Mobile sports betting apps allow players to easily bet on all their favorite sports. In this guide, we walk you through which ones are best, how to access them from your mobile device, and the criteria we look for when choosing the top sports betting apps.
Most US-based sportsbooks don’t have downloadable apps. Instead, they have fully-optimized mobile websites. On this page, when we refer to sports betting apps, we’re talking about these web-based applications.
In this Guide
- Top 5 betting apps for 2023
- How to choose the right betting app
- Best betting apps by sport
- How to save a betting app to your mobile home screen
The Sports Geek’s Top Sportsbook Picks
Top 5 Sports Betting Apps by Category
These five sportsbooks top our list of best betting apps for 2023.
- BetUS– Best Overall Mobile Sports Betting App
- Bovada – Best for Mobile Live Betting
- Everygame – Best Mobile Sports App for Slower Internet Connections
- MyBookie – Best Betting App for Sports Variety
- BetNow – Best Mobile App for Variety of Bonuses
BetUS has a plethora of standout points, which is exactly why it tops our list for best mobile sports betting app. From a user experience perspective, BetUS’s iOS and Android compatible interface is quick and simple to navigate. All important information – like live sports betting, highlighted sports, customer service and bet types – are easily accessible right on the mobile homepage.
Placing a bet is straightforward, too: simply click the unobstructed ‘Bet Now!’ button, and you’re sent to the betting page, which lets you easily scroll through and select sports and leagues.
The site’s sports betting resources are easy to find and easy to understand – and they work seamlessly on mobile devices. This is perfect for those new to the world of betting, or those looking to unclear about the wagering methods for a new sport.
The unique BetUS TV feature is especially helpful. This is where you’ll find an introductory series that lays out the ins and outs of sports betting. You’ll also find shows that highlight expert picks and predictions for various sports like boxing, basketball and baseball. All of this looks great on mobile screens.
BetUS also has an excellent selection of sports. You can find traditional offerings like basketball and football, as well as more obscure ones such as surfing, making this a clincher for our top online betting apps.
Bovada is one of the most reliable apps for sports betting on mobile devices. One major reason is how seamlessly live sports betting works on the platform. The sportsbook’s device-optimized site loads fast, and offers an intuitive layout for mobile users.
You can find the live sports betting section via a link at the menu on the bottom of your screen. On the live betting hub, you’ll see the trending events at the top of the screen and any ongoing events with live odds below. Ongoing events will often include soccer, basketball, baseball, eSports, darts, and more. You can click on the odds of each event to add directly to your bet slip, or go into the event’s live page for more details.
Bovada’s live event pages include a live feed with the latest scores, fouls, odds, and other relevant information. Under the feed, you’ll see the odds changing in real time. A nice addition is having the option to minimize the feed if you find it distracting. There are also tabs for team performance, general stats and league standings, so you can make an informed decision when placing your live bets.
What’s more, you can claim Bovada’s welcome offers when live betting. For crypto users, you can expect a 75% match on your first deposit up to $750. If you’re using Visa or MasterCard, your first deposit will net a 50% match up to $250.
When it comes to the world of sports betting, internet connection matters. There’s nothing more frustrating than when a betting app crashes mid-bet, causing you to potentially find your bet slip empty – or at the very least, causing a fair bit of panic in the moment before the page reloads. If you’re on the go, or typically have a weaker internet connection or data speeds, Everygame is your best bet.
The mobile betting experience here is straightforward: the homepage is your bet slip. This might seem simple in comparison to others, but this loads well, and there are no bloaty features to lag your internet connection. Plus, if you lose connection, your bets remain in the slip, even if you’re not logged in.
We tested the app on Wi-Fi, 4G and 3G and were able to place bets seamlessly. Additionally, Everygame boasts a well-rounded selection of sports, making it an excellent choice for those placing bets on the go.
