Best sports betting apps legal in the U.S. for August 2025

Which of the industry’s leading sports betting apps delivers the best experience? The top mobile betting apps are all licensed, regulated and highly trustworthy. For users, it makes wagering on their favorite leagues and teams quick and convenient, often with standout promos.

Each betting app brings unique strengths, offering an optimized on-the-go experience. Here are the top picks you can download today. All betting and operator information provided by Gambling.com.

Best sports betting apps quick view

1. BetMGM: Best for features like bet editing, same-game parlays and live streaming
   • App Store rating: 4.8 stars (239K ratings)
   • Google Play rating: 4.2 stars (36.6K ratings)
2. Caesars sportsbook: Offers a robust VIP program and generous win limits
   • App store rating: 4.7 stars (89.4K ratings)
   • Google Play rating: 4.5 stars (30.7K ratings)
3. Fanatics sportsbook: Stands out with FanCash rewards, ongoing promos and more
   • App Store rating: 4.8 stars (136K ratings)
   • Google Play rating: 4.6 stars (29.5K ratings)
4. bet365: Vast market coverage, live betting and a smooth app experience
   • App Store rating: 4.8 stars (187K ratings)
   • Google Play rating: 4.5 stars (34K ratings)
5. FanDuel: Known for ease of use, fast payouts, promotions and live betting tools
   • App Store rating: 4.9 stars (1.8M ratings)
   • Google Play rating: 4.6 stars (382K ratings)
6. DraftKings: Best for casual players, low minimum deposits, weekly free-to-play pools
   • App Store rating: 4.8 stars (846K ratings)
   • Google Play rating: 4.3 stars (174K ratings)
7. BetRivers: Best for fast payouts, with more than 80% of withdrawals approved instantly
   • App Store rating: 4.9 stars (22K ratings)
   • Google Play rating: 4.6 stars (8.7K ratings)

Expert reviews of top sports betting apps

After downloading and testing every legal, licensed sports betting app in the U.S., testers placed real-money wagers, claimed sportsbook promos, explored features, requested withdrawals and contacted support. Below are the findings from firsthand evaluations.

1. BetMGM

BetMGM combines MGM Resorts and Entain’s technology to offer a polished experience. Users find their bet editor, One Game Parlays and streaming for NBA, MLB and NHL to be standout features. Some name it the best app to bet on sports, and it also has one of the best online casinos in MI, NJ, PA and WV.

• Bonus code: First bet offer up to $1,500 with the BetMGM bonus code USATODAY in most states; in MI, NJ, PA, WV use code USATODAYBG150 for a Bet $10, Win $150 promotion
• Sports offered: More than 20 sports, including NFL, NBA, golf, darts, motorsports and winter sports
• Accessibility: Available in more than 20 states, including AZ, IL, MA, MI, NC, NJ, PA and more
• Top app feature: Parlay tool, cash-out and live betting

2. Caesars sportsbook

Caesars sportsbook blends the legacy of William Hill with Caesars Entertainment’s nationwide casino footprint, delivering one of the most polished and intuitive betting platforms in the industry. Many consider this to be the best sportsbook app, and it is known for its elite rewards program and consistently clean user experience.

• Bonus code: 20 profit boosts awarded when you bet $1+ using Caesars Sportsbook promo code USATODAY20X; max $25 per boost, up to $2,500 in additional winnings
• Sports offered: Extensive markets on NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, soccer, MMA, golf, tennis, cricket, rugby, darts and more
• Accessibility: Available in more than 20 states, including AZ, CO, IL, MA, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA
• Top app feature: Integrated Caesars Rewards, live betting with odds adjustment prompts

3. Fanatics sportsbook

Fanatics sportsbook extends the brand’s retail expertise into sports betting with one of the smoothest and most intuitive apps available. The platform is mobile-only and earns praise for quick navigation and near-instant withdrawals.

• Bonus: The Fanatics Sportsbook promo allows you to choose your offer. The flagship Fanatics bonus is a $100 No Sweat Bet every football gameday to start the season through the end of September ($25 in New York). Odds must be +300 or better on your qualifying football wager of $1 or more, and if that bet loses you receive FanCash back. FanCash can be exchanged for bonus bets or used to purchase merchandise at the Fanatics apparel store. Bettors can choose a secondary offer instead: Bet $10 on odds of -500 or better and get $50 in FanCash win or lose. In New York, the secondary offer is a 100% profit boost token each day for five straight days.
• Sports offered: NFL, NBA, WNBA, college sports, UFC, F1, NASCAR, golf, hockey, tennis, soccer and more
• Accessibility: Available in more than 20 states, including AZ, IL, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, VA
• Top app feature: FanCash rewards for every bet, usable for apparel or future wagers; odds boosts

4. bet365

bet365 is a global leader among sportsbook apps, with a growing footprint in the U.S. It’s particularly strong for live streaming and in-play betting, offering quick payouts and one of the best international market selections.

