How To Place A Bet
Many of the most avid sports fans often wonder how to bet on sports online legally, particularly because sports betting only became legal a few years ago.
How to Place a Bet. Log in to your account by inserting your username and password then click “LOGIN”. A Thoroughbred racetrack in Northern Kentucky, Turfway Park offers live racing in the fall, winter, and early spring and simulcast wagering all year. Home of the Vinery Racing Spiral Stakes. Place: Bet a horse to finish first or second. Show: Bet a horse to finish first, second, or third. Across the board: Bet a horse to win, place, and show. If the horse wins, you get win, place, and show money. If it finishes second, you get place and show. If it comes in third, you get show. Exacta: Bet the first two finishers in a race in exact. Help & Support How to Place a Free Bet. How to Place a Free Bet. Last Updated: 11th March 19.
Just two years ago, the US Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). The historic decision paved the way for states to legalize sports betting on an individual basis.
In only two years, the burgeoning US sports betting scene has developed into a competitive market, and it’s only getting stronger.
Sports betting isn’t legal everywhere in the US, but many jurisdictions authorized and launched completely legal sportsbooks. It’s easier to place a legal bet in the US right now than it has ever been before.
How To Bet On Sports Online Legally
To bet online legally, you first need to find a legal and regulated operator. Fortunately, many states have legalized sports betting and have online sportsbooks live, accepting wagers. Sportsbook technology is so streamlined that using them is about as simple as using any other app you access on a day-to-day basis.
The bets you’ll find vary somewhat by state because certain jurisdictions prohibit specific types of bets. Illinois, for example, does not allow betting on elections, awards shows, any college match that includes an Illinois school, or minor league sporting events. Still, most sportsbooks offer a wide array of bets on professional sports, college matches, and international events.
Online sports betting brings a hobby to the digital space that formerly required users to visit land-based sportsbooks. Betting online has the added advantage of convenience and speed.
The Top Sports Betting Promo Codes
Here’s an at-a-glance overview of sign-up bonuses from some of the biggest sportsbooks:
| Sportsbook | Bonus Offer | Live In |
|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | 20% deposit match up to $1000 | CO, IN, NJ, WV, PA, IL, IA, NH |
| FanDuel | Up to $1000 risk-free bet | CO, IL, IN, NJ, WV, PA |
| FOX Bet | Up to $500 risk-free bet | CO, NJ, PA |
| BetRivers | 100% deposit match up to $250 | CO, IN, PA, IL |
| PointsBet | 2 risk-free bets up to $2,000 | NJ, IN, IA |
Where To Place An Online Sports Bet
When the Supreme Court overturned PASPA, it granted states the individual opportunity to legalize sports betting. As a result, the US sports betting landscape is incredibly diverse and nuanced. Even among states that have launched sports betting, the laws make each market unique.
States With Legal And Live Online Sports Betting
| State | First Online Sportsbook Launched |
|---|---|
| Colorado | May 2020 |
| Illinois | June 2020 |
| Indiana | October 2019 |
| Iowa | August 2019 |
| Michigan | 2021 |
| Nevada | 2010 |
| New Hampshire | December 2019 |
| New Jersey | July 2018 |
| Oregon | March 2020 |
| Pennsylvania | May 2019 |
| Rhode Island | September 2019 |
| Tennessee | Late 2020 |
| Washington DC | May 2020 |
| West Virginia | August 2018 |
Sports Betting Coming Soon
Legislation and regulation, especially when real money gambling is involved, can take time. Many states are still solidifying their sports betting laws, and a few are expected to enter the market very soon.
Michigan, Tennessee, and Virginia have all legalized online sports betting and will launch once regulations are finalized and licenses are granted. Among those states, Tennessee is unique in that it will allow online-only sportsbooks exclusively because there are no land-based casinos in the state.
Meanwhile, New York, Arkansas, Mississippi, North Carolina, and New Mexico all have retail sports betting. Those states could consider online legislation in the near future to boost their existing land-based offerings.