MyBookie offers a staggering amount of sports variety packed into a tidy, mobile-compatible site. Their selection is truly impressive: you can be on almost every league imaginable, including standards like NFL, NBA, NHL, or PGA. You can even place wagers on lesser-known leagues like the KHL, EuroLeague basketball, and the CFL, and live bets on futsal, table tennis, and water polo. The eSports offering (including live eSports) are particularly popular with gamers. You can wager on famous titles like Call of Duty, Overwatch and Counter Strike.
Even though there are tons of sports to choose from, this app makes it easy to find your way around. The navigation is a little complex, but intuitive. A hamburger menu on the top left opens up categories like Featured Odds, Live Lines, and others, as well as the aforementioned myriad of sports to pick from. Here, you’ll also find MyBookie’s unique Money Bag feature, which gives you a random pick of set odds on timely events.
On the mobile homepage, you can find featured odds, upcoming, live games, and top bets, as well as links to brackets, squares, player props, and help. Finally, at the bottom of the screen, you’ll find a menu featuring your open bets, accessible at any time.
Bonus lovers will appreciate the variety of available promos at BetNow. At the time of writing, this sportsbook boasts 10 offerings on their promotions page, including a 200% welcome bonus (up to $200) when you deposit at least $10 with crypto. Alternatively, BetNow offers a 150% bonus up to $225 when you deposit a minimum of $10 using Moneygram, Zelle or credit card.
Promotions here also include contests, like a weekly NBA contest, which boasts a $10,000 weekly prize until the end of the NBA regular season. The grand slam promotion pays out $25,000 each week during the MLB season. Whenever you visit, you’ll find a variety of contests for in-season sports to choose from.
If you refer your friends, you’ll receive a 20% match referral bonus. However, what’s particularly interesting is BetNow’s sportsbook rebate. Bettors are eligible to receive up to 2% of their net sportsbook losses, excluding any of their weekly bonuses.
How We Choose Betting Apps
Today’s top sports betting apps come loaded with great features. They also make it easy for users to see odds, and place bets quickly and conveniently. Here’s what we look for in top online betting apps:
Comparing the Top Sports Betting Apps in 2023
| App | Best For | Bonus | # Sports | Live Mobile Betting | iPhone | Android | Read Review | Visit Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BetUS | Best Overall Mobile Sports Betting App | 125% up to $2,500 | 23+ | Yes | Yes | Yes | BetUS | Sign Up |
| Bovada | Best for Mobile Live Betting | 75% up to $750 | 30 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Bovada | Sign Up |
| Everygame | Best Mobile Sports App for Casual Bettors | 100% up to $750 | 22+ | Yes | Yes | Yes | Everygame | Sign Up |
| MyBookie | Best Betting App for Sports Variety | 50% up to $1,000 | 35+ | Yes | Yes | Yes | MyBookie | Sign Up |
| BetNow | Best Mobile App for Variety of Bonuses | 100% up to $1,000 | 10+ | Yes | Yes | Yes | BetNow | Sign Up |
How to Choose the Right Betting App
Choosing the ‘right’ sports betting app often comes down to personal preference, but there are a few things to consider before making a final decision.
Your Mobile Device Type
Whether you have an Apple, Android, or other operating system, it’s important to make sure your preferred app is optimized for your particular phone or tablet. These days, most mobile apps perform equally well on both iOs and Android – and all the sites we’ve suggested here are optimized for both. But still, this is a factor you’ll want to check before you make an account, especially if you don’t have a typical mobile operating system.
User Interface
Whatever your OS is, the user interface of a betting site is crucial. You want to be able to easily navigate the website to find all your favorite features, like live betting or prop bets, and make sure the interface loads quickly and without lag. Although all the sites mentioned above take this into consideration, Everygame in particular checks all the boxes for those with a slower internet speed; and BetUS comes in on top in terms of easy and seamless navigation.
