At Sporting Post we like to make sure you're in the know. That's why every day we bring you fresh free picks for all of the major US sports. We aren't just sports fans, we're experts too.
We perform in-depth analysis on previous games, player stats, and odds to make sure we're bringing you the best value bets. After all, being well-informed is the tried and tested way to boost up your bankroll.
As well as picking out individual games where there's money to be made, we also look at the sites that can help you get there. We sniff out the top bonuses and promotions to bring you the deals that can save you some cash.
So, if you want to take advantage of some of our best bets and hopefully score a win, keep reading to find out more.
What Is a Best Bet?
The best bet is simply the one with the most likely outcome of a certain game. No matter the sport, the simplest bet is which team will win. Apart from guessing the correct outcome, the best bet is the one that brings the highest payout.
Why Are Best Bets So Popular?
They are popular because of the variety they offer. There’s not a single bet type that is the best one – newbies can pick the winning team, while experienced sports bettors can look for point spreads or best prop bets - we also compiled free prop picks for various markets.
Plus, who can resist free expert picks? We bring you the best picks based on data points from past seasons right up to the games from last week.
Best Bet Sites - Our Recommendations
Name | Score | Play Now | Welcome Bonus | Payment Methods | Sports | Payout Speed | Disclaimer | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
9.8 | Claim OfferBetMGM.com | Bet $5 Get $158 in Bonus Bets | Cash, Venmo, PayPal, Bank Transfer, Apple Pay, Play+ | 20+ | 3-8 Days | Gambling problem? Call or TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER. Must be 21+ and present in the state you're wagering in. T&C Apply. | ||
9.2 | Claim Offerbet365.com | Bet $5 Get $150 | PayPal, Skrill, Paysafecard, PayNearMe, Visa, Mastercard | 20+ | Hours - 5 Days | Gambling problem? Call or TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER. Must be 21+ and present in CO. T&C Apply. | ||
9.6 | Claim OfferFanDuel.com | Bet $5 Get $200 In Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins | Cash, Venmo, PayPal, Apple Pay, ACH Transfer, Visa, Mastercard | 18+ | Hours - 5 Days | Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Hope is here. Gamblinghelplinema.org or call (800)-327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or Text HOPENY (467369) (NY). | ||
9.4 | Claim OfferDraftKings.com | Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets Instantly! | Cash, Venmo, PayPal, Apple Pay, Play+, ACH Transfer, Visa, Mastercard | 25+ | Hours - 5 Days | Gambling problem? Call or TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER. Must be 21+ and present in CO. T&C Apply. | ||
8.6 | Claim OfferBetway.com | Up to $250 Back In Bonus Bets If Your First Bet Loses | PayPal, PayNearMe, Play+, ACH Transfer, Visa, Mastercard | 16+ | Up to 7 Days | Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Hope is here. Gamblinghelplinema.org or call (800)-327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or Text HOPENY (467369) (NY). |
Pick Best Bets by Sport
For all new players who want to get into the action of sports betting, it is important to know the sport you are betting on and the type of available bets. You’ll find multiple options, from money lines and spread bets to parlays and prop bets.
Picking a type of bet depends on your knowledge of the sport you want to bet on. If you are a beginner, moneyline bets are easy to understand because you just choose a winner. However, if you are an avid fan of the NBA, for example, there are more interesting prop bets that you can choose from to help you turn a profit. This includes game props and player props that can have nothing to do with the outcome of a game.
The more experienced bettors look at different factors when preparing to place a bet. Some things that need to be noted if you want to turn that profit are:
Player Performance and Form – Knowing the team’s form and the shape of certain players in recent weeks and on the whole is key to the outcome of the bet. If you know that a particular player has had positive results in previous matches, most likely, they will continue playing well in their upcoming matches. This is also useful when placing prop bets. For example, you can bet on the number of points scored, goals, yards covered, etc., a player will have.
Tactical Approaches and Strategies – Checking whether a certain team plays differently when they face harder or easier opponents is important. Each game has a different value to a team. If a game doesn’t change the outcome for the club, they might play without their star players.
Historical Data and Trends – The more experienced bettors will dive in a bit deeper, checking out previous matchups between teams and how well certain players perform against specific clubs.
Contextual Factors – Apart from the previous research, such as player performance, form, strategies, and historical data, experienced bettors will factor in even the smaller details. Which team plays home or away, whether the best players are fit or injured, or how important the game is to each team.
All of these tips are essential if you want winning bets that net you a profit. Of course, there'll be the odd miss, but studying the data (and snagging the best odds) will give you the best chance of a win in the long run.
Best NFL Bets
For avid US football fans, all top-tier sports betting sites offer plenty of bets on the NFL. You can find all sorts of bets from preseason and regular season to payoffs and, ultimately, the Super Bowl.
Best NBA Bets
Another cornerstone for major professional leagues in the US is the National Basketball Association. Every online sportsbook will have every NBA game covered throughout the preseason, regular season, and playoffs, providing money lines, props, the best NBA bets, and various other wagers.
