This article is all about the criteria that distinguish the best sports betting apps from the rest of the pack. Because sports betting must be done with real money and like other forms of gambling always entails some risk, making a good choice is imperative.
However, many sports bettors, especially those with little or no past mobile betting experience, do not have a clue about what criteria to look for when picking a sports betting app and then make a bad choice they later regret. Online sports betting is huge, so selecting the best sports betting app that meets all of your needs is crucial.
This article will not only steer you away from making similar costly mistakes going forward but highlight seven of the very best sports betting apps.
7 Best Sports Betting Apps for US Players Reviewed
Below you will find our list of the best sports betting apps for US players together with a brief review of each.
#1. Caesars Sportsbook
Pros
- A giant in the sports betting industry, long revered for its experience and trustworthiness
- A safe, secure, user-friendly, and easy-to-navigate mobile app
- Available in 20+ states and Washington, D.C.
- A generous welcome bonus for new customers
- A wide range of betting markets and bet types covering all of the most popular sports and many more
- How to Bet Guide
- More deposit and withdrawal options and faster withdrawals than many other betting sites
- Frequent bonuses and promotions for existing customers, including a Refer-A-Friend bonus (ongoing) and short-term, game-specific offers (such as same game parlay profit boosts)
- Caesars Rewards – one of the top sportsbook and casino loyalty rewards programs in the US
- One of the few mobile apps for US players to offer live streaming of NFL games
- One of the few sports betting apps to offer phone support
- Minimum deposit of just $5, the minimum withdrawal limit is $1
Cons
- Odds could be more competitive
- Live betting and futures bets are more limited than on some betting sites
Why Caesars Sportsbook is a Great Choice
This well-known brand, which has been around for many years and has a worldwide presence and an excellent reputation in the gambling industry, so it is no surprise that Caesars is one of the best sports betting sites on the market. The easy-to-use and highly-rated mobile app from Caesars Sportsbook offers the same functions as the desktop site, including opening an account, making deposits and withdrawals, and accessing a wide range of betting markets and bet types. Players can also use the app to access bonuses and promotions and earn and redeem Caesars Rewards credits.
Welcome Bonus: 10x Double Profit Boosts
Sign up, make a deposit (minimum $5) and then a qualifying wager of $1, and you will be rewarded with ten 100% profit boosts. The profit boosts must be used within 14 days. The boost only applies to stakes of up to $25, and the profit boost is capped at $2,500 per profit-boosted wager.
Key Features:
- Caesars Rewards
- Same Game Parlays
- Live Betting
- NFL Live Streaming
- Early Cash out
#2. BetMGM Sportsbook
Pros
- A highly experienced operator with an international presence in the gambling industry and an excellent reputation
- A safe and secure, user-friendly, and easy-to-navigate mobile app that works in any state where BetMGM operates
- Available in 20+ states and Washington, D.C.
- A potentially very large welcome bonus for new customers
- A wide range of betting markets and bet types covering all of the most popular sports and many more
- Sports Betting Guide
- A wide range of banking options
- A wide variety of bonuses and promotions for existing customers such as a Refer-A-Friend bonus, leaderboard contests, prize drawings, and daily odds boosts
- MGM Rewards – one of the top sportsbook and casino loyalty rewards programs in the US
- Edit My Bet feature for bets that were already submitted
- Live Streaming for select games
Cons
- No welcome bonus if the first bet wins
- Odds could be more competitive
- Longer withdrawal processing times than at some betting sites
- No customer support by phone
Why BetMGM Sportsbook is a Great Choice
BetMGM is another safe and secure full-service betting app that I can recommend with confidence for all levels of players. With one of the most generous welcome bonuses in the industry, betting markets and betting options galore, a wide range of banking options, and an outstanding loyalty rewards program, there is little not to like. If you are a fan of parlays, then BetMGM is our #1 choice of best betting apps for parlay betting. The ease with which you can build your parlay and the markets on offer is simply unmatched by other books.
If like me, you love to bet on your favorite NFL team, then BetMGM is my #1 pick for the best NFL betting app. The design of the app, the promos the book offers and the lines make it really stand out against the crowd.
