Betting apps have completely changed the game. Not because they’re better than websites but because they’re convenient. You can be out at the game and place a bet on your phone faster simply because the app is already loaded up.
Switching from a betting site to an app means speed and convenience. The best apps have all the same features as their online counterparts, from bet building to stopgaps to help you play responsibly. Not sure which app to start with? This guide outlines everything you need to know to pick the best sports app for you.
It can be hard to narrow down your choice of the top live betting sites, much less the apps that they’ve created. The good news is that the best mobile betting apps all have the same key characteristics:
First things first, is it legal? The legality of sports betting apps depends on your region and what the local laws are. Don’t worry about the complexities of operating a betting brand in your area, and instead, focus on the rules for betters themselves. In some areas, for example, betters are free to place bets, but the betting company itself cannot operate in that area and needs to be licensed elsewhere.
That licensing is important, but it is important to know that there are different gambling authorities out there. Some of them have very strict regulations, and those are the ones you want to look for. Malta, the UK, and US regulating bodies are going to require the most out of these mobile betting apps, so you can play securely in the knowledge that your bets are secure.
When you want the best betting app, one of the first places you’re going to want to look is at the top charts. The top betting apps are well-rated, well-reviewed, and have a loyal following. To help you determine the app’s reputation, check these key sources:
1. News Media
Check if there are any recent controversies. If there aren’t, continue on.
2. Review Sites
How well-reviewed is the app? Check both professional reviews and user reviews to get a good idea of how well-rated the platform is.
3. Community Forums
Hear directly from the community itself by going to Reddit or other forums and asking your questions directly to other players.
The best betting apps typically offer more than just sports betting. Of course, if you only ever want to use these sports betting apps to place a bet on your team, then you don’t need to worry about the other options.
If you have multiple sports teams that you rep for or also want to play a few casino games to pass the time, then you’ll want one of the best mobile betting apps that can do it all. Check to see if the app offers the casino games you’re interested in and that it offers betting options that suit your style of play.
You should be able to pay on these mobile betting apps the way that you want to pay. On mobile phones, that’s usually through Google or Apple Pay. In some cases, you may want to pay with cryptocurrencies. Check to see if you can pay with the method you prefer first.
One of the benefits of betting online versus in person is the bonuses. The best mobile betting apps should offer similar or the same bonuses as those on their websites. If you want the top betting bonuses to customize your bets, then head over to our page to learn all about the best betting bonuses available today.
Another thing the top betting apps all have is customer support. This customer support should be available 24/7. Not only that, but you should have a choice in how you get in touch (email, live chat, or phone).
You need to keep your data secure when using these sports betting apps. Check for these key security features:
All the top betting apps are easy to use. If there is a tutorial, that tutorial should be short and sweet. In the best-case scenario, however, you’ll be able to intuitively use the app without a problem, finding the most popular bets with ease. The app should also be soft on the eyes so as to not cause a headache when playing. If it ticks those boxes, then you can rest easy knowing you’ll have a pleasant user experience and can instead focus on placing your bets within your limits.
There are so many reasons why you may prefer the app experience even over the optimized mobile version:
| Feature | App | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | Can be quickly accessed directly on your phone or tablet, without needing to navigate to the site first. | While it can be accessed from any internet-enabled device, you first need to load up the page to access it. |
| Speed and Performance | When designed well, apps are faster and easier to use on phones or tablets. | Usually the best performing platform, but may experience slow site speeds or poor mobile optimization. |
| Offline Access | Many apps offer offline access by preloading content so you can click through, browse, and compare odds even without the internet. | Websites need constant internet access. You can look at the same page, but cannot click to other pages that weren’t pre-loaded |
| Push Notifications | Stay up to date on your wagers, teams, changing odds and more by setting push notifications that alert you whenever there is a change directly on your phone. | You cannot set a push notification on a website that will show up on your phone, meaning you’ll need to manually check for changes. |
| Mobile-Optimization | While not all apps are well-designed, those that are are always optimized for mobile use. | While the big websites have mobile-first versions of their website, smaller brands may not. This inhibits ease of use when using the site on your phone. |
Not every big or new platform offers its own app, but those that do have proven they’re ready to go above and beyond to help you find your preferred play style. Not sure what app to start with? Here’s a quick round-up of the top options today.
Bet365 is one of the largest betting platforms in the world and offers multiple ways to place your bets. You can do so online directly on their website, or you can download one of the best betting apps in the business to have access to live games at the tips of your fingers. With Bet365, you can bet on over 30 sports, watch live streams, place live bets, and even cash your bets out before the game is over to secure your profit or minimize your losses.
One of the most appealing parts of Bet365 by far is the ability to build your own bet. You can customize your bet with your own parameters or boost it with one of Bet365’s large range of bonuses. As one of the best mobile betting apps, Bet365 is intuitive to use and makes placing bets straightforward so you can focus on the game instead. If you’re after a greater coverage of eSports, however, Betway may be more up your alley.
Betway is a massive live sportsbook and casino that you can access anywhere and at any time. As the best betting app, it’s licensed and regulated by some of the strictest gambling authorities, including those in Malta, the UK, and in several states. You can also build your own bets with their Bet Builder tool, place bets live during the game, and even watch events live directly. Betway is also popular for its bonuses and promotions, especially for those available to new customers. If you want to change up your playing experience, you can swap over to their casino offerings instead.
Betway is a great option for those who are after an app to place bets on all their favorite sports, but if you want to make those bets in a cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, then 22Bet may be a better fit.
22Bet is a newcomer on the betting apps stage. Like the big contenders, it allows you to place bets live during games and events, offers competitive odds, and covers a wide range of sports. The 22Bet app is responsive and well-designed, and the site also offers great customer support. What helps 22Bet stand out from other platforms is that it accepts cryptocurrency as a payment option.
The best betting app will ultimately boil down to personal preference. So long as it’s secure, licensed, and easy for you to place the bets you want, then it’s a good contender. A few other key characteristics to look for when choosing the best betting app include:
To help you find your next app, have a look at the best betting sites to get you started. These sites offer the highest level of security, are fully licensed, and are fan favorites of betters everywhere, allowing you to avoid risky sites and apps and get straight to the betting experience.
Google rarely, if ever, allows gambling apps on its Google Store. While this can be frustrating, it doesn’t mean you can’t use Bet365 or Betway on your Android phone. Instead, you’ll need to download the APK file directly from the brand’s site itself. Once downloaded, install the app.
If you can’t open the APK file, first check your settings to make sure you can accept apps from unknown sources. Once that setting is enabled, you should be able to download the file as normal.
Apple doesn’t have the same restrictions that the Google Store does, so you should be able to find your gambling site’s app. If you can’t, then there may be location restrictions and you’ll have to pick a different platform.
Most betting apps offer bonuses, especially for those just signing up. Do keep in mind that those bonuses usually have restrictions attached to them. For example, if there’s a bet match bonus, it will typically only cover a certain range.
One of the easiest ways to make sure that you’re getting a good experience is by going with the best betting apps from top brands like Bet365. That being said, there are many great newcomers emerging that also deserve a look. These newest betting sites typically offer features that the old guard doesn’t, like the ability to pay with cryptocurrency as an option. So long as the site is licensed, secure, and easy to use, a newer app may be a better fit for your betting needs.
Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org.
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