What to Look for in a Sports Betting App

Betting real money on sports is now easier and more accessible than ever thanks to mobile sportsbook apps. As long as you live in a state with legal online betting, you can now download an sports betting app and sign up to start placing bets anywhere you go.

Whether you’re a sports fanatic looking to make the most of your knowledge or you just want to make the big game that bit more exciting, sports betting can be a lot of fun. However, before you get started you’ll need to find a good sports betting app. There are lots of options available, and they all offer different experiences. Here are some of the things you should be looking for when choosing which app you join.

License and Reputation

Before you start betting it’s important to make sure you live in an area where it’s legal. A growing number of US states have legalized betting, meaning a sportsbook can legally operate in that state. To do so, the app must first apply for a license from the relevant gaming commission. In Virginia, for example, sportsbooks need to be licensed by the Virginia Lottery. Any Virginia sports betting app will need a license in order to operate legally.

While you can join unlicensed sportsbooks, it’s not advised as it puts you at risk. The license shows that the app has passed tests to ensure a high level of safety and fairness. It’s an important mark of trust, and the most reputable sportsbooks are always licensed. You can also learn more about a betting app’s reputation by checking out player reviews and opinions online.

Payments

To bet with real money, you need to be able to deposit funds using an accepted payment method. The process can vary between apps, but any good sportsbook will provide a wide range of options you can choose from, meaning it’s easy to deposit real money and start betting. Before you download an app, always check which payment options are provided and that the process is simple and secure.

Most apps will accept major credit cards and normally eWallet services such as PayPal are also supported. In some cases, you may even be able to deposit and withdraw money using cryptocurrency. Regardless of the method you choose, it should be straightforward to add money to your account as well as withdraw your winnings. Check that there are no difficult limits or fees in place.

Sports Betting Features

The main draw of any sportsbook app is the odds it has available. Odds tell you the implied probability of an outcome in a game and also how much you could potentially profit from a bet. Bigger odds mean bigger profits, so it’s a good idea to choose an app which always has the best odds. You can compare them before you bet to ensure you get the best deal.

Aside from the odds, you should also be looking at the sports and markets that are featured by the app. It makes sense to choose an app which offers more betting options on your favorite sports compared to one that has a greater variety of sports that you’re not as keen on. Of course, more variety is better, but only if you’re able to actually make use of it.

Lastly, look out for the live betting features and how comprehensive they are. Most sportsbook apps now feature live betting, which lets you bet on games while they’re in progress. This should include stats that are updated in real time so you can use the data to get better insights into the game.