Mobile Apps

What Are Betting Site Betting Apps?

Besides, many punters these days actively prefer the convenience of betting from the palms of their hands, rather than having to fire up their desktop or laptop to make things happen.

This is where mobile apps come in. These are nifty tools for wagering wherever you are. All you need is a smartphone or tablet, a strong internet connection and membership at a betting site. Then, you can simply go ahead and place whatever bets you like with just a few taps of the screen. Whether you have a gut feeling about how the next Premier League match is going to go, want to bet on the final scoreline of a rugby game, or even fancy a flutter on an esports tournament, it’s all easily done using a mobile betting app.

What Types of Mobile Apps Are There?

There are two ways to wager using your mobile device. Let’s break them down for you.

Mobile-Optimised Websites

Every betting site listed on Gambling Deals has a mobile-optimised website. In other words, you don’t need to download anything. Navigate to the URL through your browser, log in, and voila: you can get down to betting, just as you would on your computer.

The major advantage of this kind of mobile betting is that you won’t be adding to the apps stored on your device, which saves on storage. It’s also a more universally available method – not all betting sites have downloadable apps, but every site we list can be accessed by mobile devices thanks to their mobile-optimised web pages.

Native Apps

Native apps are what most of us think of when we hear the word ‘app’. You download it from the App Store or Google Play, and it’s installed onto your device. After that, you can access the betting options without having to enter your browser at all. You’ll find that newer or smaller sites may not necessarily have their own native app, but the most well-known UK betting sites are likely to have them.

There are a number of advantages to these kinds of apps. For one thing, as they’ve been specifically designed to live on your device, they tend to have a faster, smoother functionality. Plus, you don’t have to go through the step of loading up your browser whenever you want to bet. Just tapping on the app’s logo on your phone will open it up.

On top of that, native apps can be set to provide you with push notifications on the latest promos, perks, and bonuses whenever the betting site makes them available, meaning you won’t have to worry about accidentally missing out on hot offers.

How to Start Using Mobile Betting Apps

If being able to place bets on a range of sporting events wherever you are sounds good to you, great! By following these steps, you’ll find a great betting app to suit your needs in no time.

1. Compare and select the best UK betting site for you

It’s a crowded market out there, and it can be tricky to work out which way to go. That’s where our experts come in. We’ve looked closely at the UK’s top betting sites to assess how they compare on a number of important factors, including:

• How many sports are covered
• If there’s a large range of betting markets for each of them
• How generous the welcome bonuses and promotions are
• Whether the sites offer accumulator bets and cash out options
• What the withdrawal times are
• How good the native apps are

We’ve worked hard to put together the most essential info in one place, meaning you can quickly weigh up the options and pick out the sites that look best for you. See below for a detailed breakdown of how we review betting apps.

2. Sign up to the betting site

You can’t place bets using a mobile app unless you’re a member of the site in question. Signing up is simple. By clicking through to a betting site listed on Gambling Deals, you’ll find yourself on the sign-up page. After inputting some personal information and verifying your identity, you’ll be able to deposit funds, unlock your welcome bonus, and start betting.

3. Download the native app

As we mentioned above, not all UK betting sites actually have native apps. But if there is one, you can download it from Google Play or the App Store and log in using your details. After that, you can bet as normal using the app.

How We Review the Best Mobile Betting Apps

Whether it’s an Android app or one that’s custom-designed for your iPhone, downloading a sports betting app is easy. If you’re looking for a new betting app, it can be difficult to choose between the myriad options available. That’s where our experts come in, with impartial advice on which apps provide the best betting experience. Here are the elements we look at when vetting the top mobile betting apps.

Licensing

While gambling is completely legal in the UK, it’s important to only place bets with bookmakers that are regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. The UKGC is the industry’s licence issuer and ensures all gambling businesses operate appropriately, offer fair games and odds, and encrypt all customer transactions. At GamblingDeals, we will only review mobile sports betting apps run by operators licensed by the Gambling Commission, meaning you can be confident in the safety and security of every site and app listed here.

Ease of Use

An app can offer a broad range of markets and betting bonus offers, but those qualities fall flat in the face of poor usability. We’ll make sure that any Apple or Android app we recommend is easy to download and a doddle to navigate, presenting you with all its key features in a clear, intuitive way. 

Available Markets

Whether you’re into horse racing betting, football, Formula 1, or any other sport, you’ll probably want a mobile app that offers as wide a range of sports markets as possible. We do too, so we look carefully at what’s on offer – from the number of sports covered, to the kinds of bets you can make. 

Additional Features

The best mobile betting apps will generally have a little something extra that makes them stand out from the crowd. These can include a live stream function which lets you watch the action unfold through the mobile site or app, or a bet builder which you can use to create your own bespoke wagers. 

