their own specialized sporting knowledge.

These three top mobile sportsbook brands each offer a unique blend of features and user experiences. Ultimately, the best choice depends on personal preferences and priorities, so it’s worth exploring each to find the one that aligns with your own betting needs and preferences.