Your Experience Level
When you’re just starting out on your betting journey, you should look for apps which are geared towards beginners. Some betting apps, like BetUS, provide helpful tips and guides to help get you started. Most betting apps will also make it easy for you to place simple wagers like a moneyline bet, or totals.
Advanced bettors should look for sites offering a wide range of betting types – and more complex ones. For instance, BetUS offers if bets, and has a handy guide available for those who may need it. On the other hand, Bovada has a simplified, but robust, parlay betting system. Not only can you combine different sports and teams on your bet slip, but also different types of bets.
Your Betting Style
Choose a sportsbook that aligns with how you like to wager. If you only place the occasional bet, look for a site that offers bonuses with lower wagering requirements and a longer fulfillment timeframe.
On the other hand, regular players looking to extend their bankroll should look for top bonus betting sites that offer dealers with higher percentage match. These bonuses usually have higher wagering requirements, and the overall bonus value will generally be higher.
If you only bet on certain events or leagues, make sure to look out for apps that offer bonuses specific to those leagues. For example, Everygame offers a 100% NBA playoffs bonus. Different mobile sports betting apps might offer different league-specific bonuses, so make sure to research before making your decision.
Favored Sports
The sports you want to bet on should also inform your decision. For those who only bet on certain sports or leagues, you’ll want to make sure the betting app offers the best odds on your favorite regular events or teams.
If you’re looking to explore other leagues, or other sports to bet on, you should choose a book with a wider sports selection. Some sportsbooks, like MyBookie, offer a huge variety of mainstream and niche sports, ranging from basketball to snooker, so be sure to pick a site that offers a nice variety.
Real Money Betting Apps by Sport
Not all sports betting apps are created equal. Some are better than others for particular sports. Here are our picks for top betting apps by sport.
Football Betting Apps
We have chosen Bovada as one of the best football betting apps available. In addition to great coverage of the NFL, Bovada offers a wide range of betting options on alternative ‘American football’ leagues like the XFL, USFL, college football, and the CFL. Bovada has 52 football wagering opportunities for pigskin fans.
Basketball Betting Apps
Our top pick for the best basketball betting app is BetNow. BetNow has more than 27 basketball markets, including popular overseas leagues like Bulgaria NBL and the Liga ACB.
Hockey Betting Apps
MyBookie is a betting app with a wide variety of hockey wagering options. It offers all the essentials for NHL fans: game lines, puck line, player props, and Stanley Cup odds, too. International hockey is where MyBookie really shines. You’ll be able to find lines from Canada (WHL & Quebec Major Junior leagues), Finland, Sweden, and IIHF game odds.
Soccer Betting Apps
Soccer isn’t as popular in the US as it is abroad, and sometimes it can be hard to find a soccer betting app with different league representation. BetUS is stacked with great soccer wagering options. You can bet on almost every soccer league, like La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A and the Premier League. Of course, you can bet on MLS Soccer in the United States. We especially love the footy content found in The Locker Room and on BetUS TV. At last count, they had six different programs dedicated to soccer leagues.
Golf Betting Apps
Bettors can make PGA wagers on almost every sportsbook app, but some are more limited than others. MyBookie has a good list of golf lines, including not just games and tournaments, but player lines and LPGA tournaments as well. Everygame is another one of the best apps for golf betting, and has a selection of international tournaments, like the Open Championship.
How to Sign Up for a Sports Betting App
Signing up for a sports betting app is a simple, straightforward process.
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The first step is always choosing the betting site. Our expert sportsbook reviews are full of useful information to help you make your choice.
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Before you sign up, you’ll want to explore the app and look at all the features. Popular features include easy withdrawals, bonuses, promos, and informative sports content.
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Tap the sign-up button and follow the steps to create an account. The sportsbook will require your basic personal information (name, email, phone, address), a username and a secure password. Once you’ve created an account, the site will usually send a verification link via email or phone for you to complete the registration process.
