Signing up for a licensed NBA sportsbook app takes about ten minutes when you have the right documents ready. The steps are nearly identical across DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM — download, register, verify identity, deposit, and claim your welcome offer.
Which apps can you sign up for right now?
DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, and ESPN Bet are all licensed in multiple states including NJ, PA, MI, CO, IL, NY, AZ, IN, IA, and VA. Before you start, confirm your state has legal online sports betting — Utah and Hawaii prohibit it entirely, and California, Texas, and Florida have not yet legalized it as of 2025. Check the state-by-state legal online NBA betting guide if you're unsure.
For a full breakdown of which app suits your state and betting style, see the best NBA betting apps in the US for 2026 before committing to one platform.
How do you create an NBA sportsbook account — step by step?
- Download the app. Search the App Store or Google Play for the sportsbook name. Licensed apps are geo-locked, so the app itself will not function outside a permitted state. Enable location permissions when prompted; denying them blocks wagering even if you're physically inside a legal state.
- Register your personal details. Enter your full legal name, date of birth, email address, last four digits of your Social Security number, and a home address. All fields must match your government-issued ID exactly — mismatches are the single most common cause of KYC (Know Your Customer) delays.
- Verify your identity (KYC). Upload a clear photo of a government-issued ID — driver's license or passport. Some operators also request a selfie or proof of address. Submit these documents before your first deposit so you're not locked out when you try to withdraw. Licensed US sportsbooks are required to complete this check under state regulations administered by bodies such as the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and the Michigan Gaming Control Board.
- Make your first deposit. Debit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted at all three operators, with deposit minimums commonly as low as $5–$10. PayPal is available at DraftKings and FanDuel in eligible states with a $10 minimum. ACH/online banking is also widely supported. For a full rundown of methods and withdrawal timelines, see the guide on how to deposit and withdraw at NBA sportsbooks.
- Opt in to your welcome offer. DraftKings has offered "Bet $5, Get $200 in bonus bets"; BetMGM has offered a first-bet offer up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your first bet loses; Caesars has offered a first-bet match up to $1,000. These promotions require you to be physically located in a licensed state at the time of wagering — geolocation is enforced. Before opting in, read the full terms at each operator's help center, because bonus-bet expiry windows (commonly 7–14 days) and any rollover conditions vary. The guide to NBA betting welcome bonuses explains what the fine print actually means.
What documents do you need for identity verification?
- Government-issued photo ID (driver's license or passport)
- Last four digits of your Social Security number (entered during registration)
- Sometimes: a utility bill or bank statement showing your address
Upload everything upfront. Waiting until a withdrawal request to submit documents is the most avoidable reason payouts get held up for days.
What should you watch out for during sign-up?
Disable any VPN before opening the app — active VPNs trigger geolocation failures even when you're sitting in a legal state. Use your exact legal name; a nickname or middle-name omission can flag your account during KYC review. Verify the sportsbook's license on your state regulator's official site before depositing real money; offshore operators offer no consumer recourse if a withdrawal is refused.
All NBA betting winnings are taxable federal income; operators issue a W-2G on single winning bets of $600 or more where the payout is at least 300× the wager. For details, see the page on NBA betting taxes and IRS reporting.
Once your account is funded, brush up on how to read NBA odds in American format before placing your first bet — understanding why −110 means you wager $110 to win $100 will save you from surprises on your first ticket.
Must be 21+ to sign up (18+ in a small number of states — verify with your state regulator). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.