Other states have been working on legislation, but have encountered roadblocks for various reasons. Once they overcome certain obstacles, we expect California, Massachusetts, and possibly Florida to legalize online sports betting.
The Best Online Sportsbooks In The US
The expansion of the US sports betting landscape has brought the rise of various operators. This gives sports bettors plenty of options to choose from, and using one of the top sports betting sites means you’ll have a seamless experience from start to finish.
DraftKings
Available in: CO, IN, NJ, WV, PA, IL, IA, NH
DraftKings is one of the industry’s undisputed leaders. The company began as a daily fantasy sports provider and grew rapidly to become a top-tier sportsbook and online casino operator. In states where it’s live, DraftKings almost always nabs the top spot in terms of revenue.
DraftKings is about as close to flawless as a sportsbook can get. It has apps for iOS and Android, it’s optimized for mobile browsers, and it has an intuitive desktop interface. With plenty of sports and competitive odds, playing at DraftKings should be an easy choice for any bettor.
The only downside is that DraftKings sign-up bonus, a 20% deposit match up to $500, requires a hefty initial deposit to make it worth your while.
Check out the current bonus at DraftKings.
FanDuel
Available in: CO, IL, IN, NJ, WV, PA
FanDuel is another leading name in the sportsbook world. It’s owned by Flutter Entertainment (a company formed by merging Paddy Power and Betfair). Flutter is a driving force in the European gambling market, so FanDuel has the backing of an experienced corporation.
Like DraftKings, FanDuel has plenty to enjoy and very few faults. The app has some minor interface issues (sometimes pages load on the slow side), but generally FanDuel is a top-notch sportsbook. You can find plenty of US sports in addition to more niche offerings on international events.
Check out the current bonus at FanDuel Sportsbook.
FOX Bet
Available In: CO, NJ, PA
The biggest downside for FOX Bet is that it’s only available in three states. However, the company has big expansion plans, and you can expect the sportsbook to move into new markets in the coming months and beyond.
FOX Sports and The Stars Group (another major European company) run the FOX Bet brand in the US. With strong backing from leading gambling and media corporations, FOX Bet has a great chance to rise to the top of the sports betting industry.
FOX Bet is user-friendly and has lucrative sign-up bonuses: a 50% deposit match bonus up to $500 and a $500 risk-free bet, totaling a possible $1,000 bonus for new players. FOX Bet players can access the book via Android or iOS app plus desktop and mobile browsers.
BetRivers
Available in: CO, IN, PA, IL
BetRivers is the official online sportsbook from Rush Street Interactive.
BetRivers’ welcome bonus offers up to $250 as a deposit match with a minimal play-through requirement, and you’ll find odds similar to those on DraftKings. The company’s app is user friendly and easy to navigate, cementing it as a sports betting leader.
PointsBet
Australian operator PointsBet has one of the most intuitive, user-friendly apps on the market. PointsBet also has great odds on the underdog compared to competing sportsbooks. Add on a welcome bonus up to $1,000 in risk-free bets, and you have a strong sportsbook.
Other Online Sportsbooks
There are plenty of other sportsbooks on the market. Barstool Sportsbook, for example, is coming to a few states. William Hill is another big operator with a strong industry history. Every sportsbook has something to offer, so keep an eye out for special bonuses, competitive odds, and unique betting options.
How To Choose A Legal Online Sports Betting Site
You should look for a few key details when you’re choosing an online sports betting site.
Availability And Accessibility
First and foremost, is your preferred sportsbook actually live in your state? That’s the first factor you should consider. Fortunately, many sportsbooks are making their way to multiple markets.
Second, how do you want to bet? Phone, tablet, or desktop? Most sportsbooks have apps and desktop sites available, but you should always check that your preferred method is available. Take it one step further and check to see how intuitive the experience is. Sportsbook apps should be seamless and easy to use.
Sports And Odds
Do you prefer to bet on the underdog or the favorite? Do you like to bet on a niche sport outside of the most popular events? Check for these types of things at your sportsbook. Some sites, like PointsBet, tend to favor the underdog while some offer better odds on the favorite. Learn more about odds for the NFL and how to use an edge table.
