Using Your Sportsbook on a Computer or Mobile Device
By Aaron Gray
Updated:
We live in great era for online sports betting, but what’s the best way to bet online? So much of our concentration goes towards the details, like evaluating individual sides and totals. Sometimes we need to take a step back, and ask a more basic question: How should I bet? By understanding how, where, and when you wager, you can make a good choice about the best site to use.
Is mobile betting or a computer better for online betting? We’ll look at the pros and cons of computer betting versus phone and tablet, and discuss the ways in which sportsbooks have started making those viable options.
However you choose to bet online, we’ll help you make the choice that’s best for you.
Is Sports Betting Best on a Computer?
A few decades ago, the concept of powering up a laptop and placing bets was unthinkable. Over the last decade, it’s become simple and efficient.
Just about everyone has a laptop or home PC. The internet connection is faster and more secure than on mobile devices, and the majority of sportsbooks were originally designed to be used on one. Obviously, all of them operate better than mobile versions.
The biggest advantage to betting with a computer is the size of the screen. Whether navigating from one page to another or evaluating the types of wagers available, the larger screen helps make your decisions more precise.
Many people spend a large portion of their day on a computer, so their comfort level with typing, searching, and navigating a sportsbook is second nature on one. Using a computer is about as simple and straightforward as it gets. That said, most people don’t pack their PC when heading to the gym, picking kids up at school, or at the games themselves.
The Future of Online Sportsbooks Is Mobile Devices
Wagering online using a smartphone or tablet makes so much sense. As a society on the go, we don’t want to be tied down, but we do want to be up-to-date. Smartphones allow the benefits of computers to come to you, rather than you going to it.
For over a decade, the horse racing business has been turned upside down by advance-deposit wagering (ADW). Instead of being forced to go to the track or an OTB (Off Track Betting facility), customers can bet online via smartphones. It’s now common to go to the track and, as the horses approach the starting gate, log onto an ADW or sportsbook to wager instead of waiting in line to bet.
With the popularity of in-game wagering soaring, betting on mobile devices makes even more sense. Say you’re at a bar or attending a game and see a trend developing. Simply take out your phone, and with a couple of keystrokes, you’ve made a bet.
Drawbacks to Mobile Phone Betting
Clearly, a cell phone’s screen is smaller than a computer, and it’s easier to incorrectly click on things and more difficult to navigate. Many online betting sites are optimized for mobile wagering (some are better than others), and few are anywhere near as good as a computer. Finally, while most people are diligent in their use of anti-virus software on computers, cell phone security is laxer – especially when using public wifi.
If you’re planning to dabble in other parts of an online sportsbook, some of the applications won’t work properly on mobile devices. Particularly casino games vary wildly on whether they need to be downloaded or run Java or another program that may or may not consistently work on a phone or tablet.
Of course, newer phones provide larger screens than ever, security is an area that is quickly progressing, and individual sites are pouring resources into improving the mobile betting experience. There’s a bigger mobile audience than ever, and the growth demands attention.
Pick a Sportsbook Based on How You Like to Wager
Choosing the right online sportsbook comes down to personal preference. In addition to mobile and desktop site versions, some people want a great betting bonus, others mandate large limits, and some people simply want a modern place to bet that’s in tune with evolving technology.
Some sites have apps, though most of these don’t allow you to wager on them because Google Play and the App Store heavily regulate what is allowed on their platforms (gambling is generally a no-no). While apps can be helpful to monitor the progress of wagers and provide up-to-date lines and information, in the US, you usually need a sportsbook that works well either on your computer or mobile device.
Should I Use My Online Sportsbook on a Computer or Phone?
It’s reasonable to expect that sports betting on a phone and a computer will be simple, secure, and one in the same. Currently, you’ll find that most sportsbooks offer a better desktop product, and they vary wildly.
It’s more convenient, however, to use a sports betting site that operates quickly and efficiently on a mobile device. Our trusted sportsbook reviews are a great place to start towards understanding what’s best for you and your wagering needs. Good luck and happy betting!
Sports & Politics Writer
Aaron has been featured in publications such as Intelligence Magazine, The Investing News Network, Haven, Tech Bullion, and many local and national publications. He has contributed to SBD since 2017. Western B.A. '14, NYU M.A. '17.