When it comes to playing sports online, the best way to start is by choosing a reliable, reputable and legal US sportsbook. Then, you can begin betting with real money. You can also find sportsbooks that offer free bets to new customers.

Some of the top-rated U.S. sportsbooks offer a variety of payment options, including Visa and MasterCard. Others are crypto-friendly, meaning you can deposit and withdraw with Bitcoin or other digital currencies. Those who prefer to bet with physical cash can use an ATM or a traditional bank transfer.

How to play at a top-rated sportsbook

To start playing at an online sportsbook, you need to register with the site and make a deposit. You’ll need your personal information, including your name and address, as well as your telephone number and email address.

Once your account is created, you can deposit and withdraw funds as you wish. In most cases, you can do this from your mobile device or desktop computer.

Betting on sports with real money is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it’s important to know what you’re doing before you start placing bets. If you don’t understand the rules of sports wagering, you could lose your money or even your life!

The best online sportsbooks for new players have helpful tutorials, a help center and customer service agents available around the clock. Moreover, they offer generous promotions to new members, like risk-free bets or bonuses equal to a percentage of your initial deposit.

In addition, they offer a how-to guide explaining the different types of wagers and what each one is worth. They’re also a good place to get tips on how to bet responsibly and how to maximize your bankroll.

Betway is a sportsbook with a lot of experience behind it. It’s well-known in several international markets and offers a large menu of games and bets. The sportsbook also has a great rewards program and regularly competitive odds.

Another great option is FanDuel, which specializes in daily fantasy sports and has now entered the sportsbook market. They have an extensive sports betting how-to guide, covering all the major types of wagers — straight wagers, player and game props, parlays, teasers, live wagering, half, quarter and period bets, round robins, spreads and future bets.

XBet is another top-rated online sportsbook that accepts U.S. bettors, and is one of the oldest and most respected in the business. The sportsbook offers a 50% up to $500 welcome bonus with a 7x playthrough requirement, which is more than enough for beginners to make a decent profit. The sportsbook also offers $250 sports reloads and 7% horse racing rebates.

The site is based in Curacao and operates under the jurisdiction of the Curacao Gaming Control Board, which ensures that your personal information is safe and secure. Its customer support team is available around the clock, and they’re happy to answer questions via live chat or email.

The sportsbook’s website is easy to navigate, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. They’re available by phone and live chat, and response times are quick – often in minutes or less.