5 Best Sports Betting Apps
5 Best Sportsbook Apps in the U.S.
Are you ready to start placing online sports bets? Not all online sportsbooks were created equally, and not all online sportsbooks have apps where you can place bets.
A few apps are also much better than others (when it comes to many online sportsbooks, it may just be easier to use the platform’s website than download the mobile app). You’ll find variations in in-app speed, reliability, functionality, and usability in every app.
Some of the best sportsbook apps in the U.S. also happen to be developed by some of the biggest names in online sports betting. Our favorites include FanDuel, DraftKings, BetRivers, BetMGM, and Caesar’s.
#1 FanDuel Sportsbook
FanDuel is possibly one of the largest online sportsbooks currently operating in the U.S.
This online sports betting operator is currently offering a generous promotion for up to $1,000 worth of risk-free bets to OddsSeeker readers. Simply follow the affiliate link to take advantage of this offer.
FanDuel is available in;
- Colorado
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Michigan
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- West Virginia
This real-money online sportsbook features an app for Apple and Android users. You can do pretty much everything on the app that you can do on the website, including account maintenance, deposit money, place bets, watch live games, and withdraw your winnings.
You can also play casino games (if you are located in a state where online casino games are legal) right in the same app.
The app itself is one of the best on this list, and it receives plenty of five-star reviews in the Apple Store. While there were some early bugs detected in the app, the developers have dealt with these issues, and the bugs have been cleared up.
Reviewers mention the clean design, seamless navigation, and fast speeds (which is important if you want your bets to go through without a hitch!).
#2 DraftKings Sportsbook
Another one of the largest online sportsbooks in the U.S., DraftKings was also one of the first to offer online sports betting after PASPA was repealed in 2018!
DraftKings is currently offering OddsSeeker readers up to a $1,000 first-deposit match on sports bets and up to a $2,000 first-deposit match (for bettors in states where online casino gambling is legal) by following the link.
Draftking's is available in;
- Colorado
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Michigan
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- West Virginia
Users of both Android and iPhones can download the DraftKings app. This app gets great reviews in the Apple Store with positive marks for speed, optimization, navigation, and user experience.
This app was created before the DraftKings website, so developers had app users in mind when designing both the app and website platforms.
It features a long list of sports markets, though it doesn’t offer competitive pricing on less-popular sports and there are some complaints about lack of enough customer support.
Since DraftKings is known for both online sports betting and casino games, users that live in states where online casino games are legal will find a variety of betting opportunities within the app.
#3 BetRivers Sportsbook
BetRivers is another popular online sportsbook that emerged as one of the top dogs when online sports betting was legalized in 2018.
This online betting platform is legal for residents of:
- Colorado
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Michigan
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Virginia
OddsSeeker readers can snag a first-deposit match for up to $250 for sports bets. Simply follow the link and use the code ODDSSEEKER to get this deal when creating an account or making your first deposit.
The BetRivers app is available for both the iPhone and Android and offers a streamlined design that reviewers like better than the website.
BetRivers offers plenty of ongoing promos and bonuses through its iRush Rewards program. Simply turn on your notifications to be alerted to ongoing deals and discounts.
#4 BetMGM Sportsbook
One of the largest names in casino gambling, BetMGM is MGM Grand’s online sportsbook affiliate.
BetMGM is available in;
- Colorado
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Michigan
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Virginia
- Washington, D.C.
BetMGM is currently offering OddsSeeker readers a risk-free betting of up to $1,000 free. Simply follow the link and use the code ODDSSEEKER when you sign up for your account or make your first deposit.
This platform also runs several ongoing promos and bonuses for loyal bettors.
The app is available for iOS and Android users, and reviewers state that it’s easy to navigate. Simply toggle to the menu at the bottom of the screen to view your home screen, account settings, active bets, and more.
