Top Legal Online Betting Sites

With so many bookies launching every year, the legal sports betting industry has been rapidly growing. Online bettors now have a lot to choose from in the highly competitive market. The competition translates to better offers and an opportunity to make impressive profits from online betting. It also inspires innovation among the bookmakers and offering refined features and products.

So, how do you find the best sportsbook for you? Choosing the right betting site can be challenging, especially for newbies. Based on extensive research, our team of experts has come with a list of the top legal betting sites to make your work easier. The team includes professional bettors who know exactly what you need. Their experience with each of these sites has revealed enticing bonuses, best odds, fast payouts, and much more. Keep reading as we help you identify one that is best for you.

Yan Zhylinski Updated: 30 September 2021

Legal Bookies for September 2021

To help you find a sportsbook that suits your needs and preferences, we have provided details of each of our recommended sites. These bookies are legal and have valid licenses from reputable regulators. You can sign up with any of them with a guarantee that your online experience will be secure.

Betway Read Review

Betway is among the biggest names in the online gambling industry. The bookmaker has been in the market since 2006, which means it has had enough time to refine its products and services. It accepts registrations from all over the world and has managed to win the attention of many players through an exclusive sports betting offering. Betway is a legally approved betting site with valid licenses from the Malta Gaming Authority and the UK Gambling Commission. With these reputable regulators backing the sportsbook, you can be sure of safety when gaming on the platform.

Besides offering a vast range of sports and betting markets, Betway is known for its highly competitive odds, especially in major markets. New players receive a generous welcome offer of 100% up to £100 on their first deposit. There are more exciting promotions for loyal customers to help them boost their bankrolls. Betway is a highly reliable bookmaker that we highly recommend to all online bettors globally.

1xBet Read Review

100% Bonus On The First Deposit Up To 152 EUR

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A customer is entitled to only one bonus. The minimum required deposit to activate the bonus is 1 EUR.Switch to your bonus account and wager the bonus amount 5 times in accumulator bets. Each accumulator bet must include 3 or more events. At least 3 of events included in such bets must have odds of 1.40 or higher. The bonus is deemed to have been wagered only after all the bets for the specified amount have been settled.

Another giant in the online gaming market is 1xBet. This bookie is very popular among sports betting enthusiasts. It was established in 2007, based in Cyprus, and is a partner of Serie A and Barcelona FC. 1xBet is a legal betting site with a license from the Curacao Gaming Authority. This is a great sign of credibility. The operator also utilizes high-level security measures to ensure the safety of personal and financial data. One exciting thing about playing on the platform is the diverse range of sports and betting markets. Players are sure to find all their favorite games here.

The odds are very competitive, especially on Football and Basketball. When you create a new account, you become eligible for a 100% welcome bonus of up to £100 on your first deposit. Existing customers also receive regular promotions, which keep them entertained and hooked up. 1Xbet has a 24/7 support service with professional and friendly representatives who are always ready to answer all your questions appropriately. If you are looking for a well-established legal sports betting site, this will be a great choice for you.

22Bet Read Review

22Bet is a genuine betting site that was established in 2018. The bookmaker is based in Cyprus and is operated by TechSolutions Group N.V. Despite being relatively new in the market, this bookie has managed to attract many players across the world. 22Bet is a legalized sports betting platform with a license from the Curacao Gaming Authority. This is proof that the operator strictly adheres to all igaming rules and regulations. The bookie boasts a vast range of sports, numerous betting markets, and attractive odds. Features such as in-play betting, live streaming, and cash out make your gaming experience worthwhile.

22Bet offers its new players an enticing sign-up offer of 100% up to £300 on their first deposit. You will find many other regular offers that you can take advantage of while you wager on the site. If you love playing on the move, you will appreciate the bookmaker’s mobile app, which allows you to access all features, products, and services available on the main website. This sportsbook is definitely worth a try.