Welcome Bonus: Up to $1,500 Back in Bonus Bets
If your first real money bet loses, receive your entire stake back up to $1,500 in bonus bets (a single bet if the initial bet is for less than $50, otherwise five equal bonus bets). The bonus bets must be used within seven days and use code BTOOLS with the BetMGM promo code on sign up. If you win, you receive the winnings from the bet but not the bonus money used to place the bet.
Key Features:
- BetMGM Rewards
- Same Game Parlays
- Edit My Bet
- Live Betting
- Live Streaming
- Early Cash out
#3. DraftKings Sportsbook
Pros
- A highly experienced operator with an established reputation for reliability and trustworthiness
- A top-rated mobile app, widely praised by both iOS and Android users for its user-friendly features
- Available in 25+ states and Washington, D.C., more states than any other state-regulated online and mobile sportsbook
- An excellent welcome bonus for small bettors
- An exceptionally wide range of betting markets and bet types
- Highly competitive odds
- How to Bet 101: An outstanding introduction to sports betting that is much more comprehensive than what most sportsbooks offer plus additional betting guides for specific sports
- A wide range of banking options and very fast payouts
- One of the few state-regulated sports betting apps to accept $5 minimum deposits
- Lots of special promotions for existing customers such as a Refer-A-Friend bonus, prize pools, and daily profit boosts
Cons
- Frequently changing welcome offers
- The 20% bonus with a 25x bonus playthrough requirement is impractical for small bettors
- The Dynasty Rewards loyalty program needs improvement, especially for small bettors
- Low maximum bets on odds boosts
- Limited live streaming
- No customer support by phone
Why DraftKings Sportsbook is a Great Choice
Once a leading site for Daily Fantasy Sports only, DraftKings is now one of the largest full-scale sportsbooks for US players. It is also among the highest rated, reflecting its appeal to and ability to meet the needs of many different types of bettors. Experienced sports bettors will appreciate the tremendous variety of betting markets, bet types, and competitive odds even for live bets. Beginners and small bettors will appreciate the user-friendly interface, informative betting guides, and $5 minimum on deposits. DraftKings ensure that placing an online real money wager using their app is very simple and quick, which is what we are looking for.
Welcome Bonus: Choose one of the following:
Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets
Place a minimum deposit and a qualifying bet of $5. Place a qualifying bet, and when it settles, the bonus will be activated. You will receive 2x $25 in bonus bets each week for your first 14 days, making up for a total of $150 in bonuses. The bonus bets must be used within seven days. There are no conditions for you to win or lose that first bet, just place a $5 bet and regardless of the outcome, you will get your bonus bets.
OR
20% Deposit Match Bonus up to $1,000
A 25x bonus playthrough is required. Therefore, to receive the maximum bonus of $1,000, players must deposit $5,000 and wager $25,000. Always check when these bonus bets expire so you don’t miss out.
Key Features:
- Same Game Parlays
- Live Betting
- Early Cash out
- Dynasty Rewards
#4. FanDuel Sportsbook
Pros:
- A highly experienced operator with an established reputation for reliability and trustworthiness
- A top-rated mobile app, widely praised by both iOS and Android users for its sleek and aesthetically pleasing appearance and user-friendly features
- Available in 20+ states and Washington, D.C
- An excellent welcome bonus for small bettors
- An exceptionally wide range of betting markets and bet types
- Highly competitive odds
- Live streaming on many sports
- Sports Betting 101: An outstanding introduction to sports betting that is much more comprehensive than what most sportsbooks offer plus additional articles on sports betting basics in the Support section
- Lots of special promotions for existing customers such as a Refer-A-Friend bonus, profit boosts, and parlay boosts
Cons
- Frequently changing welcome offers
- The small cap on the welcome bonus will not appeal to high rollers
- The FanDuel Players Club loyalty program needs improvement, especially for small bettors
- Fewer withdrawal options and longer processing times than at some sportsbooks
- No customer support by phone
Why FanDuel Sportsbook is a Great Choice
Like its chief competitor, DraftKings, FanDuel got its start as a leading site for DFS before expanding its services to become one of the top online and mobile full-scale sports services for US customers. The app is consistently rated on both the App Store and Google Play by a wide range of bettors as one of the best in the industry. All of the special features that are important to seasoned bettors are present. Yet the app is still easy enough to navigate for beginners who will also appreciate the helpful articles on how to bet.
