Sports Betting Apps (2023)

Online Sports Betting Apps

Like all internet sensations, sports betting apps are taking the US by storm. This expansion could not have come at a better time as more states are starting to incorporate sports betting into their list of regulated gambling activities, and the range of users is getting wider.

Sportsbooks and sports betting did not receive legal acceptance in the US until the supreme court overruled the federal ban on sports betting in 2018. Without the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA 1992), other states have the liberty to join Nevada in all forms of sports betting and regulate it as they want.

Over 12 states in the US have approved sports betting through their local legislation. The apps offer the most convenient sportsbook options with exciting gaming incentives and payouts to reward their users’ game commitments.

States Where Sports Betting Apps Are Legal

While all states have complete control of the choice to legalize sports betting within their borders, most states are either still working on the legislation or have yet to make any move about it. Here is a list of all the states where sports betting apps are legal.

Arizona

Arizona approved sports betting in April 2021 and soon opened its borders to mobile gaming. There are currently six state-regulated sportsbook apps in the state with room for up to twenty.

Colorado

Colorado was one of the first states to legalize sports betting when the supreme court overruled the PASPA. The State currently has over 20 sportsbook apps with land-based casinos working to incorporate these platforms into their services.

Indiana

Indiana was the 13th state to go live with sports betting. Three online sportsbooks went live in October 2019 and have been followed by ten others in the ensuing months. We expect two other sportsbooks to launch in the coming months.

Iowa

Sports betting took off in Iowa on the 15th of August 2019, and the industry has blossomed, with more operators joining in every few weeks. The Iowa Racing and Gaming commission regulates sports betting and other gambling activities in the state.

Michigan

Despite their large number of land-based casinos, Michigan only joined the sports betting communion in December 2019. There were some retail sports bets in 2020, but online sports betting in Michigan did not start until January 2021.

New Jersey

New Jersey led the fight against the PASPA ban and quickly launched its sports betting when the Supreme Court overruled the act. The Department of Gaming Enforcements boosted sports betting in New Jersey by approving 18 applications and making the state a Sportsbook powerhouse. 

Pennsylvania

SugarHouse Sportsbooks started the trend of sports betting in Pennsylvania. Over a dozen other operators have joined the group since that May 2019 launch.

Tennessee

While Tennessee has not been historically friendly towards gambling, it accepted sports betting in July 2019. The industry made an official launch on the 1st of November, but that is how far the state has mentioned gambling. There are no hopes of land-based casinos setting up shop in Tennessee anytime soon.

Virginia

Virginia launched its sports betting with applications from 25 operators. FanDuel made the online Sportsbook debut in January 2021 and opened the floor to other operators.

West Virginia

West Virginia was one of the states to launch sports betting early. The state launched and started to operate sportsbooks in 2018, but only three sports betting apps are legally operating within the state so far.

Wyoming

This Equity state is one of the latest additions to the sports betting industry. Wyoming also made history by being the second US state to offer only online betting. You can place your bets, but it will be strictly online.

Top 10 Sports Betting Apps For US Players

There are over 50 legal sports betting apps in the US, and they each have their merits. After careful review, these are the ten leading sports betting apps in the country with their various perks and downsides:

Draftkings Sportsbook - #1 Best Sports Betting App

The Draftkings betting app has grown to become one of America’s favorite betting apps. With several games and fantasy sports options, the app has gained wide acceptance across most states.

Both android and iOS users find the app intuitive, and the payout is just as reliable. The website also has direct links to mobile app download options for both android and iOS users.

• The Draftkings Sportsbook Android app has a 4.1/5 rating with over 3,000 reviews on Google Play.
• The Draftkings Sportsbook iOS app has a 4.8/5 rating with over 253,000 reviews on the App Store.

Pros

• Numerous sports and casino products
• Customer-friendly interface
• Same app for all states
• Signup bonuses and membership benefits
• Reliable payouts

Cons

• Frequent glitches in the app

Available in: PA, NJ, IA IN, IL, CO, MI, TN, VA, WV, AZ

FanDuel - #2 Best Sports Betting App

Easily one of the contenders for first place among America’s most desired sports betting apps, FanDuel has been in the country for over ten years, and it is growing in popularity and trust.

The app has become a trusted name in the betting community with an equally commendable website. FanDuel offers a wide range of gaming options and enticing welcome and loyalty bonuses.

• The FanDuel Sportsbook android app has a 4.7/5 rating with over 19,700 reviews on Google Play.
• The FanDuel Sportsbook iOS app has a 4.8/5 rating with over 256,000 reviews on the App Store.   