Best NHL Bets
The third major professional sports league in the US, is the NHL. It's composed of 32 teams from both the US and Canada, and is considered to be the best professional ice hockey league in the world. Check out all available best NHL betsincluding money lines, parlays, hockey props bets, etc. in the regular season, and playoffs.
Best MLB Bets
Completing the Mount Rushmore of major professional sports leagues in the US, the MLB is the prime-time league for baseball. Place all kinds of best MLB bets, such as money lines, parlays, props bets, baseball, and more. Plus, all throughout the season find our picks in the National League, American League, postseason, and of course, the World Series.
Best NCAAF Bets
If you want to place bets on the highest level of college football, the NCAAF (NCAA Division I Football) is what you want to look for. Tons of online sports betting sites provide various types of best NCAAF bets for the FBC and FCS.
Best NCAAB Bets
Staying at the college level, all basketball fans can also follow and bet on the NCAAB. Place various types of bets on NCAA Division I men's basketball, and check out the odds for March Madness.
Pros and Cons of Best Bets
If you are a new bettor who has just started checking out some online sports betting sites, it is wise to start with some easier bets, including straight bets. On the other hand, if you are more experienced and follow a specific sport, prop bets are more fun and offer more variety. Below are some of the benefits of best bets picks.
- A variety of prop bets to choose from
- Competitive odds at the best sportsbooks
- Odds boost for special events
- Opportunity to bet on any sports market
- More complicated for newbies; better suited for experienced bettors
- Risk of upsets, but with higher payouts
Best Bet Sites Reviewed
There are tons of online sports betting sites in the US, but not all of them provides all the necessary features to get a full online betting experience. To help you out, here are what we believe are the top 3 US betting sites.
These sportsbooks provide various betting markets ranging from horse racing to soccer, promotions like free bets and welcome bonuses, and free picks to support your bets.
BetMGM
BetMGM is one of the best known and most trusted online sports betting sites in the US. It holds various licenses from over 15 states and offers bettors numerous sports markets. You can easily place money lines, spread bets, total, and prop bets.
The platform also provides a dedicated mobile app for Android and iOS users, giving the same experience as playing on your desktop device. A long list of deposit and withdrawal methods gives you a chance to pick what you prefer. Plus, if you ever have any issues, the 24/7 customer support service is there to assist.
What Makes BetMGM Great for Prop Bets?
- Various sports markets
- Reliable payment methods
- BetMGM Rewards
- HQ live streams
- Odd boosts with strict limits
- Long withdrawal process
DraftKings
DraftKings is immensely popular in the US for its daily fantasy sports, but it has also branched out into sports betting. There are various sports markets available to bet on. These bet types include moneylines, spread bets, totals, game lines, player props, game props, team props, and even some DraftKings special bets.
US bettors wager bet on various markets, including basketball, football, ice hockey, baseball, college football, MMA, boxing, tennis, golf, motorsports, and more. You can also download the dedicated mobile app for iOS or Android and get the same treatment as desktop users. There are plenty of promotions offered for new and existing players to get a boost when placing bets.
What Makes DraftKings Great for Props Bets?
- Access to all top sport betting markets
- Favorable odds
- Fast payment methods
- Multi-tier loyalty program
- Slow customer support responses
- Higher playthrough requirements
FanDuel
Similarly to DraftKings, FanDuel made its name through daily fantasy sports but is now considered a top-tier online sportsbook. Available in 19 US states, FanDuel offers decent odds for multiple sports markets. Various types of bets are available, including straight bets, quick bets, same-game parlays, race-to bets, team props, players' props, and more.
Bettors that want a boost can head to the promotion section and find dozens of bonuses waiting to be claimed. The operator also offers multiple payment methods, from credit/debit cards and e-wallets to e-cheques and bank transfers. If you run into some sort of issue or need help, a customer support agent is available 24/7.
What Makes FanDuel Great for Props Bets?
- Coverage of numerous major leagues
- FanDuel TV
- Intuitive app
- Dozens of promotions
- Lack of a loyalty/VIP program
- Some desktop features aren’t available on the app
Best Bet Strategy by Sport
Even if you are new to sports betting, you should have some form of strategy when wagering. You need to do some research, analyze games more than just trends, and know the majority of available types of bets. Here are some strategies for some of the most popular betting markets in the US.
NFL Best Bet Strategies
If you want to bet on the NFL, you’ll notice that online sports betting sites have a wide range of bets. Some of the popular types of bets that you will see more experienced bettors wager on in NFL games include points spread, straight bets, and prop bets.
Many bettors' NFL betting strategy is to start betting at the start of the season. Right at the beginning, bookmakers aren’t quite sure about odds, favorites, and underdogs. If you do the proper research, check which teams got a hold of solid free agents, used the draft appropriately, and strengthened the coaching department, then you can get quite the assessment of the team.