#5 Caesars Sportsbook
Thanks to its land-based casino and sportsbook (the most famous of which is in Las Vegas), Caesars Sportsbook is one of the most well-known online sports betting platforms in the U.S.
Caesar's Sportsbook is available in;
- Colorado
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Michigan
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- West Virginia
Right now, Caesars Sportsbook is offering up to $5,000 in risk-free bets to OddsSeeker readers. Simply use the affiliate link and the promo code ODDSSEEKER when making your deposit and setting up your account to take advantage of this deal.
Caesars’ app (available for iOS and Android) is possibly one of the most streamlined out there; this is the app for you if you prefer a no-frills approach to placing bets. You won’t get sucked into a rabbit hole trying to find your events and bet types. This app is easy to navigate, fast, and straightforward.
Get help when you need it with the live chat option, and manage your account all from one easy-to-use app.
Of course, you can always stick around a play a few online slots or card games here, too — as long as you live in a state where online casino gaming is legal.
Now that online sports betting has become increasingly popular (and legal!) in many U.S. states, sportsbooks are searching for new ways to make placing bets even easier.
While gambling on a sportsbook’s website is already insanely easy, the process is even more streamlined when it’s done through the platform’s app. Most of the larger sportsbooks and casinos have worked with developers to offer bettors the same great experience via an application instead of through a smart device’s browser. Sports betting apps are the future of online sports betting.
Is online sports betting legal?
It depends on which state you’re in and how old you are.
If you’re physically located in a state that has legalized online sports betting (legislators in many U.S. states have recently voted to legalize online sports betting within the past year), you’re probably good to go, as long as you’re of legal betting age.
In May 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court repealed the federal ban on online sports betting. Now, states may choose for themselves if they want to legalize online gambling.
Some online sportsbooks are legally allowed to operate in every state where online sports betting is legal, whereas other operators are only licensed in certain states (some may only be licensed in one state).
You must be physically located in a state where online sports betting is legal to place bets at many of these platforms, and you must activate geo-tracking software onto your laptop, desktop, or smart device before placing any bets.
Sports Betting Apps 101
Now that online sports betting is legal in many states, casinos, sportsbooks, and mobile developers have been working together to make the online gaming experience even more enjoyable.
While placing bets on your desktop, laptop, smart device browser is extremely easy, many online sportsbooks are now offering customers the opportunity to place bets on their mobile apps. These apps streamline the online betting experience and offer gamblers even more control over their online wagering.
There are plenty of benefits to placing online bets through a mobile app versus an internet browser. Most online betting apps are also more user-friendly and accessible than the platform’s mobile site.
What is a sports betting app?
A sportsbook app is simply an application that may be downloaded onto a smart device (usually a smartphone) and used to place bets on popular online sports betting platforms.
These apps are created and managed by the same sportsbook platforms that take bets. Beware of third-party apps that aren’t affiliated with the casino or sportsbook where you’re placing your bets.
Sportsbook apps are simply a more user-friendly way to place bets. You don’t need to worry about your browser crashing in the middle of placing a bet or any other issue from a third-party app. These apps are available for both iOS and Android smart devices — though some apps aren’t available for tablets or hardware other than mobile smartphones.
You can do pretty much anything on a mobile sportsbook app that you can do on a sportsbook’s website, including deposit funds, place bets, check your account balance, check odds, and withdraw winnings. You may even be able to chat with a customer service associate right on the app, too (depending on the sportsbook).
Is it legal to place bets through sportsbook apps?
Yes! Depending on where you’re located in the U.S., it may be completely legal to bet on sporting events via a sportsbook’s app.
Online sports betting has been legalized in many states (and most Canadian provinces). Now that online sports betting is legal in these states, all you need to do is simply find your preferred online sportsbook, download the app, and start placing bets!
To find out if online sports betting is legal in your state, head over to our states’ sports betting pages. Here at OddsSeeker, we keep our readers up to date on the latest legislation in gambling laws across the U.S.