Betting App Bonuses

A good welcome offer can be the deciding factor when pondering which app to pick. Promotions can include extra credits based on a minimum initial deposit, or perhaps a risk-free bet which works like a kind of insurance on your first wager. There’s a great deal of variety available, and we’ll always look at both the bonus amount and how player-friendly the terms and conditions are whilst reviewing betting sites and apps.

Availability

The top mobile betting apps are available on both iOS and Android devices. However, this is not a given, so if support is skewed towards one over the other, we’ll highlight this in the app’s review.

The Best Mobile Betting Payment Options

The best mobile sports betting apps offer a range of payment methods. Let’s take a closer look.

Debit Cards

Deposit speed: Immediate

Withdrawal speed: 3-5 working days

Benefits: Many people already have debit cards, so this method won’t require any additional setups. You’ll also be able to claim most welcome bonuses through this method, as debit cards are almost never excluded from bonus eligibility.

Drawbacks: Spending directly from your current account means this isn’t the easiest way to segregate and manage your gambling budget. In addition, some bettors may not like sharing their debit card details every time they sign up to new UK bookmakers.

E-Wallets

Deposit speed: Immediate

Withdrawal speed: 1-2 days or less

Benefits: Bank card details will not be shared with the mobile betting app, and you can generally enjoy faster withdrawals compared to debit cards. The most commonly used e-wallet is PayPal, while Skrill and Neteller are other options popular with bettors.

Drawbacks: You’ll need to set up an e-wallet account if you don’t already have one, and you may not be eligible for a site’s welcome bonus if you deposit with an e-wallet. The terms and conditions will clarify which payment methods can be used to unlock the welcome bonus.

Prepaid Cards

Deposit speed: Immediate

Withdrawal speed: N/A

Benefits: There is a high level of security with prepaid systems like Paysafecard, as no banking details are shared with any mobile betting apps. Prepaid cards are handy for ring-fencing gambling funds and setting yourself a budget, and they’re also a good option if you like to pay for things with cash.  

Drawbacks: Spending is limited to the amount on the card, and this can be a problem if you want to place a bet at short notice. The process of purchasing prepaid cards isn’t suited to high rollers who like to make big deposits with the minimum fuss, and withdrawals aren’t possible unless the casino lets you cash out to a My Paysafecard account. You’ll also need to buy a prepaid card from a physical store in most cases, although Paysafecard is available at hundreds of outlets worldwide.

Pay by Phone Bill

Deposit speed: Immediate

Withdrawal speed: N/A 

Benefits: This payment process is straightforward, as you simply enter your phone number on the deposit page, you’ll receive a confirmation SMS and a code to copy over to the payment page, and the deposit amount will be charged to your next phone bill. No special account is needed, and no bank details are shared with the betting company. 

Drawbacks: Deposits are not paid immediately from your bank account, so tracking your spending can be more of a challenge. Also, there are usually very tight deposit limits with this method, and you’ll have to use an alternative payment option to make withdrawals.

Google Pay

Deposit speed: Immediate

Withdrawal speed: N/A

Benefits: Making use of the Google platform, this is a secure way to make transactions and lets you add multiple cards and payment methods to your Google Pay wallet. 

Drawbacks: You will need to set up the Google Pay account in advance, linking it to your chosen payment methods. Not all online casinos and sportsbooks accept this means of payment, nor will withdrawals always be possible, so check with the specific bookmaker.

Apple Pay

Deposit speed: Immediate

Withdrawal speed: N/A

Benefits: Coming with the assurance of one of the world’s biggest brands, Apple Pay lets you pay in a way that suits you by connecting your debit cards to your iOS account.

Drawbacks: As with Google Pay, withdrawals typically aren’t possible with this payment method, nor is it commonly accepted outside of mobile betting apps.

Sports to Bet On with a Mobile App

There’s a mammoth range of sports markets to access through mobile betting apps. Let’s look at some of the most popular.

Football

The popularity of wagering on football has never waned. Befitting its popularity, there’s a sprawling selection of markets on offer. You can go simple by betting on the eventual winner or final score in a match, or try out more niche selections like betting on the numbers of passes made during a game by certain players. Football betting apps put all of these possibilities right there on your phone or tablet.

Horse Racing

Horse races come thick and fast on a given day, and you can keep up thanks to the top mobile betting apps. Live streaming allows you to place a bet and follow a race as it happens, making it easy to enjoy the action and keep up to date with the latest results. With the best horse racing betting sites, timing is everything, so you’ll want to be sure to use a mobile site or app that you can navigate with ease. Our reviews will point you in the right direction.

Greyhounds

Betting on greyhounds has long been a British institution, and by using a mobile sportsbook you can place wagers on hotly-tipped dogs wherever you are. Whether or not you choose to watch the live stream provided by many top bookies, you can be a part of the action while you’re on the move or simply relaxing at home.

Golf

It may have a slow and steady pace, but golf arouses intense passions in players and bettors alike, and it’s a hugely popular fixture on mobile betting apps. You should have some interesting markets available during major tournaments, from who’ll be the round leader to who’ll make or miss the cut, so there are plenty of opportunities to flex your golfing knowledge whilst making bets. 

