DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, and ESPN Bet are the five apps you'll see recommended most often — and for good reason: all five hold licenses in 20 or more US states and cover every major NBA bet type from tip-off to final buzzer. This page compares them side by side so you can pick one (or two) before the next tip-off.
Which NBA Betting Apps Are Legal in the US Right Now?
Legal availability depends on where you're standing, not where you're from. Geolocation is enforced at every licensed sportsbook, so the app checks your physical location each time you open it. Before downloading anything, confirm your state is covered — which states allow legal online NBA betting in 2026 is the quickest way to verify.
As of 2026, NJ, PA, MI, CO, IL, NY, AZ, IN, IA, VA, and TN are among the states where all five major apps operate. Utah and Hawaii prohibit all gambling, and California still has no legal online sports betting.
How Do the Top NBA Betting Apps Compare?
| App | States Live (approx.) | Welcome Offer | Bonus Bet Expiry | Accepts PayPal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings Sportsbook | 20+ | Bet $5, Get $200 in bonus bets | 7 days | Yes (select states) |
| FanDuel Sportsbook | 20+ | Bet $5, Get $200 in bonus bets | 14 days | Yes (select states) |
| BetMGM | 20+ | First Bet Offer up to $1,500 | 7 days | No (varies) |
| Caesars Sportsbook | 20+ | First-bet match up to $1,000 | 14 days | No (varies) |
| ESPN Bet | 15+ | Varies by state | Varies | No (varies) |
Bonus amounts and exact terms shift regularly; always read the current T&C on each operator's help page before depositing. For a deeper look at how these promotions actually work — including rollover traps to avoid — see how NBA betting welcome bonuses work and what to watch for.
What Bet Types Do These Apps Cover for NBA?
Every app above supports moneylines, point spreads (typically priced −110 on both sides), and totals. All five also offer same-game parlays, player props, and live in-play wagering. If you need a refresher on how those markets work, NBA bet types — moneyline, spread, totals, parlays, and props breaks each one down with concrete examples.
Point-spread bets carry a built-in vig: wagering $110 to win $100 at −110 implies roughly a 4.5% house edge, so understanding the pricing matters before you commit real money. how to read NBA odds in American format walks through the math in plain terms.
How Do I Actually Get Started?
All five apps are available on iOS and Android; the sign-up process is nearly identical across them. You'll need a government-issued ID for KYC verification — submit it early to avoid withdrawal delays. For a step-by-step walkthrough, follow how to create your NBA sportsbook account in 5 steps.
For deposits, debit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted everywhere with minimums commonly around $5–$10. PayPal is available at DraftKings and FanDuel in eligible states, with withdrawals typically processed in 24–48 hours. Full deposit and cashout details are at how to deposit and withdraw at NBA sportsbooks.
One more thing: all sports betting winnings are taxable federal income. A W-2G is issued when a single winning bet pays $600 or more and is at least 300× the wager. See do you owe taxes on NBA betting winnings for the full breakdown.
Must be 21+ (18+ in a small number of states). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit the National Council on Problem Gambling's helpline page.