Deposit and Withdrawal Methods
Most payment methods–credit/debit, PayPal, online banking, etc.–are standard across the board. But if you use a more obscure method like PayNearMe, you should be sure your preferred sportsbook accepts it.
How To Place A Bet At An Online Sportsbook App
Getting to the point where you can actually place a bet is usually very simple, but you do have to take a few required steps first.
Step 1: Choose A Sportsbook Site Or App
This may seem obvious, but given the growing market and the number of operators, choosing a sportsbook can be tough. Use the information on this page or visit our individual sportsbook reviews to help you choose one that’s legal in your state and best fits your tastes.
Once you’ve picked a sportsbook, you’ll want to access it via either desktop/mobile browser or by downloading the app. You can switch methods whenever you’d like, but for your first time pick one and stick to it to keep the process simple. If you’re playing on a desktop or a mobile browser, just head to the sportsbook’s website. To get the app, it’s slightly more complicated:
How To Download A Sportsbook App
Sportsbook apps have to adhere to strict regulations–not just from legislators, but from technology providers. Google and Apple have specific restrictions on gambling apps. To download a sportsbook app, you have to work with these restrictions.
For iOS device users, it’s pretty cut and dry. If your preferred sportsbook has an app in the App Store, just download it as you normally would.
Android users aren’t quite so lucky. Google prohibits all gambling apps from the Google Play Store, so you can’t get them from that marketplace. Instead, you can install the app straight from your sports betting provider’s website. Sportsbooks will have a convenient link on their site that kickstarts the download process. Once you select a few settings and install the app, you’re good to go.
Step 2: Create Your Account
Once you have the app or have visited the desktop site, create your account. This is similar to signing up for an account at a social media site or online shopping retailer with some small differences. You’ll provide:
- Username and password (you will create these)
- Name
- Email address
- Home address
- Phone number
- Date of birth
- Last 4 digits of your SSN (to confirm your age/identity)
You may also need to download a separate geolocation app (pr plug-in for desktop users) to confirm your location whenever you wish to place a bet. You need to be in state lines
In-Person Registration
Some states require you to confirm your account in person before you can place a bet. Illinois and Iowa are among the states with this requirement. Once you register, you need to visit your chosen sportsbook’s land-based partner to complete registration, then you can place wagers.
Step 3: Deposit, Bet, and Cashout
App downloaded/desktop site bookmarked? Registration complete? Now you’re ready to make a deposit. There are a number of popular payment methods: credit and debit cards, prepaid cards, PayPal, online banking, wire transfer, and more.
Use the method you’re most comfortable with. In the app or on the sportsbook site, visit the cashier section from the menu (sometimes there’s an option to just select “deposit”) and follow the prompts to connect your preferred payment method. ACH echeck and PayPal are two of the easiest methods, but others work just fine, too.
After you deposit, you can place a bet. And when you’re ready to cash out, head to the cashier page again and select from the available options. These usually include check by mail, bank transfer, or PayPal.
How To Place A Sports Bet Using A Bonus Offer
Sportsbooks offer a few common bonus types that you can use to maximize your account value, especially your first few bets.
No Deposit Bonus
This one’s simple. Just register for an account and the sportsbook will credit your account with a small amount of money, usually between $5 and $25 (more if you’re lucky). No deposit required! It’s essentially a “thank you” bonus for signing up, and you can use the credit to place a bet.
Deposit Match Bonus
Deposit matches are simple in theory, but the terms and conditions can make them tricky to navigate. In their simplest form, deposit matches allow you to double your account value. For example, BetRivers offers a 100% first deposit match up to $250. Simply put, if you make an initial deposit of $250, they’ll credit your account with an additional $250.
Some operators match a smaller percentage. DraftKings does a 20% deposit match up to $500. To get the maximum match, you’d have to deposit $2,500.
Always check the terms–deposit matches usually only apply to your very first deposit. And before you can cash out the bonus money, you typically have to wager with it.
