Quick answer: A betting app is a bookmaker’s mobile app that lets you bet, watch racing and withdraw winnings from your phone. In the UK they are legal and safe when the operator is licensed by the Gambling Commission. You must be 18+, pass an ID check and pay with a debit card or e-wallet, because credit cards are banned for gambling.
Betting apps have replaced the high-street bookie for most UK punters. This guide explains how they work, how to tell a safe one from a risky one, whether to use Android or iPhone, and what betting apps mean for your money, from credit cards to your credit score.
What is a betting app?
A betting app is a bookmaker’s or betting exchange’s mobile app for placing bets from your phone or tablet. Most UK apps let you bet on horse racing and other sports, watch live racing, cash out bets, and deposit and withdraw money. Each app links to one account with that bookmaker, so your balance and bets are the same on the app and the website.
How do betting apps work?
- Download the app from the App Store, Google Play or the bookmaker’s website. See how to install a betting app on your phone.
- Create an account with your name, address, date of birth, email and phone number.
- Pass the ID check. UK bookmakers must verify your age and identity before you can deposit or bet. It’s usually automatic, but you may be asked for a photo ID.
- Set a deposit limit and add money using a debit card, bank transfer, Apple Pay, Google Pay or an e-wallet. See how to deposit and withdraw on a betting app.
- Place a bet. Tap the odds to add a selection to your bet slip, enter your stake and confirm.
- Follow and settle. Track bets in My Bets, watch the race if the app streams it, cash out if you want to, and withdraw winnings to your bank.
Are betting apps safe?
Betting apps are safe when the operator is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. A UK licence means the bookmaker must verify customers, protect your data, offer safer-gambling tools and follow rules on fair terms and complaints. Before you sign up:
- Check the licence. Scroll to the footer of the bookmaker’s site for its Gambling Commission account number, or search its name on the Commission’s public register.
- Download from an official source: the App Store, Google Play or the bookmaker’s own website.
- Look for secure login options, such as Face ID, fingerprint login or two-step verification.
- Avoid unlicensed sites that accept credit cards, skip ID checks or don’t offer GAMSTOP self-exclusion. They are not regulated in Great Britain, and you have little protection if something goes wrong.
Are there betting apps on Android?
Yes. Every major UK bookmaker has an Android app. The idea that there are “no betting apps on Android” comes from before August 2017, when Google Play banned real-money gambling apps and Android users had to download an APK file from the bookmaker’s website. Google Play now allows licensed betting apps in the UK, so you can install them the same way as any other app.
Android or iPhone: which is better for betting?
Neither is better for betting. UK bookmakers offer the same features, odds and offers on both. The differences are small:
| iPhone (iOS) | Android | |
|---|---|---|
| Where to download | App Store | Google Play or the bookmaker’s site |
| Quick login | Face ID / Touch ID | Fingerprint / face unlock |
| Fast payments | Apple Pay | Google Pay |
| Live racing streams | Yes, on most apps | Yes, on most apps |
| Odds and offers | Same as Android | Same as iPhone |
Can you use a credit card on a betting app?
No. The Gambling Commission banned credit cards for all online gambling in Great Britain from 14 April 2020. The ban also covers e-wallets such as PayPal or Skrill when they are topped up with a credit card. You can still use a debit card, bank transfer, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or an e-wallet funded from your bank account or debit card. Any site that still accepts a credit card from a UK customer is not licensed in Great Britain.
Do betting apps affect your credit score?
No. Betting on an app does not show on your credit file and does not change your credit score. When you sign up, bookmakers verify your identity through credit reference agencies using a soft search, which lenders cannot see. The Gambling Commission is also phasing in financial risk checks for customers who lose larger amounts, and says these have no impact on your credit score.
Gambling can still matter when you borrow money. Mortgage lenders and some loan providers look at your bank statements, and regular or large payments to bookmakers can count against you.
What are the benefits of betting on an app?
- Bet anywhere, including in-running while you watch the race.
- Live streaming of horse racing on many apps. See how to watch racing on a betting app.
- Cash out and edit-bet tools to manage bets as they run.
- Racecards, form and results in the same place you bet.
- App-only offers, price boosts and Best Odds Guaranteed on UK and Irish racing at many bookmakers.
- Built-in safer gambling tools, including deposit limits, reality checks and time-outs.
How to install a betting app
For Android Devices:
a. Using Google Play Store:
- Open the Google Play Store app.
- Use the search bar to find the betting app.
- Click on the app from the search results.
- Click on “Install”.
- Once installed, open the app and follow any additional setup or registration procedures.
b. Outside the Play Store (sideloading)
- Some betting apps may not be available on the Google Play Store due to regional restrictions or policies.
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- Go to the official website of the betting service.
- They usually provide a direct link to download their APK file.
- Download the APK file.
- Before installing, ensure you’ve enabled installation from unknown sources: Settings > Security > Install unknown apps > Find your browser > Allow from this source.
- Navigate to the Downloads folder and tap on the APK file to start the installation.
- Follow the prompts to install the app.
For iOS Devices
a. Using the App Store
-
- Open the App Store.
- Use the search bar to find the betting app.
- Click on the app from the search results.
- Click on “Get” or the cloud/download icon.
