Online betting is one of many industries that has changed dramatically throughout the age of smartphones and innovative new technology.
While the rise of the internet sparked a huge change in iGaming at the turn of the Millenium, simply having a well-functioning betting site is no longer enough in order to be competitive at the very top end of the market.
Wagering via mobile devices and tablets is the norm in 2020, and the best UK betting sites have developed apps that facilitate sports bets, casino games, poker tournaments, and much more.
What makes a top betting app in 2020?
Many factors go into making one of the best betting apps in the UK, and with each bettor having different preferences and priorities, it is not easy to pin down a particular element that separates the best from the rest.
User-friendliness is one of the most important aspects and is the reason why apps are generally preferred over using a mobile internet browser.
Apps should be quick, easy to use, and ideally have Face ID or fingerprint login compatibility.
Live betting
Using betting apps has made in-play wagering far more convenient for punters who like to place a bet from the pub, stadium, or anywhere with an internet connection.
The best UK betting apps tend to show the current in-play events towards the top of the home page, and they are usually optimised so that the most popular events are listed first – sometimes with in-play betting offers and enhanced odds.
888sport have one of the most highly-rated apps among UK bookmakers, and they make it particularly easy for punters to access live betting markets – of which there are many – very quickly.
Live graphics and up-to-date stats for many events are also provided on 888sport to go along with the constantly changing live betting odds.
Live streaming
Often going hand in hand with live betting is live streaming, which is available in abundance on some betting apps.
This means that bettors can view the live action and the latest odds all in one place, and what is most impressive is the lack of delay on betting site live streams, which is a huge advantage over watching through a sports broadcaster’s site or app.
Lots of betting apps have horse racing live streaming, and the best UK bookmakers also have football, tennis, basketball, darts, and various other events.
Design and navigation
How a betting app looks and feels is not as quantifiable as some other key elements, but perhaps without even realising, it can have a great impact on which bookmaker each punter uses.
Being able to find the sport or market you are looking for as quickly as possible through good menus and ideally a search bar is very important, especially when looking to place a quick live wager.
Bet365 is perhaps the best in the business in this regard, as there is a sliding toolbar at the top with the most relevant sports, plus an A-Z menu and a search bar that can be used to find anything on the app.
As well as making apps easy to navigate, they should also look good and be pleasurable to use. Logos, jockey outfit colours, and high-quality graphics and images can make a huge difference.
Push notifications and offers
Some bettings apps send out push notifications with price boosts or other betting offers on upcoming events.
This is a great way to make customers aware of the markets on offer, though the correct balance must be struck so that punters do not get irritated by too many notifications.
There may also be the option to turn notifications on for alerts on events that have been wagered on, which is a worthwhile addition and provides more value to users.
Verdict
With betting apps now being among the top priorities for UK bookmakers, there are several excellent products to choose from if you are a punter.
Many of the sportsbooks listed on My Betting Sites have exemplary betting apps, but you should compare other aspects of each bookie outside of just the app before deciding who to register with. The mobile betting experience is one of the main things you should look out for, but the bonus offer, variety of markets, payment options, and customer support should also be considered
