The best sports betting apps offer you a great welcome bonus, competitive odds, countless betting markets for everything from major sports leagues to obscure overseas sports, and functional account management, betting, and banking features. 

We’ve tried every one, and our years of experience and expertise in the sports betting space allow us to confidently say BetMGM, Caesars, FanDuel, BetRivers, Bet365, and DraftKings are the best sports betting apps in the country. You can trust that these are legitimate sports betting apps that are well worth your time, whether you’re shopping for the best odds or ready to place a bet.

Top mobile sports betting apps for May 2024

Mobile sports betting is legal and live in over half of US states. North Carolina was the most recent state to join the party.

Most sports wagering in the US is conducted online, and most online betting happens on sports betting apps. All of the best online sports betting sites have downloadable betting apps, in most cases for both iOS (Apple) and Android devices.

Here’s a detailed look at the best sports betting apps available, along with information about how to download them. 

BetMGM Sportsbook app

The BetMGM Sportsbook app contains all the same features and betting opportunities as the BetMGM website. The app has the same attractive black-and-gold color scheme and is expertly designed for easy use. Featured betting markets appear in the main window up top, and you can easily scroll through different betting markets and live betting opportunities. 

Top-line menu choices include NBA, MLB, NHL, Soccer, Tennis, MMA, WNBA, NFL, NCAAF, NCAAM, Easy Parlay, A-Z Sports, Favorites, Promotions, and My Bets tabs. Plus, Top Sports are listed down the left-hand side, including everything from Football to Lacrosse.

Click on bets to add them to your betslip at the bottom of the screen. Then, open your betslip to make any adjustments before placing your bets. You can access BetMGM’s cashier, look around through the current promotions available, and contact BetMGM’s Help & Customer Care department directly from the app. Plus, all live betting opportunities and current promos are always upfront and easily accessible. 

States where the BetMGM Sportsbook app is available: Arizona, Colorado, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi (on-site only), Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming

Caesars Sportsbook app

The Caesars Sportsbook betting app has become especially popular of late thanks to its availability in so many states and nationwide advertising campaign. The app is a good one, with simple software intuitively designed to make it easy to find different betting markets, odds, promos, and bet types.

The main screen features ongoing promotions plus a scrollable selection of hotlinks, quick picks, FireBets, live betting opportunities, and daily odds boosts. Top-line menu choices include Live, Boosts, FireBets, NBA, WSOP, MLB, NHL, Soccer, Golf, UFC/MMA, Auto, Tennis Boxing, NFL, NCAAF, and NCAAM tabs. Plus, All Sports are listed down the left-hand side, including everything from your Favorites, to Australian Rules Football, the Olympics, Football, Baseball, Basketball, Rugby, and Cricket.

You click odds to open a bet slip and place bets as you would with other apps. However, your list of open and settled bets is easily accessed through tabs connected to your current bet slip. The cashier is always open, making it easy to perform all the same banking operations from a mobile device that you can on the main site. A quick scroll down also gets you links to rules, terms of service, Caesars’ live chat support, and more. 

States where the Caesars Sportsbook app is available: Arizona, Colorado, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming

FanDuel Sportsbook app

FanDuel Sportsbook has become the top online sports betting app in many of the states where it is offered because of solid software, great promos and contests, and a little help from its large DFS database and nationwide advertising campaign. 

FanDuel keeps it simple and easy to navigate with just Home, My Bets, and Promotions tabs up top. Hit that Home tab and you’ll see promos and same game parlay selections listed above a main menu that includes the latest live odds, upcoming action, NHL, NBA, MLB, Local Team, and Boosts tabs. Plus, popular choices are listed down the left-hand side, including everything from Live Now, Promos, Parlay Hub, and Boosts tabs, to NBA, MLB, NFL, and Women’s Sports tabs.

The app is smartly organized, making it easy to build bets, create a bet slip, and place all your bets. Game trackers also provide the background info and stats required to help educate you about sports betting and make smarter live betting choices. You can also read the latest sports news and watch highlight videos right in the FanDuel app.  

States where the FanDuel Sportsbook app is available: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming

BetRivers Sportsbook app

The BetRivers Sportsbook is another top-notch sports betting app now available in a growing list of more than a dozen states. The app features a clean, inviting look with the day’s most popular markets and live betting opportunities prominently displayed on the home screen. 