Risk-Free Bet
With a risk-free bet, you have a wagering safety net. These almost always apply to your first bet and then expire. Just place a bet, and if you lose, the sportsbook will credit your account with the amount you wagered. If you win, you keep your winnings. Risk-free bets often come with a maximum of $500 (this is the case at FanDuel and PointsBet).
Placing Sports Bets Online Legally
Using a legal, regulated sportsbook offers the safest, most secure sportsbook experience. Offshore/grey market sites are incredibly risky; they can shut down at a moment’s notice and they don’t use high-level security tools. Your data and personal information are at risk at an offshore site, making legal sites your best route to a safe sportsbook outing.
Why Should I Trust Online Sports Betting Sites?
You should trust online sports betting sites only if they are licensed and regulated. State government agencies oversee sports wagering, and they put strict regulations in place to protect players.
Each state has some sort of governing body for sports betting that grants licenses. Legal sites have licensing information easily available on their websites and within their apps. Click through the available links for more regulatory and legal information about your chosen sportsbook.
Is My Money Safe With Online Sportsbooks?
Yes. Legal online sportsbooks use high-level encryption tools. SSL is one such tool, and it protects your data, including financial information, from hackers as it travels from your device to your sportsbook. Regulated sports betting sites use technology on par with security tools used by banking institutions and online shopping sites.
Are Sportsbook Winnings Taxable?
In most cases, yes. States often set a threshold for taxable winnings. If you win a significant amount of money, you will have to pay income taxes on those funds. Laws vary by state, so check with your sportsbook’s support team or your state’s gaming oversight organization for more information.
Is My Personal Information Safe When Betting Online?
Yes. You’ll need to provide your social security number, location, and other info when you sign up for a sportsbook. Your data is encrypted before it’s sent to the sportsbook, and only the sportsbook’s systems can view it to confirm your age and identity.
The SSN and location requirements also stop hackers from creating dummy accounts in an attempt to steal information from sportsbooks.
Types Of Sports Bets
Sports bets can be a bit daunting for beginners, but they’re not too complicated once you get a grasp on the most common available wagers. Here are some of the most common bets at legal sportsbooks.
Moneyline, Point Spreads, And Totals
These three bets are often listed side by side and are commonly the first bets you’ll see for a given match-up.
Moneyline
Moneyline bets simply require you to choose a winner of a given match. The odds (which we cover below) on that match then determine how much you win if you chose correctly. If you see moneyline bets available, all you have to do is pick the team or player you expect to win.
Point Spreads
Point spreads are intended to even the playing field for a match. Instead of picking an outright winner, you’re betting on the margin of victory. Here’s an example of how a point spread bet might look:
- Chicago Bears -3.5
- Green Bay Packers +3.5
The 3.5 on both teams represents the margin of victory, and players have to decide whether the Bears will win by at least 3.5 points. After the game ends, if you selected the Bears and they won 24-20, you would collect on your bet because they won by 4 points. If the final score was Bears 21 Packers 20 and you selected the Bears, you would lose your bet because they did not win by at least 3.5 points.
Totals
If you’ve heard the term “over/under,” it’s likely been in reference to totals bets. Totals take the final combined total score of both teams in a match and have players bet on whether that score will be over or under a certain threshold. Using our example match-up above, it might look like this:
- Bears vs. Packers, Over/Under 50.5
You would place a bet on either the over or the under. If the total points at the end of the game exceeded 50.5, the over wins. If the total is below 50.5, the under wins. If the score was 24-21, the total points would add to 45 and the under would be the winning bet.
Other Bet Types
You can find plenty of other bets at online sportsbooks, too. Each bet has its own advantages and disadvantages.
- Parlays: you combine multiple simple bets into a single pool and you only win if every choice you make is correct. High payout potential, but harder to win than a single bet.
- Futures: bet on a match occurring in the future. For example, betting on an NFL champion before the regular season begins. High risk, high reward.
- In-Game/Live Betting: wager on events happening in a currently live match.
- Proposition (Prop) Bet: wager on an in-game event not necessarily affecting the final score or outcome. For example: will Tom Brady score two passing touchdowns in the first half?
