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Table of Contents
- Best Sports Betting Apps (Promotions and Bonuses)
- Sportsbook App Reviews
- Are Sports Betting Apps Legal in the U.S.?
- Can You Trust Sports Betting Apps?
- Why Use a Sports Betting App?
- Pros and Cons of Sports Betting Apps
- What to Look For in a Sports Betting App
- Sports Betting Apps vs. DFS Apps
- How to Pick a Betting App
- How To Sign Up For a Sports Betting App
- Sports Betting Apps With ‘Free’ Money
- Payment Options for Sports Betting Apps
- What is the Best App to Bet on Sports?
- Sportsbook Rankings Methodology
If you’re in a state with legalized sports betting, the number of sports betting apps can feel overwhelming. While many sports betting apps are similar, they also have certain differences and characteristics that make them stand out.
Picking a sports betting app to join can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. We’ve put together a guide to the best sports betting apps and what to look for before signing up for one.
Best Sports Betting Apps (Promotions and Bonuses)
- FanDuel Sportsbook: FanDuel is known for having one of the smoothest user interfaces in the industry, making it easy to find the bets you’re looking for. New users can get $200 in bonus bets by wagering $5+ after signing up.
- DraftKings Sportsbook: DraftKings rivals FanDuel in terms of popularity and has a Parlay Builder tool that makes it easy to combine multiple wagers into a parlay. DraftKings offers $200 in bonus bets if you wager $5+ after signing up.
- BetMGM Sportsbook: BetMGM has a wide array of betting markets and also includes a helpful feature for building parlays. New users can get up to $1,500 in bonus bets if their first wager loses.
- Caesars Sportsbook: Caesars has the most odds boosts in the industry, offering dozens of them every day on various sports. New users can get a bonus bet up to $1,000 if their first wager loses.
- Bet365 Sportsbook: The British-based Bet365 is regarded as one of the best sportsbooks in the world. It has two welcome offers for new users to choose from: a bonus bet up to $1,000 if your first wager loses or $150 in bonus bets for wagering $5.
- Fanatics Sportsbook: Previously PointsBet, Fanatics is one of the newer sportsbooks in the game and debuted in 2023. New customers can earn 10 bonus bets up to $100 each.
- ESPN BET Sportsbook: ESPN BET is one of the newest sportsbooks on the market, launching in November 2023. New customers can get up to $1,000 in bonus bets if their first wager loses.
- BetRivers Sportsbook: BetRivers’ welcome offer varies by state, but you can get up to $500 in bonus bets if your first wager loses. The sportsbook also features a variety of odds boosts and betting options.
- Hard Rock Bet: Hard Rock Bet gives new customers a bonus bet up to $100 if their first wager loses.
| Company | Company – Logo | Forbes Advisor Rating | Forbes Advisor Rating | Bonus | Wager/Refund | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FanDuel Sportsbook |  |
> | $200 | $5 Wager | 22 States | |
| DraftKings Sportsbook |  |
> | $200 | $5 Wager | 26 States | |
| BetMGM Sportsbook |  |
> | N/A | Up to $1,500 Refund | 22 States | |
| Caesars Sportsbook |  |
> | N/A | Up to $1,000 Refund | 23 States | |
| Bet365 Sportsbook |  |
> | $150 | $5 Wager | 11 States | |
| ESPN BET Sportsbook |  |
> | $1,500 | Up to $1,000 Refund + $500 Deposit Match | 18 States | |
| BetRivers Sportsbook | > | $500 | Varies By State | 15 states |
Sportsbook App Reviews
With so many sports betting apps on the market, choosing one to sign up for can be overwhelming.
There are many ways to compare sportsbooks to see which ones stand out. One of the best ways to start is by comparing promotions to see which ones have the best welcome offer for new customers.
Another method is comparing the ratings for each sportsbook in the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). This can give you a sense of what other users think of the app and what the user experience is like.
To save you some time, we’ve compiled the ratings and reviews for several top sportsbook brands.
