ScoresAndStats Sports Betting Sites Ranking Algorithm
The “best betting site” is subjective: it depends on where you live, which sports you bet and how much you stake. A book with the best NFL lines can be the wrong one for someone who bets UFC props or wants a fast payout.
The books we review are listed under “Every sportsbook we review” above, each linked to its full review.
Your next step is to read through our in-depth online bookie reviews.
ScoresAndStats Ten Most Important Sports Betting Site Ranking Factors
These are the ten factors that matter most when you choose a sportsbook, in the order we weigh them:
- 1 – Reputation
- 2 – Best Odds (Line Shopping)
- 3 – Payout Times / Fees
- 4 – Sports Betting Market Coverage
- 5 – Bonuses / Promotions / Contests / Pools
- 6 – Customer Service
- 7 – Wagering Limits
- 8 – Banking Methods (Deposits / Withdrawals)
- 9 – Accessibility
- 10 – Security / Privacy
Online Sportsbook Reputation Rankings
Above all else, a bookie’s reputation is everything in this industry and it can’t be faked.
Bettors talk on social media and in forums, and word about slow payouts or voided bets gets around quickly. A book that was a good choice a few years ago is not always one today, so a ranking has to be checked again over time.
Betting Lines Value (Best Odds)
Line shopping means comparing the price of the same bet at several books and taking the best one. Over a season, half a point on a spread or a few cents on a moneyline adds up. Some markets, such as certain UFC props, are only offered at a few books, so coverage matters as much as price.
Parlay and teaser payouts also differ from book to book. Check the payout table for the bet you make before you assume two books pay the same.
Payout Times and Fees
It only takes a minute to deposit at an online sportsbook, but that’s not the case with payouts.
Payout times and withdrawal fees vary from book to book and from method to method. A high fee can take a large share of a winning week, so read a book’s banking page for the method you plan to use before you deposit.
Sports Betting Market Coverage
Only you know which markets you bet. Live (in-play) betting, player and team props, futures, teasers and horse racing (a racebook) are not offered everywhere, and where they are, the depth differs.
No single book is the best at everything, which is why many bettors keep accounts at two or three.
A bonus should never be the reason to join a betting site, but bonuses, promotions, contests and pools are worth comparing once the basics check out. Always read the rollover terms on the book’s own site first.
- Bonuses: Sign-up and reload (cash or free play) bonuses on deposits.
- Promotions: Vary widely, but include free bets (risk-free) and gamblers insurance (rebate).
- Contests: Bookie-run contests regularly pitting handicappers vs. handicappers.
- Pools: Bracket, survivor, squares and other sports pool formats.
Customer Service
You may not need to use customer service too often, especially with trusted betting sites, but when a problem arises or you have a question, it’s nice knowing a customer service rep is available.
Wagering Limits
When we discuss wagering limits, we’re talking two separate issues here.
First, the maximum bet a book takes on each market. Limits on props are often much lower than on sides and totals, and they differ from book to book.
Second, how quickly a book limits a winning bettor. Every book limits some customers, but a book that cuts a winner after a handful of bets is not worth your time.
Banking Methods (Deposits / Withdrawals)
The quality of a book’s banking methods and the fees you pay matter more than how many methods it lists.
These are the main kinds of banking methods:
- Credit/Debit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover, and at some books gift and prepaid cards.
- Cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum and Litecoin, and at some books Ripple, Bitcoin Cash and others.
- eWallets: Depending upon where you reside, you may be able to deposit to bookmakers using popular eWallets, such as PayPal, Skrill, Neteller and InstaDebit.
- Person-to-Person: Transfers through services such as Western Union (WU) and MoneyGram (MG), where a book accepts them.
Accessibility (PC, Smartphones, Mobile Phones and Tablets)
A good book works in a mobile browser, so you can bet from a phone or tablet without downloading an app. Check the site on your own phone before you deposit.
Some books also take bets by phone through a call center, which lets you bet without an internet connection.
Security / Privacy
Security and privacy are two of the factors that weigh most.
Before you deposit, check that the site loads over HTTPS (the padlock in your browser), read its privacy and terms pages, and look up what other bettors say about its payouts.