How To Read Sports Betting Odds
Odds determine how much you’ll receive if you bet correctly. To new bettors, they can be intimidating, but they’re easier to understand than they look at first glance.
How Odds Are Determined
Odds are first set by the likelihood of one outcome to occur over the other. You will almost always see a higher payout on an unlikely bet than a wager on the favorite of a match. Once the initial odds are set, they can change based on how many bettors are wagering on either side. This is to balance out the sportsbook’s earnings on each bet.
Odds could also change based on events outside of a game. For example, if a starting quarterback is unexpectedly benched due to an injury, the odds on that team to win could plummet.
Understanding Odds
At US sportsbooks, odds are displayed as positives and negatives. Let’s use a moneyline bet as an example and pretend once again the Bears are playing the Packers:
- Bears +112
- Packers -136
When a team has a negative number (Packers -136), it means that team is favored to win the match. A positive number (Bears +112) means that team is the underdog. These odds also determine payouts.
If you bet on the favorite (Packers -136), you would need to wager $136 to win $100. Negative odds essentially mean you need to bet that amount to win $100.
Betting on the underdog is slightly different. The +112 on the Bears means you would win $112 if you bet $100. Because the underdog is less likely to win statistically, the payout potential is better.
Find The Best Odds
If multiple sportsbooks are available in your state, peruse the available odds to find the best possible payouts. PointsBet, for example, usually offers great odds on the underdog while FanDuel tends to give better payouts on the favorite. These change frequently, so always check your options before you place a bet.
See our fullGuide To Sports Betting Odds.
Sports Betting Words To Know
| Action | Having “action” is meant to indicate you have a vested interest in a match. If you placed a bet on a match, you could say you have “action” on that match. |
| Bonus | An added benefit or reward, usually given to new players as a thank you or to frequent players for crossing certain spending thresholds |
| Bankroll | The amount of money you’re willing to risk or bet at a sportsbook |
| Edge | An advantage, either real or perceived, that a bettor has over the sportsbook’s odds |
| Even Money | A bet with a 50-50 outcome, aka an even chance for either side to win |
| Handle | Number of bets taken by a sportsbook |
| Lines | Another term for point spread. A “line” is set on matches with a favorite and an underdog to make the outcome more even. |
| Live betting | Wagering on a game or match after it has already started. |
| Margin | The difference between the odds of a match and the true probability of the outcome. |
| Odds | Numbers assigned to bets meant to indicate the likelihood of specific outcomes. |
| Prop bet | A bet on an in-game event not likely to affect the outcome of the match. For example: Will Khalil Mack record a sack in the second half? |
| Push | Result of a tie between the bettor and the sportsbook. No money is won and no money is lost in a push, you keep your wager but receive no winnings. |
| Spread | Like “lines,” a spread is set to encourage bets on either side of a match-up by giving a point advantage to the predicted underdog. |
| Exotics | Exotics are less common bet types beyond point spreads, moneylines, or totals. Some might consider parlays or pro bets to be “exotic.” |
Placing Online Sports Bets FAQ
21. Regulated states require gamblers to be at least 21 years of age to place a bet. When you sign up for a sports betting account, you will provide your date of birth and the last four digits of your social security number to confirm you’re old enough to participate.
It’s difficult to say if there’s one frontrunner. DraftKings, FanDuel, BetRivers, PointsBet, and FOX Bet could all be considered the best for different reasons.
If you look at revenue by state, DraftKings is the undisputed leader in the sports betting arena. In terms of overall experience and app functionality, PointsBet gives DraftKings a run for its money. Bottom line: it comes down to personal preference.
Yes. There are plenty of sports betting apps available in Las Vegas, most of them operated by Sin City casinos. To place bets online in Nevada, you have to be within the state, which will be confirmed by geolocation.
Most regulated sportsbooks already have Super Bowl future bets available, so you can bet on your favorite team to win the big game.
For more specific Super Bowl bets like moneyline, point spreads, and totals, you’ll have to wait until the playing teams are revealed and odds are set.