FanDuel Sportsbook – Best User Experience
- App Store Rating : 4.9 Stars, 1.5M ratings
- Google Play Store Rating : 4.6 Stars, 298K ratings
FanDuel has a near-perfect rating on the App Store with 1.5 million reviews, which isn’t surprising given its reputation as one of the most user-friendly sports betting apps on the market. Reviewers highlighted how easy it is to use and navigate the app, resulting in a smooth betting experience.
FanDuel’s rating isn’t quite as stellar on the Google Play Store, but it still stands at an excellent 4.5 stars. Some users complain about the lack of a rewards program.
FanDuel is the most downloaded U.S. sportsbook in both stores, and its reviews speak for themselves.
What We Like
- User-friendly
- Bright and clean-looking
- Search bar
- Quick load times
What We Don’t Like
- No rewards program
Verdict: FanDuel is one of the best all-around and most user-friendly betting apps on the market, making it a great option for both new and seasoned bettors.
DraftKings Sportsbook – Best Market Depth
- App Store Rating : 4.8 Stars, 757K ratings
- Google Play Store Rating : 4.6 Stars, 160K ratings
DraftKings ranks with FanDuel as one of the best-reviewed sports betting apps. It doesn’t have as many reviews as FanDuel, but its ratings are nearly as good.
Reviewers enjoyed how easy it was to find the bets they were looking for along with DraftKings’ extensive betting options. Some customers noted issues with customer service and occasionally slow load times.
Similar to FanDuel, DraftKings scored a bit lower on the Google Play Store but still had strong ratings overall.
What We Like
- User-friendly
- Lots of betting options and promos
- Search bar
- Quick load times
- Rewards program
What We Don’t Like
- Dark color scheme
- Too many featured parlays clutter the app
Verdict: Like FanDuel, DraftKings is one of the best all-around and most user-friendly betting apps around, making it a great option for all bettors.
BetMGM Sportsbook – Best All-Around
- App Store Rating : 4.8 Stars, 219K ratings
- Google Play Store Rating : 4.4 Stars, 31K ratings
With its celebrity-driven advertising campaign, BetMGM has set a high bar for itself. Fortunately, its customers appear satisfied based on its strong ratings.
Reviewers praised BetMGM in several areas, including its layout, rewards, daily odds boosts and promotions. Some described issues with customer service and occasional app glitches, however.
While not as widely used as FanDuel and DraftKings, BetMGM’s app is on a similar level.
What We Like
- User-friendly
- Streamlined app
- Search bar
- Quick load times
- Rewards program
What We Don’t Like
- Bet slip functionality is a bit clunky
Verdict: BetMGM boasts a streamlined modern app that strips out much of the clutter at other big sportsbooks.
Caesars Sportsbook – Best Odds Boosts
- App Store Rating : 4.7 Stars, 70K ratings
- Google Play Store Rating : 4.3 Stars, 26K ratings
Caesars ’ app has a lot going for it, which explains the positive reviews. Users pointed out the rewards program, prop bets and extensive odds boosts as strengths.
However, Caesars’ app isn’t quite as smooth as others, which is reflected in the slightly lower rating. Users noted problems with the app crashing, glitching or being slow, making live betting occasionally difficult.
Caesars isn’t a perfect experience, but it can still be fun if you don’t mind the occasional technical issue.
What We Like
- Lots of odds boosts
- Good market depth
- Rewards program
What We Don’t Like
- No search bar
- Gets glitchy/times out
Verdict: Caesars’ app isn’t always the smoothest, but it’s still worth checking out for its odds boosts alone.
Bet365 Sportsbook – Best Welcome Offer
- App Store Rating : 4.8 Stars, 114K ratings
- Google Play Store Rating : 4.6 Stars, 18K ratings
Bet365 has been operational for over two decades and is highly regarded around the world, so it’s not surprising to see such positive ratings.
Users liked the welcome offer , which allows new customers to choose between two options. They also found the app easy to use and reliable.
On the downside, some users labeled the interface as boring. They also wished Bet365 would expand to more states , as it’s not as accessible in the U.S. as DraftKings and FanDuel.
What We Like
- User-friendly
- Streamlined app
- Search bar
What We Don’t Like
- Dark color scheme
- No rewards program
- Limited availability
Verdict: Bet365 has one of the best welcome offers around and a streamlined app, making it a great option if it’s available in your state.
