Mobile betting allows you to take full control of your account, releasing promotions, building bets, and cashing out wagers as you please. In this latest guide, I’ll be focusing my efforts on identifying the very best sports betting apps around.
So, what goes into creating the best sports betting app? I hear you ask. Well, alongside obvious traits, like fair terms, competitive odds, responsive technology, and enhanced security, you’ll want to make sure that you can enhance (or at least replicate) the same experience found online. I’m here to help you along the way – let’s find your perfect match.
Bearing in mind that the US is considered to have the largest sports betting scene across the globe, it may come as a little surprise to hear that mobile betting is only considered legal in 32 states.
The latest names to add themselves to the legal list include Massachusetts, Vermont, Ohio, and Maryland. Although, those in North Carolina won’t have to wait too long – if all goes to plan, it looks like the first mobile sportsbooks will roll out across the Tar Heel State just in time for March Madness.
Official launch of mobile sports betting | May 14th, 2018 |
No. of legal mobile sports betting states | 30 states, Washington, D.C., and the territory of Puerto Rico |
Legal and pending launch | North Carolina (March 2024) |
Legal sports betting age | 18, 21 |
Mobile sports wagers placed (2023) | > $115 billion |
Compared with the number of states that have legalized retail bookmakers (39 states/territories) it is staggering to find out that over 70% of the annual sports betting revenue comes from mobile bettors across 32 legal states. In 2023 alone, over $115 billion worth of mobile sports betting wagers were placed.
Unsurprisingly, the addition of new sports betting sites and mobile gambling platforms opens the doors for more and more betting opportunities to arise. Since PASPA was originally overturned in 2018, this has created a serious snowball effect. That isn’t just my opinion – as you’ll see, the numbers don’t lie:
Now you know a little bit more about the mobile sports betting scene, why not take some time to take a closer look at some of the very best sports betting apps available to you? These mini-reviews should give you a little insight into the kind of mobile experience you can expect from some of the biggest names across the market.
BetMGM is a fantastic option for those of you looking to build your bets on the go. Currently, you can kickstart your time online with a bonus that rewards you with $158 in bonus bets for simply making a $5 wager. To get started, you’ll need to download the app directly from the app store or by visiting the site. From here, you can soon work your way through a streamlined registration process and begin making the most of the intuitive app design.
You can quickly navigate around the app by clicking on eligible sports and upcoming fixtures or by heading to the live betting suite. You can deposit freely using a range of credible methods, and you can soon get in touch with support. Ongoing rewards predominantly come in the shape of bonus bets. Plus, you can even watch live streams of specific events on the go.
DraftKings is next up on my list of top sports gambling apps across the US. You can head to the site or download directly from the app store before working through a streamlined registration process and unlocking a sizable new customer offer. As things stand, you can make a qualifying deposit of $5, bet $5, and end up with $200 in bonus bets added to your account.
Alongside a streamlined signup and impressive welcome bonus, you’ll find one of the most complete sports betting lobbies around. Although it can seem a little cluttered to rookies, you’ll soon be filtering through upcoming fixtures, scrolling through eligible markets, and picking out some of the most competitive odds available today. Plus, you’ll find that all of your betting activity contributes to an impressive Dynasty rewards program.
Based on the 2024 stats, FanDuel is considered the most popular US sports betting app. When you take a closer look at all of the perks on offer, it is clear to see why.
After heading to respective app stores or downloading through the site directly, you’ll find yourself a simple registration form and the chance to add $200 in bonus bets to your account for simply wagering $5. From there, you can then work your way over to the mobile sports betting lobby, filter through streams of popular betting markets, create bets backed by competitive odds, and wait for the action to unfold. Should you run into any issues, support is on hand around the clock, ensuring that you can soon get back to the important stuff – like checking out the live odds for March Madness.
Bet365 provides another great mobile platform and a dedicated app to enjoy the full experience on the go. As a new user, you can pick up one of two welcome offers, allowing you to personalize the experience from the word go. Currently, you can unlock a first bet offer of up to $2,000 or add $150 in bonus bets to your account by making a $5 wager.
Regardless of your chosen bonus, Bet365 promises an immersive mobile gaming experience throughout. You can sign up freely, filter through over 200 betting markets on popular events, scroll through live betting opportunities, load up live streams, and ‘edit your bet’ or ‘cash out’ along the way. Support is responsive here, too, meaning you’ll soon have any issues resolved.
I can’t create a list of top mobile apps in the US without saving some space for Caesars. This established name has been a prominent fixture over recent years, offering one of the most impressive mobile gambling experiences around.
