How to Make a Sports Betting App: The Complete Guide

The advent of sports betting has brought about a significant transformation in the way people interact with sports. Nowadays, sports enthusiasts are not just mere spectators of their favorite games but can actively participate in the excitement by placing bets on the expected outcomes. 

With the proliferation of mobile technology, sports betting apps have gained considerable popularity among fans, providing a convenient and accessible means of betting on sports anywhere and anytime. This guide delves into the process of creating a sports betting app, offering valuable tips and insights for success in this dynamic industry.

1. Challenges When Building a Sports Betting App

Before embarking on developing a sports betting app, you might encounter numerous challenges. It is crucial to carefully consider various factors to create a gambling application that complies with legal requirements and is permissible for public use.

1.1. Getting a license

The most crucial goal is to secure an online gambling license, which is the sole pathway to enter the gambling industry. Without a license, it is unfeasible to advertise the gambling application and attract users.

Each country has its own set of rules and regulations regarding acquiring an online gambling license. It is necessary to examine the jurisdiction of a specific country or state thoroughly. Collaborating with a qualified lawyer can expedite this process.

Outlined below is general information concerning obtaining an online gambling license in different countries.

• Asia: Obtaining an online gambling license in Asia can be complex due to varying laws and regulations across different countries. In the Philippines, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) is responsible for issuing licenses for online casinos, sports betting, and eGames.
• Cambodia requires operators to obtain both a land-based casino license and an online gambling license.
• Singapore has strict regulations under the Remote Gambling Act, with limited authorization for online gambling services. Macau, a major gambling hub, has tight control over land-based casinos but generally prohibits online gambling. Other Asian countries, like Japan, South Korea, and IT companies in Vietnam, have their own specific regulations for online gambling licenses.
• United States: In the United States, operating a sports betting app is legal only in selected states such as Nevada and New Jersey. Online gambling remains illegal in most other states.
• Australia: Australia is comparatively less stringent than the United States regarding gambling laws. Owning a sports betting app is legal, allowing you to apply for a license without any obstacles to subsequently developing a gambling app.
• Europe: Numerous European countries have varying regulations for online betting businesses. Most European Union countries permit certain forms of online gambling. For instance, the German government prohibits almost all types of online gambling, whereas in Italy, obtaining a license from a specific committee is possible. It is advisable to thoroughly review the regulations of each country or seek legal advice.

Obtaining a license for a betting business can be a challenging and costly process. It is crucial to familiarize yourself with a particular country’s regulations and restrictions in advance and inform your developers if they need to adhere to specific guidelines.

1.2. Publishing the Sports Betting App to the App Store and Play Market

• Google Play Market: In July 2017, Google announced that developers were allowed to release gambling apps on the Play Market. However, stringent regulations are still in place to prevent underage users from downloading such apps. These regulations include the necessity of obtaining a gambling license from the targeted country. Additionally, the Play Market requires publishers to offer their sports betting apps for free.
• App Store: To publish your sports betting app on the App Store, it is important to adhere to the guidelines set by Apple. These guidelines are quite similar to those of Google. For instance, any betting app must be associated with a licensed business and incorporate a geo-fence mechanism to ensure compliance with regional restrictions.

1.3. Backend infrastructure of the Sports Betting App

In simpler terms, the backend serves as your application’s central component, responsible for handling all data-related processes. It is crucial in creating a sports betting application, necessitating a robust and scalable server architecture to handle all backend operations efficiently.

Yet, backend development can be a complex and time-consuming process. Your primary objective should be to hire skilled professionals who can assist in creating a scalable and efficient system capable of effectively managing user data, transactions, and real-time updates.

When developing a sports betting app, it is advisable to opt for a microservices infrastructure, which allows for easy handling of high user traffic, seamless addition of new features, and smooth implementation of modifications. This approach involves constructing a software system with independent services connected via APIs. This enables you to enhance productivity, optimize app functionality, and expedite platform launch.

