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Mobile Sports Betting Is Changing the Game

Aaron Gray

by Aaron Gray

Updated Sep 28, 2020 · 12:49 PM PDT

The revolution has come full circle: Not only does sports gambling no longer require shady bookies or a trip to a dingy casino, placing a sports bet online no longer requires a computer either!

Mobile betting is commonplace, easy-to-use, and the preferred option for many on-the-go account holders. In fact, by 2020, there will be six billion mobile devices in use. As smartphones evolve and wireless networks quicken, sportsbooks are seriously prioritizing mobile functionality.

In this article, we look at the features you want in a smartphone, the best betting platform to optimize your experience, and touch on the areas where betting on-the-go serves you best.

The Basics of Using Smartphones for Mobile Sports Betting

As you begin to place bets with your smartphone, you’ll likely find that betting through your mobile web browser is usually a better experience than relying on mobile sports betting apps. Here a few basic tips to keep in mind:

  • A large screen is desirable – you need to click around to place your bets, and small screens can cause errors
  • Place mobile bets with the sportsbook that works best in your area – even if the odds are less desirable, you need functionality to bet successfully
  • Be sure to tap into safe, reliable wifi whenever placing sports bets on the go

Using a Modern, Fast Smartphone Enhances Your Betting Experience

Of course, device speed matters. Most newer smartphones work quickly, and for in-game betting, that’s vital. Point spreads are always subject to change, so having a reliable device ensures that you’ll get the action you want at the moment you need it.

Though the specific smartphone you’re using matters, it’s most integral to use a phone that’s modern, fast, and secure. Sports betting sites make the experience easier every day by optimizing for mobile devices. So long as you’re using a product that works on most (if not all) social media, you should be in good shape.

What’s the Deal with Mobile Sports Betting Apps?

As we mentioned above, sports betting websites have largely shifted away from apps.

Instead, they tend to concentrate on developing mobile platforms that work on all devices. That said, sportsbooks’ mobile platforms may be no different than their normal website, and are not necessarily optimized for the nuances of mobile browsing. These platforms can be quite challenging to navigate on a smaller screen.

Other sportsbooks have embraced the mobile revolution, dedicating a ton of time to completely overhauling their mobile interfaces to enhance user experiences.

Which Mobile Betting Platforms Perform Best?

By and large, the mobile sportsbooks that keep things simple work best. With a limited amount of space on a smartphone screen, easy-to-navigate sites offer fewer options, as well as easy methods to move from section to section.

Both UX (user experience) and UI design (user interface) of an online gambling site are incredibly important. While the design might be sophisticated, it has to look simple, run seamlessly, and be easy to navigate. Though computer experts have many criteria that they think are important (and lead to stability on the back end), sportsbook users want to bet simply and efficiently on the events they are interested in.

As you assess which sportsbook you’d like to use, find out whether they have an app, if their website is optimized for mobile, and give them a test ride. Our experience indicates you shouldn’t settle. Don’t choose a sportsbook that isn’t reliable. The big sportsbooks are already doing quality work in this area.

Mobile Devices Are Great for Live Betting

Though we aren’t always behind a computer, it’s hard to completely unplug these days. However, the way we’re betting on sports is quickly evolving. The ease and convenience of betting on sports via your mobile device makes a lot of sense in most cases.

Live wagering has become the norm in Europe, and its popularity is increasing throughout North America. If you’re at a game, you want to be able to bet at commercial breaks or at least in-between quarters.

When you see a report on social media that a major injury has taken place – or the weather is going to affect an event – you want to be able to capitalize by betting immediately. The time where the vast majority of sports gambling takes place on a mobile device is right around the corner.

Mobile Sports Betting Is the Future

These days, it’s impossible to operate a reputable sportsbook without a strong mobile betting platform.

There is no doubt that mobile betting will continue to grow, and sportsbooks and smartphones will continue to adapt to make things easier.

In the meantime, assess your options with an understanding that mobile betting is just one component to consider when choosing your device and site. In the near future, mobile sports betting will likely be the way you make the majority of your bets.

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