Betsson Read Review

Betsson is among the pioneers of the online gambling industry and one of the biggest companies in the market. Founded in 1963, the operator boasts millions of customers from all over the world. It is owned by BML Group Ltd, a company registered under Malta laws. Betsson is a legal sports betting site with a valid license from the Malta Gaming Authority. This license allows it to offer wagering services in many countries globally. There is a lot to enjoy on this platform, from a diverse range of sports to multiple betting markets and enticing bonuses. The website has an innovative design and is user-friendly, which accommodates all types of players.

When you sign up with Betsson, you become eligible for a 100% welcome bonus up to £100 on your first deposit, plus a £10 free bet. Loyal clients receive regular incentives as a way of appreciation. The customer support agents are available all-round the clock to ensure a smoothly running environment. Betsson prioritizes the security of its customers and uses the state-of-the-art protocol to safeguard all confidential data. The bookie also has a dedicated mobile app for Android and iOS users who enjoy betting on the move. It is a great option for new and seasoned bettors.

Betsafe Read Review

Betsafe is a well-established betting site with a reputable track of record. Founded in 2006, the bookmaker has made significant progress, now having millions of registered customers from more than 100 countries in the world. Betsafe is owned by BML Group Ltd, the same company that operates Betsson. It has a valid license from the Malta Gaming Authority, which is one of the master regulators in the market.

Betsafe’s highlights are on the innovative website design, extensive sports coverage, and multiple betting markets. Players are privileged to enjoy competitive odds, especially on the major Football markets. The in-play section is very impressive, with a live streaming option that allows you to watch and monitor your bets. You can also cash out your bets fully or partially if they go against you.

New Betsafe customers can claim a 100% matched deposit bonus up to £300. In addition to this, there are enticing promotions to keep the existing customers entertained throughout their wagering on the platform. The operator offers multiple payment options and fluid mobile betting. Betsafe is a genuine operator that guarantees timely payouts for all successful bets.

William Hill Read Review

If you are a sports betting enthusiast, you must have heard of William Hill. This popular bookmaker is one of the pioneers in the industry, with its history dating back to 1934. For a bookie to survive in the competitive gambling industry for that long, it must be knowing the tactics of winning the attention of players.

William Hill is owned and operated by WGH limited, based in Gibraltar. It is a legally approved betting site with a license from the Gibraltar Gambling Commission. If you want an exclusive Football and Horse Racing betting experience, this should be your next destination. There are many more sports available on the platform, with numerous betting options to choose from.

When you create an account at William Hill, you receive a £30 sign-up offer in the form of a free bet. To qualify, you need to make a minimum deposit of £10 and wager through the full amount on any sports market. You will also have a chance to take advantage of the regular promotions meant to motivate loyal customers. You can choose to play on the desktop or download the bookmaker’s dedicated mobile app for Android and iOS devices. The support agents are available 24/7 to respond to all your questions on time. Whether you are a seasoned player or new in the market, you will have an exciting experience at William Hill.

Bodog Read Review

Bodog has been among the fastest-growing sports betting sites in the industry. Founded in early 1994, the operator has managed to acquire a big name in the market and has been able to attract millions of customers across the globe. Bodog is owned by Connaught Media B.V. based in Curacao and is a sister site to Bovada. It is a legalized sportsbook with a valid license from the Curacao Gaming Authority. The operator excels in offering a seamless and intuitive gaming experience to its customers. Bodog has a decent range of sports and numerous betting markets to cater to the changing needs of players. It focuses more on Cricket betting and is an ultimate destination for lovers of the sport.

Those who sign up with Bodog receive a generous welcome bonus of 100% £200. The bookmaker guarantees its customers of maximum security when gaming by using the best measures. In case you encounter any difficulties when gaming or have queries, you can always contact the support agents at any time for help. Bodog’s terms and conditions are fair, and players can wager freely without unnecessary restrictions.

