How We Rate Sites

Karl Vasquez
Author:

Karl Vasquez

Last updated: January 19, 2026

Choosing where to place your bets is a big decision. With hundreds of sportsbooks available to U.S. players—both regulated and offshore—our goal is to make that decision easier, safer, and more informed.

Our ratings are created by experienced analysts who closely follow the U.S. betting market, test sportsbooks firsthand, and continuously monitor changes in laws, technology, and user experience. Every review is based on real evaluation—not sponsorships or paid placements.

Our Evaluation Philosophy

We believe sportsbooks should earn their rankings through quality, fairness, and player protection. While some betting sites compensate affiliate publishers, compensation never influences our ratings.

Each platform is reviewed using the same objective criteria, ensuring a level playing field and consistent scoring across all recommendations.

Legality & Player Safety

Player safety is our top priority. We evaluate whether a sportsbook:

Sites that fail to meet basic safety or transparency standards are never recommended.

Bonuses, Promotions, & Fair Terms

Bonuses can add value—but only if they’re fair. We analyze:

A large bonus with unrealistic terms scores lower than a smaller, player-friendly offer.

Odds Quality & Betting Markets

Strong odds and diverse betting options matter for long-term value. Our experts review:

Books that offer sharp odds and broad coverage score higher.

Usability & Betting Experience

A sportsbook should be easy to use—on desktop and mobile. We assess:

If a platform feels confusing or outdated, it loses points.

Banking Options & Payout Speed

Fast, reliable payments are essential. We evaluate:

Sites with slow or inconsistent withdrawals are rated lower, regardless of other strengths.

Customer Support & Reputation

Trust is built through service and consistency. Our reviews include:

A sportsbook must demonstrate long-term reliability—not just flashy marketing.

Ongoing Monitoring & Updates

Sports betting platforms evolve constantly—and so do our ratings. We continuously:

Our rankings reflect the current experience, not outdated information.

Final Rating Methodology

Each sportsbook receives a composite score based on all criteria above. No single factor determines a ranking—strong performance across multiple areas is required.

Our goal is to help U.S. bettors make smarter, safer choices with confidence.

Final Thoughts

Transparency matters in sports betting. By clearly explaining how we rate sportsbooks, we aim to earn your trust and provide guidance you can rely on—whether you’re placing your first bet or comparing advanced options.

If you ever have questions about how a site was scored or why it appears in our rankings, we encourage you to dig deeper into our individual reviews and educational content.

Responsible betting starts with informed decisions—and that’s exactly what our ratings are designed to support.