Sports bettors love betting from their phones. As internet-based sports betting has surged in popularity in the past several years, bettors are more invested than ever in using their smartphones to amplify their betting experience. There are two primary options that the average gambler is going to have for their sports betting: betting apps or mobile betting sites.
Most online betting sites will have one option or the other, and there are key differences between the two that make them distinct. A mobile app needs to be downloaded directly to bettors’ phones. It requires bettors to go to the App or Google Play Store, and they can come with different features or offers that set them apart. Mobile websites can be accessed through the browser on your phone and are mobile versions of a sportsbook that are designed for a smartphone format. Both betting apps and mobile sites are excellent for bettors of all experience levels and add value to the experience.
However, there are advantages and disadvantages that come with each option. Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of betting apps when comparing them to mobile-optimized websites
Advantages:
Sports betting apps provide an exciting experience for bettors, much like mobile betting sites do. Many sports bettors will prefer a mobile app to a mobile site for a variety of reasons. Let’s look at some of the advantages that a mobile app has over a mobile-optimized website.
Easy Access
One of the standout aspects of a sports betting app is that it is easily accessible. With a mobile website, bettors are going to have to tap on their browser, search for the sportsbook on their phone, and log in through the browser. While this isn’t an overwhelmingly time-consuming process, with apps, access is easier. Bettors can simply download the sportsbook from the App or Google Play store, keep it saved on their home screen, and tap to begin betting. It makes sports betting all the more accessible for bettors, which will help them bet on the go.
Special Promotions
One of the key aspects that separate app betting from mobile site betting is the special promotional offers you are likely to find when using an app. This isn’t the case for every sportsbook, but most online betting sites that have apps will provide incentives for users to download the app in the form of mobile promotions. These are special promotions given only to bettors that download the app. These promotions can range in what they offer, from a matched deposit to a free bet. But it is an extra reason to prioritize downloading a mobile app if it is available.
Improved Experience
Mobile websites look great on the phone and function incredibly well. However, the experience still lags behind what you can expect from an app in most cases. This is because apps are specifically designed to improve how mobile users enjoy their sports betting experience. Many apps will provide an increasingly personalized experience to bettors. They use data collected from how users are betting and implement that data to create a more fun and efficient mobile offering. Overall, this typically means you will have a better mobile experience with an app.
Disadvantages:
Just because an app has some advantages over mobile-optimized websites doesn’t mean it is superior in every regard. There are some differences between apps and websites that will lead some bettors to prefer mobile websites. Let’s look at some of the distinct disadvantages of using a mobile app when compared to mobile-optimized websites.
Storage Space
When you download a sports betting app from the App or Google Play store, it is guaranteed to take up space on your phone. While it won’t necessarily take up a lot of storage space, a mobile app can often take up a significant chunk. With mobile-optimized websites, you won’t have this problem. Bettors can bet from their phones without any need for a download. Mobile websites take up no storage space on your phone, so bettors that are in a situation where they need to keep their storage space as limited as possible will probably prioritize this option.
Lack of Availability
One of the defining issues with a mobile app is that they aren’t always available. Bettors are far more likely to find that their favorite sportsbook provides a mobile website than a mobile app. Nearly every online sportsbook has a website that is geared toward mobile users. This is not the case with apps. While there are many great mobile betting apps available, it is not as common as one would hope. Mobile websites are far more common, which means that most users will have an easier time finding a mobile website version of their favorite operator. Still, if you can find a mobile app for your sportsbook, the benefits are significant.