Fanatics Sportsbook – Best Rewards Program
- App Store Rating : 4.7 Stars, 38K ratings
- Google Play Store Rating : 4.7 Stars, 9K ratings
Fanatics is one of the newest sportsbooks on the market, launching in 2023 after rebranding from PointsBet. Accordingly, it doesn’t have as many reviews as some of its more established competitors.
That said, Fanatics’ early ratings are largely positive. Customers were fond of the rewards system, which provides FanCash for every bet that can either be used for bonus bets at the sportsbook or site credit on Fanatics’ retail website, which helps the sportsbook stand out.
On the other hand, some users weren’t high on the app itself, specifically the home page layout. Other users complained of glitches and slower load times compared to other sports betting apps.
As a newer app, Fanatics may still be working out the kinks.
What We Like
- Customized home page
- Search bar
- Modern layout
- Rewards program
What We Don’t Like
- Finding odds boosts can be difficult
Verdict: Despite being a newer app, Fanatics stacks up well against the competition with its sleek layout and generous rewards.
ESPN BET – Best New Sportsbook
- App Store Rating : 4.8 Stars, 151K ratings
- Google Play Store Rating : 4.3 Stars, 11K ratings
Another recent sportsbook, ESPN BET launched in November 2023 after rebranding from Barstool Sportsbook. Users have highlighted its clean interface, fast payouts and quick odds updates.
That said, bet placement could be a bit faster and sometimes stalls out, so the app could still use some minor upgrades.
What We Like
- Lots of odds boosts
- Search bar
- Modern design
What We Don’t Like
- App times out or bets don’t submit
- Search bar is in odd location (bottom right corner)
Verdict: ESPN BET looks good and generally works well, but the app isn’t perfect and still has some hiccups.
BetRivers Sportsbook – Best for New Users
- App Store Rating : 4.4 Stars, 5K ratings
- Google Play Store Rating : 4.2 Stars, 2K ratings
BetRivers is a smaller-scale sportsbook with fewer reviews than the big brands. Accordingly, its app isn’t as robust or cutting-edge.
Unlike many of the best sports betting apps, BetRivers received high marks in customer service. However, some reviewers had issues verifying their accounts during registration or withdrawing money.
BetRivers’ Google Play Store ratings are considerably worse than its App Store ratings, reflecting more dissatisfaction among Android users.
What We Like
- Simple layout
- Search bar
- Rewards program
What We Don’t Like
- App feels dated
- Lacks exciting features
Verdict: With its straightforward layout, BetRivers is good for new and casual bettors but may not have enough to keep more serious bettors engaged.
Hard Rock Bet – Easiest to Use
- App Store Rating : 4.9 Stars, 115K ratings
- Google Play Store Rating : 4.8 Stars, 23K ratings
Hard Rock Bet debuted in January 2019 and has expanded to seven states. It has a clean, modern app that’s easy to use along with exclusive daily odds boosts, good market depth and solid promotions.
Hard Rock Bet is one of the highest-rated sports betting apps on the market, earning a near-perfect score on the App Store thanks to its bright, clean interface. While not widely available, it’s worth downloading if it’s in your state.
What We Like
- Clean, bright and modern look
- Rewards program
- Live streaming options
What We Don’t Like
- Search bar not on home page
- Busy layout
- Limited availability
Verdict: Hard Rock Bet is only available in a few states and doesn’t have the most intuitive layout, but still manages to punch above its weight.
Are Sports Betting Apps Legal in the U.S.?
It depends where you’re located. Sports betting is legal in the majority of states.
Why the piecemeal approach? In 2018, the United States Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992, which had effectively outlawed sports betting in the U.S. outside of Nevada.
However, the Supreme Court’s ruling didn’t authorize sports betting across the board. Instead, PASPA’s downfall meant that individual states could decide if they wanted to legalize sports betting.
Jurisdictions that chose to pass sports betting legislation also decided how bettors could place their wagers: in-person only at a brick-and-mortar sportsbook, online via computers and mobile devices, or a combination of both.
