The Best Betting apps in 2024

What are online betting apps?

Typically, top betting apps are accessible via instant-play (web-based) or dedicated apps for PCs and mobile operating systems. Punters start by creating a betslip before placing a stake with real money or bonus money. Also, the apps allow gamers to view live game scores and stats as well as track wins and losses.

A brief history of betting

First of all, sports betting has been around for as long as sporting events have existed. It all started more than 2,000 years ago when the Greeks introduced the Olympics, which later spread to ancient Rome. In Rome, spectators placed huge sums on winning gladiators, with sports betting becoming legal eventually.

Later in history, betting became widespread in England, with horse racing being the center of attraction. It didn't take long before the English settlers exported this pastime activity to the American shores and other parts of the world. Today, gamblers can bet on football, hockey, rugby, tennis, horse racing, greyhound racing, and more.

More recent sports betting developments

In the 1950s, Las Vegas legalized sports gambling to make it more attractive to many. However, bettors had to plan the trip accordingly, with those living out of town being unlucky. It's because of such inconvenience that led to the rise of online sports gambling. The first sports betting app (Interlops) was launched in 1996.

The success of this betting site motivated other bookmakers to launch. As expected, most bookies already had successful land-based operations. But like with the online casino industry, the competition was cut-throat. As a result, sportsbooks started offering enticing bonuses like free bets and bonus money to attract and keep players.

Meanwhile, live betting came much later in 2002. This marked a significant milestone in the industry, as bettors could place bets on live matches. For seasoned bettors, they know that live betting is more lucrative and entertaining than pre-match betting.

Here, punters already have their work cut out as the match outcomes are now easier to predict. Overall, online betting apps have revolutionized the industry a great deal.

The popularity of betting apps

Nobody can argue that online sports betting is currently the most prominent betting market globally. According to findings from the Zion Market Research, the sports betting industry roped in a whopping $131.1 billion revenue in 2020, despite the Covid-19 pandemic.

Furthermore, the same report says the market will register around $179.3 billion by 2028. Now, this is an impressive 8.83% growth.

But why does this industry record staggering numbers even during challenging years? First and most apparent, the increased internet penetration couldn't have come at a better time.

According to reports, there were approximately 4.66 billion active internet surfers as of January 2021. Of this number, almost 90% used their mobile phones to access the internet. If these stats are anything to go by, then it means around 63% of the world's population can gamble online.

In addition to broader internet coverage, the industry received a shot in the arm from the ever-growing mobile technology. When the first iPhone and Android were released in June 2007 and September 2008, respectively, it only meant the industry would get bigger and better.

Today, these mobile operating systems match desktop systems in terms of security and functionality. In fact, betting on mobile is the only way to enjoy dedicated gambling app services.

What about sports betting legislation?

Another often overlooked reason why betting apps have become so popular is the recent legislation in most markets. Take the UK, for example, where bookmaking became legal in the 1960s.

Today, the industry boasts many licensed websites with more than 100 betting shops spread across the country. The current market value is over £650 million with over 2 million active players. Impressive!

Moving across the Atlantic to the US, states are becoming more receptive to online betting after years of political opposition. For instance, legislators in Arizona unanimously passed online sports betting bill in 2021 to allow mobile gambling.

As a result, multiple sportsbooks went live in September. Nevada, Colorado, Illinois, and Iowa are other states where online betting apps are flourishing.

Pros and Cons of betting apps

There are so many reasons to use the best online sports betting apps.

Pros

Convenience: Just like it saves time to make calls using a mobile phone instead of a static landline, the same applies to mobile betting. In other words, players don't need to find a desktop or an in-person betting shop to place bets. Instead, pull out your phone, create a betslip, and win some money.
Best odds and bonuses: Many land-based betting shop customers will agree that there are no free lunches here. Betting at one of these shops without a minimum deposit amount is near impossible. Conversely, bonuses and free bets are the order of the day at the best betting apps. Often, new players enjoy free bets for only creating an account successfully.
Easy cash out: Easy cashing out is a significant selling point for betting apps. To withdraw winnings, players just need to go to the cashier and choose a withdrawal method linked to the account. And that's without forgetting fast deposits via Pay by Phone bill.

Cons

Betting addiction: Bettors who can't control their betting thirst may find themselves sinking deeper into addiction. The fact that gambling apps take bets anywhere, anytime doesn't mean betting should replace other pastime activities in your life.
Limited features: As good as they come, betting apps are somehow limited compared to instant web apps. In many cases, the website versions contain more features like additional payment methods, more bonus information, and more.

How to bet using apps

This section discusses how to get started at the best gambling apps. You'll learn to choose the correct operator, download a compatible app, and set up an account successfully.

