What are the best legal US Sports betting apps? If you want to use a legal sportsbook on your mobile in the US, these are the best betting apps available to punters: DraftKings Sportsbook; BetMGM; BetRivers; PointsBet; William Hill; 888sport; FanDuel; bet365. Here are the 3 Best Online Betting Sites / Sportsbooks Bovada. Bovada has changed the face of Sports betting online. They have a great sportsbook, racebook and one of the largest online poker rooms for. When using Tennessee sports betting apps, there are great ways to add bonuses and try your hand at new, different kinds of bets. Event-specific promotions during the AFC playoffs and more will be available, so keep an eye on your preferred TN sports betting apps to get a little bit of an edge throughout the season. Tennessee Titans Betting. Best Sports Betting Apps. Just about every top sportsbook out there these days has developed a betting app, or at the very least optimized their site for mobile betting. This is great news for us, since it means we have our pick of very best.
Sports betting is one of the fastest-growing industries in the United States. After having largely operated in the dark for years, it’s finally starting to come out of the shadows.
While there are quite a few platforms now running legal operations in the US, you can still place sports bets using offshore operators as well. The following are some of the best sports betting apps in the industry today.
Rank | Gambling Site | Deposit Bonus | Get Started | |
#1 | Up To €150 | Visit Site | ||
#2 | 22Bet Sports | 100% Up To €122 | Visit Site | |
#3 | 100% Up To €200 | Visit Site | ||
#4 | 10Bet Sports | 100% Up To €50 | Visit Site | |
#5 | 100% Up To €50 | Visit Site |
A number of states have legalized and started to regulate sports betting since the United States Supreme Court voted to strike down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act in May of 2018. So, residents of quite a few states now have legal access to state-regulated sports betting, which is a dream come true for those that have been clamoring for legalization for years.
The prevalence of smartphone technology has made betting on mobile apps more prevalent than ever as well. Nowadays, it’s massively important for operators to offer mobile compatibility for their online sports betting platforms, especially considering the vast majority of people use their mobile devices to place their bets.
Each of the real money betting apps listed above has what you’re looking for in a mobile sports betting provider. Most importantly, they all meet our stringent safety requirements. You don’t have to worry about your personal data being compromised if you patronize any of the mobile sports betting apps in this table, as our team of experts has thoroughly reviewed them all to ensure they’re as safe and secure as possible.
In addition to checking the boxes when it comes to safety, the 2021 sports betting apps listed above are also among the very best in the industry when it comes to their other offerings, too. So, if you’re in the market for the best apps for sports gambling that offer great bonuses, fast payouts, rapid withdrawal speeds, a bevy of banking options, competitive odds, and more, you can certainly do worse than the online sports betting apps listed above.
The best apps for sports betting cover all sports all over the world. So, just because you’re in the United States doesn’t mean you can’t bet on sports like soccer, cricket, or rugby that are more popular internationally. The same can be said if you’re in another country and you want to wager on major American sports leagues like the NFL, NBA, and Major League Baseball or major US sports events like the 2021 Super Bowl. Point spreads, totals, moneylines, prop bets, and futures bets are easy to find on the best sports gambling apps, and they will also offer an array of in-game betting options if you’re wanting to bet on the action while the game is still going on!
As mentioned previously, it’s hard to enjoy your online betting experience if you can’t do so with the comfort of knowing you’re safe. The internet is the Wild West when it comes to laws and regulations. Unfortunately, there are some sketchy operators out there willing to use the murkiness to their advantage by stealing your personal information.
That’s why it’s absolutely vital that you only sign up for real money betting apps that meet and exceed all industry standards for safety and security. Measures like password encryption and two-factor authentication are just a couple of the simple steps that developers can take to keep your information locked up safely. You can’t enjoy your betting endeavor if you’re worried about being hacked. If you use any of the online betting apps listed above, though, you don’t have to worry at all about your information being compromised. All the mobile sportsbook apps we recommend meet our lofty expectations for safety.
