World Cup Betting Sites – Every Legal Sportsbook Ranked

Lisa Spencer By Lisa Spencer Senior Editor at Betting.us Updated: January 31, 2024
Lisa Spencer Lisa Spencer Senior Editor at Betting.us

Hailing from New Orleans, Lisa Spencer brings together math expertise and gambling know-how as Betting.us' editor. With a Master's degree in Applied Mathematics, she excels in game theory. Using statistical models and game theory, she develops and publishes betting strategies for Betting.us. Outside work, Lisa surfs the web for betting insights and does sports.

The Best Online Sportsbooks with World Cup Betting

There are many legal soccer World Cup betting USA sites players can use. That's where we come in. We review and rate the best online sportsbooks in the US using several different factors to help judge the quality and let you make the best choice for you.

Your safety is our top concern, so every operator we recommend is top tier and, it goes without saying, fully licensed. We ensure that our top World Cup sportsbooks have licenses in the states they operate in. So, check out the best World Cup betting sites in the US for 2022 below:

Show Details Up to $1500 Back In Bonus Bets Not Needed Best World Cup Sportsbook 4.95 Bet Here! Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply.
Show Details Up to $1000 On First Deposit Not Needed Great World Cup Bonus 4.90 Bet Here! Valid only for new VA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply.
Show Details Up to $500 Free Bet SPORTS Top World Cup Odds 4.85 Bet Here! Valid only for new PA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply.
Show Details Up to $1000 First Bet on Caesars IGAMING1000 World-Renowned Sportsbook 4.80 Bet Here! Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply.
Show Details Bet $5 & Get $150 In Bonus Bets Not Needed Top-Notch Live Streaming 4.75 Bet Here! Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply.
Show Details Bet $25, Get $150 In Bonus Bets Not Needed Great Payment Options 4.70 Bet Here! Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply.

With so many soccer world cup betting USA sites players can choose from, it can be overwhelming to pick the best. The sites we recommend undergo different compliance checks depending on state laws. When playing at one of these sites you know you are getting a legal and legit operator.

The best soccer World Cup betting USA site will also offer bets on plenty of other tournaments in addition to World Cup gambling. If you’re a soccer betting fan, you will find many different national and international leagues to wager on, throughout the year.

Which are the Best World Cup Sites By Category

🥇 #1 World Cup Sportsbook US BetMGM
🎁 Top World Cup Betting Bonus Betway
🔝 Most Bets on World Cup Bet365
🎰 Top World Cup Gambling Site BetMGM
🏅 Best Types of World Cup Bets Caesars
📱 Best World Cup Sportsbook App BetMGM

Not all sports betting players are the same. You will have different preferences and that’s why we’ve broken down the best sportsbooks into different categories, to help you pick what best suits your needs. Maybe you're looking to take your betting on the go, so we’ve selected the best sportsbook app for that.

Live betting might be important to you, especially when it comes to World Cup soccer betting in the USA, so we’ve got the best sportsbook for this too. The World Cup is fast-paced, and you don't want to be left waiting to collect your winnings, so we know the sites that will also give you the fastest payouts.

We will explore in detail the multiple factors we use to distinguish a great site from a good one. If you're new on the scene when it comes to World Cup gambling, we also go into detail about the different types of bets you can make, and with this tournament there are many!

Legality is, of course, another important factor, and in the US, online gambling and sports betting are strictly regulated. We’ll dive into how these laws vary by state and which state allows online sports betting. We'll also touch on how these online sportsbooks are kept accountable by local authorities.

The World Cup might be the biggest, but it's just one of the many soccer leagues you can place bets on. There are other leagues around the world taking place at different times throughout the year. So be sure to check out the best soccer betting sites to see which sportsbooks provide top market coverage.

Picking the Right World Cup Betting Site

Just like in a game of soccer, some rules need to be followed by sportsbooks. We’ll make sure there are no red cards in sight, as we judge the safety and security of a site first and foremost. Considering licensing and overall compliance, because knowing that your data and money are safe is paramount.

After we’ve considered these essential factors, we take into account other things we consider to be nice extras, such as betting bonuses and live betting opportunities. Check out all the main factors we consider below:

We know that different factors take priority for certain players when it comes to World Cup gambling. For some, the welcome bonus can make or break the experience, whereas others are more concerned with having a good selection of payment methods. Check out the top World Cup betting sites in the US to see each option's strengths and weaknesses.

Security & Licensing – Is Your Chosen World Cup Sportsbook Legit?

