In 2018, the Supreme Court overturned the federal ban on sports betting, allowing states to legalize it on their own terms. Since then, the market has grown faster than almost any other in US history, with smartphones playing a central role. Today, most sports bets in the US are placed through mobile apps instead of at retail locations or on desktop computers. Convenience sparked this shift, but features like user-friendly app design, live betting, and easy sign-ups turned casual fans into regular bettors. Mobile isn’t just part of the story—it is the story.
Why Mobile Changed Everything
Before mobile apps, sports betting meant driving to a sportsbook and placing your bet in person. Now, you can do it from your couch in less than a minute.
The main advantage is convenience, but mobile betting has also changed how people bet. With mobile apps, fans can place live bets during games, something that doesn’t work as well on desktop computers or at retail counters.
Users stay engaged between events thanks to push notifications and personalized offers. Mobile apps also make it easy for new users to sign up, enter a promo code, claim a welcome offer, and place their first bet in just minutes—all without needing to talk to anyone.
The Rise of Daily Fantasy Sports on Mobile
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) platforms started building a mobile-first audience even before most US states legalized sports betting. Millions of fans who wouldn’t have visited a sportsbook were already competing for real money through apps, making this kind of betting feel normal without the regulations of traditional betting.
The rise of the pick ’em format made things even easier. Players simply choose who they think will beat the odds, set their lineup, and enjoy the game—all from their phone. There’s no complicated luck or steep learning curve.
Pick’em style contests, offered by platforms like Underdog Fantasy, are available on mobile-first apps and appeal to both casual players and sports fans who aren’t ready for traditional sportsbooks. This approach has helped grow the market from the ground up.
What the Data Says—Mobile Betting by the Numbers
The numbers back up these trends. The American Gaming Association projects that online sports betting will make up 96.5% of the market in 2025, with most of that happening on mobile devices.
The growth is clear in the numbers. In 2025, legal sports betting in the US reached over $166.94 billion, up 11 percent from 2024, according to the American Gaming Association. For comparison, the total was less than $13 billion in 2019, the first full year after PASPA was repealed. The AGA also reports that sports betting revenue in 2025 hit $16.96 billion, a 22.8% increase from the previous year.
Conclusion
Mobile hasn’t just made sports betting more accessible in the US—it has completely reshaped the industry. The numbers, user trends, and technology all point in the same direction. Now, sports betting fits in your pocket, with major sportsbooks and mobile-based DFS apps like Underdog Fantasy leading the market.