As the season progresses, bookmakers will get a firm grip on all the teams, and it will be more difficult to find a more profitable bet.
NBA Best Bet Strategies
Betting on basketball, especially in the NBA, is a lot different than other sports. Multiple factors need to be accounted for before placing an NBA bet. Proper research is needed if you want to maximize your payouts. This includes bankroll management, learning the packed schedule, and reading injury reports.
We mention focusing on the NBA schedule because teams can play 3 games in 4 nights. If you pay close attention, particularly right at the end of the season, right before the playoffs start, this is when some teams will slip or go for a playoff spot.
Let’s say the Milwaukee Bucks have secured a playoff spot, being the second seed in the Eastern Conference, and their last 2 or 3 games are with teams that are pushing for some of the last playoff sports. It will be wise to bet against the Bucks because either their star players will get rested for the playoffs, or they will get lower minutes on the court.
NHL Best Bet Strategies
If you are an ice hockey fan, the NHL is where all the action happens, and if you want to maximize your payouts, you need to understand the game, follow team news, and go for some of the more common betting types.
There is one interesting strategy about goalies that many experienced bettors use. We all know there aren’t many goals scored in a hockey game often, so paying close attention to stats is crucial. One thing that you can study is how many goals a goalie is letting in relation to how many shots he is facing per game.
This will give you an idea of how to play your player prop bets. Even if the team is an underdog or is losing quite a lot of games, they can have a goalie that has a high save percentage. This will indicate that while the team may be performing badly, they are not losing by a lot of goals, so betting on totals or goals scored in the game is the way to go.
MLB Best Bet Strategies
Baseball is potentially the most complicated sport to understand out of these sports markets, and additionally, it also has more betting types than other major professional league markets. You will always have your basic straight bets but also run line bets, reverse run line bets, alternate run lines, totals, first 5 innings, future bets, and prop bets.
Prop bets are where you can exploit some of the best MLB players, taking into account their hot and cold streaks. Once you notice a starting player has had some decent or above-average games in a row, make sure to follow them no matter what.
Hit streaks are what you want to focus on more, so if a player has had above-average hits in a couple of games, stay with that player. Obviously, a hot steak cannot go on forever; but until then, stay on track with those players.
NCAAF Best Bet Strategies
While the NCAAF may not be as covered as the NFL, you still can find various top-tier sports betting sites providing competitive odds.
One interesting strategy, that has the numbers to back it, is a team’s game right before they play their biggest rivals. The Michigan State Spartans and Ohio State Buckeyes have one of the biggest rivalries in college football. Now, the interesting part is that in the past three years, Michigan State failed to win the game, which was prior to their match-up against Ohio State.
On the other hand, in the past six years, Ohio State has failed to win its games which were prior to facing Michigan State. While all games are important, it seems like the big rivalry games are more important than others, and while this may not be the case for every team, it is interesting to pay close attention.
NCAAB Best Bet Strategies
For some, college basketball can even be more exciting than the NBA, and it’s all down to March Madness. Betting on NCAAB can be a bit riskier than the NBA because the teams can change pretty fast, and it is harder to determine favorites and underdogs.
Following NCAAB can be challenging because each year, there are 32 different conferences and leagues. Because the number of teams is so high, bookmakers will always focus on big-name conferences and will pay less attention to small conferences and mid-majors.
This is where you can shine by narrowing down your options and focusing on one small conference. However, do your research because not all conferences are available for betting, and some don’t even get odds from bookmakers. When you find your ideal conference, stick to it and try to exploit the odds given by bookmakers.
Responsible Gambling
Online sports betting should be fun. Whether you are a new bettor or an experienced one, you should always gamble responsibly. Players should always enter an online bookmaker for entertainment, not for financial gain. Here are some things you need to consider to stay safe while placing sports bets:
Bankroll Management
No matter which sports market you choose to wager on you always have to have a budget and stick to it. Whether you divide it into a daily, monthly, or entire season budget, always stick to it and don’t chase losses.
Manage Risk & Maximize Potential Returns
It's wise not to go overboard with parlays or multiple bets. Stick to what you know, and slowly do more and more research about the sports market you are wagering on. Follow expert guides, expert predictions, and team news always to be informed.
No Guarantees
No matter if you are betting on a favorite or underdog, there are no guarantees in sports betting. Even if you come across the best betting tips and strategies, they are all just predictions.
Setting Limits
Every top online sports betting site will have tools that you can use to set limits. Whether that is deposit limits, hours spent on the site, loss limits, or time outs and self-exclusions, you are able to walk away if you are on a losing streak.
Seeking Help
There are lots of ways that you can take control of your betting, but if you're struggling to do it alone then there are organizations that you can turn to. Below are some responsible gambling organizations that can help you regain control of your habit.
Organization | Contact Details |
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National Problem Gambling Helpline | |
Gamblers Anonymous | |
Center for Problem Gambling |