Each state has its own gambling authority, and the rules vary depending on the state and the authority in charge. No matter what, you should only play at licensed and legal online sportsbooks to avoid being scammed. You can find out more about the different state authorities below:

The best online sportsbooks will not only hold the required licenses but will also take steps to protect your money and data. The top World Cup betting sites will do this with high-end encryption from cybersecurity companies. Look out for big industry names such as Amazon, DigiCert or GoDaddy.

Live Betting on World Cup Games

The popularity of live betting is only increasing, especially for big tournaments like the World Cup. It allows you to watch and react to the action happening immediately after kick-off, adjusting your bets as needed. Not every sportsbook will offer this feature, but the ones that do definitely stand out from the crowd.

Here are the most popular live bet types you can place on the World Cup:
  • Money Line
  • Which team will advance
  • Is there going to be penalties
  • Asian Handicaps
  • Extra Time Goals Over/Under
Here is the most popular US sportsbook that offers live betting on the soccer World Cup:
Up to $1500 Back In Bonus Bets
$0.10 Not Needed CO IA +17
Bet Now! Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply.

Making live bets takes some practice, so we don’t recommend it for complete beginners. For more seasoned players, just locate the live betting console at your chosen sportsbook. You will then see all the games currently taking place accompanied by fun graphics showing what is happening on the pitch. Some even allow you to stream the game.

World Cup Betting Props

The best World Cup betting sites will offer proposition or prop bets. These are wagers that you can make pre-game that are not related to the eventual outcome of the match. Essentially prop bets cover any number of game-related outcomes aside from who you think will actually win the match.

Due to the nature of the game, there are multiple prop bets available for soccer. Some are based on team performance, and some on individual player performances, either separately or together. Popular skill-based World Cup prop bets include:

Skill-Based World Cup Player Performance Props
  • Next Player to Score
  • Player with Most Goals
  • Best Goalkeeper
Skill-Based World Cup Team Performance Props
  • Next Team to Score
  • Number of Corners
  • Winner at the Half

World Cup skill-based player performance props are wagers on outcomes reliant on individual skill, for example, bets on the total number of shots taken by a certain player. There's also The Golden Boot, awarded to the player who scores the most goals in the tournament. Back in the 2018 World Cup, it was England player Harry Kane.

The other option you have are skill-based World Cup team performance props, which are wagers on outcomes involving the collective skill of a team. Examples include wagers on which team will be the winner at halftime or the total number of red cards handed out during a game.

Luck-Based World Cup Player Performance Props
  • Last Player to Touch the Ball
  • Player to Score the Last Goal
  • First Player to Touch the Ball
Luck-Based World Cup Team Performance Props
  • Team to Take the First Penalty
  • Exact Number of Throw ins Awarded
  • Will There Be a Game Interruption?

Aside from these skill-based prop bets, there is another type of prop bet to explore, and these are luck-based. These are wagers on completely random events. They cannot be researched, so this means there's no skill involved, and they are trickier to predict. For this reason, we don’t recommend making large luck-based props.

These luck-based props are also split into player performance and team performance. For player performance, it can include wagers on who will be the first or last player to touch the ball. Be sure to check out our top recommended World Cup sportsbook that offers prop bets for US players:

Bet $25, Get $150 In Bonus Bets
$0.10 Not Needed AZ CO +5
Bet Now! Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply.

Prop bets are fun and can be a great way to have a varied experience while betting online on the World Cup. This is particularly true of the skill-based prop bets. These types of bets also give players more options with decent odds, which can be good if a match has a clear favorite to win.

Some sportsbooks may offer exclusive prop bets when it comes to the World Cup, so definitely keep your eyes out for these.

World Cup Futures

World Cup future bets are wagers on outcomes scheduled to occur at a later date. This could be the overall winner of the tournament or the World Cup Golden Boot winner for example. What you’re betting on is something that will only be known later down the line.

World Cup futures bets are popular with players because they offer the largest margin of winnings. Some other popular futures wagers include which teams will make it past the group stages or which two teams will end up facing off in the final.

Best Online World Cup Sportsbook Bonus Offers

World Cup bonuses are very enticing, and we know many players are on the lookout for the best ones. Bonuses are a fantastic way for new players to claim something extra when signing up with a new online sportsbook. Most are in the form of a free bet.

Sadly, the welcome offers are not for existing users but just for newcomers. It’s also important to check out the terms and conditions to make sure the bonus is reasonable and achievable. See for yourself, we have picked the best online World Cup betting bonus offers in the USA:

Up to $1000 First Bet on Caesars 1000 $20 Claim Bonus!Valid only for new IA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply.
Up to $1500 Back In Bonus Bets Not Needed $10 Claim Bonus!Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply.
Up to $1000 On First Deposit Not Needed $5 Claim Bonus!Valid only for new VA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply.

