Mobile Sports Betting and Sportsbooks
Mobile sports betting and sportsbooks have revolutionized the way that people wager on various athletic contests. In the old days, a gambler had no choice but to hunker down in front of their PC and examine the available odds. That’s a thing of the past, however, as sportsbetting enthusiasts can now check the latest betting lines from anywhere on the planet, as long as there’s network coverage.
In this article, we’ll be taking a basic look at the world of portable sports betting, from the types of devices available to some of the best mobile-friendly sportsbooks. While the information contained within won’t allow you to pick profitable underdogs consistently, it will empower you to make the wisest possible decisions when it comes to buying a smartphone and picking a virtual bookie.
How Does Mobile Sports Betting Work?
The answer to this question is a simple one. Just whip out your smartphone or tablet computer and access your favorite online sportsbook. Then, use your finger or a stylus to scroll down the screen and examine the current point spread, over/under, and prop bets. Once you’ve found one or more tempting wagers, click on the games and enter the amount of money you want to risk.
That’s all there is to it. Casinos and sportsbooks want to make things as easy as possible for their mobile customers, especially since they may be viewing odds in a crowded setting or from inside a vehicle (hopefully in the passenger seat).
Differences between Mobile and PC Sports Betting
Once you’ve tried both options, you’ll realize that there’s little difference between mobile and PC sports betting. Both allow you to wager on various games, and both feature crisp, uncomplicated graphics.
The most notable difference is the level of portability. PCs remain large beasts unsuitable for transport, while laptops have become increasingly light over the years. However, neither can compare to a smartphone or tablet computer, as even a child can carry these devices in one hand with little effort.
If you were playing at a mobile casino, you might notice that fewer games were available, especially in the slot machine department. Luckily, that doesn’t matter with virtual sportsbooks, and you should have the same wagers available as someone camped in front of their PC.
Options for Mobile Sports Betting
Once you find an online sportsbook or casino that you can live with, you’ll also notice that many of them support various mobile services and products. The following is a list of the most commonly available options in case you’re about to be in the market for a new smartphone or tablet computer.
• Android – Based on the Linux kernel and developed by Google, this mobile operating system mainly powers touchscreen devices such as tablet computers and smartphones.
• iPad – Designed by Apple, the iOS mobile operating system powers this line of tablet computers. Over 250 million iPads had been sold by January of 2015.
• iPhone – A line of smartphones developed by Apple that run their iOS mobile operating system. As of this writing, there have been eight generations of iPhones, but expect that number to increase over the years.
Best Mobile Sportsbooks
Finding the best mobile sportsbook to meet your needs isn’t always an easy thing, as the Internet is littered with online gaming sites claiming to be superior to the competition. In order to make your decision simpler, I’ve assembled a list of reputable sites to choose from. I have personally wagered at each of these sites, and I’ve found all of them to be of the highest quality. But don’t take my word for it; be sure to do your own research before signing up.
• Bodog – Offers both a casino and sportsbook for the customers. Solid software with a top-flight design. Supports iOS and Android users.
• Bovada – One of the biggest names in online gambling. Quality all-around service that supports all major mobile devices and platforms.
• BetOnline – Founded in 2004, this site offers fast mobile service and no downloads for users of BlackBerry and iPhone devices. Get up to $50 free on your first bet.
Conclusion
Mobile sports betting and sportsbooks are the future of online gambling, especially for those who enjoy risking their hard-earned cash on various athletic competitions. You can place single-game and parlay wagers while on the go, as long as you have access to a network. Some sites also provide live coverage of select sporting events, which is an even greater incentive to wager on those games.
If you’ve never tried mobile sportsbetting, you might be surprised by what you’re missing out on. The hobby is even more exciting when you can check the progress of betting lines throughout the day, and being a member of multiple virtual books allows you to take advantage of competing odds to find the best deals. Assuming you own a smartphone or tablet computer, you’re only one step removed from an exciting new world of gambling possibilities.
Mobile Betting Questions and Answers
These days, more people are looking at their smartphones and tablets than PCs. So it should be little surprise that mobile betting has grown to become a large part of the online gaming industry.
If you have questions about placing bets from your smartphone or tablet, check out the common questions among mobile bettors.
How Can I Make Mobile Bets on Sports?
When you navigate to an online sportsbook through your mobile device, you need to navigate to the cashier section. Here you’ll find different banking options to use to make a deposit.
Once your account is funded, you can bet on whatever sports and lines you like.
What Sports Can I Bet On with a Smartphone?
You can bet on virtually any sport that you can think of. The smaller online sportsbooks only offer the major sports like baseball, basketball, football, ice hockey, and soccer.
But the larger sportsbooks even feature lines on obscure games like badminton, handball, Gaelic games, and table tennis.
What Mobile Devices Can I Use to Bet On Sports with?+
Android and Apple iOS are the two most-common products that mobile sportsbooks are compatible with. Other phones/tablets from Blackberry, Nokia, Samsung, and Windows Phone can also be used in many cases.
Can I Get a Mobile Sports Betting Bonus?+
Yes, most online sportsbooks offer a welcome bonus to first-time depositors. In some cases, you can even get a special bonus that’s specifically for mobile players.What rewards you receive beyond the bonus depends upon what sportsbook you’re dealing with.
What’s the Best Mobile Sportsbook?+
It’s hard to pinpoint the absolute best mobile sportsbook because everybody has different tastes. But some of the top sportsbooks for US and Canadian bettors include BetOnline, Bodog, Bovada, GTBets, Sports Interaction, and TopBet.
Is Mobile Betting Better or Worse than PC Wagering?+
Unlike online casinos and poker sites, where the smaller screen affects gameplay, mobile betting doesn’t have any disadvantages when compared to PC wagering.The lines are the same, and it’s not like you need a big screen just to place a bet or two. Plus, you get the obvious convenience benefit that’s associated with mobile gaming.
Can I Win with Mobile Sports Betting?+
Skilled bettors can win long-term profits, but this is easier said than done.First, you have to win 52.4% of your wagers back just to break even because the house takes 10% vigorish from the losing side. Next, you need to study the sport(s) that you’re betting on to become good enough to pick winners over the long haul.
Is Mobile Sports Betting Legal?+
This answer varies depending upon what country you live in. Mobile betting is legal in Canada and many other parts of the globe.But the activity is technically illegal in the US due to the Wire Act of 1961, which makes it illegal for companies to offer interstate sports betting.However, these laws haven’t really been enforced, which allows offshore betting sites to offer their services to American customers.
Is Mobile Betting Safe?+
There’s a tendency to worry about mobile betting because you’re sending information over the net with a handheld device. But luckily, you don’t have to worry about the safety of betting through a mobile device.Mobile sportsbooks feature encrypted technology that keeps would-be hackers out of your account and makes your betting experience totally safe.
Do Mobile Sportsbooks Pay Out?+
If you’re worried that a mobile sportsbook will keep your money after you’ve requested a cashout, don’t be.Mobile sportsbooks stake their reputation on honoring cashouts in a timely manner, so it’s a poor business model to stiff customers.Even still, you should always do research prior to depositing your money at any mobile sportsbook.