To get started, you can unlock a first-bet offer of up to $1,500. However, returning players have plenty to shout home about, too. For starters, you have all major sports covered, odds are exceptional, and the live betting opportunities come in their droves. Certain fixtures are backed by stable streams, and you’ll find a number of stats to help bolster your picks. Of course, you’ll also contribute towards one of the most prestigious rewards clubs around, allowing you to convert your points for bonus bets, hotel stays, and much more.
In order to determine that DraftKings, FanDuel, Bet365, Caesars, and BetMGM sit atop the leaderboard, I’ve had to meticulously search through the competition, reviewing a few key attributes along the way. Although not conclusive, these key traits really help to identify the very best sports betting apps around.
To get things started, I always like to make sure that the best sports betting apps are accessible and available for download from respective app stores – bonus points are up for grabs for those who opt to provide a quick link across the mobile site. It also pays to review the system requirements and whether your smart device can handle the file size. Of course, the type of technology backing the mobile app will help to keep the mobile experience as streamlined as possible, too.
The best sports betting apps will focus on both quality and quantity. So, I’ll dive deep into the sports betting lobby, uncovering the kind of betting markets offered, the competitiveness of the odds, and the range of sports covered. It’s all very well releasing free bets and other bonuses, but if your preferred sports aren’t covered, what’s the point?
Rather than wasting your time booting up your old laptop, the best sports betting apps will allow you to immerse yourself in the full live betting site experience on the go. The chance to build, amend, and cash out bets in-play allows for a streamlined, efficient, and effective way to manage your account. In my comparisons, you’ll notice that I discuss everything from available markets and streams to the competitiveness of the odds and the availability of any live stats.
Well, they were going to come up eventually, weren’t they? I know as well as anyone that bonuses and promotions don’t provide you with any guarantees; however, that isn’t to say that they won’t significantly boost your experience. Depending on the promotion offered, you may find that you have bonus bets added to your account, a security blanket added to your first bets, or simply the chance to familiarize yourself with the sports betting lobby.
Arguably the most important – but also most boring – part of any comparison focuses on the safety and security of your account. I’ll do my best to ensure that I unravel all of the key information surrounding state-specific licenses and detail any features that will help to keep your mobile betting experience safe and sound. Segregated accounts, 2FA, and a selection of safer gambling tools will always get the thumbs up from me.
I guess, another big question to consider is whether a mobile app or mobile gambling site is the right option for you? For most, I would suspect that the accessibility and overall control it provides will be more than sufficient reason enough to download one of the best sports betting apps today. However, let me reel through a few of the pros and cons to help sway your decision.
Alongside a number of key ingredients that help to create the foundations of any great betting app, you also need to focus on your own individual requirements before downloading and registering for an account.
Many of the best sports betting apps now provide a selection of features that will help to bolster the experience, it is your task to identify any that will help to get the most out of your time online. Although not exhaustive, many top sports betting apps will now offer a selection of the following:
Sports coverage and available betting markets prove crucial when it comes to selecting one of the best sports betting apps. For fans of basketball, football, ice hockey, and baseball, you shouldn’t have many concerns about availability. However, it is still important to have your strategies ready to go.
Basketball accounts for over 33% of all sports bets placed in 2023. Naturally, the bulk of these bets were aimed at the NBA; however, many of the best sports betting apps are now focusing further on wNBA, international fixtures, and NCAAB.
When it comes to building your own strategies, I’d always suggest comparing the odds of top sportsbooks, reviewing key facts, considering rivalries, and focusing on the distance teams have had to travel. Depending on the stage of the season, you may find that star-players are given a bit of a breather, too.
With over 27% of all sports bets focused on football, it would be fair to suggest that the NFL remains a popular choice throughout the US. Of course, the latest sports betting apps are ensuring that CFL and NCAAB are covered. In turn, Wolverines fans can now look at joining dedicated college football betting apps.
When it comes to strategies, understanding the game is critical. Offensive and defensive schemes play a huge role in the outcome, rivalries can upset the apple cart, and you’ll want to back any of your predictions up with some serious stats.
Coming in third place with 18% of the total revenue is baseball. MLB fixtures prove popular for mobile bettors across the US, offering great market depth and coverage throughout the regular and postseason.
From a strategic standpoint, it is about the only sport where I would suggest stacking your lineups with big hitters from one or two teams. Of course, you’ll also want to pay close attention to the weather and any bonuses available.
It will come as no surprise to see hockey take fourth position on this list. You’ll find that many of the best sports betting apps will offer countless moneylines, props, and futures markets for the Stanley Cup. Plus, a select few will cover the international scene for you.
When building your strategies, you’ll want to stick to the basics and consider wingers and centers with a higher volume of shots per game, teams with the greatest possession, and defenders with the longest time on the ice.
