Best Gambling Apps

The Best Real Money Gambling Apps

If you scroll through the App Store or Google Play, you’ll see tons of apps with gambling-style games, but most run on a play-for-fun model. You get virtual currency to bet with, then reload through promos or in-app purchases.

The ones listed below are real money gambling apps that let you deposit, claim bonuses, play, and cash out exactly like you would on a desktop. You can access them directly from any major mobile browser and even set a home screen shortcut to avoid typing the URL every time.

Let’s look at the best options available in the US:

• Bovada  – Best Gambling App Overall
• DuckyLuck Casino  – Best Mobile Gambling App for Bonuses
• TrustDice  – Best Online Gambling App for Game Variety
• XBet  – Best Real Money Gambling App for Android
• SportsBetting.ag  – Best Bitcoin Gambling App
• Ignition Casino  – Best Gambling App for Poker
• Wild Casino  – Best Gambling App for Online Roulette
• Las Atlantis Casino  – Best Fish Game Gambling App
• BetUS  – Best Sports Betting App Overall

Other Top Gambling Apps That Pay Real Money

Looking for something different? Here are more types of real money gambling apps you might be into.

Keno Apps

Real Money Blackjack Apps

Gambling Apps for Android

Top Gambling Apps in the App Stores

There are also real money gambling apps that you can download from the App Store and Google Play. More often than not,  these are locally licensed, meaning they’re only accessible in regions where gambling is regulated.

They also tend to have a more structured framework compared to the flexibility of offshore web-based casinos in terms of bonuses, available games and bet types, and payment methods.

Top Gambling App: FanDuel

FanDuel is the top gambling app because it lets you switch between sports betting and casino games effortlessly.

You can bet on the NFL, NBA, MLB, soccer, MMA, tennis, and loads more, as well as access around 250 slots, roulette, blackjack, and live dealers. Plus, it’s got a 4.9/5 rating from over 1.8 million reviews on the Play Store alone.

Best Gambling App for Casino Games: BetMGM

The BetMGM Casino app has 450+ slots, 50+ jackpot games, live dealer tables, and exclusive Slingo titles. It’s linked to MGM Resorts’ rewards program, so playing can actually get you real-world perks. Blackjack, poker, and roulette run smooth with no lag, and the promos keep things interesting with deposit matches and cashback deals.

Best Gambling App for Sports Betting: Caesar Palace

Caesars Sportsbook also lets you earn points on every bet, win or lose, that you can cash in for real rewards at Caesars properties across 50+ locations.

The app covers all the big leagues like NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and college sports, plus local and international action with soccer, auto racing, golf, tennis, boxing, and UFC.

Best Free Gambling Apps

Aside from a few locally licensed options, most gambling apps on Google Play and the App Store run on a freemium model—they’re free to play but come with optional in-app purchases.

You won’t be able to play casino games or bet on sports for real money, but they’re still useful if you want to test a few strategies without putting cash on the line.

WSOP Poker

The most popular Texas Hold’ Em app on both the Google Play and Apple stores is World Series of Poker (WSOP). The  free-to-play app offers variations including Texas Hold’Em, Omaha, and video poker games. You can play in worldwide tournaments against millions of other players in games like Beat the House and King of the Table, among others.

There’s also a WSOP Poker Academy Feature where you can learn tips and tricks from poker legends Lon McEachern and Norman Chad without having to risk any real money.  

Lottery Scratchers

Created by App Happy Games LLC, this scratch card lottery simulation gives you over 40 scratchies to try out.

It’s on Google Play with a 4.2-star rating from more than 2,800 reviews and over 100K downloads. You’ll also find it in the App Store, where it holds a 4.3-star rating.

Quick Hit Slots

Quick Hit Slots is a free-to-play gambling app packed with virtual slot machines, including Ultimate Fire Link, Fireball Slots, and Quick Hit Platinum—all modeled after real Vegas gameplay.