Residency isn’t required. As long as you’re physically located within a legal market’s borders, you can make online bets.
Can You Trust Sports Betting Apps?
Yes, you can trust sportsbook apps for several reasons.
For starters, legal U.S. sportsbooks are regulated and face audits to ensure they’re operating correctly. They must meet certain requirements to become a licensed sportsbook operator, unlike offshore sportsbooks that are typically unregulated.
Sports betting apps are also safe. They have strict security measures to protect your personal information when you sign up for an account. They safeguard your payment info as well and don’t give it out, so you don’t have to worry about important info being leaked or stolen.
Lastly, sports betting apps use secure methods for deposits and withdrawals. Online bank transfers, PayPal and credit/debit cards are just some of the ways to move money into and out of your account.
At the end of the day, sportsbooks want to remain in business. They have millions of customers and don’t want to risk compromising that. Any hacks, scandals or scams would seriously damage their reputation and potentially put them out of business, so rest assured that they have measures in place to protect their customers.
Why Use a Sports Betting App?
There are many reasons to use a sports betting app, but the main one is convenience.
With a sports betting app, you can bet on the go, anytime, anyplace. As long as you’re in a state with legal sports betting and the app is operational there, you can use it, saving you a trip to a physical casino.
Using a sports betting app is thus much quicker, not only for placing bets, but for also depositing funds and making withdrawals. It simplifies the whole sports betting experience.
Apps also provide unique incentives that physical sportsbooks don’t, including sign-up offers for new customers, daily odds boosts and promotions, rewards programs and more.
Pros and Cons of Sports Betting Apps
As mentioned above, using a sports betting app has many advantages compared to a physical sportsbook. However, they also come with some drawbacks.
Pros
- Convenience/Availability
- Quick deposits and withdrawals
- Better for live betting with the most updated odds
- More incentives (welcome offers, odds boosts, referral bonuses, rewards programs)
Cons
- Easier to bet more frequently, making it harder to control betting behavior
- Can be less fun betting by yourself than with others
- Apps can be glitchy and time out
If you set a budget and bet responsibly, a sports betting app can be a fun way to enhance your sports betting. If you’re concerned about developing an addiction, however, you may want to stick to less-frequent in-person gambling.
What to Look For in a Sports Betting App
There’s no shortage of sports betting apps available these days .
In 2018, the Supreme Court ruled the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act was unconstitutional , which opened the door for legalized sports betting in the U.S. In the six years since, sports betting has been legalized in 38 states (plus Puerto Rico and Washington D.C.), which means that most of the country has the ability to pick between a bevy of mobile sportsbooks.
With so many options to choose from, we’ve decided to put together a list of things to consider when deciding on a sports betting app.
Battery Usage
This is the biggest one in our book. Battery life is important, so you want to pick a sportsbook that doesn’t destroy your phone. The amount of battery used by a sportsbook can also depend on the make, model and age of your phone.
If you have an older phone, some sportsbooks might be more taxing than others. Also, some sportsbooks offer the ability to stream sporting events, which, while convenient, can drain your battery.
Data Efficiency
It’s important to pick an app that’s efficient so that way it doesn’t suck up all your data. The biggest way sports betting apps can limit the amount of data they use is by optimizing the images included in the app.
If a sportsbook has a lot of images in its interface, then it’s more likely to use a lot of data compared to other sportsbooks.
Fast Load Times
Not only do you want an app that’s efficient, but you also want one that loads fast. This, much like data optimization, can come down to the amount of information on each sportsbook’s interface.
A more minimalistic sportsbook like FanDuel might load faster than one like BetMGM which features lots of photos on its home page. This is also important when making bets, especially live ones .
You’ll want to pick a sportsbook that immediately loads your selections in your betslip, thus allowing you to instantly select your wager amount and place your bet. If it takes a long time for the app to load your selection into your betslip, you might miss out on a chance to get the best odds.
Intuitive User Interface
While having a sportsbook that loads fast is great, you also want to make sure that it’s easy to use.
