Safest Online Sports Betting Sites 2024
Safe online sports betting is the best way to wager on all your favorite sports. We always suggest that players find a reputable betting site and we will only recommend the safest online sportsbook sites to you.
Read on to discover the best safe online sports betting sites in 2024, what makes a safe sportsbook, and how to safely bet online.
Safest Online Sports Betting Sites for U.S. Players
Our resident experts at Gamble Online have recommend only the safest online sports betting sites available in the US in 2024:
- Rollover: 5x
- Games: all betting markets
- $750 Welcome Bonus
- Min. Deposit $10
- Rollover: 3x
- Games: all betting markets
- 100% up to $1,000 on crypto
- Min. Deposit $10
- Cryto Bonuses
- Min. Deposit $10
- Rollover: 10x
- Games: All betting markets
What To Look For In A Safe Sports Betting Site
Players often ask us “is it safe to bet online?” and the answer is that is safe when you play at the safest online sportsbook sites. In order to tell the difference between safe and unsafe sites, here are some attributes shared by the safest online sports betting sites:
Valid Gambling Licenses
Almost every single safe online sportsbook will have a valid license issued by a reputable authority. Normally these authorities are designated by their respective national governments, which means that they must hold the highest possible standards.
Some of the most reputable licensing authorities include: UK Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority, Gibraltar Gaming Commission, and Curaçao eGaming.
Many of these licensing authorities will allow you to verify a sportsbook’s license. This can allow players to double-check the sportsbook’s credentials.
In some limited cases, a safe online sportsbook may operate without a license. Bovada, for example, is one of the most trusted names in online gambling but have focused on other aspects of their safety beyond the license. Be warned: they are the example and not the rule, a gambling license is a key factor in determining a site’s trustworthiness.
SSL Encryption
When conducting any financial transactions online, encryption is a must-have. Protecting personal and financial data from fraud is vital in 2024, so SSL encryption is absolutely mandatory for safe betting.
SSL stands for “secure sockets layer” and is indicated by a little padlock icon to the left or right of the address bar in your web browser. When you sign into an account or spend money online, chances are that site is protected by SSL.
Look for this symbol of protection when choosing between the safest online sportsbook sites.
Fast & Reliable Payouts
Many sportsbooks end up on our blacklist for withholding payouts. Players expect that, when they have a deposit, their money is safe. Unfortunately, this is not always the case so we always research a sportsbook’s track record when it comes to payouts.
We not only look to see if a sportsbook accepts a wide range of payment methods, but we also want to see positive feedback from players who have received their winnings quickly.
Two-Step Verification
Two-step, or two-factor, verification is now becoming the standard across the internet. This security function requires users to enter a code which is either sent to their cell phone or email when logging in to a site. Many of the safest online sports betting sites now utilize this technology as an additional way to protect player data. We always recommend you use two-step verification when gambling online.
Excellent Customer Service
We find that many players overlook customer service as a factor when choosing a safe sportsbook. If you ever encounter an issue, you will want to be able to contact a support agent within minutes.
The best sportsbooks will offer multiple contact methods and their agents will be on hand 24/7 to address any issues or concerns that players might have.
Sports to Bet On
How To Make Safe Online Sports Bets
Use A Strong Password
As with any online account, you will need to create a strong password at your chosen safe sportsbook.
Be sure to use a unique password with numbers and special characters.
We would advise players to update their password every few months, just in case.
Keep an Eye On Your Account
As with any online account, be sure to keep an eye on your transactions and account balance. If you see anything unusual, raise the issue with customer service.
Never share your password or account details with anyone.
Read Sportsbook Reviews
Reading a sportsbook review, like those written by the experts at Gamble Online, is the best way to quickly separate the safest online sports betting sites from the shady scam sites.
Don’t be afraid to do your own research to verify what you read here. It’s always best to feel 100% comfortable before opening your wallet and gambling online.
Safest Online Sports Betting Deposit Methods
Finding a safe deposit method is a crucial part of choosing a safe sports betting site. Fortunately, almost every payment method now comes with security to prevent fraudulent transactions.
We still encourage players to first choose a safe sportsbook as that is the best way to limit the chances of your payment details being stolen. As with all online transactions, only enter your payment details on pages you trust and be aware of fraudulent phishing emails trying to steal your data.
Nowadays, crypto casinos are more common than ever and we highly recommend that players deposit and withdraw using cryptocurrencies. Currencies such as Bitcoin, Litecoin, Bitcoin Cash, Ethereum, Dogecoin offer unmatched security and anonymity when gambling online.
Signs of an Unsafe Sports Betting Site
Normally an unsafe sports betting site is obviously a scam. Here are some of the potential red flags which may indicate that a site is not safe:
Site Appears on a Blacklist
We only blacklist sites as a last resort. If a site is on a blacklist, unfortunately there is probably a good reason.
Poor Customer Service
If a site has few ways to contact support or if support is rude and unhelpful, it’s a bad sign.
Terrible Bonus Terms and Conditions
Always read the bonus terms and conditions. Many shady sites hide predatory terms and conditions behind massive bonuses.
Poor Reviews
If a site has many negative user reviews, it may have serious issues.
Slow or No Payouts
If users report that a site is slow or refuses to payout, do not sign up.
Site Looks Like a Scam
If a site looks like a scam, it probably is. You know when you make a bad turn, even online.
Safest Online Sports Betting Sites FAQs
Is it safe to bet on sports online?
Yes, if you play at one of the best online sportsbooks we review and recommend at the top of this page. Our experts have rigorously reviewed these sites to ensure they meet our high standards for player safety.
Are online sportsbooks legal?
Generally speaking, yes. Legal online gambling sites are available across the US and players can enjoy betting on their favourite sports without worry.
Are online sports betting sites safe?
Most, but not all online sports betting sites are safe. Be sure to confirm that the website is SSL secured by locating the padlock image icon near the address bar in your browser and confirm the sportsbook is licensed by a licensing authority, like the United Kingdom Gambling Commission.
Can I make safe sports bets on my mobile phone?
In short, yes. If the sportsbook is SSL encrypted and is licensed by a reputable authority, chances are the mobile sports betting site is safe. Note: be careful when connected to third-party or “open” Wi-Fi internet as a mobile sportsbook user as you don’t know who can see what you see under those conditions.
What are the safest online sports betting sites?
The safest online sports betting sites are those that take your safety seriously. These sites will have a valid license, issue timely payouts, and protect your data using encryption software. The list of sportsbooks at the top of the page have passed our rigorous review process to earn our recommendation.
Is it safer to bet online?
Gone are the days of the neighborhood bookie and their shady odds. With the safest online sportsbook sites, it’s never been easier to bet safely. You can still head to land based casinos which have dedicated sportsbooks, but they are no safer than any of our recommended safe online sportsbooks.