You’ll get daily missions, bonus wheels, and wild ball rewards, plus a vault system where you collect key chips to unlock extra prizes. There’s also a huge community of over 600,000 players, mostly on Facebook, where you can chat, take on challenges, and rack up even more in-game rewards.

WagerLab

WagerLab uses an in-game currency called “units” that lets you place virtual bets with friends or against the house.

There are sports betting pools, pick’em contests, and live odds across 40+ leagues, so you can test spreads, moneylines, over/unders, and prop bets without risking a dime. The app works just like a real sportsbook, so you’ll see your wins and losses tracked automatically, with balances updating right after each event.

Comparing All The Top Gambling Apps

To help you find the best gambling apps, we suggest comparing their features side by side. Here’s a quick comparison of our recommended apps based on gambling options, gameplay, and format. 

All the apps listed below are compatible with both Android and iOS devices. Some of them are in-browser apps, while others need to be downloaded from Google Play/App Store.

Locally Regulated vs Offshore-Licensed Gambling Apps

The main difference between locally regulated gambling apps and offshore ones comes down to where they’re licensed and which rules they follow. 

Offshore platforms bring more to the table because they aren’t tied down by state lines. You get access to more games, stronger bonuses, and in many cases, features that local apps just don’t offer. 

For even more privacy and anonymity, offshore-licensed platforms tend to lean on crypto for both deposits and withdrawals. That also helps cut down the banking fees you’d potentially run into with locally regulated gambling apps.

Social Casino Apps

Social casino apps are mobile games where you play slots, poker, blackjack, and similar titles using virtual chips instead of real cash. They’re built around the community side of things, so you can usually send gifts, join tournaments, or play against friends.

The downside is you can’t withdraw winnings like you would on a real gambling app. That said, a few that follow the sweepstakes model may let you make purchases for a shot at redeeming real-world prizes.

Real Money Gambling Apps vs Free Games Apps

Obviously, the main difference between real-money apps and their free counterparts is that with the latter, you don’t have to pay anything. But that’s not all. As you’ll see in the list below, each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.  

How We Rank Gambling Apps

Our goal is to distinguish the best gambling apps from the mediocre ones. To achieve this, we rely on our ranking system and our proprietary rating model: The Jackpot Meter.

The Jackpot Meter automatically collects reviews from both industry experts and actual players, ranking each gambling app as a Jackpot or a Bust.

Here are some of the factors that come into play when ranking the apps:

• Mobile User Experience –Easy navigation is imperative, and so is glitch-free gameplay.   
• App Rating and Reputation – Our philosophy is that players know best, which is why we only recommend those apps that have good user reviews. We pay special attention to the user experience regarding payments and customer support.
• Game Selection and Availability – As the whole point of gambling is to have fun, the best gambling apps need to have a large selection of casino games to satisfy any player’s preference.
• App Security Features – Public Wi-Fi can sometimes be unsafe, so if you’re going to gamble with real money, make sure you do it on a secure app. This is why we recommend apps with security features like TLS and 2FA. 
• License and Responsibility—We can only recommend operators who carry a legitimate operating license. Being licensed guarantees that the app is doing business fairly.
• Local Availability – We only feature gambling apps that are accessible across the US, whether you’re depositing, withdrawing, claiming bonuses, or using any of the built-in features.

How to Get Started With Online Gambling Apps

If you have no previous experience with gambling apps, you’ll be pleased to learn that getting started is easy. Here’s what you need to do to commence your mobile gambling adventure: 

Swipe for more

1

Understand the Legal Landscape

Know the rules in your area and check the minimum age requirement. Most offshore gambling apps accept players across the US, but some have geo-blocks due to provider restrictions.

2

Choose the Right Gambling App

Stick with reputable gambling apps that guarantee fair play and secure payouts, like the ones we’ve recommended. Always check player reviews for real feedback, compare features like live betting, casino games, and promotions, and make sure the app supports your preferred payment methods before committing.