20Bet Read Review

20Bet is among the newest betting sites in the market. The bookmaker was established in 2020 and is owned by TechSolutions Group N.V, based in Cyprus. Despite being new in the industry, the operator already competes with some of the leading betting sites in terms of bonuses and odds. 20Bet accepts registrations from more than 100 countries across the world. It is a legal sportsbook with a license from the Curacao Gaming Authority. To acquire this license, a bookie must meet all the requirements of an online betting platform. There is a lot to enjoy on the site, from an intuitive website to more than 20 sports and multiple betting markets.

New 20Bet players are eligible for a 100% free-bet bonus up to £100 on their first deposit. The operator allows you to access the site directly and bet on sports from your mobile browser without downloading any software. Maximum security when gaming is guaranteed, and you can be sure that your confidential data will be safe. If you are looking for the newest legal sportsbooks in the industry with some enticing promotions, you should consider joining 20Bet.

Sportingbet Read Review

Sportingbet has been in the gambling industry since 1997. The bookie has made significant progress since its establishment, now offering betting services to more than 100 countries worldwide. Headquartered in Gibraltar, Sportingbet is owned by owned by Electraworks limited. It is a sponsor of Wolverhampton Wanderers, a popular football club in the English Premier League. If you are looking for among the best odds in Football, this site should be your next stop. Sportingbet is legal with a valid license from the Gibraltar Gambling Commission.

This outstanding operator values your safety when gaming on the platform. It utilizes the state-of-the-art protocol to protect your confidential data from access by unauthorized parties. Those who register at Sportingbet are eligible for a 100% welcome bonus up to £150 on their first deposit. The existing customers receive promotions regularly to keep them hooked up. You will love the in-play section, which features more than 30000 events every month and a live streaming option to enable you watch and monitor your bets. This site is user-friendly, making it suitable for newbies and experienced bettors.

BetOnline

10.

BetOnline Read Review

BetOnline is a famous name among the sports bettors, having been in the industry for two decades. The bookie was established in 2001 with the intention of bringing a change in the industry through offering an exclusive online gambling offering. Bet online is owned by a privately owned company whose CEO Eddie Robbins III aims to grow the website to become the leading betting site in the market. The operator’s guiding principle is to build a strong relationship between its customers and the gaming community as a whole.

BetOnline is a legal sportsbook fully licensed by the Panama Government. There is a lot to enjoy on the platform from more than 30 sports and over 1000 daily pre-match events, multiple betting markets. The overall odds offers are above average, which is as per the market standards.

When you join BetOnline, you become eligible for a 100% sign-up offer up to £1000 immediately after you make your first deposit. This is a very competitive offer and one of the reasons why the bookmaker attracts many new customers. There is a constant stream of regular promotions for the existing customers. You can play on the desktop or download BetOnline’s native mobile app to enjoy the convenience and freedom of gaming on the move.

How we come up with the List the Best Online Legal Betting Sites

Before we recommend a bookmaker to our audience, we carry out thorough research to ensure it is safe and reliable. After confirming that they have a license from a reputable authority, we examine other factors such as security, sports coverage, mobile gaming, and support service. Here are the details of what we look for.

Security

A bookmaker with a license implies it is secure, but we go deeper to ensure they are safe for players. Security measures must be put in place to protect bettors' online experience. Among them is the use of the SSL encryption to safeguard confidential data from access by unauthorized parties. We also review other players' experiences with the platform to see if there are complaints on timely payments or other issues. Once we are content, we proceed to examine other factors.

Sports Coverage

For a betting site to be able to accommodate all types of players, it should cover a diverse range of sports and offer multiple betting markets. This is to cater to the changing needs of players. We ensure that players can find their favorite sports in all our recommended sportsbooks, from the most popular ones like Football, Basketball, Tennis, and Volleyball, to the less famous ones like Darts, Boxing, and Greyhound Racing. Expect to find the major leagues in our top sites like the English Premier League, UEFA Champions, Serie A, La Liga, NBA, NFL, and Ligue 1. Besides this, we check out the odds offers of each site to ensure they meet the market standards and that players can make impressive profits from their bets.

