Mobile online betting has arrived in the US! You can now place a sports bet on dozens of leagues and events with a few taps of your Android or Apple device on a sports betting app.
The best news is that it’s legal in many US states. The advance of mobile technology means betting on the go is easier than ever. Sign up in minutes, though in some states you might have to complete your registration at your nearest sportsbook. Then you’re ready to start mobile sports betting on the NFL, college football, the NBA, MLB and NHL. The betting options are almost limitless.
What is Mobile Sports Betting?
A top mobile sports betting site lets you wager on a variety of big sports and games. Bet on the night’s NFL game or choose from dozens of prop bets like first touchdown scorer. You can even use your phone to bet on futures like the latest Super Bowl odds.
A mobile sportsbook works like an online sports betting site. You can browse the lobby to find your favorite sports and use the pop-up bet slip to complete your wagers. You can even use your smartphone to make quick deposits and withdrawals.
There are many US states in 2020 that offer legal sports betting online. Find a sportsbook in your state, complete the registration form and upload personal documents. You’re ready to go as long as your account and ID have been verified.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Choose one of our top-rated mobile betting sites
- Visit the site and download the mobile app for iOS or Android. Some sportsbooks have iOS apps in the App Store.
- Create your account by providing a username, password and home address. You’ll also need to provide your Social Security number to verify your identity.
- You may need to scan a copy of your photo ID. Use your smartphone’s camera to photograph the front and back of your driver’s license or government-issued ID card. You can upload these via the app.
- Your location will be verified and your registration will be complete.
- You can now make deposits at the retail sportsbook or bet on your mobile anywhere in the state.
Note: In some states, you might need to visit your nearest retail sportsbook in the state where the mobile site is licensed.
RELATED: Looking For The Best Mobile Sports Betting App In Your State? Check Out Our Complete Guide To Sports Betting Apps
Benefits of Mobile Sports Betting
Mobile online betting makes placing a wager even easier for a sports bettor. Here are some of the major plus points of using your smartphone or tablet to make wagers on a sports betting app:
- Now legal in many US states
- Apps available for Android and iOS devices
- Make bets wherever you are in the state. Bet at home or on the move and make the same bets as you would online or at the kiosk.
- Plenty of betting options with access hundreds of markets on the biggest games in town
- Make fast deposits via the mobile sports betting cashier
Things to Watch Out For When Betting on Mobile
Mobile gaming is fast, secure and convenient. You can place bets anywhere in your state and win real money by backing your favorite teams. But what about the pain points? Mobile sports betting can have hiccups, and there are one or two things you need to be mindful of.
Registering In-Person: Some states insist that you register your account in-person at a retail sportsbook before placing your first sports bet. If you live in a large state that is miles away from your nearest casino, that can mean a long drive to set up your account. Other states, such as Tennessee, are exclusively online sports betting only, meaning no in-person registration.
Supported Mobile Devices: In 2020, only Android and iOS devices support sportsbook apps. You can download apps either from the App Store or direct from the sportsbook.
However, you won’t find native apps for devices like Windows phones and tablets.
Installing Android Apps: Some Android devices struggle to download native apps. To get past this minor problem, head to the Settings page on your phone. Find the Security tab and enable installation of apps from unknown sources.
Geo-Location: A legal mobile sports betting site only lets you log on and bet if you are physically located in that state. The app will track you by using your phone’s GPS settings.
There can be a problem if you’re on or near the state border. To get around this problem, you can switch your phone off and on again or drive a little further into the state.
Always make sure your Wi-Fi is enabled and your Location Services are switched on.
Making Withdrawals: You can use your mobile device to make real-money wagers in your state. However, always be aware of the available cash-out options. Typically, you will only be able to withdraw via a banking method you used to make a deposit with. If that method isn’t available, you will have to settle for an online bank transfer which can take up to 7 working days.
How to Place a Bet on a Mobile Device in 6 Easy Steps
Mobile online betting makes placing wagers on the move easy. Here’s how to place your first real-money bet:
Step 1: Open the lobby in your online sportsbook app.
Step 2: Find the sport you want from the drop-down menu.
Step 3: Find the market you want to bet on. For most sports, you can bet on pregame markets such as the moneyline, total points or point spread. You’ll also be able to bet on props that are unique to individual players or teams.
Step 4: Tap the outcome you want to bet on. It will then be added to your mobile bet slip. Continue to choose outcomes until your bet slip is complete.
Step 5: Bring up the bet slip and select your stake. The best bet slips are intuitive and will automatically calculate returns for any given stake. The bet slip will also calculate parlay bets which let you combine multiple wagers.
Step 6: You can edit selections or remove them entirely from your bet slip. Once you’re happy, tap the ‘Bet Now’ button. Funds will be removed from your account. Alternatively, you will be redirected to the cashier page where you can deposit cash and complete your bet.
Is Mobile Betting the Same as Betting on Desktop?
Mobile sports betting is a little different than traditional online sports wagering on a typical sports betting site. But are the differences big enough to be an issue?
In general, a sports bettor won’t notice a huge difference between mobile sportsbooks and their online counterparts. And the best sportsbooks make the whole experience seamless.
Registration: In some states where sports betting is legal, you will have to visit the retail sportsbook to complete your mobile sportsbook registration. That’s different from online sportsbooks that don’t require in-person registration.
Making Deposits: The cashier at a mobile betting site makes depositing a breeze. Just bring up the deposit tab and swipe the banking method you want to use. Some sportsbooks are introducing mobile payments too where your deposit is charged directly to your phone bill. That’s one benefit online gamblers don’t have.
Placing Bets: Modern online sportsbooks are specially designed to work perfectly whatever a bettor’s device. To save space on your phone, the A-Z menu of available sports will be tucked away off screen. Simply swipe right to bring it into view or explore the carousel of sports at the top of the app homepage.
And to select a sports bet, you just need to tap the outcome using your touch screen. By tapping a result, it will be instantly added to your bet slip.
Live Streams and Match Trackers: The best mobile online betting apps also let you place in-play wagers while the game is going on. Follow a live match tracker on your device or watch a live stream and hear commentary via your phone’s media player.
What to Look for in a Mobile Betting Site
At Bookies.com, we only recommend the very best mobile sports betting apps. Here’s what we look for when reviewing mobile gambling sites:
Compatible Mobile Devices: A top mobile site will always cater for gamblers on a range of devices. You should be able to download and install apps on the latest Apple and Android smartphones and tablets.
User-Friendly Apps: A mobile betting app needs to be easy to use. You should be able to get to your favorite sports quickly and make fast bets. That’s particularly important when you’re betting in-play as the game happens.
Great Bonuses and Offers: Good mobile online betting is all about finding the best offers. Earn a welcome bonus when you open your account and make a first deposit or claim enhanced odds on selected markets.
Good Odds on a Range of Sports: Not all US sportsbooks offer the same odds. You will find that some sports betting sites offer better odds than others. But it’s always good to install multiple apps so that you can take advantage of great odds wherever you bet.
The Best Customer Support: Good customer service is essential if you need help on payments, software or bonuses. The top betting apps let you contact customer support via live chat, email, or toll-free phone via your mobile.
Where Can I Find the Best Mobile Betting Sites?
Mobile sports betting is legal in many US states. And the number of regulated states is growing.
At Bookies.com, we have the lowdown on the greatest mobile sports betting apps. With our top sports betting sites, you can get to the action even faster. Download a app for your smartphone today and claim your free bets when you make a first deposit.
