So, you’re on the hunt for the very best online betting sites but are not 100% sure what to look out for? It looks like you’ve landed in the right spot.
We’ve sent our experts out to discover the very best online sports betting websites in December. We make sure to cover the welcome offers, the registration process, betting markets and everything in between, with the aim of offering an authentic look at the full experience. Stick around, and we’ll help you find a new place to bet on sports today.
Go to Stake.us We think that everyone deserves to have the best experience possible. So, why wouldn’t you make use of some comparisons?
For those of you who are new to the online betting scene, you’ll find that our reviews provide you with an honest look at the market today. Wherever you may be based, you’ll find that the sites listed within the banners on this page are legally available to you and have thoroughly been put through their paces by our experts.
We cover everything from the security to the sports betting markets available to you. Plus, if you’re a bit more reserved, you’ll even find that we’ve reviewed some of the lowest deposit betting sites, so that you don’t end up breaking the bank.
For returning or experienced sports bettors, we’ve got you covered, too. There is no sense in staying loyal if the perks and promotions don’t benefit you. As touched upon, you’ll get all the fundamentals covered in our comparisons; however, we will also be sure to check for any improvements or unique features that have been introduced at the best online betting sites in December.
Trust us when we say that we are dedicated to the cause. Our experts are huge fans of the sporting world first – finding the best free bets, market coverage, and live streaming options all just add to the overall experience.
We have found that most online betting sites will follow a tried and tested formula, offering you key areas within the headers or links on the left-hand side of the screen. Here, you’ll be able to filter between certain sports, competitions, and leagues, and you might even find a quick link to check out any promotions. The main portion of the screen is then devoted to a sports betting lobby.
Of course, before you can begin building your bets, you’ll also want to make sure that you can register with your online betting site freely. Usually, a ‘Sign Up’ or ‘Register’ tab is located in the top right-hand corner. However, you can also use this step-by-step as a guide.
Before you can start concerning yourself with the types of betting bonuses and sports markets available, you’ll want to make sure that you can deposit freely on-site using your preferred payment methods.
Depending on where you decide to play, you may come across Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Interac, and alternative e-wallets, including PayPal and Skrill. Of course, the ever-growing popularity of cryptocurrencies has now seen Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin become eligible options in certain jurisdictions, too.
When it comes to deposits, you’ll need to consider minimum and maximum limits, fees, and transaction times. We also think it is worth checking the bonus terms and conditions to confirm that your chosen method is eligible. On quite a few occasions, we have found sites that do not allow for Skrill or Neteller deposits to contribute towards your welcome bonus.
Once you’ve figured out how to deposit on-site, you’ll want to make sure that you can pick up a solid welcome bonus. These types of promotions are usually offered by online betting sites to help you settle in and figure out how things work. Generally, you’ll find one of three main promotions: first bet offer, deposit match, and sports betting no-deposit bonus. However, in some instances, we have seen welcome packages made up of various promotions.
In this table, we provide you with a better look at what to expect from each online betting site bonus.
| Welcome offers | Explanation |
|---|---|
| First bet offer | The first bet offer is an ideal way for you to test the waters with a little security attached to your first wager. Usually, you’ll have a minimum and maximum bet that you can place to qualify for this bonus. Then, you’ll simply need to wait for the bet to result. If you lose, you’ll receive bonus bets of equivalent value to your stake. If you win, you leave with your winnings. |
| Deposit match | The deposit match is a common online betting bonus that you will come across, allowing you to pick up bonus bets based on a set percentage. For example, you may find that a 100% matched bonus if offered up to the value of $1,000, meaning you could unlock a maximum of $1,000 in bonus bets to use across the site. |
| No-deposit bonus | The no-deposit bonus is the smallest promotion you are likely to come across, but it also comes with the benefit of not needing a deposit to be unlocked. Instead, you’ll find that you can often ‘claim’, ‘opt-in’, or verify your account to unlock this type of bonus. You’ll then need to play through it as normal. |
After arming yourself with a top welcome bonus, you can look to make your way over to the sports betting lobby. Here, you’ll find that the best online sports betting websites have all bases covered, including the NFL, NHL, MLB, and even esports tournaments.
Long gone are the days of only betting on outrights and moneylines. Instead, we are now finding online sportsbooks with upwards of 100 additional bet types available. This can include things like first goalscorers, players to be carded, and a race to X points. Of course, we will also focus this section of our reviews on the odds, in-play betting experience, and betting limits.
| Betting market | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Moneyline | The moneyline is a straightforward bet that relies on you picking the winner or predicting a draw | Juventus to beat Roma |
| Spreads | Spreads work in the same way, but have a points addition or deduction added to help level-out the odds | Roma (+ 2 goals) to beat Juventus |
| Totals | Allow you to predict whether more or less combined points or goals will be scored | Over 3.5 goals in the game between Roma and Juventus |
| Props | Refers to any betting market that doesn’t directly link to the final result | Danilo to get a red card |
| Futures | Allow you to predict the winners of competitions, MVPs, and leading goalscorers | Juventus to win Serie A in 2024 |
There is always a lot of emphasis on the new customer offer. However, it is just as important for returning players to pick up bonuses and promotions along the way. Although this will vary from site to site, you can expect to find a combination of the following.