Top-line menu choices include Live, Props, Specials, NBA, MLB, NHL, Local Teams, Tennis, Soccer INT Bball, TBL Tennis, INT’L, Motor, Darts, Cricket, Rugby, Snooker, NBA Series, and More Local Teams tabs. Plus, betting markets are listed by Most Popular and All Sports down the left side of the page.

A slide-in menu also offers you the chance to check out the latest promotions, see your rewards, and reach BetRIvers’ Help Center. You can choose a bet, click on it, enter your bet amount on a bet slip, and place the bet immediately, or add multiple bets to the slip and submit it later with BetRivers. Plus, you can see a list of your bets and any early cash-out opportunities. Prop Central and House Specials add to the feeling that your betting options are almost endless at BetRivers. 

States where the BetRivers Sportsbook app is available: Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia

Bet365 Sportsbook app

The Bet365 Sportsbook app can be found in several states, and that list is growing. The app is organized with just Sports and Live In Game tabs up front and on top. The Sports tab features the lastest promotional and Bet Boost opportunities on top, followed by a list of the most popular betting markets of the day. The Live In Game tab shows you the latest betting markets available for ongoing live games.

Bet365 Sportsbook leans on a variety of early payout promos for major sports to draw in new customers. As a result, information regarding the early payout promos is everywhere, as is your chance to take advantage of the promos. 

Promos, popular sports, and the full list of sports you can bet on are also listed down the left side of the page. Responsible gaming and help links are on the top right. Bet365 also features a Sports Live Streaming section, offering streams of thousands of events annually, including top European soccer and tennis. 

States where the Bet365 Sportsbook app is available: Colorado, Iowa, Kentucky, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia

DraftKings Sportsbook app

DraftKings Sportsbook is many people’s top choice when it comes to mobile betting thanks to its easy-to-use software platform and how easily you can get bets down with the app. Sporting the same green-and-black scheme as DraftKings’ other offerings, the sportsbook app features an extensive home screen with current betting markets, promos, popular parlays, and hotlinks up front.

Top line tabs include Home, My Bets, Live In-Game, Promos, How To Bet, VIP, Pools, Social, and Dynasty tabs. Under Home, markets are listed by popularity, sports teams, and A-Z Sports on the left side of the page. Below promo information at the top of the page, you’ll see Live In Game, Game Lines, and Stats Hub tabs. The Live In Game tab shows you the latest live betting opportunities while the Game Lines tab reveals an all-sports menu for all upcoming action.

DraftKings is known for its live betting options, and you can access those easily under a few different Live In-Game tabes. You can also manage your account, monitor your Dynasty Rewards and progress toward missions, and access DK Social and DraftKings’ many pools and contests via the mobile app. 

States where the DraftKings Sportsbook app is available: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming

Rating the best online sports betting apps

Here is a table listing users’ ratings for the best online sports betting apps. Note that the most used apps such as FanDuel and DraftKings have an especially large number of reviews, and high ratings as well.  

Best sports betting apps by device

All of the apps listed here tested well for us in terms of smoothness and functionality, but a few stand out from the pack for particular devices:

Best iPhone & IPad sports betting apps

iOS (Apple) users seem to favor the FanDuel Sportsbook and Caesars Sportsbook apps over the others. Users prize the small size of the FanDuel app as it provides full functionality while taking up up less space on iPhones and iPads. The Caesars Sportsbook is known for providing access to great promos, odds boosts, and live betting markets.

Both apps run well on iPhones and iPads, offer competitive odds, and have easy to use account management and banking functions.

Best Android sports betting apps

Android users seem to like the DraftKings Sportsbook and BetMGM Sportsbook apps over all others. DraftKings Sportsbook offers a reasonable download size, and, while users report a few glitches, the app is fully functional most of the time. The BetMGM Android app is fast, secure, and known for offering access to solid promos, odds boosts, and other additional value opportunities.

DraftKings and BetMGM rate particularly high amongst Android users, particularly when it comes to the range of live in-game betting options at DraftKings and and the banking functionality at BetMGM.

Pros and cons of mobile sports betting apps vs. websites

Being able to place sports bet on your phone or iPad is great both for casual and more seasoned bettors. That said, there are both advantages and disadvantages to using sports betting apps. Here are a few of each.

Sports betting app pros

• Convenience: Being able to place your bet from anywhere lends enormous flexibility, especially when compared to visiting a retail sportsbook in person. 
• Live betting: Relatedly, live betting works especially well on sports betting apps. Mobile apps are built for speed, and live betting requires quick response times from online sportsbooks.
• Live streaming and other added features: Some sports betting apps offer live streaming of games and/or other added features not included on the sports betting websites.