Yes. College sports betting is allowed in almost every state that has legal sports betting. Some states have specific restrictions, though. In Illinois, for example, you can’t bet on any match that includes an in-state college or university. Regulated sportsbooks won’t offer bets that are deemed illegal in that specific jurisdiction, or they’d risk losing their license to operate.
Not across the board. In fact, most states completely ban betting on high school sports for fear of league corruption. High school sports are considered amateur events, and almost every regulated sports betting market prohibits amateurs betting.
In some states. Not every state allows election betting. Because the overturning of PASPA gave states the right to regulate sports betting on an individual basis, election betting availability varies widely. Some states have chosen to allow it while others bar it completely.
No. Currently, 12 states plus Washington D.C. have legalized and launched sports betting.
Other states–Michigan, Tennessee, and Virginia, to name a few–have legalized sports betting but haven’t launched any sportsbooks yet.
Some remaining states are in the early process of building legislation to allow sports betting, such as California and Massachusetts.
Only a select few states, such as Texas, have specifically moved to stop sports betting legislation.
One of the coolest things about the Super Bowl is that it’s the number one sporting event for attracting new and first-time sports bettors. If you’re here, the chances are high that this is probably the first time you’ve ever bet on sports, which is awesome! But with that awesomeness comes a lot of questions.
How do you bet on the Super Bowl? Where can I bet on the Super Bowl? How do I make sure I don’t make any beginner mistakes? In this guide, we’re going to address and answer all of those questions and more. In a matter of minutes, you’ll have all the tools, knowledge, and resources you need to know how to bet on the Super Bowl in 2021.
Where to Bet on Super Bowl 55 Right Now
Betting Site | Bonus | Bet Now | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | up to €30 Free Bet | Go to Site | |
| 2 | 22Bet | 100% up to €122 | Go to Site |
| 3 | 100% up to €200 | Go to Site | |
| 4 | 10Bet | 100% up to €50 | Go to Site |
| 5 | 100% up to €50 | Go to Site |
5 Options for Real Money Betting on Super Bowl 55
Online Super Bowl Betting Apps
The easiest and most popular way to bet on the Super Bowl is a perfect marriage between sports and technology. Thanks to innovation and tech growth, you’re now able to bet on the big game without ever needing to leave your home, office, or lazy boy. We’re talking about online Super Bowl betting apps! If you want to get into the action fast, but in a safe and reputable manner, check out one of the sports betting sites we’ve listed at the top of this guide.
- Most convenient and efficient way to place Super Bowl bets
- Bonuses and VIP rewards available for players of all levels
- Safe, secure, and no risk of someone else messing up your bet
- Might feel different if you’re used to betting in person
- Lots of betting app options to choose from (may feel overwhelming)
Our Favorite Option:
Our two favorite picks for the best Super Bowl betting sites online are MyBookie and BetUS. Click in the links below so you can check out these betting apps.
In-Person Sportsbooks
The most well-known option for how to bet on the Super Bowl is brick and mortar sportsbooks. This might be a sportsbook attached to a casino or a stand-alone bookmaker. Either way, these in-person establishments allow you to join other patrons and make wagers face to face.
- The sportsbook atmosphere around Super Bowl time can be exciting
- You can get free drinks
- You can talk to someone face to face if you have questions
- Lines are especially long around Super Bowl time
- Betting odds can change against you while you’re waiting in line
- Bonuses and rewards are limited, especially for smaller bettors
- Higher probability of human error
Our Favorite Option:
It all depends on where you live, and if you have a brick and mortar sportsbook close by. Check our US sportsbooks page to find out more about how to gamble in your state.
Wagering With Family and Friends
Want to liven up the game with a little competitive fun with friends and family? Well, if you want to, you can always choose to make bets right at home. What’s great about wagering with friends and family is that you don’t have to bet money. You can bet chores, the next meal, or even a round of drinks.
Be careful, though. If you do bet money and it’s enough to sting when someone loses, you may risk souring relationships. If that’s a concern, stick to one of the other ways to bet on the Super Bowl from this list.