Sportsbooks want to make it worth your while to sign up. Because there are so many real money online sports betting apps out there these days, the best ones have to try and differentiate themselves to try and stand out from the competition. One way they can accomplish that goal is by offering lucrative bonus programs to incentivize you to sign up and bet.
Bonuses vary from site to site. So, take the time to shop around in order to find the bonus offers that can help you boost your bankroll. Just about every mobile sportsbook app has a welcome bonus. That means, when you make your first deposit, the site will credit your account with extra cash that you can then use to place bets on football, basketball, soccer, or whichever sport you fancy. For example, some sites will offer a 100% bonus up to a certain dollar amount. This means that if you deposit $500, you will get an extra $500 added to your account!
Welcome bonuses are pretty standard, but the other offers may change depending on which apps for online sports gambling you download. Some online sportsbook apps offer weekly and daily bonuses for you to take advantage of. Others will credit you with a referral bonus if you get a friend to sign up and deposit, while others may offer additional bonuses on any subsequent deposits you make. Bonuses are a phenomenal way for you to inflate your betting bankroll!
Your options when it comes to payment will vary depending on your location. Some banks and credit card companies have policies in place to try and prevent customers from processing financial transactions with online betting sites. That means your credit card may not work if you’re trying to make a deposit. Fortunately, you’re not up a creek without a paddle if this applies to you. The best real money betting apps accept a pretty good variety of different banking options.
Most sports betting sites accept major debit and credit cards. Bitcoin has become incredibly popular over the past few years, as well, and many sports gambling apps now accept Bitcoin and other forms of cryptocurrency as a viable form of payment. You may also make your deposits using an e-wallet, like PayPal or Neteller. You’ve never had more options when it comes to making deposits or withdrawals with your mobile sports betting provider than you do right now.
Line shopping is an important skill for any good sports bettor. Not every sports betting site is going to see every game the same way, for example, so it is usually worth your while to look from site to site to try and find an edge. The best sports betting apps online offer comprehensive coverage of every sport and provide a variety of different ways to attack every game. Some sites even offer alternative betting lines to try and keep things interesting.
It’s good to have options, and there are multiple ways to bet on a single game. The top mobile betting apps know this, which is why they make a point to expand their offerings with a wide variety of coverage and competitive odds.
The last thing you want to do is to try and navigate a betting app that looks like it was developed in the 1990s. Technology has advanced to the point where you can do everything on your mobile device, so why should betting on sports be any different? The best online sports betting apps in the industry today use state-of-the-art software that keeps the app looking clean. You shouldn’t have to bust your brain to try and navigate your way through the app. The mobile betting process is supposed to be simple, so don’t overlook ease of use when it comes to what you’re looking for out of a real money betting app.
Apple’s iPhone essentially paved the way for the smartphone revolution back in the middle of the last decade. While some competitors have emerged in recent years, iPhones still tend to dominate the marketplace when it comes to smartphones. So, it should come as no surprise that every single one of the highest-rated real money sports betting apps are compatible with iPhone’s operating system.
So, if you’re one of the millions of people around the world that happens to own Apple’s signature device, you should have no issues finding a quality iPhone betting app that suits your needs. Any app that isn’t compatible with iOS is, frankly, behind the eight-ball.
If you don’t have an iPhone or Apple device, chances are pretty good that you’ve opted to by an Android instead. While Androids may not be quite as prevalent as iPhones, they’re still popular enough to where people who own an Android phone aren’t left in the dark when it comes to real money mobile sports betting offerings.
Just about every developer that creates a sports betting app that works on an iPhone will work on an Android, too. While the list of Android-compatible betting apps isn’t quite as long as that of the iPhone, you’ll still have plenty of options if you’re a loyal Android user, too.
