Best Sports Betting App #1: bet365 They are one of the biggest betting operators not just in the UK but all across the world, and their dedicated app is every bit worthy of their juggernaut reputation and is a fine contender for best betting app in the UK. Since NJ Online Sports Betting is still in a bit of a legal flux, large tech companies like Google and Apple have only recently begun to approve the best sports betting apps for US-based customers. For that reason, we will specify the best betting app for iPhone and the best betting app for Android along with other important criteria.
Illinois sports betting apps are live. The Prairie State saw its first sports gambling app in June 2020 when BetRivers started taking bets. Since then, DraftKings launched in partnership with Casino Queen. FanDuel followed in late August of 2020 with an online sportsbook, which it launched with Par-A-Dice Casino in East Peoria, Illinois. PointsBet and William Hill launched the state’s fourth and fifth sportsbooks apps in September.
To access sports betting apps, Illinois players just need an internet connection and a desktop or mobile device. The process to access an online sportsbook in the Land of Lincoln is simple and convenient, giving you full access to a bevy of bets and offers after just a few minutes.
Getting started with mobile and desktop sportsbook apps requires you to create an account using the information you’d typically give to an online shopping or social media site. It’s a similar process to those employed by the apps we use every day, so most bettors will have no trouble kicking off their sports betting experience in Illinois.
The only added step is mandatory geolocation to confirm you’re within state borders when you place a bet. As of August 20, 2020, there is no requirement to complete registration in person, but that could change. The order lifting the requirement will stay in effect until December 12, 2020. After that, in-person registration could return. Moreover, the state temporarily closed Illinois casinos and retail sportsbooks on November 19, 2020, in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19. This means that the only way to bet on sports in Illinois is through a sportsbook app.
Here’s a closer look at online sports betting apps in Illinois.
BetRivers provides a polished and streamlined sportsbook experience for Illinois bettors.
BetRivers is the official online sportsbook of Illinois’ Rivers Casino in Des Plaines. Playing with BetRivers offers some great advantages to players. The site will match your first deposit up to $250, allowing you to double your account value when you first deposit funds. The bonus is a great way to get started with sports betting. The interface is sleek and intuitive. Sports and featured bets appear on a bar at the top of the screen, so you can easily navigate the site to find your favorite bets.
BteRivers launched its full iOS app in September. That means Illinois bettors can access BetRivers on a desktop or mobile browser and through both iOS and Android apps.
See our full Review Of BetRivers Illinois Sportsbook.
DraftKings penned a deal with Casino Queen in East St. Louis, Illinois, to provide technology for the property’s sportsbooks. This includes online sports betting, which allows DraftKings to access the Illinois market as one of the first online sports betting apps.
DraftKings is an undeniable leader in the sports betting industry and is the first Illinois sportsbook to offer a native iOS and Android app along with a robust website. In addition, a DraftKings-branded sportsbook will eventually open at Wrigley Field.
New bettors at DraftKings Illinois can get up to $1,000 as part of a 20% first deposit match bonus.
See our complete Review Of DraftKings Illinois.
FanDuel launched its online sportsbook in Illinois on August 28, 2020. This made it the third online sports betting site to go live in the Prairie State.
After weeks of rumored deals, FanDuel finally launched in partnership with Par-A-Dice Casino in East Peoria, Illinois. The property is owned and operated by Boyd Gaming. Boyd also owns a 5% stake in FanDuel, so the partnership makes sense. Previous rumors hinted at a possible purchase of Fairmount Racetrack in Collinsville, but no new information about that deal has come to light. It could still happen, but for now, FanDuel offers an online book using the Par-A-Dice license.
Bettors can get up to $1,000 in risk-free bets when they sign up for FanDuel’s sportsbook.
See our complete FanDuel Illinois Review.
PointsBet launched Illinois’ fourth online sportsbook. The company inked a deal with Hawthorne Racecourse in Cicero, Illinois, just a few miles outside of Chicago. PointsBet also plans to open a few off-track betting facilities in the Chicagoland area in addition to its retail sportsbook at Hawthorne Racecourse. This makes it the closest sportsbook to downtown Chicago.
The sportsbook from PointsBet went live on September 12, just in time for the first slate of Sunday football games for the 2020-2021 NFL season. PointsBet offers both an android and iOS app. It works seamlessly, and there’s the added bonus of PointsBetting, the company’s unique bet type for high-risk, high-reward betting.
William Hill joined the Land of Lincoln’s online sports betting scene on September 15, 2020. It became the state’s fifth online sportsbook not long after it launched a retail book at Grand Victoria Casino in Elgin.