- You don’t pay any rake on wagers
- It can add some fun competition to the game
- You don’t have to bet money if you don’t want to
- Could cause relationship issues
- Winning means taking money from friends and family (not the sportsbook)
- No system for arbitration if there are arguments
Our Favorite Super Bowl Bets With Friends:
- Bet on the game-winner
- Bet on whether or not the total final score will be odd or even
- Bet on whether or not the first score will be a touchdown or something else
Private Bookies
If you’ve ever watched a classic mobster movie, then you know what a bookie is. It’s someone who basically “runs their own sportsbook” or collects money for someone else running their own sportsbook. These private bookies are almost always doing something illegal. In the early days of sports betting, we understood why people would take the risks to use these people,
However, with so many great Super Bowl betting apps and other simple options, there’s no need to take on this unnecessary risk anymore. We only included the option here for completeness.
- We don’t condone the use of private bookies due to the lack of pros and benefits associated with the practice.
- It’s illegal in most jurisdictions
- You have no way to protect yourself from theft
- The ability to bet on margin can get you in a lot of trouble
Our Favorite Option:
None, unless you like having your legs broken. Seriously, there are zero good reasons you should be using a private bookie when you have so many reputable online Super Bowl betting site options.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)
Can You Place Bets Online
A slightly different way to bet on sports that has grown in popularity over the past few years is daily fantasy sports (DFS). DFS is a lot like the season-long fantasy sports you’re used to (where you get points for players doing well), but it condenses the leagues down into a single day or even a single game competition. If you want to mix things up for this year’s Super Bowl, DFS might be something worth checking out.
How To Place A Bet At A Sportsbook
- Good opportunities to turn a small buy-in into a large win
- Access to a large pool of other sports bettors to compete against
- Different than traditional sports betting
- Large player pools make it tougher to win
- Requires more understanding and learning than traditional betting
- Not available in many states in the U.S.
Our Favorite Option:
The best option currently for daily fantasy sports is DraftKings. And remember you can learn all about DFS in our complete Daily Fantasy Sports betting guide, link below.
Step by Step Guide for How to Bet On The Super Bowl Right Now
1. Decide What Type of Super Bowl Bet You Want To Make.
Pick out the type of wager you want to make. If this is your very first bet, we recommend choosing either a moneyline bet, a spread bet, or an over/under bet.
- Moneyline bet – All you have to do is pick the team that wins the Super Bowl.
- Spread bet – Pick the team that is going to outperform their expectations. The team you bet on doesn’t necessarily have to win the game for you to win your bet. For example, if a team is +3, they are expected to lose the game by 3 points. As long as they lose the game by 2 points or fewer (or win the game), they’ve outperformed the spread and you win.
- Over/Under bet – This is a wager on the total number of points scored by both teams. The Super Bowl betting site sets a line of how many points it believes will be scored cumulatively.
- If you choose the over and more points than that line are scored, you win.
- Choose the under and fewer points than that line are scored, you win.
It never matters who wins the game or what team scores the points. The only thing that matters is when you add both scores together at the end of the Super Bowl.
2. Decide How Much Want To Make Your Wager.
Online Super Bowl betting websites let you wager as little as a few dollars, whereas in-person options might have slightly higher minimums. If you’re brand new, it’s okay to bet small to get your feet wet.
Remember, if you need any help to determine your bet sizes, you can check our sports betting bankroll management page.
3. If You Choose To Bet Online, Open up Your Free Player’s Account.
Click one of the links we’ve provided at the top of the page to head on over to the Super Bowl betting site of your choice. Any of the options we’ve recommended will give you a great experience.
4. Make a Real Money Deposit.
Once you create your account through the ‘Sign Up’ or ‘Join Now’ button, head over to the cashier and make a real money deposit. You’ll have plenty of different options to choose from.
5. Navigate To the Super Bowl Bets.
After your account is funded, head over to the Super Bowl bets page. You may see a direct link or you may need to click on Sportsbook > Football > NFL > Super Bowl (or a similar combination on the menus) to get there.