Betting online is more convenient than making your way to a land-based casino to place your bets. Let’s all thank Al Gore for inventing the internet. However, placing a sports bet on mobile sports gambling sites is even more convenient than doing so at traditional websites as well.
If you download one of the many viable mobile betting apps available today, you can place a sports bet no matter where you are.
If you’re stuck in line at the grocery store, for example, you don’t have to drop everything and rush home before kickoff. Instead, just fire up your trusty mobile betting app and have your bet placed within a matter of seconds. There is really nothing that beats the convenience of having a real money sports betting app handy.
Shopping for lines via mobile sports gambling apps is also easier than doing so on your computer. Just a few taps of your finger can take you quickly from app-to-app, and all of the betting odds you’ll see are up to the minute. If a last-minute injury to a player has shaken up the lines, the new odds will be posted as quickly as possible. Obviously, line shopping over the internet is a lot less time consuming than doing so at a land-based sportsbook, too.
App developers know that customers value simplicity. We mentioned how important it is to use an app that has a clean, easily-navigable interface. Betting on a top app for sports betting is also just flat-out easier than doing so on an old school webpage. You can find the bet you want to place, enter your risk amount, and have your bet submitted within seconds with just a few taps of your thumb. If you’re betting on a mobile device, ease of use is one of the main reasons.
Downloading and signing up for real money betting apps is incredibly simple. Search “sports betting,” “betting apps,” or another comparable term in your smartphone’s app store. Sift through the options before you find the app you want to download. Click “download” and your new app should start loading onto your phone or tablet right away.
Before you place your bets, you have to create your account. Find the “Sign Up” or “Join” tab within the app. You’ll be prompted to enter some personal data, like a username and password, in order to create your account. Remember to make your password as unique as possible as a way of keeping your account secure.
Next, you’re ready to fund your account! Find the “Deposit” screen and choose your preferred banking method. You can use a credit or debit card, cryptocurrency, an e-wallet, or one of the other many banking options. Enter the amount you want to put into your account as well. Some real money online betting apps have certain limits on the amount of cash you can deposit at once, but these limits tend to be pretty high.
Before you hit “Submit” on that first deposit, don’t forget to grab your first-time deposit bonus! Enter the promotional code attached to your welcome bonus on the deposit screen. Double-check everything to make sure you’re set to deposit the right amount, and your new balance should be reflected immediately after you complete the transaction.
Now, it’s time for the fun part! The vast array of sports on which you can bet should be easily found through your app’s home screen. Take the time to sort through your options before finding the bet you want to place. Next, enter the amount of money you’re willing to risk. Remember to never risk more than you’re okay with losing when you place a bet. Once you’ve done that and submitted your bet, you’re ready to sit back, relax, and watch the cash flow in!
Betting online is safe as you make it. Placing real money sports bets online is very safe if you take the proper precautions. Most importantly, you have to be sure to choose an app that rates out well when it comes to safety and security. Remember, we would never refer you to mobile online sportsbooks that don’t have a spotless track record for keeping its customers out of harm’s way.
The most common question we get is, “What are the best sports betting apps out there?”. Well, the sports betting providers that have been around for the longest time tend to be the best when it comes to betting apps for money. Mobile sports betting sites like Bovada, MyBookie.ag, BetOnline.ag, and SportsBetting.ag all have excellent reputations, and they’re among the most recognized names in the industry for a variety of reasons. Consult the table at the top of this page for a list of our highest-rated mobile sports gambling apps.
While some sites specialize in sports betting, a lot of them know their users may have other interests that go beyond sports. That’s why many of the best apps for sports betting also happen to rank among the very best in the industry for online casino games as well. So, if you’re in the market for classic casino games like poker, roulette, slots, craps, blackjack, or anything else, these apps can be a one-stop-shop to suit all of your online gambling needs.
