How to Bet on Sports Online (2026 Guide)
-
Martin Green
- January 26, 2026
This is a practical step-by-step guide for betting online in 2026, built for U.S. players who may use offshore sportsbooks and Bitcoin deposits for faster banking.
Important note for readers:
Some sportsbooks discussed here are international/offshore operators that may accept customers from many parts of the U.S. They are not licensed or regulated by U.S. state gaming commissions, so consumer protections differ from regulated sportsbook apps.
If you want regulated options only, start with your state guide.
If you’re exploring offshore options, use BMR’s rankings + safety resources before depositing.
10-minute overview (the simplest path)
- Use BMR’s current list of trusted offshore sportsbooks (don’t guess)
- Sign up + verify (if asked)
- Decide if you’re taking a bonus (and read rollover rules first)
- Deposit (Bitcoin is usually the smoothest offshore method)
- Place a small first bet
- Do a small test withdrawal early
- Scale up only after payouts and support prove reliable
Step 1) Pick the Best Offshore Sportsbook or Betting Site (U.S. Players)
Offshore sportsbooks aren’t all equal. Your goal is simple: choose a book with a long track record, clear rules, and reliable payouts.
What to compare:
- Odds pricing (standard -110 vs reduced-juice options like -108 or -105)
- Market depth (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, NCAA, UFC, etc.)
- Live betting speed + bet acceptance
- Same-game parlays (where available) and prop variety
- Bonus terms (especially rollover + minimum odds requirements)
- Withdrawal methods + expected payout timeframes
Smart bettor move:
Open accounts with 2–3 reputable sportsbooks so you can line shop (better odds) and avoid being stuck with one cashier.
Read:
Best Offshore Sportsbooks
BMR Rating Guide (All Sportsbook Reviews)
Step 2) Create & Verify Your Account
Most offshore sportsbooks follow a similar signup flow:
- Click Join / Sign Up
- Enter your basic details
- Confirm your email/phone (varies)
- Complete verification (KYC) if required — sometimes it happens at signup, often at first withdrawal
Tip:
Use real information that matches your payment method. Verification problems are one of the most common reasons withdrawals get delayed.
Step 3) Claim Your Sportsbook Bonus (Read the Fine Print First)
Offshore betting sites often advertise large welcome offers — but bonus value is determined by the rules, not the headline number.
Before you opt in, check:
- Rollover requirement (how many times you must wager before withdrawing)
- Minimum odds rules (some promos require -140 or longer, etc.)
- Restricted bet types (props/parlays/live bets sometimes excluded)
- Max cashout or “free play” rules (free play ≠ cash)
- Time limits (bonus expiry windows)
Quick rule:
If you don’t understand the bonus terms in 60 seconds, skip it and play straight until you’re confident.
Read:
Best Sportsbook Bonus Offers (2026)
Bitcoin & Crypto Sportsbook Bonuses — How They Work
Step 4) Deposit Funds — Bitcoin Makes It Simple (If You Do It Correctly)
Offshore sportsbooks typically accept:
- Debit/credit cards (can be hit-or-miss depending on bank)
- Bank transfer/wire/ACH (slower)
- E-wallets (availability varies)
- Crypto: Bitcoin (BTC), plus others depending on the book
Why many offshore bettors prefer Bitcoin:
- Faster deposit and withdrawal “rails” than traditional banking
- Typically fewer processor issues vs cards
- Better access to crypto-only promotions at some sportsbooks
Crypto safety checklist (do this every time):
- Use a personal wallet (don’t send directly from an exchange if you can avoid it)
- Confirm coin + network match exactly
- Send a small test transaction first
- Save transaction IDs and screenshots
Read:
Best Crypto Sportsbooks & Bitcoin Betting Sites (2026)
How to Buy Bitcoin for Sports Betting (Beginner Guide)
Step 5) Choose Your Sport + Bet Type
Most bettors start with the basics:
Moneyline: pick the winner
Point spread: pick the margin
Totals (Over/Under): bet on combined points/runs/goals
Props: player/team stat outcomes
Same-game parlays: combine multiple picks from one game (higher risk, higher payout)
Live betting: wager while the game is happening
Futures: season-long or event-long outcomes (champion, awards, win totals)
Beginner tip:
Start with straight bets (spread/moneyline/totals) before you lean into parlays.
Step 6) Build Your Bet Slip & Place the Wager
Placing a bet is usually the same everywhere:
1) Tap/click the odds you want
2) Check the bet slip for correct market + price
3) Enter stake amount
4) Review potential payout
5) Confirm bet
Small habit that saves money:
Always double-check you didn’t click the wrong side or a similar-looking alternate line.
Step 7) Withdraw Your Winnings (Fastest Path)
Before you withdraw:
- Confirm you finished any bonus rollover (if you took a promo)
- Check minimum/maximum withdrawal limits
- Make sure your identity verification is complete
- Use the same method you deposited with (many books require this)
General expectation:
Crypto withdrawals are usually faster than bank methods offshore, but timing still depends on verification status and each sportsbook’s processing windows.
If a payout is delayed:
Document everything (dates, amounts, method, screenshots, ticket numbers) and escalate through support with specifics.
If you can’t get a fair outcome, use BMR’s Player Advocacy process.
Resources:
File a Sportsbook Complaint
Offshore License & Risk Assessment Report
Common Mistakes to Avoid (Quick List)
- Taking a bonus without reading rollover + withdrawal rules
- Using only one sportsbook (you lose line-shopping value)
- Depositing big before you test a withdrawal
- Sending crypto to the wrong network/address
- Betting too many parlays early (high variance)
- Leaving large balances sitting in any sportsbook account
Responsible Gambling
Bet with a budget, keep it fun, and step away if it stops feeling recreational.
See our responsible gambling guide and seek help when needed.
__
Sources & Update Policy (Short)
This guide is reviewed on a regular schedule and updated when material changes occur (bonus terms, payout methods, KYC flow, restricted locations, or major user-impacting issues).
What changed in the last update (Last updated: 1/26/2026)
- Revised how to bet steps list with more context.
- Added links to internal BMR resource guides.
Before entering journalism, Martin worked for five years at William Hill in London, gaining first-hand industry knowledge that now informs his betting insights and safety evaluations.
His reporting and analysis have been featured in major outlets including:
- The Independent
- USA Today
- The Sun
- Legal Sports Report
- PlayUSA
- SportsLine (CBS) — where he appears as "The Guru"
- BA in English Literature
- MA in Creative Writing
- Postgraduate journalism qualifications