There’s perhaps no better example of this than DraftKings. Its app features large, easy-to-tap bet selections along with a swipeable navigation system and a layout that prioritizes substance over style.
Mobile Specific Features
Having a mobile sportsbook in your pocket is handy, so you should use a sportsbook that takes advantage of that mobility. Some mobile features that we think are most important are:
- Touch and gesture controls: We’ve all gotten incredibly used to navigating touch screens, so you should be sure to use a sportsbook that has intuitive touch controls and doesn’t have any lag when you scroll the screen or tap on a bet.
- Notifications: Like text and email notifications on your phone, you have the option to get alerts about your bets or promotions. These can help you stay informed and also reduce the need to constantly check the betting app, which can suck up your battery and data. However, for individuals who have trouble staying present in their daily activities, push notifications from a betting site can be distracting. We recommend turning them off if you’ve experience problems.
- Screen design: Phones come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s worth making sure that the sportsbook you choose is optimized to your phone screen and operating system. While this shouldn’t be a problem for users with newer devices, it’s worth looking into if you’re using an older device.
- Updates: Mobile apps are always being updated, and sports betting apps are no exception. It’s worth paying attention to any updates involving your sportsbook(s) of choice to see if there were any big changes made after an update.
Geolocation
All mobile sportsbooks are equipped with state-of-the-art geolocation services that confirm you’re located in a state where sports betting is legal and the sportsbook is able to operate. If you’re not located in a state where sports betting is legal, then the app won’t let you place any bets.
Offline Features
No sportsbook has any offline features since you need an internet connection to view odds and lines. If you’re going to be in a situation where you think you’re not going to have access to internet or mobile service, it’s important to make sure you place your bets beforehand.
Payment Options
You want to make sure that you pick a sports betting app that allows you to easily deposit money using your preferred method of payment. Almost every sports betting app allows you to fund your account using any of the following methods:
- ACH (electronic checking or direct deposit)
- Debit/credit cards
- Online transfer
- Wire transfer
- PayPal/Venmo/Apple Pay
Still, there can be some variation across sportsbooks, so be sure to check beforehand.
Payout Speed
Lastly, you’ll want a betting app that has quick payouts once you withdraw your money. The time typically depends on the withdrawal method you choose, but some apps have shorter processing times and pay out quicker than others.
For more information on this, check out the sportsbooks with the fastest payout speed.
Sports Betting Apps vs. DFS Apps
Before signing up for a sportsbook, it’s important to know the difference between a sports betting app and a daily fantasy sports (DFS) app.
A sports betting app is where you place wagers at a sportsbook. You can wager on a variety of sports betting markets there, including moneylines, spreads, Over/Unders and prop bets.
DFS is different from traditional sports betting. It’s where you build a lineup of players and try to score the most points relative to other bettors. It’s essentially playing fantasy sports for money.
It’s possible to do both, but just keep that in mind when signing up for a new account. Some companies like FanDuel and DraftKings offer both sports betting and DFS. They even have separate apps, so make sure you download the correct one.
Other operators only offer sports betting or DFS, so check before signing up.
How to Pick a Betting App
Sports betting apps provide similar services but slightly different experiences.
Whether you’re a brand-new bettor or a seasoned odds shopper, it helps to seek out certain qualities in an online sports betting platform.
Looking for a good starting point? Try operating systems. Most sportsbooks offer Android and iOS apps.
You can check the App Store or Google Play to confirm. Any sports betting site worth your while will have an app available for download on either platform.
From there, dig into the details. Almost every sports betting site will offer a sign-up bonus, throwing some free money on top of your initial deposit.
Compare bonuses from multiple sportsbooks (where available), and ask yourself: Which one gives me the best bang for my buck?
That said, you can claim welcome promotions at multiple online betting sites.
Be sure to check the rules associated with the offer. Is a hefty deposit required to trigger the bonus? Do you need to bet a certain amount before the freebie hits your account?
Then, jump straight to the features and functionality, including odds and market coverage. A solid online sportsbook will offer plenty of lines with competitive odds.
It should also be easy to find your desired bet. A sportsbook shouldn’t require you to go down a rabbit hole to find a particular game or bet.