As mentioned, many states have moved to legalize and regulate sports betting to try and create extra sources of revenue. You can find a number of legitimate mobile sportsbooks that are fully legal if you happen to live in a state with legal sports betting. However, if you don’t, you’re not out of luck. Many of the biggest names in the online sports betting realm operate offshore, and no American has ever been targeted legally by authorities for placing a real money wager over the internet. Most anti-gambling laws are designed to prevent providers from illegally operating within a certain jurisdiction, but bettors themselves are in the clear.
Yes! Without the advent of the iPhone, would we even have smartphones in the first place? All major providers ensure that their apps are compatible with the latest iOS software to cater as well as they possibly can to the millions of iPhone users out there.
Like we said before, just about every iPhone betting app is also compatible with Android’s operating system so you’ll have no shortage of options to use to win money with betting apps.
With so many people using smartphones these days, it’s an absolute must for any provider to be able to offer a comprehensive mobile sports betting experience. You can find just about everything on a mobile app that you would be able to find on a traditional website nowadays, and the offerings are as comprehensive as ever.
If you’re looking for an app that offers competitive odds, safety and security, a slew of banking options, fast payouts, and more, check out the list of high-quality online betting apps at the top of the page!
Legal sports betting apps are blooming across the US. With new states legalizing and launching mobile betting, and existing states expanding their offering, there are a lot of options. Here are our recommendations on how to find the best sports betting apps in the US, including the best bonus offers, promo codes, and mobile betting odds.
Sports betting is continuing to spread across the United States, with new states continuing to legalize and launch apps throughout 2021. Moreover, existing markets are expanding sports betting, too, by launching new apps or easing up on restrictions to expand betting options.
Some states, like New York, are working to allow sports betting apps into the market. Betting on mobile apps increases sports betting participation, making it one of the most important new trends to watch in 2021.
Bettors may be overwhelmed by the number of sportsbooks offered in their state. Telling one app for sports betting from another may be challenging when there are over a dozen to choose from. Colorado hadseventeen online sports betting licenses issued by the beginning of 2021. That’s a list of sportsbooks that rivals New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Nevada.
Many of those states host the same sportsbook companies. Big brands like DraftKings and FanDuel pop up in most sportsbook markets. However, some states have their own homegrown sportsbooks. Colorado has local sportsbooks like Bet Monarch, Sky Ute Sportsbook, and Bet Wildwood. Bettors will likely find a mixture of big brands and local companies in their states–especially states that allow many sportsbooks.
Gaming Today ranks these sportsbooks for bettors by examining the factors most important to bettors. We compare sportsbook odds to help bettors find the best value for their wagers. Sportsbooks balance expected profit and risk differently, so bettors can find better odds on different parts of the line.
Welcome bonuses are important too. Some bettors want to know how many free credits they can get upfront. They may stick with a sportsbook that offers a generous bonus in the beginning. Reviewing any online sports betting app takes the app itself into account, too. Some apps are easier to navigate than others, and that can affect a new bettor’s chance of using it.
Depending on where bettors live, most if not all of these apps may be at bettors’ disposals. Here are the top ten apps bettors will likely encounter, regardless of where they live.
Visit: FanDuel Sportsbook and claim a $1,000 risk-free bet
Bettors may recognize FanDuel as a daily fantasy sports site. However, FanDuel capitalized on sports betting legalization and offered a sportsbook, too. In some states, FanDuel also offers an online casino, which seems to partner with its sportsbook and daily fantasy sites.
FanDuel considered one of the largest and most trustworthy sports betting brands. The brand is older than its sportsbook, so it’s had time to cement its reputation as a legitimate operator. The FanDuel app is available in these states:
FanDuel also operates a retail sportsbook in both Mississippi and New York but doesn’t offer sports betting online in these states as online gaming is not legal.
Wherever FanDuel is available, bettors may be drawn to its competitive underdog odds. FanDuel doesn’t have the best odds on every underdog, but that’s the side of the line it tends to favor. FanDuel’s app is also available on iOS and Android, making it accessible to all smartphones in states with mobile sports betting.