Bonuses

One of the things that players look for before joining a sportsbook is the bonus section. Enticing promotions attract many bettors to the site and is one of the tactics that sports betting sites use to win more customers. We ensure that we list sites that have generous welcome offers and regular promotions to help you boost your bankroll. These offers come in different forms, including free bets, deposit bonuses, reload bonuses, Acca boosts, and more.

Mobile Gaming

With the recent technological advancements, the mobile gaming industry has been rapidly growing. Most players now prefer betting on the move, following the freedom and convenience that comes with it. We must therefore ensure that we recommend sites that cater to mobile gamers by offering legal betting apps or mobile responsive websites. Most apps are compatible with Android and iOS devices, and players are able to access all the features, products, and services available on the desktop version. Some betting sites even have special promotions specifically for mobile players.

Customer Support

Sports betting enthusiasts love to connect with sites that allow them to freely express their questions and concerns. Our aim is to ensure that you find a reliable support service in our recommended sportsbooks with a professional and friendly team. Our experts achieve this by interacting with the agents to gauge the quality of their service, including the time they take to respond. We prefer those sites with a 24/7 service, at least on live chat or phone. This way, players can get assistance at any time.

How to Get a Bookmakers License

Before a legit gambling site takes registration from its first customer and accepts its first bet, it should have a license from a recognized authority. Even banks and credit card companies do not deal with unlicensed operators. A bookmaker must prove its legitimacy by providing authorization from a government entity. To receive a license, most regulators require an operator to meet certain standards of security, reliability, and fairness. All states have strict rules that regulate online gambling, which ensure fair treatment and ethics in the industry. Before venturing, bookmakers need to conduct thorough research on legal formalities in the countries where they intend to offer their services. Some of the most popular licensing authorities in the industry include:

United Kingdom Gambling Commission
Gibraltar Gambling Commission
Curacao Gaming Authority
Malta Gaming Authority

Most betting sites will have at least one of these licenses. The regulatory authorities offer hotlines and customer dispute centers where bettors can raise their complaints about a gambling site. That said, before joining any bookie, the first thing you need to do is to ensure it is licensed by a reputable regulator. On most sites, the information about licensing is found at the bottom of the page. This is among the things that prove the reliability and trustworthiness of an operator. Note that all our recommended platforms are appropriately licensed. You can join any of them and wager without fear.

What is the Importance of a License to a Given Bookmaker?

Any bookmaker needs an operating license to successfully offer online betting services. Holding a license means that an operator is regulated, their products and services are monitored, and they are open to scrutiny by the authority for any issues raised by its customers. Sportsbooks are allowed to have more than one license, which gives them the freedom to legally offer online games and services to their respective countries. Unlicensed bookies are not able to operate in a given jurisdiction, although there are exceptions. Bettors should keep in mind that if issues arise between them and unregulated operators, there will be no authority to solve the problem.

Is It Possible to Work with Bookmakers without Licenses

While it is possible to play on a betting site that has no license, we would not advise our audience to try this. When a bookmaker is not licensed, it means there is no authority to monitor their products and services. This puts you at a high risk of losing your money and having your confidential information accessed by third parties. The big plus of wagering in a regulated platform is that you can raise complaints to the authorities anytime an operator violates the agreements you made when registering. Of course, no bookmaker will want to be reported and ruin its reputation, so they are always committed to ensuring their customers have a seamless betting experience. It is therefore essential to ensure that you join sports betting sites with at least one license from a renowned commission.

Countries Where Sports Betting is allowed

There are dozens of countries where sports betting is legal across the world. Many governments have recognized the potential economic benefits of sports betting and have embraced it. An example is New Jersey, which recently legalized betting on sports in 2018. Here are some of the countries where players are allowed to engage in online betting.