6. Find the Wager You Want To Make and Add It To Your Virtual Betting Slip.
Pick out the bet you decided on in step one and click to add it to your virtual betting slip.
7. Enter How Much Money You Want To Bet.
Enter the amount of money you want to bet on your virtual betting slip.
8. Confirm That Everything Looks Correct.
Make sure that everything looks correct. The things to check include:
- You chose the right side of the bet.
- The amount you want to bet is correct.
- The amount you are getting paid if you win is correct.
- You chose the right game. Generally, this is tough to mess up with the Super Bowl, but it’s worth noting.
9. Place Your Bet, and Reconfirm Everything Looks Correct on Your Betting Slip.
Click the ‘Place Bet’ button. You’re in! Immediately double check your betting slip one more time to make sure it’s correct. If you find an issue, don’t leave the betting counter (in-person) or contact support immediately (online).
10. Enjoy the Game!
Sit back and see if you made a smart Super Bowl prediction.
4 Tips for Making Your First Super Bowl Bet
- Keep it simple – You’re new to all of this. There’s no reason to overcomplicate things. Stick to simple bets. And guess what? There is zero correlation between the complexity of your bets and the amount of money you can win. Many of the most successful NFL bettors make tons of money every year with the simplest of wagers.
- Start small – If this is your first time making real money sports bets, start small. Sports betting is going to be around for a long time, and the next NFL season is only a few months away after the Super Bowl.
- Remember why you’re betting – If you’re betting for fun, don’t get wrapped up in the results. If you’re betting to make money, make sure you stick to profitable strategies. We’ve seen a lot of people serious about making money wagering on things during the Super Bowl like the coin flip or what color shirt the halftime act is going to wear.There’s nothing wrong with betting for fun or to make money—just remember what side of the aisle you’re on.
- Always check your work – You’ll see us mention this several times throughout our guide on how to bet on the Super Bowl and for good reason. No matter where or how you bet, you need to check your betting slip immediately after you bet. If you bet in person, there’s a chance the agent made a mistake. If you bet online, there’s always a small chance you made a mistake. If you catch it right away and let someone know, the chances are good that you can get things corrected.
Common Beginner Super Bowl Betting Mistakes
Bets That Don’t Work in Unison
If you decide to make multiple bets, make sure they work in unison. All of your Super Bowl bets should fit the same storyline of what you expect to happen in the game. For example, if you bet:
- Team A to win the game
- Team B to score first
- The team to score first wins the game
As you can see, you have contradictory bets here. If Team B scores first, you’re already behind on your bet for Team A to win (which may be okay in some circumstances). However, your bet that the team that scores first wins the game can’t win with the other two bets. If Team B scores first and wins the game, you win the last two bets but lose the first one. If Team B scores first and loses the game, you win the first two bets but lose the last one.
Forgetting to Check Your Tickets
We’ve mentioned it several times, and we’re going to mention it again. Make sure you check your betting ticket before you bet and after. If you see something, say something. Mistakes can be corrected right away, but you’ll never convince anyone you meant to do something different later.
Making Wagers You Don’t Understand
There’s an unhealthy perception in the betting community amongst some uninformed people that more complex Super Bowl bets give you a better chance of winning. It’s simply not true. If anything, it lowers your chances of winning because you run the risk of making a mistake. Stick to wagers you completely understand.
Super Bowl Betting FAQ
Yes, but which Super Bowl bonus depends on what your plans are after the big game. If you are planning on keeping your account open and betting on more games, you can use any bonus you want. The reason this is important is that bonus dollars come with a playthrough requirement. This means you have to wager the funds a certain number of times before you can cash them out. If you are only planning on betting on the Super Bowl and cashing out right away, this can create issues.If you are only planning on betting on the Super Bowl and cashing everything out right away, there is still a bonus you can use! The 10% up to $200 bonus from MyBookie comes with a 1x rollover requirement. That means that after you bet the bonus dollars one time, they are yours to cash out immediately!
- 10% up to $200 from MyBookie with a 1x rollover requirement
- 125% up to $3,125 from BetUS with a 10x rollover requirement