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Navigate to the cashier page, select your preferred sportsbook deposit method, the amount you want to deposit, and then follow the prompts. A good sports betting app accepts a variety of deposit methods. Credit cards, eWallets, bank transfers, and cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin, are the most common. A minimum deposit amount of $10-$20 is usually required.
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You can claim your welcome bonuses as soon as your account has been verified, and your deposit has been accepted. Some online sports betting apps require a promo code which you need to enter when depositing. Other books automatically credit your account with bonus funds. Your deposit method will determine which bonus you qualify for.
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Once your account has been verified and your deposit has been processed, all you need to do is select your sporting event, make a wager and place your bet.
Save Your Favorite Betting App on Your Home screen
Unlike traditional downloadable apps, most sportsbook apps are fully mobile optimized websites. The upside to this is that you don’t have to download them, meaning they won’t take up your space on your device. Here’s how you can create an icon on your home screen for easy access using common web browsers. The steps may be slightly different depending on your preferred browser (Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Edge).
Create a Home Screen Icon for Apple
Open the website in the Safari browser, tap the ‘share’ icon in the menu bar (middle bottom).
Scroll down to the list of options and select “Add to Home Screen”.
Click the + button and the shortcut should appear on your device.
You can rename the icon and move it to a different location if you wish to do so.
Create a Home Screen Icon for Android
Open the website in the Chrome browser, and tap the three-dot icon (upper-right corner).
Scroll and find “Add to Home Screen” in the menu. Similar to Apple devices, you can rename the icon and move it to a different location if you wish.
The steps are very similar if you’re using a different web browser like Firefox or Edge.
Other Available Betting Apps
In addition to sports betting apps, many states allow casino gambling and other betting apps. DFS apps (daily fantasy sports), for example, are popular and available through sites like DraftKings. Some betting sites still have downloadable apps in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, although they’re not as common these days.
Mobile Betting Tips
Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or expert bettor, you need a good strategy to increase your chances of winning. We encourage you to read our comprehensive guide to sports betting strategy for more detailed information, but here are a few tips to get you started:
Managing your bankroll means setting an amount you plan to bet with and sticking to that budget. Experts suggest you should only make bets with 1%-5% of your bankroll. Never bet with money you can’t afford to lose.
Sports, gambling, excessive drinking, and snap decisions are a recipe for disaster. When you’re under the influence, or if you let your emotions take over (known as ‘on tilt’), your judgement is impaired. This should be avoided if you want to win consistently.
We recommend looking at stats, trends and expert betting opinions to make informed, rational choices. Avoid following ‘hunches’ or other superstitions if you hope to win regularly.
Check multiple sportsbooks to find which one is offering the best odds for a given bet. This can be time-consuming and will require you to create multiple accounts. Trust us, the persistence will pay off.
Sports Betting Apps FAQs
The best betting app according to our expert reviews is BetUS. It provides a great variety of sports, as well as easy-to-navigate features and simple betting.
Mobile sportsbook apps will work just fine with any connection speed or wireless signal if you’re simply checking markets and placing bets, although some, like Everygame, work especially well for slower speeds. If you want to take advantage of features like live-streaming and other video content, you’ll want a faster connection.
Use a secure internet connection and not public Wi-Fi when you use mobile sportsbooks. Entering sensitive information over an unsecured network can put you at risk.
The only difference between iPad and iPhone betting apps is the size of your device’s screen. Betting ‘apps’ are fully-optimized web apps that will perform equally well no matter your mobile device or screen size.
Cryptocurrencies are the best deposit methods for sports betting. Many betting apps offer better bonuses and lower fees for crypto players, and cryptocurrencies are anonymous and secure.
No. Most of today’s sports betting apps are web-apps accessed from your internet browser and do not need to be downloaded.
The NFL, NBA and NHL are the most popular leagues to wager on with betting apps in the US. Other sports like soccer and golf are also incredibly popular amongst bettors.