These bonus offers are fair and have been checked by us. Whether you're looking for a free bet or a cash amount, they can be a great incentive to sign up with a new sportsbook. Many operators will have ongoing World Cup betting promotions too, to stay competitive, so look out for those.

Top World Cup Betting Apps for US Players

We’ve done the hard work for you and narrowed down the best World Cup betting apps. Using a mobile app is the only way to never miss out on the soccer action, no matter where you are. You can place your bets while you watch the match, whether you’re out with friends or from your own home.

We look at many factors when we compile our list of the best apps. We make sure to consider the loading times of the app, reliability, and general useability. For the best mobile World Cup betting apps in the USA check out the table below:

World Cup Betting Apps World Cup Betting Bonus Compatibility Eligible States Secure Link
DraftKings - 4.9/5.0 Up to $1000 On First Deposit iOS and Android, PLAY NOW!Valid only for new VA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply.
Betway - 4.8/5.0 Bet $25, Get $150 In Bonus Bets iOS and Android, PLAY NOW!Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply.
BetRivers - 4.7/5.0 Up to $500 Free Bet iOS and Android, PLAY NOW!Valid only for new PA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply.

Coming out as clear winners, we have DraftKings. The DraftKings app is available on both iOS and Android and allows you to manage your player account from wherever you are, provided you have an internet connection. You can also claim exclusive World Cup betting promotions and make live bets from your device.

Available Payment Methods – Deposits and Withdrawals

Another important factor determining whether a sportsbook is exemplary is the type of payment methods they offer. Most will accept debit cards, credit cards, and eWallets. You want to know that you can quickly and efficiently deposit cash into your online sportsbook account. Here are some of the top-recommended sports betting deposit methods:

Most World Cup betting payment methods will be available for withdrawals. However, some options like credit cards will only work for deposits. So, if this is your favorite method, be sure to check that there is an alternative withdrawal option you can use when deciding which World Cup sportsbook to use.

Top World Cup Gambling Sites with Fast Payout Times

The World Cup is fast-paced, and you won't want to be sat waiting around to collect your winnings. You will want to be able to withdraw any profits quickly and easily. Of course, times vary by payment method, but here are the World Cup gambling sites with the fastest payouts:

World Cup Gambling Site Min. Deposit Payout Times Recommended Payment Method All Deposit Options Eligible States Secure Link
BetMGM $10 1-5 Days
7 BET NOW!Valid only for new CO players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800- GAMBLER
DraftKings $5 1-5 Days 10 BET NOW!Valid only for new VA players over 21 years of age. Full T&Cs apply.
Bet365 $10 1-5 Days 10 BET NOW!Valid only for new NJ players over 21 years of age. Opt-in required. Full T&Cs apply.

Keep in mind that bonus offers can sometimes affect payout times as well. The timeframe for payouts depends on the payment method you select, but generally, you can have the money in your account within one to five days. Bank transfers and eChecks take longer than other methods.

Is Online World Cup Betting Legal in the United States?

Since the federal ban on sports betting was lifted, it has been up to each individual state to decide on their own regulations. This allowed many states to immediately start legalizing online sports betting, with more set to follow suit in the near future.

It’s always a good idea to check the gambling laws in your specific state before signing up to a new World Cup sportsbook to avoid any disappointment. If it’s not legal in your state, don’t use illegal sites because it's never worth the risk.

World Cup trophy, soccer ball, flag of the United States of America, law books, gavel, Scale of Justice

Aside from sports betting there are other forms of legal gambling in the US. Again, it varies on a state by state basis. In some states where gambling is legal, you can usually find both land-based and online casinos as well as sportsbooks. The most open states in terms of online gambling are Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

There are currently 21 states where sports betting is legal and 7 states where legislation is pending. If you live in a state where it is legal, definitely check out the best legal World Cup sportsbooks in the US to see what they have to offer.

Online US World Cup Betting Guide

Online World Cup Betting Guide for US Players

Online betting on the World Cup moves quickly. It's important to check out the odds the betting sites offer as they can change. Most sportsbooks will offer competitive odds for different World Cup markets, to try and entice new players and stand out from the crowd.

We’d recommend that you practice first before using real money. This is a great chance to make use of any free bet welcome bonuses. Once you feel confident enough in your wagers you can then start making real money World Cup bets. It's good to have a strategy and you must do your research. Know the players, the teams, and their recent performance history.

How to Bet on the World Cup for Real Money Online in the United States?