• Bonus: The bet365 bonus code offer delivers a bet $5 to get $200 in bonus bets promo; flexible usage and just a 1x playthrough; can choose $1,000 first-bet safety net if player prefers
• Sports offered: NFL, NBA, soccer, motorsports, cricket, boxing, golf, UFC and global markets
• Accessibility: Available in 13 states, including IL, NC, OH, TN, VA
• Top app feature: Extensive live streaming paired with elite in-play betting interface

5. FanDuel sportsbook

FanDuel is the market leader in mobile sports betting, offering a deep selection of betting options, fast withdrawals, and seamless integration with its casino, racing, and DFS platforms. Most popular among sportsbook apps, and also boasts one of the best casino apps in MI, PA, NJ and WV.

• Bonus: Bet $5 to get $300 in bonus bets if the wager wins — no promo code required
• Sports offered: More than 20 sports including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, soccer, cricket, darts, motorsports, rugby and more
• Accessibility: Available in more than 24 states, including AZ, CO, MA, MD, MI, NC, OH, PA, TN
• Top app feature: Customizable NFL parlays, fast interface and live betting

6. DraftKings sportsbook

DraftKings rivals FanDuel in popularity, known for its elite interface, sharp pricing, and a massive variety of markets. It also integrates with DFS and casino gaming on the same platform in many states.

• Bonus: Bet $5, Get $200 in bonus bets (awarded as eight $25 credits) plus more than $200 off NFL Sunday Ticket from YouTube & YouTube TV; 1x playthrough, 7-day expiry
• Sports offered: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, darts, rugby, eSports, Olympic events and special markets like the Oscars
• Accessibility: Available in more than 24 states, including AZ, CO, MA, MD, MI, NC, OH, PA, TN
• Top app feature: User-friendly interface with proprietary SBTech software and live same-game parlay options

7. BetRivers sportsbook

BetRivers offers one of the fastest payout systems among sportsbook apps and a clean layout with competitive odds and rewards. It’s known for offering strong local market promos and daily odds boosts.

• Bonus: Second-chance bet up to $500, issued as site credit if your first bet loses
• Sports offered: Football, basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer, MMA, tennis, niche markets like jai alai, darts and water polo
• Accessibility: Available in more than 10 states, including MI, NJ, PA, WV
• Top app feature: Fast withdrawals, strong state-specific promos and live streaming for select sports

Comparing sports betting apps by key factors

How to use a sportsbook app

All of the leading sportsbook apps are 100 percent free to download, which is recommended after you have tapped BET NOW next to the desired offers (making sure to claim the maximum welcome bonus).

Each of these apps is consistently responsive, well-designed and feature-rich on both iOS and Android platforms.

Installing iOS sportsbook apps

Most of the top sportsbook apps are available to download on both your iPhone or iPad, and those apps are optimized for each. After signing up with the links available here and securing the welcome offer:

1. Go to the App Store and search for your app (e.g., BetMGM sportsbook or bet365 sportsbook).
2. Tap the download button to add it to your phone/tablet.
3. Once downloaded, open the app and sign in to the account using the username and password created during registration.
4. Turn on geolocation services for the app so that the sportsbook app can confirm your location and that you can legally bet.

Installing Android sportsbook apps

Much like with the App Store, the apps you will find on Google Play can be used both for Android phones and tablets. Download your sportsbook app after securing your welcome offer.

1. Go to Google Play and search for your app (e.g., Caesars sportsbook or Fanatics sportsbook).
2. Tap the download button to add it to your mobile phone or tablet.
3. Once downloaded, open the app and sign in to the account using the username and password created during registration.
4. Make sure to turn on geolocation services for the app so that the sportsbook app can confirm your location and that you can legally bet. If you don't, you'll get a pop-up on the betting app instructing you to do so.

Now, it's time to bet. Users will see odds boosts and other featured bets on the app home page. Pick one of those or choose a sport from the main menu/navigation bar. Tap the desired game or futures market. If you find odds you like, tap on them to add to your mobile betslip. Then enter the amount of your wager (or if you are using site credit or a bonus bet) and tap again to confirm the wager.