FanDuel also has lucrative partnerships with several pro sports teams and casinos, such as the Kansas Star Casino. It is one of the biggest brands in the country.
Welcome Bonus: Get up to $350 in Bet Resets*
Bonus bets must be used within seven days. If you win, you receive the winnings from the bet but not the bonus money used to place the bet.
*Current offer, subject to change
Key Features:
- Same Game Parlays
- Live Betting
- Live Streaming
- Early Cash out
- FanDuel Players Club
#5. bet365 Sportsbook
Pros
- A highly experienced operator with an international presence in the gambling industry and an excellent reputation
- A highly rated, well-designed, safe and secure, user-friendly, and easy-to-navigate mobile app
- Choice of two good welcome bonuses
- An exceptionally wide range of betting markets and bet types
- Highly competitive odds and daily SGP profit boosts
- Sports Betting 101 (in the FAQ section): An outstanding introduction to sports betting that is much more comprehensive than what most sportsbooks offer plus additional betting guides for specific sports
- Sports Betting News
- A wide range of banking options and very fast payouts
Cons
- Only available in 15+ states
- Live streaming is mostly limited to international games
- No loyalty rewards program
- No customer support by phone
Why bet365 Sportsbook is a Great Choice
This internationally known brand was already a leading betting site in the UK and other European countries long before entering the US market. As of now, bet365 is only available in 11 states, but if you can bet in any of them, you should. New customers get to choose between two generous welcome bonuses. For large bettors, I recommend the First Bet Safety Net, while the Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets is ideal for small bettors. In addition with more than 30 sports offered, including not only the most popular American sports but also many foreign leagues, you will be hard-pressed to find any betting site with more extensive choices. But despite the plethora of options, the app is easy enough to navigate for beginners.
Welcome Bonus: Choose one of the following:
Bet $5, Get $100 in Bonus Bets
The initial wager must have odds of -500 or greater. Bonus bets can be on any sport and used as either a single wager or multiple wagers but must be used within seven days. If the bet wins, you receive the winnings from the bet but not the bonus money used to place the bet.
OR
First Bet Safety Net
If your first real money bet loses, get the entire amount back up to $1,000 as bonus bets. The bonus bets must be used within seven days. If you win, you receive the winnings from the bet but not the bonus money used to place the bet.
Key Features:
- Same Game Parlays
- Live Betting
- Live Streaming
- Edit Your Bet
- Early Cash out
#6. ESPN BET
Pros:
- A well-known and trustworthy brand with extensive sports broadcasting experience
- A safe and secure, user-friendly, and easy-to-navigate mobile app
- Available in 19 states
- A generous welcome bonus for new customers
- A wide range of betting markets and bet types covering all of the most popular sports and many more, including a large selection of exclusive bets
- “Move the Line” option
- How to Bet Guide
- A wide range of banking options and generally fast payouts
- Lots of special promotions for existing customers such as a Refer-A-Friend bonus and daily odds boosts and profit boosts
- Parlay Lounge (for both suggested and build-your-own parlays)
- Penn Play Rewards
Cons:
- No welcome bonus if the first bet wins
- Reports by Android app users of verification, loading time, and customer support delays
- No customer support by phone
Why ESPN BET is a Great Choice
ESPN BET is relatively new, launching in November 2023 in partnership with Penn Entertainment. However, sports bettors should have no reservations about signing up with this sports service based on the very familiar, reliable, and trustworthy ESPN brand. Bettors of all levels can use the simply designed and easy-to-navigate app to open an account, make deposits and withdrawals, place bets, access bonuses and promotions, and earn and redeem loyalty rewards.
Welcome Bonus: First Bet Reset
If your first real money bet loses, receive your entire stake back up to $1,000 in five equal bonus bets. The bonus bets must be used within seven days. If you win, you receive the winnings from the bet but not the bonus money used to place the bet.