Choose a provider with the best betting app

Below are a few things to consider when choosing a top gambling app:

Legality: By this, look at how reliable the betting platform is. The best sports betting apps must be licensed and regulated by a legal body to guarantee fairness and safety. For example, if you're living in the UK, anything not approved by the UKGC isn't an option to consider.
Available odds: The juicier the odds, the better the sportsbook. But first, learn how to read the odds. For instance, most European sportsbooks use Decimal odds while US sportsbooks use American odds. Whichever the case, don't settle for less.
Live betting: If a sportsbook app doesn't offer live betting and streaming services, skip it altogether. As said at the beginning, live betting is the real deal in the modern sports betting industry. In this type of gambling, players can see how the odds fluctuate during gameplay and make accurate decisions.
Betting limits: The maximum and minimum betting limits vary depending on sportsbooks. Standard sportsbooks allow players to stake as little as $0.50 and as much as $10,000. However, the betting limits for in-play betting are always different. Also, some jurisdictions like Germany place a cap on the maximum stake a bettor can place.
Customer support: Many a time, bettors encounter issues like late withdrawals, ID verification, suspended betting accounts, and so on. In that case, the betting app's support should provide fast 24/7 service. If possible, live chat support not managed by bots is a must.

Download the app

After identifying the perfect betting app, it's time to install it. However, the experience can differ slightly, depending on the betting device and bookie. So, below is what to keep in mind when betting on Android and iPhones:

Android sports betting apps

Android is indeed the most widely used mobile phone operating system. As such, it's evident that most mobile betting apps are tailored for Android. But surprisingly, most sports betting apps aren't available on Google Play Store. In 2013, Google banned all real money gambling apps on Play Store, claiming there was no system to verify users' age.

Fortunately, the blanket ban was lifted in 2017, although limited to UK, France, and Ireland users only. Earlier this year, the company added 15 more countries (including the US) to the list. While this is a significant step, most users are still stuck outside. But don't worry because bettors can still install APK apps directly from the sportsbook's website.

iOS sports betting apps

Unlike Google, Apple has been a more gambler-friendly platform. As a result, the chances of directly downloading those legal sportsbooks on iPhone or iPad from the App Store are pretty high. Even better, downloading and installing iPhone betting apps is free, just like with Android.

To install sports betting app on iPhone, follow these steps:

Visit App Store and search the sportsbook's name.
Tap the name of the gambling app you wish to download.
Click GET and then hit INSTALL.

How to set up a bookmaker app account

Creating a sports betting account is pretty straightforward once the app is already installed. Note that the process is quite the same, whether you're using an iPhone or Android gambling app. Simply locate the Sign Up, Join, or Register button and click it.

Then, an electronic form will launch to enter names, gender, date of birth, social security number, and address. Most gambling apps also require new players to provide their mobile numbers and answer security questions. Finally, enter an email address and password.

Once you're in, go ahead and link a banking method supported by the sportsbook. Then, if prompted, make a minimum deposit before claiming the welcome reward using a promo code. Lastly, add your match selection to the betslip and place a bet. Congratulations!

Popular app payment methods

As a new gambler, you obviously can't wait to deposit and withdraw money from the sportsbook account. But before making a pick, ensure that the payment method is convenient and comfortable to use. Below is a list of some standard banking options to consider:

Credit/Debit card: Almost all gambling apps accept payments via Visa and MasterCard. But although deposits can be instant, withdrawals can take up to 5 business days, depending on the sportsbook and the bank.

Prepaid card: If you're conscious about security, then banking methods like PayNearMe should be attractive. With this method, punters can deposit cash at a gas station or grocery store using a barcode generated on the gambling app.

Bank wire or checks: This good old banking method can also come in handy at the best gambling apps. In fact, it's one of the best options when depositing/withdrawing significant amounts.

E-wallets: Know something about PayPal, Neteller, or Skrill? Well, you probably don't need any introduction to e-wallets.

Cryptocurrency: Cryptocurrency betting is becoming trendy nowadays. Besides offering unmatched anonymity, crypto betting also comes with instant transactions. And that's without mentioning the high value of digital coins.

Find the top rated sports betting sites

Determining what betting app is the best is no easy task as one may need a long checklist. However, some key factors will lead you to the perfect option. Below is an overview:

Safety and security: For a gambling app to get the green light from BettingRanker, it must first pass the safety and security test. With safe and secure sports betting app, bettors can rest easy knowing that their precious funds are not at risk. Besides licensing information, the team of experts also digs in for information like SSL encryption and player reputation.

Banking options: In an era when internet banking is the norm, it's foolhardy to review a sportsbook with only a handful of banking methods. As such, all the recommended bookies for iPhone and Android offer multiple safe, secure, and reliable deposit methods. Also, deposits are instant, with withdrawals taking only a few hours/days.

Accessibility: Before choosing a sportsbook, it's paramount to ensure that it's accessible in your local jurisdiction. Find out if a local watchdog licenses the sportsbook to avoid getting into hot soup with the law. Alternatively, bet at the best offshore sportsbook licensed by legal international bodies.

Support: A professional and fast customer support is critical, especially to new bettors. Players often contact sportsbook support to ask for information like withdrawal duration, bonus codes, and so much more. It's because of this that the support must be fast, responsive, and knowledgeable.

They should be reachable via live chat, telephone, email, or even social media.

Bonuses: Lastly, don't overlook the importance of bonuses and promotions. These rewards help new bettors settle in quickly at a gambling site. For loyal players, bonuses can help minimize losses.

And that's why bettors should be on the lookout for big rewards with player-friendly terms and conditions. Interestingly, the best betting apps also offer gamblers the best bonuses.

The Best Betting Apps Online