You must be physically located within a state where online sports betting is legal to place bets online. Online sportsbooks require you to download geo-tracking software onto your laptop, phone, or desktop to ensure you are where you say you are. If you’re using a mobile app, this software is generally included within the app (you may need to turn on your location sharing in your smartphone’s settings to activate this).
If you leave the borders of your state for any reason, you will not be able to place bets until you’re back in a state where online betting is legal (and where the sportsbook is legally allowed to operate).
Of course, you also must be of legal betting age to place bets, too.
Benefits of Sports Betting Apps
Placing bets on a sports betting app offers many benefits over placing them on a device’s browser (or even at a land-based sportsbook location). Not only do you get all the benefits of placing online bets through your browser, but you also get additional benefits.
Some of the most common reasons gamblers choose to place bets through a sportsbook’s app rather than through its website (or heading to the nearest land-based location) may include accessibility, convenience, experience, and promotions.
Accessibility
Mobile accessibility is one of the main reasons that most gamblers choose to place bets on mobile apps rather than on a sportsbook’s desktop site.
Simply open the app on your phone — no matter where you are — and your experience will be the same. As long as you’re physically located within the geographic boundaries of a state where online sports betting is legal (and the sportsbook is registered within that state), you’ll be able to place bets.
If you consistently use the app to place bets, you’ll be able to find your events, bet types, account balance, and other information all the same place you would, regardless of what device you’re using.
All you need is a data or wifi connection to log onto the app and place your bets.
Convenience
When it comes to online betting, convenience is king.
Not only do you not need to head to the closest local sportsbook to place a bet, but you may also not even need to be in any specific location to do so. As long as you have an internet connection or data service, you may be able to place a bet with an online sportsbook.
This means you can spend more of your time in the places you love — such as a restaurant, sports bar, sports viewing event, or the live event itself — and only travel to a land-based sportsbook when it’s convenient for you or you have reason to do so.
When it comes to placing bets on an app versus a mobile browser, the app simply makes it even easier to place your bets. Toggle to your betting screen (some apps allow you to favorite events for easier navigation) and place your bet.
You’re already logged in (or if you’re not, you may be able to log in with a simple Touch ID).
Experience
Not every browser can be optimized for every website, so mobile betting experiences may vary depending on which one you’re using.
When you place bets on a mobile betting app, you’re probably going to get the best betting experience. Many online betting apps even allow you to customize your app’s home screen so all of your favorite events and bet types are easily accessible.
Many online sportsbooks’ apps simply run better than their mobile sites, offering a more streamlined experience.
All of your payment information may be securely saved within the app; betting preferences may also be saved for faster and easier betting.
Promos and Bonuses
One of the most popular reasons to place bets directly from a sportsbook’s betting app as opposed to its website (or even its land-based location) is its promos and bonuses.
While online sportsbooks are known for offering generous welcome and ongoing promos to online patrons, apps may be even more generous!
Many online sportsbooks offer ongoing promos to customers that log on to the app regularly. It’s also recommended to turn on notifications for last-minute promos and bonuses, too.
Welcome bonuses and ongoing promos give the online sports betting platforms an edge over land-based competitors, and you may be able to get the best deals directly from sports betting apps.
Sportsbook Apps Vs Desktop Sports Betting Sites
Online betting offers a completely different experience from in-person betting.
Yet, placing bets on a sportsbook’s app isn’t entirely different from placing them on its website. While you may get more benefits from using a sports betting app than its site, you may simply find that the experiences are somewhat similar.
Depending on your operating system, you may find that you enjoy placing bets on the app versus the browser — or vice versa.
The biggest difference between using an app and a website is the experience and usability. How easy is it to place bets on the site? How fast is the site? How easy is it to navigate the site?
It may simply be easier to access the sportsbook’s app when you’re at a live event, sports bar, or restaurant. Or, you may find that you simply enjoy using the website on your browser better.
