If you want to keep your initial financial commitment low, several major legal online sports betting apps allow you to deposit small amounts . While most standard sportsbooks set their baseline minimum deposit at $10, a few industry leaders drop that threshold even further.
DraftKings Sportsbook : Widely recognized as having one of the lowest entry barriers, DraftKings allows an initial minimum deposit of just $5 for most payment methods. (Note: While a $5 deposit is allowed to fund your account, double-check specific welcome offers, as some sign-up promotions may require a slightly higher qualifying bet).
: FanDuel also accommodates low-stakes players with a minimum deposit requirement of . It is also known for very low minimum bet limits (often around $0.09 to $0.10 per wager), making a small bankroll stretch further.
BetMGM, Caesars, and Fanatics : These major sportsbooks typically set their standard minimum deposit at $10 for most online banking methods, debit cards, and e-wallets like PayPal.
Tip: Keep in mind that while the app might let you deposit $5, certain payment processors or specific deposit methods (like wire transfers or VIP preferred e-checks) can carry higher minimums than standard debit cards or PayPal.
If you have a preferred payment method (like PayPal, Apple Pay, or a specific debit card) or a particular state you are betting from, let me know and I can verify the exact minimums for those options!
If you're in Nevada, the options are different from most states. Nevada requires in-person registration for mobile sportsbooks, and DraftKings and FanDuel aren't currently operating Nevada sportsbook apps.
For a very small initial deposit:
BetMGM — its current Nevada promotion requires at least $10, and its official Nevada page confirms the $10 deposit threshold.
William Hill Nevada — its FAQ says you can deposit any amount you want; however, you must register at a participating Nevada sportsbook location.
Other Nevada books — Caesars, Circa, STN Sports, SuperBook and others are available, but their minimum deposit amounts vary and should be checked directly before funding an account.
If you're outside Nevada, the answer changes considerably. For example, DraftKings' U.S. help page currently states a $5 minimum deposit.
If you tell me what state you're physically in, I can look up the currently available legal apps and identify the ones with $5, $10, or lower minimum deposits.
If you're looking to start sports betting with a small amount of money, the key thing to compare is the minimum initial deposit required to fund your account, rather than the minimum bet size.
Since you're in the United States, availability depends on your state, and deposit minimums can vary by payment method. Also check for withdrawal minimums, fees, and bonus wagering requirements before depositing.
Sports betting platforms with low minimum deposits
These are established U.S. sportsbook brands with reported low entry amounts. Minimums are generally for USD deposits and can vary by state and payment method.
DraftKings Sportsbook
$5
Reported minimum deposit
Supports payment options including debit cards, online banking and digital wallets, depending on location.
Minimums above are reported figures, not guaranteed live cashier limits. Confirm the amount shown in the official app before funding an account.
One important detail: are you in Washington State?
If you're physically in Washington State, traditional online sports betting is generally limited to approved tribal sportsbook operations on tribal lands; the national mobile apps listed above may not be available for placing bets where you are. Check local rules before depositing.
Which state will you be betting from? I can narrow this down to platforms legally available there and compare their actual minimum deposits.
Here are prominent online sports betting platforms known for accommodating low or minimal initial deposits (typically $5 to $10), making them accessible for casual or low-stakes bankrolls:
DraftKings Sportsbook — Features a $5 minimum deposit and a low minimum betting stake starting at $0.10, with minimum withdrawals from $1. Payment methods supporting these low limits often include debit cards, Apple Pay, PayPal, and Venmo. Read more on the OddsPlays US Minimum Deposit Guide.
FanDuel Sportsbook — Generally offers low barriers to entry with minimal deposit thresholds and low-stakes betting options that let smaller balances go further.
Hard Rock Bet — Frequently sets its minimum deposit requirement at $5 for entry into its sportsbook and welcome offers depending on the state.
BetRivers — Known for catering well to lower-stakes bankrolls and budget-conscious players looking for flexible deposit and play options.
bet365 — Internationally and in select regions, it is known for low minimum deposit thresholds starting around $5 to $10 depending on the chosen payment method.
Note: While the baseline deposit to fund an account can be as low as $5, specific welcome bonuses or "Bet & Get" promotions may occasionally require a qualifying deposit or wager of $10 to trigger the promotional bonus. Always verify the terms tied to your specific payment method and state jurisdiction.
If you'd like, let me know:
Your state or location (to confirm local availability)
Your preferred payment method (PayPal, debit card, online banking, etc.)
I can help verify the exact minimum deposit and bonus terms for your area.