William Hill’s sportsbook is accessible on both iOS and Android, though our initial research showed no signs of a desktop betting platform. It’s possible that could come into play later. For now, eager bettors should stick to mobile devices and tablets.
New players at William Hill are treated to a risk-free bet up to $300.
There are currently five sports betting apps available to download in Illinois:
Sportsbook | iOS App? | Android App? | Average Review |
---|---|---|---|
BetRivers | Yes, 24.3 MB | Yes, 52.3 MB | 4.5 |
DraftKings | Yes, 263.6 MB | Yes | 4.9 |
FanDuel | Yes, 38 MB | Yes | 4.7 |
Pointsbet | Yes, 51.5 MB | Yes, ~13 MB | 4.6 |
William Hill | Yes, 38.1 MB | Yes | TBD |
One wrinkle when it comes to taking full advantage of online sportsbooks in Illinois is the government’s ever-changing stance toward in-person registration requirements. It’s possible to download an app and start registration, but before making the first bet bettors need to visit a retail sportsbook location or casino partner to complete the process. This was the initial requirement under the Illinois sports betting law.
During 2020, Governor J.B. Pritzker has lifted and reinstated the requirement for in-person registration so many times it’s starting to get confusing.
For a brief time, Governor Pritzer lifted this requirement due to COVID-19 related concerns. In July 2020, he reinstated the restriction. Then, he lifted the restriction once again on August 20, 2020. This can seem a bit onerous, particularly before the first bet, but once registration is complete all bets can be placed online using the chosen app. At least through December 12, 2020, you can register completely online without a visit to a retail property.
Betting on a legal online sportsbook app has distinct perks.
First and foremost, the convenience of playing on your mobile device is hard to beat. As long as you’re within Illinois and have an internet connection or cell signal, you can sign on and place a wager once you’re registered. If a game is happening live and you want to place an in-play wager, you can quickly sign-on using your phone or tablet to make the bet. The ease of use is one of legal mobile bettings’ primary advantages.
Of course, safety and fairness play a huge role in making the online betting experience top-notch in Illinois. Sportsbook apps are operated by companies that must adhere to the state’s regulations and offer a fair selection of bets using official data. That’s a requirement that offshore providers don’t have to worry about. Legal betting ensures you’re playing in a safe and secure environment.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how you can install a sportsbook app on your iPhone or iPad.
Google prohibits all gambling apps from its Google Play marketplace, but you can still install sportsbook apps on your Android device. Here’s how:
With only five sportsbooks live, Illinois is at a very early stage with regard to its sports betting industry. The state will undoubtedly see many more sportsbook launches, almost all of which will include sports betting apps.
BetRivers, DraftKings, PointsBet, William Hill, and FanDuel are live. But the Prairie State will soon see many more providers enter the sports betting market. Illinois is sandwiched between Iowa and Indiana, two states that had a headstart in legalizing and launching online sports betting. Nearby Michigan recently legalized sports betting and online casino gaming, though it has yet to launch. Illinois sits in the center of the growing midwestern online gambling market, and we’ll soon see industry leaders flock to the state to provide betting apps to an enthusiastic audience.
Plus, 18-months following the launch of sports betting in the state, Illinois will grant three online-only sports betting licenses, further expanding the market. Before that happens, though, expect a number of providers to throw their hats into the ring by partnering with land-based Illinois casinos.
Penn National Gaming and Barstool teamed up to provide sports betting, and it’s likely the partnership will bring an app to the Illinois market. Both companies have been relatively hush-hush about Illinois plans, but it’s safe to expect a launch in the near- to mid-future.
In November 2020, Golden Nugget announced an intention to enter the Illinois market. They plan to open a retail casino in Danville, Illinois, as well as launch its sports betting app in Illinois. One of the most respected names in casino gaming in the US, Golden Nugget is making a name for itself by launching a sports betting app in several states, including nearby Michigan.
FOX Bet is another big contender that’s likely to launch a sports betting app in Illinois. The Stars Group, which owns FOX Bet, is also partnered with Caesars. Like William Hill, the company could use that partnership to gain a foothold in the Illinois landscape.
Whether it’s with Caesars, another partner, or an online-only license, FOX Bet will almost certainly launch a sportsbook app in Illinois.
When you play on a sportsbook app, you should be able to quickly and easily find your desired bet. Or, if you’re just browsing, you should never be lost. A good sportsbook app will have simple but intuitive navigation tools, a clear way to place a bet, and helpful tips for beginners.
From the minute you sign up, sports betting should be rewarding (even if you don’t always win!). Sign up bonuses like deposit matches show that a sports betting app cares about gaining customers. Loyalty programs and benefits show that they want to keep existing players engaged. Promotions and bonuses make for a better sportsbook experience.
