Betting Picks Articles and Advice
Recent Betting Picks Articles
In-Tournament PGA Model - Round 4 Picks for The Farmers Insurance Open (Premium Content)
All other PGA Premium Tools can be accessed on the premium dashboard. I am excited to announce that I will be providing a premium spreadsheet that can be accessed through the link below. Here, you will find updated stats for the particular tournament – all sortable and weighable when you make a copy of your […]
Round 4 PGA DFS Showdown Slate Picks - Farmers Insurance Open 2025
This week, the 2025 PGA Tour season has arrived in La Jolla, California, for the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines. The first three rounds have been characterized by blustery and unpredictable conditions. Low scores were posted during the first round, while the second round saw historically high scores. Round 3 aligned more with expectations, […]
2024 NFL Conference Championships Betting Picks (Premium Content)
All other Premium Tools and Content can be accessed on the premium dashboard. To see ALL of Jamie's bets (and others from RotoBaller experts), head over to the RotoBaller Discord. You'll find every bet and prop in the #NFL-BETTING-PROPS channel there! Background My name is Jamie Calandro (@jac3600 on X), and I have been a high-volume […]
Interlude: Talk with Michael "Texas Kid" Aswell
Brady Grove hosts an interlude episode of "Tap That", and is joined by a special guest, bringing you stories and insight from inside the world of mixed martial arts/combat sports from those who are currently living it. In addition to this podcast, you can catch our team discussing other sports and topics as well. Like […]
EPL Betting Picks and Game Previews for Matchday 23: English Premier League
The EPL season rolls on, and we're bringing you our weekly article, which looks at betting picks and predictions for all games. Matchday 23 kicks off on Saturday, January 25, with five games starting at 10:00 a.m. EST. It culminates on Sunday, January 26, when Fulham hosts Manchester United. Every week, we'll offer a preview […]
In-Tournament PGA Model - Round 3 Picks for The Farmers Insurance Open (Premium Content)
All other PGA Premium Tools can be accessed on the premium dashboard. I am excited to announce that I will be providing a premium spreadsheet that can be accessed through the link below. Here you will find updated stats for the particular tournament -- all sortable and weighable when you make a copy of your […]
Free NFL Conference Championship Betting Picks and Expert Predictions
Well, the Divisional Round wasn’t exactly what we were hoping for. We went 1-2 and finished down .38 units. Championship Sunday is here. We’ve only got three games left in the NFL season. It's hard to believe it’s gone by this fast, but here we are. We’ve got two more picks this week. So, let’s […]
NFL Pick'em Pool Picks (Conference Championship) - Targets, Avoids, Predictions for Pick'em Contests
Only four teams remain in the hunt for the Lombardi Trophy after a wild Divisional Round last week. The Bills and Chiefs took care of business in the AFC, while the Commanders and Eagles won their respective games in the NFC. That sets up two great games in the conference championship round. The Bills will […]
In-Tournament PGA Model - Round 2 Picks For The Farmers Insurance Open (Premium Content)
All other PGA Premium Tools can be accessed on the premium dashboard. I am excited to announce that I will be providing a premium spreadsheet that can be accessed through the link below. Here you will find updated stats for the particular tournament -- all sortable and weighable when you make a copy of your […]
PGA Course Preview for the 2025 Farmers Insurance Open: Scouting the Routing
With two of the first three winners on the PGA Tour reaching final scores of 25-under-par, golf fans will be salivating at the prospect of a venue with the capability of sending golfers in both directions on the leaderboard. Enter Torrey Pines South: a golf course that has crowned two U.S. Open Champions since 2008 […]
Legal Sports Betting in the United States
Sports betting has had an on-again, off-again relationship with the United States, but the Supreme Court’s 2018 repeal of 1992’s Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) has yielded a sharp rise in US sports betting activity.
Now, each state and territory can determine the legality of wagering on sports for itself. As a result, over 30 states and the District of Columbia have legalized and regulated it. Roughly two-thirds of those states also allow online sports betting, with Tennessee exclusively operating online.
