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Home > Best Sports Betting Sites in the US 2024 > Best Real Money Betting Apps in the US 2024

Best Real Money Betting Apps in the US 2024

Last Updated on December 2, 2024
Fact checked by: Chris A

Playing fantasy sports or free casino games is only good to a certain degree. Sure, it’s important to hone your skills and become a better bettor. But once you’re more certain in your capabilities, it’s time for real money betting apps. Yes, there are certain risks involved. However, you can remove them from the equation by taking the necessary steps.

Oftentimes, though, doing the research can be tasking and time-consuming. Fortunately, the Gambla team is on your side. With more than 15 years of experience in the industry, we know how to sniff out lackluster bookies. So if you want to save time and gamble legally in a carefree manner, keep on reading.

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Advantages of Using Real Money Betting Apps 

With land-based casinos, bookies, and mobile websites, many wonder why someone should use real money betting apps. Although they seem like a variation on the other formats, things aren’t as they seem. In the last couple of years, we noticed people have a few particular things in mind. Before you start playing, think about how the following affects your gameplay:

advantages of using real money betting apps

Betting on the Go

We all love sitting in the comfort of our homes while betting. But as you’re probably aware, that isn’t always possible. There are a lot of things that can interfere with your betting schedule, but real money betting apps can fix that. No matter where you are, you can just log in, place a bet and call it a day. Thus, apps are the best solution for anyone unable to always bet in front of a PC.

However, you should remember that you can’t bet in every state. You’ll only be able to access the app if you’re in a state where they’re licensed. Otherwise, you’ll be locked out of the app. Still, some bookies allow you to look at the odds if you have an account. It’s not ideal, but it’s better than being without your bookie.

More Features

Gambling traffic in the US comes primarily from mobile devices. As a result, developers invest much more effort into adding new features. Most of them are QOL additions, such as new shortcuts or UI solutions. But some brands go overboard and decide to treat their players with novelties.

It’s also worth mentioning that real money betting apps are also used for testing. When bookies want to introduce something new, they use apps as the testing ground. Of course, this depends from site to site. There are new apps being launched every day, and brands want your attention.

Exclusive Promos 

And speaking of attention, betting apps garner much of it because of their bonuses. Most of the time, they share the same collection of promos with the desktop site. But there are also cases where bookies want to promote their app. And to attract more players, they release a couple of mobile-exclusive bonuses.

These are almost always for new players. Gambla’s recommended bookies have a habit of doing this, so give our list another look. No matter what you choose, though, always read the Terms & Conditions. This document contains all the essential info, plus it can reveal any red flags you need to know about.

Immersive Experience 

Even if you’re playing in a mobile browser, you’re still not getting the full experience. Usually, when developers make a website, they take the one-size-fits-all approach. No matter what device you have, you’ll have the same experience. Sure, it’s convenient but you can’t really escape the browser’s UI elements.

Real money betting apps, on the other hand, remove this out of the equation. It’s just you and the app, as it takes over the whole screen. This allows developers to adapt the software to various mobile devices. And that’s how everyone can get an immersive experience in the palm of their hand.

What Makes Betting Apps Stand Out 

Even though there are more apps than ever, it seems most of them follow the same format. Amongst other things, this is due to some solutions proving to be better than the others. But, as they say, the devil is in the details. The Gambla team deliberated long and hard, before agreeing on five key aspects of real money betting apps. Focus on them, and you won’t pick the wrong site:

Game Variety

First and foremost, you have to see if the app provides the right content or not. Regardless of their target audience, every bookie and casino must embrace variety. It’s by far the best way to develop your skills and learn new things. Sure, we all have a game or sport we love, but everything gets boring after a while.

Then again, this is a game of nuances. The best real money betting apps have thousands of games or available markets. But at the same time, most people will never really play that much. Thus, even a couple of hundred will do. So before you claim any bonus or make a deposit, think about what you want to bet on.

Responsive Support

People often say you can judge betting apps by their conduct in crisis situations. For the average player, this can be a dispute, late withdrawal, or even a software bug. When any of these things occur, you need quality support. A properly trained employee can both diagnose the issue and resolve it in a short amount of time.

Some real money betting apps still don’t realize the value of this. You’ll recognize them by slow response times and copy-pasted answers. We’ve even seen a couple without any sort of FAQ section. If you sniff out any of this, then you know it’s not an app you should be dealing with.

Quality Software & Usability 

Betting app software isn’t just about games or odds. In fact, that software isn’t even made by the company behind the app. They just acquire it from a provider or oddsmaker. What really counts is how the site works as a whole. Whether it’s loading times or animations, everything has to work perfectly. Of course, bugs can happen to anyone, but they must be resolved quickly.

Likewise, real money betting apps must be user-friendly. No matter how many features there are, players must be able to find them quickly and easily. Otherwise, you’d be losing precious time. Usually, Gambla reviews this part last and considers it the most important one.