Even if you do enjoy using a sportsbook’s website better than the app, you may simply want to download the app and turn on notifications; this may help ensure that you always know about the latest promos, bet results, and bet statuses.
You may also simply want to download the app onto your phone to manage deposits and withdrawals. Some online sportsbook state that their mobile apps are more secure than their websites, so managing money through the app may be worth the download alone.
Sports Betting Apps Bonuses and Promos
Most online sports betting websites and apps offer generous bonuses and promos.
Some platforms offer the same promotions, regardless of whether you use the app or the mobile site. Others may offer more generous bonuses on the app versus the website to entice customers to try out the app.
The most common bonuses offered by sportsbooks are welcome bonuses. Online sports betting platforms want to entice you to choose them over their competitors, and they know if they get you in the door, you’re likely to stay.
Many sportsbooks also offer ongoing promotions, too — especially through their apps. You may be able to get login bonuses, risk-free bets, odds boosts, and more just for placing bets through the app instead of the site.
If you’re using an app, simply toggle to the ‘promotions’ tab, menu dropdown, or button. This is where you’ll find all the current promos and possibly even get a peek at past promos.
Welcome Bonuses
Welcome bonuses are considered some of the most popular types of bonuses offered by online sportsbooks.
You’ll find some pretty generous bonuses (upwards of thousands of dollars, depending on the sportsbook!) if you’re a new user. Some of the most common welcome bonuses may include first-deposit matches, risk-free bets, and no-deposit bonuses.
First-Deposit Matches
First-deposit matches are one of the most coveted types of welcome bonuses offered by sportsbooks.
This type of welcome bonus is when the sportsbook offers to match the amount you deposit on your first deposit (or when you open your account, depending on the policies of the sportsbook). You may see first-deposit bonuses of up to thousands of dollars.
These bonuses are only valid for the amount of your first deposit (up to a certain cap). You’ll also need to satisfy wagering or playthrough requirements on these bonuses before cashing out any winnings made with this bonus money.
Wagering requirements on first-deposit bonuses are usually between 1-and-20-times the amount of the bonus. This means you’ll need to bet between 1-and-20-times the amount of the bonus with your own money before you may withdraw any winnings made with the bonus money.
No-Deposit Bonuses
No-deposit bonuses don’t require any deposit to receive the bonus amount. All you need to do is follow the promo link and use the bonus code provided.
These bonuses are generally lower in dollar values than deposit-match bonuses. That’s because you won’t need to deposit any of your own money to snag these deals! Most no-deposit bonuses offered by legit sportsbooks and casinos are around $20-to-$30.
Just as with deposit matches, you may need to satisfy wagering requirements to playthrough requirements before you are allowed to cash out any winnings made with your bonus money.
Ongoing Bonuses and Promos
While welcome bonuses are generally offered equally on both an online sportsbook’s website and mobile app, ongoing bonuses and promos are where an app’s advantage over the website really shines!
While both a sportsbook’s app and website offer ongoing promos, you may get more notifications of ongoing promos when you download the app onto your smartphone.
On both the app and website, you’ll be able to take advantage of VIP and rewards clubs (similar to the clubs run by land-based casinos). Make a certain number of qualifying bets or pay a certain amount of betting fees each month to reach tiers; at each tier, you’ll be eligible for free stuff, prizes, and promos.
Sportsbook apps also alert you to ongoing promos, such as login promos, free bets, and enhanced odds. Be sure to turn on your app alerts to be notified of these ongoing promos.
Downloading Installing Sportsbook Apps
Most sportsbooks’ apps are available for both Apple and Android phones — though you may not find every app in the Google Play or Apple stores.
There’s very little difference between the apps for these two operating systems, and most differences are simply to satisfy Apple’s and Google’s developer agreements and policies. Many of these policies are related to online betting and each company’s regulations.
iOS Sportsbook Apps
If you’re an Apple user, you’re in luck!
