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How to Create a New Account at a Sportsbook
How to Open a Betting Account
Go to the sportsbook's website, click the "Sign Up" button and complete the process. You should also consider the legal status of online sports betting in the state where you are physically located if you want to comply with the corresponding laws and regulations.
When you register for online betting, you will have to provide a few personal details such as full name, current address, gender, and date of birth. You should also choose your preferred payment method and make an initial deposit, which requires submitting sensitive financial data and further stresses the importance of wagering at legitimate and secure operators.
How to Set Up a Betting Account
- Find a legal betting platform
- Make your location known
- Click the sign up button
- Set up login details
- Enter personal informaiton
- Agree to the T&C
List of States with Legal Online Sportsbooks
Not all 50 US states offer legal online sportsbooks [1], so first, you have to check that this is the case for your region. Keep in mind that you must be physically present in said state to be allowed to wager.
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Nevada
- North Carolina
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- Washington D.C.
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Interestingly, if you are a resident of The Last Frontier who is visiting Michigan, where the sports betting sites are legal [2], you will be able to access a sportsbook and create an account.
1. Choose a Sportsbook
The first step is to choose a legal sportsbook, and the only way to confirm that is to look for a valid gambling license. The top operators highlighted by our experts and included in the table below are licensed by official regulators [3] such as the NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement and the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
| Online Sportsbook | Sign Up Bonus | Promo Code | Highlights | Rating | Secure Link | Eligible States | Terms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM Sportsbook | Up to $1500 Back In Bonus Bets | Not Needed | Great betting oddsTop mobile performanceFirst bet bonus | ★ out of 5 | Bet Here! | CO, IA, IN, MA, MI, NV, OH, VA, WV, NJ, PA | Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply. |
Over the years of evaluating sports betting operators, our experts have created a rigorous rating process, including a comprehensive set of criteria. With players' safety being our top priority, we've ensured that all recommended online sportsbooks hold the necessary licenses, but that's not all.
2. Location Detection Software
Legal sportsbooks have the obligation to ensure that local laws are being respected. You must not attempt to register by pretending to be located in another state. You should agree that your location be traced for the sportsbook's software to properly discern whether you are allowed to register there or not.
Essentially, we are trying to say that you shouldn't use a VPN to disguise your location. The location-tracking software of legal sportsbooks is there to comply with state and federal law, and any attempt to circumvent it constitutes a violation of the law.
3. Click the "Sign Up" or "Register" Button
Once you've chosen a legal online sportsbook to create a new account with, you have to go to its landing page and select the state you are located in. Of course, now would be an excellent time to double-check the essential details we discussed – e.g., licensing, welcome bonus, and available payment methods.
Find the "Sign up" or "Register" button, which is typically located in the upper right corner of the page and click on it. This will activate the registration process, which includes setting up your login details, providing the required personal information, and ultimately selecting a payment method and making an initial deposit.
4. Set Up Your Login Details
Here, you should create a username and a password. In most cases, the username will be your email address, but sometimes, you might be required to come up with something specific. It's essential to provide a valid email address to which you have access, as you'll have to confirm your account.
When it comes to the password, you'll have to be careful to comply with the requirements set forth by the sportsbook you're signing up for. Make sure to select a strong password [4], including a combination of lower-case letters, upper-case letters, numbers, and special characters. We recommend that you don't include personal information and never reuse passwords.
5. Enter Your Personal Details
When you open a betting account, you will be required to fill in a registration form with personal details such as your full name, physical address, and date of birth. Depending on the operator, you may also be asked to provide the last 4 digits of your social security number (SSN) for verification.
You might also be required to provide a phone number to verify important account information. There are other options, such as passphrases and security questions and answers, and all of them offer an additional layer of safety for payers.
6. Enter Your Current Address
Next, you'll have to provide your full address, including the state and zip code. Remember that most online sportsbooks use automated systems to detect whether you are actually located in the specified state, and even the best VPN would not work. We advise against using any such software as you might end up blocked by the operator.
When you open a new betting account, you will have to be physically located in a state where online sportsbooks have been legalized, or otherwise, you won't be able to complete your account and proceed with real money bets. You'll be asked to provide a phone number and possibly enter a bonus code to claim a sportsbook promotions.
7. Agree to the Terms and Join
Finally, you will reach the step where you have to read the full terms and conditions of the operator and agree to them. We understand the sudden urge to skip the reading part and click the "Agree" button, but please don't do that. After all, you are about to deposit money with the sportsbook and provide sensitive information, so it's best to know what you're signing up for.
8. Your New Online Sports Betting Account is All Set Up
After you agree to the terms and conditions, your new online sports betting account is set up, but you won't be able to use it immediately. Every player will have to go through mandatory verification checks, which is entirely normal and expected.
Over the years, online sportsbooks in the US have adopted a range of safety and security standards and responsible gambling practices. For one, you must prove you are who you say you are and meet the legal age requirement, which is usually 21. We'll explain everything in more detail in the following sections of this article.
Preparing for the KYC Process
Know Your Customer (KYC) is an obligatory protocol used by online sportsbooks and other financial institutions, such as banks, to verify the identity of their customers. In fact, this is the only way for a sports betting operator to minimize or altogether avoid the possibility of underage gambling and identity fraud. Here is what you have to prepare for the KYC process:
- Proof of Identity - This could be a passport, driver's license, or another official document.
