Betting on sports is popular amongst both sports fans and those who enjoy gambling and casino games. It is now a huge industry with more than $12 billion dollars spent on legal sports wagering in the United States alone last year.
The evolution of smartphone technology and availability of fast and reliable internet has helped propel this industry’s growth. Increased investment in the development of apps has also helped to improve the user experience and make betting via mobile quicker and easier than ever before.
If you are interested in betting on sport for the first time you can learn more about point spreads by reading sports betting guides, we have also put together this comprehensive overview on how to place bets on sports from your mobile and what factors to consider when choosing a mobile betting app or website.
A step-by-step guide to placing bets on sports using apps and websites
Select a platform
Firstly, you will need to pick a betting platform to get started with. This could be in your Android or iOS app store or in your online browser. If you are opting for a sportsbook website, be sure to check that it is one optimised for use on mobile so the display is clear and responsive on a small screen.
The section below provides more tips for selecting the right sports betting platform for you.
Sign up for an account
Next, you will need to create your account on your chosen platform. As a part of this process you might be required to verify your identity and age in order to comply with legal requirements.
Mobile platforms are designed with usability and simplicity in mind so the sign up process should be fairly quick and easy.
Deposit funds
Now it is time to add some money into your account to place bets with. For your convenience and security, most platforms will offer a variety of payment methods such as credit card, PayPal or bank transfer.
Many sportsbooks run promotions regularly, so if you are taking advantage of a deposit bonus offer be sure to check out any wagering requirements or other conditions attached to it.
Explore available betting markets
You will find that mobile betting apps and sites offer access to a range of markets. Look out for your favourite sporting events, tournaments and leagues. Popular sports to bet on include the horse races, soccer, football, cricket, basketball and tennis. There will be more than just US based events, many international sporting competitions will be available to bet on too.
Sports betting guides are a great way to learn more about the different types of bets and what each one means.
Place and manage your bets
When you’ve found what you want to bet on, you can then select your bet type and the amount that you would like to wager. Check your selection before hitting confirm, to check the status of your bets you can usually find this information under Betting History.
Withdraw any winnings
Won a wager? If you want to cash out you will be able to do this within the app or site. Select the withdrawal method and amount you would like to take out, and remember different withdrawal methods will have different processing times.
What factors should you consider when selecting a mobile betting app or website?
Usability
How clear is the site or app’s navigation and layout? You want to be able to explore available markets easily and not miss out on bets because you could not figure out which page to navigate to in time. Check this out before signing up for an account.
Bonuses and promotional offers
In order to attract new users or reward current ones, many betting platforms put on special offers. This could be in the form of a deposit bonus, enhanced odds or free bets. Just be sure to check the terms and conditions before utilising these offers.
Site security, payment methods and licencing
Modern mobile betting platforms are generally very safe and use enhanced encryption technology to protect your data, you will be able to find out more about this in the app or site’s usage policy – check the footer. You will also be able to find out whether they hold the appropriate gambling licenses in the footer too.
If you have a specific preferred payment method in mind, check this method is available for use in your region before signing up.
Access to different sport markets
Lastly, some betting platforms are tailored towards specific sports or tournaments, so check which markets are available and whether they suit your sport and wagering preferences.