What You Need to Know About Betting on Your Smartphone

Before we get into what’s what and what’s not when it comes to mobile betting, you need to make sure you’re armed with the right equipment. Firstly, if you want to use an app rather than a mobile site, you’ll need either an Android or iOS device with at least average specs. You certainly don’t need a the very latest model but something from the past year or two, like an iPhone 5Samsung Galaxy S5, or OnePlus 3 should be perfectly suitable to ensure you can keep up with the quick-fire betting action.

How We Rate a Sports Betting App?

If you’ve never bet on a smartphone before, you’re in for a treat. Here are some of the main things our reviewers look for when they rate a bookmaker’s mobile betting app:

Feature-Rich Platform – Mobile betting is no longer the sidekick of the online betting world, so you shouldn’t be expected to put up with a half-baked betting experience. Choosing the right platform is key, as they are by no means all created equal. What you want is a mobile betting app that comes loaded with features. In-play betting, live streaming, easy betting slip management, and cash out are features you really don’t want to be out if you want to experience mobile betting at its very best.

Mobile-Only Bonuses – Mobile betting is now the home of not just the best markets, but often the best bonuses too. Even if you plan to bet exclusively on your mobile, you’ll still be in line for whichever welcome bonus the bookie is offering to desktop players. But often you’ll find that mobile signups garner an even more generous offer. From ‘100% matched up to £200’ at Bet365 to ‘bet £10 – get £30’ at Paddy Power, all free betting apps are looking to welcome new members with an enticing sign-up incentive.

User-Friendly Interface – When you want to place a bet on the move performance really does matter. Our reviewers are often struck by the big differences from one bookie to the next. If you share our experience, you’ll probably find they’re not equally easy to use. How simple is it to navigate the market selection? How quickly can you submit a withdrawal request? How easily can you find relevant specials and promotions? When we rank a site, these are some of the questions we ask to ensure that you experience the best on offer.

Betting Markets Aplenty – Last, but by no means least, comes market range. Bonuses, usability, and features are all for nothing if a bookmaker doesn’t offer up countless ways to place a wager. What you want is markets, and plenty of them. From top-class football betting down to the lowest leagues in the most far-flung countries, from horse race betting to niche sports like floorball. Everything you can bet on via the desktop site should be available on their app.

What About Betting Apps and Android?

Until recently Android users didn’t have the option to download betting apps via the official Google Play store. Owing to Google’s policy against gambling related content, developers had to seek out alternative ways to get their products out to the masses. Many of the larger operators were able to create and distribute their Android betting apps internally i.e. through download links to APK installation files on their websites.

Fortunately this has now changed. The announcement that betting apps were permitted was first made in July 2017. Within a month, a handful of betting apps went live. Although the policy only extends to the UK, Ireland and France at the moment, Google has this to say about betting and gambling content:

“We allow content, services, and ads that facilitate online gambling, as long as they meet certain requirements. We also allow daily fantasy sports apps that meet certain requirements.”

With Google’s team now assessing the credentials of every sports betting app, you can be confident that the product you’re using is highly safe and secure. Although people outside of the UK, Ireland and France will have to find alternative download methods at the moment, this is likely to change in the coming years.

As you’d expect, the list of available apps is always growing. However, Android users can currently find these brands and more inside Google Play:

  • Sky Bet
  • William Hill
  • Bet365
  • Paddy Power
  • Ladbrokes

Apps are almost always the best way to get your betting fix on the move, but there is an alternative option if you don’t fancy heading down the download route.

Native Apps vs Mobile Sites

Mobile betting sites, while not as seamless, can still provide a reliable and powerful betting experience. In terms of key differences, speed and features will be the most obvious. On the plus side, you may be able to use them with non-Android or iOS devices, where a compatible app is not available.

Mobile betting apps are generally more complete and usable, but require installation and regular updates. Mobile betting sites offer instant access, with no download required, but sometimes sacrifices are made when it comes to features, functionality and load time.

Our reviews cover the differences between app and mobile site offerings, so you’ll always know where to find the best experience for your device.

Native Apps Mobile Web Sites
Load quicker than web app Run on wider range of devices
Launched with single tap Doesn’t use any phone space
Notifications of events Full functionality of desktop site

 

 

Have a Go at Betting on the Go

Mobiles have become an integral part of modern life and the sports betting world has certainly moved with the times. When you survey our top-rated betting apps, you’ll get a ton of added value. Whether it’s Mr Green’s smart software, Paddy Power automatically giving you the best odds or SportNation’s acca boosts, there are plenty of reasons to bet via your mobile. In fact, because sports betting is all about finding the right odds at the right time, it makes sense to use your mobile. Having the ability to check the markets anytime, anywhere is, in our opinion, the best way to stay on top of the game and, if all goes well, beat the bookies.