Pros

• In-Game betting
• Multiple gaming and sports options on the app
• Navigable user interface
• Rewarding odds and payout

Cons

• Limited international sports options

Available in:  PA, NJ, IA, IL, CO, IN, TN, VA, WV, MI, AZ

Unibet - #3 Best Sports Betting App

Unibet provides its sports betting and casino services in the same app with a simple user interface, digital game tracker, and real-time statistics on every game. The app is available for easy download on google play and the App Store. 

• The Unibet Sportsbook android app has a 4.3/5 rating from over 100 reviews on Google Play.
• The Unibet Sportsbook iOS app has a 2.9/5 rating from over 700 reviews on the App Store.

Pros

• Live streaming
• In-play bets market
• Huge welcome bonus

Cons

• Limited membership promos

Available in: IN, PA, NJ, VA, AZ, IA

BetMGM - #4 Best Sports Betting App

As a leading name in entertainment, MGM offers a glamorous sports betting option with all the functions and features to rile you into the ease and reward of parts betting apps. BetMGM is growing to match MGM’s reputation as the foremost sports betting app in the US.

• The BETMGM Sportsbook android app has a 2.2/5 rating from over 1000 reviews on Google Play.
• The BETMGM Sportsbook iOS app has a 4.8/5 rating from over 50,000 reviews on the App Store.

Pros

• Quality software
• Welcome bonus and promotion
• Functional bet slips

Cons

• High wagering requirements

Available In: AZ, CO, IN, IA, MI, MS, NV, NJ, PS, TN, VA, WA, WV, WY

Caesars sports - #5 Best Sports Betting App

Also known as the royalty of gambling, Caesars joined the sports betting industry with an attractive user interface, exciting gaming options, and the prominent Caesars reward.

Users are sure to enjoy endless games with rewarding odds and even bigger loyalty options. The Caesar sports reward are like other Caesar’s Rewards available for use at any Caesars’ facility.

• The Caesars Sports android app has a 4.2/5 rating from over 2000 reviews on Google Store.
• The Caesars Sports iOS app has a 4.6/5 rating from over 8000 reviews on the App Store.

Pros

• Available in over 12 states
• Exciting welcome bonuses
• Caesar rewards for existing customers

Cons

• No video streaming 

Available in: AZ, CO, IL, IA, MI, IN, NV, NJ, PA, TN, VA, WA, WV

Bet365 - #6 Best Sports Betting App

Bet365 is a thriving international sportsbook app, and it has made its mark in the US as it did in Europe. The gaming options are attractive and the promo equally mouth-watering, but Bet365 is only available in 3 states of the US.

Expanding their reach is certain to reward the platform as it would entice the users.

• The BET365 sportsbook Android app has a 3.8/5 rating from 40 reviews on Google Play.
• The Bet365 sportsbook iOS app has a 3.0/5 rating from 216 reviews on the App Store.

Pros

• In-game data
• Live betting and Live streaming
• Promos for existing users

Cons

• Limited gaming options

Available In: CO, NJ, NY

BetRivers - #7 Best Sports Betting App

Although they are a little late to the iOS market, the BetRivers sportsbook app is gaining more recognition for its exciting wagering options and simple user interface. The app provides one of the most navigable interfaces for sports betting enthusiasts and their counterparts.

• The BetRivers iOS app has an average of 2.4/5 to 4.3/5 ratings from a range of 4 to 69 reviews across five states on the App Store.
• The BetRivers android app has an average of 2.7/5 to 4.0/5 ratings from a range of 13 to 239 reviews across five states, while there are no reviews for the BetRivers Virginia App on Google Play.

Pros

• App has similar features as a mobile browser
• Convenient payment options
• An extensive array of games and odds

Cons

• Limited promos for existing users

Available in: IL, IN, VA, CO, IA, PA, WA

Barstool Sportsbook - #8 Best Sports Betting App

While it has barely taken off, Barstool Sportsbook has the excellent gaming structure we have come to recognize with Penn Gaming. It has a unique Betting with Barstool feature that is based on popular personalities. The game and its extra features were enough to get the app over 12,000 users within the first month of its launch.

• The Barstool sportsbook iOS app has a 4.8/5 rating from over 12,000 reviews on the App Store.
• The Barstool sportsbook android app has a 4.3/5 rating from 762 reviews on Google Play.

Pros

• Exciting gaming promos
• Easy payment options
• Betting with Barstool Feature

Cons

• Limited in-game information

Available in: CO, IL, MI, IN, VA, PA,

Sugarhouse sportsbook - #9 Best Sports Betting App

As one of the apps that launched after the Supreme Court lifted the PASPA ban, Sugarhouse has grown to establish itself as a contender among the leading sportsbook apps in the US.

Although there is still plenty of room for improvement, the app provides good betting options on a very navigable platform.