After you connect your preferred payment method, whether it’s PayPal, your debit card, or online banking, how many clicks or taps does it take to make a new deposit? A top-notch sportsbook app makes this process incredibly easy. Just a few taps of the screen will get you to the deposit page, and you can seamlessly add funds to your account.
In any given sporting event, seconds matter. They can make a world of difference and determine the outcome of a match. When you place a bet, especially live bets/in-play wagers, the same is true of sportsbook apps. They must process your transactions quickly so you can log your bet and continue watching the game. Speed is a top priority when selecting a solid sportsbook app.
Sportsbook apps make deposits simple and seamless. There are a number of methods available, so you just have to choose the one you prefer and fund your account.
Deposit methods can vary by sportsbook, but most apps allow similar options.
Online wallet services such as PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller are fairly popular with sports bettors. Among them, PayPal is the most commonly accepted. BetRivers, DraftKings, PointsBet, William Hill, and FanDuel all accept PayPal and allow you to quickly connect your account.
Credit and debit cards are another ubiquitous option for depositing funds. Almost every sportsbook will accept them. Just type in your card information to make your deposit. If you’d rather not use your personal card, sportsbook apps typically accept prepaid cards, too.
Online banking options such as wire transfer, ACH, and direct deposit are all common in the sports betting world as well. You can connect your bank account and make easy deposits right from your mobile device.
All of the options above are accessible to anyone using an iOS device. Apple users can connect a payment method and deposit at a sportsbook using a variety of accounts.
You may wonder if you can use Apple Pay or an App Store Gift Card on an Apple device to fund your sportsbook app account. At this time, it doesn’t look like Illinois sportsbooks apps will accept these methods of payment. Instead, you’ll have to stick to the options above.
Payment options for Android users are the same: PayPal and other e-wallets, credit and debit cards, online banking, prepaid cards, and bank transfers.
Illinois has many safeguards in place, both on the legal and technological front, to protect users. Regulated sportsbook providers use world-class security practices to keep your information safe, too.
Yes. Legal and regulated sportsbook apps are safe to install on your phone. Note that the process to install an Android app may include a notification about installing apps from the web onto your phone. This is required because Google doesn’t allow gambling apps in its official app marketplace.
As long as you’re using a sportsbook app provided by a company with a license, it’s safe. The Illinois Gaming Board governs sports wagering. The organization’s website has a list of licensees that you can use to confirm the safety of any given sportsbook app.
Sports betting providers are legally required to adhere to the Illinois Gaming Board’s rigorous regulations and rules. On top of that, they simply want to keep you as a customer. For both reasons, they’re well-incentivized to keep your information safe.
Sportsbooks use the same high-level encryption tools that protect your data at online shopping websites or online banking institutions.
You can secure your sportsbook account in a number of ways. The best path to protecting your data is enabling two-factor authentication (sometimes called multi-factor or strong authentication). With two-factor authentication turned on, you will enter your username and password to login as usual. But you’ll have an added step. You’ll be required to confirm your login by entering a code sent to your phone (via text) or email address. Two-factor authentication adds another layer of protection to your account.
When you use your account regularly, log out after each session to protect your information as well.
21. The legal gambling age in Illinois is 21, and that applies to online betting. When you sign up for a sportsbook account, you’ll use a government-issued ID to confirm your age before you can place a bet.
The Illinois Gaming Board. The IGB is a government organization that sets regulations for sports betting providers and grants licenses to companies approved to offer sportsbook apps.
For more information, including a list of licensed providers in Illinois and an overview of Illinois sports betting legislation, you can visit the IGB website.
Illinois sports bettors can wager on almost any sport. Baseball, hockey, basketball, and football are the most popular offerings. Tennis, golf, NASCAR, MMA, darts, rugby, cricket, and other options are available as well.
Illinois places some restrictions on college sports betting. You can bet on college sports in the state, but not on any matches that include an in-state school (even if the match is played elsewhere).
No. Google does not allow gambling apps in its Google Play app store, even if those apps are completely legal. Instead, Android users have to download their preferred sportsbook’s app directly from the provider’s website. Most sports betting sites have a direct link that allows you to download the app right to your phone in a few simple steps.
Yes. DraftKings partnered with Casino Queen in East St. Louis and launched Illinois’ second online sports betting site (after BetRivers).
Players can download the DraftKings app for iOS or Android. DraftKings has great beginner’s guides for sports betting newcomers as well.
Yes. DraftKings, PointsBet, BetRivers, William Hill, and FanDuel have iOS apps you can download directly from the App Store.
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.