FanDuel offers a $1,000 risk-free bet as a welcome bonus.
Visit: BetMGM and claim a $600 risk-free bet
BetMGM is owned by Roar Digital, a joint venture between MGM Resorts and GVC Holdings. It brands itself as a luxury sportsbook, and bettors who’ve seen its billboards and commercials have a sense of its luxury already.
Between BetMGM’s iconic golden lion and Jamie Fox’s sponsorship, BetMGM pushes its Vegas-style sportsbook hard. It seems to be working. Where it’s licensed, BetMGM positions itself with other states’ big brands. Bettors can find their apps for sports betting in:
Bettors who choose BetMGM will be able to contribute to their MGM Grand loyalty accounts. Anyone who plans to hit Vegas or any other city with an MGM Grand Resort should think about a BetMGM account. It’s available on iOS and Android, so bettors who want to contribute to these loyalty accounts have convenient outlets to do it.
BetMGM’s welcome bonus is a $600 risk-free bet.
Visit: William Hill and claim up to a $500 risk-free bet
William Hill is the oldest sportsbook company on this list. It was founded in 1934 and has grown into a premier sportsbook company. It’s a UK sportsbook company that has found a home in the United States. William Hill came to Nevada in 2012, where it became known for its betting kiosks. But as states legalized sports betting, William Hill expanded into new markets. William Hill’s app for sports betting can be found in:
Bettors who are intimidated by cluttered sportsbook apps will find relief at William Hill. Its app is one of the most straightforward to navigate. Apps for sports betting can become crowded with ads for bonuses and promotions. Bettors can download the William Hill app on iOS and Android too see what we mean.
William Hill offers a $500 risk-free bet as its welcome bonus in most states.
Visit: PointsBet and claim up to $2000 in two risk free bets with code BIGBONUS
PointsBet is an Australian startup founded in 2019. Seemingly overnight, it has grown into one of the most recognizable sportsbook brands in the United States. PointsBet has won awardsfor top sportsbook operator and most socially responsible operator.
Despite its novelty, PointsBet has established itself as a major player in an American industry that’s only a year older than PointsBet. PointsBet’s app is available in:
PointsBet is a great app for advanced bettors with the uncanny ability to make accurate game predictions. These bettors can try PointsBetting, which allows bettors to adjust point spreads and point totals predicted during a game. If bettors are right, their stakes are rewarded exponentially. But there’s no partial credit. They’re risky wagers reserved for the most>Colorado
DraftKings’ New Hampshire presence is unique. The New Hampshire lottery chose DraftKings to be the only sports betting operator in New Hampshire.
Bettors can download the DraftKings app on Android or iOS. Anyone interested in competitive odds on a line’s favorite should consider creating a DraftKings account. When DraftKings has the best odds on a line, it tends to be on the favorite to win. That should give bettors who bet conservatively something to think about.
DraftKings offers a $1,000 deposit bonus at a 20% match rate as a welcome bonus.
Visit: BetRivers Sportsbook and claim a $250 deposit bonus
BetRivers is owned by Rush Street Interactive, an online gaming company. After it started its Pennsylvania website, PlaySugarHouse.com, Rush Street Interactive launched BetRivers. It’s been one of the first few sportsbooks in several states, so it’s established itself as a staple in the sports betting industry. Its states of operation include:
Bettors in these states may be drawn to BetRivers’ rewards program. Bettors who wager consistently could unlock new bonuses and even expedited withdrawals. But BetRivers’ odds are often identical to DraftKings, so they may not stand out from other sportsbooks like the other sportsbooks on this list.
Interested bettors can download their state’s BetRivers app on iOS or Android. BetRivers is one of the few sportsbook brands that creates separate apps for sports betting in each legal state. The BetRivers iOS app is not available in all states in which they operate, but new states are added to the Apple iOS store regularly.