Different Betting Apps You Should Know About 

When someone says ‘real money betting apps’ they usually mean online bookies. However, the notion of betting is also used to talk about casino games. With that in mind, not every app offers everything. Different companies specialize in different things, which is why you’ll run into the following kinds of betting apps:

Sports Betting Apps

Also known as sportsbooks, these apps are the pinnacle of wagering on US sports. Because you’ll be using standalone software, the whole screen will be used to display important information. And without design-related restrictions, you can view everything more clearly. If you’re a pro or have a thing for tidy layouts, sports betting apps are meant for you.

Before you register an account, take a couple of days’ time and monitor the odds. At the same time, compare them to other bookmakers. If they consistently post significantly better or worse lines, something is fishy.

Slots Apps 

Despite being considered casino games, slots are their own separate world. The principle is simple – spin the reels and try to get the symbols to align. Different symbols have different values, which gives you many avenues to victory. Likewise, there are also extra features, such as free spins, Wild symbols, and much more.

Before you choose a slot app, first consider Gambla’s judgment. If we haven’t reviewed them yet, player reviews are your best friend. No matter how hard bookies try, they can’t silence public sentiment. And if that sentiment is overwhelmingly negative, you’ll find out easily.

Poker Apps 

Poker is neck and neck with Blackjack and slots are the most popular casino games. It’s unique, too, mainly because it’s a mix of luck and skill. You can also bluff and win even if luck isn’t on your side. And as the cherry on top, Poker comes in many shapes and sizes. If you’re a simple man/woman, Texas Hold’em is the way to go. Then you have Heads-up and HORSE Poker, both meant for advanced players.

If you’re into multiplayer games, check the network the app is on. This is important because a large network means many players to play against. Smaller Poker networks, on the other hand, are infested by either complete newbies or sharks. In addition, take time to test the video Poker or live Poker software. They must come from reputable providers.

Live Dealer Apps 

And last but not least – the newest form of online gambling. Live dealer apps are the closest thing to brick-and-mortar casinos. The game takes place in a real-life studio, and the action is live streams. Using the UI, you can place bets and interact with the dealer. These apps can have anything from Blackjack to experimental hame shows.

People love these real money betting apps because of the community factor. You can chat with other players and the dealer. These means breaks are intermingled with jokes and storytelling. That’s what playing at betting apps should be – fun and not just profit chasing.

Top Real Money Betting Apps for 2024

If you want to enjoy yourself properly, aim for one of these top-notch real money betting apps:

top really money betting apps

BetMGM

BetMGM is a relatively new app, but it comes from a reputable brand. MGM was able to gain licenses in over ten states, which means they must be doing something right. Gambla loves their NFL props. Even though FanDuel is closing in on them, BetMGM always comes out with some random off-the-pitch proposition. The app is beautifully designed, and comes with plenty of bonuses, too. Hence, BetMGM tops our list of the best real money betting apps.

DraftKings

When it comes to availability, DraftKings tops this list with ease. You can download their software in more than 20 states. That’s a record that’s only going to grow as new states join the legal sports betting fold. The reason why we appreciate this betting app is its versatility. Sure, NBA and NHL might be the top dogs, but there are also plenty of niche sports and markets.

FanDuel

Even though it began as a fantasy sports site, FanDuel is firmly entrenched in the sports betting scene. They love their futures, while teasers and early odds also work in this app’s favor. We love how everything is designed with simplicity in mind. At the time of writing this review, they had a couple of decent promos for mobile users. What’s more, PC and mobile gameplay flow equally smoothly. This works well for the 10+ states FanDuel is available in.

Bet365

If we had to pick the best real money app for beginners, it would be Bet365, hands down. With a $10 minimum deposit, they welcome casuals. You can deposit instantly with over a dozen different methods. No other bookie, aside from maybe DraftKings, takes care of the basics this well. In terms of available sports, NFL and European soccer reign supreme. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the 30 or so sports that are always available. Accessibility-wise,

Tipico

Coming from Germany, Tipico is an unlikely entry in this list. However, they’re also the second-most reputable, after the legendary Bet365. Tipico is currently licensed in Colorado, Iowa, Ohio, and New Jersey. Indiana is next in line, judging by the announcement on the site. This app is perhaps the cleanest of all, with many QOL features and a great bet builder. We also like how they accept Apple Pay, earning them points for convenience.

Staying Safe While Playing at Real Money Betting Apps 

Even if you pick the best real money betting apps, your safety is in your hands. This can be a daunting tasking if you’re a beginner but don’t worry. Just mind the following four things, and you’ll be okay:

safe gambling at real money betting apps

Player Safety Features

Aside from encryptions and server security, safety also refers to your own activities on the site. And we all know how risky of an activity gambling really is. To stay safe, you can set deposit and bet limits, or even set a cap on time spent on the app. iOS lets you do this natively, and it’s a great tool for responsible gambling.