How To Sign Up For a Sports Betting App
Once you’ve picked a sports betting app to join, signing up is easy.
- To start, simply download the app to your mobile device through the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Once you’ve downloaded the app, enter your personal information to verify your identity.
- Enter your promo code (if applicable) to claim your welcome bonus.
- Make a deposit using a verified payment method.
- Once you’ve made a deposit and have money in your account, you can start betting on whatever you want.
Registering for a sports betting app only takes a few minutes. Once you’ve set up your account and added some funds, you’re good to go.
Sports Betting Apps With ‘Free’ Money
One good way to choose a sportsbook is to determine which one has the best sign-up bonus, especially if it involves free money.
That means looking at each sportsbook available in your state and comparing their welcome offers.
Many sportsbooks like Caesars and BetMGM offer a first bet bonus that refunds your first wager in site credit if it loses. However, they are not giving you free money–they are merely giving you your money back if you lose.
Instead, you’re better off joining a sportsbook with a “bet and get” promotion where you earn bonus bets for wagering a small amount. They’re essentially giving you free money to bet with.
This is ideal for sports bettors because you can bet without risking your own money initially. You can also use these bonus bets to win real money and build up your betting bankroll without making a large deposit.
Payment Options for Sports Betting Apps
Once you’ve registered for a sportsbook, there are plenty of ways you can safely fund your account through the app.
These options vary by state and operator, but here are some of the most common deposit methods:
- Bank Transfer
- Credit/Debit Card
- PayPal
- Venmo
- Apple Pay
- Wire Transfer
- PayNearMe
- Skrill
- Gift Card
You can choose which option is the best and most convenient for you.
Similarly, there are a number of ways you can withdraw money from your account as well.
- Bank Transfer
- Debit Card
- PayPal
- Venmo
- Check By Mail
Sports betting apps protect your banking information, so you don’t have to worry about it being stolen when you’re making transactions through the app.
What is the Best App to Bet on Sports?
No single sportsbook is the best. It’s all about the user experience, and every user has a different experience.
There are numerous sports betting apps worth investigating. You’ll find the app(s) you like best by trying different options and figuring out which best fits your betting habits and preferences.
The bottom line is that the “best” sportsbook can depend on many factors, including the state you live in (or can most reasonably visit), promotions and market depth.
That said, the sports betting landscape has some clear frontrunners when it comes to mobile apps.
Sportsbook Rankings Methodology
We’ve taken the time to sample and research numerous sportsbooks, narrowing down a list of the best in the industry. These rankings can help you decide which ones to try first.
Our rankings are based on scores in the following categories:
- App reviews
- Availability across states
- Size of welcome offer
- Ease of claiming welcome offer
- Rewards program
- In-app streaming capabilities
- Existing user promos
- Customer service options
Below, we’ll break down each category and why it’s important to your sports betting experience.
App Reviews
A quick and easy way to get a sense of a sportsbook’s quality is by comparing user reviews on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android). Since ratings are out of five stars, you’ll generally want a sportsbook that’s well-regarded with an average score of at least four stars.
You can also dive into specific user comments to get a sense of what people are saying about the app and if there are any recurring complaints or issues. This can be helpful for features that are hard to gauge until you actually use the app, like lagginess or customer service.
Many commenters are there to complain, so don’t put too much stock in specific reviews.
That said, if you notice common themes throughout the comments, consider it a warning for issues you may encounter with the app.
State Availability
Each state handles sports betting differently. Some states allow both in-person and mobile sports betting, while others might only allow in-person sports betting or have a hard cap on the number of mobile sportsbooks permitted.
Accordingly, sportsbooks vary by state, as each state has to approve a sportsbook before it can launch there. No sportsbook is available in every state with legal online sports betting, but a few have launched in the majority of them.
Generally speaking, the more states a sportsbook is available in, the better. That means it’s more likely to be available in your state, a bordering state or a state you’re likely to travel to, making it easier and more convenient to use. That way, you’ll be able to take your sportsbook with you rather than needing to sign up for a new one every time you leave your state.
While smaller “local” sportsbooks usually offer profit boosts and other bonuses based on hometown teams, they’re usually only available in a handful of states at most, offering limited availability.