3

Download or Install the App

Find the official app on Google Play or the App Store and follow the steps. Most gambling platforms run straight from your browser, so no installs, updates, or storage needed. You can save a shortcut to your home screen for quick access without having to type in the URL every time.

4

Create an Account and Explore the App

Register with accurate details to avoid issues withdrawing winnings later on. Take some time to explore the available sports, casino games, promotions, and betting options to understand what’s offered before depositing money.

5

Make a Deposit and Start Playing

Add funds with a credit card, e-wallet, crypto, or bank transfer. Check for first-time deposit bonuses and see if a promo code is needed to opt in. Always review the minimum deposit and wagering rules, then jump in and start playing for real money.

How to Create an App Shortcut for a Gambling Website

You can easily create an app shortcut on your smartphone’s home screen for quick access. Here’s how it’s done on different types of devices. 

Android Devices – Launch Google Chrome on your Android and open the website of the online casino you’re interested in. Tap the three-dot icon in the top-right corner and find the “Add to Home Screen” option in the menu. 

iPhone / iPad – Open the website of your favorite casino in the Safari mobile browser on your iOS device. Tap the arrow icon (↑) and scroll down to find the option “Add to Home Screen.”

Stay Safe and Use Mobile Gambling Apps Responsibly

Keeping your money and data safe while gambling on mobile apps starts with choosing trusted and licensed platforms that follow industry regulations. Look for TLS encryption and two-factor authentication for extra security. Keep your device browser updated, use secure networks, and check app permissions to avoid unnecessary risks.

If you’re on public Wi-Fi, be careful. Log out when you’re done, especially if your phone isn’t locked. Set deposit, wager, and time limits so you don’t overspend. And make sure you take regular breaks and never chase losses to keep the activity fun.

Read our guide on responsible gambling for more information. If you ever need support, reach out to 1-800-GAMBLER.

Device Compatibility for Gambling Apps

There are more than 7.4 billion mobile users in the world today, which accounts for almost one device for every person on Earth. However, not all mobile devices are equally good for all types of apps. 

In the next section, we’re going to compare the most popular devices, explaining what makes them good (or bad) for real money gambling apps. 

Android

Android devices are generally more affordable than Apple’s latest models, offering high refresh rate displays, ample storage, and powerful processors. Phones with Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 or 3 run cooler, while many Xiaomi and Samsung models feature glass, aluminum, or titanium, improving heat dissipation.

Apple

Older models like the iPhone XS got plenty of bad reviews for battery drain, but newer ones handle power way better without sacrificing performance. If you’re playing casino games, an iPhone 13 or newer would work great. Bigger screens like the Pro Max work better for sports betting since you get more markets on-screen and maybe even space for a streaming window without it feeling cramped.

Tablets

A tablet naturally offers more screen space, so betting apps, odds, and casino games are just easier to use without constant zooming. Plenty of options exist, but many cut corners to stay cheap.
We recommend that you test before buying—check touch response, screen brightness, speed, and 5G support. 

Enjoy the Benefits of the Best Gambling Apps

Top mobile gambling apps make the whole experience smoother, from claiming bonuses to handling deposits with crypto or fiat. You can easily stay connected with the community through built-in chat rooms and social media pages.

After our rigorous gambling app testing and player review processing, we can recommend Bovada as the best online gambling app.

It’s accessible through any major mobile browser, and you can even set a shortcut on your home screen for one-tap access.

There’s no shortage of markets, covering both US and international sports, plus a solid rewards program and the option to test casino games in demo mode before betting real money.

Charlon

Muscat

Content Specialist

Articles

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All the way from the renowned iGaming hub of Malta, Charlon has been contributing to the gambling industry since 2019. He began his career at Paddy Power™, but the onset of the pandemic led him to swap his nine-to-five for a life of full-time travel. Throughout his journey, Charlon developed a successful freelance career, leveraging his prior industry knowledge and focusing on analyzing online casinos, sportsbooks, slots, payment methods, and current trends and strategies through the lens of an actual player.

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