New Zealand

Sports betting in New Zealand is both legal and regulated. Retail bookies are licensed by the New Zealand Gambling Commission. However, only six of them are allowed to operate in the country. When it comes to online betting, it is illegal to operate a sportsbook in New Zealand. Players from this country are free to wager on foreign betting sites that accept registrations from this region. Sites such as BetOnline and Betway are more than happy to welcome them and take wagers on Football, Basketball and Cricket, and many more. The legal retail sports operators in New Zealand are expected to increase in the near future, following the fast-growing sports betting market.

United Kingdom

Online sports betting in the United Kingdom is regulated by the Gambling Commission. Any bookmaker wishing to offer gambling in this country must have a license from this commission. All sites licensed in the UK adhere to strict rules and regulations and are open to scrutiny. The main objective of the UKGC is to ensure safe and fair online gambling while protecting vulnerable adults and children. Players are allowed to wager on a wide range of sports from Football to Basketball, Cricket, and Horse Racing. Unlike other countries, the UK bettors have many sportsbooks to choose from, including William Hill, Bet365, 888Sport, and Betiton, among others.

Argentina

Sports betting in Argentina is legal after the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) repeal. Players are allowed to wager on Horse Racing in any part of the country. The Buenos Aries residents have more options since they are allowed to wager on Horse Racing, Esports, and several other sporting events. You cannot wager on political events in the whole of Argentina. Online betting sites like Bovada and Sportsbetting accept players from this country, offering top-notch services and products. Buenos Aries plans to make players sign-up for a credit card to pay fees and taxes from their winning wagers. This is also meant to ensure all bettors are of legal age.

India

Online betting in India has been rapidly growing in recent years. It is considered legal since there are no laws that prohibit gambling in the country. Sports betting in India depends on where you are because there are a few states that have come up with laws against online gambling. Multiple betting sites accept registrations from India, including Betway, 22Bet, BetOnline, Bodog, and more. Horse Racing is the most popular sport in the country, but players engage in many other sports available on these sites, including daily fantasy sports. Retail sportsbooks are banned by Indian laws except in one state called Sikkim. Most Indian bettors wager on offshore for a safe betting experience.

China

China is the country that invented betting, and the Chinese people have been gambling since ancient times. The government has restricted certain forms of gaming, but sports betting in Macau and Hongkong is up and active. In Hongkong, the only legalized bookmaker is the Hong Kong Jockey Club. In Macau, gambling is legal. There are many Chinese bettors engaging in online sports betting on foreign sportsbooks. Although there are many sites banned and blocked by the government, there are those that are able to offer their services in the country. Players are also good at getting around the online blockade.

Nigeria

Sports betting in Africa has become more popular in the past decade, and Nigeria has seen massive growth. The country first launched online gambling in 2005 after the National Lottery Act was passed. The act legalize sports betting in the country, where the only restriction is for those below the age of 18 years. There are multiple sportsbooks accepting Nigerian players, such as 888Sport, William Hill, Betway, and 1xBet, to mention a few. Online bettors have a chance to wager on a vast range of sports offered by these offshore betting sites.

South Africa

South Africa is also among the countries where sports betting has seen massive growth. Betting on sports is legal and is regulated under the National Gambling Act of 2004. In the country, there are nine provinces, each having its regulatory body. For offshore online bookies to legally offer gambling services in the country, they should have a license from the respective regulatory board. This is to enhance players’ safety and maintain the image of the country’s online gambling market. South Africans have many betting sites to choose from, including Sportingbet, Marathonbet, Betway, 1xBet, and more.

Verdict

Conclusively, there are multiple legal sports betting sites in the market. We have listed our top recommendations to help you make the right decision based on your needs and preferences. Besides that, we have explained other factors that we consider before adding a bookmaker to our site. All the sportsbooks in our list are safe and reliable, and you are guaranteed a worthwhile experience provided the operator accepts registrations from your country. We hope that this guide inspires your next online gambling site destination.