  1. Choose a World Cup betting site – Pick the site that most suits your needs.
  2. Open an Account – Sign-up and create your account.
  3. Make a deposit – Choose a payment method and make a deposit.
  4. Consider the bonus offer – Decide if you want to opt in to the bonus.
  5. Decide what game you want to bet on – Choose the game you want to wager on.
  6. Choose the type of bet – Pick one of the betting markets.
  7. Place your bet – Make your wager.
  8. Wait for the results – Watch the game as it happens.
  9. Collect your winnings – Get any winnings to your payment method of choice.

The Most Popular World Cup Bets for US Players

The exciting thing about soccer is that there are multiple bet types available. The most popular type of bet accepted is simple money line wagers. Then there are more complicated options such as props and futures, which would suit more advanced bettors. There should be something for all experience levels.

When it comes to wagering on the World Cup, outright money line betting remains one of the most popular markets but predicting the winner isn't always so easy. Deciding on the right bet involves looking at all the markets and bet types. Here is a breakdown of the most common bet types for World Cup gamblers:

  • Money Line

    Bets on which side you think will win or a draw.

  • Point Spread

    Bets on the goal margin difference between the two teams at the end of the match.

  • Totals

    These are bets on the total number of combined goals scored in a game.

  • Props

    Gambling on outcomes that are not related to the final score.

  • Live Betting

    You can wager on games already in progress and have access to unique markets.

  • Parlays

    Parlays combine several wagers that multiply your payout. It includes more than 2 types of bets in the same bet.

  • Futures

    Futures bets are wagers on any outcome that occurs at a later date, things that won’t be resolved immediately.

The betting options we have shown above will be available at most online World Cup sportsbooks in the US. We’d suggest money line and total bets for beginners. The other bet types are a little more complicated and best left to move advanced bettors, bets like props.

You can easily place bets on these markets at your chosen online sportsbook. Just keep in mind that not every bet type will be available at every sportsbook. To place a bet just select the game you want to bet on, and then decide how much you want to wager.

The Most Popular World Cup Teams to Bet on

There are 32 teams competing in the 2022 Soccer World Cup and these are split into eight groups of four, so there are a lot of betting opportunities and a lot of matches taking place.

Brazil is currently the favorite to win the 2022 World Cup, but keep in mind the odds are constantly changing. It also looks like England and Argentina could be in with a chance, and of course, reigning champions France is a team worth keeping an eye on.

The Most Famous World Cup Events to Bet On

The World Cup is an incredibly fast-paced tournament, even more so this year as it is running over a shorter period. The World Cup starts with the group stages which are played between November 20 and December 2. There are eight groups of four countries competing in this stage.

After this, the top two teams in each group qualify for the knockout stages, leaving a total of 16 teams. The winners of this will enter the quarter-final, then the semifinal which includes a third place play off. Lastly the final takes place on December 18.

  • Group Stage – November 20 – December 2
  • Knockout Stage – December 3
  • Quarter-final – December 9 – December 10
  • Semi-final – December 13 – December 14
  • Final - December 18

Odds will be constantly changing as the tournament progresses, so it’s best to keep checking back regularly at your favorite sportsbook. It’s important to do your research before making a bet, this includes looking back at past matches and keeping on top of injuries and changing lineups.

You could also decide to bet on the underdog. It’s happened in the past that a team has stunned the world by making it to the finals. Or equally when a team expected to succeed hasn't made it past the group stages.

Beyond soccer's rapid growth in participation and interest in the US, expect more international sports gaining a foothold. With talks in place to hold a future Rugby World Cup in the United States, it's easy to predict more betting on live rugby games in the near future.

World Cup Games – Seasons, Bets, Odds

Overall, there are 64 soccer matches in the World Cup, taking place across a shortened 28-day schedule. So, there are plenty of opportunities to place a wager. Unlike previous tournaments, there is no break between the end of the group stage and the start of the knock-out rounds, so it’s going to speed by.

So many bettors love the World Cup because there are just so many markets to bet on and many chances to win, with games taking place almost every day from the beginning of the tournament. It’s also perfect for live betting.

Online vs. Land-Based World Cup Sportsbooks in the US

Betting online or betting in a land-based venue will offer completely different experiences. When betting online for the World Cup it can be done from the comfort of your own home, as long as remote betting is legal in your state. In-store World Cup sportsbooks naturally require you to travel to the location.

There are however some drawbacks to World Cup betting online. Namely, withdrawals will be a bit slower and will not be in cash. You will also be dealing with remote customer service, compared to having the in-person customer service experience you would have in-store.