Happy with the kind of sports you should expect to find at the very best sports betting apps in December? Great. Then I think it is about time that I talked you through the process of downloading and registering an account with one of the best sports betting apps today.
Firstly, you need to get familiar with some of the best sports betting apps available. My comparisons cover all of the important details to ensure that you build a well-rounded picture
Next, you’ll need to work your way over to the app store or visit the site directly and click on the quick-link to download the app
Once the app has downloaded, you’ll need to open it up and click ‘register’ or ‘sign up’
The next key step is to provide some basic personal details. You’ll likely be expected to enter your email address, date of birth, name, and telephone number. Plus, you’ll need to create a unique username and memorable password
Usually, if a promotional code is required, you’ll be presented with a box to enter the code at this stage, too
After you’ve submitted your request, you’ll be expected to confirm your identity by clicking on the link sent to your email address or by entering the code sent to your phone number
In order to pass the final KYC/AML checks, you may be encouraged to forward copies of your photo ID and a household bill, too. For those signing up through the app directly, a selfie may also be expected
Once all has been authorized, you’ll be free to head to the ‘wallet’ section of your account, make your first deposit, release any welcome offer, and begin building your bets on the go
Now you know exactly how to download and register your account with one of the best sports betting apps around, let me take some time to highlight some of the main bonuses you are likely to come across. Again, although these promotions don’t provide you with any guarantees, they certainly can help to boost your overall experience.
You’ve probably heard of the deposit match bonus. It is a very common promotion utilized by many of the best sports betting apps. As the name suggests, you’ll find that your chosen online sportsbook is prepared to match your first deposit up to a certain value.
For example, you may find that your sports betting app provides you with a 100% match of up to $200. This means that a $50 deposit will unlock an additional $50 in bonus bets that can be used across the site. Generally, a minimum qualifying deposit is required, and you may be expected to enter a promotional code. Additionally, you will need to play through your bonus bets before they can be considered as part of your cash balance.
The no deposit bonus is a great starter for those of you who are a little more cautious. Or, for those who simply want to test the waters before sharing your card details first. Without ever having to fund your account, you’ll find that you have bonus bets ready and waiting to play with. Generally, these promotions are far smaller in comparison and will come with some larger playthrough requirements attached.
To redeem, you won’t be expected to make a deposit. However, you will more than likely need to enter a promotional code. Understandably, you’ll also need to be completely new to the site, be able to verify your identity, and wait for the bonus to be released. While playing through your no deposit bonus, you may also need to be careful of any ineligible markets.
The first bet offer is another popular bonus provided by many of the best sports betting apps featured above. The idea is that you will receive your initial stake back in bonus bets, should your first wager lose. In essence, this is a bit of a security blanket to help settle any first-bet nerves.
To unlock this promotion, you’ll usually be required to make a minimum qualifying deposit and bet. Once your first wager has resulted, you’ll either walk away with your winnings or find that bonus bets of equivalent value have been added to your account. These bonus bets must then be played through before they can be withdrawn.
The aim of the game is to keep your mobile betting experience safe, secure, and enjoyable at all times. However, there are a number of dodgy sports betting apps that are looking to tarnish the experience for all.
These blacklisted sports betting apps are often licensed offshore. They tend to promise you the world – the most impressive sports betting odds, the biggest and best sportsbook promotions and plus a stream of perks that may otherwise be difficult to find across the legal scene. However, in reality, they are just looking to get you to fund your account, spend money building wagers, and make things as difficult as possible when it comes to completing any payouts.
I, myself, have been subject to a few of these scam apps in the past. Unfortunately, I let the appeal of those platforms get the better of me. Since then, I’ve made it my mission to recommend only the most credible and reputable sports betting apps around, so that people like you won’t make the same mistakes that I did.
So, there we have it – all you could possibly need to know about the best sports betting apps in December. As you can see, there’s plenty to consider before diving in and downloading the first online sportsbook that promises a sizable head start.
Fortunately, you can soon make use of my comparisons by clicking on the banners on-site. From there, you’ll have complete access to my honest and authentic reviews on some of the very best sports betting apps around. All you need to know is focus your efforts on finding the mobile app that ticks all of your boxes.
No. Although almost all sports betting sites will provide you with the chance to access the full experience through your mobile browser, not all sites will provide you with a dedicated app. This just means you can save space without having to make a download.
The bonuses and promotions provided by online sportsbooks will vary across the board. However, I have come across numerous sports betting sites that have saved their best sportsbook promotions for mobile users only.
The additional perks and features provided by an online sportsbook will range considerably. Most will offer live betting opportunities and regularly updated stats; however, you may have to make use of the banners on-site to specifically find yourself a sportsbook app with dedicated live streams.
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