• The Sugarhouse Sportsbook Pennsylvania app has a 4.0 /5 rating from 139 reviews on Google Play.
• The Sugarhouse Sportsbook New Jersey app has a 3.9/5 rating from 69 reviews on Google Play.
• Furthermore, the PlaySugarhouse Sportsbook iOS app has a 2.7/5 rating from 341 reviews on the App Store.

Pros

• Wide range of wagering options
• Growing bet market
• Comfortable payment methods

Cons

• Limited bonuses and promos

Available in: IL, IA, NJ, PA

Pointsbet - #10 Best Sports Betting App

After offering Americans their unique sports spread betting, Pointsbet has gained the hearts of many Americans. The app and its unconventional wager style have room for improvements, but its novelty and innovative gaming are still very attractive to many users.

• The Pointsbet iOS app has a 4.5/5 rating from over 5,000 reviews on the App Store.
• The Pointsbet android app has a 4.2/5 rating from 300+ reviews on Google Play.

Pros

• Consistent Promo schedule
• No Juice NFL spread

Cons

• Costly bet options

Available in: NJ, CO, IO, IN, IL, MI, WV

How We Review and Compare Sports Betting Apps

Making a list of the best betting apps is quite tasking. If we had to select this list of the top ten sports betting apps based on our preferences, the list would have been quite different, but we wrote this review on some criteria or rather features.

In essence, it removes any form of bias or wrong judgement on our part. Here is an outline of our review criteria:

Availability and compatibility

While most of the apps have their benefits, there is the pressing question of compatibility. This review had to confirm if the apps would be compatible with the operating systems of different phones (IOS and Android).

The apps on this list all have the necessary compatibility with the available phone brands.

Design and user-friendliness

Like compatibility, the ease of use and navigation is a necessary factor in user’s choice of app. We had to test how simple the interfaces are, and the most intuitive options made it to our list. Other factors like the use of space and attractive design also got serious consideration in this review.

Reliability (is the app stable, or does it crash/have bugs)

Bugs and glitches are expected in apps, especially since we are in the cradle years of their invention. This review considered the stability of each app, and while some of the choices have frequent glitches, they are on the list because the operators are quick to make adjustments where necessary. Often, these apps are updated and such setbacks are dealt with.

Customer reviews

Appraisal by other users was also a factor in this review. It was important to consider the reviews of players who have a history with the betting platform. Gambling rewards may be individual, but it is best to play with a like-minded company.

Our review covered ratings and reviews from other users, and while we do not agree with some of them, we had to consider them.

Unique features

Most people try their luck with the odds because they get frequent offers and special features from their bookmakers. In this review, we rated the apps based on their unique quality, live streaming, wagering odd, wagering requirements, and even promotional offers.

These top ten apps all have outstanding features that make them endearing to players.

Exclusive mobile bonuses

Sports betting is becoming an online industry; players can play from their browsers or mobile apps. We believe players should receive incentives for choosing to download and use apps when they can always type the address into the browsers and enjoy the same gaming options. This review considered the apps that give their users bonuses for downloads.

Sports & betting markets available

Most users like to have multiple options; some of us use more than one betting app because we want the benefit of variety. That need for options also drives us to check the betting market and the rate of the available odds. This review considered the available betting markets and how much the user can benefit from them.

Customer support

While these apps are very intuitive to use, players often have reasons to consult the customer support service or just read through the FAQs. We rated these apps based on how responsive their customer support services are to complaints and customer needs. Essentially, when a betting operator treats customers with respect, the user experience is always great.

Best Online Betting Options for Phone Users

Online sports betting provides ease and convenience to gamblers; you can make your bet and get your reward from the comfort of your home and even at the click of a button.

The need for ease has created the options of mobile browsers and apps. Both options have their merits and can be used alternatively as the user desires

Mobile browsers

Following the primary trend of the internet, most online are predominantly designed for websites. Mobile browsers are objective ways to use online sportsbooks without having to sit behind a desktop screen or facing the restrictions of Android or iOS versions.

Pros

• Balanced design to match desktop and app interface
• Not limited by operating systems
• Limited bugs and glitches

Cons

• Limited display options
• Some operators are strictly on desktop or betting apps 

Betting apps

Betting apps are the ultimate display of software ease. They come with intuitive interfaces and the comfort of your mobile device, yet they can access similar features as the website. Isn’t that great?

In addition, they are easy to download and use, and they come with additional features that mobile browsers may lack. With betting apps, you are not restricted to your home or offices. There is absolutely no limit on your gambling voyage. 

Pros

• Supports mobility
• An adaptive interface for phone model
• Bonuses for download and use

Cons

• The operating system restricts design
• Glitches and bugs
• Need for frequent updates to match operator’s adjustments