- Once downloaded, open the app and follow any additional setup or registration procedures.
b. Web-based applications
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- Some betting platforms don’t offer a dedicated app but have mobile-optimized websites. Simply access the official website using your mobile browser. If they have a web app, you can usually add a shortcut to your home screen for easier access.
Registration & Verification
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- After installing, you might need to create an account or provide verification documents to start betting. This process varies by platform, but always ensure you’re providing personal details over secure, encrypted connections.
What you need to bet on your phone
A Mobile Phone
This one is pretty much a no brainer really, if you don’t have a phone you don’t stand a chance of placing a bet on the horse racing. Now, some phones are better than others for this. It doesn’t have to be an expensive one, but one that allows you to install some apps and run a fairly good speed will suffice.
An internet connection
Without a connection to the internet, you won’t be able to access the bookmaker’s app or mobile site in order to view the horse racing markets and place the bet. It is pretty standard for mobile phone users to have a plan that allows internet access. Mobile connections provide pretty good speeds. If you don’t have a plan that includes internet, you have the option to connect via mobile hotspot or link to your wifi at home.
A Bookmaker Account
Any bookmaker worth their salt has created a mobile sports betting site and also has a sports betting app. Both their mobile site and the app will allow you to place bets on horse racing.
It’s good to note that there are a few bookies out there that don’t offer horse racing markets, which means, for obvious reasons these bookies are no good for placing bets on horse racing.
If, as I’m sure you are, are thinking which bookies offer horse racing bets, you are not alone and you can find out more about this here.
Another popular question that gets asked at this point in the conversation is, which is the best horse racing betting app? Luckily we answer this question on our home page.
A payment method
That’s right you have to pay to place a bet on horse racing. Well, you wouldn’t expect to go to the fair and go on the dodgems for free, would you? Betting is a form of entertainment, and when you place a bet you are essentially paying for that service. Nobody gets anything for free these days, do they?
Research
If you do a bit of research into how to place a bet on the races, different races tracks, big races and festivals that take place each year you will have much more knowledge when you place your bets. Knowledge is power!
Ahead of the race day, you could also do some research into the form. Find out what horse racing form is first. A little look at the form will ensure you have a little more fun with your bets. The horse you bet on may even win!
Age and location
This is a pretty crucial one along with the phone and internet connection. You have to be over 18 years of age (in the UK) and live in a location that allows betting on horse racing. The bookies will check before letting you create an account, it’s a legal thing and to protect your safety.
Tips for beginners
- Set a deposit limit before your first deposit, and only bet what you can afford to lose.
- Start with simple bets, such as a win single or an each-way bet, before trying multiples.
- Choose an app with Best Odds Guaranteed for UK and Irish racing, so you get the starting price if it’s bigger than the price you took.
- Read the terms on sign-up offers. Check the minimum odds, the expiry date and whether free bet stakes are returned.
- Consider a betting exchange for bigger prices once you’re comfortable. See our guide to betting exchanges.
Compare the best horse racing apps in our bookmaker app reviews.
Staying in control
Every UK-licensed betting app must let you set deposit limits, take a time-out and self-exclude. For a block across all UK bookmakers at once, sign up to GAMSTOP, which is free. You can also block betting apps on your phone, and free confidential support is available from GamCare on 0808 8020 133.
Betting app FAQs
Are betting apps legal in the UK?
Yes. Betting apps are legal in the UK as long as the operator holds a licence from the Gambling Commission and you are 18 or over. You can check any bookmaker on the Gambling Commission’s public register by searching its name or website address.
Are there betting apps on Android?
Yes. All the major UK bookmakers have Android apps, and Google Play has allowed licensed real-money betting apps in the UK since August 2017. Download them from Google Play or the bookmaker’s own website, not from third-party sites.
Can you use a credit card on a betting app in the UK?
No. Credit cards have been banned for gambling in the UK since 14 April 2020, including deposits made through e-wallets such as PayPal when they are funded by a credit card. Use a debit card, bank transfer, Apple Pay, Google Pay or a debit-funded e-wallet instead.
Do betting apps affect your credit score?
No. Using a betting app does not appear on your credit file or change your credit score. Bookmakers may run identity and financial risk checks through credit reference agencies, but these are soft checks that lenders cannot see. Lenders can still see gambling transactions on your bank statements when you apply for a mortgage or loan.
Why do betting apps ask for ID?
UK law requires bookmakers to confirm your name, address and date of birth before you can deposit or bet. Most apps do this automatically in seconds, but some ask you to upload a photo ID or a proof-of-address document.
How long do betting app withdrawals take?
Most UK betting apps process withdrawals within a few hours to two working days. Debit card withdrawals with Visa Fast Funds and e-wallets such as PayPal are usually fastest, while bank transfers can take longer.
Which betting app is best for beginners?
The best betting app for beginners is one with a simple bet slip, clear horse racing coverage, Best Odds Guaranteed and easy deposit limits. Betfred, William Hill and Paddy Power are popular choices for racing fans. Compare them in our bookmaker app reviews.
Can you watch horse racing on a betting app?
Yes. Many UK bookmaker apps stream horse racing live, usually if you have a funded account or have placed a bet on the race. Coverage and rules vary by bookmaker and racecourse.
18+ | Gambling can be addictive. Please gamble responsibly. BeGambleAware.org