BetRivers offers a $250 deposit bonus at a 100% match rate as its welcome bonus.
Golden Nugget Sportsbook is available in Nevada, New Jersey, and now Michigan. So, bettors may be more familiar with the hotel and casino than its sportsbook app.
However, it’s a hidden gem among the top sportsbook apps. It launched on January 19, 2017, becoming the first independent sportsbook on the Vegas Strip. It set its own lines and offered them on their own events. It’s retained its reputation as a casino sportsbook – especially because it’s exclusively offered in states with Golden Nugget casinos. But this app for sports betting also offers features that bettors may not find as easily at other sportsbooks.
Every sportsbook app shows bettors their wagers’ results. Some even have statistics sections that show each team’s past performance. Golden Nugget has its own spin on this feature. It shows the results of many different games and leagues. It’s a quick reference guide for bettors with “what-if” questions swirling in the back of their minds after placing their wagers. In its two states, bettors can download the app for iOS and Android.
Golden Nugget offers a $100 risk-free bet as its welcome bonus.
Some big sportsbook brands have found success by incorporating their sportsbook with a sports media base. FOX Bet is one of the most prominent sportsbook brands to do so. Its partnership with Fox Sports gives it an audience ready to take Fox Sports hosts’ advice and turn it into sports wagers.
But it comes into its own with its social media outreach. FOX Bet has many bet boosts. But bettors can request bet boosts through Twitter. It’s one of the most unique ways FOX Bet engages its bettors. Bettors can find the FOX Bet app in:
Social media-savvy bettors may find FOX Bet more engaging than other apps for sports betting. FOX Bet’s many bet boosts are worth checking for bettors looking for the best value for their money. Anyone who wants to try FOX Bet can download its app on iOS and Android.
FOX Bet offers a $500 risk-free bet.
Caesars sportsbook is another casino sportsbook available in only a few states. Bettors in Pennsylvania, Indiana, and New Jersey can download the Caesars sportsbook app on iOS and Android. It is also anticipated that Caesars will launch in Michigan in 2021.
Bettors can enjoy a sportsbook that carries the weight and reputation of the Caesars casino brand. Bettors will recognize the same opulent design in Caesars Sportsbook as Caesars Hotel in Vegas.
But Caesars Sportsbooks’ attraction is its link to Caesars Rewards. Bettors can wager on Caesars sportsbook and earn points toward free entertainment, shopping, and dining. Like BetMGM, Caesars is a good option for bettors with an existing loyalty account or interest in creating one.
Caesars offers a $500 risk-free bet as its welcome bonus.
Like the Beatles before them, Unibet is part of the British invasion of a popular American industry. Unibet was founded in London in 1997, headquartered in New York in 2018, and released its first app for US sports betting in New Jersey in 2019. Even though it’s new in the industry, Unibet has a good reputation. (Being licensed by Gaming Commissions in multiple countries certainly helps.) Like Caesars, Unibet is only available in three states:
Bettors who want to commune with other bettors will find value in Unibet’s community section. It’s a blog and forum wrapped together where bettors can read advice from Unibet bloggers and other Unibet users. If bettors want a virtual gathering – or a place to dispense their sports betting wisdom – Unibet may be their go-to app for sports betting.
Unibet offers a $600 risk-free bet as its welcome bonus.