Size of Welcome Offer
This is an important one. How much free money will a sportsbook give you for signing up?
Most sportsbooks have welcome offers to entice new customers, but it’s important to know how these offers work. Just because an offer has a higher dollar amount attached to it doesn’t necessarily make it better.
Some sportsbooks have “bet and get” promotions where you receive bonus bets (site credit) just for wagering a small amount of money. For example, you might get $200 in bonus bets just for placing a $5 wager. You’re essentially getting free money to bet with.
Other sportsbooks have “no-sweat” offers that give a bonus bet only if your first bet loses.
For example, if you place a $20 bet after signing up and it loses, you’ll receive a $20 bonus bet, similar to a refund.
These offers tend to wow bettors with larger amounts than “bet and get” promos, often going up to $1,000 or $1,500. However, you’ll only receive a bonus bet if your first wager loses, in which case you’ll need to use the bonus bet to try to win your money back. If your wager wins, you’ll receive your cash winnings like a normal wager but won’t receive any bonus.
Accordingly, “no sweat” offers generally aren’t as good as “bet and get” promos.
When comparing sportsbooks, it’s better to focus on welcome offers with guaranteed bonuses that give you site credit no matter what.
Ease of Claiming Welcome Offer
The size of the bonus offer won’t matter if it’s difficult to claim.
The best sportsbook bonus offers are as easy to claim as they are generous, being simple and straightforward without requiring you to jump through hoops.
The best bonuses are guaranteed and hit your account instantly as soon as you place your first bet. They’ll also be easy to follow and won’t require you to check a bunch of boxes to get your bonus.
Some sportsbook bonus offers require you to make multiple wagers or wait days or weeks to unlock your full bonus. This can be inconvenient, especially if you’re trying to get your full bonus ahead of a major sporting event like the Super Bowl or March Madness .
More complex offers can be a pain, so we prefer simplified offers with fewer requirements.
Rewards Program
If you bet often and are planning to use a sportsbook frequently, a strong rewards program is essential.
Loyalty programs differ by sportsbook. Some give you rewards points for each bet, which can then be converted into bonus bets or other rewards. Others offer big rewards like free trips, hotel stays, tickets to sporting events and more.
On the other hand, some sportsbooks don’t have any rewards. That might not be a big deal for casual bettors, but it can make a difference for frequent sports bettors.
It’s like paying for something with cash versus a credit card. If you place a bet at a site without a loyalty program, you’re missing out on points elsewhere.
In-App Streaming Capabilities
While bigger sports like football or basketball are usually only available to watch via traditional cable or streaming services, some sportsbooks offer the ability to stream smaller sports in the app, which is a benefit for bettors.
For example, FanDuel ‘s app often streams tennis matches, which makes it easier to follow the action and place live wagers .
Beyond just offering live streaming, we also considered how laggy the stream was, how much battery it used and the amount of events available to stream in the app.
Existing User Promos
Most sportsbooks have some type of welcome offer to get new customers in the door, but where they really differ is with their promotions for existing customers.
Some sportsbooks offer a slew of daily promotions like odds boosts, no-sweat bets, bonus bets and more to keep customers coming back every day. Others only offer these sparingly, however, if at all.
One key existing user promo to consider is the referral bonus. Many sportsbooks have some type of referral bonus for getting someone else to sign up, but the amount can differ ($50 per person, $100, $200, etc.). If you’re planning to bet with friends or family, this can be a great way to score bonus bets for you and them.
Similar to a rewards program, you’ll want a sportsbook with frequent offers for existing customers if you plan to bet frequently.
Customer Service Options
Strong customer service options are a must for any sportsbook considering most disputes or calls involve someone’s money.
High marks were given to any sportsbook that offered 24/7 customer service (sporting events often end at night, after all), while points were deducted if a sportsbook relied on a FAQ page as a key part of its customer service profile. The more options for contacting customer service (email, chat, phone, etc.), the better.
Customer support is essential to guaranteeing a smooth sports betting experience. If a problem arises, it’s important to have it handled quickly and effectively.