The odds boosts are a simple promotion that will be available most days. When you build accumulators, you’ll find that the odds increase anyway. However, an odds boost will add a larger boost to your selections.
The weekly reload will allow you to collect a percentage of your negative net losses throughout the week. These losses will be returned to you as bonus bets, allowing you to effectively “try again”.
Score predictors are a free-to-play bonus game that allow you to guess the correct score of a select number of fixtures. Should you get the answers right, you’ll find that you can win a portion of a set prize pool.
The refer-a-friend bonus requires you to forward a unique link to your friends. Once they have signed up, they’ll need to then make a deposit before you can benefit from some free bonus bets.
A VIP program provides you with additional perks based on your current rank. Each deposit and wager will add VIP points to your collection, slowly building up your position within the tiers. Eventually, you’ll find your own account manager, merchandise, bonus bets, and other great perks released.
Alongside the essentials, you’ll also want to make sure that your online betting experience suits your betting style. Again, this will vary from site to site. Hopefully, the banners on this page will showcase a few sites that boast a number of these great features.
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Live streaming | The live streaming feature allows you to watch your wagers unfold in real time. Just bear in mind that major tournaments and events are often unavailable. |
| Cash-out | The cash-out gives you full control of your wagers. If you don’t like where things are going or are happy with your winnings, you can click to exit your bet early. |
| Edit-my-bet | The edit-my-bet feature is very similar to the cash-out. However, instead of cashing out, you can edit the outcomes within the game. For instance, you can switch for the other team to win. |
| One-click betting | One-click betting is a great feature aimed at live bettors. Here, you can set the size of your stakes and click just once to lock in your in-play wagers. |
| Bet sharing | Bet sharing is another unique feature that allows you to share your bets with others. You’ll usually need to build a “buddy list”. Here, you’ll then be able to build accumulators together or simply see each other’s betting history. |
When it comes to online betting, support is critical to the longevity of your betting experience. You’ll want to make sure that you have found yourself a team that works tirelessly to ensure that your issues are resolved in record time.
Generally, we have found that live chat is the quickest way to get in contact. However, many online betting sites will also make sure that they offer you an on-site form, a dedicated phone line, and the chance to reach out through social media. Additionally, we have found plenty of help centres that are packed with answers to the most common questions.
We have already touched on the safety and credibility of payment methods; however, it is important that the site security is of the highest calibre, too. Naturally, we will be sure to confirm that legitimate licences have been obtained before ever recommending an online sportsbook. Plus, we’ll want to focus on the encryption technology used, the kind of verification checks performed, and the range of safer gaming tools provided.
Additional points will go to sites that allow you to add 2FA to your account and to those that have clearly been externally vetted by recognised organisations like eCOGRA. Again, all of this information is accessible within our dedicated reviews.
All online sports betting websites will be accessible through your desktop; however, we know just how important it is for you to access the full benefits of your chosen sportsbook through your mobile device.
Most sites have optimised the experience to transition over to mobile play seamlessly. However, many have also created standalone apps that will allow you to access your account, promos, and full sports betting markets within seconds. We’ve made sure to note any clear differences within our latest comparisons, too.
Whether you’ve managed to play through the latest welcome bonus or simply landed a winning bet off your latest deposit, you want to make sure that you aren’t waiting for weeks to receive your winnings.
Usually, online sports betting websites will expect you to pass some basic verification checks and use the same method you used to deposit. Then, from here, you can simply enter the amount you wish to withdraw and wait to receive your winnings. Wait times will vary based on the method you have chosen; however, it isn’t uncommon for winnings to be released within a few short minutes.
If you don’t have access to your deposit method, you can expect to pass further verification checks in order to prove your identity. However, most top sportsbooks will have your details verified within 24 hours, leading to some seriously swift payouts.
We hope that we’ve now expanded your knowledge of online betting sites, giving you a better understanding of what to look out for when next selecting an online sportsbook.
In order to give you a solid head start, we’ve also made sure that the banners on this page are focused on the very best online betting sites available to you in December. Once selected, you’ll find that these are all legal in your area, and you’ll then find a full breakdown of the promos, betting opportunities, support, mobile accessibility, and unique features to help you make your final decision.
Yes. Provided you can play through your bonuses or land a winning bet while using your deposit, you can look to win real money and make legitimate withdrawals at a top online sportsbook.
Yes. You will often find that sportsbooks will offer sizable welcome offers to help you settle in. However, this will vary from site to site. You’ll want to check out the banners on this page for a full breakdown.
Absolutely. You can join top online sportsbooks within minutes. Usually, you can click ‘sign up’, share some basic personal details, verify your account, and soon be ready to make your first deposit.