Sports betting app cons

• Limited screen size: While sports betting apps are all optimized for mobile devices, sometimes the smaller screen size makes navigating a little tricky. Also, some apps lack the features available on their website counterparts. 
• Need to find a secure connection: With sports betting apps, you are making online financial transactions, which means you need to ensure your connectivity is entirely secure. That’s usually easy enough at home, but not always as simple when you’re on the go.
• Makes betting too easy: Having such ready access to sports betting can potentially encourage some recklessness or a lack of selectivity with your betting. Don’t let the ease of access lead you into bad habits.

Exclusive online sports betting app bonuses

In many cases, online sportsbook bonuses and promotions are the same for app users and bettors on the online sportsbook. That said, you will occasionally find promos available only to app users, so it is worth keeping an eye out. New sports betting sites in particular like to push new bonuses and promos to gain traction.

These exclusive offers might include special odds boosts, free bets, or cashback bonuses. Special same-game parlays with boosted odds can pop up on your mobile device, too, so stay aware.

Sports betting apps vs. desktop experience

It’s worth noting other differences between sports betting on a mobile app and on a computer’s web browser. 

For some bettors, being on a desktop is generally preferable. You can open countless tabs and conduct research more easily before placing bets. The larger screen also makes it easier to see more available betting options on the site all at once. This can be advantageous as you try to find the best wagering opportunities. 

In many cases, the information and different categories on online sportsbooks are easier to reach when using a desktop. At DraftKings Sportsbook, for example, the website has a convenient alphabetical list of all sports running down the left-hand column. But on the app, you either have to scroll through several rows of items or click through to the “All Sports” page to see a similar list. 

Also, many sites such as FanDuel Sportsbook let you see your bet slip at all times on the screen as you navigate, whereas the mobile app will hide it for spatial reasons.

How to find the best sports betting app

When evaluating different sports betting apps and deciding which one to use, there are a number of criteria worth considering.

• Speed: With sports betting apps, speed can refer to how quickly the app loads and responds to your inputs, especially when live betting. This is a significant factor that can make some apps more attractive than others. It can also refer to payout speeds when withdrawing your winnings, something the sites will indicate in FAQ sections regarding withdrawal policies. 
• App-only promos: As noted above, some sportsbook apps will offer app-exclusive promotions that only mobile users can receive. If you’re someone who will primarily use the app and not the website, that can be a nice perk.
• Usability: It is imperative that a sports betting app features a user-friendly design. It should be easy to find your favorite sports and bet types. You shouldn’t run into problems when filling out bet slips and submitting your wagers. All of the sites recommended above feature smart, intuitive layouts that make them highly usable. 
• Convenience: Being able to launch and use an app quickly without delays or extra steps is important. The convenience of being able to bet instantly and from anywhere is a chief attraction of online sportsbook apps.
• Live streaming: Some sportsbook apps enable opportunities to watch live streams of games directly on the app. It’s a great way to follow games on which you have wagered. This isn’t a feature at every mobile sports betting app, so if that is important to you, check to see if a sportsbook offers it.
• Deposit options: Most online sportsbooks offer many methods to fund your account, and typically the corresponding apps will include all of the available deposit methods. Some sites have more options than others, which makes this another factor you’ll want to consider when contemplating which online sports betting app you want to use. 

Related Pages:

States with legal mobile sports betting

More than half of the US has legal online sports betting. In most legal states, there are several sports betting apps available. Here is a list of states where mobile sports betting is currently allowed:

Note that Mississippi and Montana have legal online sports betting, but it is only allowed at restricted locations and not statewide.

See more:

Best sportsbook apps by sport

Some sports bettors focus on a particular sport when wagering. In turn, users have found some sports betting apps to be especially good for certain sports. Here are some recommendations of apps by sport.