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Full table with US sports betting apps availability and app store reviews
Sportsbook App | iOS | Android | App Store Reviews |
---|---|---|---|
FanDuel Sportsbook | Yes | Yes | 4.7 (113k ratings) |
DraftKings Sportsbook | Yes | Yes | 4.8 (194k ratings) |
BetMGM Sportsbook | Yes | Yes | 4.8 (21k ratings) |
William Hill Sportsbook | Yes | Yes | 4.5 (3.6k ratings) |
PointsBet Sportsbook | Yes | Yes | 4.5 (2.4k ratings) |
BetRivers Sportsbook | Yes | Yes | 2.9 (7 ratings) |
Golden Nugget | Yes | Yes | 3.7 (328 ratings) |
Fox Bet | Yes | Yes | 4.2 (1.3k ratings) |
Caesars | Yes | Yes | 2.1 (131 ratings) |
Unibet | Yes | Yes | 2.7 (79 ratings) |
Mobile sports apps are convenient ways for sportsbooks to reach bettors. But newbies only need a few basics to get started. All they have to do is create an account, deposit money, then select the odds they want to bet on. Once they have all their bets, they can send them in and see how they did.
The mechanics of mobile sports betting are easy. Bettors can find popular sports like football and other sports like darts. Bets on who’ll win, point spreads, and point totals are common, too.
Many apps also have live betting available, so bettors can cash in on the best odds in real-time during gameplay.
Currently, online sports betting is legal in the following US states. These states include:
Additionally, sports betting legislation is under consideration in more than 20 US states including Connecticut and Massachusetts. Even more conservative states, like Texas, are considering the legalization of sports betting. With the current momentum, it’s likely that more states will legalize online sports betting in the coming years.
The best online betting apps have a few things in common. They’re obviously available in states with favorable sports betting laws. But some online betting apps can get a boost from neighboring states, too. (A fifth of New Jersey’s sports betting handle came from New York. Many New Yorkers find it easier to place mobile bets in New Jersey than retail bets in northern New York.)
But the best sportsbook apps also have some of the best odds. Sportsbooks balance expected profit against great bettor odds. Each one strikes this balance differently, so bettors should do a little research on sportsbook odds before committing to one. Some sportsbooks, like DraftKings, have a large catalog of sports available to bet on. Smaller local sportsbooks may not have that same selection, limiting bettor choices.
Finally, bettors may be swayed by how easy sportsbook apps are to navigate. Some are covered in promotions for their ongoing bonuses. Others use the space for betting lines and little else. There’s more to sportsbook apps than these few factors, but this will get new bettors started as they judge sportsbooks for themselves.
Since most sportsbook apps have their website counterparts, bettors may be wondering what the differences between them are. If bettors are just placing bets and using the app’s core functions, the website differences will be cosmetic. Online sports betting apps offer a less immersive experience than a retail sportsbook. But that shouldn’t be surprising. Take away the TV’s, lounge, and bar, and suddenly sports betting feels more strategic than social.
Bettors should watch whether sportsbook apps are offered on iOS and Android. Most major sportsbook brands do. Some smaller brands do not.
Getting an app for sports betting onto the App Store requires operators to jump through a few hoops. For example, sportsbook operators had to change their code from HTML5 to iOS. (That’s the least technical way to explain it, anyway.)
Gambling apps must also come with a 17+ rating, which is a much smaller obstacle than a new expensive coding requirement. That’s bad news for apps like BetRivers that have separate apps for each state they’re allowed to operate in. It was unsustainable before that requirement, but this new policy could push them to eventually adopt a single app.
The highest-rated apps for sports betting are sportsbooks with complementary media presences. Barstool Sportsbook has the best fans because they rate Barstool Sportsbook at a 4.7 on the app store.
Google doesn’t allow sportsbook apps on the Google Play store. That may seem like an insurmountable obstacle. However, sportsbooks provide convenient workarounds. Bettors can download the Android app from sportsbook sites.
Most major sportsbook brands will offer Android apps, but smaller brands may not. The Apple Store has fewer barriers to entry than the Google Play Store. Consequently, some of the best Android betting apps will come from big brands like DraftKings and FanDuel.
Getting setup with a new sportsbook is usually a quick and painless procedure. Here are the steps bettors need to go through to place their first bets on a sportsbook app.
Bettors will encounter two main types of bonuses: deposit bonuses and risk-free bets. Deposit bonuses award site credits proportional to bettor deposits and wagers. Risk-free bets refund lost wagers up to a certain amount in site credits.