1.4. Integrating payment system

When creating a sports betting app, it is important to have a variety of payment methods available to ensure quick and convenient transactions for users. Fortunately, several payment system providers are willing to collaborate with online gambling platforms. Three popular options include Stripe, NETELLER, and Skrill.

• Stripe is a payment system known for its fast and secure transactions. This system is commonly integrated into sports betting apps due to its ease of use for beginners. However, it is essential to note that there are regulations regarding using Stripe for sports betting apps.
• Neteller is a widely-used payment service with millions of users worldwide. The system boasts high security and allows for fast, anonymous transactions.
• Skrill is a flexible payment provider that offers services tailored to the gambling industry. Users of Skrill can enjoy anonymity when making transactions, and the service provides a comfortable way to cash out winnings.

With these payment options available, users of a sports betting app can enjoy convenient and secure transactions.

1.5. Considering UI/UX design

If you want to create a sports betting app that attracts many users, focusing on a user-friendly and intuitive UI/UX design is essential.

In line with current trends, your application should have a simple interface without unnecessary elements that can distract users. However, small animations, such as motion or animated transitions, can be integrated into the screens.

Given that humans are visual creatures, it’s crucial to prioritize design in delivering value to end-users. Collaborating with experienced designers who can create a quality interface is highly recommended.

By prioritizing UI/UX design, your sports betting app can stand out from the competition and attract a loyal user base.

1.6. Provide strong data security

Developing a sports betting app without proper data protection measures is illogical. Ensuring the security of transactions and users’ personal data is crucial in such a sensitive industry. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize security measures to gain users’ trust and protect their confidential information.

To achieve this, there are various ways to implement a robust security system:

• Data encryption: This technique converts readable data into coded, unreadable ones, making it difficult for unwanted intruders to read.
• Two-factor authentication (2FA): This is a type of authentication that requires two or more forms of identification, such as a phone number, email, or login credentials.
• Secure payment gateway: This is a critical aspect of any service that involves the exchange of funds. Payment gateways are usually protected by encrypting sensitive transaction data to prevent unauthorized access.

By implementing these measures, sports betting apps can ensure that their users’ data is protected from cyber threats and that their trust in the app is maintained.

2. Is It Safe to Make a Sports Betting App?

With the global online gambling market reaching a remarkable value of $66.7 billion in 2020 and an anticipated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.5% from 2021 to 2028, developing a sports betting app presents a secure and highly profitable opportunity. Legal landscapes are evolving, exemplified by the 2018 Supreme Court ruling that lifted the federal ban on sports betting in the United States, creating a thriving market for app developers.

The industry is further propelled by the exponential growth of mobile technology, with a staggering 7.1 billion mobile phone users worldwide in 2021. This vast user base underscores the immense potential for sports betting apps. By adhering to regulatory requirements, prioritizing user security, and implementing responsible gambling measures, developers can tap into this dynamic and lucrative market, delivering captivating sports betting apps that capitalize on the industry’s growth and offer users an engaging and secure experience.

3. Must-Have Features & Sports Betting App Development Cost

Creating a sports betting app with all the necessary features can be daunting. But, starting with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) version, which is the minimum functionality that satisfies users, can be the key to success. 

After developing the MVP of the app, release it on the market and get user feedback. This feedback will help you identify the strengths and weaknesses of the application. Based on this feedback, upgrade your app with advanced features.

The app’s functionality is one of the most significant factors affecting the final cost. Let’s discuss the MVP features required for a sports betting app and the cost to implement them to develop a successful sports betting app. So, how much does it cost and how long does it take to implement basic features?

Feature	Back-end Development (hours)	IOS Development (hours)	Android Development (hours)
Login & Registration	35	68	68
Create a wager	88	128	128
List of wager	32	52	52
Wallet	31	62	62
Menu	14	30	30
Push notifications	15	17	17
Total time	215	375	375
Total price	$10,750	$17,850	$17,850

3.1. Login and registration

Users must usually register or log in to start interacting with an app. The app should offer basic options to register with an email and password. Once registration is complete, users can log in with their credentials. To make the app user-friendly, it’s essential to include ‘Forgot password’ and ‘Log out’ features.