How to rate legal betting apps

Reviewers look for the same thing bettors do — are sportsbook apps are rated based on that criteria, including:

• App usability: Navigation bars, search functions and clear layouts help users find what they want and get in and out of markets quickly. Reviewers put a premium on this, especially when looking at the top betting apps for beginners.
• Welcome bonuses for new users: Just about every app will deliver a welcome offer, ranging from guaranteed bonus bets (DraftKings, Fanatics) to profit boosts (Caesars) and bonus-bet refunds for losing first bets (BetMGM). These online betting app offers should be easy to understand and capitalize on.
• Ongoing promotions for existing customers: From odds boosts to early cashouts to parlay protection if a single leg loses, leading sportsbook apps keep rewarding regular players with value-packed offers.
• Competitive odds: Reviewers compare odds on a host of sports events across all of the online betting apps and give extra points to those that offer reduced juice lines such as -107 instead of -110 on spread betting. Futures and props are where users can see the most variance; DraftKings and bet365 shone when comparing market vs market.
• Sports selection: Expect 20+ sports from NFL and NBA to rugby union, soccer, cricket and table tennis, with hundreds of markets for most games. Some states may offer eSports betting, too, while others restrict wagering on in-state college teams.
• Customer service: Caesars has one of the top customer service teams, but each of the top apps must be responsive to customers' needs and questions. Reviewers prefer operators with 24/7 live chat and a dedicated phone line, but those methods are not universally available.
• Trustworthy banking methods: These are all among the safest sports betting apps in the U.S., deploying encryption and other security methods to protect your data and banking information. Reviewers also want to see a host of reliable banking methods, such as PayPal, online banking and payment directly to your debit card. Extra points to the fastest payout sports betting app, BetRivers.

Pros and cons of using sports betting apps

Pros

• Quick access to bets and promotions from anywhere
• Push notifications keep players updated on offers and odds changes
• Multiple apps mean more bonuses and better odds shopping
• Ideal for live betting with real-time lines

Cons

• Smaller screen space than a desktop may limit visibility
• Apps use device storage
• Lack of social experience found at retail sportsbooks
• Apps may require frequent updates

Available sports betting types

Players can choose from a broad array of betting options at the best betting apps. Check out the most popular betting options below:

1. Point spread: Predict who covers the line
2. Moneyline: Straight winner picks
3. Totals (over/under): Combined stats outcomes
4. Parlays: Multiple legs in one bet ― can be a "same-game parlay" or mix different events into one bet
5. Props: Player and team performance stats
6. Live betting: Making bets on constantly updated odds after a game or content has begun

What is live betting in sports?

Live betting, otherwise known as in-play wagering, involves making bets after a game or contest has started. Sports betting apps update moneylines, spreads, totals and prop bet odds in real-time using algorithms. This type of wagering is perfect for mobile betting, as you can wager on-the-go, from your seat at a game - anywhere within a legal state.

Users find live betting features to be smooth and fast across top apps. bet365 and FanDuel particularly stood out with deep markets, streaming and play-by-play data that helped us place smarter in-play wagers. In the end, while all of these apps deliver a pleasurable live betting experience, many find bet365 to be the best sports betting app for live betting.

Sports markets available on top sportsbook apps

All of the top sportsbook apps feature robust markets on the major sports ― football (NFL, CFL, college football), baseball (MLB, college, world leagues), basketball (NBA, WNBA, college hoops, major international leagues) and hockey (NHL and major international leagues). On NFL Sundays, users can find thousands of potential wagers on these top NFL betting apps.

But choices are not limited to just the major sports and biggest leagues. Each of these best sportsbook apps will have plenty of soccer, tennis, golf and motorsports offerings, including NASCAR and Formula 1. Players will also find scores of bets on UFC events, too.

Are you more into cricket? What about table tennis? Rugby? Sites such as bet365 will offer odds on those "niche" sports as well, and will also feature Olympics odds and winter sports betting.

Payment options for sports betting apps

The best sports betting apps provide a wide variety of secure deposit and withdrawal options. Deposits are available for immediate use, while withdrawals are processed quickly — often within minutes, and rarely exceeding a few business days, depending on the method selected. This streamlined and reliable banking experience is a key advantage of using legal, regulated online sportsbooks.

• Deposits: Credit/debit cards, PayPal, Play+, ApplePay, Venmo, online banking, PayNearMe, in-person at affiliated sportsbook and more.
• Withdrawals: Vary by method — BetRivers and FanDuel are among the fastest, though bet365 and Fanatics pay out very quickly as well.
• Minimums: Usually $10 for deposits, but some allow $5 or $20; some operators have a minimum withdrawal of $20, while others allow you to withdraw less.