Best football betting apps

Football is the most popular sport for US bettors. The NFL is the most wagered-upon league while college football also attracts copious attention throughout the season. Top football betting apps include:

See more:

Best basketball betting apps

Basketball is also popular, with bettors enjoying the many ways to bet on NBA and NCAA games, including via live betting. Our favorite basketball betting apps include:

See more:

Best hockey betting apps

As with pro basketball, the NHL season is a long one, providing hockey fans many opportunities to bet on their favorite sport. Our recommended NHL betting apps for hockey include: 

• BetRivers — lots of NHL betting promos & odds markets and a weekly NHL “boost token,” plus “Hometown Discounts” for hockey
• DraftKings — features competitive NHL game lines and offers a wide selection of hockey prop bets, including the fun “Grand Salami” bet on total goals across all a day’s games 
• Caesars — stands out for hockey odds boosts and wide selection of NHL futures odds including Stanley Cup odds

Best baseball betting apps

Major League Baseball features the longest regular season of all the major professional sports, and there are many bettors who focus exclusively on MLB wagering. For us, the best baseball betting apps include: 

• FanDuel — offers many MLB betting promos, boosts, specials, and streaming of MLB games
• BetMGM — known for competitive MLB betting lines and many baseball-related promos throughout the season along with competitive World Series odds.
• DraftKings — huge variety of bets on each game, including numerous props, “Quick Same-Game Parlays,” and more

Note that all three of the above-named sports betting apps have partnerships with Major League Baseball and individual teams.

Best soccer betting apps

Soccer is the world’s most popular sport, and several US sports betting apps provide ways to bet on matches worldwide. The best soccer betting apps include: 

• Bet365 — largest selection of international markets and leagues with frequent bet boosts and enhanced odds, soccer parlay boosts, and other promos
• BetMGM — covers lots of markets, often features favorable odds and lines, plus soccer-related specials and promos
• Caesars — also features many leagues while offering extensive live betting options for soccer

See more:

How to download a sports betting app

Once you’ve picked a sports betting app, downloading it to your device is a quick, easy process. The apps are free to download and install.

For iOS (Apple) devices:

1. Open the Apple Store. Be sure you are signed in with your Apple ID.
2. Search for the sports betting app by name. In most cases, a single app works for all states, but do make a note if you need to download a state-specific app.
3. Click “Get” and then “Install” when the pop-up appears to confirm the download.
4. Wait for the download to complete, then open the app and create your account.

For Android devices:

1. Open Google Play using the Play Store app. Be sure you are signed into your Google account.
2. Search for the sports betting app by name. Again, typically one app works for every state, but make sure and if necessary download your state-specific version of the app.
3. Click “Install.” Free apps (as sports betting apps usually are) won’t have a price listed. If asked to accept permissions, click “Accept.”
4. Wait for the download to complete, then open the app and create your account.

Sometimes, a particular online sports betting app might not be available in either the Apple Store or Google Play. In that case, you might have to visit the online sportsbook’s website and download the app directly from there. That might require a couple of extra steps to accomplish, so follow the instructions on the site for direct downloading of the app.  

Legal US online sports betting apps FAQ

Which online sportsbook apps are available in the US?

There are literally dozens of legal online sportsbook apps currently operating in the US. These include Bally Bet, Bet365, BetFred, Betr, Betly, BetMGM, BetParx, BetRivers, Betway, Caesars, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel, Golden Nugget, Hard Rock Bet, PlayUp, PointsBet, SI Sportsbook, SuperBook, Tipico, Unibet, WynnBET, and others. 

See more: What is line shopping in sports betting?

Who is in charge of regulating legal sports betting apps?

Each US state has its own regulatory body. When it comes to online sports betting and sports betting apps, the state’s regulators oversee the companies that operate and provide the apps. For example, in New Jersey, the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement oversees all NJ online sports betting apps. Each state’s regulatory body issues licenses to the companies, which then must abide by the state’s rules or risk losing their right to offer their apps. 

Can a credit card be used to play legal online sportsbook apps?

Yes, most online sportsbooks accept the use of credit cards to deposit funds into your account, which you can then use to place wagers. 

See more: Top 7 fastest paying sports betting sites

How do I install sports betting apps on my Android smartphone?

Open Google Play by visiting the Play Store where you can search for and find sports betting apps. Click “Install,” and the app will automatically download and install itself onto your mobile Android device.

Does the Apple Store offer legal online sports betting apps?

Yes, the Apple Store does offer legal and licensed sports betting apps. 

Which is the best betting app for football?

There are several great ones, but we especially like the FanDuel sports betting app both for wagering on the NFL and college football. 

Which states have legal online sports betting apps?

Currently, you can wager on sports using online sports betting apps in approximately 30 US states as well as the District of Columbia. See the section above “States with legal mobile sports betting” for a full, up-to-date list of all the states where you can use sports betting apps.