Tennis

Wimbledon and the other Grand Slam tournaments may be the events that put the whole world’s eyes on tennis, but there are countless smaller and less famous tournaments which bettors can put money on throughout the year. You’ll be able to watch live-streamed matches on top mobile betting apps, as well as the chance to cash out if your bet isn’t looking very secure. Plus, you can get stuck into some in-play betting if you feel confident about where the momentum of a match is going.  

Esports

If video games are your thing, you’ll already know that millions of people log in from all over the world to watch the top gamers play competitively. Whether you love Call of Duty, League of Legends, or Fifa, there are many ways to bet on the ever-expanding world of esports. As the medium’s popularity has grown, so too has its market range. Many betting sites have depth to their esports selections that can stand toe-to-toe with what’s on offer for more traditional sports.

More

One of the beauties of mobile sports betting apps is that they group together a wide variety of different sports, with plenty of opportunities to try out something new. Think basketball and athletics, as well as great British favourites like F1 and snooker. 

Betting App Features

The top mobile sports betting apps provide special tools and features for the best possible betting experience. Here are some to look out for.

Live Streaming

If you don’t have access to a sports TV package or a local pub offering sports, live streaming is essential if you want to be able to watch and wager as play progresses. Thankfully, live streaming is now commonplace on the top mobile betting apps, and you typically don’t need to pay anything extra for the privilege. As well as offering the enjoyment of live sport, streaming can be a valuable asset for in-play betting as it’ll let you monitor the momentum of the event and wager accordingly.

Bet In-Play

Live, or in-play betting is part and parcel of sports gambling these days, and apps let you do it from the palm of your hand. Savvy bettors can take advantage of in-play betting to jump on the best odds as they become available during a game, match, or race. 

Cash Out

Seeing a bet go awry can be a bit like watching a car crash in slow motion. Fortunately, hitting the cash out option is a way to bail out before the worst happens. By cashing out, you’ll close the bet before the outcome is known, taking whatever return is on offer at that point. You can think of this as a way to cut your losses, or secure a win before things potentially turn against you. That being said, you run the risk of disappointment if you cash out and your original bet comes good.

Accumulators

Acca, or accumulator, bets involve linking a series of bets on the same slip, multiplying the odds to bag a potentially bigger return. Of course, this larger potential return hinges on all of the bets on the accumulator being successful. Luckily, where accas run, acca insurance tends to follow. With this insurance in place, you can recoup at least part of your wager as free bets should you miss out due to a single break in the chain of winning bets.

Bet Editing

Bet editing is just that: editing a bet after it’s been placed, but before the result has been called. How far into the match you can edit depends on the sportsbook in question, as some will only allow edits before the match starts. Typically, you can add or remove bet selections, or make substitutions. Some bookmakers will also allow edits within an acca, but you’ll need to check the terms and conditions at your betting site to find out more.

Virtual Sports

While esports involve video games being played by professional esports athletes, virtual sports are closer to ordinary matches in concept. Rather than relying on the skills of real people, the sports matches are computer simulated, with random number generator software deciding the outcomes of events like virtual tennis and virtual horse racing.

Betting App Bonuses

Sign up offers are a huge deal in the world of UK online bookmakers, and there are a few favourites that turn up again and again.

Matched Deposits

A matched deposit involves the sportsbook matching a given percentage of your deposit up to a maximum limit. For example, a bonus advertised as ‘100% up to £100’ will match a deposit of £100 with an extra £100 in betting funds. You would then have a total of £200 to bet with. Wagering requirements are par for the course on matched deposit bonuses, meaning you’ll need to bet the bonus amount a certain number of times before you can withdraw any bonus-related winnings as real money.

Free Bets

Free bets are a widespread welcome offer, giving you credits to bet with after you sign up and/or make a qualifying deposit or bet. Free bets are generally less lucrative than a matched deposit bonus, but they’re still a good perk to take advantage of when you can.

Cashback

A cashback offer, also known as a risk-free bet offer, involves the return of a percentage of your stake if your selection doesn’t come good. Don’t be misled by the word “cash”, however – the refund will normally come in the form of free bet credits. Cashbacks effectively provide you with a second chance to bet your original stake, or part of it as stipulated in the T&Cs. 

No Deposit Bonuses

While most bonuses require you to make an initial deposit, a no deposit bonus will be given to you without any initial outlay at all. While this can obviously be a great gift for new customers at a bookmaker, letting you try before you buy, bear in mind that wagering requirements will usually apply to anything you might win with the bonus funds.

Ready to Download a Top Betting App?

As we’ve seen, mobile sports betting apps can offer all the services and perks of an online bookmaker, with the added convenience of allowing you to wager on the move. If you’re keen to try betting on your Apple or Android device, then compare the top-rated sites and offers, follow our links and sign up today!