State Licensing 

Before you give the app your personal info, check their license. Contrary to popular belief, this doesn’t mean just looking for the logo in the footer area. To be extra sure, contact the regulator and look the bookie/casino up in the public registry. If everything checks out, you can move forward.

Software Security 

It’s 2024, and there’s no excuse for slacking when it comes to basic features. This means SSL encryption, firewalls, and a robust Privacy Policy must be present. Real money betting apps mustn’t share your data with third parties. The Gambla team always reports any vulnerabilities, if we encounter them during our tests.

Reputability 

And last but not least, we have word of mouth. No licenses and expensive security systems can save a dishonest bookie. Such qualities always show, and players are happy to voice them online. The best real money betting apps have a spotless track record. They mustn’t have any scandals, unresolved disputes, and controversies in their company history.

How to Install and Start Playing on a Betting Apps 

To install and start playing on real money betting apps, just follow these steps:

Installation and Registration 

  1. Choose a Betting App: There are various betting apps available for different platforms such as iOS and Android. Research and select a reputable and reliable betting app that suits your needs.
  2. Check Compatibility: Ensure that your device meets the minimum requirements for the app you chose. Check the app’s documentation or website to find out this info. Don’t try to run it if it says you can’t. That’s a surefire way to fry your phone or just worsen your experience.
  3. Download and Install: Visit the respective app store for your device and search for the chosen betting app. Download and install it on your device. Do not download software from third-party sites or outdated versions of the app. That’s a security risk.
  4. Create an Account: Launch the installed betting app and look for the “Sign Up” or “Register” button. Provide your personal information, too. The request typically includes your name, email address, username, and DOB. Make sure to choose a strong password to protect your account.
  5. Verify Your Account: Some betting apps may require you to verify your account by clicking on a verification link. Others have stricter rules, such as mandatory video calls and ID scans. You can find all this information in Gambla’s reviews. We prefer sites that don’t jeopardize the UX because of security. There’s a fine line between the two.

The Betting Part

  1. Deposit Funds: To start betting, your account needs money. Look for the “Deposit” or “Banking” section and choose a preferred payment method. You also need to enter your personal information, especially if you’re using a card.
  2. Explore Betting Markets: Once your account is funded, start looking at available markets and games. Before you do anything, make a list of the things you want to do. That way, you won’t get tempted into unnecessary spending.
  3. Place Bets: Select the event or game you want to bet on. But make sure you only bet on sports you know. Otherwise, don’t expect a sliver of success. And most importantly, never expect to win. Gambling is luck, with skills and preparation only playing a minor part.
  4. Withdraw: If your bets are successful, you can withdraw your winnings. Locate the “Withdraw” or “Cash Out” section, select the withdrawal method and follow the instructions. Keep in mind that all apps have minimum and maximum withdrawal limits. So always choose a site that’s to your preferences.

Wrapping Things Up

In conclusion, real money betting apps are definitely a good idea. It takes no effort to download the software, and the benefits are immense. You’ll be able to bet on the go, as well as have access to exclusive promos for smartphone users. Likewise, the experience is much more immersive. The app takes up the whole screen and lets you soak in the action.

Most importantly, you should stick to Gambla’s recommendations. These top-notch bookies earn their place after months of testing and comparisons. But that doesn’t mean you should sit idly and forget about safety. Check the licensing yourself, too, followed by reading online player reviews. And if you bet intelligently and don’t take many risks, you’ll have a lot of fun. Good luck.

Best Betting Apps by US state

FAQ

Are US betting apps better than mobile websites?

This depends on a number of factors. Some people say they aren’t, but that’s only those who don’t like downloading extra apps. If you don’t fall into this group, then yes. They are more immersive and sometimes even trigger exclusive bonuses.

Can I play at real money betting apps on a tablet?

Yes, but this depends on the model and OS version of your device. Android tablets are hit and miss since the software is different in every one. iPads, on the other hand, can support most, if not all real money betting apps. Just make sure iPadOS is up to date.

What are the top real money betting apps for US players?

DraftKings and FanDuel are commonly thought of as the best real money betting apps. However, the European influence is growing stronger. Bet365 and Tipico are hot on their tails and bring a lot of innovation to the table.

Is it easy to download real money betting apps in the US?

Yes. You just have to go to your app marketplace or click a link on the mobile website. Some sites let you download their app APKs (Android Package Kits). These are often risky, and Gambla advises against using apps outside the App/Play Store.

Oftentimes, yes. Real money betting apps are more than happy to sweeten the deal with a promo. And since they want more traffic on their apps, desktop players are excluded. However, you can always claim the promo on mobile and play on your PC.

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