3.2. Creating a Wager

The ability to place wagers is crucial for any sports betting app. The app should display a list of categories and events and a flexible search system should be integrated to help users navigate through them. Users should be able to set their picks and bet amounts.

3.3. List of Wagers

Users should be able to view their wagers and sort them based on various filters such as date, status, and more. A suggestion system can also be implemented to offer recommendations based on the user’s previous activity.

3.4. Betting Wallet

Integrating a convenient wallet feature will make the app more user-friendly. Users should be able to add credit card credentials and top up their accounts. The app should also allow users to delete cards and add multiple ones.

3.5. Menu Bar

The menu bar should contain several points. Creating a ‘Rules’ screen for users to view the gambling policy is recommended. The app should also allow users to contact managers if necessary.

3.6. Notifications

Push notifications can notify users about new wagers and any other changes. This feature can significantly improve user engagement and make users spend more time with the app.

4. How to Make a Sports Betting App in 7 Steps

4.1. Come Up with an App Idea

A clear idea of the final product you want to create is crucial for success when developing a sports betting app. This means identifying the app’s main goals, key design aspects, and essential features.

To achieve excellent results, it’s essential to communicate your concept clearly to your development team to prevent misunderstandings and ensure that the app concept fits within your budget and technical capabilities. Doing so establishes primary moments to adjust the app concept.

4.2. Conduct Market Analysis

Defining your target audience is essential when developing a sports betting app, as these people will likely become your clients. As such, your ads campaign must target these users specifically. 

In addition to identifying your target audience, it’s crucial to research and analyze your competitors’ solutions in the field. To help with this, we’ve ranked five sports betting apps that provide a solid understanding of what you need and which user needs you can address by creating your platform.

• William Hill is a well-established company in the sector. Users can bet on sports, casinos, poker, and political betting using the site. The most intriguing aspect of William Hill is how they design a user’s internal service journey. They assist new customers by providing free bets and allowing them to bet throughout the game.

• BetMGM is a US-based entertainment company that provides consumers with secure services and many appealing bonuses. The app offers consumers reliable data, 24/7 customer assistance, live broadcasts, and a welcome bonus of up to $1,000 in free bets.

• Paddy Power is one of the most popular betting businesses in the United Kingdom, employing a successful gamification strategy. They’ve devised an internal service game where customers can earn prizes, including free bets. They also founded the largest horse-riding community and continue attracting many fellow thinkers around this topic.

• Caesars Sportsbook has captured the hearts of millions of customers with its ease of use and rigorous security measures, and it is the largest among US betting providers offering welcome bonuses. They used a two-factor authentication approach, which established vital security requirements. With Caesars Sportsbook, you may wager on baseball, basketball, football, and other sports.
• Parimatch: This company, created in 1994, is still a market leader in the betting industry. Parimatch is concerned about the security of its users’ data and delivers accurate statistics. The app allows you to gamble on cybersports and various traditional athletic events. It also offers incredible welcome bonuses of up to 100% on your initial deposit.

4.3. Examine Essential Legal and Regulatory Requirements

Creating a sports betting app is a highly debated topic, given the controversial nature of the industry, which is even considered illegal in some countries. It’s essential to adhere to all necessary guidelines, laws, and regulations to avoid getting into trouble.

It’s important to note that rules and regulations may vary depending on the country where you plan to launch your service. Additionally, obtaining a proper license is crucial, and the difficulty may vary depending on the region.

4.4. Choosing a Reliable IT Provider

Creating a checklist of critical factors to consider when choosing an IT provider is essential to ensure successful collaboration. These factors may include:

• The variety of IT services the supplier offers, such as mobile/web development, native development, and Al integration,… 
• The types of cooperation model the provider offers, so you can choose the ones that best suit your budget and interests.
• Genuine client feedback and reviews on reputable platforms such as Clutch
• The availability of the company’s business analysts and solution architects. These experts will help you with research and planning and ensure that your gambling app conforms to legal requirements.

