If you’re new to the sports betting landscape, it can be confusing and overwhelming. With different betting platforms vying for your attention, the decision on which app to use can feel daunting. But don’t worry; we’ve sifted through the myriad of sports betting apps to identify the top five options tailored for your betting needs, especially as you tackle angles on NFL Week 16 and the College Football Playoff.
Jump to:
What Can I Bet On Using Sports Betting Apps This Week?
This weekend brings excitement with four College Football Playoff matchups. On Friday, we have the showdown between No. 8 Oklahoma and No. 9 Alabama, followed by three more on Saturday: No. 5 Oregon vs. No. 12 James Madison, No. 6 Ole Miss against No. 11 Tulane, and No. 7 Texas A&M squaring off with No. 10 Miami.
No. 8 Oklahoma vs. No. 9 Alabama: Expect a clash of elite defenses as Oklahoma’s relentless pressure meets Alabama’s struggling offense after a tough SEC title game.
No. 5 Oregon vs. No. 12 James Madison: A monumental test for James Madison as they face off against a national title contender in Oregon, making any upset quite significant.
No. 6 Ole Miss vs. No. 11 Tulane: With coaching uncertainties, Ole Miss embarks on its CFP journey without Lane Kiffin, raising questions about their adaptability and strategy.
No. 7 Texas A&M vs. No. 10 Miami: The Aggies are favored by 3.5 points, setting the stage for a crucial elimination match with daunting prospects for the victor ahead against Ohio State.
Best Sports Betting Apps 2025
Before diving into specific apps, it’s essential to recognize that the sports betting market is vast. While heavyweights like DraftKings and FanDuel dominate about 72% of the U.S. sports betting landscape, other options might better suit your preferences, especially regarding new-user bonuses and promotions.
1. bet365 Sportsbook
bet365 has garnered respect worldwide, particularly in Europe, and is showing promising growth in the U.S. Its user-friendly platform makes it an excellent starting point for newcomers, offering extensive betting options, especially for niche sports like tennis and golf.
Pros
- Excellent user experience; easy to navigate without distractions.
- Robust options for niche sports and unique prop bets.
- Established and trustworthy brand with decades of experience.
Cons
- Limited availability in certain states, with no presence in New York yet.
New users can enjoy a welcome bonus: Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose! using the bonus code NYPOST365.
2. BetMGM Sportsbook
As a long-standing competitor, BetMGM has redesigned its app to compete with industry leaders like DraftKings and FanDuel. Its live-betting platform is top-notch, complemented by various promotions that keep users engaged.
Pros
- Widely available across most states.
- Renowned brand providing a rewarding loyalty program.
Cons
- Limited offerings for certain niche sports.
- Occasional lack of same-game parlay options.
New users can snag a 20% Deposit Match up to $1,500 in Sports Bonus using the BetMGM bonus code NYPDM1500.
3. Fanatics Sportsbook
The newest contender, Fanatics Sportsbook, aims to set itself apart by branding as “the most rewarding.” With unique offerings like FanCash, users can earn rewards usable for sports gear and betting credits.
Pros
- Sleek and easy-to-navigate app interface.
- Attractive bonuses through FanCash, redeemable for merchandise.
Cons
- Some strict betting limits might deter high-stakes players.
New users can choose from various bonus offers, such as up to $250 Back in FanCash.
4. Caesars Sportsbook
The Caesars Sportsbook app excels in user-friendliness, simplifying the process for bettors to find what they’re looking for without needless complexity. It also has the advantage of offering substantial promotions.
Pros
- Superb ease of navigation within the app.
- A well-established brand known for loyalty rewards.
- A wide variety of sports and markets available.
Cons
- Promotions may not be as extensive as competitors.
- Limited prop markets compared to other industry leaders.
5. DraftKings Sportsbook
As the industry leader, DraftKings Sportsbook is designed for everyone, from casual bettors to seasoned gamblers. The app is straightforward, ensuring even infrequent users can navigate it with ease.
Pros
- Dominant presence in the market.
- User-friendly design suitable for all experience levels.
- Available in almost all legalized states.
Cons
- Pricing often less competitive compared to other sportsbooks.
- Focus on casual bettors may lead to less appealing offers for high rollers.
Why I Prefer Sports Betting Apps vs. Desktop Websites
For me, the preference for sports betting apps over desktop websites boils down to convenience. With mobile devices almost always within reach, apps allow quick and easy access to place bets, especially when you’re on the go. Plus, most modern sports betting apps are designed for speed, ensuring a smooth experience as you navigate through various options.
Pros of Using Sports Betting Apps vs. Desktop Websites
- More convenient for on-the-go use than a stationary computer.
- Faster performance when connected to the internet.
- Ability to bet anytime and anywhere within legal states.
Cons of Using Sports Betting Apps vs. Desktop Websites
- Harder to compare odds across multiple sportsbooks on mobile.
- More user-friendly navigation available on desktop.
- Easier to multi-task and conduct research on a desktop.
Availability
Previously, sportsbooks often did not offer apps suitable for all states. However, as the market has expanded, it’s now standard for sportsbooks to provide widely available mobile applications, enhancing accessibility for users in various regions.
Ease of Use
Sportsbooks understand that a simple, user-friendly app is essential to keep bettors engaged. Therefore, modern apps are designed to streamline the betting process, ensuring users can easily fulfill their betting needs.
Live Betting
For an exhilarating betting experience, live betting is best conducted via mobile devices, allowing you to place bets while enjoying the game without the hassle of navigating a computer setup.
Best Sports Betting Apps FAQs
Are Sports Betting Apps Safe to Use?
Yes, reputable sportsbooks implement advanced encryption measures to secure transactions and protect user data, ensuring a safe betting environment.
What is the Best Sports Betting App?
Among my recommendations, bet365 Sportsbook stands out as the top choice, thanks to its user-friendly platform and numerous bonuses geared toward new bettors.
Can I Make a Deposit Using an Online Sports Betting App?
Absolutely! Users can make deposits using their preferred banking methods through the app.
What Sports Can I Bet On a Sports Betting App?
Some typical sports available on most apps include the NFL, MLB, NBA, NCAA football and basketball, NHL, and WNBA, along with various international and niche sports offerings.