With ample opportunity for business, many recognizable brands have moved into the space. Notable names rose from the fantasy sports industry in DraftKings and FanDuel, as well as traditional casinos like Caesars, MGM, BetRivers, and more.
Best Sports Betting Apps & Sites
Caesars Sportsbook
DraftKings Sportsbook
FanDuel Sportsbook
BetMGM Sportsbook
PointsBet Sportsbook
How to Place a Sports Betting Wager
Sportsbooks make it a straightforward process to utilize their app or site to place your bets, and we’re happy to assist you in getting going.
- Navigate our menu of legal, licensed, and regulated sportsbooks for verified sportsbooks available in your state.
- Register an account with your information, utilizing the promo codes we’ve presented here for the best signup bonus.
- Once your account is created and verified, then you’ll deposit money via accepted credit/debit cards, PayPal, Bank Transfer, and more. Your account page will help track your funds, promotional dollars, and active bonuses.
- With money available on your account, you are ready to place your bets. Choose your wager(s) from across the menu and your betslip will populate with each wager. You’ll see your odds, what you’re risking and the amount you can win, and then you’re ready to go.
- If you would like to cash out then head back to the cashier/account page and choose which payment method you’d like to use. Be mindful that if you haven’t played through your promotional cash then it’s ineligible to be withdrawn. Most sportsbooks will use the same method that a deposit was made, bank transfers, or eChecks.
Advantages of Wagering through Legal, Licensed Sportsbooks
For many years, bettors in the United States would have to travel to cities like Las Vegas or Atlantic City in order to safely place a bet. Through those regulated channels, customers and institutions alike are safeguarded against fraud or either party not abiding by the agreed-upon wager. Bettors are customers and as such, you will want your funds and data properly protected.
However, this is a huge industry with lots of money moving through it. Illegal bookmakers could operate locally and crime syndicates ran larger rings. The United Nations reported in 2021 that as much as $1.7 trillion is bet illegally on sports each year. Then the internet gave rise to even more unlicensed sportsbooks targeting US citizens, often operating out of Costa Rica, Curacao, Panama, and Latvia.
While accessing these local bookies or unregulated sportsbooks from anywhere in the US may have been more convenient than a trip to Vegas, you have no protection from their actions or avenues for recourse. If you disagree with how a bet was settled or are having trouble receiving your withdrawn funds then you have no agency to turn to. Maybe their promo terms have some strange language hidden in the fine print that requires you to play the money over 10 times or more before it’s eligible to withdraw.
You may see language from these sportsbooks and their affiliate sites stating that they’re legal in all 50 states due to their offshore nature, but their not being licensed in the US is what makes them illegal. Unregulated, unlicensed, illegal.
Choosing the Right Sportsbook for You
So you’ve already checked our list of legally licensed sportsbooks that are operating in regulated states, how do you decide which one to play on? You’ll want to make your decision with a few key factors at the forefront of your mind.
Which sports do you want to be sure are available to you at this sportsbook? Or which type of wagers can be made within the market? Once you’ve narrowed down potential options to books that offer the action you want, then you should shop around for the best promo codes available to you. Luckily, we’ve got you covered there!
You will also want to be sure that the valid payment methods work for you, the support options are noted, as well as the general feel of the site or its app. You can have the nuts and bolts covered, but bettors should also have an easy, comfortable experience when navigating the sportsbook. We’ve got reviews, promo codes, and more to help you make that decision.
FAQ - General Sports Betting
What is vigorish or “juice”?
Vigorish, also known as juice, is the commission that bookmakers charge on any bet/wager that is placed. The vig is almost always baked into the betting line so you don’t view it as a separate tax on top. The standard you’ll see is 10%, or -110, where you risk $110 to win $100. This is what allows sportsbooks to turn a profit on a game with two sides of action.
What is a moneyline bet?
A moneyline bet is the simplest wager, requiring bettors to pick the winning player/team. There are certain sports like soccer or boxing/MMA where a “draw” is an available third option as well. Choose the winner and you win too.
