Sports Betting App Development: Steps, Features, and Legal Considerations for 2025

Types of Sports Betting Apps

• Traditional Sportsbook Apps
  Allow users to bet on real-life sports with fixed or dynamic odds (e.g., DraftKings, Bet365). 

• Fantasy Sports Apps
  Users create teams based on real players and earn points based on performance (e.g., FanDuel, Dream11). 

• Peer-to-Peer Betting Apps
  Let users set odds and bet against each other instead of a bookmaker. 

• In-Play or Live Betting Apps
  Allow bets during a live match, with odds changing in real time. 

• eSports Betting Apps
  Focused on betting for competitive gaming tournaments (e.g., League of Legends, Dota 2). 

• Crypto-Based Betting Apps
  Accept digital currencies for deposits and withdrawals, used in regions with crypto-friendly regulations. 

You can build a single-purpose app or a hybrid platform combining multiple types, depending on your business model and target audience.

Tip: Your development partner should help you meet these requirements with built-in KYC, encryption, and legal audit features. 

Note: While at Vrinsoft, we provide development services; clients are responsible for obtaining the necessary licenses and complying with laws in their target regions. The information provided is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice.

1. Define Your Market and Business Model

Start by narrowing down where you want to launch and what type of betting you’ll support. Are you targeting real-money sports betting, fantasy sports, or free-to-play models with in-app purchases? Will it be available in the US, UK, Europe, or Australia?

Every region has different rules and user behaviors. Your business model, whether commission-based, ad-supported, subscription, or odds margin, should align with both your audience and regional compliance.

2. Choose a Development Partner with Betting Experience

A good-looking interface isn’t enough to be successful in this market. Sports betting apps must handle real-time data, financial transactions, and strict compliance. Work with a team that has built betting platforms before, not just any mobile app.

Ask for case studies, live apps, and industry certifications. They should understand sportsbook integrations, secure wallet systems, and back-end management dashboards without needing to handhold. At Vrinsoft, we have firsthand experience working on sports betting apps, one of the most recent ones was for soccer-based betting apps.

3. Understand Licensing and Compliance Requirements

You can’t operate without the right licenses. Each country and in many cases, each state has its own regulatory body. For example, US states like New Jersey or Pennsylvania require separate approvals.

The UK Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority (Europe), and the Northern Territory Racing Commission (Australia) all have different frameworks. Your development timeline, launch strategy, and even monetization model depend on getting this right from day one. 

4. Decide on Features That Match User Expectations

From live score tracking and in-play betting to wallet top-ups and notifications — users expect speed, security, and reliability. Some common features include: 

• User onboarding and KYC 

• Sports listing and odds management 

• Bet slip creation 

• Real-time odds feed 

• Multiple payment gateways 

• Withdrawal management 

• Responsible gambling tools (limits, cool-off periods) 

You don’t need to launch with everything at once, but your MVP (minimum viable product) should offer the basics with room to scale.

5. Pick the Right Tech Stack (Backed by Your Dev

The tech stack behind a betting app has to handle real-time loads and user spikes during major sporting events. You’ll need:

At Vrinsoft, we will guide you on this and make sure to show you through the best options and explain why we are choosing this.

6. Design for Speed, Clarity, and Retention

Betting users are often in a hurry. The interface must load fast, work well on all devices, and clearly show odds, options, and wallet balance. Focus on UX elements like quick bet placement, clear bet slips, and push notifications for results. If your UI is clunky or laggy, you’ll lose users in seconds, especially during live matches.

7. Build a Secure and Scalable Backend

This is where your app either succeeds or fails long-term. Your backend must support thousands (or millions) of simultaneous users placing bets, checking odds, and making transactions. Security is non-negotiable, implement firewalls, DDOS protection, multi-factor authentication, and encryption.

You’ll also need an admin panel to manage users, monitor suspicious activity, adjust odds, and handle reporting. 

8. Test Across Devices and Legal Scenarios

Before you launch, test across platforms like Android, iOS, and web. But also test for compliance: Does the KYC flow work in every region you’re targeting? Do age-verification and geo-blocking functions correctly? Are deposit limits active where required by law? Don’t treat this like a regular app QA process — betting apps require legal testing too. 

Before launch, simulate real-world conditions: 

• Live-match betting spikes 

• User registration flows 

• Suspicious behavior detection 

• Multi-device compatibility

9. Plan a Gradual Rollout and Ongoing Updates

Start with one region before scaling. Use beta testing, soft launches, or invite-only access to work out any issues before going wide. Once live, gather user feedback, monitor analytics, and roll out regular updates — especially around major sports seasons or tournaments. 

Use geo-targeted advertising, influencer partnerships (especially in Europe and the UK), and promotions tied to sports seasons. Make sure your app is listed on both Google Play and the Apple App Store, with region-locked accessibility as required by law. 

10.Comparison of Monetization Models

Learning more about the monetization model is important for any business owner. There are a few options available to choose from. Here is basic information on the most profitable monetization model for sports betting apps in US, UK and other countries.

Conclusion – How to find the best Sports Betting App Development Company?

Developing a winning sports betting app demands strategic planning, gaming-specific expertise, and relentless focus on user trust. From securing licenses to handling live betting spikes, every detail impacts your revenue and reputation. By partnering with the right team and prioritizing compliance-first development, you can tap into this high-growth market without costly missteps. 

In this post, we provide detailed information on types, development processes, costs and more. At Vrinsoft, when you consult with us, we will explain all this in detail, along with timeline and cost.