It’s generally much easier to download betting apps on an Apple smart device than on an Android one, as Apple doesn’t exclude gambling apps from the Apple Store. Depending on the online sportsbook, you may be able to download your desired app directly from the app store on your smart device.
Simply open the app store, search for the sports betting app (BetMGM, BetRivers, DraftKings, etc.) and press the download button on your desired search result. Just make sure the app you’re downloading is the official app of the sportsbook — and not a third-party app.
App reviews are also available right in the app store, allowing you to check for any issues or bugs before downloading the app. You may also want to check the system requirements before downloading the app, too.
Once the app is downloaded, you may open it and create an account or log on to a previously-created account right through the app.
If you can’t find the app in the app store, you may simply head to the sportsbook’s mobile or desktop site on your browser and download the app directly from the site.
Android Sportsbook Apps
If you’re an Android user, you won’t be able to download a sportsbook app directly from the Google Play store. This is because Google doesn’t allow gambling apps in its app store.
The good news is that all is not lost! Just because Google doesn’t allow gambling apps in its U.S. app store doesn’t mean that you can’t download a betting app onto your Android.
All you need to do is download the app from the sportsbook’s website.
Simply head over to the sportsbook’s site on your mobile device’s browser. Somewhere on the site (usually on the homepage or very accessible from the homepage) will be a link to download the mobile app.
Toggle to your Android’s settings to enable installing apps from unknown sources. Download the file and then open the file after the download is complete. You should be able to open and use the app as you would any other app on your phone.
Sportsbook App Deposits & Withdrawals
Sportsbooks make it really easy to make deposits and withdrawals through their mobile apps and online platforms.
Deposits are generally made instantaneously, and you may be able to begin betting almost immediately after making a deposit. Most online sportsbooks also make it extremely easy to deposit funds into your account. Withdrawals make take a little longer (due to regulations), but you should have your funds within a few business days.
Sportsbook App Deposits
The most common form of sportsbook deposits is generally ACH bank transfer, credit or debit payment, payment processor, and cash (through PayNearMe and at the casino or sportsbook cage).
Most online sportsbooks also take Pay+ cards, too.
ACH Bank Transfer
ACH bank transfer is possibly one of the most convenient ways to deposit money into your sportsbook account.
Simply set enter your banking information into the provided payment fields in the online payment system. This may be completed either on the platform’s website or in the app.
If you aren’t able to set up a new form of payment in the app, you should be able to use previously saved forms of payment within the app (after setting up your payment type on the sportsbook’s website).
Simply enter your bank account and routing numbers into the provided fields as well as the amount you want to transfer to your betting account.
Credit or Debit Card
Most online sportsbooks accept Mastercard and VISA debit and credit cards (though some banks won’t process payments made to betting institutions).
If the bank that issued your credit card or debit card allows you to make payments to your online sportsbook, all you need to do is enter the card number, expiration date, the name on your card, and the CCV code on the back to make a payment.
You may also need to enter the address associated with the billing on your credit or debit card, too.
Though you may be able to make a payment with a credit or debit card, you won’t be able to withdraw funds with one.
Payment Processor
Payment processors have become the preferred way to make payments online. Two of the most popular payment processors, Skrill and PayPal are accepted by many online sportsbooks.
Using PayPal or Skrill to make your payment will allow you to transfer funds to or from your bank or use a credit or debit card — without worrying about whether your bank will allow the payment to process. You may simply transfer funds to your Skrill or PayPal account and use those funds to add money to your online betting account.
While PayPal is possibly one of the most well-known online payment processors, Skrill is more commonly used in the world of online betting.
Cash
Cash is still king in the world of online betting! If you want to deposit cash into your online betting account, there are a few ways to do so.
One of the most popular ways to deposit cash into your online account is to simply deposit it at the nearest affiliated sportsbook or casino cage. While this may not be the most convenient method to deposit money into your account, it is easy and affordable.