Key Features:
- Same Game Parlays
- Live Betting
- Live Streaming
- Move the Line
- Early Cash out
- Penn Play Rewards
#7. Fanatics Sportsbook
Pros:
- Has a solid reputation as a leading supplier of official sports team merchandise
- A highly rated, well-designed, safe and secure, user-friendly, and easy-to-navigate mobile app
- Available in 20+ states
- A generous welcome bonus
- One of the few state-regulated sports betting apps to accept $5 minimum deposits
- Fan Cash rewards: Can be used for either Fan Cash merchandise or bonus bets
- One of the few mobile apps for US players to offer live streaming of NFL games
- One of the few sports betting apps to offer phone support
Cons:
- No web browser betting
- Fewer betting markets than the leading sports betting apps offer
- Fewer deposit and withdrawal options and slower withdrawals than on most betting sites
- Relatively few special offers and promotions for existing customers
- No sports betting guide
Why Fanatics Sportsbook is a Great Choice
Although Fanatics Sportsbook did not launch until 2023, many sports fans were already familiar with the company as a leading official sports team merchandise supplier. Another reason for Fanatics Sportsbook’s impressive start and rapid growth was its takeover of PointsBet Sportsbook’s US holdings in May 2023. One of the best features of Fanatics Sportsbook is its unique welcome bonus, giving users credits that they can divide into bonus bets or use to purchase profit boosts on their wagers.
Welcome Bonus: Get 10x $100 in FanCash
You get a generous bonus bets offer when signing up, and this balance can be converted into bonus bets, used as a profit boost multiplier, or spent in the Fanatics Inc sports merch store. This is the perfect way to introduce bettors to the credits loyalty cashback scheme – for every bet you make that has odds of +400 or longer, you get bonus credits. You can convert it into bonus bets of equal amounts, or buy boosts on your wagers using credits.
Key Features:
- Same Game Parlays
- Live Betting
- Live NFL Streaming
- Early Cash out
- Fan Cash rewards program
9 Criteria for Selecting the Best Sports Betting Mobile Apps
Much like you probably do not rush into making other important purchases like a car or a house without carefully considering different possibilities and weighing their respective pros and cons, choosing a sportsbook also deserves extensive scrutiny.
Our sports betting experts have already done the recommended research, based on which we have compiled a list of seven outstanding sports betting apps, any of which would make an excellent choice. Here are the criteria we considered.
Security and Fairness
First and foremost, we only considered sites that we know are legitimate and trustworthy. More specifically, we narrowed the field to state-licensed and regulated sportsbooks that take the necessary precautions to protect the security and privacy of their customers’ financial transactions and personal information.
We looked for mobile apps utilizing the latest advanced encryption technology and other important security features like accurate geolocation software, two-step verification, and timed logouts. Preference was also given to sports betting apps that have been operating for a while and have a documented record of treating their customers fairly and paying winners quickly.
Availability
The best sports betting apps are available not just in one state or a handful of states but in 20 states or more.
User-friendly experience
The best sports betting apps are fast to load, easy to navigate, and offer the same betting options and other features as the sportsbook’s website. High average ratings on the App Store for the iOS app and on Google Play for the Android app indicate that the majority of users are pleased with the quality of the app and report having an enjoyable, hassle-free experience. Each sportsbook app listed on this page has different ways of going about things, but all make it simple for the user.
An extremely wide range of betting markets and betting options
The best sports betting apps not only cover the most popular sports but also offer odds for less widely bet sports and foreign leagues. They also offer competitive odds and betting lines on a very wide range of bet types (moneylines, point spreads, over/under wagers, team and player props, parlays, teasers, live or in-play betting, and futures). Most of the apps also have the option to protect your parlay with the parlay insurance feature which for me, is a must-have tool.
User-friendly no hassle banking
The best sports betting apps offer mobile customers a wide range of deposit and withdrawal options, including all of the methods that are available to desktop users. Withdrawals are processed quickly with funds made available in players’ accounts within two days or sooner for most methods. There is also an easy-to-access separate banking section listing each accepted deposit and withdrawal method together with the applicable minimums, maximums, and processing times.
Bonuses and Promotions
Along with a superior welcome offer for new users, the best sports betting apps offer many more opportunities for bonuses, promotions, and other forms of player recognition for existing customers. I am looking for easy wagering requirements with a low minimum bonus bet stake. Another thing to keep an eye on is an excellent loyalty rewards program.
Special features
Other special features that sports bettors appreciate are live streaming and the awesome early cash-out feature. This awesome extra lets you end your bet early if you don’t think it will go the distance.
Customer support
Typically, the only forms of customer support besides a FAQ section are live chat and email. To earn my rating of superior in this category, another requisite is live phone support.