Bettors shouldn’t rely on redeeming these bonuses at retail sportsbooks, though. Bonuses are tied to individual accounts. So, if a retail sportsbook doesn’t let a bettor sign in to an account, there’s no reason to think a bettor would be able to use an online bonus at a retail sportsbook.
Online sportsbooks offer ongoing bets that award free credits for (often) risky wagers in certain popular leagues. Bettors will also find bet boosts that either offer better odds on (usually) risky wagers. They’re smaller than welcome bonuses, so don’t expect to rake in thousands of dollars on them.
Mobile sports betting is the most convenient way to place a sports bet. Bettors can make wagers from their phones during post-pandemic get-togethers to make Sunday night football more interesting.
But wagering on a phone can limit how many lines bettors can view at once. It’s easier to take in the vast amount of information on a desktop. The bigger screen clears the layout to move around the sportsbook more efficiently. But it’s hard to beat mobile sports betting’s convenience. That outweighs the clarity that a larger screen can bring to a sportsbook app.
Generally, sports betting can be broken into two categories: online and retail. When a state legalizes sports betting, it may choose to legalize both categories or only one category. With the exception of Tennessee (which allows only online sports betting), it’s by far more common to see states legalize retail sports betting without online options.
Typically, a retail sportsbook is a brick-and-mortar location inside of a casino where bettors can place bets in-person on sports games and events. While the idea behind an online sports betting app is essentially the same, it allows you to place bets remotely from anywhere within state lines.
Here are the states in which retail sports betting is legal:
Yes. All states have been allowed to regulate sports betting since the US Supreme Court ruled PASPA unconstitutionalin 2018. Now states can choose whether to legalize sports betting. Consequently, mobile gambling apps are legal in states where mobile gambling is allowed. As long as bettors are eligible to use them, there’s no legal issue.
Partially. Bettors cannot place wagers in a state where online sports betting is illegal. However, bettors can create accounts, deposit and withdraw funds, and perform other administrative tasks. Bettors just won’t be able to bet until they’re within a legal state’s borders. It’s generally legal for a bettor to register with a betting app and then travel to a state with legal betting to officially place that bet.
Security. Licensed sportsbooks are subject to strict industry rules that protect bettors. For example, some state Gaming Commissions set required cash reserves for sportsbooks so they never run out of money to pay bettors. Illegal sportsbooks have no regulatory body. So, if they run out of money, bettors aren’t entitled to compensation. (And that’s assuming illegal sportsbooks feel obligated to pay bettors who win.)
It depends. The best odds will come from either bet boosts or betting exchanges. That could be sportsbooks like FOX Bet or SBK, which gets its odds from a betting exchange in London. DraftKings and FanDuel offer some of the best bonuses. Bettors have to decide what’s important to them, then choose accordingly.
DraftKings, which has a statistics hub where bettors can see team performance histories. These insights could help strategic bettors decide how to place the most promising bets. (It should go without saying, but betting on a team because they’re your favorite team is a poor strategy.) DraftKings has a reputation for being one of the best football betting apps.
Yes. Sportsbooks make plenty of money off bettor losses. Charging bettors to download an app would create a barrier between bettors and the vig. Sportsbook lines have “house advantages” built into them, so if the favorite comes through, the sportsbooks make money. They’re more than happy to invite bettors in for free and entice them to spend money later.
If you want to bet, then yes. Bettors can create accounts and browse sportsbook lines without making a single deposit. But bettors can’t place bets for free. If you want to reap the rewards of an underdog win, then you need to put some skin in the game.
Infrequently. If you’re like most people, you won’t even know when your apps update. Sportsbooks and smartphone companies are staggeringly unlikely to require bettors to manually update apps. (What is this? 2007?) But sportsbooks can update one to four times a month. Debugging is a never-ending process, after all.