Getting support at sportsbook apps

All recommended apps are licensed in the U.S. and use encryption, secure data storage and multi-factor authentication. Reviewers reached out to support teams across platforms and received prompt, helpful responses every time.

Support channels include:

1. Live Chat
2. Email
3. Phone
4. Social DMs
5. FAQ/Help Centers

Responsible betting with mobile sportsbooks

Responsible betting is essential when using mobile sportsbooks. Most apps offer tools like deposit limits, time-outs, self-exclusion and activity tracking to help users stay in control.

Bettors should monitor their habits and seek support if gambling becomes problematic. Resources such as Gamblers Anonymous and the National Council on Problem Gambling offer confidential help and guidance. Always bet within your limits and use licensed apps that promote safe play.

Which sports betting app is best for you?

There are myriad factors that contribute to a bettor's favorite app, including the welcome offer, customer support and markets offered. Players should sign up for multiple apps to collect more welcome offers and test out all the features.

Ultimately, these are the top strengths of the leading mobile sportsbook:

1. Best for overall user experience: BetMGM
2. Best for live betting: bet365
3. Best for loyalty program: Caesars
4. Best for fast payouts: BetRivers
5. Best for casual bettors: Fanatics
6. Best for prop bets: DraftKings
7. Best for newcomers: FanDuel

Get started with the best betting apps

The sports betting apps listed here all offer elite mobile experiences. You can sign up with more than one to maximize welcome offers and take advantage of odds boosts.

Stick to the trusted operators reviewed above to ensure fast payouts and a secure betting environment where you'll know your information is protected from start to finish.

Sports betting apps FAQs

What is the best betting app now?

The best betting app right now depends on what you're looking for. For overall user experience, BetMGM stands out thanks to its polished interface, parlay tools and live streaming. bet365 is unmatched for live betting, while FanDuel offers fast payouts and a highly intuitive layout. These rank among the top legal options based on features, promotions, speed, and ease of use.

What sports betting app gives you the best odds?

Apps like bet365 and DraftKings consistently offer some of the most competitive odds, especially for major markets and props. bet365 is known for reduced juice pricing and superior in-play markets, while DraftKings frequently edges competitors in futures and alternate lines. Odds can vary slightly by sport and event, so signing up for multiple apps allows you to shop for the best lines.

Can you win real money on sportsbook apps?

Yes, all legal sportsbook apps in the U.S. allow you to win real money. Once you place a bet and it wins, the profits are credited to your account and can be withdrawn via secure banking methods. These sportsbook apps are operated by licensed sportsbooks and follow strict payout and data protection standards.

Are sports betting apps legal in the United States?

Sportsbook apps are legal in many U.S. states where online sports betting has been approved and regulated. States such as New Jersey, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania and others offer fully legal sports betting through licensed apps like FanDuel, Caesars, and DraftKings. Always use apps licensed in your state for full legal protection. Missouri sports betting apps will launch in late 2025.

How can I tell if a betting app is safe and licensed?

A safe, legal betting app will be licensed by your state’s gaming commission, such as the Michigan Gaming Control Board, and display its license details in the app or website footer. Legit sportsbook apps also use encryption to protect your personal and banking information. Stick to well-known names such as BetMGM, Fanatics and Caesars, or visit your state regulator’s website to verify licensing.

What is the most trusted sports betting app?

FanDuel is one of the most trusted mobile sports betting apps. It has been running Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) contests across the country for many years and has the industry’s largest market share. Because of this, it is a well-known brand among sports fans. However, all mobile betting apps in this guide are trustworthy and legit.

Do sports betting apps differ from online sportsbooks?

Apps offer identical betting markets and promos as desktop sites but are optimized for mobile access and notifications.

How do sports betting apps work?

Sports betting apps let you create an account, deposit funds and place real-money wagers on sports. Once logged in, choose a sport, select a game or market and tap to add a pick to your betslip. Enter your stake, confirm the bet and track the outcome live. Winning bets are paid out automatically and can be withdrawn with ease.

Is it legal to use more than one sportsbook app?

Yes, it’s completely legal — and recommended — to use multiple sportsbook apps in states where betting is allowed. Doing so gives you access to more welcome bonuses, helps you shop for better odds and lets you compare features like payout speeds, promos, and live betting tools. Most savvy bettors use 2–4 apps to maximize value.