4.5. Determine the List of Features with Your IT Partner

Determining the necessary functionalities for your platform can be a complex process. It’s recommended to work with your IT provider to create a feature list, as their expert team can help you decide on the necessary functionalities to implement the business logic and meet the expectations of your target users.

In reality, developing a minimum viable product (MVP) version of your program is frequently the ideal strategy. This involves implementing essential features in the application, and after its launch, you can expand it to make your platform more advanced.

4.6. Start to Develop Your App

Creating a sports betting app involves a significant role in the development process. This stage requires the collaboration of various specialists, such as UI/UX designers and QA engineers.

A UI/UX designer is responsible for ensuring that your product has an appealing visual concept and is easily recognizable. Typically, the key visual elements should align with your product’s predetermined business goals and objectives, which are discussed beforehand.

After the engineering phase is completed, QA specialists come into play to guarantee the overall quality of the product. They diligently identify and address any potential technical issues or glitches within the app before it is launched.

4.7. Launch and Support

Once you have completed the development of your gambling application, it’s time to launch it. Depending on your chosen solution, you may select one of the app marketplaces, such as App Store or Google Play, or create a solution to cater to both platforms.

Consider providing further developer support to keep your app competitive and up-to-date. This will help to enrich your product with advanced functionality and essential updates.

5. The Ideal Sports Betting App Development Team

Developing a sports betting app requires collaboration among various specialists. The team members may vary depending on your project requirements and may include:

• Business Analyst
• Project Manager
• UI/UX designer
• 1 or 2 iOS developers
• 1 or 2 Android developers
• Back-end developer
• QA engineer

6. How Much Does it Cost to Develop a Sports Betting App?

To determine the ultimate expense of developing a betting application, it is necessary to consider various elements that can influence the ultimate cost. Some of the most notable factors include:

• Design: The design aspect is important for any mobile application, particularly a gambling app. Hiring a skilled professional who can create a user-friendly format is crucial. To develop an attractive UI/UX design, specialists usually allocate around 130 hours for a single mobile platform.
• Administrative panel: The sports betting app should include an administrative dashboard to manage users and the platform effectively. This panel also facilitates the handling of transactions conducted through the app. When developing separate mobile applications for iOS and Android, a single admin panel that functions for both platforms is sufficient. To create a basic solution, developers typically require a minimum of 105 hours.
• Location of the development team: Collaborating with external development companies to build sports betting apps is common practice. The hourly rates offered by vendors vary based on their geographical location. For instance, software developers from Eastern Europe provide cost-effective rates without compromising code quality.

Region	IOS($/h)	Android($/h)	Web($/h)
North America	100	100	100
Latin America	80	80	80
Central and Northern Europe	50	50	50
Australia	100	100	80
Asia	40	40	40

Type of work	Back-end	IOS	Android
Features	215 hours	357 hours	357 hours
Admin panel (one for all platforms)	105 hours
Frameworks and libraries integration	57 hours	19 hours	24 hours
UI/UX design	140 hours	150 hours	120 hours
Quality assurance	240 hours	180 hours	180 hours
Project management	120 hours	90 hours	90 hours
Total time	877 hours	796 hours	771 hours
Total price	$43,850	$39,800	$38,550

To determine the final cost, you can calculate it by multiplying the number of hours required by the hourly rate. We have computed the ultimate prices for various regions as follows:

• Vietnam: The approximate cost is $50,160, derived from an hourly rate of $30.
• Central and Northern Europe: The estimated cost is $83,600, calculated based on an hourly rate of $50.
• North America: The projected cost is $167,200, computed based on an hourly rate of $100.
• Western Europe: The anticipated cost is $150,480, determined using an hourly rate of $90.
• Australia: The approximate cost is $167,200, derived from an hourly rate of $100.