Online World Cup Betting
  • Attractive Welcome Bonuses
  • Great Live Betting Options
  • Available from Anywhere in a Legal State
  • The Best Odds
  • Remote Customer Service
  • Longer Withdrawal Times
  • No Social Element
Land-Based World Cup Betting
  • Physical Cash Transactions Available
  • Fun and Social Atmosphere
  • Personalized Service
  • Watch the Games on Big Screens
  • Harder to Make Live Bets
  • Harder to Place Multiple Bets at Once
  • Fewer Bonuses

Problem Gambling Help

Problem gambling can be a serious issue for some people. It's important to be aware of the warning signs of compulsive gambling, so that you can take steps to prevent it from happening. Remember to bet responsibly, and to look out for these signs to help tell if you or someone you know may require help:

Firstly, notice if you’re chasing losses outside of your financial means. Secondly, if gambling is starting to impact your personal life. Or if you find it hard to stop and you continue to bet even though you are regularly losing large amounts of money.

If you notice any of these signs there are ways to get help. You can call a gambling helpline or check out the resources available on the National Council on Problem Gambling website.

Every state with legal World Cup betting sites will also offer a voluntary self-exclusion program. Many sportsbooks also have features like cooling-off periods and adjustable limits to help you take back control, so definitely make use of these if you notice any warning signs.

FAQ

We hope you found this World Cup betting site review as comprehensive as possible, but if you have more specific questions, please check out our FAQ section below. We answer loads of questions related to soccer World Cup betting in the USA:

Which is the best World Cup sportsbook online?

We have done the hard work for you and narrowed down the best World Cup online sportsbooks. You can check out the full list of the top operators and decide which one best suits your sports betting needs.

Is online World Cup betting legal in the US?

Yes, the good news is that online World Cup betting is legal in the US. The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was repealed in 2018 by The Supreme Court. Many states then began legalizing online sportsbooks, and you can find out more about the specifics in our legal overview.

How does World Cup betting work?

World Cup betting is pretty easy to understand and is similar to betting on other tournaments and other sports. If this is your first time betting online, we’ve got you covered, with all the details in our guide to World Cup betting.

Can you bet on World Cup games online from the US?

Yes, you can bet on World Cup games online in the United States, as long as online sports betting is legal in your location. You can easily check out our map of states to see if your state allows online wagers.

What are the best World Cup betting apps?

Betting apps are becoming increasingly popular as players want to bet on the go. You can gamble from anywhere in a state with legal sports betting so long as you have an internet connection. We thoroughly tested out the best apps to ensure they were reliable and easy to navigate.

Do all online World Cup sportsbooks in the USA offer live betting?

Most online World Cup sportsbooks in the US will offer live betting. It's one of the most popular ways to bet, especially on a fast-paced tournament. You can find out more in our World Cup live betting section.

What is the minimum age for to bet on World Cup online in the US?

You must be at least 21 years of age to bet on the World Cup in the US. We've covered everything you need to know about responsible gaming, including some warning signs to look out for in regard to problem gambling.

How to make money betting on World Cup?

You are never guaranteed to make money with sports betting, but it is possible. We recommend that you put time into learning the ins and outs of the tournament, as this will put you in the best position possible to potentially win. Plus be sure to look into the different World Cup betting markets.

What are the best World Cup betting cash bonuses for US players?

There are many different World Cup betting cash bonuses on offer for new players. As always, we recommend that you read the terms and conditions thoroughly first, so you know if they are reasonable. Check out our list of the best World Cup betting bonuses, for a full list of the top welcome offers.

Do all World Cup gambling sites accept PayPal?

Many World Cup gambling sites will accept PayPal, as it is such a popular method. However not all will. If there is no PayPal, there is sure to be debit and credit cards options available. You can check out the most commonly accepted payment methods and pick your favorite.

Conclusion – Sign Up at a Premium World Cup Betting Site

If you want to get in on some of the action and bet on the most anticipated soccer tournament that exists, we’ve covered the best places for you to do this. You can relax knowing that the best World Cup betting sites we recommend are licensed by a relevant gambling authority, meaning your cash and data will be in safe hands.

Born in New Orleans, Lisa Spencer is a professional gambler and editor for Betting.us with a Master's in Applied Mathematics. Known for her strategic gambling approaches, she is an expert in game theory and statistical modelling. Lisa also enjoys surfing, running, and writing reviews on betting sites in her spare time.

Lisa Spencer Senior Editor at Betting.us More about Lisa

We check each site before we list it on this page. So, you can feel comfortable knowing you're safe when you start your World Cup betting journey at one of our recommended sites. When the Men's World Cup comes to a close, there are plenty more international soccer tournaments bettors should anticipate. Make sure to lock in a sportsbook offering betting on the Women's World Cup from our list.