Sports betting guides
Last but not least, the best sports betting apps meet the needs of all levels of bettors. They make the sports betting experience much less intimidating for beginners by providing a simply worded but comprehensive betting guide.
Market Choice & Betting Lines
Not every sport gets equal coverage with sportsbooks. Some are better at covering football, some baseball, some international sports and so on. With this in mind, we have selected which operator we feel is best for a particular sport. For example, if you are looking for the best UFC betting app, we would really recommend using BetMGM as they cover more markets and have more promos dedicated to UFC over competitors.
Average User Ratings for the Top Betting Apps
| Sportsbook | iOS Mobile App | Android Mobile App |
|---|---|---|
| FanDuel | 4.9 | 4.6 |
| DraftKings | 4.8 | 4.6 |
| bet365 | 4.7 | 4.6 |
| Fanatics | 4.7 | 4.6 |
| Caesars | 4.7 | 4.3 |
| BetMGM | 4.7 | 4.3 |
| ESPN BET | 4.6 | 4.3 |
Live Betting on Sports Betting Apps
Mobile sports betting apps are excellent for live or in-play betting, as they allow you to react really quickly to anything that happens in the game and then place a wager instantly. The best betting apps will offer competitive odds on a number of live betting markets, and they will make the in-game wagering process simple. The top apps will also provide other features such as up to the minute stats, play-by-play updates and live streaming.
Payment Methods for Sports Betting Apps
The top US sports betting apps offer a wide range of deposit and withdrawal options. You can choose to use a debit or credit card to fund your account. Most sportsbooks accept VISA, Discover and MasterCard, while some sportsbooks will also accept American Express. One of the most popular payment methods for online betting is an e-wallet. PayPal is the most prominent e-wallet system, offering instant deposits, while making sports betting deposits by Skrill and Venmo are other options.
There is also the Play+ branded card, which acts as a sort of voucher for your sports betting account. Other common deposit methods include an online bank transfer, PayNearMe, an e-check or a wire transfer.
Getting Started with Mobile Betting
No sports betting app can perfectly satisfy all of our criteria for excellence. However, these seven come the closest. Your ultimate selection will boil down to your personal needs and preferences. Once you have decided, here is what you need to do to get started.
- Make sure the app is available in the state where you want to bet.
- Sign up, enter the promo code if applicable, and claim the welcome bonus using our convenient link.
- Complete the registration form with the requested information.
- Download the app as directed onto your iOS or Android mobile device.
- As soon as your application is approved, make a qualifying deposit using an accepted method.
- Read the terms of the welcome offer carefully and make a qualifying real money wager.
Benefits and Downsides of Using Betting Apps
Given today’s busy lifestyle, the use of mobile devices has understandably become the most popular method of sports betting. Consider these important advantages.
- You can use the app anytime day or night anywhere in the state where you opened your account.
- The app is free and can be used not only to place bets but also to check odds, make deposits and withdrawals, and access bonuses and other offers, some of which may be exclusively for mobile users.
Mobile betting also comes with the following downsides:
- New users might need time to become acclimated to the app’s small screen size.
- Even the best apps might sometimes be slow to load or be subject to verification or geolocation problems or other glitches.
FAQs
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Is it legal to use a sports betting app in the US?Yes. When the Supreme Court repealed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) on May 14, 2018, it left the door open for individual states to pass their own laws. Since then, the majority of states (but not all) have legalized the use of sports betting apps.
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Why is it not advisable to bet with an overseas sportsbook?When you bet with an overseas sportsbook, you are taking a big risk. If the sportsbook absconds with your money and fails to pay you when you win, you have no legal recourse. Stick to legally operating state-licensed and regulated sportsbooks instead.
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What is the minimum age requirement to use a sports betting mobile app legally in the US?You must be 21 years of age or older.
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What are the other requirements to use a state-licensed and regulated sports betting app in the US?You must be a registered account holder at the sportsbook where you wish to bet and have satisfied its Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements. You do not necessarily have to live in the state where you open your account, but except for BetMGM (see below), you must be physically present in that state when placing a bet.
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Can I use the mobile app to place bets in a state other than the one where I am registered?
Usually, the answer is No. However, one exception is the BetMGM app which will work in any state where BetMGM legally operates.
