With sports betting rapidly expanding in many areas, bettors now have more options than ever before on where and how to place their wagers. Two of the most popular methods are through sportsbooks (in-person betting shops) and via sports betting apps on your phone or mobile device. Both have their own sets of advantages and downsides to consider.
Pros of Sports Betting Apps
Convenience - This is the major benefit of sports apps. You can place bets anywhere, anytime, right from your phone or tablet as long as you have an internet connection. No need to drive to a casino or track. Easy to place bets on the go.
User experience - Most betting apps are very intuitive and easy to use even for beginners. Smooth graphics, simple interfaces, and easy banking/deposits. Lots of promos and bonuses pushed directly to app users.
Wider variety - Apps allow you access to bet on many more leagues, games and individual events than a single physical sportsbook could ever offer. You can choose from 100s of daily matchups.
Odds Shopping Ability - Another useful feature offered with most betting apps is the ability to easily “odds shop” and access the best betting lines or spreads. Sportsbooks will often post differing odds or points spread on the same event. With a few taps on your phone, it’s easy to check out multiple sportsbooks and place your wagers only on the ones offering the most favorable odds or spreads. This level of flexibility is very difficult to replicate by physically visiting multiple in-person sportsbooks to check their listed numbers. The convenience of getting the optimal wagering lines is a huge asset many bettors utilize from mobile betting apps.
Pros of Brick-and-Mortar Sportsbooks
Establishment trustworthiness - Sportsbooks housed inside casinos and racetracks are often big, established brands that instill trust and credibility. Staffs are well trained and there are account representatives.
Enjoy the atmosphere - For many seasoned bettors, going into a Las Vegas sportsbook or the race track is an experience, almost a tradition. There's the energy, the cheering, watching games with crowds. Makes for a fun outing.
Cash access - At an in-person sportsbook you always have the option to deposit/withdraw with physical cash. Although most betting apps now offer many banking options, some users may prefer cash access.
Conclusion
There are excellent reasons to use both mobile sports betting apps and physical sportsbooks. For the casual fan just placing the occasional bet, the apps offer much more convenience and flexibility. But for avid or professional sports gamblers, heading down to their favorite race track or Vegas sportsbook a few times a year can make for an unmatched atmosphere and fun experience. Ultimately it comes down to lifestyle factors and personal preference on how you prefer to wager on sports.