- Proof of State Residency - You will have to submit something that includes your full name and address – e.g., utility bill or bank statement.
- Source of Funds - This step verifies that the money you're using to fund your account is yours, so you should provide a screenshot or photo of your bank statement, PayPal page, etc.
You have to provide authentic and verifiable information for your own personal safety. The KYC protocol is used to avoid money laundering and prevent access to players who have previously self-excluded from gambling or are not permitted to engage in such activities regardless of the reason. All of this is done to guarantee a legal and safe environment.
How Long Does It Take to Verify Your Identity?
Opening a new betting account is usually quick, taking no more than 5 minutes, but the same is not valid for identity checks. Since you most likely won't be allowed to gamble until the KYC process has been completed, which usually takes up to 3 days, you'll have to be patient. Proper submission of the required documents can help speed up the process or at least avoid unnecessary delays.
What to Consider Before You Open a New Betting Account in the US
We've already discussed the most important requirements you must be aware of before you choose a sportsbook and open a new account, so let's summarize them and add a few extra ones. By now, you have the US states with legal online sports betting.
You also know that to bet real money at any legitimate sportsbook, you must be physically located in the specific state, and you must meet the legal age requirement. Another rather unfortunate thing to remember is that you have to pay taxes on any winnings – on both the federal and state/local level.
- Age - The legal age requirement for online sports betting in the US is 21.
- Personal information - US online sportsbooks require standard personal information such as full name and address, but in some states like Michigan, for example, they'll also ask you to submit your social security number either partially or entirely.
- Taxes - Any gambling winnings, sports betting included, are considered income and are fully taxable. Depending on where you live, there may be local and state taxes in addition to a fixed 24% federal tax rate [5].
Consequences of Falsifying Personal Information
Depending on the extent of the act, submitting false personal information such as an ID or other official document with the intent to commit fraud may lead to significant consequences, including hefty fines and even imprisonment. At the least, if an online sportsbook reaches a conclusion that you have provided incorrect or misleading information, it will terminate your account, which may lead to the loss of any potential winnings.
Responsible Gambling
Regardless of whether you prefer to wager on sports, online casino games, or anything else, you have to stick to responsible gambling. Every legal operator will give you the chance to set deposit, loss, and time limits, and you should certainly do that. Bear in mind that the first signs of compulsive gambling include overspending in terms of both money and time.
If you or anyone close to you is experiencing any gambling-related problems, you can and should seek assistance. There are plenty of resources and organizations at your disposal, including the National Problem Gambling Helpline that is available 24/7 and entirely confidential. In addition, there are other non-governmental organizations, such as Gambling Therapy.
FAQ
Before you leave, check the short FAQ section we've included below. It provides clear and concise answers to the most common questions from sports betting enthusiasts online. Its goal is to give you essential information at a glance and improve your overall experience.
How do I create an account at an online sportsbook?
The process of creating a new account at an online sportsbook is simple if you follow all the steps correctly. In summary, you will need to create login details, provide some personal details, and verify your identity by submitting a few official documents as proof.
How long does it take to make a sportsbook account?
It's not very time-consuming to open a sports betting account. The bulk of the time goes to providing information about yourself that is needed for the operator to discern whether you are eligible to play there. Generally speaking, less than ten minutes should be enough to complete the process.
What information do I need to provide to register at an online sportsbook?
When you open a new betting account, you have to provide personal details, including your full name, date of birth, and address. In addition, you have to submit other information like your email address and phone number. Some operators will also require your partial or entire social security number.
How do online sportsbooks verify my identity?
This happens via the so-called Know Your Customer (KYC) protocol, which requires you to submit a few official documents. First, you must provide a copy of your passport or driver's license, and then you have to confirm your address and verify your payment account and phone number.
Can I register at more than one online sportsbooks in the same state?
Yes, you can register at more than one online sportsbook. In fact, we recommend you do this so you can compare their odds, promotions, and overall performance. This will help you make an informed choice and select a legal online sportsbook that works best for your preferences.
Conclusion – It Is Easy to Create a New Account at a Sportsbook
In conclusion, we can assure you that if you want to register for online betting, we don't expect you to face any significant issues. Of course, for this to be true, you have to do your part, including carefully following the instructions of the sportsbook and providing authentic and verifiable information.
Meet the creators behind our content: a collaborative of seasoned professionals, each with their area of expertise. From analytical minds dissecting odds and legal counselors demystifying regulations to strategic players sharing their secrets, our team's diverse backgrounds enrich every piece of advice and insight we offer.
Our experts have tested the sign-up processes of many of the top online sportsbooks to be able to provide you with the most accurate up-to-date information. With years of experience in the sector, our team at betting.us is proud to support you in your journey through the online gambling industry.
References
- Bengel, Chris and McCarriston, Shanna, (November 17, 2023), U.S. sports betting: Here is where all 50 states currently stand on legalizing online sports betting sites, CBS Sports, (Retrieved December 19, 2023)
- Michigan legal online gambling and sports betting to start Friday, Detroit Free Press, (Retrieved December 19, 2023)
- Gambling Regulators in the United States, Wikipedia, (Retrieved December 19, 2023)
- Hoffman, Chris, (May 16, 2023), How to Create a Strong Password (and Remember It), How-To Geek, (Retrieved December 19, 2023)
- Topic No. 419, Gambling Income and Losses, IRS, (Retrieved December 19, 2023)