Another way to deposit cash into your account is to visit a PayNearMe location (as long your preferred sportsbook accepts PayNearMe), such as CVS or 7-Eleven. Follow the instructions to make a cash deposit and fill out the appropriate forms. You’ll also need to pay a small PayNearMe fee to make the transaction.
You may also deposit funds by mailing a paper check to the sportsbook. If the sportsbook accepts paper checks as a form of payment, instructions on how to do so will be stated on the website. Simply follow the instructions to deposit funds by check.
Sportsbook App Withdrawals
While it’s fairly easy to make withdrawals from your sportsbook account, it’s not as easy to make payments. You may need to wait a few business days before a payment is initiated (per law), and you may need to wait a few extra business days before the money is in your bank account.
You can make withdrawals using any of the above deposit methods (except for debit or credit cards).
Depending on your withdrawal method, it may take up to several business days for your funds to reach your bank account. Some transfer methods may take up to three business days (after the processing time is over) to reach your account.
If you are a member of the sportsbook’s VIP or rewards club, you may be able to get your funds faster.
ACH bank transfers may be one of the fastest ways to access your money. It may take up to several business days for your funds to reach your payment processor (such as PayPal and Skrill) account and several more business days for the funds to be transferred from this account to your bank account.
The fastest way to get access to your withdrawal funds is to simply drive down to an affiliated sportsbook or casino cage to get cash. While this is the easiest way to get your money, it may not be the most convenient, especially if you don’t live near a local affiliated casino or sportsbook.
The second fastest way to get access to your funds is to transfer them to a Play+ card. You may still need to wait the processing time to transfer funds from your sportsbook account to your card, but funds will be made ready for use instantaneously after this time period. You may use your Play+ card to make purchases at preferred vendors or withdraw funds from the card at your nearest ATM.
If you’re planning on requesting a paper check, this may be the least convenient way to get your account funds. Paper checks may take up to two weeks to receive, and the sportsbook may take a check printing fee from your account balance or withdrawal funds.
Mobile App Customer Service
If you need help with your account, it may be easier to do so through the app than through the sportsbook’s website.
Many online sports betting apps offer live chat straight through the app.
Some sportsbooks also have call centers, with customer service associates standing by to answer your call (and your questions!). If you want to talk to someone over the phone, you may be able to do so by clicking on the ‘contact us’ button in the app.
You may also be able to contact a customer service associate via secure message (similar to email) directly through the app.
If you have a question that may be a common concern, you may be able to toggle to the FAQ section of the sports betting app and address your issue there.
Most online sportsbooks also have social media accounts where questions and concerns may be addressed.
Problem Gambling Assistance
Most online sportsbooks understand the severity of gambling addiction. This is why they offer plenty of resources to help bettors deal with gambling problems.
Gamblers simply concerned about their betting habits may place limits on how much they can wager each day, week, month, or year. Most online betting platforms also place limits on how much each user may bet.
If you’re worried that gambling has become an addiction, you can always call 1-800-GAMBLER or find resources directly on online sportsbooks’ websites (usually in the footer or menu sections).
Sports Betting App Terms
Action
Added Game
Against the Spread
Arbitrage Bets
Bankroll
Bookmaker
Buying Points
Chalk
Circle Game
Contrarian Betting
Cover
Closing Line
Dead Heat
Dime
Dog
Dollar
Draw
Edge
Even Money
Favorite
Futures Bet
Handle
Hedge
Hook
Juice
Key Numbers
Limit
Lines
Live Betting
Middle Bet
Moneyline
Nickel
Off the Board
Over/Under
Parlay Bet
Pick’em
Points Betting
Point Spread Bet
Prop Bet
Push
Real-Time Odds
Runner
Sharp
Tout
Units
Wager
Wagering Requirements
Sports Betting Strategies
Sports Betting Calculators