What is a point spread?
Instead of simply picking a straightup winner based on the scoreboard, the spread creates a margin. We can illustrate this with an NFL matchup like Patriots at Bills (-8.5) or an MLB game such as Red Sox at Yankees (-1.5). In these instances, the spread is the number and requires the Bills to win by more than 8.5 or the Yankees to win by at least two runs. Or if you took the Patriots in that case, they’d be getting 8.5 tacked onto their score at the end. Spreads with .5 on top help avoid pushes since clearly no major sporting event has points/goals/runs scored in halves.
How does over/under total betting work?
The total relates to the combined amount of points scored in the event. If the over/under line is set at 9.5 for the Red Sox/Yankees game and you take the over, then any score that totals 10 or more runs is a win for you while any score with nine or fewer combined runs is a loss. You will also see totals for specific teams in a matchup rather than the combined teams in a game.
What is a parlay?
A parlay combines individual bets into one multi-leg ticket where all bets must hit for the parlay to win. You received enhanced payout odds for the increased risk of needing more than one bet to hit.
What is a same-game parlay?
Some sportsbooks offer a selection of bets that all relate to the same game. This can range from picking the simple winner to individual player props across the board.
Why did the odds or the line move?
You are not the only one betting! As bets come in all across the market, the sportsbook may adjust their lines if they get too heavy on one side of the action. Other externalities like weather, injuries, and more can affect line movement.
How does live betting work?
As sporting events progress, sportsbooks will release updated moneyline odds, point spreads, totals, player props, and more. For instance, bettors who jumped on the Patriots when they were trailing the Falcons 28-3 in Super Bowl LI got them around +1000 to win straight up.
What is a unit?
A unit is a great way to organize your own bankroll and betting approach, as well as for writers to communicate their confidence in a bet relative to others. You may consider a unit 1% of your bankroll, 2%, 5%, whatever helps you. As a writer, I say I’ve got a one-unit play if I feel good but not exceptional about a game, but a three-unit play would be a stronger angle.
How do I determine my bankroll size?
Your bankroll should be tied to what you’re okay with losing. While one can make money, this is still gambling. Do not gamble beyond your means and what you’re comfortable parting with. Set a budget and stick to it.
FAQ - Sports Betting in the US
Is sports betting legal in the United States?
Yes, but not in every US state. Legal sports betting can be done in roughly 60% of the country as of January 2022.
What is the legal betting age in the United States?
If you are in a state with legal sports betting then you have to be at least 21 years of age to place a wager. There are four states where the age limit is only 18: Montana, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Washington.
How do I know a sportsbook is legal in my state?
You should become familiar with each state’s licensing board and gaming commission, as they will have lists of approved operators in the state.
What is an offshore sportsbook?
An offshore sportsbook is one that operates from outside of the United States. They do not have any regulatory approval from your state or the country, meaning there is more risk and no consumer protection when dealing with them.
Can I bet on sports when visiting a state with legalized sports betting?
Yes, you can place bets in states with legalized sports betting when you are within their borders. You do not have to be a resident.
Do all states have online or mobile sports betting or do I need to go to a casino?
The majority of states with legalized sports betting also approved wagering online, but states such as Arkansas, Delaware, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Washington do not.
How do I deposit and withdraw money from my account?
Each state and sportsbook are unique in what payment methods they allow, but most users can expect to utilize major credit cards, online bank transfers, or PayPal.
Are my sportsbook winnings taxable?
Yes, sportsbook winnings fall under taxable income in the US and must be reported. Similarly, losses can be deducted. Track your activity and be sure to consult with a tax advisor should you have any further questions.
US States with Live, Licensed Sports Betting
New Jersey
New York
Pennsylvania
Colorado
Michigan
Virginia
Tennessee
Iowa
Indiana
Arizona
Maryland
Louisiana
Wyoming
Ontario
US States Approaching Sports Betting
Florida
Delaware
Wisconsin